Jay Leno Taking Over 10 P.M. On NBC
Jeff Zucker keeps Leno and O'Brien with Leno strip
By Ben Grossman -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/8/2008 2:19:00 PM EST
In a surprise move, Jay Leno is taking over the 10 p.m. slot weeknights on NBC.
The move is a huge coup for NBC Universal chief Jeff Zucker, who has long said he wanted to keep both Leno and his replacement, Conan O’Brien, in the NBC family.
The move would be a cost-effective manner in which to essentially cut down the amount of hours it must program with fare from the entertainment division. Jeff Zucker foreshadowed the move at a
Monday, saying that
NBC has to look at options including programming less primetime hours.
It would be a much-needed victory for struggling NBC in the wake of
and
a re-organization of the entire way the network and studio are structured
as the network continues to languish in fourth place.
The move would also bring to an end a potentially messy transition in the coming year that had industry speculation centered on Leno potentially moving to ABC, which would set up a three-way brawl for the dwindling late-night dollars between Leno, O’Brien and CBS’s David Letterman.
Leno’s start date is undecided, but expected to be by next fall.
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I'm thrilled Jay Leno is coming back to us at 10pm. TV needs a show like his instead of the stupid reality shows they now give us, and I don't have to stay up until 12:30pm to watch his show. Don't know what prompted NBC to replace him with Conan O'Brien, but having him on TV at any time is great. He a man's man and women love him too. Great personality,and a funny, fast moving show. Thanks Jay for coming back and not holding it against NBC for replacing you.
Dee Giorgi - 5/15/2009 8:09:44 PM EDT -
I would think Conan feels deflated. Maybe he's trying to figure out with
his lawyers if he is eligible for that $40 million payout he was supposed to
get if NBC kept Leno [?]
