Even though I normally just “discuss” shows on the blog this time I’m going to review one. However, I must pass along a little disclaimer before I do so, which is; I did not bother to actually watch “The Jay Leno Show” before deciding to review it. I know that is entirely not fair and journalistically lethargic but my B.A. is in History so I plan on reviewing “The Jay Leno Show” from a historical prospective, not a journalistic one.
This show, if successful, represents the death knell of quality network television. I know some of you out there (in blog land) feel as though network television died a while ago, while I don’t have time to argue that point sufficiently in this space, Lost, Supernatural, How I Met Your Mother, and 30 Rock really are argument enough against that point.
Why is Leno on the air?
He was booted from the “Tonight Show” and this surely bruised his ego a bit (I know my feelings would be hurt). Once his “Tonight Show” run ended, ABC and FOX most likely tried to recruit him for an 11:30 show on their networks to go head to head with Conan and Letterman (remember Leno was winning the night right up till the day he was forcibly retired). At this point NBC got nervous and did not want to see the heir apparent get his butt handed to him five nights a week by the guy they pushed out of the spotlight.
Why is Leno on the air?
NBC was twitchy about late night but really that has been their one bright spot. The peacock hasn’t had a bona fide hit in a while. The best stuff they have is their comedy block which is critically loved (30 Rock and the Office) but still not pulling Friends, Seinfeld, or Cheers numbers. Heroes provided a glimmer of hope for approximately one season when it was a critical and commercial triumph but seasons two and three slowly bled than proceeded to hemorrhage both critical and viewer support.
Why is Leno on the air?
Good television is expensive. The new Leno show will cost approximately 20% of what NBC spends on scripted television like Chuck, Law and Order: SVU, or the sadly canceled Kings (I got that 20% number off a Slate.com podcast). This then makes this show uber easy to turn a profit on. If they get Leno to pull 50% of the audience a canceled show was pulling they are easily in the black (I got that 50% number out of thin air but it makes sense in my brain).
Why is Leno on the air?
Jay Leno exists because NBC gave up.
So my review of “The Jay Leno Show” is simple. This show is terrible please don’t watch it and tell your friends not to watch it either. Kick NBC in pants for taking the easy way out. If NBC wants shows to make a profit tell them to… actually just tell them to hire me as a consultant.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
They should hire you Steve!
from Candi
Post a Comment