By Drew Grant 4/05 6:39pm

The Tonight Show

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The Top Five Rumors (and Ensuing Damage Control) About Jimmy Fallon, Jay Leno and The Tonight Show

Wednesday’s official announcement from NBC that Jimmy Fallon will be replacing Jay Leno on The Tonight Show was the culmination of months worth of speculation, rumors and gossip. When the media learned that Mr. Fallon was not only moving the show back to New York, but would be hosting the program from Johnny Carson’s old studio, the comparisons between this latest drama and the bitter NBC late-night feuds in the past–Conan vs. Leno, Leno vs. Letterman–were inevitable, despite the network trying to play off the move as amicable. Hell, trying for the 11:30 (or now, technically, 11:35) slot on NBC is more of a political bloodsport than Game of Thrones, with at least twice as much backstabbing and allegiance shifting. (Though less decapitation … that we know of.)

Here are the five best rumors about the new Tonight Show, along with any responses from NBC or its players. Read More

By Drew Grant 2/08/12 11:19am

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama vs. Jimmy Fallon (NBC)

Michelle Obama’s Talk Show Challenge: Is the First Lady in Better Shape Than the Rest of the World? (Video)

If you’re a fan of talk shows where famous people talk to other famous people so that the second famous person can promote their latest whatever, then you might have noticed an odd trend: First Lady Michelle Obama has been making the rounds lately: first on Ellen, then Jay Leno, and now Jimmy Fallon, all in an effort to raise awareness for the Let’s Move! health initiative. Or is it? Read More

By Daniel D'Addario 2/01/12 11:44am

television

Elder statesman David Letterman (Getty Images)

Thirty Years of David Letterman

Today marks the thirtieth anniversary of David Letterman’s first foray into wee-hours broadcasting–NBC’s Late Night With David Letterman premiered on this date in 1982. What a thirty years it’s been–marked by guest misbehavior (Madonna, Drew–we’re looking at you), tricks both pet and human, and ever-pricklier interviews with starlets who keep failing to learn from history Read More