Fallon's Buddy Michael Shoemaker Will Be Late Night Showrunner

When Jimmy Fallon takes over Conan O'Brien's seat in 2009, he'll have a familiar face behind the cameras to help him. His Saturday Night Live buddy Michael Shoemaker will be Late Night's showrunner next year.

Mr. Shoemaker ran Weekend Update on SNL when Mr. Fallon giggled his way through the segments as co-anchor. He also consults with Mr. Fallon on other appearances, like his 2002 MTV Video Music Awards performance (which included possibly the funniest opening ever).

"Jimmy and I work together all the time, and we've always had fun in the process," Mr. Shoemaker told Variety. "I have a nice job here at 'Saturday Night Live' but I couldn't turn down the chance to work on something like this."

"Mike was at the center of all things good at Saturday Night Live for the last 20 years," executive producer Lorne Michaels added.

Looks like SNL has some hiring to do.