Uh, oh!
CBS and ABC are discouraging their talent from appearing on Jay Leno‘s prime time talk and comedy show that airs on NBC, which is now competition for their dramas airing at the same time.
That didn’t stop Julia Louis-Dreyfus, star of The New Adventures of Old Christine on CBS, from going on the show, although she admitted to facing some pressure from CBS. But because she and Leno are longtime friends, she went through with the booking.
Other celebs may not be so bold as much of Hollywood isn’t digging on Jay’s new show because it essentially eliminated many jobs for cast and crew on would-be prime time dramas during the week.
John Wells, once the executive producer of former NBC shows ER and The West Wing, and now the president of the Writers Guild of America West says:
“We lost five hours’ worth of time periods that have been known throughout the history of the network for putting some really terrific shows on. I wish NBC and Jay Leno well; personally, he’s a very nice guy, but I hope he falls flat on his face and we get five dramas back.”
We kinda see his point.
Leno’s ratings are pretty steady, though, with A-Listers frequently appearing on the show already, including Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Robin Williams to name a few.
NBC is said to be satisfied with the numbers since they’re comparable to the ratings the dramas in that slot once held. NBC also added:
“The Jay Leno Showhas an open-door policy. We are always interested in having talent appear on the show regardless of studio affiliation.”
Are U watching Jay’s show or would you prefer tuning in to some NBC prime time dramz?
[Image via Nikki Nelson / WENN.]
-
Categories
