Tonight will mark the beginning of a new era for NBC’s “Late Night” when comedian Jimmy Fallon, Conan O’Brien’s replacement, will host the inaugural episode of the popular late night talk show.

Seeing as Fallon was appropriately forgotten in Hollywood after his quest for Adam Sandler-like superstardom ended up more like Tom Green’s (see: “Taxi”), the bar is set higher than high. Here are a few suggestions for Fallon on how to rule the “Late Night” kingdom:

1) Avoid broad comedy

If Conan taught us anything, it’s that you can get away with masturbating bears and Abraham Lincoln dressed in S&M gear in the 11:30 p.m. time slot. Fallon is no stranger to late-night television after a long stint on “Saturday Night Live,” but he succeeds more when he’s playing a character rather than his loathsome, arrogant self. The American public rejected Fallon’s doofus brand of humor after “Fever Pitch,” so he needs to hone the kind of host he wants to be. Conan was always in the middle of a mediocre sandwich, squished between Jay Leno and Carson Daly, so Fallon needs to find his trademark comedic niche. Quick.

2) Book good guests

Being second fiddle to Leno and Letterman already damages your chances at A-list stars. On the premiere episode, Fallon will welcome Robert De Niro and Van Morrison. Justin Timberlake is also rumored to appear, possibly setting up a reunion of “The Barry Gibb Talk Show,” a bit that was last relevant three years ago. Fallon needs to maintain those high-profile guests who avoid the inferior Jimmy Kimmel and don’t know who Craig Ferguson is. If you get to episode No. 3 and your show features Tom Arnold, you’re in trouble.

3) Don’t be the old Jimmy Fallon

There was a point around 2002 when Fallon was the reason to watch “SNL.” However, due to overexposure and the song “Idiot Boyfriend,” Fallon’s hype deflated faster than Dane Cook’s. Fallon needs to ditch the strategic gel job on his unkempt hair, avoid laughing at his own jokes and step up his game. It’s 2009, and Fallon hasn’t been hot since Bush’s first term; he needs to reinvent himself if he really wants to be considered a main event in late-night television.