It obviously takes more than some comedy roots, a love for all things pop culture and a head of fiercely gravity-defying hair to captain a late night talk show, but who's to say Fallon doesn't have that same magic touch that made O'Brien such a cult favorite ...
While we're not placing any bets for or against Fallon's post-midnight success, we do feel qualified to plead his case to any total naysayers out there. So, without further ado, may we present the five reasons we think Jimmy Fallon could possibly be better than everyone thinks he'll be -- and maybe, just maybe, make this whole late night thing work. -- By Maggie Furlong
1. He's a Friend of the Interwebs
While some hosts tend to be out of touch with the younger generations (ahem, Leno!), Fallon has already made a concerted effort to mix up the late night format. His viral videos have been circulating for months, and he'll continue to create those and integrate them into the show. Other younger-minded changes: a house band with street cred (the Roots) and new audience bleacher seating that'll allow fans of the evening's musical guests to attend the performance. 
2. Practice Makes ... Better
It's not like this gig just fell into Fallon's lap -- he's known he'd be taking over 'Late Night' since May 2008. So all those quirky videos, mock trial runs and the potential guest schmoozing is sure to pay off: he's already booked a stellar (if not overly ambitious) premiere show lineup, with Robert DeNiro, Justin Timberlake and Van Morrison. Rounding out the rest of his first week are Tina Fey, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Cameron Diaz, Ludacris and Drew Barrymore.
3. This Ain't His First Rodeo
Fallon is hardly new to entertaining -- or hosting. As a cast member on 'Saturday Night Live' for six seasons (1998-2004), he was the titular pot-smoking host of Internet web show Jarret's Room, the titular incessantly singing host of 'The Barry Gibb Talk Show' (alongside premiere guest Justin Timberlake) and, of course, he presided over Weekend Update with co-anchor Tina Fey (also a Week 1 guest). After that, how hard can manning a late-night desk be?
Late Night Hosts Gallery
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 22: TV host Jimmy Kimmel and comedian Sarah Silverman arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter held at the Sunset Tower on February 22, 2009 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
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WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Mavis Nicholson, TV personality Jay Leno, actor Martin Short and Nancy Dolman arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter held at the Sunset Tower on February 22, 2009 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
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WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Mavis Nicholson, TV personality Jay Leno, actor Martin Short and Nancy Dolman arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter held at the Sunset Tower on February 22, 2009 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
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WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Mavis Nicholson, TV personality Jay Leno, actor Martin Short and Nancy Dolman arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter held at the Sunset Tower on February 22, 2009 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
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WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 22: TV host Jimmy Kimmel and comedian/actress Sarah Silverman arrives at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter held at the Sunset Tower on February 22, 2009 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
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US entertainer Jay Leno (2nd L) poses with actor Martin Short (2nd R) and his wife as they arrive at the Vanity Fair Dinner and After Party celebrating the 81st Academy Awards at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, California on February 22, 2009. Rags-to-riches drama "Slumdog Millionaire" swept the board at the 81st Academy Awards, winning eight Oscars including best picture on a night of high-voltage Hollywood glamor. AFP PHOTO/RICH SCHMITT (Photo credit should read RICH SCHMITT/AFP/Getty Images)
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WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 22: TV personality Jay Leno and actor Martin Short arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter held at the Sunset Tower on February 22, 2009 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
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In this photo provided by StarPix, Jimmy Fallon arrives at the Beacon Theatre as singer Paul Simon "Reopens" it in New York after a 7 month, $16 million dollar restoration, Friday, Feb. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Allocca, StarPix)
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Actor Jimmy Fallon attends the Rag and Bone fall 2009 collection show during Fashion Week Friday, Feb. 13, 2009 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
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NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 13: Stylist/TV Personality Rachel Zoe, Lake Bell, comedian Jimmy Fallon and actress Rose Byrne attend the Rag & Bone Fall 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Cedar Lake on February 13, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
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4. He's Seen the Other Side
Fallon is also no stranger to failure. Take his movie career, for example: 'Fever Pitch' (with yet another Week 1 guest, Drew Barrymore ... are we seeing a trend?), 'Taxi' (the one with Queen Latifah) and 'Doogal' (that one was animated,
thankfully) are his only big screen starring roles to date. What can we take from this? He'll try and fail and try again until he succeeds. 5. He'll Always Be Better Than Carson Daly
In his new position, Fallon will now precede 'Last Call With Carson Daly,' the late-night host he once regularly parodied on 'SNL.' With his dull delivery and self-deprecating admissions ("I am a massive tool"), Fallon's impression of Daly pretty much ensures there won't ever be an NBC special crossover between the two shows. And for that, we are eternally grateful. Not feeling the same gratitude? Watch 'Late Night' and stay tuned for 'Last Call' -- then imagine if Daly had been named Conan's successor.
Reader Comments (2)
shoe4347 at 12:51AM on Jun 9th 2009
Jimmy Fallon sure sucks on his late night show. How much lamer can a host of a supposedly comedy show be? He puts me to sleep.
shoe at 12:59AM on Jun 9th 2009
What a lame show and host. Jimmy Fallon is doomed for disaster. I excused him the first few weeks being new to the late night circuit but he does not have the Parr and Carson and Leno and Letterman and Conan appeal which attracts late night audiences. I dont wish him a failed show but I just know I wont be watching it.