NBC threatens celebrities
NBC is one step ahead in booking guest stars on Jimmy Fallon's "The Tonight Show". The network giant recently issued a statement to celebrities, agents, and publicists stating that if they want to appear on the show, they better do so exclusively, TMZ reported.
Sources connected to various television networks revealed that NBC is forbidding celebrities from appearing on shows from other networks if they want to get booked for a spot on "The Tonight Show". According to the insider, the stipulation does not only include programs from rival networks that are on the same timeslot as Fallon's, but morning shows as well.
Failure to comply with NBC's conditions means they can forget about appearing on the show in the future. The insiders speculate that NBC is relying heavily on the high ratings pulled by Fallon's program. And since "The Tonight Show" has shown its capability of crushing ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in terms of viewership, NBC believes that it has the upper hand in pulling off a demanding deal with potential celebrity guests.
"Good Morning America", another program from ABC, has reportedly experienced the effect of NBC's strategy. According to a source connected to the show, they have been rejected by personalities they were trying to book for the program after NBC released its demands for guest stars.
Fallon sat behind the desk of "The Tonight Show" on February 17, 2014 for the program's first episode with the new host. He replaced Jay Leno after NBC announced his retirement in April of last year. Fallon's first episode included numerous celebrity surprise appearances, according to Deadline. Some of the featured celebrities include, Tina Fey, Seth Rogen, Robert De Niro, Lady Gaga, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lindsay Lohan, Stephen Colbert, and Mariah Carey. Will Smith and U2 appeared as the show's first celebrity and musical guests.
Fallon's first "Tonight Show" episode was watched by an average of 10.42 million people, according to Today. This figure, which was obtained by Nielsen, is considered as the biggest viewership the show has ever received since Johnny Carson hosted it. (Fashion Times)
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