In 2009, Last Call abandoned its studio-based format, and was retooled as an entertainment program featuring interviews and performances (such as music and stand-up comedy) filmed on-location with Daly.

Despite this, the show continued with Daly in a reduced capacity, serving only as a studio-based presenter for the segments (with interviews conducted by production staff off-camera).

The stage was set up in an empty black box theater style, save for two low-slung chairs and a small table.

Last Call was originally planned to broadcast in high-definition when Studio 8H was retrofitted for Saturday Night Live; however, instead, the show was relocated to Los Angeles in September 2005, and continued to air in standard-definition.

[citation needed] After the move, Last Call began to resemble its counterparts, with a more traditional set, permanent house band led by Joe Firstman, short monologue and occasional comedy bits.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) was critical of Daly, accusing him of crossing picket lines and labeling him a scab.

[11] In February 2009, network executive Rick Ludwin told TV Week that the company was currently "going through the budgetary process with all of our shows.

"[10] Soon after that interview, NBC announced plans for Last Call to go on a one-week "tour" of California, with taped segments of up-and-coming musical acts at various clubs, such as The Roxy, The Viper Room, and Hotel Cafe.

[15] NBC chairman Jeff Gaspin told ABC News he expected Daly to stay with the network "in some fashion", but did not elaborate.

Referencing the contestant elimination process on the show Survivor, Kimmel responded, "As long as you have your immunity idol, I think you're safe."

"[17] After O'Brien was effectively forced to leave NBC and Leno was subsequently re-installed as host of The Tonight Show, Daly remained at his spot and received a 4% surge in ratings.

On April 3, 2013, NBC officially announced that Jimmy Fallon would succeed Jay Leno as the host of The Tonight Show following the 2014 Winter Olympics.

[22] In September 2013, NBC announced that Daly was leaving Last Call to become the new social media correspondent for its morning show Today.