Jay Leno Show Set for Low-Key Finale Tonight

Host expected to mention return to Tonight Show March 1

By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 9, 2010 8:28 AM CST

(Newser) – The last episode of the Jay Leno Show will air tonight, with little fanfare—it certainly won't include the equivalent of Bette Midler serenading Johnny Carson as he ended his run on the Tonight Show. "The weird thing about Jay saying goodbye this time is that he's not really going away," a TV historian tells the Los Angeles Times—and Variety notes the low-key approach is purposeful, as NBC continues Leno's image rehabilitation.

Rather than the high-profile guests typical of a popular host's final show, Leno will simply do a normal episode with Ashton Kutcher, Gabourey Sidibe, and Bob Costas for the "10 @ 10" segment. No special segments are planned, but Leno will likely mention his March 1 return to the Tonight Show at least once.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

In this Aug. 5, 2009 file photo, Jay Leno speaks during the panel for "The Jay Leno Show" at the NBC Universal Television Critics Association summer press tour in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, file)

On this Aug. 5, 2009 file photo, Jay Leno speaks during the panel for "The Jay Leno Show" at the NBC Universal Television Critics Association summer press tour in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)

In this photo provided by NBC, Jay Leno is seen during his final taping as host of The Tonight Show on Friday, May 29, 2009, in Burbank, Calif. (AP Photo/NBC, Paul Drinkwater)

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Jay Leno Show Set for Low-Key Finale Tonight