Not So Good Jay...

Not Good...

Less than six months after Jay Leno returned to hosting The Tonight Show, the show's ratings are the lowest they've been since 1992, Variety reports.

In the second quarter of this year, the average total audience declined from 5 million viewers last year to 4 million viewers. This time last year featured a number of high-profile episodes, including an interview with President Barack Obama, Leno's final night and Conan O'Brien's debut as host.

Boo Hoo Jay

Last week, Jay Leno sat down with Joy Behar (The View, The Joy Behar Show) on The Tonight Show.

In a brief backstage pre-show interview, Leno claims both he & Conan O’Brien “got screwed” by the NBC. Leno added, “Conan was treated terribly and he was also treated terribly and they had to make a decision.” This statement arrives long AFTER the now since forgotten late night debacle in which Leno was reinstated as host of The Tonight Show when his prime time gig, The Jay Leno Show, failed.

Our best advice, get rid of Jay's contract (Which at this point would be null and void - but, we're not lawyers) and hire Rosie O'Donnell - to be clear, not fans, but this IS a business of ratings and s/he who has the most wins...Next!

Out with Old Leno and In With Old Leno....

Who? The return of Jay Leno to The Tonight Show (NBC) has been a largely unmentioned, but his list of guests will be rather topical "subjects".

Reportedly, Leno’s first two weeks will feature an impressive lineup as the network tries to revive the show and Leno’s image - It's been a bumpy ride...

The host will welcome former Alaska governor and Tina Fey look-a-like Sarah Palin (For a woman who despises Hollywood, she seems to be hanging around here a bit too much...), the cast of MTV’s hit show Jersey Shore (No Comment), outgoing American Idol grouch judge Simon Cowell and gold medal-winning Olympians Lindsey Vonn, Apolo Anton Ohno, and Shaun White.

Well, nothing like hanging out with popular people to boost one's popularity...

(Photo/ Courtesy of Associated Press)

The Kevin Eubanks Prime Time Tonight Show Band

Jay Leno might be returning to The Tonight Show on NBC come March (Matter remains questionable), but his long time bandleader and sidekick, Kevin Eubanks has decided on a departure.

Kevin recently announced that he is leaving his seated position with The Tonight Show Band (Also known as the Prime Time Band), after a transition period beginning March 1.

Maybe all that sitting down, finally got to Kev...idk.

Out With The Old In WithThe Fall...

Greetings Friends!

We are about to start another GREAT week and I am just wrapping up an extensive vacation. It has been a remarkable time and I have a new business venture underway as we speak. For you see, this is what happens when I take vacation, I return with even bigger and more outlandish ideas - can't wait to tell you more - stay tuned!

Thank you for your thousands of emails (Literally). Although I am unable to personally read and respond, I am thinking of one email in particular that read, "...Can I (As in me) please hurry up and get back from vacation because my comments are despiratly (The writer misspelled desperately) needed!" - touching. As my friend in Hawaii would say, "I Get Tons!".

Anyway, there have been a number of outlandish events that have recently transpired and without further delay, let's launch right into the recap.

Today's Blog is in the popularly requested format: Statement of fact followed by my thoughtful commentary, now let's have one last go around as summer is now officially over (Ordered from most important to least important):

1. Jay.

NBC has announced the official debut this week of the Jay Leno Show.

My Comment: My appreciation for Jay has grown considerably since his absence over the past few months.Really, having Jay in the 9'o hour is a new idea and largely untested concept for NBC. Will variety comedy shows work in Prime Time?

You may recall my idea for this concept about two years prior. However, my pitch was similar but with Rosie O'Donnell as the host of the Tonight Show - NBC attempted the idea with Rosie as host of a variety show, but it did not work from a numbers standpoint. My idea was to have Rosie as Talk Show host, not variety show host - I am inclined to believe that was a reason of failure. Furthermore, there were also a number of other reasons. The Networks never listen to my advice, Oprah.

This will be a great experiment, but more importantly, will the advertisers be likely to receive delivery of consistent viewers, less than 50 years in age? For this, remains to be seen.

2. Ellen.

Last week, producers of American Idol (FOX) announced Ellen Degeneres as the 4th judge to replace Paula Abdul.

My Comment: First, there is no replacing Paula. Quite frankly, I have posted comments all over the Web - and I still say bring Paula Abdul back. Enough with the negotiations - get her in the door. Of course, Paula may eventually appear on rival show: So You Think You Can Dance, which would be just as well, after her Diva show on Vh1.

Regarding the choice of Ellen Degeneres, I am not thrilled around this decision to say the least. Let's see, I liked Ellen as a stand-up comedian when she performed in front of the student body at University of Oregon (This being prior to her TV Show Ellen- Not to be confused with the current Talk Show version also called Ellen, but the comedy series of the late 90's).

Second, I thought she was hilarious in the movie "Mr. Wrong". However, I believe that my lack of preference began to happen somewhere around the bad dancing and the incident with the dog and her very public on-air blubbering...It was an accelerated pace downhill from that point.

3. Melrose Place.

Last week was the official debut of the returning hit of the 90's Melrose Place on The CW Network.

My Comment: As you may know, MP was my absolute favorite show of the 90's. You may recall the "Melrose Mondays"parties that I used to have at my apartment while in college. Ah, good times...Let the revival begin!

Well, do not be disappointed, but I still have not yet viewed the first episode. My TIVO is full of programs and I will surely spend the entire weekend pouring through everything that may have been missed. While my significant other (My gorgeous man) is busy watching NFL football, I will be in the next room viewing Melrose Place.

--In Other CW News--

America's Next Top Model and Vampire Diaries (Twilight movie inspired serial), also debuted this past week for the fall line-up.

Really, where was CW when I was a 15 year old teenager?!

Happy viewing...

Your TV Rundown...Just The Highlights Please

Aloha Fellow TV Watching Citizens!

I am in a good mood (Yet again)...We are ending yet another Great week here in tinsel town (Never a moment).

Quick update on this side, we have wrapped up the MTV gig, I am already working on a new venture for you (More on this later), my regional ProCo is formulating a new agreement with another major cable television provider, and much more.

Having said, I am largely a "Personality", but also happen to own a media company which is really an endless set of topics within itself - we may need to establish Blogs for each of my adventures in business (Too much to write about within this fun escape!).

Ah - enough talk of business, let us focus on our more entertaining subject of television!

Here we go...

1. Britian's Got Second Place Susan
Street dancers Diversity were the surprise winners of television contest "Britain's Got Talent" on Saturday, beating favorite Susan Boyle who became an Internet phenomenon and global celebrity after appearing on the show.

The troupe, which includes three sets of brothers and comes from southeast England, won 100,000 pounds ($160,000) and the right to take the stage at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the Queen.

My Comments: First, it's rather amusing how my fellow Brits still have a "King & Queen" - for it is only the 21st (I know a bit of a disappointment on this side; can we please advance?!).

Anyway returning to the point...After a number of messages about Susan Boyle (Thank you), the issue may have been one of over exposure. Think about it, Susan Boyle mania was everywhere Celeb News sites, TV, Web, Radio and you must admit that you have seen the footage, repeatedly heard the singing, "I Dreamed A Dream".

It is rather concerning that all of the pressure may have had a detrimental affect on Susan Boyle who is now allegedly recuperating in a mental facility.

Whether a pre-existing mental condition existed remains in question, however British commission is now requesting an investigation of the treatment of the contestants and the Producers of Britain's Got Talent - claiming that greater care for contestants, including their lives should be taken by show Producers. The notion is beyond preposterous (Babysitter Wanted, must be good with former Reality TV personalities) and we will surely continue this discussion within later blogs. Anyway, get well soon, Susan.

2. Jay Leno bids farewell to "Tonight Show"
Jay Leno bid farewell to "The Tonight Show" last Friday, ending his 17-year run as host with a finale that stayed true to the style that made him the top-rated performer on U.S. late-night television. The main difference was a long ovation that Leno struggled to quiet as he took the stage for an opening monologue that poked fun, as usual, at politicians, celebrities and current events.

My Comments: I am curious, just as you, to discover if this move works for NBC. After all, daytime talk fests works for Oprah, Ellen, Bonnie Hunt, Wendy Williams, and a plethora of others - Why not 8, 9, 10 PM? Why not just have talk shows occupy every square hour of television, for that matter? Oh my, there I go again...

Now then, during the Rosie O meltdown, I had suggested that NBC consider having Rosie host a late-night talk show. To be clear, I am NOT a fan of Rosie, but never mind that, the woman can command ratings (My motives have been unduly revealed).

My idea (I have a number of them) was to simply have a female presence in late night (Yes, I know Chelsea Handler is on E!), I am clamoring for equal representation in network television (Ah, this could be an entire series of blogs for another time).

3. Jon and Kate Plus 8 and millions more who seem to care...
The TLC show "Jon & Kate Plus 8" had its beginnings two years ago as a reality show about a super-sized family. After having twins, the couple had sextuplets in 2004. The show seemed to portray a wholesome, happy family. Until this year, when the marriage began to implode with accusations of cheating. Needless to say, ratings have soared with this turn for the worse.

My Comments: Well, you are more than aware of my affections for TLC. However, I have never watched the show and do not have any interest. Quite frankly, despite the ratings delivered by tabloid hoopla, the show should be taken off the air - people allow TV cameras into their lives and then lament over not having privacy - one should expect a certain level of descent and ruckus.

The family is going through obvious turmoil and the children should not be subjected to this level of borderline abuse (Note: the family is paid roughly $75,000 per episode).

Hair plugs and all (Jon), this program has been an obvious commercial venture decided by BOTH parents (One could speculate that Octomom has the same intention). Really, the intent is not different from any other actor seeking a vehicle in which to attain fame.

4. American Idolatry
On-going controversy continues over recently crowned winner Kris Allen from this season's American Idol. The latest controversy alleged that AT&T employees provided cell phones that would automatically send numerous votes over the phone line.

My Comment: First, this is disappointing news and I expect better of AT&T (Bad, bad little Mega-monopoly)...

Ah, indeed I had hoped that Adam would have been the season winner - his performances were full of style, flair, and creative talent. Given past results, the second runner up has always fared much better than the actual winner (With the exception of Kelly Clarkson).

Furthermore, I am not even remotely concerned with Adam's personal life - despite tabloid fodder. As I have mentioned to many, Adam will have a great career.

Until next blog, Chao Chao!