In 2009, Late Night talk show host Conan O'Brien will be taking over the Tonight Show for Jay Leno, and Saturday Night Live alum Jimmy Fallon just might be the one to fill in O'Brien's shoes.  According to Broadcasting & Cable, Fallon is currently NBC's favorite to replace O'Brien, a former writer for the live sketch comedy series.

“I think he'd be terrific, and he is at the top of our short list,” NBC late-night chief Rick Ludwin told Broadcasting & Cable.  However, he did clarify that a formal announcement will not be made until next year.

Early this year, Jimmy Fallon, 32, signed a development deal with the network, which included the possibility of him taking over O'Brien on Late Night.  Although NBC has not done a pilot or any run-throughs with Fallon, his work on Saturday Night Live, which includes co-anchoring "Weekend Update" with Tina Fey, serves as a solid testament of talent for Ludwin.

“We know him from [Saturday Night Live] and saw what he can do on-camera and off-camera, and I think he'd be terrific,” Ludwin added.

Fey, who currently stars in the NBC hit comedy series, 30 Rock, also approved of the idea.

“I think it's a great idea.  He's really funny and loves to talk to people; it must be that Irish charm.  Hosting a talk show is so hard, having to do the comedy and the interview skills, but I actually think he's really well suited for it,” Fey told Broadcasting & Cable.

On Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Fallon was known most for his song parodies.  He also gained notoriety for not being able to keep a straight face during the live skits.  He left the show in 2004 in order to pursue a film career.  His film credits include Factory Girl, Doogal, Taxi, Fever Pitch and Almost Famous.

NBC is expected to announce the final plans for its late night line-up at next year's upfront presentations in New York.


-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Broadcasting & Cable
(Image Courtesy of NBC)