New Jay Leno Ad Takes a Dig at Conan

By Mike Hess Posted Feb 19th 2010 08:06AM

With all of the damage done by the late-night wars that eventually led to Conan O'Brien's ouster and Jay Leno reclaiming the 'Tonight Show' gig once again, you'd think that subtlety and good-guy cheer would be the way to go for NBC and Jay as they try to wash their hands of the mess. Not so much. In a new commercial for the return of Leno to 'Tonight,' they clearly use the ad not just as a reminder that Jay's back at a new time after the Olympics, but to claim that Conan never belonged there in the first place.

In the commercial, Leno is seen driving down California's glorious Pacific Coast Highway in a Shelby Cobra. Leno, a classic car enthusiast, is seen tearing down the highway with a "10" decal on the side of the car, alluding to his old and failed time slot. After a quick smile, Leno shifts gears in the car, and the "10" decal flies off to reveal one that says "11:35."

That's not so bad, right? Well, the real stinger is in the soundtrack.

During the ad, Leno is coasting to the Beatles tune 'Get Back,' which just as the time changes on the car's decals declares "Get back to where you once belonged."

So, is NBC saying that Conan never deserved the seat they gave him and then took away? Keep in mind, Conan can't say anything -- disparaging or not -- about NBC and his fallout with the network until September thanks to his $45 million settlement.

So, as Leno readies for his March re-debut, we just hope he and NBC can keep things classy and not resort to beating a dead, red-headed horse.

Tags: jay leno

Comments

(166)

Friday 19 February

By Silent Josh

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Conan's ratings werte low because Leno's show before the Tonight Show bombed, causing everyone to stop watching NBC. Why would putting Leno on later help Conan's ratings go up? Leno hasn't been funny in about 15 years, I can't wait to see the Tonight Show ratings continue to bomb when Leno takes over. Sorry, but the changing the timeslot is certainly NOT going to help Leno's ratings.

By Paula

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NBC MADE A HUGE MISTAKE BY REPLACING LENO WITH CONAN. HE IS WEIRD & NOT THE LEAST BIT FUNNY. THE ONLY TIME I HAVE EVER WATCHED CONAN WAS WHEN TRIUMPH THE DOG WAS ON HIS SHOW. NBC SHOULD HAVE NEVER MADE THAT MOVE & LENO DESERVES THAT LATE NIGHT SHOW. THE RATINGS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO CONAN. JAY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS SITUATION. WHY BLAME HIM? NBC IS THE ONE TO BLAME.

By mary b

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The real problem here is that people do not like change. What was wrong with the line-up to begin with? Everyone was happy. We watched the news, Jay and then Conan. There was (and still is) enough room for everyone. This is what happens when greed gets in the way. Conan, what were you thinking? People love you. More so than making the money, you were providing a lifestyle for your family that was beyond what any of us can imagine. Did you even think of your children's (wife etc.) futures when you decided not to budge on the negotiations? Sometines it's better to humble yourself for the good of others. The audience will forget in time, will your family ever forgive you for this blunder?

By LinMG

To Mary B - Huh? What was Conan thinking, you asked. And how he should have thought about the lifestyle for his family, wife, etc.. Hmm..I don't think Conan is hurting financially, after his decisions! How many millions did the network give him to "settle " this and leave? Puleez!!

By Josh

wow i bet you watch jersey shore, you wouldnt know good if it smacked you in the face

Saturday 20 February

By Jenn

Thank you! It isn't like NBC said "Hey Coco you're out!" No, they gave him an offer but he had to be a big cry baby over it and stomp his feet. My friend's 6 year old doesn't even do that! Even he knows that if you smile and act nice you get more

By jp

Hey Paula...Don't use CAPS!!!! I get the feeling that you like to SHOUT too!!

Sunday 21 February

By dave

I wish I "didn't have a job" like Conan doesn't.

Monday 22 February

By Gary D

One thing you have to remember; Jay Leno didn't have the ratings for the Tonight Show for his first 3 YEARS! Conan was only given 7 months.

By Dan

What are you talking about? This story LINKS TO THE WRONG JAY LENO AD. The ad posted, via YouTube, is obviously an old ad, about the launch of Jay Leno's 10 pm show, not his return to 1135. That's why it features the number 10, the words 9 Central, and the word Fall. Get a life. And get a decent editor at Pop Eater...you need one.

By cindycer

Just get rid of Leno - he's a has-been at this point. I'd rather watch old reruns of Johnny Carson than see The Chin ever again. Leno has never belonged in the seat - he's just no Johnny.

By mark

I just really don't give a crap.

By Bill

I watched the ad before reading the explanation that was provided and to tell you the truth....I just didn't get it! Left me wondering what's that all about? Accordingly, not an effective ad.

By larry

Jay is a no talent no spine classless Backstabbing Jerk.
He did it to Letterman he did it to Conan and tries to say it wasn't him it was the network.Sure Jay that's why its all backdoor deals and shady underhanded tricks with you. Even you bits are stolen like Jaywalking original Stern bit , headlines a Letterman original. Backdoor deal to get John Melendez AKA stuttering John to leave Stern. Where is John now oh I forgot that don't matter as long as Jay gets what he wants.I hope Letterman kills him in the ratings and Jay gets put out on his chin.

By ZMAspro

I could not stand Leno before, still can't, and never will. He is one egotistical brat. Conan I watched - Leno yuk. Simple as that!!!!!!!!!!!!

Conan sucks! He is a no-talent, unfunny loser.

By eb146403

Think you posted the wrong ad, friends.

By Raven

I would much MUCH rather watch Leno than Conan.

I have never liked Conan, and can't stand to watch him. He's not funny, just goofy.

Truly, I would much rather watch Carson than either one of them, but I guess you can't have everything.

By denb1214

Conan never deserved the "Tonight Show." He's too young and immature to follow the greats of Steve Allen, who started that program back in 1955; Jack Parr, Johnny Carson or Jay.
Carson actually pushed for David Letterman to suceed him. But Dave apparently wanted to bring the show back to New York. NBC execs obviously didn't want that. Thus, Jay succeeded Johnny in 1992.
Then Conan's ego caused him to bully NBC officials in 2005 to give him the "Tonight Show." He should have been left to walk.
During Conan's time in that slot, I actually found "Night Line," a better late night choice

By RL

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The video is not even the right ad but it figures Leno would take the low road, as usual. Classless jerk.

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