Career Timeline of Jimmy Fallon: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Jimmy Fallon, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jimmy Fallon is an American comedian, television host, actor, singer, writer, and producer. He gained prominence as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (1998-2004). He then hosted Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (2009-2014) before becoming the host of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. His career is marked by his comedic talent and contributions to late-night television.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

September 1998: Debuts on Saturday Night Live

In September 1998, Jimmy Fallon debuted on Saturday Night Live as a featured player, quickly becoming a star.

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2002: Models for Calvin Klein, Named One of People Magazine's Most Beautiful People

In 2002, Jimmy Fallon modeled for Calvin Klein and was named one of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People. He also co-hosted MTV Video Music Awards and released his debut comedy album, The Bathroom Wall.

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May 2004: Final SNL Appearance

In May 2004, Jimmy Fallon concluded his sixth season on Saturday Night Live, marking his final appearance on the show.

2004: Pursues Film Career with "Taxi"

In 2004, Jimmy Fallon began to pursue a film career, taking the lead role in Taxi, a remake of a French film.

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2004: Leaves SNL, Stars in Films

In 2004, Jimmy Fallon left Saturday Night Live after six years to pursue a film career, starring in movies like Taxi.

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February 2007: NBC Offers Holding Deal

In February 2007, NBC offered Jimmy Fallon a holding deal to prevent other networks from hiring him, with the intention of him taking over the Late Night franchise.

May 2008: Announced as Successor to O'Brien's Late Night

In May 2008, Jimmy Fallon was announced as the successor to Conan O'Brien's Late Night show.

March 2009: Premiere of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

In March 2009, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon premiered to mixed reviews but later found success with its unique style of humor.

2009: Hosts Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

In 2009, Jimmy Fallon returned to television as the host of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on NBC, known for its focus on music and video games.

2010: Show Finds Its Footing, First Viral Clip

In 2010, Jimmy Fallon's show found its footing, embracing social media. The program scored its first viral clip: Fallon and Timberlake performing "History of Rap".

April 3, 2013: Named Host of The Tonight Show

On April 3, 2013, NBC announced that Jimmy Fallon would succeed Jay Leno as the host of The Tonight Show.

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February 17, 2014: Tonight Show Debut

On February 17, 2014, Jimmy Fallon's debut on The Tonight Show on NBC drew 11.3 million viewers.

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2014: Becomes Host of The Tonight Show

In 2014, Jimmy Fallon left Late Night to become the sixth permanent host of The Tonight Show.

November 29, 2021: That's My Jam Debut

On November 29, 2021, Jimmy Fallon's new NBC game show, That's My Jam, premiered, featuring musical games similar to those on The Tonight Show.

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2022: That's My Jam Renewed for Season 2

In 2022, Jimmy Fallon's game show That's My Jam was renewed for a second season.

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August 30, 2023: Strike Force Five Podcast Launch

On August 30, 2023, Jimmy Fallon began co-hosting the comedy podcast Strike Force Five with Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, and John Oliver to support their staff members affected by the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.

2023: That's My Jam Renewed for Season 3

In 2023, That's My Jam was renewed for a third season.

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September 30, 2025: On Brand TV Show Debut

On September 30, 2025, Jimmy Fallon and Bozoma Saint John launched On Brand, an NBC reality show focused on advertising campaigns for brands such as Pillsbury and Southwest Airlines.

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