Shoemaker to Helm Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Saturday Night Live veteran named producer/showrunner for NBC’s 12:35 a.m. show.

By B&C Staff -- Broadcasting & Cable, 8/6/2008 11:00:00 PM

Veteran Saturday Night Live producer Michael Shoemaker will be the producer/showrunner of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon when Fallon succeeds Conan O’Brien as host of the NBC late-night show early next year.

The appointment was announced Wednesday by SNL and Late Night executive producer Lorne Michaels.

"Mike was at the center of all things good at Saturday Night Live for the past 20 years," Michaels said in a statement. "He’ll do a great job with Jimmy."

"I feel lucky to have Mike on my team," Fallon said. “I've always admired his work ethic and his great relationship with writers and the whole creative process. Not to mention he's also brilliantly funny."

Rick Ludwin, executive vice president for late-night and primetime series, added, "Mike is the perfect producer for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. His long experience at Saturday Night Live, his ability to nurture talent, great working relationship with Jimmy and familiarity with the best comedy talent in the business are all invaluable."

NBC has yet to announce dates for O’Brien’s departure and Fallon’s arrival, set for sometime in the first quarter. However, Shoemaker will soon start work with Fallon on a series of preview sketches and bits set to go online this fall.