At the end of the 2009 television season, what had long seemed unthinkable for audiences everywhere finally took place: Jay Leno left the Tonight Show. The iconic and well-liked comedian who had taken over the emblematic American show after the amazing run of the late Johnny Carson took his final bow. After months of speculation and second-guessing, Leno left his post as host of the late night talk show after a long, highly successful run. Contractual obligations and financial concerns ultimately beat out all else, and Conan O’Brien replaced Leno during the summer.
The transition has been less than smooth. In the first weeks of O’Brien’s run viewers tuned into the HD TVs in large numbers, sort of testing the waters. Soon, however, many began to change the channel. Between the draw of Dave Letterman and the options offered by satellite TV, Conan has been in a bit of trouble. While he has brought in a newer, younger audience, he has lost some traditional viewers who are unaccustomed to his often awkward humor. The world of late night television has changed, and audiences have shuffled accordingly.
Now, however, the dust has (mostly) settled. Viewers have generally chosen their corners. Those appealed by O’Brien’s self-deprecating humor tune into NBC on most nights. Those drawn to Letterman’s brutal wit flip to CBS. And those who remain in the middle enjoy the ploys the opposing CBS and NBC hosts and writers employ to woo them.
But just as Leno’s exist stirred things up, his pending September reentry is sure to do the same. Though it is often difficult to predict how television audiences will react, Leno’s return is sure to have some influence. Though the time will be shorter, the show’s format will be similar. To put it simply, the program will be more compact. Leno will offer another option to viewers with endless satellite TV channels – one with which those satellite TV channels and network stations may have a tough time competing. While it is not likely that Americans will give up their favorite series like CSI and Law & Order for a late night talk show every night of the week, they’ll probably tune in a least a few nights every week. And if the program gains momentum, who knows?
It is not clear how Leno’s premier will affect ratings for Letterman and O’Brien. As they are not in competing time slots, there may not be a problem. Audiences will be able to tune into Leno on their high definition televisions earlier in the evening and fall asleep with Letterman at night. Still, one has to wonder if people will be likely to watch two such similar shows. And if they do make a choice, with whom will they go?
Now there is nothing to do but wait. The world of late night television stands to undergo an interesting shake-up in the fall – one that no one will want to miss.
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