ULAANBAATAR: Mongolian broadcaster Central TV is to make a local language version of US late-night talk show The Tonight Show – the format’s first-ever international adaptation.
To be titled The Tonight Show Starring Ankhbayar, the 20×60’ series will be presented by Ankhbayar Ganbold.
The news was revealed by NBCUniversal Formats, part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group, which licenses the title globally.
The original show, produced by Universal Television and Broadway Video, debuted on NBC in 1954 and is the longest-running talk show in US history. It has been presented by a number of comedians including Steve Allen, Johnny Carson, Conan O’Brien and current host Jimmy Fallon.
Central TV’s Mongolian version, produced in-house, will feature celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, musical performances, viral games and surprises.
Headquartered in Ulaanbaatar, Central TV was founded in 2021 and features programming such as dating series Love by the Sea 24/7. The broadcaster has also previously adapted hit international formats such as That’s My Jam and The Masked Singer.
Ganbold said: “It has been my childhood dream to host The Tonight Show and I’m beyond thrilled to see my vision come to life.
“Becoming the first global adaptation of The Tonight Show marks a historic milestone, not just for Mongolia’s media industry, but for our cultural relations between the US and Mongolia.
“It’s a great honour and responsibility we proudly carry forward. We can’t wait to entertain our local audience with The Tonight Show with our Mongolian flavour soon.”
Linfield Ng, VP of format sales and production at NBCUniversal Formats, said: “This is a landmark moment for The Tonight Show, one of television’s most iconic and enduring brands.
“Bringing it to Mongolia with our partners at Central TV is something we are incredibly proud of. Jimmy Fallon has been a true champion of the format’s global potential and we are thrilled to see the first international version come to life.
“Ankhbayar brings charisma, wit and gravitas to the show. We are looking forward to this exciting new chapter.” - Go Go Mongolia/ANN
