• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, August 11, 2008

A producer with longtime experience on "Saturday Night Live" will oversee production on the coming NBC late-night series "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." Michael Shoemaker takes the job after having been with "SNL" for more than 20 years.

NBC has a lot riding on the success of the Fallon show once Jay Leno leaves the network. Fallon takes over the spot long occupied by Conan O'Brien, who will replace Leno. NBC has been the leader in late night for years.

Shoemaker, who worked with Fallon at "SNL," also served with executive producer Lorne Michaels. Michaels holds that same top position for "Late Night."

"Mike was at the center of all things good at "Saturday Night Live" ... he'll do a great job with Jimmy," Michaels said.

Rick Ludwin, executive vice president, late night and prime-time series at NBC Entertainment, said Shoemaker's "ability to nurture talent, his great working relationship with Jimmy and familiarity with the best comedy talent in the business are all invaluable."

It's unclear when the Fallon show will debut, but there will be an online launch beforehand.

NBC Universal's in-house production studio is the producer of "Late Night."