NBC's Fall Schedule: All Leno, All the Time

Last winter we reported that FOX, ABC, and Sony Television all courting Jay Leno in hopes of snatching up the late night ratings king when NBC installs Conan O'Brien as the new host of the Tonight Show in June. Well, NBC shot back, and in a BIG way.

NBC announced yesterday that Leno will be on the NBC primetime schedule in 2009. EVERY NIGHT. Leno will own NBC's 10:00pm hour, airing every Monday through Friday. Basically, he'll be moving his late night show into prime time. NBC will save a ton by airing Leno as opposed to scripted shows. If this works out well, watch for CBS and ABC to ditch their 10:00 slots in favor of a five night strip program.

ABC, FOX, and Sony Want Jay Leno

Even though his job as host of The Tonight Show is coming to an end, Jay Leno could very well remain in the late night spotlight for a long time to come.

ABC and FOX have both expressed interest in hiring Leno when he leaves The Tonight Show in 2009. Sony Pictures Television is also after Leno to host a syndicated show, and to sweeten the pot they are adding a second show into the mix. The second show wouldn't be hosted by Leno, but instead co-owned by him.

NBC announced in September 2004 that Conan O'Brien would succeed Jay Leno as host of The Tonight Show in 2009. The network hopes to retain Leno, either in prime time or in specials.