Just as it was expected, NBC has officially announced that Seth Meyers will take no the role of host of “Late Night” as Jimmy Fallon takes “The Tonight Show”.
The SNL head writer and “Weekend Update” anchor will switch to hosting duties next year. The 12:35 a.m. show was hosted by Jimmy Fallon, but NBC has moved Fallon to “The Tonight Show” as the company replaces Jay Leno for a second time. NBC entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt told the press, “We think Seth is one of the brightest, most insightful comedy writers and performers of his generation,” adding “His years at SNL‘s Weekend Update desk, not to mention being head writer of the show for many seasons, helped him hone a topical brand of comedy that is perfect for the Late Night franchise.”
“Since 1982, there have been three ‘Late Night’ hosts starting with David Letterman, and Seth couldn’t be in better company,” said Lorne Michaels, Executive Producer of “Late Night.” “I only have to work for Lorne for five more years before I pay him back for the time I totaled his car,” said Meyers, “12:30 on NBC has long been incredible real estate. I hope I can do it justice.”
Meyers himself has been apart of Saturday Night Live for 12 seasons now, he was head writer for eight of those season, seven seasons as Weekend Update anchor. Meyers won the Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for host Justin Timberlake’s musical monologue. He was nominated in same category in 2012 for host Jason Segel’s monologue song. Meyers has also garnered five additional Emmy nominations for his work as a writer on SNL and the 2011 special “The Real Women of SNL.” Meyers has hosted the 2010 and 2011 ESPY Awards on ESPN and headlined the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner to rave reviews.
The premiere date for “Late Night with Seth Meyers” will be announced at a later date. Lorne Michaels is executive producer, Michael Shoemaker will act as producer. “Late Night” is a production of Universal Television in association with Broadway Video. NBC is America’s Late Night leader with the number one-rated “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “Last Call with Carson Daly” and “Saturday Night Live.”
