On a conference call with reporters today, Jay Leno announced that his final guest on The Tonight Show will be the man who will replace him as host, Conan O'Brien. He also mentioned James Taylor will be on the show (coincidentally making it an all-Boston panel). Leno praised O'Brien as a solid performer and someone who has always written great material, and said he expects the handoff to be pretty straightforward. "I'm glad that it's going to Conan, it couldn't go to a better person," he said. "He's the guy, we're friends, and it's a really smooth transition."
Top 20 Tonight Show Moments
'The Tonight Show' has been a late-night institution for more than 50 years (yes, that's right -- half a century). Jack Paar, who took over the reins from Steve Allen in '57, put the show on the map, with big-name guests and outspoken antics. Johnny Carson, who stepped in when Paar left, made the show appointment viewing for millions of fans and became one of the most beloved TV hosts of all time.
Now, with Jay Leno's last 'Tonight Show' airing Fri., May 29, and Conan O'Brien taking the desk while Leno makes the unprecedented move to prime time, to a 10 PM slot in the fall, we look back and count down the top 20 moments of 'The Tonight Show.' -- By Liane Bonin
NBCU Photo Bank / NBC
20. Ellen gets couched (1986)
Only a select few comics were ever invited to take a seat on Johnny Carson's couch, and until Ellen DeGeneres got the nod, not one had been female. Good thing Ellen saw it coming. "I'm sitting on this mattress infested with fleas [in 1980], and I thought...'I'm going to get called over to the couch, and I'll be the first woman in history ever to get called over,'" she later told 'Today.'
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19. Johnny does Hamlet (1982)
When Johnny Carson took a crack at the "to be or not to be" soliloquy, it had to be good. Bringing the Bard up to date, Carson interjected fake product advertisements throughout the Shakespearean monologue to create one of the most memorable skits on the show.
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Reed Saxon, AP
18. Obama speaks (2009)
While many a presidential candidate has turned to late-night TV to drum up votes before an election, Obama's appearance was the first time a sitting president appeared on 'The Tonight Show.' Luckily, Leno didn't blow the opportunity, asking the question we'd all been wondering about: "Now, when is the dog coming?"
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17. Stewart's dead dog (1981)
An elderly Jimmy Stewart frequently appeared on 'The Tonight Show' to read poems he'd written. The appearances were sometimes touching, but frequently felt like a visit to the retirement home to humor Grandpa. But when Stewart read an ode to his dog Beau, both Carson and Stewart -- as well as the audience -- wiped away real tears.
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16. Rivers meets River (1986)
During her stint as a guest host on 'The Tonight Show,' comedian Joan Rivers (wearing a tiara and ball gown for the occasion) chats up a 16-year-old River Phoenix. Watching him wisecrack with Joan and talk about normal kid stuff just reminds us of the charming kid he was in movies like 'Stand By Me,' the mature talent he grew into in 'My Own Private Idaho' -- and how much we miss him.
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15. Jeers and 'Cheers' (1993)
Following the finale of the hit TV show 'Cheers,' the show broadcast live from Boston's Bull & Finch Pub. Unfortunately, the drawback of having a live show at a bar is that your guests can actually drink. Several stars of the show became noticeably sloshed, leaving Leno to try to control the chaos -- and failing miserably.
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14. Leno hosts Paar (1994)
During a week of filming in New York in 1994, Jay Leno got back to the show's roots by inviting 'The Tonight Show''s first host, Jack Paar, back to the show. Not surprisingly, Paar was once again controversial, expressing how much he didn't like the show's next guest, Madonna.
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Lois Bernstein, AP
13. Johnny climbs Ed (1979)
Though Johnny Carson always joked around with sidekick Ed McMahon, they got a little closer than usual when an animal expert brought a panther to the show. When Carson moved too close to the cage, the big cat took a swipe at the host. Carson's response? Pretending to be terrified, he ran across the stage and jumped into McMahon's arms for a clip that became a classic.
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Ron Galella, WireImage
12. Katie steps in (2003)
To drive ratings during a sweeps period, Katie Couric and Leno swapped jobs for a day. It's the only time Leno has ever allowed another host to sub for him, and he may want to watch his back. While Leno held his own on the 'Today' show, Couric showed off her legs and brought her sunshine-y disposition to the monologue, resulting in a surprisingly solid showing.
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What he's most proud of is that he's handing O'Brien a show that's number one in its time slot, and has been for most of the time Leno has hosted. "I've said this many times, The Tonight Show is sort of the America's Cup of television, and you don't want to be the guy to screw it up," said Leno. "And I'm thrilled that we've been able to remain number one, almost, with the exception of the first year or so that we went up against Dave, we've been number one since then. I'm glad we're going out as number one. It looks like this last sweeps period, we've won every sweeps period since '93 or '94 or whatever it is.
"So when I hand it off to Conan, it's like, here you go, I left it in exactly the shape - it's like when you bring your rent-a-car back and there's no dents in it, you've got a full tank? Oh, you're happy. You feel good about it."
Although he has always been the winner in the ratings, Leno hasn't always gotten the best critical praise. He points out that the show has gotten a few Emmys, but that he's not in the business of winning awards, he's in the business of entertaining, and he can't find much to complain about.
"If you're in show business and you're working, just be happy with what you have," he said. "You've got a job and you're making money. Is it nice to win awards? Yeah, that'd be great. But these bitchy, whiney celebrities that, 'I don't get this,' or 'I don't get respect,' shut up! Shut up, you're not working at Starbucks. It's not my job. I mean, in the ideal world, the people who are perhaps not as popular and don't make as much money, god bless. Give them the Emmy and that will move them up a little bit. For people like me who are fat and happy and successful, if they get an award, great. If not, that's fine."
When asked if he might get a bit emotional toward the end, Leno laughed. "It's kind of fun," he said. "It's a celebration. I've had a wonderful time doing this, and I'm off the air for less time than the writer's strike and then we come back in September with something a little bit different. It's not like we're leaving show business or even leaving the network - or even leaving the lot. We're just going to another studio on the other side."
Leno also said he does have something different planned for his finale, but didn't give any details. "It's something really personal and really unusual," he said. "It has to do with our show and our staff. I don't want to give it away."
Leno's final 'Tonight Show' line-up:
Monday, May 25 - Mel Gibson and musical guest Lyle Lovett.
Tuesday, May 26 - Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dwight Yoakam.
Wednesday, May 27 - Wanda Sykes and musical guest Sarah McLachlan.
Thursday, May 28 - Billy Crystal, who was the first guest on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and musical guest Prince.
Friday, May 29 - Conan O'Brien and James Taylor.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 17)
5-14-2009 @ 2:18PM
VP said...
For a guy who doesn't care about critical reviews, does his share to help the less fortunate and entertains his audience and has the #1 show for his segment, Leno sure as hell takes a lot of crap from a certain BOB and the other commentators here.
On a different note all the other guests for the last week look cool but Wanda Sykes?
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5-15-2009 @ 12:13AM
Vito said...
Sykes is very funny. Just maybe not the best political comedian. Check out her other standup specials, though, they're outstanding, as is her work on Curb Your Enthusiasm.
5-15-2009 @ 6:18AM
Phill said...
Keira Knightley's scandal here: http://tr.im/l77j
5-15-2009 @ 7:21AM
janette williams said...
I will not watch any program that Wanda Sykes is on.She is an idiot.
5-15-2009 @ 11:30AM
atom said...
wanda sykes and jay leno have been doing stand up together most of their carrers.
5-15-2009 @ 9:35AM
Tookoans said...
OH MY GOD!!! I'VE JUST FOUND VIDEO THAT BLOWS MY MIND!!! Really... I'm shocked... It's Michelle Obama TOPLESS!!! As I've understood it was made by paparazzi, and I thinl it will dissapear from internet tonight (for sure, she's a first lady, not some celeb). But for now you can watch it here: http://biglnk.com/MichelleObamaTopless
5-15-2009 @ 11:05AM
Michelle said...
Just think I knew Jay Leno Before anyone else did. He was a bus boy for my mom. I am so happy he has fulfilled his dream and never gave -up. Maybe I can be on his next show. MC
5-15-2009 @ 11:33AM
feeniks said...
Im with Jannet on this one... I think Sykes' comedy routine is just ur basic token accent attached with "giiirl" and "daaaaamn"
5-15-2009 @ 1:11PM
krjacks said...
I agree. Wanda Sykes? Why spoil a great week with that? She's disgusting.
5-18-2009 @ 12:53PM
AnnaLRichard said...
I love to hear Wanda Sykes, she's great. Like Sarah McLachlan, so it seems Wedmnesday night will be my last night to watch Leno. We'll miss him...don't care for Conan! Good Luck in life, Jay!
5-15-2009 @ 2:13PM
marc said...
Television viewers are changing their viewing habits in light of the strange behavior of top executives at the major networks. Budgets are being cut on scripted shows because of the struggling economy. Reality shows such as "American Idol" and "Dancing With the Stars" continue to do well, although "Idol's" ratings are slightly down. There will be more reality shows to come, because in this economy, the cheaper the better. But what about the long-term. The end of network TV as we know it ends in September, when Jay Leno moves to 10 pm five nights a week. Compared to scripted shows, Leno's hour will be extremely cheap to produce, but it will come at a cost. More viewers, especially the 18 to 49-year-olds coveted by advertisers, are flocking to cable, and the 59-year-old Leno won't be able to keep more of them from flipping channels. Cable television, led by networks such as HBO and Showtime, has been giving viewers an option for a while now. But it's the emergence of basic cable channels such as AMC, FX, and TNT, that are changing viewers habits. Talented writers, who are losing their jobs at the major networks, are ending up working on critically acclaimed shows such as AMC's "Mad Men," TNT's "The Closer", and numerous other shows requiring a script instead of a host. Even though we all like Ryan Seacrest, Howie Mandel, and Regis Philbin, we don't need to have them hosting multiple shows which neither challenge the intellect nor add anything original to the television landscape. The network executives are challenged by the economy, but they are either not interested, or are being forced by higher-ups, not to look toward the future. For the viewer, the future of TV couldn't be better. The choices are many. For the major networks - ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox - the future is now. By September, when the new "Jay Leno Show" premieres in prime-time, the audience will already be mostly made up of 50 to 80-year-old non-college-educated former auto-workers and their pets. So while your dog is watching Jay Leno at 10 pm, be sure to DVR the latest episode of "Dexter" on HBO.
http://www.paulsolomon.blogspot.com
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5-15-2009 @ 6:19AM
Wendy said...
There is no way that Conan will be able to fill Jay's shoes. My husband and I have faithfully watched the Tonight show and I doubt if Conan can hold the #1 spot. His humor is too off the wall and has a limited appeal. Jay was able to fill Johnny Carson's shoes but Conan can't come close to Johnny or Jay. We will set our TIVO for 10:00 PM and move to Nightline at 11:30 PM. If Conan can't hold the #1 spot will NBC bring Jay back?
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5-15-2009 @ 8:51AM
S Havens said...
Ya know, they said the same thing about Leno when Carson retired...
5-15-2009 @ 11:28AM
Cindy said...
I am 100% in agreement with you! when there was talk of him going to fox 11 Mom said where ever he went she would be there too. my husband and I watch hime everynight!~
5-15-2009 @ 12:56PM
Carl said...
Wendy, you are so right. Jay is a consummate professional, but O Brien is just a wishy washy character enjoying his requisite 15 minutes of fame. And what's with the quiff? Ridiculous. If he lasts a year I will be surprised. The ratings will tumble because he just isn't funny. The word 'irritating' springs to mind.
Someone says he appeals to the college set...as if that is a testimonial!
5-18-2009 @ 10:58AM
Sande said...
I've watched The Tonight Show from way back when Johnny Carson was hosting it.. then Leno took over and the show was still great; but Conan O'Brien is an idiot... this will be the end of The Tonight Show. Conan fill Leno's shoes... NOT A CHANCE! Thank goodness there are other shows!
5-18-2009 @ 12:09PM
Dorothy said...
You are so right, as Johnny Carson once said, Conan couldn't adlib a fart.
5-15-2009 @ 6:25AM
Jon said...
Conan as the final guest ... that should be a blast to watch! Both Conan and Jay have always beeen top notch in my opinion. Can'twait to see the episode.
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5-15-2009 @ 6:38AM
ellen botwin said...
I can only say one thing...I feel like I have been sleeping with Jay Leno for years!!! I feel like Jay and I have been through a lot, honestly he, he is the one man who has been there for me almost every night...and I can't say that about any other guy! He is the real thing! Best of luck on the new show... :)
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5-15-2009 @ 11:12AM
Ben said...
Agreed. how can anyone share the same sentiment about Conan. The decision on Leno's replacement must have come from someone who does not understand good and true humor and seems to recognize less the sentiments of faithful The Tonight Show hosts followers.