News and interview programs have been updating and revising their hosts since the beginning to get just the right combinations of fun, sex appeal and chemistry.
When Kathy Lee Gifford retired, Regis tried out several gals live before settling on Kelly Ripa – who later did the same before settling on Michael Strahan.
The Today Show’s issues have been front and centre with the removal of Ann Curry from the co-host chair, many blaming Matt Lauer personally.
It doesn’t seem to matter that their lack of chemistry both on and off the air made their forced banter painful to watch.
Now, a maelstrom of negative publicity is following the once popular morning show host. Good thing he may already have another job.
Lauer’s name has been bandied about as a possible replacement for the retiring Alex Trebek on Jeopardy! in 2016. So he certainly has time to repair his image if he’s going to replace North America’s most beloved game show host.
Now, another not-so team player is being prepped to step down. After 22 years (less a few months for the abysmal Jay Leno Show in 2009), the host of The Tonight Show will finish his contract in September 2014 and retire. So say the powers that be.
Apparently, Jay doesn’t agree with this scenario. He’s been verbally slaying his bosses at the Peacock Network since the story broke.
Night after night, he’s referred to them as snakes, mocked their poor ratings, and even compared them to dead and extinct species.
Not generally something to endear himself to management.
It appears that poor Jay has forgotten a few key points about television. And employment.
First, TV changes. And after 22 years, he may not be as popular with the majority of the viewing audience whose hair has not turned snow white and is still in the 18-49 demographic.
Second, when a contract is over, you’re not necessarily guaranteed another one. And just because in 2009, he let his show go and it came back, doesn’t mean it’s his forever.
Third, in this business, every so often everyone gets up from their desks and takes a step to the left.
And if all goes as suggested in the media, Jimmy will go to The Tonight Show, Seth Myers will slide into Fallon’s show, someone will take over Seth’s Saturday Night Live position, and so on.
Of course, Dylan Thomas said “Do not go gentle into that good night.” Well, if Jay has half the clout he believes he wields, he should have no problem creating a new television venture for himself. And prove he’s far from over.
Yes, Jay is out of The Tonight Show. But he had his dream job for 22 years.
And now, he’s having televised temper-tantrums. Jay, you’re almost 63. It’s time to take it like a man.
