It’s official: NBC has tapped Emmy-winning writer and “Saturday Night Live” stalwart Seth Meyers to take over as host of “Late Night” as part of the network’s grand 2014 overhaul.
As expected, Meyers will assume the “Late Night” throne in 2014 when Jimmy Fallon kicks off his run as “Tonight Show” host.
“We think Seth is one of the brightest, most insightful comedy writers and performers of his generation. His years at SNL’s ‘Weekend Update’ desk, not to mention being head writer of the show for many seasons, helped him hone a topical brand of comedy that is perfect for the ‘Late Night’ franchise,” blurbs NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt. “On behalf of Steve Burke, Ted Harbert and Paul Telegdy, we couldn’t be happier that Seth and Jimmy Fallon will be continuing their careers at NBC after growing up in this network’s late night legacy.”
“Late Night with Seth Meyers” will be shot at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, with Lorne Michaels serving as executive producer and with Michael Shoemaker remaining as producer.
“Since 1982, there have been three ‘Late Night’ hosts starting with David Letterman, and Seth couldn’t be in better company,” states Lorne Michaels.
Meyers is currently ending his 12th season on “Saturday Night Live” and his eighth season as head writer. He won a Emmy in 2011 as one of the writers of Justin Timberlake’s musical monologue and was nominated in the same category last year. In his seventh year as Weekend Update host, Meyers has five additional Emmy nominations for writing.
“I only have to work for Lorne for five more years before I pay him back for the time I totaled his car,” states Meyers, “12:30 on NBC has long been incredible real estate. I hope I can do it justice”
While no exact dates have been set for the light night transition, Jay Leno is expected to exit “The Tonight Show” in the spring, with NBC planning on timing the move around the Winter Olympic Games from Sochi.
The Seth Meyers/”Late Night” announcement came just hours before NBC’s official scheduling announcement for the 2013-2014 season and the day before the network’s upfront presentation to advertisers.