Jay Leno: Talks about new show

Jay Leno: Talks about new show

Talk show host Jay Leno promised on Wednesday that his new show will have more comedy and he will put stars in cars instead on a couch.

Leno said that his new 10 o'clock series, "The Jay Leno Show", will feature some elements from his old home, "The Tonight Show", but in a far different mix. He also said that he was planning a regular comedy segment with NBC news anchor Brian Williams and was building a "green car" race track outside his new studio where celebrities, possibly including Tom Cruise, will power round the circuit in a high performance electric car challenge.

While talking with television critics, Leno said, "There will be something for everyone. Hopefully it will play across the board. It won't be talk show and it won't be a variety show with wigs and hats on".

The show will be fast-moving. It will make sure there are laughs heading into the local news on NBC stations. They count on a strong lead-in to sustain their lucrative newscasts.

An opening comedy monologue and popular "Tonight" fixtures including funny headlines will remain. A popular segments like "Jaywalking", in which Leno gives pop quizzes to pedestrians, will move to the latter half of "The Jay Leno Show". Comedians including D.L. Hughley will do field reports, although Leno said his program won't have a "Daily Show" flavor.

Jay Leno, who left NBC's "The Tonight Show" in May, said that there would be less music and likely just one or two guests instead of three.

Leno admitted that he has become a little complacent after so many years on "The Tonight Show". Now he is excited about the challenge of creating a new show that represents a major change in network programming.