Jimmy Fallon is preparing a series of special broadcasts and long-term projects for NBC’s ‘The Tonight Show’, including Sunday-night editions linked to major television events and plans for the program’s 75th anniversary in 2029.

One upcoming Sunday broadcast will feature Ariana Grande, Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller, members of the cast of ‘Focker-in-Law’, along with a performance by Lil Baby. The following week, after a Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals game, Fallon is scheduled to host Jennifer Lopez and Anthony Mackie, with Quavo also performing.

Fallon said the Sunday editions benefit from the larger audiences arriving from NFL coverage. NBC showrunner Chris Miller said the producers are also discussing a Thanksgiving-night program, events connected to NBC’s centenary celebrations, coverage tied to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and programming for ‘Tonight’s’ 75th anniversary in September 2029.

The anniversary plans come as NBC continues to support the show in a changing late-night market. Fallon’s contract and that of ‘Late Night’ host Seth Meyers are believed to run through 2028, while other traditional late-night programs face uncertainty over their future and production costs.

According to Guideline data cited in the report, spending on late-night television advertising reached $209 million in 2025, down from $519.7 million in 2017. At the same time, NBC says ‘Tonight’ has more than 127 million followers and subscribers across its digital and social platforms, allowing the program to reach viewers beyond its linear broadcast.

Sports lead-ins have also provided a measurable boost. A ‘Tonight’ episode following NBA opening-night coverage on October 20 increased its audience among viewers aged 18 to 49 by 80% compared with the season-to-date average. Total viewership was 30% higher than the comparable episode after the previous year’s NBA opening night.

The show’s overall audience is up 5% season to date, while its viewership among 18-to-49-year-olds has increased 16%. Fallon said streaming and social media mean the program is being watched in more ways than in the past, despite declining audiences for late-night television on traditional schedules.

Miller said Sunday broadcasts could attract viewers who find weeknights difficult because of work, family responsibilities and the late start time. The Sunday episodes are taped that day, with the production team working before a more relaxed audience than during weekday recordings.

Adding more Sunday broadcasts would require NBC to obtain additional time from its affiliates. Fallon is also developing NBC game-show projects including ‘Password’ and ‘Wordle’ through his production company, Electric Hot Dog.

Sources: Variety.