Jay Leno Going Back to 11:30?

By PopEater Staff Posted Jan 7th 2010 04:50PM

Jay Leno will be back in his 11:30 p.m. 'Tonight Show' time slot very soon after his rocky venture into 10 p.m. territory, TMZ is reporting. Well that was quick ... and would make a lot of sense given our exclusive report from Rob Shuter a few weeks ago claiming NBC was looking to bounce Conan for Jerry Seinfeld. The switch hasn't been verified or denied by NBC at this time.

PopEater's Rob Shuter reported on December 17 that NBC was courting Jerry Seinfeld to replace O'Brien in the hopes of boosting the slot's sagging ratings. Unfortunately, NBC was unable to ink the deal according to Shuter.

At the time, NBC spokesperson Drew Shane called the claims "Completely false," adding that "Conan is the host of the 'Tonight Show.'" Oh really?

According to The New York Times, " the plan being discussed Mr. Leno would definitely shift back to 11:35 but in a half-hour format, while Mr. O'Brien would slide back his start time by a half hour and then produce an hour-long show."

In a statement obtained by EW.com, NBC is shooting down the shift rumors, saying (without denying any upcoming changes): "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 performance."

Leno himself also weighed in on the rumors, saying during his Thursday show: "I don't think there is any truth to the rumors ... See, it's always been my experience that NBC only cancels you when you're in first place. So we are fine. We are OK." He even joked "What does NBC stand for? Never Believe your Contract."

If the switch does indeed happen, TMZ reports it will likely take place in February after the Olympics.

NBC also said that they are "committed to keeping Conan O'Brien on NBC ... as he has been for more than 16 years and is one of the most respected entertainers on television."

Tags: conan obrien, ConanObrien, jay leno, jay leno show, JayLeno, JayLenoShow, tonight show, TonightShow

Comments

(86)

Monday 11 January

By Steve

Vote down Vote up Report this

I'm no TV ratings expert, but giving the Tonight show to Conan was a mistake that I even knew was one. Old expression; if it ain't broke don't fix it. How could the suits at NBC take out their time slot ratings leader, and put in Conan? It made no sense before, and even less now.
Jay, please don't bow into their pressure. You only belong on the Tonight Show, and not a lead in to Conan. If they had so much confidence in Conan, let him lead in for Leno. But we all know that the affiliates wouldn't do any better. He is not Tonight Show ready.

Tuesday 12 January

By Fluffy

GO JAY! I am very happy that Jay is back. He is not obnoxious and makes me laugh so much. I love you, Jay, and hope you are here to stay!

Wednesday 13 January

By Barbara Jenkins

Leno is funny. Been my favorite for years. KEEP LENO!Conan is not funny.

By Matt G

I'm sorry but Jay Leno is kind of a jackass. He insults his guests, his humor is degrading and self glorifying, he does have a history with the american public but with the public who's way too old to stay up past 11 at night.

I will admit i do miss conan at his orginal hour because I seem to never make it in time for the tonight show but that was true when jay hosted it. i feel like i have to beg my tv when i watch leno. i suggest moving jay to an even earlier time, say 8. and let conan reign as the new late nite king. and fallon, is just funny. though he does look petrified most of the time on screen.

Tuesday 19 January

By sheila

I loved the Tonight Show w/Jay - Conan is not for me in any way,shape or form...I never laugh at his "jokes"...He's lucky to have a job...

Saturday 30 January

By Beverly

Jay is not the bad guy, he was asked to give the show up, he did , Conan was unable to keep the ratings, so now NBC wants Jay back what is not to understand?
This is the media exploting all concerned, just to get a feud going to keep up their ratings...

Page 5 of 5