Sources say Jay Leno out, Jimmy Fallon in on ‘Tonight Show’
The Hollywood Reporter said Saturday that NBC execs will announce in May that this is Leno’s last season. He has hosted for a total of 20 years.
By Rich Schapiro / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
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Jay Leno, left, and Jimmy Fallon pose during this year’s Golden Globe Awards.
NBC execs are plotting to drop “The Tonight Show” host Jay Leno and replace him with funnyman Jimmy Fallon, sources say.
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Jay Leno has been hosting ‘The Tonight Show’ since 1992, stepping away briefly when Conan O’Brien tackled host duties, but it wasn’t long before he returned.
The network is planning to announce in May that this will be Leno’s last season hosting the show, The Hollywood Reporter said Saturday.
Two sources said Fallon was picked to take Leno’s place.
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‘Late Night with Jimmy Fallon’ has been a hit with younger demographics with guests such as Tina Fey.
NBC denied the report.
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First Lady Michelle Obama was a recent guest on Jimmy Fallon’s show.
A rep for Leno declined to weigh in, saying “we do not speculate on rumor.”
The 62-year-old Leno has hosted “The Tonight Show” for a total of 20 years.
Fallon’s stock is on the rise — and he’s particularly popular among younger viewers.
