While the implications for the long-term health of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” remain unclear, the show’s return erformance Monday assured NBC that fans have not categorically turned their back on the comedian.
“Leno” dominated “The Late Show with David Letterman” in metered market ratings Monday, scoring a 5.4 household rating over the 3.0 for “Letterman.” ABC’s “Nightline” averaged a 3.4 against the first half-hours of the comedy shows.
In its first night back, “The Tonight Show” undoubtedly benefitted from NBC’s post-Olympic buzz, as well as a guest list that included a-lister Jamie Foxx and gold medalist Lindsey Vonn. So while the early news is promising, it nonetheless is too soon to determine whether Leno’s “The Tonight Show” will consistently retain control of late-night.
Updated: Very preliminary adults 18-49 data reveals that “Leno” scored a 2.0, besting the 1.0 for “Letterman.” ABC’s combination of “Nightline” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” averaged a 1.5 and 0.9, respectively.
So, like, if Jay bombs again….does that mean TTS finally, finally, goes off the air and Letterman, remains King of night time…does anyone even care??