Jimmy Fallon’s run on ‘Tonight’ show to begin with Will Smith, U2

PASADENA, Calif. – Jimmy Fallon will open his run as the host of NBC’s “Tonight” show with actor Will Smith and the rock band U2 as guests.

NBC is debuting the Fallon regime on Feb. 17 at midnight following the Winter Olympics. It will slip into its regular slot following the local news a week later, with Seth Meyers inheriting “Late Night.”

Fallon says he has talked to “Tonight” show incumbent Jay Leno regularly during the transition. One piece of advice that Fallon has already taken is to increase the length of his monologue.

Although Fallon is moving “Tonight” to New York from the West Coast, he said he will take the show on the road — including to Los Angeles for a couple of weeks a year.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.