The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

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About The Show

THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO returns, following a well-publicized scheduling conflict that had former host Leno reclaiming the famed late-night show's desk from his successor Conan O'Brien. Leno brings back the same time-tested formula, starting with a nightly monologue poking fun at the news of the day, moving on to a goofy skit or two, and then introducing a celebrity guest. The Tonight Show has been on the air for more than five decades in all; O'Brien took over from Leno in June 2009, and Leno returned in March 2010.

Jay Leno has perhaps perfected the late-night routine, and his non-threatening brand of topical humor has made him one of America's favorite comedy brand-names. He's smooth with a quip and delivers plenty of softball lines to help his celebrity guests smack home-run zingers. That's the secret to both his appeal in middle America and why he sometimes fails to win over viewers that might want to describe themselves as more sophisticated: Leno goes for the punchline that will hit the biggest audience, but not necessarily the edgiest jokes. Leno rarely misses a beat, and his interviews flow smoothly, though they don't always draw out the most insightful anecdotes from guests (his famed Hugh Grant "I did a bad thing" moment notwithstanding). (Click for more!)

Succession from CarsonJohnny Carson retired from The Tonight Show on May 22, 1992, and was replaced by Jay Leno amid controversy after Jay (through his manager Helen Kushnick) had reportedly printed a negative article calling Johnny 'washed-up' and prematurely naming himself the impending successor. David Letterman not only wanted to move into that earlier time slot from his late night spot after The Tonight Show, but was also considered by most as the natural successor (despite Leno having been Carson's permanent guest host for several years).

Carson himself had always favored Letterman; notably Carson, who had previously been interviewed by Letterman, made two appearances on Letterman's rival CBS show, made no mention of Leno during his final shows and regularly sent Letterman monologue jokes in his final years.Having had his heart set on the earlier time slot, Letterman left NBC and joined CBS. Late Show with David Letterman, airing in the same slot, has been competing head to head against The Tonight Show ever since. Conan O'Brien slid into the late night time slot vacated by Letterman.

Before Leno followed in the footsteps of legendary NBC late-night hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson as the host of the Emmy Award-winning and top-rated "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," he honed his comedy in clubs all over the country, often exceeding 300 dates per year. He opened for the likes of Tom Jones and John Denver, and after moving to Los Angeles he began his career in television and film, both writing behind the scenes and making appearances in shows such as "Welcome Back Kotter" and films including "American Hot Wax." On March 2, 1977, Leno made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and was named permanent guest host in 1987. While he took over the desk full-time in 1992, Leno never stopped touring on the comedy circuit and still averages over 150 gigs a year.

Leno, recently named America's Favorite TV Personality by the 2009 Harris Poll, continues to keep in touch with people by shaking hands and getting "one-on-one" time with audiences all over the country, whether he takes the stage at a small club or at his weekly shows in Vegas. Perhaps this is why he continues to exude the "everyman" style and personality that have helped him earn millions of fans worldwide. He has been touted as one of the nicest people in show business and undeniably the hardest working--a winning tandem for the man who says: "Anyone can have a life--careers are hard to come by!"

The comedian is not just for grown-ups. Appealing to a younger generation, Leno has authored two New York Times best-selling children's books, "How to be the Funniest Kid in the Whole Wide World (Or Just In Your Class)" and "If Roast Beef Could Fly" (both from Simon & Schuster). His other book, "Leading with My Chin" (from HarperCollins), hit bookstores in 1998. He also has published four versions of "Headlines," the compilation of books and desk calendars featuring his favorite funny newspaper headlines, and "Police Blotter," a book with more humorous newspaper clips involving police stories (book proceeds go to various charities).

In addition to working on the return of "The Tonight Show," his worldwide stand-up comedy appearances around the country and his writing career, Leno can also include Emmy-nominated Internet star/producer to his resume. In 2006, the car aficionado brought his expertise to the web; fans can peek into Jay's famous garage by visiting the Jay Leno's Garage site.

Leno was born in New Rochelle, N.Y., and raised in Andover, Massachusetts. He and his wife, Mavis, live in Los Angeles. In his spare time, he enjoys working on his collection of classic cars and motorcycles.

Day & time: Weeknights (11:35-12:35 p.m. ET) on NBC
Starring: Jay Leno
Host: Jay Leno
Executive producer: Debbie Vickers
Supervising producer: Larry Goitia
Producers: Jay Leno, Jack Coen, Stephanie Ross
Co-producers: Mike Alexander, Tracie Fiss, Ross Mark, Bob Read, Steve Ridgeway
Director: Liz Plonka
Musical Director: Rickey Minor
Writing supervised by: Jay Leno
Monologue-writing supervised by: Jack Coen

Writers: Anthony Caleca, Larry Jacobson, Michael Jann, John Kennedy, Kevin Lynn, Jon Macks, Andrew McElfresh, John Melendez, Steve Ridgeway, Michael Riedel, John Romeo, Dave Rygalski, Peter Sears, Jeffrey Spear, Troy Thomas, Rob Young, Beth Einhorn, Mike LoPrete, Jim Wise.
Coordinating producer: Walter Lewis
Segment Producer: Michele Tasoff
Music segment producer: Barbera Libis
Associate producer: Wendy Stark
Production designer: Brandt Daniels
Origination: NBC Studios Burbank, Stage 11
Produced by: Big Dog Productions in association with Universal Media Studios

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