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Fallon to Get Practice

Email|Link|Comments (17) Posted by Matthew Gilbert July 21, 2008 05:14 AM

The Internet as rehearsal space for TV? Interesting development in the late-night changes due next year, when Conan O'Brien will take over the "Tonight" show from Jay Leno and Jimmy Fallon will replace Conan on "Late Night."

Lorne Michaels, the executive producer of "Late Night," tells the New York Times that Fallon will begin his run as a nightly talk-show host on the web, to work out the kinks. "Conan needed time to find his show," Michaels tells the Times, recalling Conan's early days after taking over from David Letterman. "I think this will help Jimmy do that." Fallon's 5-10-minute spots may begin in the fall, months before his TV tenure begins next year.

Michaels has had good fortune with the TV-Internet connection, as a few of his "Saturday Night Live" shorts have gone viral. But jumping from the Internet to TV may be trickier (remember "Quarterlife"?). Still, Fallon will almost certainly benefit from the advance practice. He may be less likely to FALL ON his face (sorry).

I wonder: Do you think Jimmy Fallon has late-night-host potential?

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17 comments so far...

Yes. Jimmy Fallon is one of my favorites.

Posted by nancy barna July 21, 08 07:42 AM

Yes, he's likable and witty.

Posted by Ines July 21, 08 07:56 AM

Sure, why not. I mean, he's already got tons of practice looking at the camera and addressing the audience.

Posted by Kate July 21, 08 08:11 AM

Jimmy Fallon has (already) prime-time-host potential.

Posted by Andrew July 21, 08 09:02 AM

The fact that Conan O' Brien is taking over the Tonight show is sickening! Conan is about the worst representative of a man on earth. Leno should be sick to his stomach that Conan has been picked as his successor. The show before Conan starts, will be the last time I watch the "Tonight" show!.

Posted by Brian Blackstock July 21, 08 09:10 AM

Conan is better than Jay

Posted by Joe Shmoe July 21, 08 09:43 AM

Brian Blackstock, what are you talking about??? Conan is GENIUS. I think he's one of the funniest men on television.

Posted by Melissa J. July 21, 08 09:50 AM

Absolutely not!!! I hate the choice.

Posted by Kevin July 21, 08 09:53 AM

Conan is a clown. (not a funny one)

Posted by Alexander July 21, 08 09:55 AM

Two Words HERE's CHEVY!!!!!

Posted by Dante July 21, 08 10:03 AM

The real question, is who in the world would pick Conan
to replace Jay Leno ??? As different as night and day?
He's silly but not very funny...

Posted by No-Conan July 21, 08 10:04 AM

Like any TV comic/talk show host, your only as good as your writer's and Conan has had some poor ones. It doesn't help that O'Brian has no sense of delivery either. This is something Carson excelled at and Leno was moderately good at. I see alot of people turning off their TV's and going to bed.

Posted by chuck kenosha wisconsin July 21, 08 10:32 AM

I saw Jay Leno for years before he got the Tonight Show spot. His act has changed so much over the years. He was much better before the spotlight. Now his jokes revolve around sex as he's trying to draw in the 14-25 year olds. Conan is a great writer. He was a class clown who has worked his way up through the ranks. Sure he has other writers helping him now, but his sketches are original and usually funny. Unlike Jay, he insults the crowd from time to time, but Jay makes the audience members look stupid, which is wrong.

Jay also reads cue cards too much, but this is because he has other people writing 100% of his stuff. His stand up gig in Hermosa Beach is the same way.

Conan's extemporaneous style with guests shows his true colors. He is a comedic expert, and it shows.

Would be great if someone like Jerry Seinfeld - a clean comic who has been tremendously successful - could take the tonight show spot, but in leiu of him, Conan is the best option.

I'm sure that people have considered Steve Carrell as well. Would be great to see him be considered.

Johnney Carson was the best, and always will be. Very funny, non-offensive, well thought out skits, and not all the bad language and sexual jokes...was just good entertainment.

Posted by Bring Back Carson July 21, 08 10:39 AM

I can't stand Fallon. He is one of the more overrated comedians in existence today. The only thing he's mildly good at are impressions (not much of a claim to fame), but I'd much rather watch someone like Frank Caliendo for that. He can't keep a straight face when it's necessary in order to sell a joke, and his delivery in general is utter crap. HE IS TERRIBLE.

Posted by DB July 21, 08 11:25 AM

All of these guys are losers and completely unfunny.

Posted by Zazontia the Elf from Patagonia July 21, 08 12:20 PM

Conan ROCKS!!!

Posted by Joe K. July 21, 08 12:23 PM

Posted by chuck kenosha wisconsin July 21, 08 12:26 PM