Jay Leno Rips NBC in Monologue

By Mike Hess Posted Jan 8th 2010 07:49AM

Jay Leno used his talk-show pulpit to skewer NBC on the day that various media reports emerged that his days in the 10 p.m. time slot may be done. Going straight for the throat, Leno taunted his network by saying "I hear Fox is beautiful this time of year" and joking that the trust between him and the Peacock network is gone. Watch the Video Below:

The verbal assault comes after rumors flew claiming Leno would be returning to 11:30 in late February. There was no word where that would leave Conan O'Brien, who took over Leno's 'Tonight Show' chair last year.

During his monologue, Leno put in several shots at NBC. When addressing the cancellation rumor, he quipped that he has nothing to worry about because "NBC only cancels you when you're in first place, so we're fine."

Since taking the 10 p.m. slot, Leno's ratings have been in steady decline and are a far drop from his 'Tonight' pull. Making matters even worse for NBC, local affiliates across the country complained because his 10 p.m. lead-in into their 11 p.m. newscasts was hurting their ratings.

Perhaps the harshest shot that Leno took at NBC was veiled in a news story that he turned to his advantage.

"The Justice Department announced they'll conduct an anti-trust review of Comcast's proposal deal ... you know the merge with NBC. Anti-trust, which is the relationship I have with NBC," he said.

Closing out the monologue, Leno got in one last pot shot, asking band leader Kevin Eubanks: " Hey Kev, what does NBC stand for? Never Believe your Contract!"

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

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."

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

Comments

(202)

Friday 08 January

By steve46062

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Leno needs to give it up.

By AP

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I don't think Leno needs to give it up at all...at the end of the day I think it was NBC who made a stupid move. I like Jay's show and think they should have left things the way they were. Leno at 11:35, and either Conan or Fallon afterward. I watch Letterman anyway at 11:35 and have actually enjoyed the ability to watch both Jay and Dave without time shifting...but I guess nothing lasts forever...unless you're Lorne Michaels and can keep bringing people in to fill holes as you please.

By cody robinson

Truthfully, I can't stand any of them. I dislike all of those late shows... It is far from hilarious... I do however like Jay leno more than Cheatin Letter boy.

By Mick

You need to give it up! Get a new brain!

By James

NBC makes stupid mistakes. Remember this whole change thing with Leno and Conan brought about the cancelation of Southland and Medium, the only money makers NBC had. I say, blow em up and replace NBC with a 24 test pattern.

Thursday 14 January

By Francis Howell

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I don't think you have given Jay Leno new talk show enough time. It's has a few bugs that need to be worked out. I love both Conan and Jay, and can't see either one going anywhere. I think Jay Leno show needs to make a few changes, get rid of the eletric car ride, it's getting old. Don't say they have to earn their blug, just do the game plan of what ever it is. Make Jay Leno show a little lighter version of the "Tonight Show". Maybe instead of moving Jay back to the "Tonight Show," you could get some new writter that can turn the show around. It can be done!

By tom

more hollywood replacing good talent with another J. seinfeld is a joke, dry and not funny at all, but his J buddies in hollywood will take care of him... sjhame

By Heywood Jablowme

so the only "J" that you like is the dead one hanging up in your church? Keep in mind, your lord and savior was a "J" his entire life until the day he died.

By robovic

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"J" ?? Why are you hiding (poorly) your blatant anti-semitism?

By koufax

It must burn you up there are so few
'j
' in the world yet they control hollywood.

Monday 11 January

By lavidaboem

Uhm, this is not where this thread needs to go folks; however, being part "J" in all of this mind you--sometimes the truth hurts.

Has anyone seen any business that "J's" are not in control...?

Has anyone tried counting the number of "J" names, let's say, on CNBC during the morning call...?

I started once, then I lost count.
So, the point you are trying to make is--this known, not known, or people don't car which way things are...does it matter, or can/should it be changed?

OIC, I din't think so.

By CougartownIsAWebsiteNotAVerb

Let's give it up for Jay Leno!

By Joseph

Conan O'Brian is a no talent guy and I will be happy to get back to seeing Mr. Leno at 11:30PM

By Sheila Dozier

I never ever liked Jay Leno. He was just a writer on SNL & was plucked for some reason out of SNL and chosen to be the Golden Boy of late night TV. Wherever he is let him stay there.

By Gary

How about 10 o'clock news? Leno at 10:35 and O'Brien stays at 11:35 still losing to Letterman? My local NBC channel does the news on Fox at 10 PM now anyway so it wouldn't be much change.

By Ron B.

I have always liked Jay Leno. Since he moved to the new time slot, I have been going to bed earlier, after his show & the news. I feel 100% better now that I get a "FULL" night's sleep!
One New Year's Resolution started early!!

By Jack W. Scott

Ron has done the right thing so far, at night he TURNS OFF THE T.V. !!!

By Virginia

Please return Leno to 11:30p

By Mary

Did anyone ever think that it just might be that people are fed up with NBC period because of their left wings tactics?

By Kat

There is nothing "left wing" about any network conglomerate. Big business is strictly right wing and unless you are among the super rich you are being duped.

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