Leno Stays on NBC, Moves to Primetime

Alan Pergament - Buffalo News

Jay Leno was sounding like a "ready for prime-time player" on a conference call  to discuss NBC's announcement that Leno will host a show in the fall at 10 p. m. weekdays on Channel 2 and other NBC affiliates.

NBC's bold way of continuing its relationship with Leno and keeping the late-night host away from its competitors makes so much sense that a television critic is kicking himself for not seeing it coming. These clearly are strange times in network television that require some innovation. Since NBC's recent 10 p. m. series -- including "My Own Worst Enemy," "Lipstick Jungle" and "Life" -- couldn't get an audience, NBC is sending in Leno to the rescue. It is a Hail Mary pass being made by a loser without much initial risk.

Leno's new show certainly can't do much worse than the low ratings that NBC's new series were getting here, and they'll be produced at a fraction of the cost of prime-time dramas. Leno also is a workaholic, so he'll produce twice as many original shows as network dramas normally do, which cuts down on low-rated reruns. NBC also believes the show will be DVR-proof because it's topical.

At the same time, NBC avoids paying Conan O'Brien a $40 million fee it would have had to pony up if it changed plans and decided to keep the still-popular Leno at 11:35 p. m. after his run was scheduled to end May 29.

In the short term, it is a smart financial decision by NBC. It keeps Leno away from Fox or ABC and allows the network to keep Leno on its bench in case O'Brien flops when he moves to 11:35 p. m. on June 1. Jimmy Fallon takes Conan's spot on March 2.

There is reason for concern regarding O'Brien. The "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" on CBS is tied this season with O'Brien in households and viewers age 25 to 54. So keeping Leno around is probably valuable insurance.

However, there also is a downside. Keeping Leno around means the shows will be fighting for the same guests. Leno acknowledged as much in the conference call, adding "I'd rather fight with my family than the other networks."

It was one of several good lines. His best? When asked about the summer rumors that he was headed to ABC, Leno said: "That was started by a disgruntled employee. Me."

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