Naturally, when Jay Leno first publicly addressed his forthcoming move to prime time on The Tonight Show last night, he made a big ol’ joke out it — and largely at the expense of network-he’s-not-leaving NBC. To kick things off, the comedian joked that he was "shocked that NBC still had a prime time." Right on, especially now! That’s the truly funny thing about comedians — they usually say the things we’re all thinking but can’t quite put our finger on. The reality of that statement — see ya never, Lipstick Jungle and My Own Worst Enemy! — is scary.
He continued by biting the hand that feeds him: "We’ll start at 10 p.m., right after the last hour of the Today show." Ouch. Taking down morning news and prime time in the same hour? This is clearly coming from a man who now basically owns NBC. Move over, Trump!
The only thing that was devoid from the whole chatter was any sort of details about what we can expect from this new incarnation. "We’re gonna be primetime. We gotta clean up a little bit," Leno added, joking that he’ll be 20 pounds lighter and band-leader Kevin will have hair. You can watch a highlight reel here:
But really, Jay, I’m ready for some juice about what your new non-Tonight Show show will entail. Rosie Live-esque prize giveaways? Recycled guests from Today? Just a load more "Jaywalking"? I’m gonna lob this conversation over to you, PopWatchers: What would you like to see on Jay’s new show? Are you looking for a total format shake-up or do you want Jay’s same ol’ schtick? What advice do you have for him? And most importantly: Will you watch?
More Leno News from EW:
Jay Leno goes to prime time?!
Jay Leno to prime time: Why NBC is doing it
I’m curious to watch the first few episodes, but I don’t anticipate Leno doing much that’s different from what he’s already doing. What else can he do? More skits? He’s not that talented of an actor. He glad-hands celebrities. That’s his niche. I don’t see his primetime show doing anything that upsets the order of things.
Live bands. It might be difficult to find 200+ bands to play, but I’m sure it could be done. There are plenty of up and coming and indie bands that would love a little exposure. He could do for music and struggling bands what Oprah has done for books and authors.
Since Leno is such an auto enthusiast, it might be fun to see him do a show similar to the BBC’s “Top Gear”.
I have watched Leno at his present time and don’t want to see it change.
Please no more Jay Leno. He’s overstayed his welcome. Least funny person on television.
I agree with Emily…he should do something different than what he’s already doing…otherwise, what’s the use of Conan taking over Tonight Show? He would totally upstage Conan, and I’ve been looking forward to Conan moving to a more reasonable hour.
NBC should leave well enough alone. Just another attempt to keep a “draw” and to creep into primetime from last place. It will kill the Tonight Show, leaving everyone to go from Leno to Letterman directly after.
What do I want to see? Conan O’Brien.
I want to see new writers. During teh strike, Jay was funny and refreshing on his own. The late nite writers are lewd, find sex in every topic, and quite franjly …. not funny.
And leave President Bush alone.
I like the idea of teh automobiles.
him off the air
It really shows how desperate NBC really is, doesn’t it? The kicker is going to be “five times a week” – if we are going to be bombarded with self-promoting stars and writers hawking their latest wonderment, then keep it on late at night so we can let it lullaby us to sleep. I don’t see how you could do a variety show ala Carol Burnette of old – too expensive. So, we will just sit back and more than likely watch Leno go down in flames.
We await a late night show host who is truly funny and no so continually caustic about everything. We miss John Carson so much.
so-called night club comedians are the lowest form of humanity, and Leno is at bottom of list. would rather go outside and watch Kudzu grow.
Retire !!!!!! you are not funny anymore and your show is boring. Bring Bonnie Hunt to prime time, now there is a funny woman and her show format is fantastic, and the guest are awesome.
I’d like to see Jay do more goofy stuff the way Steve Allen did. Go outside and talk to passersby, funny skits etc. It would be a lot of fun and Leno would be good at it.