Jay Leno Says Kimmel is Losing in Ratings Because He’s Mean
In an interview with the New York Daily News, former Tonight Show host Jay Leno said Jimmy Kimmel is losing in late night ratings because he’s mean.
“I think he’s talented, I think he’s funny, but he’s got a mean streak and I think that’s the reason he’s in third place and I think that people sense that,” Leno told the Daily News. “I’ve never said anything nasty about Jimmy Kimmel — but he’s got a mean streak, he always takes things one step too far,” Leno said. “He comes from that radio vibe and it’s a typical radio versus standup comic situation.” Leno added, “When you have to look an audience in the eye, you’re not quite as brave as when you’re just talking into a microphone,” Leno added. “When an audience can react to what you’re saying and you see them doing that, it’s a little different.”
Leno also said he believes Kimmel turned on him to curry favor with Howard Stern who had a long-standing beef with Leno that goes back to at least 2009.
Leno also subbed in as guest monologist last night on The Tonight Show. He filled in for Jimmy Fallon who took over the show after Leno left in 2014.
Leno’s new tv show, Jay Leno’s Garage debuts on Wednesday October 7th on MSNBC at 10pm.
