Late-night TV will remain Jimmy Fallon’s playground for at least another six years: The NBC “Tonight Show” talent has extended his contract through September 2021, Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt said on Thursday.
The re-upping announcement — logically a surprise to no one, save the details — took place this morning during the network’s Television Critics Association summer press tour executive session.
“Jimmy Fallon is simply the best that there is, the most versatile star of a show anywhere in television in my opinion,” Greenblatt stated. “‘The Tonight Show’ has always been an institution, but he’s remade it into a destination for the largest audience anywhere in late night. He’s the face of NBC in a lot of ways and we’re thrilled he’s going to be hosting ‘The Tonight Show’ for many years to come.”
“Jimmy has been an important member of the NBCUniversal family for 17 years. He is extraordinarily talented, hard-working and brings a level of creativity and energy every single day that is simply unmatched in television,” added Steve Burke, chief executive officer, NBCUniversal. “The success of the ‘Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon‘ has been nothing short of remarkable. We couldn’t be prouder of the show he and his team put on every night and couldn’t be happier that he will remain with us at 30 Rock at least through 2021.”
“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” is the nation’s top late-night talk show, averaging a 1.11 rating/5 share among adults 18-49, and 3.8 million viewers overall for the 2014-15 season.
From Universal Television and Broadway Video, “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” is executive produced by Lorne Michaels and produced by Josh Lieb; Gavin Purcell also produces.
Fallon took over as “Tonight Show” host in February 2014.