Jimmy Fallon to officially take over ‘The Tonight Show’ in spring 2014

After weeks of debate and controversy, NBC has finally decided to make a big move when it comes to the future of their “Tonight Show” franchise.

In a statement on Wednesday, the network confirmed that beginning in the spring of next year, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” will come to an end, and a new version of the show hosted by Jimmy Fallon will start from New York City. The network will build a new studio for Jimmy, and this marks the official return of the franchise to the city in which it first was created.

What is most interesting about this story right now is just what is happening with Leno. His quote in the statement actually makes it appear as though he is going to retire, which is far different than him going to Fox or somewhere else as was previously speculated:

“Congratulations Jimmy. I hope you’re as lucky as me and hold on to the job until you’re the old guy. If you need me, I’ll be at the garage.”

Meanwhile, Fallon also had the following to say in a statement of his own:

“I’m really excited to host a show that starts today instead of tomorrow.”

The part of this story that is especially interesting beyond this is that NBC, despite all of their struggles in primetime and the declining state of “The Today Show,” decided to make a big move in replacing a host that was actually #1 in his timeslot. Their logic here is that Fallon will bringing a younger audience in the long-term, but who knows if that will work?

This announcement comes mere days after both Leno and Fallon performed a spoof of the “West Side Story” hit “Tonight” in addressing the rumors about the history of the franchise.

Photo: NBC