NBC is pulling plug on Jay Leno experiment

PASADENA, Calif. — It's true. NBC is calling it quits on its Jay Leno-in-prime time experiment.

But, in classic NBC fashion, network executives just couldn't bring themselves to admit that he — or they — had failed.

No, while "The Jay Leno Show" was "performing at acceptable levels for the network, it did not meet our affiliates' needs," according to NBC Universal Television Entertainment chairman Jeff Gaspin. Those affiliates are unhappy that Leno's weak ratings had done major damage to their late-night newscasts.

By some estimates, the Leno Experiment will end up costing NBC and its affiliates more than $200 million.

The final prime-time "Leno" will air Feb. 11, just before the Winter Olympics begin on NBC. After the Games end on Feb. 28, the plan is to move a 30-minute "Jay Leno Show" to weeknights at 10:35 p.m. MT; "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" to 11:05 p.m.; and "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" to 12:05 a.m.

But that's just the plan. Gaspin said he was "not going to confirm" if any of the three hosts has signed on; talks with them resume Monday.

Unofficially, Fox has expressed interest in O'Brien. Off the record, a highly placed executive at a third network told the Deseret News that may just be a ploy to cost NBC money to keep him.

Network execs do that kind of thing to each other.

While there have been some reports that Leno might go to another network, it appears that the sticking point here is O'Brien, who's being shoved aside. Leno clearly has no intention of bowing out quietly; he'll retake the "Tonight Show" if O'Brien leaves NBC.

Gaspin did, however, insist that Leno, O'Brien and Fallon were each "incredibly gracious and professional."

Gaspin did a masterful job of spinning the story, defending NBC in what had all the makings of a gunfight with critics — despite the fact that his gun was loaded with blanks.

He said the NBC network managed to make a bit of money on "The Jay Leno Show" because of its relatively low production costs. But the fact is that it was costing the affiliates — and NBC's owned stations — a fortune.

Leno, O'Brien and Fallon have all been consistent ratings losers. And no matter what spin Gaspin and NBC put on the current situation, Leno and O'Brien are now damaged goods.