When it comes to the world of television critics, admitting a fondness for Jay Leno gets you about the same street cred as arguing that "Coach" was the funniest TV comedy of the past 30 years. At best, your fellow critics are going to think you're misguided. At worst, they'll think you're an idiot.
Despite all of that peer pressure, I find myself jumping to the defense of Jay Leno and his controversial primetime talk show. Not because I think it's the best idea of the season, but because I think a lot of the criticism being tossed his way is misguided and ill-informed.
Leno has often been knocked not for what he does, but for who he's not. Critics dislike the guy because he's not David Letterman, because he's seen as a go-along company man and because many industry people feel he didn't deserve the mantle as head of "The Tonight Show."
But the truth is that audiences felt differently. Leno's "Tonight Show" consistently beat Letterman in the ratings like he was a pinata. Yes, ratings aren't the complete measure of a performer's worth, but it's a pretty good indication of an audience's feelings. Especially when examined over a long period of time. And like it or not, Leno is a popular performer.
Now it's true that Jay Leno hasn't always made it easy for his admirers. Of all the modern-day talk show hosts, he's the only one who could be considered to be a strong stand-up performer. And yet throughout his run on "The Tonight Show," his monologues were often the weakest part of the show. He's quick-witted and able to handle a live crowd, but his talk show was so thought out and rehearsed that it often seemed stale even when the conversation was compelling.
So why do I have a fondness for the guy? Part of it is that when you watch Jay Leno night after night, you begin to see this evil Jay popping out when you least expect it. When he allows himself to ad-lib a bit with guests, the results can be hilarious and unexpected. And while he's not an especially gifted interviewer, he does have a fan's eye towards the celebrities that can bring out some real insight.
I'll stay away from the argument of whether NBC should have given Leno a five night-a-week primetime series. They've done it, so let's just go from there. Is the "Jay Leno Show" worth watching?
I've seen every episode of the show, in part because I've been writing nightly reviews of the series. Yes, there are some weak segments and even some lackluster shows. But overall, "The Jay Leno Show" is consistently funnier than "Saturday Night Live" and is often the most entertaining show in its timeslot.
The show has quite a bit over the weeks and for the most part, the changes have been positive. Leno has showcased segments from many of today's most original comics, and those bits are often some of the funniest things on television.
