Jimmy Fallon renews Tonight Show contract through 2028

Jimmy Fallon isn't going anywhere. The host of The Tonight Show has decided to extend his tenure by signing a contract extension with NBC. According to Variety, Fallon will remain the host of the beloved talk show through 2028.

Mark Lazarus, the chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, issued a statement praising Fallon and his ability to keep The Tonight Show a relevant and thriving brand. He also made reference to the rest of Fallon's career.

Jimmy Fallon was praised by NBC's chairman

“For nearly 30 years, Jimmy Fallon has brought laughter into the homes of millions and charmed audiences from the stages of 30 Rock,” Lazarus noted, before adding:

"It’s been a privilege to witness Jimmy at the helm of the ‘The Tonight Show’ and we’re thrilled to see what innovations he and the incredible staff will deliver in the years to come at the network."

Jimmy Fallon has not had the smoothest decade on the air. The Tonight Show maintained its strong ratings during the first couple years of his tenure, but his reluctance to engage in political humor in the 2016 presidential election meant he ceded ground to a few of his late night peers.

Fallon's behavior was criticized in 2023

There was also a 2023 expose by Rolling Stone that detailed the hostile work environment on the set of The Tonight Show, and the ways in which Fallon is allegedly hard on his staffers. It was a bad look for the former SNL star, especially given his upbeat and positive public persona.

Fallon issued an apology to his team following the Rolling Stone publication. "It’s embarrassing and I feel so bad," he reportedly said. "Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends… I feel so bad I can’t even tell you."

The controversies have quieted down in the last year, however, and Fallon remains one of the most famous faces in all of late night. He was also one of several comedians who recently traveled to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis.