With the news that Jimmy Kimmel might be leaving his late-night talk show, there is now news about Jimmy Fallon. Both hosts have expiring contracts, and it seemed like there could be a major shakeup on late-night TV. More so, Seth Meyers just signed a new extension through 2028, and Fallon had a decision to make.
Here is what you need to know about Fallon’s future on late-night television.
Jimmy Fallon Reveals Future With The Tonight Show
Jimmy Fallon has been on The Tonight Show as its host since 2014, and with this being his 10-year anniversary as the host, Fallon’s contract was coming to an end. With the Jimmy Kimmel rumors that he would be leaving his talk show at the end of his contract, Fallon’s name was next on the lips of talk show fans.
However, unlike Kimmel, Fallon has already decided to stick it out. He just signed a new extension to remain with NBCUniversal and host The Tonight Show through at least 2028. NBCUniversal Media Group chairman Mark Lazarus released a statement, saying it was a privilege to watch Fallon as the host, and they want to “see what innovations he and the incredible staff will deliver in the years to come.” (via TVLine).
As expected, Fallon responded humorously. He released a statement that was almost word-for-word, the same as Lazarus’, but written from a first-person perspective on his career and the future. He finished with, “No, I’m not changing my quote. Tell Mark to change his.”
Fallon replaced Jay Leno on The Tonight Show, making him its sixth host. Steve Allen debuted the show and worked as its host from 1954 to 1957. Jack Parr then served as its host from 1957 to 1962. Johnny Carson made it the most-watched late-night talk show in history from 1962 to 1992.
Leno followed Carson from 1992 to 2009. Conan O’Brien then came on from 2009 to 2010, but major controversy occurred, and Leno returned from 2010 to 2014. Before The Tonight Show, Fallon made his name on Saturday Night Live.
Other Talk Show Hosts Futures In Question
The biggest name to be possibly departing late-night television is Jimmy Kimmel. His son was born with heart disease, and he has had to have multiple open-heart surgeries and is only eight. Understandably, Kimmel might leave the show at the end of his contract to spend more time with his son.
As aforementioned, Seth Meyers signed a new extension to stay with NBC on Late Night With Seth Meyers through 2028 (although his show is dropping its house band).
However, Jimmy Kimmel’s deal ends in 2025. Stephen Colbert on CBS is signed through 2026, as is Bill Maher and John Oliver on HBO. Taylor Tomlinson on CBS just had her show, Afer Midnight, renewed for the 2024-25 TV season.
Are you happy to know that Jimmy Fallon is sticking around for a few more years? More so, what do you think of his hosting duties? Let us know in the comments below.
