Jay Leno recently reflected on the tumultuous period of the late-night wars during an appearance on In Depth with Graham Besinger, particularly recalling the moment when Jimmy Kimmel humorously attacked him on his own show in 2010. This came shortly after Leno reclaimed The Tonight Show from Conan O’Brien, a move that was heavily scrutinized at the time.
During this candid conversation, Leno admitted that he allowed Kimmel to poke fun at him without editing out the jabs, acknowledging his own mistakes in the handling of O’Brien’s short-lived tenure. Leno stated, “I let it happen. I didn’t edit it… I trust somebody.” He indicated that Kimmel’s remarks reflected an embarrassing but honest moment, admitting, “I went, ‘Ah, I made a mistake. Ok, I should pay the price.’”
The late-night landscape has evolved significantly since the late-night wars, where host camaraderie is now more prevalent compared to the fierce competition of the past. Historical context shows that the late-night wars were catalyzed by high stakes, particularly during Jay Leno’s first reign after taking over from Johnny Carson in 1992 and again during the challenge posed by O’Brien in 2009. The recent interaction between Leno and Kimmel illustrates the lighter side of their once-contentious rivalries, hinting at a more amicable environment among late-night hosts today.
Leno expressed a bit of regret about how he handled the Kimmel incident, stating, “It’s not good TV for me because it started a whole thing that continues to this day, really. But it’s okay.” His candidness about past mistakes shows growth and recognition, indicating that the industry has matured, reflecting a more collaborative atmosphere among late-night hosts.
As Leno reminisces about the awkwardness of the rivalry, it highlights the evolution of entertainment personalities willing to learn from their past, turning contentious moments into humorous anecdotes. Ultimately, Leno’s reflections offer hope that humility and humor can lead to positive outcomes, benefiting both hosts and audiences alike.