THE MOST IMPORTANT STORY IN HISTORY – AT 7:14 P.M. ET:  We wanted to make sure you knew this, so you can plan the rest of your life: 

“The Jay Leno Show” will exit prime time on Feb. 11, NBC confirmed on Sunday. But the network does not yet know what its future late-night lineup will look like.

Jeff Gaspin, the chairman of NBC Universal Television Entertainment, told reporters at a press event that conversations were continuing with Conan O’Brien, the host of “The Tonight Show,” about a proposal to push his program back half an hour to 12:05 a.m. The move would make room for a truncated version of “The Jay Leno Show” at 11:35 p.m.

Mr. Gaspin said conversations with Mr. Leno, Mr. O’Brien and the “Late Night” host Jimmy Fallon would resume on Monday. “My goal right now is to keep Jay, Conan and Jimmy as part of our late-night lineup. As much as I’d like to tell you we have a done deal, we know that’s not true,” Mr. Gaspin said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Talks are still ongoing,” Mr. Gaspin added.

Ah, leave it to the current NBC management to mess up The Tonight Show.  Okay, I'm nostalgic, but, when I was working on that show, a bit of time ago, we didn't even know who the NBC management was.  The network had its president of the week, he'd visit, smile, and be gone. 

Ah Carson, where are you now that we need you?

You can be sure that NBC would give all just to hear one more "Heeere's Johnny!"

January 10, 2010