The Bottom Line
Pros
- A classic since its debut in 1954.
- Family friendly
- Appeals to a general audience
Cons
- Show’s style different from Carson-era
- Show has taken on an edgier tone
Description
- Airs Monday through Friday at 11:35 a.m. EST on NBC
- Debuted in 1954 as a variety show
- Was a news program for six months in 1957
- Groucho Marx guest hosted before Carson took over
- For the first 10 years, Carson’s Tonight Show was in New York
- Hugh Downs was Jack Paar’s announcer
Guide Review - Overview: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Truth told, I’m not a huge fan of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, but only because my sensibilities are more in line with Letterman, Stewart and Conan. But I have to admit, Jay runs a tight ship, and for those who enjoy a more “blue collar” approach to comedy, The Tonight Show will float their boat.
The Tonight Show debuted in 1954, hosted by Steve Allen (then a variety show) and then Jack Paar, who switched the format to the one familiar today. He was followed by Johnny Carson. Both men were hailed as the quintessential talk show hosts of their time. Leno followed Carson and will be followed by Conan O’Brien in 2009, when Leno will retire from the game.
The show, taped in Los Angeles, follows the standard talk show format, with monologue, skits, celebrity and musical guests. Some of the more popular features include Monday’s Headlines, in which Jay displays amusing news headlines, and Jaywalking, during which Leno hits the byways to interview the Man on the Street – with hilarious results.
Jazz guitarist Kevin Eubanks is the bandleader, with John Melendez, formerly of The Howard Stern Show, as announcer.
