Jimmy Fallon Show Cut: NBCUniversal Backtracks After Host’s Toxic Behavior Scandal

NBC is making major cuts to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

A long-standing staple of American television, The Tonight Show first aired in 1954 with Steve Allen as its host. It’s since cycled through several hosts, including Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, and (very briefly) Conan O’Brien, before Jimmy Fallon took over as host in 2014.

Today, the show is known for its blend of celebrity interviews, musical performances, and comedic sketches. Unlike a lot of its rivals – such as Jimmy Kimmel Live!, CBS’s The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert, and Comedy Central’s The Daily Show – it currently films five shows per week.

However, this is all about to change. NBC has officially made big changes to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this week, cutting the number of shows from five nights a week to four. Reruns will now air on Friday nights.

This follows a tough few years for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In September 2023, Rolling Stone published a major exposé on the culture behind the scenes of the talk show. Multiple employees alleged that the show’s production schedule was split into “good Jimmy days” and “bad Jimmy days,” with the host allegedly displaying both erratic behavior and drunkenness.

“It was like, if Jimmy is in a bad mood, everyone’s day is fucked,” one former employee told the publication. “People wouldn’t joke around in the office, and they wouldn’t stand around and talk to each other. It was very much like, focus on whatever it is that you have to do because Jimmy’s in a bad mood, and if he sees that, he might fly off.”

After the report was published, Fallon apologized to staffers in an all-hands Zoom call, reportedly saying, “It’s embarrassing, and I feel so bad.” He also apologized for embarrassing employees and their family and friends. “I feel so bad I can’t even tell you,” he added.

Despite the scandal, Fallon’s tenure at NBCUniversal – which defended the show to Rolling Stone – has continued. In June 2024, the actor extended his deal to host The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon until 2028.

Fallon also retains a strong presence at Universal’s theme parks. In 2017, Universal Orlando Resort debuted a Tonight Show-inspired ride at Universal Studios Florida.

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon is a 3D motion-simulator attraction that blends cutting-edge technology with a variety of interactive elements, including virtual reality and 4D effects, creating an exhilarating and entertaining journey through the Big Apple.

While it may not be the most popular attraction with guests, Universal Destinations & Experiences expanded its work with Fallon to debut Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares. Inspired by Halloween Horror Nights, this will feature 10 spine-chilling rooms that bring Jimmy’s worst nightmares to life when it opens at Rockefeller Center on September 20. This will run until October 31.

“Whether it’s expressed in our theme parks or through film and television, we’re building on our rich horror legacy and we’re thrilled to support Jimmy Fallon to pair his true fandom of the holiday with the expertise of our company to create this one-of-a-kind experience,” said David O’Connor, President of Franchise Management & Brand Strategy at NBCUniversal Studios Group.

How do you feel about the changes to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon?