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Jay Leno On Friday Hosts
His Final TONIGHT SHOW!!

FIRST by Droogie Alex	May 29th, 2009 02:37:58 AM

bill hicks' impression by Saint Andeol	May 29th, 2009 02:46:44 AM
of jay leno committing suicide by uzi is fucking great.
Weird you should bring up Bill Hicks. by Hercules	May 29th, 2009 02:54:53 AM
The first time I ever met Leno and saw him live was the first night Bill Hicks opened for Leno at a comedy club in Austin. This was 1983; I'd never heard of Hicks before. And the two comics had never met before that night.
i can't think of leno by Saint Andeol	May 29th, 2009 02:57:48 AM
without hearing hicks' impression interviewing joey lawrence. also, 1983 was the year i was born. coincidence?
Thank God by Quin the Eskimo	May 29th, 2009 02:59:14 AM
Maybe I'll actually laugh during the reign o'conan
Holy shit! by TheMcflyFarm	May 29th, 2009 03:14:06 AM
Jay was one scary, zombie-frankenstein looking mother fucker back then. It's good that the fat in his face eventually hid some of that chin. Is it just me or does Letterman always have a look like he just couldn't give a fuck about what the guest is saying during interviews?
Does Jimmy Fallon make Leno seem funny by superfleish76	May 29th, 2009 03:33:59 AM
by comparison, or is it just me? I haven't watched his show consistently, but The Roots seem to be the best thing about it. I accepted that Leno is just one of those things that makes no sense to me why he is as popular as he is. I think it is just further proof that "average Americans" like their stuff simple, bland and non-offensive. Leno basically is in the same category as The Gap and Olive Garden to me. Nice to see the shout out for Carolla. His podcast is always one of the first things I listen to in the morning as I try to infuse I brain with enough coffee so that I can work for the next 8 hours.
Welp, I think Herc just officially put the... by Shermdawg	May 29th, 2009 03:59:20 AM
...14yr old girl speculation to rest with that post. Also, it's nice to see I wasn't the only one that found Crystal's appearance dreadful. Also, the Prince autograph was awkward as hell too.
Leno's chin got smaller over the years? by V'Shael	May 29th, 2009 04:02:44 AM
Maybe all his funny was in his chin.
His cheeks just got wider V. by Shermdawg	May 29th, 2009 04:06:09 AM

Podcasts: by V'Shael	May 29th, 2009 04:06:10 AM
I haven't heard the Adam Corrolla one yet, but will check it out immediately. But for anyone who likes funny podcasts, I'd recommend both Ricky Gervais' podcasts with Karl Pilkington. And the SModcast, with Kevin Smith. Though to be honest, that hasn't been as good since Zack and Miri bombed at the box office. Mr. Smith hasn't gotten over that, and is still smoking a metric fuckload of weed to avoid depression, I guess.
Pandering to guests by MaxCalifornia.	May 29th, 2009 04:11:44 AM
Interesting comment about Leno finding big name guest's every word hysterical. I never thought Leno was that bad in that regard. All the talk show hosts do it, of course, because they want big name stars on their shows, and they want them to come back again. Leno kisses ass sometimes, yeah, but certainly not as badly as Letterman, who fawns spectacularly over anyone, like Ashton Kutcher of all people. You know that terrible laugh Letterman does, "hey hey hey...heeeeeee" when he's pretending to find someone funny. Most of the time you can hear that its only Letterman laughing, and his audience is dead silent. Sometimes Paul Schafer will join in for more buttock-clenchingly bad "antics". Anyway, I once saw that hipster Conan have Paris Hilton on his show, promoting her "book", so I don't know where this idea comes from that he's somehow much cooler than the others. It'll be fun to see how much more fawning he becomes in his new job.
Ace Rockolla's podcast is pretty awesome. by Pops Freshemeyer	May 29th, 2009 04:18:36 AM
Can't say I'm a fan of all of the guests, but he usually gets some pretty interesting stories out of them, even Carson Daly. That episode with George Takei was hella spiffy...
Howard Stern by corporategohan616	May 29th, 2009 04:55:30 AM
It'd only be fitting to see Howard pop up tonight to give Jay a piece of his mind for bein a douchey hack...
I thought Eric Stoltz starred in "Mask" by rctowns	May 29th, 2009 05:01:03 AM
Looking at those old clips, I guess it was Leno who starred as Cher's son.
Leno vs. Letterman by MorganLeafy	May 29th, 2009 05:04:44 AM
We used to have Jay Leno and Letterman here in Europe. Leno was quite popular for a brief period of time. I always had the impression that Leno was a better stand-up comedian but Letterman would be more fun to hang out in a bar with.
Who's gonna play Conan in The Late Shift 2? by Shermdawg	May 29th, 2009 05:40:49 AM

Leno on primetime. by _Qpid77_	May 29th, 2009 06:15:02 AM
I'll watch it the same way I do now, on TiVo, when there's a guest shilling something I give a crap about. Oh, and Headlines, cuz those are funny.
The "Dead Like Me" sale is over. by tonagan	May 29th, 2009 07:26:48 AM
Today it's Bacon Mayonnaise.
Meanwhile, Karen Gillan is the new DOCTOR WHO companion by SpyGuy	May 29th, 2009 07:40:08 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/ent ertainment/8073734.stm
I saw Leno in San Diego.. by Damned if I can login	May 29th, 2009 07:41:01 AM
..just before he took over TTS, at Hudson's on the Bay, a small outdoor theater. He was hysterical. But, as things often turn out, a cushy big-bucks job in perpetuity can lead to complacency. But I do recall that he did a short stint of TTS in a different venue some years ago (New York was it?) that was reminiscent of his earlier standup days, and it garnered rave revues. Ah well, when he was on American Chopper he was still a helluva lot nicer guy than Billy Joel, who was pretty much an asshole when he appeared.
Why does Carolla have a CBS contract? by The Funketeer	May 29th, 2009 07:56:56 AM
Was he developing a show for them?
Carolla's CBS radio show by superfleish76	May 29th, 2009 08:03:20 AM
ended when the station switched formats. He was still under contract though.
But apparently Carolla is developing a sticom for CBS, also by superfleish76	May 29th, 2009 08:04:38 AM

Carolla's podcast is pretty great. by Cletus Van Damme	May 29th, 2009 08:16:11 AM
I listened to the first 15-20 or so, but fell behind. I need to catch up on those.
I'm pretty sure there is no god. by therobcat	May 29th, 2009 08:49:16 AM
Jay Leno: Alive and rich. Bill Hicks: Dead. Draw your own conclusions.
JAY LENO SHOW is Doomed by ThusSpakeSpymunk	May 29th, 2009 08:50:20 AM
If you need proof, look at the remarks from the other network execs on other channels, who have been praising with glee the show's placement in the lineup, saying they're incredibly happy because they alredy know it's doomed, and how it will be an incredible ratings boom to faltering shows like the CSI shows. 10:00 is not family time. It's not time for a variety show. Guys, even the other networks know it's going to fail.
And Good Riddance!!!! by Merlox	May 29th, 2009 08:53:03 AM
wait......fuck.
Eight months sounds about right by Black Dante	May 29th, 2009 08:56:43 AM
Eight months for The Jay Leno Show means 11+ months on the air for The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. By mid-October, Letterman will be safely in first place and by February, O'Brien will be fighting off Nightline for that number two spot. My guess is that we'll be seeing countdowns for Jay Leno's return to the Tonight Show at this point next year. His first bit will be an "it's all a dream" segment that may even star Patrick Duffy. It may not be comedy gold, but it will be enjoyable to those who stay up to watch the Tonight Show, something Conan won't be able to achieve.
I get more laughs out of imaging by Itchy	May 29th, 2009 08:57:27 AM
my grandma naked and douching with a bottle of my Lagavulin 16 Year scotch then anything Leno has said or done in 17 years. The story of his landing the Tonight Show illustrates probably one of the most desperate, douchebag moves in all of Hollywood History. So basically, fuck you Jay and I hope your show tanks worse than The Magic Hour.
You and me both, Herc. by gotilk	May 29th, 2009 09:39:52 AM
Carolla's podcast is better than most TV, outshines his old show and is by far the best podcast of it's kind. Can someone send him 150 bucks for a couple of decent mics though?
I haven't watched Leno in years.... by dingleberryjerry	May 29th, 2009 10:07:00 AM
It's funny how Leno's departure is getting nowhere near the media coverage that Carson got. Granted, Leno isn't fit to hold Carson DALY's nutsack.
I love Adam but he is a HORRIBLE interviewer by TheApostle	May 29th, 2009 10:19:35 AM
Generally Adam has a guest on and then tells them stories he's told many times before. Most guests are just an audience for Adam to talk at.
goodbye and good riddance by the__natural74	May 29th, 2009 10:28:47 AM
I freakin' hate Jay Leno. The worst interviewer in the history of late-night TV. Glad to see others see thru his fake shit. I've always loved Letterman, and Conan is a goofy god of absurdity who is real and genuine at the same time. Letterman's stand-up material has never been good, but at least he listens to what his guests say. Jay just looks at his next bullet point, and I think you see the guests act accordingly. I find the guests on the Tonight Show offer as much as they do in the press junkets at hotels, being interviewed by a long line of local reporters. Plus, Letterman KNOWS when to shut up. Just look at Tom Hanks the other night, telling stories. Letterman knows to let the man shine and wait for his zinger opportunities. And Letterman is quick with the zingers, no doubt. Thank the lord Conan will be back, and thank the ghost of Carson for dragging Leno's late night career out to a Burbank alley and putting it out of OUR misery. My grandmother absolutely loves Jay, so she's happy to see him earlier. Seriously. I guess I'm happy for her. I'm sure Jay is a nice dude. Just a waste of time for 17 years. And the shit eating grins from that bass player and stuttering John always seemed so fake. It's like everybody knew they were just cashing cheques and not really adding to the fabric of late night TV history.
Never a patch on Letterman by RobFromBackEast	May 29th, 2009 10:36:36 AM
Never. I have nothing aginst Leno, but he never touched Letterman and his prime time show wont either. Like O Brien, mind.
Johnny Carson aimed straight down the middle by skimn	May 29th, 2009 10:37:33 AM
Middle America, that is. With his knowingly corny bits like Art Fern and Carnac. But he did it with a twinkle in his eye. He was like the favorite uncle that you'd want to be the last to leave the party. Jay seems to be a genuinely nice guy and un-Hollywood despite his years chin deep in the business, but as a host he's interchangable with about any "comic".
Letterman With Phoenix by RobFromBackEast	May 29th, 2009 10:39:20 AM
was a prime example of the comedic brilliance of that man. He turned potentially car crash TV into a hilarious ten minutes. Stewart will take over when he does finally decide to bounce, which is fine with me.
See ya Leno..... by i_banged_harley_quinn	May 29th, 2009 11:01:15 AM
Can't say I'll miss ya cause I won't. Bring the funny Conan!
Say what you want about Jay by snowpuff	May 29th, 2009 11:02:40 AM
But he makes $$$$$$$$$$$ for NBC.
itchy & the_natural by Damned if I can login	May 29th, 2009 11:08:46 AM
Don't beat around the bush guys, tell us how ya really feel. ;)
It's hard to hate Leno... by JackBauer@CTU	May 29th, 2009 11:38:35 AM
Don't get me wrong - I don't find his "Tonight Show" funny. I always would choose Dave over Leno. But I get the sense that he is an inherently nice guy, and yeah, while his comedy stylings are the equivalent of the Olive Garden (great comparison superfleish76), it was always comforting to know that he was on...I suppose 'cause I grew up with him. However, I never really despised or hated the man.
I guess the glove DIDN'T Fit! - HAHAHAHA! by Falafalguy	May 29th, 2009 11:47:14 AM
Damn I love OJ jokes. Thank God Leno is staying.
Good Jay/Bad Jay... by Deandome	May 29th, 2009 11:58:08 AM
Good: Jay the standup comic. I still remember/laugh at a line he said on Letterman a zillion years ago...maybe someone can help me with the punchline (or maybe it's in one of the clips above). It ended with "syphalitic clowns strewing anthrax spores". 'Syphalitic clowns'? Genius! BAD: Pretty much every nanosecond of Tonite Show...ESPECIALLY "Headlines", Qpid77. Funny or not, that bit was a DIRECT RIPOFF/amalagmation of Dave's "Dumb Ads" and "Smalltown News". The fact that his signature bit was a repuslive, blatant theft from the guy who made him famous, and THAT turned me against him more than his lameness and/or the fact he orchestrated the Tonite Show gig theft. And don't give me the same lame excuse Jay spewed about how Steve Allen started that; Steve Allen was not on the air when Dave 'adopted' the bit, and Dave always credited him as an influence. And Jay's theft of Stern's "Homeless Game" years later reiterated his sleaziness.
what is cheaper? by La.Cucaracha	May 29th, 2009 12:03:17 PM
a new sitcom, dramady, or cop/lawyer/doctor show once a week with writers, directors, and contruction to pay or this Leno crap that they know will get advertisers five days a week? NBC is all about the bottom line people. Grape about them cancelling LIFE all day but I bet filming on outdoor sets vs. an indoor set that they already own and don't need permits for didn't help.
*gripe by La.Cucaracha	May 29th, 2009 12:03:59 PM

Think everyones a little hard on Leno by drewlicious	May 29th, 2009 12:13:11 PM
Seriously. Yes, his show plays it pretty safe but the monologues aren't any worse than what Letterman puts out (his strengths are always when he's off the cuff). When he has the right guest, particularly another comedian, theres a lot to like because of the comradery. Headlines are usually pretty funny and it turns out everyone is pretty funny when you bring on the animal guy. Nothing gets laughs like a talk show host squirming in terror. He is a kiss ass, but they all are and Letterman's just as bad if not worse. His fawning over Paris Hilton was shameful the second time around (the first time was kind of funny when he insisted on talking about the jail time). Also, Leno's one of the hardest workers in showbiz. He loves standup and often does it on the weekends doing his own act.
drewlicious... by Deandome	May 29th, 2009 12:40:35 PM
What part of 'thieving, back-stabbing hack' is escaping you? What he did to GET the gig..and how he tried to pawn off the manipulation & greed on his insane manager...how he & she tried to blackmail guests into not appearing on other shows, how Headlines & Jaywalking are BOTH blatant ripoffs of bits created & currently performed by others...THIS utter lack of character & backbone is why many of us hate him. The fact that he's Branson-esque whitebread lame is just icing on the Jay-Sucks cake.
Rocky Dennis' last guest should be Mel Gibson. by AzulTool	May 29th, 2009 12:43:23 PM
Yeah, have his old pal Mel on. They can have a delightful conversation, and Mel won't have to worry about that nice guy Jay asking him any uncomfortable questions. They can tell their funny jokes, and the tourist audience can laugh and laugh. And, it won't be awkward at all. That's the greatness of Gay Sucko. He isn't burdened by the need to make his show interesting. It's a safe haven for all of those poor, oppressed celebrities. Unless they dare go on another show. Oh, we can't have that. Can we, Jay? And, Helen Kushnick was the tyrant who deserved to be fired. The only difference between her and Jay was the fact that she was up-front about being a scumbag. But, that's okay Jay. She's dead now. Just like your 10:00 PM show will be this time next year.
Craig Ferguson is the best late show left... by MacFaux	May 29th, 2009 12:43:34 PM
Yes. I typed that...that just happened. Does it blow your mind? Jimmy Kimmel can be quite good too...be even better if the Mouse Ears would pay him 11:30 money.
Fergie... by Deandome	May 29th, 2009 12:49:11 PM
I'm ALMOST with you, MacFaux, but I'm kinda hating on how in recent months he's been doubling/tripling the amount of "standing around & playing with the camera" crap. YES, it is/was a unique bit, but then he went and added a mid-show version of his 3-D monologuing, and it's getting old/lame....fast. But he's a GREAT interviewer, his skits....few as they are...are great, and his molologues are good....IN MODERATION!!
It's Hollywood..... by drewlicious	May 29th, 2009 12:49:16 PM
And it's really hard to say whats true out here. Especially with comedians because its hard actually establish whether or not someone is a joke thief. Some are, some just came up with same idea, and some absorbed what they said completely by accident (A friend of mine witnessed this with Eddie Griffith who after learning what he did quickly retired the bit). A lot of people talk shit about Leno and a lot of people praise him So I can't conclude anything about him for sure but I will say that when I see him on stage I don't hate him.
Carolla's Podcast is Phenomenal by SantiagoAndDunbar	May 29th, 2009 01:02:01 PM
His fake movie pitches are great. Just for the record I will pay $1,000 to see Pedif-Isle.
I don't do that podcast shit by Sithdan	May 29th, 2009 01:03:28 PM
Tonight marks the end of an era. I remember watching Carson's final episode back in 92. Has it been that long?! Without Leno there will be only ONE funny late night host - Letterman. He alone stands between quality late night television and utterly mindless shit.
I actually remember the last Tonight Show w/Carson... by The Dum Guy	May 29th, 2009 01:14:36 PM
He just played clips of his fave moments (I'm sure alot of you all saw it ass well). I hope they don't neuter Conan too much b/c of the earlier time slot.
Ferguson by skimn	May 29th, 2009 01:29:18 PM
I do tire of his "am I gay?...nah..or am I??.." schtick, but his rapport with his guests is great.
Not a big event--he is not leaving TV, retiring by chromedome	May 29th, 2009 01:33:22 PM
but he is killing 5 hours a week of scripted shows, and putting all those folks out of work
So when you have a Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise or whoever by skimn	May 29th, 2009 01:40:24 PM
hawking their latest flick, making their annual talk show appearances, will the pecking order be Leno first, then Conan, then a week later Jimmy K, then when it hits DVD, Jimmy, Craig,etc.
bring on Conan and Pearl Jam by BMacSmith	May 29th, 2009 01:42:07 PM
thats what i want to see. Leno cant go fast enough.
What are the memorable moments from Leno by Samuel Fulmer	May 29th, 2009 01:58:08 PM
I can think of two=Hugh Grant interview post-Divine Brown and the Dancing Itos. That and some feud with Eric Bischoff that led to a WCW match. I think Letterman has more memorable moments each year than this hack has had for 17 years, and this I'm not even much of a Letterman fan.
Shouldn't SAG boycott Leno by Samuel Fulmer	May 29th, 2009 01:59:14 PM
Since he's basically done away with many scripted shows that would've given actors jobs.
FUCK YOU JAY LENO! by AzulTool	May 29th, 2009 02:02:38 PM
sorry, I just love piling on this dick...
Biggest WCW joke-Karl Malone, Jay Leno, by Samuel Fulmer	May 29th, 2009 02:10:44 PM
David Arquette, Steve "Mongo" McMichael, or Goldberg. I pick Goldberg.
how Leno got his groove back? by the__natural74	May 29th, 2009 02:26:53 PM
Anybody care to recount the dirty details how Leno (& his agent?) got the Tonight Show gig? I've gone on the record here why I can't stand him as a talk show host, and I know Carson wanted Letterman to be his successor, but I've never heard the details that a few people have hinted at on this board. Thanks!
The fact that he performed two free concerts by skimn	May 29th, 2009 02:42:29 PM
in the Detroit area at The Palace Of Auburn Hills (30,000 tickets given away), scores him some points in my book.
It's like this, the__natural74 by bravogolfhotel	May 29th, 2009 02:55:59 PM
Leno was the default guest host of TONIGHT when Carson announced his retirement. Jay's shark of a manager, a woman named Helen Kushnick, used the sub rosa threat of Jay quitting to go to another network to secure a commitment to give him THE TONIGHT SHOW and NBC agreed (partly because Letterman's perfectionistic moodiness turned off the NBC brass). This coup d'etat irritated Carson (who didn't want to be in the middle but who was irked not to be consulted) and Letterman (who thought he had at least earned the courtesy of having the offer put in front of him). Leno thus started the job under a cloud, which cloud only darkened when it came out that Kushnick, who became EP at Leno's TONIGHT, was a frightening micromanager who would threaten to blackball guests who didn't make TONIGHT their first destination for plugging. NBC and Leno eventually fired Kushnick (for his part, Leno claimed to have been under the impression that he was the first choice for TONIGHT, and that Kushnick's skullduggery was going on entirely without his knowledge). Bill Carter's contemporaneous book THE LATE SHIFT covers all this in much greater detail; it's out of print, but easy to find used.
Leno's been always self serving by lockesbrokenleg	May 29th, 2009 02:57:37 PM
Prince was even shitty last night.
Enter the Cone Zone!!! by Kief_Ledger	May 29th, 2009 03:07:54 PM
Leno sucks. He's unfunny and can't conduct an interview to save his life. Conan is generally solid in interviews (particularly if he gets someone funny like Norm Macdonald; then it's always classic) and his remotes are always hysterical. I really hope Leno fails at 10 but I think Conan is going to get screwed over and not get top guests. Well, if Conan does get the tonight show taken from him, I'm sure some other network would hire him.
Also Herc, kudos on the Carolla shout out. by Kief_Ledger	May 29th, 2009 03:10:49 PM
His podcast is usually solid. However, nothing he's done post-2005 comes close to his work on Loveline. His chemistry with Dr. Drew is unparalleled. The old loveline episodes are easy to find online, which makes car rides all the more enjoyable for Kief Ledger.
dudes... by idrinkyourmilkshake	May 29th, 2009 03:35:06 PM
im sorry, but what the FUCK is this post doing here? Come on fellas-this is downright sad. Next up for aintitcool news...the t.v. show listing for the fall 2009 schedule...oops...
Herc loves NBC by lockesbrokenleg	May 29th, 2009 03:56:50 PM
Why, I don't know.
Back in 1986 by DennisMM	May 29th, 2009 04:17:14 PM
I gave myself a treat and saw Jay Leno on my birthday. The tickets seemed outrageous at the time - probably $20 - for a front-row seat. Leno mocked me when I talked with him about my crap job. He was very funny, very unthreatening and hardly balls-out, but it was Des Moines, Iowa! Point is, I never saw him be that funny in the 20 years that he was regularly associated with "The Tonight Show." Good luck to him, but it's five hours more primetime programming I'll never watch.
You Fucking MORONS.... by Deandome	May 29th, 2009 04:23:41 PM
For the last chin-fucking time, "Headlines" was STOLEN from Letterman's 'Small Town News' and 'Dumb Ads'. Ergo, when you say it's the only funny thing Jay did, you're confirming what an unoriginal, thieving, disloyal PRICK he is. AND, of course, you're also confirming what ignorant, insipid morons YOU are. People called Jay on this back when he started it and he mumbled some shit about '...eh, Steve Allen really started it..' SO FUCKING WHAT...Steve Allen was DEAD at the time, and Letterman always acknowledged him as a source for many of his bits. Leno, on the other hand, stole it from his former friend WHILE HE WAS DOING THE BITS. So please...STFU and/or find some other piece of lameness with which you can suck Leno's cock.
I've seen Leno's stand up a few times by lockesbrokenleg	May 29th, 2009 04:24:27 PM
He is great at stand up. On the Jerri Seinfeld level. I even saw him at a mall opening!
And When CONAN Copied the Bit... by Deandome	May 29th, 2009 04:27:42 PM
...he had the courtesy & imagination to put a whole new, twisted spin by faking the punchlines. I always saw this as his dig at Jay ripping off Dave, but as you can see, I have some deep-seated issues with this topic that might have colored that interpretation.
And When CONAN Copied the Bit... by Deandome	May 29th, 2009 04:27:44 PM
...he had the courtesy & imagination to put a whole new, twisted spin by faking the punchlines. I always saw this as his dig at Jay ripping off Dave, but as you can see, I have some deep-seated issues with this topic that might have colored that interpretation.
Jerri Seinfeld by skimn	May 29th, 2009 04:36:12 PM
Is that the comedienne with MS?
No, that's Jimmy Kimmel by lockesbrokenleg	May 29th, 2009 04:45:37 PM
worthless hack.
Good one lockesbrokenleg by skimn	May 29th, 2009 04:58:38 PM
Although I did see Kimmel on a Comedy Central roast, I think for Flava Flav, and he killed.
I've heard Adam Corrolla and... by rbatty024	May 29th, 2009 05:01:50 PM
he reminds me of an even less funny Gilbert Godfreid, if that's possible. I can barely tell the two apart.
drewlicious by RobFromBackEast	May 29th, 2009 05:15:51 PM
Letterman a kiss ass!? Are you fucking kidding me?
RobFromBackEast by DennisMM	May 29th, 2009 05:21:20 PM
Agreed. Lots of times, Dave fawns over guests when they arrive and first sit down. Then he sits there, biting his lip, obviously dying over how empty their schtick is. If they are lucky, that is. If not, he all but mocks them openly.
top youtube clip by Nem_Wan	May 29th, 2009 05:34:12 PM
When Letterman pulls Leno off script (and note he has to pull hard) talking about details of Elvis movies, and Leno says, "in the book it's different," that is not just a joke teller but a genuinely smart, funny guy. What happened?
You're right by Cat333	May 29th, 2009 06:11:29 PM
Leno has never been as funny as he was with Dave. His old stand up was hilarious. It is as if stabbing his friend in the back took all the funny out of him or it was some cosmic curse. Blaming it all on his "crazy" manager was odd too. You are with this person for 17 years and you have no idea how she operates. If Leno was such an innocent party in all this, how come Johnny Carson never appeared on Leno's Tonight Show? Obviously Carson took sides since Carson appeared on Letterman's CBS show. The whole episode was badly handled by NBC and Leno which is where all the hurt feelings arose. It was just sad for all parties involved, except NBC who was crying to the bank. And they still won't let loose of Leno. I feel sorry for Conan and I don't even watch him.
Leno & Letterman Are Like John Adams&Thomas Jefferson Type Relat by BoyNamedSue	May 29th, 2009 06:36:56 PM
Friends, then bitter rivals........maybe they will become friends again when both are fully retired and.......die on the same day.
Late Night with David Lettermen was the best show of the 80's by AzulTool	May 29th, 2009 06:48:19 PM
Not best talk show. Best TV show. Even if you don't agree with it being #1, you have to admit, it was up there. Nobody was as combative, cynical, edgy, innovative, or funny as Dave. When he came to CBS, he toned down quite a bit. Now, he's a tired, wounded veteran of the "Late Night Wars" But, that NBC show was truly great.
Sorry, LetterMAN by AzulTool	May 29th, 2009 06:50:05 PM

Even Letterman Lost His Edge by BoyNamedSue	May 29th, 2009 06:55:18 PM
After he moved to CBS. Late Night with Letterman was SO MUCH BETTER!!!!!
I like Leno but he's AWFUL!!!!! by BillyMayesHere	May 29th, 2009 07:50:05 PM
Bland as hell and terrible at interviews.... but hey, he made it, right?
Let me clarify by kiss-ass.... by drewlicious	May 29th, 2009 07:50:16 PM
It comes naturally to the profession and I suppose there are varying degrees. But don't tell me Letterman doesn't occassionally sell-out. I suppose seeing him pretend to be interested in Paris Hilton, Tori Spelling and Nicole Richie is a small price to pay to watch gloriously roast poor Jon McCain a while ago. That was classic. As for the stolen bits on Leno's show....with comedians I have no idea. You'd be amazed how many similar ideas there are out there. It does make me remember a scene from the Simpsons where Krusty gets pranked by his own bit and says, "If this is anyone but Steve Allen you're stealing my bit."
i can't stand letterman by TheExterminator	May 29th, 2009 07:52:39 PM
he comes across as a self absorbed insecure prick to me
by TheExterminator	May 29th, 2009 08:05:27 PM
insincere
by TheExterminator	May 29th, 2009 08:05:29 PM
insincere
Fuck Jay by zool43	May 29th, 2009 08:31:45 PM
Those clips demonstrate that at one point he had some semblance of cool in him. What happened???? Jay at his best couldn't even touch Arsenio at his worst.
Wow, an all clip show? by lockesbrokenleg	May 29th, 2009 10:54:23 PM
I hate these final episode things. It's always all clips.
Look at how Conzie out talls him. by CherryValance	May 29th, 2009 11:03:06 PM
Amazing.
what a waste.... by j2talk	May 29th, 2009 11:17:09 PM
Conan is not funny,this is painful to watch
thank God for Craig Ferguson by j2talk	May 29th, 2009 11:18:21 PM
at least there will still be Someone in late night worth watching
I love Conan and can't wait for his Tonight Show. by saintsaucey	May 29th, 2009 11:59:08 PM
Carson Daly is touring the new set with Andy Richtor tonight which means this is the one and only time I will ever watch Carson Daly. As for Leno I'm more than happy for Jay Leno's tonight show to be over but thinks it is touching that his ending centered on the 68 kids that have been born to his staff over the years. That was a pretty awesome way to end your show. If only you wouldn't screw it up by going to 10:00.
Nice ending for Leno by lockesbrokenleg	May 30th, 2009 01:04:20 AM
That ending with all the kids was pretty sweet.
Boring final show. by Super Rabbi	May 30th, 2009 01:21:07 AM
Wasn't emotional for a final show. Only good part was Conan.
Jay had to ruin it & make his farewell antisappy proof! by Orionsangels	May 30th, 2009 03:07:43 AM
Thanks to having an upcoming show at 10pm. Jay you were supposed to leave forever, so I could get emotional and cry, like when Johnny signed off. I love feeling like that, but nope. You kept reminding us, i'll be back at 10pm! Fuck that! Farewell? Felt more like a celebration of his moving to a new house.
Craig Ferguson gets on my nerves! He never STFU! by Orionsangels	May 30th, 2009 03:09:54 AM
Let the guest talk! His monologue and lame skits are like %80 of the show and half the time I can't understand what he's saying and he always looks constipated.
Liberal Letterman has become a bitter old man! by Orionsangels	May 30th, 2009 03:19:54 AM
He also has the habit of being a complete asshole to guest. Always asking them private questions and going where he knows he's not supposed to, but he doesn't give a shit. But besides all that. His show hasn't changed in more than 20 years. The top ten? The top ten reasons why the top ten is so boring, zzzzz! I hate that we always have to put up with that damn top ten before a guest. I just hate everything about letterman's set too. It's like having an 80's flashback, a timewarp. It's time to retire Letterman and you better make me cry, none of this, i'll be back at 10pm with another show bullshit!
Orionsangels-that what make him GOOD by j2talk	May 30th, 2009 03:40:28 AM
the fact that Ferguson DOESN'T pander to the quest and whatever their PR person has them shilling is what makes the show interesting- who needs to see a guest sit on the couch and tell the same BS about the film project !?!? Lets be entertained and be spontaneous ...and Yes most of the skits ARE lame, but his cold opening, monologue, email segment and what did we learn on the show tonite? makes for the BEST of anything in late nite today...
Fergie's bits by The McPoyle Clan	May 30th, 2009 05:31:04 AM
The mugging for the camera is stale, but the two lip-sync bits with the puppets were great, and when he can resist being silly with a guest, he's a good interviewer. He's the only one I can still watch on late night. I don't have any irrational hate for Leno, he just did a very bland show. Letterman can be entertaining when he bothers to show up, but he takes most nights off now. Conan had good remotes and a cast of characters, but not as much goodness as before. Fallon...no need to say anything.
j2talk - Ferguson does pander... by American Mythos	May 30th, 2009 07:10:29 AM
... just like all the late night talk show hosts. Didn't you see his interview with Brittney (sp?) Murphy? She used this lame British accent, even while admitting to being born in Georgia and raised in New Jersey, and Craig didn't even call her out on it. In fact, when his two subsequent guests (the Jake 2.0 guy and Zooey Deschanel sp?) tried to call her out on it, Craig told them "sshhh". And his interviews are some of the emptiest, most unproductive interviews of any late night interviewer. He spends 70% of the interview amusing himself with his own antics while his guests look on in confusion.
and... by American Mythos	May 30th, 2009 07:14:53 AM
... the other 30% of Craig's interviews are purely fluff, softball questions. But, I have to admit, sometimes he can be a funny motherfucker.
The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien by American Mythos	May 30th, 2009 07:56:21 AM
I can't wait for the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. I grew up on Late Night with he and Andy, always staying up past my bed time to watch it. It's going to be nice to have some freshness breathed into the Tonight Show. I think it will be a success for the following reasons: #1. Conan will have three to four months to maintain/build his audience before Leno comes on the air in primetime, so I don't think there's that much of a risk of Leno stealing Conan's audience or of Leno's viewers (however many there will be) not tuning into Conan. #2. Late night talk shows are watched largely out of habit, a lot of times as preparation for bed time. People will have a choice between Letterman, who I love but who is undeniably stale, and Conan, who can be awkward but usually reliably funny. Of all the late night talk show hosts, and of anyone to ever host the Tonight Show, he's definitely the most unique. #3. Chemistry. The chemistry Conan has with all his supporting stars (Andy, Max, Labamba, Mark Pender, etc.) is practically flawless. Sure, Leno has SOME chemistry with Kevin, Letterman has great chemistry with Paul -- the difference is none of those sidekicks are even remotely funny, while Conan's people are. That's one of Conan's biggest strengths. That chemistry alone was responsible for building Late Night into the success it became and it will definitely produce results on this new Tonight Show. Especially with Andy Richter coming back. #4. Conan's move to Hollywood. In New York, Conan could usually only book guests that were convenient (which is why Saturday Night Live folks were on there every week), but in L.A., the show will get instant accessibility to some of the best guests in Hollywood. Combine that with all the other reasons listed above, and I think the Tonight Show will stay number 1 and even see its audience grow. #5. Lastly, Conan is a good interviewer. He's not great, but compared to Letterman, Leno, Kimmel, and Ferguson, he's the best. He takes the chemistry he has with his own crew and melds it with whoever he's interviewing. And if he's unable to build that same chemistry with a guest, and there's an awkward moment, Conan doesn't just ignore it and let it pass like Leno (who is completely unable to recognize when there is an awkward moment). He turns it into part of his schtick, somewhat like Letterman, only not as strained and pointlessly drawn out as Letterman's "akward moments" with his guests. Call me a fanboy, but I've watched all the late night talk shows for years, alternating between them, and I've always found Conan O'Brien and his crew to be the best on television. I can't wait to see how he adapts to a new time and with the whole gang back together.
LenoCunt. by BoneisKing	May 30th, 2009 07:57:32 AM
I have never once laughed at anything that Jay Leno has said - ever. Though I guess he's an affable enough gent; plus he has a tendency to wear denim in his everyday life which invigorates me. May his chin be feasted on by the Immortals.
All these shows are worse now because... by Nem_Wan	May 30th, 2009 08:56:49 AM
Five shows a week! Letterman did 4 shows a week on NBC, and Carson was down to just 3 at the end. Leno's workaholism forced Letterman to compete on CBS with a similar schedule and thus the show doesn't have time to create as many of the complex comedy bits that were on the NBC show. This is partly mitigated by taping two shows on one day, but that still takes time and energy. Letterman has always known his monologue is not the best, and on his old show it was minimized to no more than four jokes, then over to the desk where he's stronger. The show is no longer structured that way because they have less time to prepare stuff to do at the desk. People forget that the CBS show in the first couple years was fantastic, and was working incredibly hard to maintain the high proportion of remotes and elaborate bits, as well as taking the show to other cities (Johnny Carson did his famous cameo when Late Show did a week in LA). I think after Hugh Grant flipped the ratings to Leno it was confusing and frustrating for Letterman why the smarter show couldn't win, even when CBS was on top overall. Once Letterman accepted there was nothing he could do about the ratings and people's (lack of) taste, I think he decided that being merely good was fine because being great is twice as much work and won't change anything. It'll be interesting to see if Conan vs. Letterman shakes things up at all, but more than likely heart surgery and fatherhood have changed Letterman's priorities. I don't think he ever expected to be doing his show as long as Carson did, but what do you know, he's almost there (ignoring the technicality of switching networks). Sometimes I think he keeps going partly because he doesn't know what else he'd do with himself and partly so his loyal staff, many of whom quit safe jobs at NBC to follow him, can keep working. I'll keep watching Letterman as long as he on, but I'll DVR Conan too, at least at first.
In ireland what I am dying to see is.. by emeraldboy	May 30th, 2009 10:07:56 AM
is rte be a bit ballsy and commission something along the lines of the Tommy tiernan Show. He aleady has a radio show with hector. But in the light of all that stuff about the Blasphemy law which our govt want to bring in or our justice minister wants . RTE wont even go near such an idea. sad really. What bored many viwers to tears were the neverending list Of rte personalities waiting to appear on Ryan tubridys coach. The days of parky are over. meanwhile the bbc have jst given Graham Norton his umpteenth attempt at saturday primetime. His chatshow is good but his braying jackass routine can grate.
IN ireland there were by emeraldboy	May 30th, 2009 10:22:36 AM
4 chatshows. Late late(longest running chatshow in the world), Tubridy tonight, Kelly and the patrick Kielty almost live show from belfast . then there were 3 late late, Tubridy tonight, Kelly. Then two. Late late and tubidy and now. there is one. late late show to be hosted by Ryan Tubridy from september. last night was kenny's final show. he was promted to leave when his wife said. "another five years of this and the garage will be a very lonely place to be." his wife is very hot looking and his reportedly the woman that chris deburgh wrote about in his song Lady in Red. which is why kenny has never had him on the show.... but then just In case the iranian people havent suffered enough. Iran wanted to open its peoples ears to western music guess who went sent as a musical ambassador. CHris DeBurgh.......
So Jay's legacy... by Anime_Nut	May 30th, 2009 11:00:56 AM
... is a stage-full of cute kids... and a mongoloid. Couldn't he at least have been a cute 'tard? Cruel jokes aside, I thought that was a sweet way to end the show. I'm not a Leno fan, but that was kinda classy.
You notice all the flashbacks by dirtsandwich	May 30th, 2009 11:31:06 AM
were pretty lame, he hardly had anything worth a shit to show. Pretty uneventful.
that 17yr old girl at the end had a nice set of cans by Bouncy X	May 30th, 2009 11:40:39 AM
someone has to say it and i'm glad it was me.
"We're a union shop here" by Big Jim	May 30th, 2009 11:51:51 AM
(except for those 6 weeks or so during the writer's strike)
Watched Fallon's monologue by Big Jim	May 30th, 2009 12:02:34 PM
Brutal! Is it always that bad? He seemed like he had a bad case of stage-fright. He sounded like it was his first time in front of a camera.
Needs more GIANT PIG by GIANT_PIG	May 30th, 2009 12:25:44 PM
GIANT PIG!!!
Didn't See It, But All This Talk of Kids... by Deandome	May 30th, 2009 12:48:30 PM
...reminds me of the one, truly great thing Leno brought to the world......................... .............................. .......HE DIDN'T REPRODUCE!!
Ferguson by xsi kal	May 30th, 2009 02:19:59 PM
Craig Ferguson is the only host I routinely laugh aloud while watching. Yes, he has a habit of going on wild tangents, and sometimes beating a dead horse routine until it dies a SECOND TIME, but the general craziness and unscripted feel are better than anything you'll find on other late night shows, (with the rare exception of whenever Letterman goes off on a guest, a la McClain or Phoenix).
Fuck Leno by skimn	May 30th, 2009 03:54:28 PM
He had a chance to be a bigger man and take GE's cock out of his mouth for a second, and give some acknowledgement to Letterman for all the times he booked him and raised his visibilty. But, no. He had to ramble about all the marriages and relationships that came about during his tenure on The Tonight Show. Conan's farewell speech practically moved me to tears. Leno.....fuck him.
Been loving adam carolla's podcast by manicfanatic	May 30th, 2009 04:17:03 PM
Glad to see you are too, herc
Seriously, the Leno show ain't a bad idea. by Cotton McKnight	May 30th, 2009 07:29:39 PM
I don't watch anything that hour, except old reruns of whatever version of law and order is on. I haven't tuned into NBC for that hour since.. well never? I dunno was the A team or Knight rider ever on that late? So yeah, thats a +1 viewer for NBC. I'll see who's on it and if it looks good, i'll watch.
by Cotton McKnight	May 30th, 2009 07:32:34 PM

Well to be fair, it's Conan v. Letterman now. by Cotton McKnight	May 30th, 2009 07:35:56 PM
And to acknowledge Letterman would have come across as an endorsement and a "fuck you" to Conan.
"I haven't tuned into NBC for that hour since.. well never" by Big Jim	May 30th, 2009 08:28:27 PM
You've never seen ER? LA Law? Hill Street Blues? Obviously you didn't watch Journeyman as, unfortunately, few did.
Why should Leno kiss Letterman's ass? by lockesbrokenleg	May 30th, 2009 09:35:54 PM
Also Craig Ferguson is such a boring hypocrite. God, only old ladies watch that show.
Hey I just watched Leno's final show by CerebralAssassin	May 30th, 2009 11:53:19 PM
And it was charming! Suck it, haters!!
Oh, and I forgot the one thing I liked about Leno's show by CerebralAssassin	May 30th, 2009 11:55:03 PM
The end music over the closing credits. Played since the Marsalis days, it's both conforting and bittersweet. Top notch music.
American Mythos by Indiana-Joe	May 31st, 2009 12:23:20 AM
You make good points, especially the one about chemistry. But there's no way Conan is a better interviewer than Letterman. Dave always has that element of danger for guests where at any moment he can snap and pick them apart without batting an eye. He's had so many behind the scenes feuds over the years with people who aren't used to anything less than 100 percent ass kissing. Conan or Leno never had anything like that because at the end of the day they keep it as civil as possible. Plus Dave has a long list of famous interviews. Mostly because of ackward things happening but he knows he's got something great and he runs with it which the other guys probably wouldn't. Just off the top of my head I'm thinking of Dave's interviews with Farrah Fawcett, Jaoquin Phoenix, John McCain, Drew Barrymore, Madonna, Crispin Glover plus the night he returned after 9-11 and cried at his desk. All pretty famous bits of late night TV. Carson had his share of notable interviews too. But I can't think of any Leno had other than when Schwarzenegger announced he was running for governor and that wasn't that great. Conan doesn't have any highlight interviews to speak of. Don't get me wrong - I really hope Conan succeeds and I'll watch him and catch Letterman online.
Why all this irrational hatred for Jay Leno. To say that he' by Coughlins Laws	May 31st, 2009 11:52:14 AM

I don't understand why so many people hate Jay Leno by Coughlins Laws	May 31st, 2009 11:55:36 AM
this much. He's occasionally really funny. He's never horrible (like Letterman can be from time to time). Letterman is barely watchable now. He's just a mean-spirited old man most of the time. As far as Jay Leno stealing The Tonight Show from Letterman, just how do you figure that? Leno was the Permanent Guest Host for a long time and Letterman never campaigned for the job. Isw it Leno's fault that NBC preferred him to Letterman? And, BTW, they were proven right. Leno has pretty much owned Letterman for almost 2 decades...
Partly it's because by ThrowMeTheIdol	May 31st, 2009 04:35:33 PM
For years he was very biased pro-republican in his monologues and only has lightened up about that in the last 4 or 5 years. That's not the only reason why a lot don't like him but it contributes. My theory of why Leno got the job is that I suspect he provided material to Carson during the late-80s writers strike. Carson floundered at first with no writers and then suddenly got funny for weeks. And then whaddaya know, shortly after Leno is guest hosting regularly and on the track to succeed. Admittedly no one can prove this but that never stopped a good conspiracy theory. :)
bravogolfhotel by the__natural74	Jun 2nd, 2009 04:01:49 PM
bravogolfhotel> If you come back to this board, thank-you for the breakdown of Leno's Tonight Show "heist". Just came back a few days later to this board, so I appreciate the info! Cheers! As for Leno's finale, I felt kinda bad for him when during Jay's closing comments to Conan, a fan yells out "CONAN ROCKS!", fuckin' kicking sand in Leno's eyes! HAHA! I liked it, but even I felt bad for Jay taking that on the chin! And to the dude who yelled support for Conan at a completely inappropriate time...you showed no class there buddy. But awesome just the same that you'll forever be a part of television history, replayed for generations to come! Not bad, even though it was a dickhead move.
completely funny by the__natural74	Jun 3rd, 2009 09:06:03 AM
No doubt Prossor, that was a funny moment! And also representative of Conan's fans. I'm so happy for him, and if anybody watched the rabid reaction Consie gets from his audience, you'd wonder what took NBC so long to bring him to the big show. Everything on Conan's tonight show so far has been the same as Late Night, but amplified and personified! The long ovations will continue for some time. Conan's Tonight Show is going to dominate and reach heights of popularity talk-show television hasn't seen before. CONAN ROCKS!!!!

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