The Mystery Behind 'Jay Leno Show' format revealed! - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 08-05-2009, 11:47 PM

Jay Leno's new comedy show will be a fast-paced hour featuring celebrity car races and comedian correspondents, among other format twists.

An energized Leno took the stage at the critics press tour in Pasadena along with network late-night head Rick Ludwin and dropped several revelations about the new program.

"The Jay Leno Show" will have a fast opening sequence, about 10 seconds, before launching into the host's monologue. There will be one celebrity guest, perhaps two at most. Musical segments will sometimes feature multiple acts performing together -- like on the Grammys when famous artists are teamed together. Leno's signature comedy bits like Jay Walking and newspaper headlines will be saved for the end of the show, where Leno will tell viewers to stay tuned for the local news (this is the only part of the show where Leno might have a desk). NBC will not air any commercials between after Leno's show and is urging local affiliates to do the same.

"When the comedy segment is over, it will literally end the show," Ludwin said. "We're giving [affiliates] the hottest hot hand off you can have."

Leno also previewed some segments, such as the advertiser-friendly "Green Car Challenge," where celebrities race against each other in alternative fuel vehicles. NBC has built a race track next to the studio where guests can compete against each other.

"You can see who is faster, Shaquille O'Neal or Cameron Diaz," Leno said.

Other segments will feature comedian correspondents doing taped segments, a bit like on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" (though Leno rejected that comparison). D.L Hughley will report on politics from Washington, for instance, and "Hangover" actress Rachel Harris has been tapped as well.

NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams will also have a regular bit on the show -- "Stories Not Good Enough For Nightly News."

Leno says he's lost about 10-12 pounds running four miles every morning in training for his new show and says he had grown "complacent" while hosting "Tonight Show."

He said that contrary to some media reports, he wasn't tempted to go to ABC when his contract was up, though acknowledged having mixed feeling about NBC.

"When you change networks, [people think] you're greedy, that you wanted more money," he said. "There are things I like about the network and there are things I don't. But much like a marriage you work it out ... there's only so much pie you can eat. There was no desire to go to ABC and go against Conan [O'Brien]... because that's bitterness ... bitterness kills creativity, it kills everything. You put your head down and move forward."

Asked about the pressure of having to "save NBC" with his new program, Leno shrugged.

"Screw the network," he said.

Regarding O'Brien, however, Leno said the two have firmly remained friends, though he expects they will have a healthy rivalry this fall.

"There was never any tension between Conan and I," he said. "Will we fight like cats and dogs to get the guest? Yes ... but that doesn't mean you don't like each other. It's a game. You tease and trash talk, that's the fun part."

Ludwin also admitted that it was "premature" to declare O'Brien "The New King of Late Night" after his first week on the air.

"I think it was premature," Ludwin said. "We were very proud of the show...there were those who thought that Conan would not be broad-based enough ... he far exceeded our expectations."

Though NBC executives otherwise ducked questions about ratings expectations for the fall, Leno was pretty specific. He said he expects to beat scripted programs when they're in repeats -- if not in originals.

"Do I expect to beat 'CSI: Miami'?" he asked. "No. Do I expect to beat them in repeats? Yeah. I don't expect to get them on the straights but catch them in the corners."

Leno passionately protested the idea that his new 10 p.m. show is taking opportunities away from scripted programming talents.

"I think you have more [dramas] than ever now -- USA Network, cable, all these shows," he said "There are places to go now to get that. So I don't see that as the problem. NBC tried scripted programming at 10 p.m. The other thing that annoys me -- we use writers. Our writers are in the top 5% of the highest-paid writers in the Guild."

Leno disagreed with an idea George Lopez presented earlier at press tour while promoting his upcoming TBS late-night talk show, that a show's format should be flexible enough to open with a musical guest, such as U2.

"What a big musical guest gets you is a great studio audience, you wouldn't necessarily have a great television audience." Leno said. "If I want to see U2, I can go to VH1, or go to YouTube."

A critic, impressed by Leno's fielding of the questions, noted he seems much more confident now than his previous TCA appearances.

What's changed?

"I'm rich now," Leno said.

http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/08/jay-leno-tca-panel.html

catlover79 · 08-06-2009, 12:08 AM

Should be interesting!!

Marvo301 · 08-06-2009, 12:12 AM

It will be great to have Jay back on TV whatever the format is!

catlover79 · 08-06-2009, 12:14 AM

As long as his monologue and Headlines are there, I'm a happy girl.

Schmoopie · 08-06-2009, 02:27 AM

This sounds pretty cool! Should be a fun show to watch. I've missed Jay since he left The Tonight Show!

ryan423 · 08-06-2009, 07:14 PM

Out of all the late night shows, I always thought Jay had the strongest monologue and the best sketches/pieces such as Headlines and Jay Walking. It'll be great to see that take the hour by storm, and then, turn on George Lopez at 11 to see him open with a U2 performance, lol!

TVFactFan · 08-09-2009, 03:18 PM

Will Kevin Eubanks be involved?

catlover79 · 08-09-2009, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLifeAdjuster

Will Kevin Eubanks be involved?

YES!! They say Kev will still be functioning as the musical director.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...eubanks12.html

ryan423 · 08-09-2009, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

YES!! They say Kev will still be functioning as the musical director.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...eubanks12.html

The band is returning full time. But John Melendez wont be. He'll be in the writers room instead!

PrettyinPink55 · 08-10-2009, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

As long as his monologue and Headlines are there, I'm a happy girl.

Same here!!! Oh, and of course Jay-walking!!! :P
And I'm glad to hear Kevin and the Tonight Show Band will be back!!!!

08-05-2009, 11:47 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	The Mystery Behind 'Jay Leno Show' format revealed! Jay Leno's new comedy show will be a fast-paced hour featuring celebrity car races and comedian correspondents, among other format twists. An energized Leno took the stage at the critics press tour in Pasadena along with network late-night head Rick Ludwin and dropped several revelations about the new program. "The Jay Leno Show" will have a fast opening sequence, about 10 seconds, before launching into the host's monologue. There will be one celebrity guest, perhaps two at most. Musical segments will sometimes feature multiple acts performing together -- like on the Grammys when famous artists are teamed together. Leno's signature comedy bits like Jay Walking and newspaper headlines will be saved for the end of the show, where Leno will tell viewers to stay tuned for the local news (this is the only part of the show where Leno might have a desk). NBC will not air any commercials between after Leno's show and is urging local affiliates to do the same. "When the comedy segment is over, it will literally end the show," Ludwin said. "We're giving [affiliates] the hottest hot hand off you can have." Leno also previewed some segments, such as the advertiser-friendly "Green Car Challenge," where celebrities race against each other in alternative fuel vehicles. NBC has built a race track next to the studio where guests can compete against each other. "You can see who is faster, Shaquille O'Neal or Cameron Diaz," Leno said. Other segments will feature comedian correspondents doing taped segments, a bit like on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" (though Leno rejected that comparison). D.L Hughley will report on politics from Washington, for instance, and "Hangover" actress Rachel Harris has been tapped as well. NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams will also have a regular bit on the show -- "Stories Not Good Enough For Nightly News." Leno says he's lost about 10-12 pounds running four miles every morning in training for his new show and says he had grown "complacent" while hosting "Tonight Show." He said that contrary to some media reports, he wasn't tempted to go to ABC when his contract was up, though acknowledged having mixed feeling about NBC. "When you change networks, [people think] you're greedy, that you wanted more money," he said. "There are things I like about the network and there are things I don't. But much like a marriage you work it out ... there's only so much pie you can eat. There was no desire to go to ABC and go against Conan [O'Brien]... because that's bitterness ... bitterness kills creativity, it kills everything. You put your head down and move forward." Asked about the pressure of having to "save NBC" with his new program, Leno shrugged. "Screw the network," he said. Regarding O'Brien, however, Leno said the two have firmly remained friends, though he expects they will have a healthy rivalry this fall. "There was never any tension between Conan and I," he said. "Will we fight like cats and dogs to get the guest? Yes ... but that doesn't mean you don't like each other. It's a game. You tease and trash talk, that's the fun part." Ludwin also admitted that it was "premature" to declare O'Brien "The New King of Late Night" after his first week on the air. "I think it was premature," Ludwin said. "We were very proud of the show...there were those who thought that Conan would not be broad-based enough ... he far exceeded our expectations." Though NBC executives otherwise ducked questions about ratings expectations for the fall, Leno was pretty specific. He said he expects to beat scripted programs when they're in repeats -- if not in originals. "Do I expect to beat 'CSI: Miami'?" he asked. "No. Do I expect to beat them in repeats? Yeah. I don't expect to get them on the straights but catch them in the corners." Leno passionately protested the idea that his new 10 p.m. show is taking opportunities away from scripted programming talents. "I think you have more [dramas] than ever now -- USA Network, cable, all these shows," he said "There are places to go now to get that. So I don't see that as the problem. NBC tried scripted programming at 10 p.m. The other thing that annoys me -- we use writers. Our writers are in the top 5% of the highest-paid writers in the Guild." Leno disagreed with an idea George Lopez presented earlier at press tour while promoting his upcoming TBS late-night talk show, that a show's format should be flexible enough to open with a musical guest, such as U2. "What a big musical guest gets you is a great studio audience, you wouldn't necessarily have a great television audience." Leno said. "If I want to see U2, I can go to VH1, or go to YouTube." A critic, impressed by Leno's fielding of the questions, noted he seems much more confident now than his previous TCA appearances. What's changed? "I'm rich now," Leno said. http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/08/jay-leno-tca-panel.html
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

08-06-2009, 12:08 AM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	Should be interesting!!
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

08-06-2009, 12:12 AM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	It will be great to have Jay back on TV whatever the format is!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

08-06-2009, 02:27 AM	#5
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	This sounds pretty cool! Should be a fun show to watch. I've missed Jay since he left The Tonight Show!
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

08-06-2009, 12:14 AM	#4
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	As long as his monologue and Headlines are there, I'm a happy girl.

08-06-2009, 07:14 PM	#6
ryan423 Member Senior Member Join Date: Oct 15, 2007 Posts: 1,829	Out of all the late night shows, I always thought Jay had the strongest monologue and the best sketches/pieces such as Headlines and Jay Walking. It'll be great to see that take the hour by storm, and then, turn on George Lopez at 11 to see him open with a U2 performance, lol!

08-09-2009, 03:18 PM	#7
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,125	Will Kevin Eubanks be involved?