• Jimmy Fallon is celebrating
  • His 'Tonight Show turns 10
  • THIS is a look back at his time

Come with us into the world of late-night TV as we celebrate Jimmy Fallon's 10-year anniversary as the host of 'The Tonight Show.' From his start at 12:35 a.m. to taking over the iconic show, Fallon has brought his unique blend of humor, games, and celebrity interactions to the forefront of evening entertainment.

Fallon is a household name now

Discover how Fallon's version of the show compares to its predecessors and what the future might hold for this beloved TV franchise.

On a special Tuesday night, NBC aired a two-hour spectacle honoring Jimmy Fallon's 10 years at the helm of 'The Tonight Show.' It's not just any clip show; it's a nostalgic ride through a decade of laughter, celebrity shenanigans, and those viral moments that had us sharing and tweeting faster than you can say "Egg Russian Roulette."

It's technically been 15 years of Fallon on late-night TV, starting with his five-year stint on 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon' before he took over the coveted 'Tonight Show' slot. This transition wasn't just a time change; it was Fallon stepping into a legacy that has seen battles, betrayals, and the rise and fall of television titans. Remember the wars for the 'Tonight Show'? Team Coco, anyone?

'The Tonight Show' has been a staple of American television since 1954, adapting and evolving with each new host. From Steve Allen to Johnny Carson, and the brief but memorable Conan O'Brien era, each brought their flavor to the late-night scene. Fallon's approach? A mix of Gen X nostalgia, viral internet culture, and a dash of "what will Jimmy do next?"

Fallon's 'Tonight Show' is less about the promotional grind and more about the party. It's where celebrities come to play games, share laughs, and sometimes, reveal a side of themselves we rarely see. Fallon's knack for engaging with his guests through playful competition and musical skits has redefined what we expect from late-night television. It's not just an interview; it's an experience.

As Fallon jokes about his potential AI robot successor, one can't help but wonder about the future of 'The Tonight Show.' With the landscape of television and entertainment constantly changing, will Fallon's blend of humor and heart continue to win over audiences? Or will the next evolution of late-night TV take us in a new direction entirely?

From 1962 to 1992, Carson owned late night while the competition came and went. Carson's 'Tonight Show' was not quite the promotional mill talk shows have become. Comedians are always about to appear somewhere, but because they were entertaining, because Carson liked them or in any case liked the energy they brought to the show.

It was a space that famously could turn an aspiring comedian into a successful one overnight, if given the host's benediction — a wave to come to sit.

Fallon's show makes it 'The Tonight Show.' While it observes the structural niceties — monologue up front, followed by desk bits and sketches, followed by guests, followed by musical guest — it is very much a departure, with its sights on Generation X and younger, and a different approach to fun. But it does share some things with the brand.

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As we celebrate a decade of Jimmy Fallon on 'The Tonight Show,' it's clear that his impact goes beyond just the laughs. He's carried the torch of a television legacy, adding his unique sparkle along the way.

Here's to whatever comes next - because if history has taught us anything, it's that 'The Tonight Show' will always adapt, evolve, and entertain.