Filed under: Jimmy Fallon • Larry King Live

By Breeanna Hare

(CNN) - Now that Conan O'Brien is out as "Tonight Show" host and Jay Leno is back in, Jimmy Fallon may have quietly positioned himself to be next in line to take the behind-the-desk throne.

As host of "Late Night," still slated for 12:35 a.m. Monday through Friday, Fallon is exactly where O'Brien once was for 16 years: the follow-up to Jay Leno's "Tonight Show." If history repeats itself, Fallon may be poised to take the "Tonight" baton as O'Brien did, though he would probably hope for better results.

The 35-year-old comedian was brought into NBC's late-night fold last March to take over O'Brien's former post on "Late Night." Throughout the entire late-night battle at NBC, Fallon remained the silent new kid, keeping quiet even though the proposed negotiations affected his show as well. NBC originally devised a scheme that would place "The Jay Leno Show" at 11:35 p.m. for a half hour, to be followed by "The Tonight Show" at 12:05, which would knock Fallon back to 1:05, a move that could have put a deep gash in the newcomer's ratings.

"He was wise to stay out of it, and he didn't have much of a choice I don't think. He's a small fish at NBC," said Slantmagazine.com's TV editor Sal Cinquemani. "He's like a little brother watching his siblings fight with his parents and to keep quiet was the classy thing to do."

Even as O'Brien rode a ratings wave thanks to the shots he fired at the network, Fallon didn't use the open season on NBC to his advantage. But, Cinquemani said, Fallon didn't have to. At the end of the day, O'Brien's exit is the best thing that could have come out of this mess for Fallon.

"This puts him in a better position than he was before, because he could now potentially be the host that follows on 'The Tonight Show,' " Cinquemani said. "It definitely works to his benefit, which is why he probably didn't say anything."

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Filed under: Conan O'Brien • Entertainment • Jimmy Fallon

Tonight, "Saturday Night Live" alum Jimmy Fallon’s New Job!  The "Late Night" host goes prime-time with a hot new show!  And he's stopping by our studio to talk about it.  Hear how the new job is going – and get behind-the-scenes details.  It's Jimmy Fallon's turn in the hot seat!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Have a question or comment for Jimmy?  CLICK HERE!

Then, tune-in tonight.  We may use it on the air in our blog segment!

But, up first tonight, an exclusive with Howard K. Stern’s attorney!  The longtime companion of the late Anna Nicole Smith was arrested last night on felony charges!  Did he keep Anna Nicole Smith dazed with drugs?   We'll discuss that and more in this sensational case!

Also, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul thinks marijuana should be legalized!  Actor Stephen Baldwin disagrees!  And they'll debate it tonight as Joy Behar sits-in for Larry as guest host.  It all begins at 9 p.m., ET!

Filed under: Anna Nicole Smith • Jimmy Fallon • Larry King Live