Jimmy Fallon has spent the last decade bringing laughter, celebrity lip-sync battles, and quirky games to living rooms across the country on NBCâs “The Tonight Show.” But if the latest insider buzz is to be believed, Fallon could be gearing up for an early exit. No, this isn’t just another round of “Box of Lies.”
According to multiple reports from RadarOnline, Fallon is seriously considering stepping away from the late-night desk before his contract ends in 2028. A source close to the show said, “His preference would be to retire from the show as the leader in the ratings, but heâs realistic about this stuff, and he could even leave before his contract is up, if thatâs the network’s decision.”
Soâ¦is Fallon about to ghost us mid-monologue?
From Pandemic Glow-Up to Wonky TV Ratings
Fallon gained praise during the pandemic when he filmed from his home due to his relatability. Most specifically, audiences loved his heartfelt moments, especially when his kids would pop into the frame. It showed viewers the host was just like us, looking for hidden things to do in all corners of quarantine. It was raw, it was real, and audiences responded with kindness.
But once the show returned to the studio, sources say that magic fizzled, as well as the ratings. NBCâs golden hour has been trailing behind CBSâs “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” ever since. As one insider put it, âThe big problem here is that nobody is talking about the show anymore and Jimmy, and NBC, feel that and have to respond to it.â
And it’s not just viewership numbers causing tension backstage. Back in 2023, Fallon faced a wave of controversy following Rolling Stoneâs report alleging a toxic work environment. Fallon later apologized to staff during a Zoom call, saying, âItâs embarrassing and I feel so bad. Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends,â Fallon said, according to Variety. âI want this show to be fun, it should be inclusive for everybody, it should be funny, it should be the best show, the best people.â
Still, the damage may have already been done. This came after a source told RadarOnline, âJimmy has an entire staff that is looking at this job as a stepping stone, not a destination.â
Ouch. We might need to confirm with other sources about these rumors, huh?
Whatâs Next for Jimmy Fallon and Late-Night TV?
Despite the whispers of a dramatic exit, NBC is publicly denying the rumors. An NBC spokesperson told RadarOnline, âThis is not true.â But even if Fallon isn’t packing up his cue cards just yet, it seems he’s already planning ahead.
âHe is continuing to develop and produce new shows that can be part of his exit plan,â a well-placed insider confirmed. That includes bringing his most trusted writers and producers into potential spinoffs or brand-new ventures beyond the world of late-night.
Fallonâs been at the helm of “The Tonight Show” since 2014, taking over from Jay Leno and filling the legendary program with youthful energy. He became known for his musical sketches, intriguing guests, and viral content that fed directly into the social media era. So, could it be that he might just leave the stage laughing, on his own terms?
Whether Fallonâs plotting his final curtain call or just facing the realities of a changing industry, one thingâs clear, we’ll stand by him until there is an official announcement from the host himself.
But, if Jimmy Fallon really is leaving, hereâs hoping he writes himself a killer goodbye note. We’ll even take a song as well, just to make it burn a little less.
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