Longtime “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno is poised to launch a new prime-time show on cable. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the former late-night fixture is putting the finishing touches on an agreement to bring a new show to CNBC focusing on Leno’s well-known love of cars.
“Landing Leno is a coup for CNBC,” THR reports. “The network, known for financial news, has suffered from low ratings during its traditional daytime programming but has had success broadening its viewership by airing reality shows like ‘The Profit’ and ‘Restaurant Startup’ in prime time. Its biggest draw is reruns of financial game show ‘Shark Tank,’ which have performed very well for the network.”
Leno stepped down from NBC’s “Tonight Show” in February after 22 years on the job. Since then, he has reportedly been pursued by a number of TV outlets, including CNN and A&E, along with the Tribune stations. “But Leno has been loyal to NBC (his car-themed web series ‘Jay’s Garage’ is still hosted on NBC.com), and he has a relationship with CNBC president Mark Hoffman,” THR notes. “CNBC aired a ‘Jay’s Garage’ special over the Labor Day weekend called ‘Jay’s Garage: The Ultimate Car Week.'”
Other details about the new show have not been revealed.
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