What will Jay Leno do next? That is the question many people are asking as the popular host of NBC’s long-running The Tonight Show steps down in February. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Leno may not be out of a gig very long.
As Jimmy Fallon gets ready to take Jay’s spot, potential suitors are reportedly already lining up for a chance to snag Leno, who is known around the industry as a man who likes to work. One very unlikely network may be casting a line to catch the 64 year old host. Internet rumors are running amok that Jeff Zucker, President of CNN, is allegedly interested in bringing the funny man over to host an interview show in order to bring some life into the wavering network. Piers Morgan’s rating haven’t been great, so CNN may be going for the likeability factor that Leno brings to the table.
CNN is not the only network interested in Leno. The comedian is wanted by at least ten other media outlets. One apparent front-runner may be Leno’s current home at NBC. The network’s entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt wants the host to stay put. “Nothing would make me happier than to find ways to keep him involved with this network. That’s really up to him.”
Leno’s contract with NBC expires on February 6, 2014. He consistently beats his late night rivals David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel in the ratings. So, Fallon will have big shoes to fill and NBC is crossing its fingers that they aren’t replacing Leno too soon. Stay tuned, the late night wars should be heating back up again next month.
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