CONFIRMED: Jay Leno Leaving Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon Taking Over

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty

NBC has announced that Jay Leno will ending his run as host of The Tonight Show! After 22 years, Jay will be stepping down in spring 2014, with Jimmy Fallon replacing him. NBC confirmed reports of the switch in a statement today.


"Jay Leno is an entertainment icon, making millions of people laugh every weeknight for more than 20 years. His long reign as the highest-rated late-night host is a testament to his work ethic and dedication to his viewers and to NBC," said Steve Burke, Chief Executive Officer of NBC Universal. "We are purposefully making this change when Jay is no. 1, just as Jay replaced Johnny Carson when he was no. 1."