Coming as no surprise to anybody, the final performance of Jay Leno on The Tonight Show absolutely slaughtered the ratings of the rerun of The Late Show with David Letterman. Given the enormity of the event, it's a good thing Dave just decided to hang it up and show a rerun that night in the first place.I've made no secret of the fact that I've always preferred Letterman to Leno, but even I can see how Leno's laid-back, straight-forward presentation style seems more palatable with mainstream America than Dave's snark and wit. But then, I've never had anything resembling mainstream tastes.
Jay now moves to 10 P.M. and Conan takes his place as Letterman's direct competitor. Leno's style does suit the more family-friendly hour he's been placed at. Starting Monday we'll learn whether it was the man or the name-brand built by Leno and those before him that kept people watching The Tonight Show.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-31-2009 @ 10:00AM
mosbutnotall said...
I can understand how Leno is, for want of a better word, easier to watch, but because of the type of host he is I don't understand how people can watch it every night. It's just so samey. Familiarity is one thing, especially if you're winding down for the day, but it's very easy to then drift into bland. Then again, According to Jim gets great ratings, so like David Mitchell said on Have I Got News For You, it's obvious that people like a lot of crap.
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5-31-2009 @ 2:27PM
AF23 said...
So what was the rating? Kind of a pointless entry without making mention of that.
6-11-2009 @ 12:42PM
nancypress said...
IT TAKES A SMART PERSON TO SAY TOILET INSTEAD OF CRAP, A A PERSON THAT AT LEAST WENT TO SCHOOL. AND ONE THAT KNOW HOW TO TURN A TV ON OR OFF OR TO A DIFFERENT CHANNEL IF HE DOESNT LIKE THE PROGRAM.
5-31-2009 @ 5:56PM
DapperDan said...
ha I didn't even watch or tape this couldn't be bothered same thing goes for Conan's debut as the Tonight show host and Jay's new show Mon-Fri at 10pm this Sept. won't be watching those either
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5-31-2009 @ 6:22PM
Dan Buckley said...
Thanks for caring enough to comment that you don't care. Time well spent.
5-31-2009 @ 9:10PM
Jimmy said...
> "Given the enormity of the event, it's a good thing Dave just decided to hang it up and show a rerun that night in the first place."
First of all, it was not an *enormous* event. Leno doesn't have a fraction of Carson's gravitas, and besides, he's staying with the network.
Secondly, Letterman did not "hang it up." It's a well-known fact he spends Memorial Day in Indianapolis, and he traditionally takes the rest of the week off and shows reruns. Friday's rerun had little, if anything, to do with Leno.
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6-01-2009 @ 5:32AM
HD said...
I also prefer Letterman, but Leno is safe, and if anything, humble which adds to his appeal. No, Drew Barrymore would never jump up on Leno's desk, and Cher, Madonna and their kind wouldn't tell Leno exactly what was on her mind requiring multiple bleeps. If however, you wanted to see how the American educational system has failed, "Jay walking" was pure genius.
I didn't really enjoy Leno's last shows, but they were his to do with what he pleased. I do find it a shame they didn't let him run til 2012 for a nice even 20 years. Regardless, I have a feeling he will do well in prime time for a decade or two to come. The show is cheap and familiar and with good guest bookings this may prove a real shot in the arm over on NBC (which GE desperately needs).
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6-15-2009 @ 2:52PM
Truth said...
Jay truly is a genius, somehow he is able to bask in the limelight with stolen bits and remain untouched! all thieves should take a page from his book! keep it up Jay!
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