October 3, 2007 -- NBC's deal, forged years back, was for Jay Leno to give up the reins at a certain point so they might ease in Conan O'Brien. Eyes peeled to the youth meter, with desire to grab the next generation's eyeballs, the idea was to ensure a well-oiled transition as in Bryant Gumbel to Matt Lauer, Tom Brokaw to Brian Williams. The only thing is, the time is approaching and Jay - who remains late night's No. 1 in the ratings - loves what he's doing. He does not - repeat, not - want to not be doing it anymore. For the network to renege on this deal would cost them heavily in a penalty forfeit.


But you know all that, right? You also know, because I've told it to you, that on the Universal lot out in California they are even now building Conan his theater. I reported to you that they moved the "Desperate Housewives" out of their longtime studio to make room for the late late night heir to late night. Conan's crew is already house-hunting.


Jay Leno is not about to retire. Going quietly into the night to sit home and watch his missus Mavis fold bananas into the Jell-O, he ain't. He is definitely - definitely - moving to another network. Friends think he's making a big money deal. But, he says, he's not one to follow the money. He's one to follow the access. The best TV airtime. The best spot.


The morning line, 2-to-1, is Fox.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/10032007/gossip/cindy/leno_eyes_other_tv_opportuniti.htm

It'll be interesting to see where Jay goes from here. I've watched him every night since my sophomore year in high school - 12 years!! :D I have all the Headline books, an autographed copy of his children's book, and got to see a Tonight Show taping in 1998. I still have the Tonight Show T-shirt I bought at the NBC gift shop. :lol:

Looks like FOX wants to get into the late night game. They might have an advantage if they get Leno and start at 11pm.

Looks like FOX wants to get into the late night game. They might have an advantage if they get Leno and start at 11pm.
Good point!

well as long as he goes somewhere because i don;t want to be depressed in 2009

well as long as he goes somewhere because i don;t want to be depressed in 2009
There's always Carson Daly. :p

well as long as he goes somewhere because i don;t want to be depressed in 2009

:yeahthat

God, I've been watching Leno for years. He never stops being funny, IMO. If Conan actually does take over the TS, I might have to switch to Letterman :eek:

I hope this deal with FOX works out. Although, I'm not sure how many people may make the transition. Most people have been watching the Tonight Show since it debuted, no matter who hosts it.

God, I've been watching Leno for years. He never stops being funny, IMO. If Conan actually does take over the TS, I might have to switch to Letterman :eek:

I hope this deal with FOX works out. Although, I'm not sure how many people may make the transition. Most people have been watching the Tonight Show since it debuted, no matter who hosts it.


I know I won't be watching the Tonight Show when Jay leaves

I haven't really watched the Tonight Show since Carson. lol

It'll be interesting to see where Jay goes from here. I've watched him every night since my sophomore year in high school - 12 years!! :D I have all the Headline books, an autographed copy of his children's book, and got to see a Tonight Show taping in 1998. I still have the Tonight Show T-shirt I bought at the NBC gift shop. :lol:
I can't say I have watched every one of his shows, I do try. I too have all his HEADLINES books. They are hilarious. :rofl:

Jay Leno will get a Jump on both David Letterman and Conan O Briean at 10:00 pm Central time if Jay Leno does go to FOX