Carson Daly’s Late-Night Host Gig Safe From Alec Baldwin; NBC Renews “Last Call With Carson Daly” Amidst Rumors Of Baldwin’s Takeover
Carson Daly is staying in the NBC late-night lineup as the host of "Last Call With Carson Daly" despite rumors that Alec Baldwin would soon take over the hosting gig.
NBC announced on Wednesday, April 10 that Daly's show would be renewed for its 13th season. The network praised Daly for creating a "unique late-night format" airing at 1:35 a.m. Eastern time.
The official NBC press release quoted Paul Telegdy, the President of Alternative and Late Night Programming for NBC, as saying, "We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Carson who has broken the mold, creating his own unique late-night show format... The show has become a platform for emerging artists...[and] continues to push the boundaries of late-night television."
Daly is proud of his late night talk show, and he said that he's grateful to continue with it. Daly also is the host of NBC's singing contest "The Voice" with judges Shakira, Usher, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.
The news that Daly would remain in his late-night spot wasn't surprising, as the Atlantic Wire pointed out that Baldwin was only in the "initial stages" of talks to host with NBC. However, the announcement's timing is interesting given the recent rumors of Baldwin's stepping in as host. It's likely that NBC didn't want to risk Daly's leaving its hit, "The Voice," over feeling threatened in his late-night spot.
Last week, NBC shook up its late-night lineup by announcing that Jimmy Fallon would replace Jay Leno as the host of the "Tonight Show" in 2014, following the Winter Olympic Games. NBC even plans on moving the "Tonight Show" studio from Los Angeles to Fallon's home base - New York.
Rumors have suggested that "Saturday Night Live' lead writer Seth Meyers could step in Jimmy Fallon's shoes as the "Late Night" host, but the network hasn't yet announced who will replace Fallon on "Late Night."