Do you get the feeling that NBC is in for some late-night struggles?
First of all, Conan O’Brien (whom I like) will be taking over for Jay Leno on “The Tonight show” next year and his ability to appeal to the masses is very much in question. Heck, the guy has even been beaten in the ratings a few times recently by Craig Ferguson.
And now, NBC has officially announced that former “Saturday Night Live” castmember Jimmy Fallon (whom I don’t like) will replace Conan on “Late Night” when the latter moves to the “Tonight Show.”
Good move or bad? I choose bad. Watching Fallon on “SNL,” the guy rarely made me laugh. And so often he came across as bland … and smug. Not a great combination.
But hey, NBC entertainment chief Ben Silverman is singing his praises.
“We couldn’t be happier to have Jimmy back on NBC and to have our number one-rated late night team fully in place for the future,” said Silverman, “Jimmy is more than just a likeable guy and a great comedian, he is genuinely interested in what people have to say.”
At least Fallon is more of a known commodity than Conan was was when he moved into the late-night arena. Whether that is a plus or a minus remains to be seen. But right now, I’m thinking Ferguson beats him like a rug.
The post NBC Picks Fallon To Replace Conan appeared first on A+E Interactive.