Leno is a businessman first and a comedian second. The more money and fame he gathered, the more he was reviled by his peers. Can't say I'm sad to see him go (supposing, naturally, he doesn't jump to another channel). Hard to believe a comedian could rise to become the host of the Tonight Show for decades and still be considered a bit of a disappointment based on the path he took as a comic. The East Coast-West Coast fight is just beginning. Conan and Kimmel on the West, Fallon and Letterman on the East. Traditionally it's been easier to get celebrities on the show in LA but with both of the late night anchors in New York that might not be such an advantage anymore. Could be an interesting era for late night.
The employees and band of the Johnny Carson Show finally got their revenge. Maybe Leno's paranoid rules will end: no-singers, no-standup comedians, and no-guest hosts.
When you won't allow singers, standup comics, or guest hosts, your show feels like it goes on and on for 22 years.
Conan O'Brien was always my favorite late night guy. I like slapstick comedy. Kimmel's not bad. I've always liked Letterman much more than Leno.
