Could Leno’s NBC future be digital?
Don Day July 21st, 2007
Weekly Variety has another look at the Leno to Conan transition scheduled to happen in 2009, when the red-haired host takes over the Tonight Show from the large-chinned one. Its no secret that the peacock wants to keep Leno as one of its feathers - but how it does that without the prime 11:35 p.m. slot is tricky. One option laid forth at the TCA tour is some sort of digital deal. “What we are trying to say to him is, after 2009 telling jokes at 11:30 at night might not be what it is today, so maybe we can figure out a way for you to continue to do that in a different context,” NBC co-pres Marc Graboff said. Variety’s speculation:
NBC has yet to present Leno with any alternatives, but among the options being floated are a primetime strip or variety show that would air once or multiple times a week, perhaps kicking off primetime at 8 p.m.; work on NBC U’s cable properties and specifically USA Network, which the net is hoping to build into the de-facto “fifth network”; Jay-on-demand through TiVo, cable, or online; or, the “Bob Hope deal,” where Leno does what he wants — just about anything but telling jokes at 11:35 pm.
3 Comments Add your own
1. 5w30 | July 21st, 2007 at 7:16 pm
The heck with that.
ABC has been champing at the bit to replace “Nightline” for years.
Leno’s the perfect fit. And he’s still got a lot of gas.
His classic cars bit can be an ESPN show.
And Leno’s got that Disney character’s chin to boot.
I write that even though I’ve been a Letterman-man since the old 1980 NBC daytime show … the one where the legendary Edwin Newman did the news cut-ins.
2. Gorman | July 24th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Digital? I’d just settle if he became funny in the future.
3. Max Kellman | July 25th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Leno online?? Leno on demand through Tivo? hahaha, going from the Tonight Show to these alternatives is like stepping down as president of the United States and working to Burger King.
the only thing that would be enticing is the primetime thing, but there’s just one little problem - LENO STOPPED BEING FUNNY YEARS AGO. He’s not funny anymore, NBC. (and all other networks.) He jumped the shark. forget him.
Leave a Comment
(Please keep URLs out of the comment body or the spam filter will block you.)Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed