This past fall, I wrote an article that was not very nice to Jay Leno’s new show. In fact, I said it would be the death of television. And, I was kinda right. Leno’s show has continually drawn dismal ratings. I contribute this to the fact that Leno, while he may be a nice person, is a terrible host. His interviews are awkward, his sketches unbearably long (and awkward as well), and the up and coming comics he has on draw cricket chirps from the packed audience.
Recently, as in 10 minutes ago, I read rumors online that NBC has decided to give Leno back his 11:30 time slot. WHAT? What for? His new show is almost exactly like his old one. He comes out, says some stupid jokes, cuts to stupid segments, tries to conduct interviews but fails miserably, and then it’s over. Oh wait, he has all his guests compete in his green car challenge – which, seeing the same car do laps around the same course and Leno saying the same jokes gets really old after, I dunno, 2 episodes.
Is this rumor true, is Leno getting back The Tonight Show? Or is he just getting a new show? And where does that leave Conan? The host who is actually talented, funny, and knows how to use awkward for laughs and not long pauses of uncomfortable silence from the viewers – which has me cringing and lunging for the remote so I can quickly change the channel and be rid of it all.
I guess we’ll all find out soon enough if there is any truth to this or not. I’m hoping it’s just a rumor weed that NEVER turns out to be true. And in the meantime, my nightly prayers to God are gonna have a P.S. dedicated to pleading for Conan to keep his timeslot. And for Leno…well, for him to retire. Amen.
