Seth Meyers Will Host NBC’s “Late Night”

It’s official. After weeks of speculation, NBC says that it has tapped “Saturday Night Live” veteran Seth Meyers to succeed Jimmy Fallon as the host of the networks’s “Late Night” franchise when Fallon moves to the “Tonight Show” early next year. Lorne Michaels will remain on board as the show’s executive producer. Michael Shoemaker will remain as producer of “Late Night” after Meyers takes over the 12:35 a.m. slot.

In a statement, NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt said “We think Seth is one of the brightest, most insightful comedy writers and performers of his generation. His years at SNL’s Weekend Update desk, not to mention being head writer of the show for many seasons, helped him hone a topical brand of comedy that is perfect for the ‘Late Night’ franchise. On behalf of Steve Burke, Ted Harbert and Paul Telegdy, we couldn’t be happier that Seth and Jimmy Fallon will be continuing their careers at NBC after growing up in this network’s late night legacy.”

There were rumors that NBC was thinking of getting a female host to bust up the long-time late-night boys’ club.

Meyers has been on SNL for 12 seasons and has been the head writer for eight seasons. He has anchored “Weekend Update” for seven seasons.

Lorne Michaels said that “Since 1982, there have been three ‘Late Night’ hosts starting with David Letterman, and Seth couldn’t be in better company.”

Meyers joked “I only have to work for Lorne for five more years before I pay him back for the time I totaled his car. 12:30 on NBC has long been incredible real estate. I hope I can do it justice.”
After the transition, NBC’s new late-night lineup will be Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and Carson Daly.