Could Jay Leno be a candidate to replace Piers Morgan at CNN?
We’ll start off this article with a bit of a disclaimer: All of what you are about to read is pure speculation, so don’t treat any of it as fact.
However, the announcement last night that Piers Morgan was stepping down from CNN certainly had us wondering a very simple question: Who could the network hire as a replacement right away who could be a ratings success? The network has struggled for many years, and hiring Jeff Zucker from CNN has not exactly turned things around just yet.
But, there is one thing to remember here: Jeff Zucker used to work at NBC. He and Leno know one another very well, and while you may be very critical of Jay at times, he was a ratings warrior for NBC during his decades at “The Tonight Show.” He was always #1, and given that CNN caters to an older demographic, the age of viewership should not be a problem at all.
The biggest question mark when it comes to Leno as a Piers replacement is simply whether the former is too much of a comedian in order to really excel at a show on a network that is more interview-based. CNN is known for having some hard-hitting interviews, and Leno is not great for that in the 9:00 p.m. timeslot. With that being said, we still would not be too shocked if the network found a different place for him elsewhere that he could bring a little humor to, while mixing it with more hard news at the same time.
What do you think about Leno being a possible Piers replacement? Share some of your thoughts below! If you want to get some more news and updates, then be sure to sign up now for our CarterMatt Newsletter.
Photo: NBC
Guess
February 25, 2014 @ 5:03 pm
Jay Leno would be an excellent and welcome replacement. Why?
1) It is a personal opinion, but one of the problems with Piers Morgan’s show was that it neither news or comedy (funny), at least with Jay, he is funny even when he isn’t trying and his jokes tend not to be offensive. This should be a plus for CNN as it caters to a global audience.
2) CNN does not need to use the same approach that they used for Larry King or Pier Morgan for the new host. Instead they should consider using the format that most associate with the new host. In Jay’s case, Jay Leno using the same “Tonight Show” approach, with 2 interviewees and a musical guest, and with Kevin Eubanks that is even better. That would be welcome change for CNN.
Paul L. White
February 25, 2014 @ 1:48 am
Many of us feel that, if someone is #1 with the American people, they should be hired, not fired. Since ours is a government of the people, CNN would be doing the patriotic thing to put Mr. Leno back on the air! I, for one, will be glad to see it.
Rosie
February 25, 2014 @ 1:32 am
Jay’s talents are far wider than comedy. He knows how to showcase a guess without foisting his ego/opinions in the discussion. He could still do stand-up gigs on the side. I would again be a CNN devotee!
Larry Roberts
February 24, 2014 @ 11:08 pm
Absolutely makes sense! Considering the fact that Jay was only ‘fired’ because he was unfairly deemed to be too old for the demographic NBC was seeking, slotting him into Piers’ old spot would not only provide him with a ‘soft’ landing, it would guarantee CNN decent ratings as well. Go for it, Jay!