'Tonight Show' finale lifts Jay Leno to record Friday rating

Jay Leno ended his 17-year run on NBC's "The Tonight Show" with one for the record books. His send-off drew the highest Friday overnight ratings during his tenure on the program.

In the top 56 local TV markets, Leno scored an 8.8 rating/20 share in households, according to early data from Nielsen Media Research. That more than doubled the 3.9 rating Leno has averaged in the second quarter of this year. And it was the highest-rated "Tonight" for any night of the week since President Obama visited the program on March 19. Final ratings, including total viewer numbers, will not be available until Thursday.

"Tonight's" ratings are being closely watched because NBC is about to undertake a risky programming experiment. On Monday, the "Tonight" slot will be taken over by Conan O'Brien, who was previously the host of NBC's "Late Night." And in a network bid to reduce program costs, Leno will this fall host a new prime-time talk show at 10 p.m. weeknights. 

On his "Tonight" finale, Leno's guests were O'Brien and James Taylor. The host received a lengthy standing ovation from audience members at the start of the show.  

Since Leno took over the "Tonight" chair, television audiences have continued to fragment into smaller and smaller groups. Indeed, when Leno's predecessor Johnny Carson exited "Tonight" in May 1992 after a 30-year run, an estimated 41.4 million viewers tuned in -- a mark neither Leno nor any other late-night host may ever see again.

-- Scott Collins

Comments

[John B]

Jay Leno what a classy ending to share the light with his staff.

All I can say is What a Guy.

I do not intend to watch Conan I will switch to Dave. Sorry big mistake.

[cody mccall]

What's of note to me is that with over 300 million of us in this country, very, very few shows ever achieve a 10% viewership. It seems 5% is some kind of ratings victory. Considered another way, that means 95% of us are NOT watching. And that includes me. TV programming sux and watching has become a colossal waste of time. So I mostly do not. And as many of us know, there's an awful lot to do when we're not casting a glazed stare at the idiot box.

[Jim]

To me, the risky thing is not handing Leno a primetime show (though that may not work out well), but instead putting O'Brien in his place. I remember when they told him he could have it years ago and wondering what were they thinking. I think Conan's show is ridiculous and if you watch his interviews, he actually talks more than the guests. Leno's jokes could be tired sometimes because he didn't branch out much (probably because of his audience) but I'll take him over O'Brien any day. Letterman is hardly worth watching so unless/until NBC brings back Leno, I will enjoy an extra hour of sleep each night. Thank you day light savings time and NBC.

[Lionel]

I think that Jay Leno will be recognized as one of the Best Late night host because no one can compare to that great man. He is truly one of a kind and can't never be replaced not even Conan O'Brien. I mean he's a great guy but Mr. Jay Leno is someone no one can imitate.

God Bless,

I hope Jay Leno will return as a new host for his new show.

[Ryan]

Awesome season finale Mr. leno
The last part of the show was so emotional and
touching. Definately gonna miss you Sir
Anxiously waiting for September!!

[Julio Cesar Pereira]

Well, CBS people are very grateful to NBC. Now, we can watch both Leno and Dave every night.