America (hearts) Jay Leno

Jay Leno is officially America's BFF.
The late night (soon to be 10pm) talk show host has come in first place in the annual Harris Poll to determine who is America's favorite TV personality. Here is the rest of the top 10 to give you an idea of who he's up against:
2. Hugh Laurie
3. Ellen DeGeneres
4. Oprah Winfrey
5. David Letterman
6. Jon Stewart
7. Charlie Sheen
8. Steve Carell
9. Stephen Colbert
10. Mark Harmon
Top TV Headlines
Sarandon Joins 'ER'
Actress Susan Sarandon is reportedly checking in to County General. The Oscar winner was spotted on the set of 'ER' last week, spies E!, where she filmed scenes with none other than Dr. Ross himself -- aka George Clooney. Further details on the guest spot have yet to be revealed. (Jan. 28)
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Shonda Rhimes Goes to Washington
ABC has greenlit another Shonda Rhimes pilot -- seriously. The new show is called 'Inside the Box,' reveals TV Guide, and will be set around a female news reporter and her co-workers in Washington, D.C. No word yet on who will play the McPresident. (Jan. 28)
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Fox to Air Scheuring's 'Masterwork'
Fans still mourning the cancellation of 'Prison Break' finally have something to celebrate. According to the Hollywood Reporter, creator Paul Scheuring is returning to Fox with a new pilot entitled 'Masterwork,' said to feature a global search for rare artifacts. This time, we hope Scheuring doesn't solve everything in one season. (Jan. 28)
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Parker, Sarandon Join Reality Series
Sarah Jessica Parker is returning to television. The Emmy-winning star of 'Sex and the City' will appear on the reality series 'Who Do You Think You Are?' executive-produced by Lisa Kudrow. The show, which will explore celebrities' ancestral history, also features Susan Sarandon, according to the Hollywood Reporter. 'Think' premieres Apr. 20 on NBC.
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Johnston Eyes New Role
Kristen Johnston may star in the Fox remake of 'Absolutely Fabulous,' scoops Variety. Johnston reportedly appeared at a table-reading for the series, where she's up for the role originated by Jennifer Saunders. Sounds pretty 'Fabulous' to us. (Jan. 28)
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Somerville on 'Duty' for New Comedy
Bonnie Somerville is joining the cast of 'Off Duty,' reports the Hollywood Reporter. Somerville joins Bradley Whitford in the comedy about a police detective who makes life difficult for his new partner, played by Romany Malco. The show will air on NBC with a premiere date yet to be determined. (Jan. 28)
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TBS Renews 'Meet the Browns'
Get ready to meet a lot more of the 'Browns.' The hit TBS comedy has been renewed for a whopping 80 episodes, says Variety, and could return as early as this summer, where it would air opposite Tyler Perry's (pictured) 'House of Payne.' A new episode of 'Meet the Browns' airs tonight at 10PM. (Jan. 28)
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ABC Shuffles Thursday Lineup
Here's some ugly news for 'Ugly Betty' fans: According to the Ausiello Files, the Emmy-winning series is about to be put on hold to make room for ABC's new Thursday-night lineup. Starting Mar. 26, the network will air 'In the Motherhood' and 'Samantha Who?' instead, bumping 'Betty' off the airwaves temporarily. And we thought 'Betty' would never go out of style. (Jan. 27)
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Poehler's Comedy Goes 'Public'
'The Untitled Amy Poehler Show' finally has a title ... for now. The show will likely be called 'Public Service,' reports the New York Times, with a premiere date scheduled for Apr. 9. The report also mentions that 'Service' was slated for a post-Super Bowl debut, but was pushed back due to the 'Baby Mama' star's pregnancy. Either way, we're happy it finally has a due date. (Jan. 27)
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Senate Delays DTV Switch
TV fanatics worried about next month's digital TV switch can relax a little. Yesterday, the Senate voted to delay the switch from Feb. 17 to June 12, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Look for consumers everywhere to remember this report on June 11. (Jan. 27)
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What has always amused me about this list is that the people who answered the poll question seem to look at celebrities who host a talk show as themselves (Leno, Letterman, Oprah, etc) the same as they do celebrities who portray a fictional character (Charlie Sheen on Two and a Half Men, Hugh Laurie on House, Mark Harmon on NCIS). I don't really think that the viewers are saying that they like Sheen, Laurie, or Harmon as themselves only, the character is getting mixed in their a little bit too. I could be wrong about that but that's my gut feeling.
I guess that's better than previous years, when fictional animated characters like Homer Simpson were on the list.

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