What has NBC become? Besides a shadow of its former self in the 80’s and 90’s, it’s become home for another late night talk show. Maybe late is an overstatement (from NY Times):
…(Jay) Leno’s new show will appear at 10 o’clock each weeknight in a format similar to “The Tonight Show,” which he has hosted since 1993…
This is a move made to keep a promise made to Conan O’Brien five years ago (that he would take hold of Johnny Carson’s reigns, ‘natch), and to keep Leno from becoming possible competition a la David Letterman, which happened when he moved to CBS back in the day.
This plan will also take pressure off the creative vacuum at the Peacock Network to script worthy prime time shows. Since ER is flat-lining at the end of this season, all they’ll have to do is move any remaining Law & Orders to 9pm. Bonus: they’ll be saving $13,000,000 a week.
For those of you worried about the new show’s content, put your mind at ease:
…The new show, which will begin next fall, is expected to be set in Mr. Leno’s longtime studio in Burbank, Calif. Mr. Leno is expected to retain many of the most popular elements of his “Tonight Show,” including his monologue and bits like “Headlines” and “Jay Walking.” One “Tonight Show” staff member said the new program would not be a variety show.
Here’s a few suggested uses for the surplus $13 million/week:
- Get the rights to Pushing Daisies from ABC and produce it. It’s better than anything else NBC puts out (My Own Worst Enemy, Knight Rider, Heroes).
- Produce a show like Pushing Daisies. A TV show based on Fables (a comic book series where fairy tale characters interact in the real world) is looking for a home. Sign ’em up!
- Give it to the Big Three auto makers in Detroit. They could become the Big G.E. Three…
- Pay to keep good people on Saturday Night Live. Not everyone that walks away is a guaranteed success. Make Studio 8H their home.
- Promote the hell out of 30 Rock. Make Alec happy.
- Get some talent involved in the writing of Heroes.
- Give it to Conan. He deserves it.
TV IS MY IV 