NEW YORK — Jay Leno might be leaving his post on the "Tonight Show," but his commute is going to remain the same.
The veteran comic is sticking around NBC, where he will host a new one-hour prime-time talk show every weeknight at 10 p.m. Eastern, the network announced Tuesday.
The announcement would appear to be a coup for NBC, which feared losing Leno to a competing network. Ever since he succeeded the late Johnny Carson in 1992, Leno has continually topped the late-night ratings.
Leno's new deal will go into effect once his final "Tonight Show" takes place on May 29, 2009.
"We are looking to change how broadcast television works in this new media landscape, and we were looking to keep Jay Leno in the family. With this we have accomplished both," said Marc Graboff, co-chairman of NBC Entertainment, according to Reuters.
"It just seemed like the time was right for this," added the 58-year-old Leno. "Would I do this at the beginning of my career, no. But after 17 years of being on 'The Tonight Show,' it's fun to try something different."
Nearly five years ago, the network announced that Conan O'Brien would move up an hour and succeed Leno on the "Tonight Show." That plan has not changed, with O'Brien set to take over on June 1, 2009. For his part, O'Brien was rejoicing with today's announcement.
"I am thrilled," he told The Associated Press. "I am absolutely thrilled that Jay is staying at NBC. He has been my lead-in on this program for 16 seasons. He is a fantastic lead-in."
"Saturday Night Live" alum Jimmy Fallon was previously announced as the replacement for O'Brien's current 12:30 a.m. time slot.
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