That basically is Jay Leno's response to threats by rival networks that their stars will boycott The Jay Leno Show, which debuts Monday at 10 p.m., on NBC and Citytv.

"It's trash talk," Leno said yesterday. "They all vowed none of their guests will be on our show. Okay. But if the show does reasonably well, look, we're all here to benefit television.

"Television is dying, it's not doing well. We either can all support one another or we can all go back into our little cave and pretend like we're the only thing on."

The other networks claim to be upset because the new Leno project is hijacking five hours of scripted drama per week from network primetime.

"To me, (ABC's) Lost is the best show on television, I like the CSI shows (on CBS), I think they're all well done," Leno said. "I have no problem promoting those shows on my show, because, first of all, just get the people to network TV. Once they're there, then you can argue about what's best.


"I think it's disingenuous to say, 'None of our people will be on there.' Really? Why don't we all just promote one another and see if we can stay in business."

http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/TV_Shows/J/Jay_Leno_Show/2009/09/09/10799606-sun.html

If Jay's show is a success than the other networks will copy him and script tv on the networks will be dying. If TV is dying it's because of all these reality shows. The networks keep telling us that that's what everyone wants to watch so why is network tv in such bad shape? Jay should have never been let go by the Tonight Show. Only on NBC would they fire their biggest star.

I agree with Jay. The networks should support each other in order to rebuild the audience for network television. Unfortunately I don't see it happening. These guys would rather run themselves into the ground and destroy their own networks in the process than co-operate. And they probably will! :rolleyes:

If Jay's show is a success than the other networks will copy him and script tv on the networks will be dying. If TV is dying it's because of all these reality shows. The networks keep telling us that that's what everyone wants to watch so why is network tv in such bad shape? Jay should have never been let go by the Tonight Show. Only on NBC would they fire their biggest star.
AMEN!! Reality shows have KILLED broadcast TV. And the idiots in charge wonder why more and more people are watching the classic shows on DVD?? :rolleyes:

Jay is awesome and he brings up some good points. This is probably the first time in years that I no longer care about any of the new shows that are premiring this fall. The only one I was interested in was "Community" because I love Joel McHale (He's from Seattle ya know!), but when I found out that Chevy Chase is also on this show, I decided not to bother with it. I can't stand Chevy Chase.

Reality TV is definitely killing TV in general. Even Jerry Seinfeld's getting into the act. However I think that show might be funny because I can't imagine him doing anything serious!

As for other networks boycotting Jay's show? If an actor on ABC or CBS wants to promote his/her show/movie badly enough, believe me, they'll find a way to be there!

I have mixed feelings about Jay gettting his shot. Sure, he's taking away five hours a week of network time that about 10 or 20 creators and/or producers could compete for, but if his show does well then more power to him!

As far as I'm concerned, broadcast TV died years ago - there are far better, edgier shows on cable.