Jimmy Fallon Brings The Tonight Show to Detroit

For the first time ever in the show’s history, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon will do their show in Michigan. A special episode is set to air on Monday, September 15, 2025, but it won’t be recorded at their usual location at 30 Rockefeller Center in Studio 6B. It will actually be recorded Sunday, September 14th at the iconic Detroit Opera House.

Fallon’s First-Ever Michigan Show

The Tonight Show is partnering with the Ford Motor Company for a spotlight on Michigan and its most iconic city.

For over two decades, the Ford Motor Company and Ford Philanthropy have been investing in the mission to expose the arts to new audiences in local communities by being a strong supporter of the Detroit Opera House.

All-Star Guests With Motor City Roots

The one-night event airing on NBC will bring Jimmy Fallon’s unmistakable mix of comedy and music along with great guest stars to the Motor City. Fallon is celebrating the start of his 12th season as host of The Tonight Show. For this special Motor City episode he will host guests with strong Michigan roots including:

Michigan native, Keegan-Michael Key
Detroit Pistons All-Star, Cade Cunningham
Grammy-winning rapper-actor, Common

Filming for Monday’s show will start at 3:30 p.m. this Sunday at the Detroit Opera House. Tickets were snatched up as soon as the Detroit show was announced, but you can put your name on the waiting list by clicking here. You can see Jimmy's excitement about coming to Michigan in the video below.

The Tonight Show’s Legacy of Hosts

Jimmy Fallon is the sixth host of the long-running Tonight Show, which has been on the air since September 27, 1954, when Steve Allen hosted the first show.

READ MORE: Adam Sandler is Coming to Michigan

The legacy has continued over the years with beloved hosts including Johnny Carson, who had the longest run as the show’s star with over 29 years at the helm.

Host	Dates of Tenure
Steve Allen	September 27, 1954 – January 25, 1957
Jack Paar	July 29, 1957 – March 30, 1962
Johnny Carson	October 1, 1962 – May 22, 1992
Jay Leno (1st tenure)	May 25, 1992 – May 29, 2009
Conan O’Brien	June 1, 2009 – January 22, 2010
Jay Leno (2nd tenure)	March 1, 2010 – February 6, 2014
Jimmy Fallon	February 17, 2014 – Present

Check Out 27 TV Shows That Were All Set in Michigan

Michigan is a great state surrounded by the Great Lakes - and it also makes a great setting for a TV show.

We all know that 'Home Improvement' starring Michigan's own Tim Allen is set here in Michigan, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Or in this case, the tip of the Mitten.

Check out these 27 TV shows that have been based right here in good ol' Michigan.

Gallery Credit: George McIntyre