NBC Sets Jay Leno's Endgame
NBC, Zumapress.com
Whether he likes it or not, Jay Leno's got a date for his final Tonight: May 29, 2009.
NBC today set the calendar for the funnyman's mandatory retirement as part of a timetable for the network's rejiggered night-owl plans.
Heir apparent Conan O'Brien will be installed as Tonight Show overlord on June 1. O'Brien will abdicate his Late Night desk in the spring, most likely March or April, and move from New York to Los Angeles to prepare for his new duties.
Jimmy Fallon, in turn, will take over Late Night sometime in the spring, after a practice run online.
NBC will air O'Brien-fronted Late Night reruns until Fallon is deemed up to speed.
Facing questions about the much-publicized possibility of the supposedly disgruntled Leno taking his late-night antics—and possibly his sizable audience—with him to ABC, NBC Entertainment cochairs Ben Silverman and Marc Graboff stuck to their guns.
"We really believe in the decisions we've made with our partners, including Jay," Silverman told reporters at the Television Critics Assn. gathering.
Leno, who was on hand for the announcement, compared himself to Bret Favre, the retired Green Bay Packers quarterback who is thinking about unretiring.
He also joked that NBC offered him "a fifth hour of the Today show." When Silverman said it sounded like a great plan, Leno retorted, "That's a crappy idea."
In a subsequent statement, NBC tried to give props to the departing Leno as well as the new hosts.
"The Tonight Show has a remarkable history rich in tradition. We're proud of each and every show Jay has shared with America as we look forward to Conan carrying on that outstanding tradition next year," said Rick Ludwin, NBC's chief late-night programmer.
"We also can't wait for Jimmy to showcase his winning style following Conan. Jay has left his personal stamp on The Tonight Show for what will be 17 years. He is enormously creative, generous and professional."
In other words, don't let that door on the way out, Jay.
The Big Picture
Two Peas in a Pod Los Angeles Lakers fans Fergie and Will.i.am show their support for the home team in unison
More PhotosMost Commented
- Bitch-Back! Breaking News—Johnny's a Hottie (1026)
- Costars and Suits Give Robsten Their Blessings! (650)
- Blab Blab Blab: Is Twilight Sexist? (552)
- Truth, Lies & Ted: Twilight Special (478)
- Why Won't Sarah Palin Go Away? (440)
- Bitch-Back! What's Brad Got to Do With It? (426)
- Is New Moon Even Good? (455)
- Is Ugly Betty Ending? And Who Gets the Girl? (411)
- Review: New Moon Is Either Just Fine or Way Mopey, Depending On Who You Are (331)
- Ridiculous Twilight Hookups in an "All Taken" Cast (348)
Top 10 Stories
- Jennifer Lopez Stumbles for East Coasters Only
- Michael Jackson's Cash-Strapped Doctor Returns to Work
- Taylor Swift Tops Even Michael Jackson at American Music Awards
- Carrie Prejean the Hot Topic at Miss California USA Pageant
- New Moon Makes a Lot of Money (But Not Quite Batman Money)
- Jon (Plus Flowers) & Kate Reunite to Put Finishing Touches on Divorce
- New Moon Eclipses Dark Knight!
- Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray & More Continue Singing Oprah's Praises
- Michael Jackson's Doc Shipped Propofol From Vegas to L.A., Records Show
- Unleashed Fangirls Derail Justin Bieber Appearance
Fashion Police
Green With Envy?Not quite, but we do give Kristen props for this shot of color during her New Moon press tour
More Photos
Latest Movie Reviews
Get Your E! News Now
50 Comments
-
Show the next 1 - 0 of 50 comments
Now loading...