Powered by i.TV
February 11, 2012
 
CONNECT    

America (hearts) Jay Leno

by Bob Sassone, posted Jan 28th 2009 2:23PM
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)

    Getty Images

    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)

    Getty Images

    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)

    Getty Images

    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.

    Getty Images

    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)

    Getty Images

    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)

    Getty Images

    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)

    Getty Images

    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)

    Getty Images

    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)

    Getty Images

    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)

    Getty Images



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.

Add a Comment

*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

27 Comments

Filter by:
Rochelle

I can't stand Jay Leno

January 29 2009 at 5:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
La-Di-Dah

I am now glad I didn't pay attention to talk show hosts during the campaign, I guess, otherwise, I would be less happy-go-duckie.

January 29 2009 at 4:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
La-Di-Dah

I declare!

January 29 2009 at 4:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dave miedema

Well, waddaya know? The declared lesbian beats out the closet lesbian. Oprah, you are not God...dropping ratings and lowered public opinion are what you deserve. And, Ellen, while I have issues with the gay lifestyle, I still appreciate you for your pleasant personality and your choice not to be the center of attention all the time (a la She Who Thinks She's God). You're more pleasant on your worst day than Noprah is on her best.

January 29 2009 at 1:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BonBon

Ha ha Oprah. I wish you weren't on the list, so glad you are losing viewers and I was an avid viewer until you decided to pay for Obamas campaign and interject yourself into politics...plus you drool over celebrities and it's boring. Goodbye Oprah!!!!!!!!

January 29 2009 at 12:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Barbara

Who cares what Oprah thinks?

January 29 2009 at 12:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
daVonte

so....sad for Oprah.....she's loosing her viewers...used to watch her evryday with my wife but not anymore ...and Oprah if u gotta see this or happens to read it at all ..it all started out when u try to confuse people with Who God is...and this thing with that Professor wannabe God that u are starting to call a Prophet....dah!!!!...Do you have any respect or fear for God Now remember you cannot fool God No Matter How Rich You Think You Are....God is still in Control....I dont hate you I Love You with all my heart.....Just remember where God picked u from to where u are now.....you still remember when Bebe Winnans sang that song for you in your office I Surrender All .....Yes!!! ...for u to know its not about you its all about Him Oprah !!!you gotta stop confusing people what goes around comes around....gotta find your way back to him cause you know it and if u dont know your way out now ask and it shall be given I'm worried about you

The Truth Shall Set You Free

January 29 2009 at 11:32 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Born in good o USA

00PS, OPRAH That goes to show her, she should keep her mouth shut at Electon Time. She really was no help to Obama, she only caused herself NEGATIVE feed back and less viewers.
I don't watch her anymore, I use to love watching the show, but have lost all respect for her now, everyone I know flicks the channel when she comes on to something else. Her ego had gotten as big as Obama's. I am waiting for her to hit # 10, where she should be now.
WE have a lot of people in for a rude awakening. I wonder what size dress she's in today, I thng she goes from a size 16 to a size 20 in a weeks time.

WAITING FOR HER TO BE 310, HOPE THEY TAKE ANOTHER POOL SOON. CAN'T WAIT , SHE IS GOING TO DOWN,FASTER THAT HER DROPS WEIGHT.

January 29 2009 at 10:48 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Renee W.

Melissa, Just to let you and the rest of Hometown Conservative America know, your're WEST of NYC and EAST of LA. I guess education and logical thought aren't high on the list of priorities in your neck of the woods. And you get to vote. God Help Us!

January 29 2009 at 10:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Renee W.'s comment
B

Renee W.

Amazing when you can only criticize the way someone thinks different than you.
The nice thing as, as you live you will learn....hopefully!

January 29 2009 at 3:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
walking man

I vote for Craig Ferguson, too. Letterman, Oprah, Colbert are WAY-over rated.

January 29 2009 at 9:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

Follow Us

From Our Partners