Jay Leno has been Replaced by Conan O' Brien

Leno To Take Show to Prime Time While O'Brien Fronts Tonight Show

Dec 17, 2008 Trunkos Judit

After 27 years of being the king of stand-up comedy and late night TV, Leno is being allowed to stay with NBC.

Jay Leno is much more than just a stand-up comedian. Leno has been the leading character of “The Tonight Show” since 1992. Leno revolutionized not only his own show but talk shows in general. Instead of rewarding him for his work, he is being replaced by Conan O'Brien.

Progress is inevitable, just as Leno replaced Carson in 1992, it is time for Leno to be replaced. That is the normal progression of life; the problem is how Leno has been treated by NBC since they signed the contract ending Leno’s host status in May, 2009. After 27 years of TV appearances every night, NBC is now treating Leno as a problem that must be dealt with and not as a genius-comedian who must be appreciated and respected.

Modernizing the Carson Show

Leno's observational comedy style made “The Tonight Show” more popular than the Carson Show before that. In an interview with James Lipton at the "Inside the Actor's Studio" Leno explained the changed he initiated after he took over the talk show from Carson. As Leno explained it, with the change of modern media, stand-up comedy had to be improved as well.

To be closer to the audience, Leno designed the "tongue," which is the front part of the stage that allows Leno to walk into the audience and tell his first jokes there. Leno also changed the structure of the show. He begins with jokes relating to current events and politics and then moves on to the guests. This was later implemented in other shows such as Jon Stewart's “Daily Show” and O'Brien's “Late Night Show.”

Leno has been a revolutionary comedian and TV host and as such, he should be treated as intellectual royalty and not as someone who can be easily replaced (especially not buy Conan O' Brien). O' Brien's pantomime-like physical jokes might entertain audience 5 and under, but will certainly not live up to Leno's intelligent audience.

Media Conference

Why not treat Leno with the respect he earned throughout his lifetime? At the media conference last week NBC’s representatives explained the situation to the media and answered questions. Leno was present as well to explain his point of views. After the first few minutes it became clear that NBC was replacing Leno as the host of “The Tonight Show” and does not know what to do with him, but because of Leno's popularity, they decided to keep him with the NBC family and offered him an earlier TV show.

Everyone knows that life is unfair, however, a comedian of Leno's achievements and level should never be treated as a used coat that is being hung in the garage until is it thrown out. Talents such as Jay Leno should be appreciated.

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Jay Leno