Jay Leno Says Goodbye to “Tonight Show”

Last night, Jay Leno sat behind the desk as the host of The Tonight Show for the last time.  In most ways, the episode that ended his 17-year-run was just like any other Leno show but there was a long ovation of him at the start of his monologue during which he thanked some newsmakers (including Michael Jackson and Monica Lewinsky) for making his job so easy over the years.  He even talked about cleaning out his office and said: “I found O.J.’s knife. I had it the whole time.”

Leno’s first guest ever, Billy Crystal, surprised him and, in addition to chatting about Twitter and the Yankees, he brought the house down with a show-stopping number to commemorate the end of Leno’s 17-year run on the show (as well as his move to primetime in September).

Leno is moving to NBC’s 10pm slot where he is expected to have a wider audience for his new show which is described as being similar to The Tonight Show.  Of the move, Leno said: “I’m going to be going to a secluded spot where no one can find me — NBC prime time.  It’s a gamble. I’m betting NBC will still be around in three months, but that’s not a given.”

Crystal had even more to say about the new venture as he sang some lyrics to the tune of “Moving On Up” (the theme song from The Jeffersons) as a 12-person chorus danced.  He sang: “You’re movin’ on down, down to primetime, you’re giving a new time slot a try… You’ll be done at 11, Mr. Leno you’re changing my life! Now there’ll be time to watch your show and still have sex with my wife!”

As was expected, Leno hosted his successor, Conan O’Brien, in what I’m sure must have been a weird and bittersweet moment for both of them.  I think Conan could be really good but he’s a little sillier than Leno so it’s hard to know how audiences will respond.

Will you watch Conan on The Tonight Show?  Will you miss Jay Leno?

NBC Photos: Paul Drinkwater