The passing of the late-night torch

Do you realize that this Friday, Jay Leno will broadcast his very last episode of "The Tonight Show?"

Do you really care? Does anyone, for that matter?

I'm surprised by the lack of media hype surrounding Leno's departure. After all, he's hosted the show for 17 years. But this is a weird situation in that Leno announced the date of his retirement almost five years ago. That was done just so NBC could keep Conan O'Brien from jumping networks by offering him the role of Leno's successor. Also, Leno isn't even leaving NBC. He'll be hosting some random prime time comedy show on NBC next fall. The whole thing is just so anticlimactic.

I remember when Johnny Carson retired from "The Tonight Show." It was such a huge deal. Remember Bette Midler serenading Johnny during his final week on the air? I think the whole world cried when they watched that.

Personally, I don't really care that Jay Leno is leaving. I don't think many people do. Yes, the guy brings in decent ratings, but he's just kind of THERE, at least in my opinion. I have nothing against Leno personally. He can be amusing at times, and I like some of the bits he's done on his show, especially the "Headlines" segment. However, he just hasn't left a lasting impression.

Obviously, there will never be another Johnny Carson, but I think David Letterman is the funniest comedian on television right now, and has been for a very long time. Even though he lost "The Tonight Show" to Leno way back when and usually pulls in lower ratings than Jay, Dave will generate much more attention when he inevitably announces his retirement one day. He's just so much more distinctive than Jay Leno in every possible way.

The only reason I'm sad to see Jay Leno go is because I cannot stand Conan O'Brien. I have never understood his appeal, and I think it's a disgrace to the history of "The Tonight Show" that Conan will be behind that desk next Monday night. (Actually, the passing of the torch will occur on Friday...Conan is scheduled to be Jay Leno's final guest, which I also think is a little weird.)

My prediction is that Conan's new version of "The Tonight Show" will suck royally, but for some reason, millions of people will watch it. I also predict that Jay Leno's new prime time series will be cancelled within a few months. Stay tuned!