According to anonymous sources, NBC executives are considering bringing Jay Leno back to late night, pushing Conan and Fallon back by half an hour. When Conan O'Brien assumed the helm of NBC's popular Tonight Show, Leno was given a primetime talk show airing every weeknight. The move was risky and controversial - and, by all accounts, unsuccessful. However, The Tonight Show's ratings have also dipped. Conan has brought many more younger viewers to the network, but lost much of Leno's established audience.
In a statement to the press released yesterday, NBC denied rumors of cancellation, but did not deny rumors of Leno returning to late night - either in a 30-minute format preceding The Tonight Show or as the host of the show he hosted for 17 years. There was no word as to where this would leave O'Brien, though NBC stated it would keep him at the network, where he has been for over 15 years now, as well.
Whatever happens will not actually occur until after the Winter Olympics coverage.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
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