It’s official, Jay Leno will pass the “Tonight Show” baton to Jimmy Fallon in the spring of 2014, according to the Today show’s website.
Steve Burke, Chief Executive Officer of NBC Universal praised the Leno’s career upon the announcement of the late night move.
"Jay Leno is an entertainment icon, making millions of people laugh every weeknight for more than 20 years," he said. "His long reign as the highest-rated late-night host is a testament to his work ethic and dedication to his viewers and to NBC."
Leno has posed excellent ratings over his "Tonight" show career. Leno extended pleasantries to the “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" host.
"Congratulations Jimmy," he said. "I hope you're as lucky as me and hold on to the job until you're the old guy," joked the silver-haired car aficionado. "If you need me, I'll be at the garage."
“As part of the transition, 'The Tonight Show' will be returning to its original home in 30 Rock in New York," NBC said in a statement.
The show is currently shot In Los Angeles. It was moved there at the behest of former host Johnny Carson, who thought being nearer to all of the Hollywood stars would be an asset.
This is not the first time Leno has left the “Tonight” show. He got his own primetime show in 2009 called the “Jay Leno Show”, making the way for new “Tonight” host Conan O’Brien.
However, when Leno’s new show proved to be a ratings disaster, NBC booted O’Brien and gave Leno back his original show. The move caused a huge controversy. Now O’Brien hosts the “Conan” show on TBS.
According to the “Today” shows website, Fallon is glad to have the new opportunity and made a casual joke about the move.
“I'm really excited to host a show that starts today instead of tomorrow," he said.
Fallon will move to the 11 p.m. time slot in spring 2014 instead of his current 12:35 a.m. time slot.
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