Jimmy Fallon hands Seth Meyers the late night pickle

The future "Tonight Show" host continues the tradition started by David Letterman

Published January 29, 2014 3:55PM (EST)

Jimmy Fallon has handed upcoming "Late Night" host and fellow "SNL" alum Seth Meyers the proverbial torch, which, for late night television hosts, is a giant pickle.

David Letterman started the tradition in 1993, when his staff handed it over to Conan O'Brien, who then gave the large plastic pickle to Fallon in 2009.

Meyers, who will be leaving "SNL," admitted that he is worried "about the interviewing" on late night television. "Obviously, that's a thing you have to learn by doing," he said to Fallon -- though he's become a pro by interviewing his old stuffed animals in the meantime.

But Meyers shouldn't face too much of a challenge with his first guest, who is "SNL" colleague Amy Poehler.

Fallon, who has edged out Jay Leno as the “Tonight Show” host, will move to the 11:35 p.m. time slot starting Feb. 17. Meyers will replace Fallon as NBC's "Late Night" host on Feb. 24.


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

MORE FROM Prachi Gupta