The last couple days have provided a literal feast for the television news world. After having only a few stories to beat into submission recently, the media were handed a golden platter. Which story would get the most attention? Would it be Mark McGwire's admission that he used steroids or the late night problems at NBC (which I find funny how much publicity NBC is getting on the other networks)? But don't forget about Simon leaving the biggest show currently on the planet and Sarah Palin joining Fox News. Even Barbara Walters tried to drum up some attention, only to be pushed aside for those who weren't fans of "The View". Her story just wasn't big enough in the feeding frenzy.
The Leno/O'Brien situation has created quite a mess for NBC, one that will likely cost them millions of dollars, paid to a person sitting on the bench or even on another network. However, as television continues to become more competitive to get eyeballs, networks are quick to pull the trigger if they feel a show isn't attracting a desired audience at a quick enough pace.
Critics wasted no time in condemning NBC for moving Leno to the 10:00 p.m. slot. With Conan on at 11:30 p.m., followed by Jimmy Fallon, the network would be developing a quagmire of talk shows. The affiliates feared this would weaken their lead-in numbers for local news, causing a decline in their ratings. But NBC, in an effort to keep Leno and O'Brien on board, went ahead with the plan. Jay and Conan had successful first weeks, then the numbers went south.
From what I've read, the expectations for Leno weren't too high, and he was able to deliver on the numbers the network projected. It was still cheaper than slotting in a high priced drama. Conan, on the other hand, wasn't as lucky. "The Tonight Show" numbers slipped behind Letterman, something that hadn't happened in years. So NBC, with only one ratings period in the rear view mirror, pulled the plug on their grand experiment. And one has to wonder if the sale to Comcast had a hand in the situation.
I've never understood the appeal of Leno, as to me, he is to comedy as vanilla is to flavors. Where Johnny Carson seemed engaged in his guests, Leno often comes off as uncomfortable. Maybe it's because I grew up with and appreciated Letterman when he did "Late Night", and enjoy a quirky, off-beat sense of humor, like Conan exhibits. However, it doesn't seem fair to either talent as NBC backed themselves into a corner in order to appease both comedians, hoping that by throwing enough money around, the problem would work itself out.
I guess we'll keep a watch on how this situation changes and unfolds. Conan said he won't move, the affiliates won't be able to blame Leno and the network has some programming holes to fill. So, if you have any show ideas, now might be the time to forward them to NBC.
Five Things I'm Digging Right Now:
1) Bob Dylan- "Highway 61 Revisited". Sometimes you just have to go back to the classics.
2) "Steven Seagal: Lawman". I just started watching this series and it wouldn't be so funny, but Steven is so serious. It's also a great drinking game. Drink when he mentions "martial arts" or uses the word "zen".
3) "Modern Family". One of the few sitcoms on television that I watch. It has an edge, but doesn't totally rely on snark.
4) The Beatles Remasters- I've been slowly buying these when they came out and they are great to listen to with headphones. The only disappointment; no bonus tracks.
5) "The Hurt Locker"- Since this didn't play at my local theater, I had to wait for DVD. A well done movie about a bomb squad in the Iraq War. It avoids the politics to feature plenty of tense moments.
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