Jay Leno may be a ratings flop at 9 p.m., but to NBC, his value is undiminished. Meanwhile, Conan O’Brien’s stock appears in decline as Peacock executives reportedly consider returning Leno to his old 10:35 slot. But where do late night’s other talkers rate, based on the quality of their shows and value to their networks? We take a highly unscientific look:
MOST VALUED, WORST SHOW
Jay Leno
– “The Jay Leno Show”
– NBC-Ch. 5, 9 p.m. (for now)
– Deposed king summoned to regain his throne?
Jimmy Kimmel
– “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
– ABC-Ch. 7, 12:05 a.m.
– Formulaic talk show sprinkled with viral moments.
MOST VALUED, BEST SHOW
David Letterman
– “The Late Show”
– CBS-Ch. 2, 10:35 p.m.
– New late-night king reigns despite sex scandal.
Stephen Colbert
– “The Colbert Report”
– Comedy Central, 10:30 p.m.
– Conservative character seems omnipresent.
Conan O’Brien
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– “The Tonight Show”
– NBC-Ch. 5, 10:35 p.m. (for now)
– Old show with new name, time slot lacks old success.
Jon Stewart
– “The Daily Show”
– Comedy Central, 10 p.m.
– Politics aside, it’s the smartest show in late night.
LEAST VALUED, BEST SHOW
Chelsea Handler
– “Chelsea Lately”
– E!, 10 p.m.
– Making quick strides in male-dominated arena.
Craig Ferguson
– “Late Late Show”
– CBS-Ch. 2, 11:35 p.m.
– May be the best late-night show you’re not watching.
LEAST VALUED, WORST SHOW
George Lopez
– “Lopez Tonight!”
– TBS, 10 p.m.
– Too soon to judge this high-energy show, the first hosted by a Latino.
Jimmy Fallon
– “Late Night”
– NBC-Ch. 5, 11:35 p.m.
– Leno rumor’s upside: This disaster is pushed even later.
Carson Daly
– “Last Call”
– NBC-Ch. 5, 12:35 a.m.
– See Fallon.
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