Is The Jay Leno Show destroying NBC? Well, many industry observers are beginning to think so. While The Peacock was in trouble long before Leno moved to 10pm, recent decisions - including the shocking cancellation of the critically acclaimed drama Southland before a single episode was even allowed to air - and ratings woes (Leno averages less than 5 million viewers most nights, which translates to lower numbers for network affiliates' newscasts at 11pm) make the situation seem a lot worse.
This interesting NY Times article on Leno's effects on primetime and what it means for NBC's long term prospects is definitely worth checking out.
Personally, I feel it's a sad day when quality shows aren't even given a chance to prove themselves in lieu of money, but TV was always about money. Leno is dirt cheap to produce and its minimal ratings still most likely out profit other networks' more expensive offerings at 10pm (dramas like Eastwick or the forgotten post similar ratings, but cost millions more to produce). However, it is unsettling that insiders are claiming NBC's decision to cancel Southland was less based on content (as originally reported) and more based on its anticipated performance as lead-in for Mr. Leno. Southland, nowhere near a ratings hit, would be a shaky lead-in for Leno which already is posting weak numbers. When Southland would eventually go into reruns, Leno's numbers would surely suffer even more. NBC is replacing Southland with Dateline, to ensure a cheap and consistent lead-in for The Jay Leno Show.
With Law and Order:SVU (just last season, the network's number one drama and its highest rated show on Tuesdays) now struggling in its new Wednesday at 9pm time slot, how much is NBC willing to sacrifice to ensure the success of Leno? My guess is almost everything.
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