The Jay Leno Show

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
The Jay Leno Show Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Leno takes late-night entertainment into prime time.

NBC Comedy 2009
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 3 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this prime time talk show/comedy series features all the traditional segments of similar late-night shows, from celebrity interviews to silly skits. Much of the humor is derived from current events, and, as a result, includes a fair bit of sexual content (including references to S&M and homosexuality) and occasional mild references to violence and alcohol consumption. Teens may not be wild about Leno's sketches but may find the celebrity interviews and musical performances entertaining.

Community Reviews

silasays
silasays Adult
December 22, 2009
age 14+

Not for tweens...

I myself enjoy this show, but sometimes, there are just too many sexual references for me to deem this show acceptable for a child under the age of 14!

This title has:

Too much sex
MilesFlyer
MilesFlyer Adult
September 28, 2009
age 14+
Didn't laugh at all, stale. Same old schtick. Not sure what is so "new" about this show. Interviews are pretty good, but they don't make up for some very bad pre-filmed bits. Really bad comedy, just plain sad really.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Airing at 10 p.m. nightly instead of the usual 11:30 p.m. or later, THE JAY LENO SHOW brings traditional late-night talk/comedy television to prime time. In each episode, the former Tonight Show host offers up an array of jokes, spoofs, and comedy sketches while hosting celebrity guests from all walks of life. Musical performances and comedy routines round out the entertainment. Also along for the ride is the Tonight Show's former house band leader, Kevin Eubanks.

Is It Any Good?

While the show's content is on the milder (and classier) side of things for series of its kind, there's otherwise very little that sets it apart from Leno's former hosting gig besides its earlier timeslot. Leno's monologue and some of the show's standard gags are remarkably similar to those featured during his tenure on the Tonight Show. And Eubanks' presence, while enjoyable, adds to the sense of familiarity.

Overall, the show isn't very edgy -- but some of the sketches are funny. Still, it doesn't really offer much in the way of new entertainment. It just lets viewers watch late-night entertainment a few hours earlier.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what makes talk/comedy/variety shows stand out from each other. Do their differences come from the host's style, or are there other elements that can set a show apart from the crowd?

  • How are guests chosen for shows like this one? What audience do you think the producers are trying to reach?

  • How do talk shows impact other forms of media?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

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