Thursday, August 06, 2009

From the Wires: Trim, Relaxed Leno Says He's Ready For Prime-Time

Special to the Director's Cut
By Lynn Elber, AP Television Writer

PASADENA, California -- Jay Leno says comedy will rule on his new daily prime-time series and he'll put stars in cars instead of on a couch.

Leno, looking relaxed and trim, told the Television Critics Association on Wednesday that fall's "The Jay Leno Show" will feature some elements from his old home, "Tonight," but in a far different mix.

For starters, there likely won't be the standard-issue talk show desk. Musical acts will be featured only about twice a week. Leno says NBC anchor Brian Williams will be filing stories that didn't make the cut on "Nightly News."

A race track is being built near NBC's Burbank studio for a regular "green car challenge" that will allow celebrities to race electric vehicles, says Leno -- and Tom Cruise has already expressed interest.

Source: The Associated Press