Jay Leno to Kick Conan Out of His Chair?
January 7, 2010 by Kath Skerry
NBC tried to save face today when the responded to the rumors that The Jay Leno Show would be canceled by issuing the following statement earlier today:
“Jay Leno is one of the most compelling entertainers in the world today. As we have said all along, Jay’s show has performed exactly as we anticipated on the network. It has, however, presented some issues for our affiliates. Both Jay and the show are committed to working closely with them to find ways to improve the performance.”
The ratings have not been stellar and the network affiliates are not happy. Fans aren’t happy that NBC has made the decision to sacrifice one hour of original programming each weeknight in order to have three late night talk shows in a row. And even Leno himself has made a few thinly veiled comments about his new gig at the 10pm hour.
But now comes word from TMZ that Jay may be getting his way after all. Sources have allegedly told TMZ that after Leno’s hiatus (which begins February 1st), Leno will be moving back to his 11:30pm time slot. So what does that mean for The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien? It seems that bit of news is being held under wraps. According to the site, NBC hasn’t decided if Leno’s show will be a half hour lead in to Conan, or if maybe Conan will be ousted completely.
UPDATE: NBC execs confirm to the New York Times that there has been talk of restoring Leno to the 11:35 timeslot.
(continue reading)
Wow, NBC. You really ‘schruted’ this one. The network promised The Tonight Show to Conan. Had they just let Jay Leno go, the audience would have adjusted to Conan in due time. Keeping Jay around meant that Conan never really had a chance to make The Tonight Show his own or endear the audience to his brand of comedy.
Maybe it’s just me but I don’t get it. With all due respect to Jay, his brand of comedy seems stale to me. I’m a big fan of Conan, and while I’m disappointed he was forced to compromise his show at times for the existing Tonight Show demo, he is an enormous talent. One who was completely shafted by NBC.
I’ve made a conscious choice not to watch The Jay Leno Show. I’m not a Neilsen family (if only I could yield that power), but regardless I don’t want to send the message to NBC that it’s ok to sacrifice original programming for a show that’s cheap to produce but still pays the bills.
Do you think NBC should try to keep both Jay and Conan on late night? Who would you like to see stay….or go?
Related Posts
Filed under #1 featured, Talk Show Appearances
I prefer Leno, but I rarely watch the 11:35 shows, even via DVR, unless there is a compelling guest.
But whoever stays or goes, I want the 10:00 time period back for scripted shows. I haven’t watached, and will not watch, Leno (or Conan or Letterman, etal.) at 10:00.
DEATH to the Jay Leno Show. It was a horrible idea to begin with. Conan is awesome and is getting/has gotten screwed by NBC. They’ve been on a downward spiral lately and this is only more evidence of that fact.
Conan stays, Leno GOES!
Get rid of Jay Leno! I’ve only seen his show when someone important is on. I watch Conan on a regular basis along with Jimmy Fallon.
i prefer leno as well. I love the jaywalking and ross matthews stuff.
Conan hasn’t been funny for me in a while, but I used to love those walker texas ranger clips haha
I don’t watch Leno for the exact reason you stated. That hour should be for scripted shows. Period. Let me amend that. GOOD scripted shows. (Heroes gets renewed? Really?)
NBC, just let Leno go out to pasture. The guests that he got, give them to Conan and Conan will be better. Also, Fallon has been adjusting well, too, so leave him be. NBC should just realize that the decisions that Silverman (I’m guessing he did) made were not great decisions.
The TPTB at NBC just need to step back, re-group, and start over. Use the shows that work but don’t over extend them. Get some quality new shows and give them enough time to gain momentum. Cut back on reality shows and talk shows. Find that niche that they had back in the 90’s or at least create a niche. CBS is all about criminal shows. ABC is all about drama. FOX is about reality. CW is about teen angst. NBC is about…?
I don’t really know what NBC needs to do to become successful again. I do not think it is easy as “sorano916” was outlining. Yes, NBC has had some bad shows and gotten themselves in a predicament with Leno, but they also have had some very good shows (Chuck, FNL, 30 Rock) that deserve to be watched by so many more people than. When Jim and Pam get married, why did only 9 million people tune in? Unfortunately, just have a good show doesn’t mean you won’t get creamed by a CBS procedural.
And even though Leno is doing mediocre, they knew this would happen, and shouldn’t be so surprised (and while he’s always in 3rd, I don’t think it’s really a distant 3rd). But it seems they weren’t expecting the trouble with the affiliates whose news ratings are dropping (though as a sidenote, I’ve never understood why lead-ins make that much difference: do people really just stare at the TV for several hours in a row and never move?).
And if they pull the plug right now, I really doubt they have 5 new shows ready to go midseason. Yes, they could fill one of those hours with FNL, but sadly, it will get worse ratings than Leno.
Team CONAN.
I think NBC has treated Conan like crap from the beginning of this ‘deal’ and he has acted very professionally throughout the situation. He’s hilarious, and deserved the promotion that he sort of got.
I also think NBC’s decision to create the Leno Show was a lose-lose decision for them from the beginning as far as ratings are concerned–they alienated viewers by cutting prime-time shows; they took viewers from the Tonight Show by creating the Jay Leno show (why give Conan a try if you’re a die-hard Leno-ite and you can still get your fix?); and I felt like it was kind of a bait-and-switch with the whole “he’s retiring!” “no he’s not!” deal, and I know I’m not alone in that feeling. All reasons why I refuse to watch the Leno Show and firmly support Conan.
Funniest line I’ve read all year…..
““Jay Leno is one of the most compelling entertainers in the world today.”
did somebody actually say that with a straight face ????
I prefer Conan to Jay hands-down, but this isnt’ about who is “better.” The time slot belongs to Conan. Imagine if a few months after you started a new job, the boss just decided to bring the guy you replaced back in and give him your office.
I refuse to watch Jay until this is sorted out and the right decision is made.
Kath,
Do you know how those of us who want contact NBC and voice our opinions about this can do so? I looked on NBC.com, but the ‘contact us’ link ultimately takes me to a survey.
Tough problem for NBC having too many good comedians and not enough good slots to put them in. Jay is a great stand-up guy with beautifully honed timing, and also a genuine likeable guy. Conan also funny and likeable but appeals to different demographic. I guess the numbers just weren’t there for him at 11:30. NBC screwed up and the way the fix it is to put them back where they were and throw a big bag of money at them keep them both.
The only reason I would want Conan back in his old slot would be to watch Letterman and then Conan. If i have to choose between Conan and Letterman, Conan wins. If I have to choose between Letterman and Leno, Letterman wins. Either way Leno Loses
Get Rid of Jay Leno!!!!!!! He’s had his time for plenty of years. It’s just not nice to reneg. Give Conan his due time to fulfill his dream. NBC is ugly!
NBC = N othing – B ut – C hicken s..t …… that’s NBC
Good riddance Conan. This is the best thing that could have happened, Leno and Fallon with no Conan. His show was to poop on!
Jay Leno is one of the most compelling entertainers in the world today. As we have said all along, Jay’s show has performed exactly as we anticipated
Who wrote that crap?
Leno compelling??? OH yes, when I see him I’m compelled to go pinch a loaf.