Jay Leno is close to finalising a return to TV.
The 64-year-old presenter – who departed NBC’s ‘Tonight Show’ in February after 22 years at the helm – is said to be negotiating a deal to host a show for cable network CNBC and, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the programme will focus on his long-time love of cars.
Sources told the publication that the show will air in a primetime slot, but it doesn’t yet have a premiere date, nor is it clear how frequently the regular series will broadcast.
Since departing the ‘Tonight Show’, Jay has toured the US with his stand-up comedy show, hosted an awards show in Jerusalem and also seen his web series ‘Jay’s Garage’ air on NBC.com, while CNBC aired a special, ‘Jay’s Garage: The Ultimate Car Week’ recently.
The veteran broadcaster was reportedly courted by a number of other stations, including CNN, A&E, History and the Tribune but wanted to stay loyal to NBCUniversal.
CNBC – which, like NBC, is owned by NBCUniversal – is mainly known for financial news but has been trying to broaden its viewership with new additions to its programming such as financial game show ‘Shark Tank’ and reality programmes ‘The Profit’ and ‘Restaurant Startup’.
NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt had previously expressed his desire to have Jay remain with the network after he departed his long-running late night show, which is now fronted by Jimmy Fallon.
He said: "Nothing would make us happier than for him, a la Bob Hope, to still be a presence on the network."
Jay Leno negotiating TV return
