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Leno says no to Letterman (for now)

by Bob Sassone, posted Dec 16th 2008 2:40PM
Letterman, LenoOne of the possible upshots to the Conan-taking-over-The-Tonight-Show scenario is that it could have freed Jay Leno to do many things elsewhere, away from NBC. In fact, he could have gone on The Late Show with David Letterman the night that Conan takes over his NBC show and be Dave's guest for the first time in...well, a very, very long time. But now that seems like it's not going to happen.

Leno reveals to The New York Times that The Late Show really did invite him to be the guest on the show that night, but Leno says that he doesn't want to do that to Conan. And I have to agree with him on this. It would be kind of a kick in the teeth to have Leno guest on Letterman's show at the same time Conan is launching his hosting duties on The Tonight Show. Leno shaking hands with Letterman again and sitting in the chair will be must-see television for everyone who watches late night, so you know that Conan would be hurt by that (ratings-wise and probably personally too).

Leno does, however, hope to do Letterman's show at some point. Even though he's still with NBC, he'll be on at 10pm now and won't be competing with Dave anymore.

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rashasbetter

I love Leno, I can't stand Letterman or O'Brien. But I would love to see Leno on Letterman, that would be pretty awesome. But I think whether or not Leno goes on the same night as O'Briens debut wouldn't matter. But at least Letterman will finally get ahead in ratings against the Tonight Show!

January 06 2009 at 2:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jim

I don't like Leno, but I'd love to see him on Letterman.

Dave: "So I guess hiding in the closet finally paid off for you?"

December 16 2008 at 9:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Franklin

I don't care for Leno much and I think he ruined "The Tonight Show", but he's a class act nonetheless. His compassion for Conan's first night at the helm is honorable.

December 16 2008 at 3:02 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Franklin's comment
Tobias

I agree

December 16 2008 at 4:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Guido

class act -- that's funnier than anything Leno has ever said

December 16 2008 at 5:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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