The Late-Night Journey of Jay Leno: A Retrospective
A Legendary Transition
Jay Leno, a prominent figure in late-night television, navigated a tumultuous journey to claim the iconic chair of The Tonight Show, originally held by the legendary Johnny Carson. His path was marked by fierce competition, particularly with fellow comedian David Letterman, a saga that captured public interest and inspired Bill Carter’s bestselling book, The Late Shift, which was adapted into an HBO film.
The Return to The Tonight Show
After stepping down from The Tonight Show in 2009, Leno briefly handed the reins to Conan O’Brien. However, wavering on his retirement, he launched The Jay Leno Show. This new program aired just before O’Brien’s, leading to subsequent tensions. Following O’Brien’s departure, NBC reinstated Leno as the host of The Tonight Show in 2010.
Kimmel’s Playful Jabs
During a 2010 appearance on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel visited Leno, using the opportunity to humorously reference ongoing behind-the-scenes conflicts. When Leno asked Kimmel to reveal his best prank, the latter quipped about giving a show to someone and taking it back, a veiled reference to the situation with Conan O’Brien.
Reflections on a Tough Moment
Years later, Leno reflected on Kimmel’s comments, regretting that he allowed the segment to air without edits. In a discussion on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Leno commented: “When Kimmel came on my show and humiliated me on my own show, I let it happen.” He went on to express his realization that he could have chosen to edit those moments out, admitting, “It was my mistake. I trusted somebody.”
Healing Old Wounds
Despite the friction, both Leno and Kimmel have publicly reconciled. Kimmel acknowledged a moment where Leno reached out during a personal hardship, indicating a renewed friendship. During a recent episode featuring actor Ben Affleck, Kimmel humorously recalled a time he had an awkward encounter with Leno, further highlighting their camaraderie.