Last night, Jay Leno returned to the job he loved most and never really wanted to leave — host of THE TONIGHT SHOW. It seems like only yesterday Jay was bidding a tearful goodbye to television audiences. And now, in his best Brett Favre “I’m retired/I’m not retired” impression, the one time leader of late night is ready for one more go at it.
Leno reclaimed his old gig at THE TONIGHT SHOW just nine months after handing it over to Conan O’Brien, and only 19 days after NBC pulled the plug on the ill-advised Jay Leno prime-time experiment. But last night the late night battle began anew between Leno and his longtime nemesis, David Letterman, who has literally owned late nights since Leno left the first time. And so far, the scorecard says chalk one up for Dave Letterman.
Leno’s first show back was at best a yawner. Aside from the awkwardly drunken antics of first guest Jamie “Blame It On The Alcohol” Foxx, there were no fireworks. It was classic Jay, on a hastily created set, with nothing new or exciting to set him apart from Conan or Dave. In fact, it’s likely younger viewers lost interest and changed the channel early into the night. Ouch!
Still, NBC is crossing fingers and toes that Jay can regain the late night dominance he held for much of 17 years. But handicappers are already betting heavily against him, after he badly stumbled in his nightly prime-time hour and badly lost the image wars of perception in his “I’m stealing your job” battle with Conan O’Brien.
OR ALL WASHED UP?
After that show Jay put on last night Letterman should be a happy man today.