Can a decade of Jimmy Fallon’s tenure as host of NBC’s iconic “Tonight Show” be condensed into just two hours? NBC is set to attempt just that with a special anniversary celebration.
Scheduled to air at 9 p.m. Eastern on May 14th, NBC will honor Fallon’s decade-long stewardship of the late-night program with a two-hour retrospective. The special will also be available for streaming the following day on Peacock.
Expressing gratitude to viewers during Monday’s broadcast of “The Tonight Show,” Fallon remarked, “We’re so grateful that we get to do this job, and I want to thank everyone on our staff and crew — and of course all of you for tuning in every single night for the past ten years.”
The celebratory broadcast promises to showcase the best moments from Fallon’s tenure, featuring beloved sketches, memorable guests, and iconic musical performances. Fallon reminisced about highlights ranging from comedic skits like “Tight Pants” with Will Ferrell to memorable encounters such as his near-date with Nicole Kidman, as well as musical segments like “Classroom Instruments” featuring the likes of Metallica and Adele.
Since taking the reins of “The Tonight Show” in 2014 with a rooftop performance by U2, Fallon has infused the late-night format with his unique blend of humor, incorporating actors, musicians, and even politicians into games, contests, and humorous challenges. His own musical talents and spot-on impressions have further contributed to the show’s appeal.
Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, lauded Fallon’s contribution to the network, stating, “From ‘Saturday Night Live’ to ‘Late Night’ to ‘The Tonight Show,’ Jimmy Fallon stands as one of the greatest performers across NBC’s rich history.”
Filmed in front of a live studio audience at Studio 6B in New York City’s 30 Rockefeller Center, “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” airs weeknights from 11:35 p.m. to 12:35 a.m. ET/PT on NBC, with episodes also available on demand on Peacock.
