Jay Leno: Podcasts have replaced the traditional late-night talk-show format

Jay Leno believes the traditional late-night talk-show format is dead and podcasts are the new thing. In his view, the success of his show and David Letterman’s was not simply a matter of the hosts’ talent: they happened to be on television at the right time. Leno also linked the format’s decline to heavier advertising after 11:30 p.m., saying the rules allowed another eight minutes of commercials per hour.

Leno noted that audiences differ across late-night time slots and that advertisements can reflect those audiences; he cited ads for pain relievers. To test material beyond a studio audience that might react to cues, Leno said he performed on the road almost every weekend. He believes comedians need to avoid becoming insulated and should test jokes in front of live audiences.