NBC is taking a Stern approach with the future of Late Night. That is, they are thinking of bringing in radio shock jock and America’s Got Talent judge Howard Stern to replace current host Jimmy Fallon.
Now, don’t you worry Fallon fans. Your favourite late night talk show host and SNL alum isn’t getting fired or anything. NBC is apparently just thinking ahead, crafting a back-up plan for when (or really, if) Fallon exits his current late night post to take over Jay Leno’s Tonight Show gig when Leno’s contract expires in 2014.
A source “close” to the New York Post claims that NBC is “grooming” Stern to be the new Fallon. However, this has yet to be confirmed by Stern’s representation or NBC.
While nothing is set in stone yet, it wouldn’t be completely shocking if Stern was in the running for the Late Night gig. After all, fans have responded well to him on AGT, and he’s no stranger to live broadcasting.
Although Stern is probably best known for his radio work, and still has his own radio show to this day, he has tried his hand at TV hosting several times before. Between 1990 to 1992, he headed up The Howard Stern Show for WWOR-TV, and after that he had an E! late night show, Howard Stern Interview, for a year. E! went on to produce half-hour broadcast versions of his radio show for 11 years.
Stern tried his hand at big network TV in 1998 with The Howard Stern Radio Show. It aired on Saturday nights and didn’t last long due to its controversial content.
Could you see Stern replacing Fallon? Or do you think he is too risque, even for late-night TV? Comment below! Or hit up TV Guide Canada on Facebook and/or Twitter!
