NBC Pushes Jay Leno Out
Jay Leno has been giving the date for his final episode on the Tonight Show. NBC told Leno that he will be taking a mandatory retirement and his last episode will be May29th, 2009. The man to take his place will be late night host Conan O’Brien starting June 1st, 2009.
O’Brien currently has his own show - but will be giving it up in March or April and will be moving from New York all the way to Los Angeles. The man to take O’Brien’s place will be Jimmy Fallon.
Rumors have it that Leno is not pleased about getting pushed out of his position - which he has held onto for many years and has threatened to take his act to ABC. However, Marc Graboff and Ben Silverman - the co-chairs for NBC Entertainment - said that this would not faze them one bit, “We really believe in the decisions we’ve made with our partners, including Jay,”
In a subsequent statement, NBC tried to give props to the departing Leno, as well as the new hosts. “The Tonight Show has a remarkable history rich in tradition. We’re proud of each and every show Jay has shared with America as we look forward to Conan carrying on that outstanding tradition next year,” said Rick Ludwin, NBC’s chief late-night programmer.
“We also can’t wait for Jimmy to showcase his winning style following Conan. Jay has left his personal stamp on The Tonight Show for what will be 17 years. He is enormously creative, generous and professional.”