‘The Tonight Show’ Heads to Asia in First International Adaptation, Launching in Mongolia with Central TV

In a historic move for late-night television, NBCUniversal Formats has announced the first-ever international adaptation of the iconic US late-night show The Tonight Show, with Mongolia’s Central TV set to produce a local-language version titled The Tonight Show Starring Ankhbayar. The new Mongolian version of the show will consist of 20 one-hour episodes (20x60'), hosted by well-known local personality Ankhbayar Ganbold. This marks a significant cultural milestone, not only for Mongolia's rapidly growing television industry but also for the global expansion of one of America’s most enduring TV franchises.

A Global First for an American Icon

Originally debuting in 1954, The Tonight Show is widely recognized as the longest-running talk show in US history. Over the decades, it has been hosted by some of America’s most legendary comedians and entertainers, including Steve Allen, Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, and, most recently, Jimmy Fallon. While the format has inspired many late-night shows around the world, this adaptation represents the first officially licensed international version of The Tonight Show. Local Format, Global Legacy

Produced in-house by Central TV, The Tonight Show Starring Ankhbayar will retain key elements of the American original — including celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, musical performances, and viral game segments — all infused with a distinct Mongolian cultural flavor. Ankhbayar Ganbold, a celebrated Mongolian host and entertainer, expressed deep pride in the opportunity to bring the show to local audiences:

“It has been my childhood dream to host The Tonight Show, and I’m beyond thrilled to see my vision come to life,” he said. “Becoming the first global adaptation of The Tonight Show marks a historic milestone, not just for Mongolia’s media industry, but for cultural relations between the US and Mongolia.”

About Central TV

Based in Ulaanbaatar, Central TV is one of Mongolia’s most dynamic and fast-growing broadcasters. Founded in 2021, the network has quickly gained attention for adapting global formats for local viewers. Previous adaptations include hit shows such as The Masked Singer and That’s My Jam (another NBCUniversal property).

Other original programs, such as the popular dating reality series Love by the Sea 24/7, have helped position Central TV as a forward-thinking force in Mongolian entertainment.

NBCUniversal’s Global Vision

Linfield Ng, Vice President of Format Sales and Production at NBCUniversal Formats, emphasized the significance of the deal:

“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,” he said.“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.”

A Step Toward More Global Adaptations?

The move signals NBCUniversal’s growing ambitions in the international format market, particularly in Asia. With the success of The Tonight Show Starring Ankhbayar, industry observers are speculating whether more global versions — perhaps in countries like South Korea, India, or Brazil — might follow.

The Mongolian adaptation is expected to premiere later this year, with high anticipation from both local viewers and international media watchers alike.

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