Jimmy Fallon ‘Tonight Show’ Contract Extended Before ‘Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ Premiere
Whether or not you're a fan of Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show, it appears safe to say that NBC is. The network has just extended the comedian's contract to 2021. NBC exec Bob Greenblatt announced Thursday that Fallon's contract will be stretched out six more years, believing the former Saturday Night Live player to be a "versatile star." Greenblatt also noted that he and everyone at NBC are fans of Stephen Colbert, who will premiere his Late Show this coming Sept. 8.
But of course, they're more so hoping Fallon will succeed in the ratings.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that Fallon has "remade" the Tonight Show since taking over for former host Jay Leno, who now has his own car show with CNBC titled Jay Leno's Garage.
As of now, Fallon is averaging a 1.1 in adults 18-49. Overall, he nabbed 3.8 million for the 2014-15 season, per the report.
The "Late Night Wars" have gone on for years, largely between Leno and former Late Show host David Letterman, but Fallon admits that he "missed the competitive gene." He and Colbert appear friendly, with the latter guesting on Fallon's version of both The Tonight Show and Late Night a number of times.
"The idea of war between hosts makes no sense to me," Fallon said. "Fighting amongst each other doesn't sound funny, so I'm not interested."
After making the announcement of Fallon's extension, Greenblatt added that the network is "elated that [Fallon] is going to be around in the role he was born to play."
Colbert kicks off the Late Show on Sept. 8 at 11:35 p.m. on CBS, the very same timeslot The Tonight Show airs.
Folks, what will you be watching on Sept. 8: Fallon, Colbert, or neither?