Monday, June 18, 2007

If Conan leaves, Jimmy Fallon Takes Over



(image via sunburst)

Remember when Jimmy Fallon was regarded as "cute" as well as "funny"? He and Tina Fey were going to take over the world, one witty observation at a time. In the intervening years came "Taxi," a bomb of cataclysmic proportions that nearly rendered civilization back to the Stone Age.

Life as we know in all it's magnificent tenacity it has recovered. And so, evidently, has Fallon. On the Howard Stern Show Jimmy shook off the loser dust to reveal that he is in line to get Conan's show should he leave. According to Marksfriggin:

"Howard asked Jimmy if the rumor about him taking over for Conan is true. Jimmy said that he has signed a contract with NBC where he will take over Conan's spot if he leaves. He said that it's a little trickier than that because they actually won't let him do late night shows anywhere else. In the mean time, they're paying him to wait for that. He said that they need the next person to replace Conan."

This, of course, intrigues as there is rumor that Jay might not "retire." That would give Conan a $40 million windfall, and Jimmy an early start on his late night talk show career.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

But, what about John Stewart? Isn't he in talks to replace Conan too?

The Corsair said...

He just had dinner with NBC execs (see the media whore's d'oevres above), so, i think it is in flux. But right now Jimmy Fallon is "official." But if I were guessing NBC would pee in its pants to get Stewart for Conan's old spot, or, for that matter, Jay leno's present spot (And just pay Conan the $40 mil to be quiet).

Anonymous said...

Exactly! If NBC and John get it on like Grey Poupon, then poor Jimmy will be left at home on prom night.

Conan will be courted by the other nets and late nights will be crazy delicious. Maybe Jimmy can be Conan's sidekick as a consolation. He's been on often enough lately to qualify.

The Corsair said...

That Leno/ Carson spot is jinxed. First David Letterman and -- if our speculation is correct -- Conan. Conan would, of course, be a great play for any rival net, but for some reason these comedians have a soft spot for "The Johnny slot."