With their ratings in the toilet and their affiliates up in arms, NBC is in hot water over their late-night lineup. Since taking over “The Tonight Show,” Conan O’Brien has consistently lost to Letterman by around 2 million viewers a night. But it’s certainly not all Conan’s fault. The ill-conceived “Jay Leno Show” is tanking, driving viewers away from local news broadcasts that lead into Conan. NBC is so desperate for a fix that there is talk of moving Leno back to 11:30 and giving O’Brien the axe. We love Conan, and would hate to see him go, but if NBC did decide to send him packing we’d much rather have some new blood fill his time spot. Rather than Leno, here are 11 other comedians who could host “The Tonight Show.”
#1 Dylan Moran
Irish born Dylan Moran started doing standup in the United Kingdom, winning roles in British television and at comedy festivals. Moran appeared opposite Simon Pegg in his many films, like Shaun of the Dead and Run, Fatboy, Run. Heralded by French newspaper Le Monde as “the greatest comedian, living or dead,” Moran is ready to take his international allure to late night.
#2Eddie Izzard
Izzard delights audiences with his heated, cross-dressing, charismatic comedic chops. His comedy set Dressed To Kill established Izzard as one of the foremost comedians both in creativity and sheer verbosity. He’s already a British national treasure, earning him a name in the canon of British comedy. Izzard is ready to host, although the whole transvestite shtick probably won’t fly in fly-over country.
#3 John Caparulo
John Caparulo is already a television veteran. He’s been seen on E!, Chelsea Lately and The Tonight Show. Caparulo was once a doorman at Hollywood’s Comedy Store before winning acclaim at festivals and establishing himself as an up-and-coming comic. Caparulo, with his Midwestern approachability and charisma, would be a great candidate for hosting.
#4 Jimmy Carr
Jimmy Carr would also be a candidate for television host, with his signature deadpan style and dark humor to match. Carr, an executive, left the business world to perform comedy. He won spots multiple times on both “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.” He’d be a good switch-up for the American talk show circuit!
#5 Adam Corolla
Adam Corolla made a name for himself doing radio and talk shows along with comedy stand up routines. Starting in radio, Corolla graduated to hosting MTV’s “Loveline” and then “The Man Show.” Corolla is a guy’s guy, and has proven himself a force to be reckoned with. He would be a great choice to host, given his track record.
#6Louis C.K.
Known for his stand up, Louis C.K. is also a writer whose credits include “Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” “The Dana Carvey Show” and “The Late Show With David Letterman.” At the same time, C.K. seems to have performed on every late-night show on the circuit. He briefly had his own HBO sitcom, “Lucky Louie,” and was most recently seen on the NBC comedy, “Parks and Recreation.”
#7 Demetri Martin
Demitri Martin started in stand up, but gained wide notice as a correspondent on the critically acclaimed “The Daily Show.” Martin has a unique comedic style and is a frequent user of one-liners, puns, props, pads and music. He’s a busy comic, but not too busy for late night television.
#8 Mike Birbiglia
Mike Birbiglia is often compared to a young Jerry Seinfeld. Starting his career early in stand-up, he quickly gained attention from bookers and started performing on the late-night circuit. His comedic style infuses storytelling and captivates viewers as they watch him perform.
#9 Jim Gaffigan
Jim Gaffigan is known for self-criticism and humorous “asides” that would work well in a hosting context. He is often seen in commercials, films and on the late-night circuit, and is perhaps best known for his jokes about Hot Pockets. Gaffigan is a likeable comedian who would be a great fit on “The Tonight Show.”
#10 Dave Attell
A comedian’s comedian, Dave Attell is fresh, upfront and subtle in his comedic style and showcasings. He first appeared on VH1 hosting “Stand-Up Spotlight” and has since had many hosting gigs. At the same time, his own comedy was never eclipsed by his hosting, as evidenced from his longtime involvement with “The Daily Show” and “Insomniac with Dave Attell.” Attell would be a great choice for possible hosting, with a comedic sophistication and a track record of successful hosting!
#11 Ricky Gervais
Ricky Gervais is one of the hottest comics out there. Although he does do stand up, he is also the creator of two wildly successful shows, “The Office” and “Extras.” Always a hit at award shows, Gervais has been picked to host this year’s Golden Globes. So why not make him the host of “The Tonight Show?”