Apr 25 2008Jimmy Fallon to Crack Up Throughout 'Late Night'
As was rumored over a year ago, NBC insiders are saying Conan's Late Night crown will indeed be placed on the bed-headed hair of Jimmy Fallon, with the guitar-playing comic taking over next February. Why? I have no idea. Personally, I don't really have anything against the guy, but with that said, I've never met anyone under 40 who likes him, or anyone over 40 who knows who he is. What study have they done to show Fallon would be a successful Late Night host? Is there some massive Taxi fanbase I don't know about? An enormous cult following for ruining scenes with laughter? A new measurement of talent based around falsetto Barry Gibb impressions? Color me perplexed.
At least now we have an explanation for NBC's continued tolerance of Last Call with Carson Daly: they needed someone to lower the bar so much that even a guy in a hilarious skintight leather outfit* could step over it.
*As an example of the general apathy/disdain towards Fallon, I was unable to find a single image of his recurring SNL character, Leather Man.
Jimmy Fallon headed for 'Late Night' [Variety]
Reader Comments
1. Stuey - April 25, 2008 12:47 PM
Jimmy Who?
2. Bill - April 25, 2008 1:05 PM
Right. Because we know Conan brought that HUGE SNL and Simpsons following with him when he took over. Nobody watches those show for the host anyway, Proof: Leno #1. People watch to see how short the guests skirts are.
3. Jumpin_J - April 25, 2008 1:30 PM
The cure for insomnia has finally arrived. Thanks NBC!!!!
4. Sara - April 25, 2008 3:31 PM
To Bill: I watch Conan for the host. His writers are terrible, but he's great at making fun of how poorly written his sketches are. Plus, he makes any interview interesting. I have no interest in most of his guests, but he normally does something to fuck with them, which is always great. Watch any of the episodes during the writer strike and you will see what a great comedian he really is.
5. emily - April 25, 2008 3:57 PM
Does the late night world really need another unfunny, self-important Jimmy? I guess that means Fallon will be up against Craig Ferguson. With even worse time slot competition, maybe Craig will finally get a little more attention.
6. om - April 25, 2008 4:40 PM
he used to hang out at a place called kokie's in williamsburg.
what did kokie's sell? exactly what it said it did. not smart for someone semi-high profile.
7. Connor - April 25, 2008 6:25 PM
@ 4: I agree. The funniest bits on Conan are the parts where he is unscripted or just messing around with people/stuff. Like the "Good Housekeeping Labs" bit from last night.
And also, to the person who wrote this, Conan O'Brien also plays guitar. Quite well actually.
8. jrxingram@gmail.com - April 25, 2008 10:10 PM
horrible statement whoever wrote this post up.
who cares if anyone knows who jimmy F is, he's a pretty funny dude and can hold attention. I dont recall Conan being a huge celebrity from the get go.. took him quite a few years to get quite famous.
9. Aerialgreen - April 27, 2008 1:56 AM
So basically it's going to be hour and a half of Jimmy Fallon non-stop snickering and looking towards the camera... nice going NBC.