The Tonight Show to air four post-Sunday Night Football specials

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon will return to Sunday nights this fall, with four special episodes scheduled to air after NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcasts between September and December. NBC announced the slate Thursday, saying the episodes will follow local news immediately after the network’s marquee NFL telecasts on Sept. 21, Oct. 26, Nov. 16 and Dec. 7.

The first of the postgame editions will air Sept. 21 after the Kansas City Chiefs host the New York Giants and will feature actor Matthew McConaughey and country star Eric Church, with additional guests and musical acts to be announced. The other Sunday night pairings are set for Oct. 26 after Green Bay at Pittsburgh, Nov. 16 after Detroit at Philadelphia and Dec. 7 after Houston at Kansas City. The Tonight Show will also appear in its regular late night slot following the NFL season opener on Thursday, Sept. 4, when the Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys.

"Teaming up with NBC Sports for these Sunday night episodes is always a highlight for us," Tonight Show showrunner Chris Miller said in a statement. "We’ve always loved leaning into sports and are excited to be a part of Sunday Night Football again...