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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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 ANALYSIS 
14

Why Hollywood Wants Leno to Fail

Some see new, cheap show as threat to jobs

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(Newser) – Tonight marks the premiere of Jay Leno’s new show, and many in Tinseltown—not just rival execs—are hoping it flops, the Los Angeles Times reports. That’s because it substitutes cheap fare for the traditional 10pm drama. Many in the industry see the show as a “potential job-wrecker” for those thousands who’ve earned a living for years on scripted shows, writes Scott Collins.

Leno’s show is set to cost just a third of the $300 million a year each network typically drops on 10pm content. Leno acknowledges the playing field has gotten tough: “I don’t know what TV is anymore,” he says. “The advertising dollars are not there anymore.” While his show may not beat CSI: Miami and The Mentalist, scoring just 5 million viewers could make the inexpensive show a winner.

In this Aug. 5, 2009, file photo, comedian Jay Leno attends the NBC Summer press tour party in Pasadena, Calif.
In this Aug. 5, 2009, file photo, comedian Jay Leno attends the NBC Summer press tour party in Pasadena, Calif.   (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg, File)
Jay Leno speaks during the panel for
Jay Leno speaks during the panel for "The Jay Leno Show" at the NBC Universal Television Critics Association summer press tour in Pasadena, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
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It's Exhibit A for the worried writers, directors and crew members who now watch with alarm as executives begin to trim back on expensive scripted shows that have kept thousands employed for years. - Scott Collins

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14 comments
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Timinator2K
Sep 14, 09 7:34 AM CDT
Well, that's too bad, Hollywood. If you can't keep up, you're falling behind in these days of "change." Good Luck, Jay! Networks just looove large return on investment. 10 pm dramas, go to cable before its too late! Reply
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0
youngblood
Sep 14, 09 7:40 AM CDT
Good Luck Jay! Reply
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+7
Fondue
Sep 14, 09 8:06 AM CDT
Good luck Jay - it's time for a change. Reply
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
Forderon
Sep 14, 09 10:19 AM CDT
Time for a change back to Leno??
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+3
IN RESPONSE:
Fondue
Sep 14, 09 11:41 AM CDT
It's a "change" because of the history of the time slot for being drama. Now it's going to be comedy. That is change. Is anyone reading the article?
Vote up! Vote down!
+1

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