UPDATED: NBC War Of Words With WGA Over Leno Writing His Own Monologue! Controversy Erupts Over Strike Breaking

wga-leno.jpg 

THURSDAY 4TH UPDATE: Leno Writes Own Monologue Again! WGA Denies NBC Claims That Jay Had Union OK & Guild Would "Look The Other Way"

THURSDAY 3RD UPDATE: LENO/WGA: WHAT'S THE REAL STORY? NBC Claims Jay Asked For & Received WGA Permission To Write Monologue At Secret Monday Meeting With Guild President Verrone 

THURSDAY 2ND UPDATE: NBC Claims "Leno Can Write Own Monologue"; WGA Says He Can't But Doesn't Want War 

THURSDAY UPDATE: I had a feeling this controversy not only isn't going away but will probably deepen over the next days -- and it has. The Writers Guild Of America just confirmed that "a discussion took place today between [its member] Jay Leno and the Writers Guild to clarify to him that writing for The Tonight Show constitutes a violation of the Guilds’ strike rules." Leno admitted last night on the air during his first show back from strike hiatus that he wrote his own monologue. That's a huge problem because it violates the strike rules of one of his unions, the WGA, which is currently on strike and picketing NBC and Leno's Tonight Show. Meanwhile, early ratings for late night TV's return show that Jay scored a 5.3 rating and 12 audience share in the nation’s 55 largest markets for his best ratings in two years, according to Nielsen Media Research. Leno’s ratings were up 47% over what he achieved before the strike. Meanwhile, David Letterman's Late Show had a 4.3 rating and 10 share, or 39% better than his pre-strike average. I don't find this surprising, since Leno had been consistently beating Letterman for years and TV viewing habits don't change overnight. Plus, there was the "car wreck" phenomenon at work and audiences may have wanted to watch how The Tonight Show would fare without writers. I can't help but think that Leno knows full well he could lose viewers if he stops his topical monologue altogether (which is what Conan O'Brien appeared to do last night). So will Jay keep writing his signature stand-up opening? Stay tuned.

WEDNESDAY PM: Leno did deliver what was a funny monologue. So the big question was who wrote it: WGA members or scabs (i.e. the usual contingent of joke writers who hang out around Jay's kitchen table)? Leno addressed that very issue during the monologue: "You know what I'm doing? I'm doing what I did the day I started. I write jokes and wake my wife up in the middle of the night and say, 'Honey, is this funny?' So if this monologue doesn't work it's my wife's fault," he explained. "We are not using outside guys. We are following the guild thing... We can write for ourselves..."

Earth To Leno: That's not the way the WGA interprets its strike rules as spelled out here: "The Strike Rules, among other provisions, prohibit Guild members from performing any writing services during a strike for any and all struck companies. This prohibition includes all writing by any Guild member that would be performed on-air by that member (including monologues, characters, and featured appearances) if any portion of that written material is customarily written by striking writers." (See my previous: WGA Reminds Returning Jay And Conan: No Monologues.)

letterman-strike-2.jpgNow the question is what will the WGA do about it? The irony is that Leno last night sounded so proud of the jokes he claimed to have written for his monologue. Jay's in a tough spot, to be sure: after years of beating Dave week after week, Leno could fall to No. 2 now that he's doing The Tonight Show without his writing team because NBC won't bargain with the striking writers. Whereas Letterman's production company Worldwide Pants owns The Late Show (not CBS) and negotiated an interim waiver from the WGA allowing Dave to return on air with his writing team intact. Sure Leno's ratings may stay the same or even go up as audiences anticipate a potential on-air train wreck. But can they stay there? Will America's late night viewing habits change? And will NBC suffer?  

What makes the situation even trickier is that Leno has been very supportive of his own picketing writers and the entire WGA since the strike began two months ago (see photo above) by delivering food and drinks to the scribes walking the line. So the WGA, which has made it clear it's picketing NBC and not Leno, may not want to make an example of a high-profile member like Jay for breaking its strike rules.

  1. Lots Of On-Air WGA Support: A Sneak Peek At Late Night TV's Official Return
  2. Huckabee Slammed By WGA Pickets; Hillary Gets Cameo On Letterman
  3. WGA Reminds Returning Jay And Conan: No Monologues 
« Letterman Scribes To Fatten Strike Fund   WGA Member John Ridley Goes Fi-Core »

404 Comments »

  1. Go Jay!!!

    I agree that fair is far, but UNIONS RUIN AMERICA!

    Comment by Anonymous — January 3, 2008 @ 3:53 am

  2. Now’s the time to pull Jay in to the Guild, ask him if he was being honest in what he said about having written his monologue and if he says he did write it, he must be brought up on charges… Those are the rules… And to flaunt that on TV is to thumb his nose in the face of all writers. Shame on Jay. D.

    Comment by DAvid G. — January 3, 2008 @ 4:01 am

  3. Leno is two-faced, and into himself to even read WGA contracts. From sources, he definitely doesn’t “jay-walk” his talk!

    Comment by Mac — January 3, 2008 @ 4:04 am

  4. I am in full agreement with Leno..”HE” is the star and “HE” is who is responsible for his family and their welfare..”HE” is doing what any hard working AMERICAN would do..He is “WORKING” even though nobody else wants to!

    Comment by Elaine — January 3, 2008 @ 4:06 am

  5. To hell with the unions! Go, Jay, go!

    Comment by ML — January 3, 2008 @ 4:13 am

  6. If the WGA targets Leno, they’ll make a martyr out of him. Then any gains and/or leverage they have received from the Letterman deal will be lost.

    What they should do is simply ask Leno not to mention that he is writing anything on the air, even if he is. That will make this news story die quickly.

    Leno is writing his own jokes and being funnier than a team of writers working for Letterman. Does the WGA really want to point out that one man could do the job of several writers?

    Someone has to have some common sense here.

    Comment by MutualDisdain — January 3, 2008 @ 4:18 am

  7. <<>>>

    Are you kidding me? Workers are just supposed to rely on the benevolence and the good nature of the faceless global conglomerates who employ them? Sure.

    Comment by Dany — January 3, 2008 @ 4:19 am

  8. He did better without the writers… let ‘em eat cake.

    Comment by Ed — January 3, 2008 @ 4:22 am

  9. So the union claims to own Jay Leno. Get real. The show is Jay Leno. It’s all about him and his talent. If he can do the song and dance as well as produce his own material…so be it. Fire the writers and they can simply find a job somewhere else.

    Comment by DL Thompson — January 3, 2008 @ 4:22 am

  10. If Jay does not write his own stuff, how is he supposed to go on the air to support the 160 non-writers, who need income to support their families. Does he have to make it up on the fly? The union rules seem to be crazy — that a man cannot write his own material. I guess Jay will have to give all teh writing duties to his wife!

    Let’s get the two sides together and get this thing negotiated like grown people.

    Comment by Steve — January 3, 2008 @ 4:23 am

  11. 2 faced?……. how about 2 1/2 faced!!!

    Comment by Dennis P — January 3, 2008 @ 4:24 am

  12. I empathize with the striking writers, but this is ridiculous to me. Leno has a show that employs a lot more people than just the writers. They aren’t on strike and have no way to make a living. They are caught in striker’s hell. Leno has a show to deliver. What about his contracts to perform a live show?

    Send this mess to arbitration or settle it or pretty soon we the mass audience will move on to other things and you will be but a blip in our memory.

    Comment by Jinny — January 3, 2008 @ 4:24 am

  13. Brought up on charges? Is writing a joke against federal or state laws? Worst they can do is kick him out of the union (huge dissapointment, I’m sure).

    Unions are a pimple on the ass of free markets.

    World needs ditch-diggers, or in the writers case, Baristas.

    Comment by mike — January 3, 2008 @ 4:25 am

  14. Isn’t it odd that a comedian can’t write his own jokes in America? I think maybe the union is a little too full of its own importance.

    Comment by Dan — January 3, 2008 @ 4:31 am

  15. Unions don’t ruin America. Unions are the reason for the 40 hour work week, workers compensation, child labor laws, decent medicical benefits and the list goes on. In this case the Guild is trying to pry a few bucks for writers from the billions of dollars corporations will make because of their efforts.
    Jay’s “the” talent but he knows he cannot do the show without a team. Educate yourself before posting some thing stupid like to hell with unions and that they ruin the USA.

    Comment by Jack — January 3, 2008 @ 4:32 am

  16. It’s hilarious that Politically Correct Jay trampled over his employee’s rights. I am sure it was unintentional. PC bimbos like Jay always see others’ rights through the prism of their own self-interests.

    But it is ludicrous that we actually have a union for joke writers anyway.

    Can the rest of the world do anything but stand back and wonder about us?

    Comment by kapytalyst — January 3, 2008 @ 4:37 am

  17. Whoa Nikki, FYI… this particular segment made the “Drudge Report”.(go check) Perhaps if Drudge is linking here, then the return of the Late Show hosts HAS upped the strike’s profile considerably.

    Comment by Qirronis — January 3, 2008 @ 4:44 am

  18. Got to be kidding Me. Leno is the jerk here. Sure, lets pretend to bargan while the WGA is left in the cold. This is foolish, and Leno has just upped the stakes. I hope he cares.

    Comment by comicbook guy — January 3, 2008 @ 4:48 am

  19. charges against Leno?

    For what?

    Jay, take your WGA card, tear it up, and burn it.

    I enjoyed the show last night. Great stuff.

    I sympathize with what the WGA is trying to do in regards to being rewarded for internet and “other’ media income, but trying to strong-arm a media darling will quickly whittle that sympathy to ZERO.

    idiots.

    Comment by Exsanguine — January 3, 2008 @ 4:50 am

  20. I watched Jay last night and taped Letterman to watch afterwards. Leno’s monologue not written by WGA writers was a lot funnier than Letterman’s, who was written by WGA writers. And with the exception of Robin Williams, who was the funniest I’ve seen him in a long time, The Tonight Show was better overall than the Late Show.

    Strike? What strike? Go Jay!

    Comment by David L. — January 3, 2008 @ 4:50 am

  21. Union idiots! Jay does a better job than his writers. I hope they stay on strike another ten years!

    Comment by Robert — January 3, 2008 @ 4:51 am

  22. Leno’s a bum who hasn’t been funny in years.

    (I can relate to that.)

    Comment by slinkybender — January 3, 2008 @ 4:52 am

  23. Who’s your master? Money, Big Corporations or the Guild? You can only serve one.

    If it’s thought, remembered, said but not written down, it’s not a violation.

    There are some BIG holes in the “Strike Rules” that are very easily walked through.

    Comment by Knowbody — January 3, 2008 @ 4:52 am

  24. Make a “martyr” out of Leno?!?!? Amongst whom? The 60-yr-old grannies who watch his show?

    Comment by Martyr?!?!?! — January 3, 2008 @ 4:52 am

  25. Write on Jay!

    Comment by Joe K — January 3, 2008 @ 4:59 am

  26. I’m “just” a viewer, squarely on the side of the WGA and it’s clear to me Jay Leno, whom I happen to like, did the WGA a gross disservice last night. Either his monologue was pre-written (and he admitted it was) which was a clear violation of WGA rules or he winged it, in which case he proved writers aren’t needed. Either way, he hurt the WGA last night.

    What next?

    Comment by Suzanne — January 3, 2008 @ 5:02 am

  27. “I couldn’t let 16 people put 190 out of work.” That’s why Leno has my support!

    Comment by debi — January 3, 2008 @ 5:17 am

  28. To those of you who say, “To hell with unions,”: because of unions, you have a 5 day work week, vacation benefits, eight hour work days, over time pay, holiday pay, our children aren’t working in sweat shops…I could go on and on. NO COMPANY EVER GAVE WORKERS ANYTHING OUT OF THE KINDNESS OF THEIR HEARTS. It was the UNIONS that made this possible for you.

    Comment by Jim — January 3, 2008 @ 5:17 am

  29. What promised to be a strike for a very fair reason is turning nasty. I hope the producers and the union end this fast because public and professional sympathy is waning. But here it is not the union that should be considered unfair - the producers are in fact the ones who need to negotiate fairly.

    Good for Letterman for striking an interim deal and taking the high road, but also good for Jay for putting money back into the hands of all the other employees being affected by this.

    Producers, please wake up. Union be careful, you are becoming a bit surly.

    Comment by john — January 3, 2008 @ 5:18 am

  30. Going after him would be a bad move. Most people don’t care that Letterman came back with writers and Leno didn’t. They are just happy their favorite is back on. (99% of the people I know aren’t changing their viewing habits. They hate one and love another to the point that it won’t change.)

    If the WGA goes after Leno and kicks him out, they’re leaving a man on the air who has been a big supporter free to do and say whatever he likes. Considering he’s run by NBC who’d love anything to stick it to the writers right about now, he’d have free reign to do and say anything. I don’t think hiring non-WGA writers would be too much of an issue; there’s always someone who’d want to work and I think working out a deal straight with Leno or NBC would probably be more lucrative (remember sticking it to the WGA). And remember, he’s leaving in a year anyways — standup comedians doesn’t need permission from the WGA.

    Any hey, Leno without writers is funnier then Letterman with writers and if they go after him, they’d be admitting their own mistake about any of their late-night decisions.

    Comment by tvwatcher — January 3, 2008 @ 5:24 am

  31. Although it was never stated in the article, I’m assuming Jay is a member of the WGA. If so, then he obviously did violate the WGA’s strike rules. However, I agree with MutualDisdain that getting too tough with Leno would be an unwise move by the WGA. Jay is well liked by a lot of America and a lot of people know that his return to work has allowed many other people to resume their jobs. They should allow him to continue to perform his monologues, but just don’t mention anything about how they are created.

    Comment by David — January 3, 2008 @ 5:25 am

  32. Wake up, people. Leave Jay alone. Jay was a stand-up guy last night. Being in an impossible situation and without the resources Letterman has at his disposal, he did the only thing he could that would not wreck the lives of 160 other, non-guild people. He went to work. He explained to the public very well why he was there, how he still supported the strike, and why he would continue to support the strike.

    Attacking your most visible link to the viewing public is not just stupid, it borders on the suicidal. He can do more for your cause from his platform than any picket line simply because he can reach so many people and explain to them in terms they can understand just why they can’t see their favorite shows. He can ridicule the powerful producers who make obscene gain off your hard work.

    Stop the Jay bashing. It doesn’t make him look bad and it reflects badly on you. Just how do you think the public views you - as heroic laborers against the machines of industry or a bunch of spoiled illiterate hacks who’ve been shoveling their sorry idea of dialogue and plot so long that they can’t understand why they’re losing our support? Think about it. You’d be surprised by just how fast you can lose our support.

    Oh, and for the record - Jay was funnier than Letterman last night.

    Comment by joyce — January 3, 2008 @ 5:25 am

  33. Good for Jay!

    The writing’s on the wall. The WGA will fold by February because of their eroding support. The AMPTP knew this would happen and it seems to be right on schedule.

    Comment by Tom — January 3, 2008 @ 5:31 am

  34. correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the union’s beef about DVD and Internet revenue, and wasn’t it the union that basically gave away those revenues because they looked at “money now” rather than “money later”?

    Why is it that the union feels their members (such as Leno) must adhere to their union contract (agreement) but the union strikes because they don’t want to stick to the deal they made in regards to DVD and internet?

    But I guess in a town where people drive a Prius to the airfield to board a private jet, hypocrisy is a way of life.

    Comment by Peter — January 3, 2008 @ 5:31 am

  35. Of course he wrote his monologue- what was he suppossed to do? Play a Creed CD??????????? This is stupid. How can he be on the air with no words coming out of his mouth?

    Comment by Roger — January 3, 2008 @ 5:50 am

  36. this why granting letterman an interim agreement was a dopey move. here come the ramifications. either we are on strike or we’re not. look for a major split in the guild beginning any day now. moguls win. game over.

    Comment by granny — January 3, 2008 @ 5:57 am

  37. WGA over played its hand and made a strategic blunder by cutting a side deal with Letterman–leaving Leno and the other late nighters no choice but to go back to work (or lose their audiences). This is the crack in the dike that the networks needed. The networks will not budge now–even if we have a full season of reality shows. Face it writers, you can be replaced and you will be if WGA does not back off and make a reasonable compromise.

    Comment by Ed — January 3, 2008 @ 6:04 am

  38. Thank goodness someone is willing to work in Hollywood.

    Comment by Anonymous — January 3, 2008 @ 6:19 am

  39. Unions ruin America? The depth of your ignorance is astounding… you forget the years of struggle for workers rights, safety, living wages, job security, etc… for the American Worker. The only people that do not like Unions are the greedy employers that would forsake all that was fought for over a few pennies.

    Thank god for Unions, and the millions that struggled for the rights gained. Open an American history book. My goodness… would you rather they were chained to their desks for 14 hours a day making pennies? Move to China, they would love you there…

    Comment by mike — January 3, 2008 @ 6:19 am

  40. So it was OK when Letterman and Johnny Carson scabbed during the 1988 strike? And that Carson used scabs to write his monologue? Short memories…

    Comment by Skip Rooney — January 3, 2008 @ 6:20 am

  41. To Ed, Mike whomever…

    What Jay did WAS against the strike rules and the sooner he’s forced to go fi core (leave the Guild) the better. I’ve walked NBC and after a week of striking, Jay disappeared and we haven’t seen him since.

    Hopefully, no reputable SAG member will cross the line, forcing Jay and his kitchen full of writers to make up 60 minutes of “priceless material” as he entertains America with interviews of people no one wants to see.

    Comment by Union Guy — January 3, 2008 @ 6:22 am

  42. I was shocked to hear he had 19 writers! What a crock. How does it take 19 people to create 7 minutes of humor that all comes from the day’s news? Rarely is there anything organic. The network has probably realized they do not need more than three, bring back Rob, Salley and Buddy!

    Comment by JimmiP — January 3, 2008 @ 6:22 am

  43. Jay actually DID NOT break the rules by writing his own material. The writers guild indicate that the opening of the Tonight Show Jay performs a “monologue”, Jay can call it his “opening act” and therefore is not in violation of the contract. I know it’s splitting hairs, but this type of thing goes on everyday in our court rooms. Sorry writers guild union, next time you better be ultra specific in your contract rules.

    It would also be funny if all the non union writers got together, along with the national public and sued the writers guild union for ruining there lives because all there are on TV lately are re-runs. Don’t be to surprized if sometyhing like this does happen. I’m sure there are several capable law firms out their right now who would love the opportunity to start a class action suit against the writers guild union on behalf of the American public.

    Comment by Kerry — January 3, 2008 @ 6:23 am

  44. Jay just proved again that he is the funniest man in the USA. Keep up the good work, Jay!!

    Comment by LisaLasVegas — January 3, 2008 @ 6:25 am

  45. Im shocked at the uninformed yahoos posting on here. The writers on strike aren’t making the problem, the studios are. It’s not the writers who created this situation.

    Unions are not the pimple on the ass of free market economy. But minds like yours are, lowest common denominators who file in line and believe they make a change by watching commercials. Listen, capitalism was built on the sweat of those who could not defend themselves, at wages that were ridiculous, slave wages, until Unions stepped in to defend the common man, just because you aren’t represented by a union doesn’t mean they’re work has not benefitted you.

    It was the studios that last left the bargaining table, and the writers seek a return to negotiations. People, educate yourselves.

    And also, calling Jay Leno a comedian is like calling an onion an orange.

    Comment by Hank — January 3, 2008 @ 6:33 am

  46. I think it is rather insane that people fault unions for protecting their people. Unions helped to change the child labor laws in the US when corporations where exploiting kids.

    Corporations have shown themselves to often do what they do best, make money at the expense of others. There needs to be a counter balance to their actions. Unions fill that role. Sure, they go overboard, sometimes, but so do the corporations. Stop drinking the Drudge, Limbaugh, Hannity Kool-aid and adopt a balance thought process people.
    Please.

    Comment by David March — January 3, 2008 @ 6:34 am

  47. Look at these comments! AMPTP was up late last night!

    Comment by Drake — January 3, 2008 @ 6:36 am

  48. Dave’s writers are being used as scabs.

    Comment by funnieman_va — January 3, 2008 @ 6:44 am

  49. Since when do the writers own Jay Leno? How idiotic to tell your star (the reason you have a job in the first place) that he can’t create his own stuff! What about the other people who depend on the success of Jay Leno to put food on their families’ tables? Is there life supposed to be crippled by this leach of a union?

    Comment by Ken — January 3, 2008 @ 6:56 am

  50. I can see that the AMPTP shills are out in force, trying to pretend the whole country isn’t behind the WGA and the striking writers.

    Do you actually believe what you’re saying? Or is this just a better paycheck than Jack in the Box?

    Jay can’t pretend to support the writers and then turn around and cut their legs out from under them by scabbing for NBC. He came back as a host… HE IS STILL ON STRIKE AS A WRITER!!!

    Or is he?

    Comment by Stewart — January 3, 2008 @ 7:02 am

  51. Is Jay a guild member himself? That is the defining
    question. If not, he is NOT bound by guild member
    rules.

    Comment by kevin — January 3, 2008 @ 7:07 am

  52. Jay’s deal is ending and he’s going to be replaced by Conan. NBC doesn’t care if he goes down in flames in the process as it makes his replacement easier and a bigger deal. I suspect they’ll protect Conan from any of this stuff.

    Jay should have been smarter. He doesn’t own his show so he should have stayed on strike until a deal was struck. If he was sued he’d become a hero which is not a bad way to go off into the sunset. I can only guess they offered to negotiate his contract after all or I can’t see why he would have gone on.

    Comment by rjschwarz — January 3, 2008 @ 7:07 am

  53. Maybe Jay out-sourced his joke writing to India or China? Some of them fortune cookies are dang funny. As for having the Union-hatin’, Bible-thumpin’ Huckabee on as his first guest, Leno really did cross the line. He wants to be all things to all people, but ultimately, it’s all self-serving, isn’t it?

    Comment by quickieq — January 3, 2008 @ 7:08 am

  54. The writers have a legitimate beef, but need to be more “creative”. Let Jay do his schtick, but as a union member have him promote its cause on the air. Should NBC Universal choose to fire Jay, then it’s on them.

    Comment by Rick — January 3, 2008 @ 7:08 am

  55. Does everyone forget the reason for the stike is the unfair monetary division of profits paid writers versus what the producers are keeping?
    Get some perspective people!
    Blaming the WGA for the owners intransience just because Leno’s presence on television is missed is what allows the corporations to continue to reap huge profits at the expense of the working writer.

    Comment by Richard — January 3, 2008 @ 7:09 am

  56. Let me welcome back the AMPTP shills from their holiday vacations. The message boards have lacked your acidic vitriol over the last two weeks without you. But boy, you’re out in force today. It’s just sad that this is what the AMPTP has resorted to to try to divide the union. Letterman back on the air with writers and A-list guests will help the WGA.

    Comment by Nick — January 3, 2008 @ 7:10 am

  57. EARTH TO WRITERS: Maybe you want to spend the next year waving signs in righteous indignation but we want to watch tv.

    Comment by proteon — January 3, 2008 @ 7:14 am

  58. Go Jay!

    The environment today isn’t like it was years ago when the WGA last went on strike. Today the networks have more options than reruns. Reality shows and competitions are not covered by the writers strike and make more profits for the networks. Expect to see more shows like Survivor, American Idol, Dancing withthe stars as well as more sports, movies and special events. As time goes and the people the WGA has made unemployed start to grumble, the Union will be willing to Compromise.

    Comment by wayne — January 3, 2008 @ 7:14 am

  59. Sorry, but Jay Leno has sucked rocks for years. Now it is just the time to see who is/was responsible.

    Comment by DW Griffith — January 3, 2008 @ 7:17 am

  60. How do the arm-twisting enforcers (union thugs) at the WGA define “writing?” Is Leno is free to perform, but “strictly prohibited” from jotting down a few thoughts about what he’s going to say beforehand?

    This sort of techincal hairsplitting is simply nuts (albeit the traditional “union” way of looking at the world).

    The WGA should be glad that Leno apparently intends lace his alleged “scab” program with pro-union propaganda every night. Going after Leno on a technicality is sure to create an anti-WGA backlash.

    On the other hand, given the abysmal quality of most TV writing these days, most of the WGA membership apparently doesn’t care about public opinion.

    Comment by Speedzzter — January 3, 2008 @ 7:21 am

  61. SCAB

    Comment by Tim Saners — January 3, 2008 @ 7:23 am

  62. Let me see if I understand this. Jay Leno can go to Vegas, Reno or Tahoe, perform on a stage in front of a SRO crowd and use material that he wrote himself but put him in front of a TV camera and turn it on, he has to use someone else’s words just because an “organized” group of people say so? The WGA’a beef is with NBC et al. and not Leno as a person. The WGA has an ally in Leno so I wouldn’t think it’ll be a good idea to lose his support. If need be, Jay could forgo the monolouge and fill the whole hour with guest, interviews, music acts, headlines and “Jay-walking”. I’ll still watch him over Dave.

    Comment by Beaner — January 3, 2008 @ 7:24 am

  63. This isn’t just about the writers. There are thousands of entertainment professionals who are being punished because of this strike. People who can’t go to work to support themselves and their families because the writers are upset. Those are the people who are really going to feel the financial hurt of Hollywood…etc grinding to a halt. People love to protect the little guy from the big bad studios, maybe they should also protect the little guy from the writers union.

    Comment by proventlogger — January 3, 2008 @ 7:24 am

  64. Stop hating on Leno. David Letterman got a pass because he cut a deal, or because he’s just more popular with the Hollywood crowd? I think it is just a fig leaf the guild did because they like Letterman more, and how can it be illegal for the guy to do his own improv monologue? Finally, don’t you all think Leno would have his writers back if he could make a deal like Letterman, whether or not the guild would accept that from him as opposed to Letterman?

    Comment by Jersey Dave — January 3, 2008 @ 7:28 am

  65. Hmm, so does this mean that Jay can’t even come out and talk on his own show? Isn’t he in effect writing as he speaks even is he has not written anything before hand?

    Comment by Anonymous — January 3, 2008 @ 7:32 am

  66. Unions are free market. Every bit of labor law and protection for any employee or worker today was hard fought going back to the time of Guilds. Slaves are not allowed to have unions.

    Comment by Jeff — January 3, 2008 @ 7:34 am

  67. Leno said last night he supports the writers and that they are right. If he believes this then he should honor the guild rules, which prohibit him from “writing any part of the show that would have normally been written by writers.” This means he can’t do a monologue. If he writes one, even for himself, then he is a strike breaker and scab, period.

    Comment by L Cantrow — January 3, 2008 @ 7:36 am

  68. The day that stand-up comics can’t write material for themselves is the day that socialists get to dictate what kind of comedy an audience can see or laugh at. The WGA is making a big mistake on this issue. Boo to WGA leadership. Go Jay!

    Comment by oscar — January 3, 2008 @ 7:36 am

  69. Bring us a few more boxes of donuts, Jay. That’s the real sign of solidarity. Breaking the clearly delineated strike rules meant for ALL writers, that’s nothing compared to a couple of dozen donuts delivered the first day of the strike when all the news cameras were rolling. The corollary is clear: DONUTS HAVE A HOLE, AND YOU ARE AN A-HOLE.

    Comment by Johnny C. — January 3, 2008 @ 7:36 am

  70. Whole lotta union hate. Lazy this, lazy that, unions ruin blah blah

    Such rhetoric out of such pimply, misinformed internet dweebs.

    There are writers right now whose homes are being foreclosed upon because they can’t pay their mortgages. Call them “lazy” all you want, bitch about the other people getting paid all you want… when WRITERS don’t WORK, WRITERS don’t get PAID EITHER.

    These people are striking in solidarity against an industry that doesn’t properly compensate them for their talent. If your precious television is so damn important, pay attention to what they want. It’s plenty reasonable. Dave Letterman seems to be willing to give it to them… why won’t the studios? Simple: GREED

    Comment by Mike in SF — January 3, 2008 @ 7:37 am

  71. Wow! A lot of people who seem to think that the union’s in the wrong here. Sorry, but it isn’t. Whether Jay likes it or not, he’s a member of the WGA, and he’s been trumpeting that fact since day one of the strike. And as such, he’s not supposed to be doing any writing for a struck company. NBC is a struck company. So whether or not he’s writing his own jokes, he’s in violation of the union’s rules.

    It’s one thing to say “I support the writers.” It’s another to actually behave in support of them. (Just ask Mike Huckabee, who’s probably going to do poorly in today’s Iowa caucases, because he claimed to be in support of the WGA, yet crossed the picket line to appear on Leno’s Tonight Show. How self-serving is that?)

    He was funny last night. Can he be funny every night until the writers come back? Something tells me “no.” So for everyone above who thinks he can maintain last night’s level of performance: one man can’t do the work of an entire writing staff, day in and day out.

    As for what the guild should do: have a private meeting with Jay making clear the union’s rules and spell out what he did wrong last night. Appeal to his sense of fair play and ask him to do the right thing. Otherwise the guild’s giving Jay a free pass, sending the message that if you say you support the union yet don’t, nothing will happen to you. If he’s doing nothing wrong, then every writer-producer in Hollywood can go back to work today and write their own shows…

    Comment by writerchick — January 3, 2008 @ 7:39 am

  72. Leno’s in a tough position, but he was a fool to say he was writing his own material. This should be a “don’t ask, don’t tell” situation. Now that he’s let the scab out of the bag, so to speak, the WGA has no choice but to go after him. This reveals Leno as a corporate tool, by the way. How disappointing.

    Amazing the number of trolls on this site, incidentally., sucking the flatulence from the butts of their corporate masters.

    Comment by American — January 3, 2008 @ 7:41 am

  73. Jay had one of his best nights in long, long time.
    He worked hard and he was funny.
    I do not know if it is a reflection of his Writers that I am sure are very talented people.
    The Union and the Owners should find a solution and fast, because the American Public may loose their patience and strt getting the talented Congress involved.
    Than you will see a real mess………………

    Comment by Max — January 3, 2008 @ 7:41 am

  74. I am tired of being griped at because the writers want more money….people have to work. In the real world when you feel cheated you either negotiate and make changes or move on. In the dream world of unions you are allowed to stretch out this crap and milk it for all its worth. In the beginning I supported the writers. Now it is just getting stupid. People are pissed at Leno for writing his own jokes. People are pissed at Huckabbee for crossing the picket line. GET OVER IT. People would be pissed if Leno had to fire his entire staff..so how does he win??

    Comment by courtney — January 3, 2008 @ 7:43 am

  75. Unions Ruin America?!?! You got to be kidding! If it weren’t for unions, we would all be working for $4.25 hr and thats a fact! Without unions, companies wouldn’t share the wealth. If you don’t believe me look today. Hell, if we had a union at HRB when I worked there, I would still have a job now. Instead of them out sourcing the positions to Dallas because they could fill seats at $5.00/hr and brag about their stock going up $2/share!

    Comment by DiskMan — January 3, 2008 @ 7:44 am

  76. Wow. Leno was funny last night for the first time in years. Maybe writers are over rated?

    Comment by grumpyoldman — January 3, 2008 @ 7:45 am

  77. Just toss Jay from the Union!

    Comment by Ted — January 3, 2008 @ 7:46 am

  78. Leno is the best late night on. All the rest suck. Can’t see Conan as a replacement. Stay on Jay! I understand guild people ONLY make over 100k a year!!!

    Comment by Barry — January 3, 2008 @ 7:47 am

  79. Jay and his wife did great last night. Looks like the writers aren’t needed after all!

    Comment by Missy37 — January 3, 2008 @ 7:49 am

  80. Oh please, like he’s REALLY writing his OWN material. Who are we kidding!?

    Comment by alyssa — January 3, 2008 @ 7:50 am

  81. The writers have already lost the support of the average Joe. Their strike has past the point where their gains would make up what they have lost by being on strike.

    While I am no fan of Leno (never watch the late night stuff) it would be a huge mistake for the writers to go after him.

    Comment by Gary B — January 3, 2008 @ 7:53 am

  82. Ladies and Gentlemen,

    The AMPTP’s Troll Collection. Collect the whole set.

    They’re all on display here today.

    Comment by anotherWGAwriter — January 3, 2008 @ 7:53 am

  83. save unions, they created the american dream

    Comment by robbie — January 3, 2008 @ 7:56 am

  84. Keep letting Leno write his own material. The show will be in the crapper soon enough. That guy and his material is old, tired and not funny.

    Comment by ughjay — January 3, 2008 @ 7:57 am

  85. Unions have the power to fine their members. And if Jay is kicked out of the union, then once the strike is over, he will be barred from doing any writing. At all.

    Unions provide a safety net for the rights of workers. Look at this strike. The networks want to take the work of the writers and recycle it for profit in new media. All the writers are asking is to be cut in on the deal — it only seems fair.

    Jay should apologize and not do any more monologues.

    Comment by David — January 3, 2008 @ 7:58 am

  86. These unions need to go over themselves and agree to a deal already. Jay is hilarious and he needs to be back on the air with a full complement of writers.

    Hollywood might support the writers, but America doesn’t

    Comment by Grozet — January 3, 2008 @ 7:59 am

  87. Jay is an inherently funny guy and was a standup comic for decades. I have met the guy, he really is funny. Funnier than his own writers, but hey they need a job too when they are not on strike that is. Leno is definitely funny enough to write his own monologue for the Tonight Show. I think Jay will have plenty of comedians on too so there be no “joke deficit”.

    Jay is doing a service by keeping the Tonight Show on and keeping all his other employees working. And the Tonight Show band is the hardest working band in show business (with apologies to the late James Brown)

    Comment by Bill — January 3, 2008 @ 8:01 am

  88. I understand the tough position the late night hosts are in, and I understand why they had to go back on the air to support all the non-writers on their staffs. However, as a WGA member himself, Jay Leno is technically a “scab” for writing during the strike. I know most people don’t care if he’s a scab or not as long as they get to watch an entertaining monologue, and they have every right not to care, obviously, but that doesn’t make Leno any less of a scab.

    Comment by The Bottom Line — January 3, 2008 @ 8:01 am

  89. Face it, the leadership of the WGA has led it’s members down a dead end road. Performers are leaving the striking WGA members behind and they’re moving on. The networks will replace SITCOMS and other WGA product with reality shows, sports, and news magazines. Late night will morph it’s format into pure interview and talk, eventually phasing out pre-written material.
    So, WGA, how’s that strike working out for you?

    Comment by J.J. Dewitte — January 3, 2008 @ 8:01 am

  90. Jay should quit the WGA and just write his own stuff from now on.

    Comment by JoeCool — January 3, 2008 @ 8:01 am

  91. LENO IS A WEASEL! IF YOU HAVEN’T FIGURED THAT OUT YET, YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T NOTICE THEY WERE RUNNING REPEATS EITHER.
    HIS COMEDY WAS LAME WITH WRITERS. SO IT CAN’T BE MUCH WORSE WITHOUT THEM.

    DAVID LETTERMAN IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE TRUE HEIR TO CARSON EVEN IF A MILLION MORE SHEEP DON’T KNOW IT EVERY NIGHT.

    KW

    Comment by Kurt W — January 3, 2008 @ 8:03 am

  92. You silly people who talk about unions. You should thank them for giving you rights as an american worker.

    Comment by Anonymous — January 3, 2008 @ 8:07 am

  93. If the WGA knew what it wanted in this strike, it would make more sense, but asking for “downstream royalties on web media” means this will go on forever and tying up everyone else in entertainment over demands so vague they aren’t even negotiating makes no sense. Letterman has chosen to use this as a marketing opportunity (he is ‘the virtuous man’ and back on the air) — fine. Let others work and if the writers are as valuable as they think they are, people will be begging them to come back.

    Comment by C Bennett — January 3, 2008 @ 8:08 am

  94. Jay should write his own stuff then have the writers to fall back on if he hits a block. I dont believe Jay needes the writers as much as they need him. He is super funny alone. I will always be a Leno fan. He is a good guy with some sweet cars.

    Comment by Joel — January 3, 2008 @ 8:08 am

  95. Leno was great without the writers. He needs to sever his ties with the writers guild and move on with life!

    Comment by Jack — January 3, 2008 @ 8:08 am

  96. jay and conan are dirty scabs.

    Comment by zeek — January 3, 2008 @ 8:10 am

  97. Over and over I hear people parrot the excuse that Jay himself gives “what about the rest of my staff!”…what is different about his show and every other show out there? Heroes doesn’t have any other staff? If you follow that thin excuse out then what he’s saying is to not strike at all because someone might be hurt. That’s bull. Every other entertainment union has this same battle ahead of them, and they need to support each other. Jay is a scab. I’m in general a very anti-union Libertarian, but this is one of those cases that it’s needed. What the producers are doing is deplorable. Go writers, go!

    Comment by Jason — January 3, 2008 @ 8:13 am

  98. Sounds like?

    LOL!

    I was really surprised when I saw the clip on TV this morning.

    I mean, I expected that Jay Leno would scab. We all know how two-faced he is.

    But I never thought he’d have the gaul to actually ADMIT to scabbing.

    If the WGA doesn’t kick his ass out of the guild then the guild is even more of a joke than I thought it was. God knows if I sold a script to a struck company during this strike, I’d never be allowed in the guild and they’d do their best to blackball me from the biz.

    But it appears that, so long as you make the WGA a shitload of money in fees, you can not only do whatever the hell you want but also give your fellow writers the middle finger by bragging about scabbing during a strike.

    Comment by Anonymous — January 3, 2008 @ 8:13 am

  99. Only writers could make an issue of greed sound like an issue of oppression.

    Only a media conglomerate would cut off it’s own nose just to spite it’s face.

    Comment by Avi — January 3, 2008 @ 8:14 am

  100. It never ceases to amaze me how some people are so quick to blame unions for so much of what ails society. I would just remind these critics that unions are responsible for the 40-hour workweek, sick leave, annual leave, just to name a few of the benefits that too many of us take for granted.

    How about asking why the networks and studios are so reluctant to pay writers a fair price for whay they create. It strikes me as convenient to point the finger at writers while studio and network execs receive compensation packages that most of us can only dream of. Are the execs going to have downgrade their lifestyle if they pay writers a fraction of the profits they generate?

    Finally, as a member of a union, Leno is obliged by the terms of the guild’s contract, which is a legally binding document.

    Folks, let’s not be so quick lay blame. Instead, let’s try to support those among us who are fighting for what is just and right.

    Comment by felix — January 3, 2008 @ 8:15 am

  101. I am writing my own comment here, wait, do I have permission, it it legal, what does my contract say? Never mind, I think the 1st Amendment trumps any WGA strike rules…

    Comment by Rex — January 3, 2008 @ 8:17 am

  102. Having a strike going on, with now foreseeable end in sight, what do you want the guy to do, stare at the camera for half an hour. There are more people that work those shows than writers. It’s not like Jay didn’t show his support 100% by striking with the writers and supporting them on-air.

    Bottom line like DL Thompson said, the show is about Jay Leno period. You can have all the writers and the best staff behind camera you want. If Jay Leno does not produce, ratings aren’t there and he’s gone and no one has a job.

    All the people here saying “rules are rules” are probably people in unions themselves secure knowing they can never be fired just lounging around and doing just enough to get by.

    Besides, Conan is funnier than both Leno and Letterman combined, and he makes most of the stuff up as he goes along on the spot.

    Comment by Tom — January 3, 2008 @ 8:19 am

  103. Judging by the majority of the “Go, Jay!” posts, it appears Drudge’s idiots have flooded onto DHD again.

    Comment by Ruby Redlips — January 3, 2008 @ 8:21 am

  104. Jay feels an obligation to his crewmembers. Most below the line are contemplating selling their homes for what they can get and taking jobs in Nevada or New Mexico. This is a train-wreck of the WGA’s own making. Let them pick up the pieces as best they can.

    Comment by leah — January 3, 2008 @ 8:22 am

  105. What it seems people fail to realize is that if Jay stays off the air, the show will lose ratings, and advertising, and the network would have to pull the show, leaving the writers and staff unemployed.
    Jay has essentiall bought the striking writers more time by keeping the show that actually pays them on the air.
    They should let Jay keep doing their job for them until the strike is resolved.

    Comment by Rorf — January 3, 2008 @ 8:24 am

  106. Go Jay! I’m so happy that someone is looking out for all the non-writers in this industry who are out of work. This strike affects so many more 10’s of thousands of people than just the writers. Let’s end this already and get back to work!

    Comment by Anonymous — January 3, 2008 @ 8:25 am

  107. If the writers want to withold their services, fine. But you want to drive thousands of other people into bankruptcy because of ego and childishness? Hope you enjoy a long cold winter on the picket line.

    Comment by TakeFive — January 3, 2008 @ 8:26 am

  108. I wish more celebrities had the honesty and guts that Jay Leno has shown. Screw the unions!

    Comment by Dwight — January 3, 2008 @ 8:27 am

  109. Jay went back to work, deal with it. Jay cares about the OTHER people in this business (non-WGA members). The WGA have shown that they only care about themselves. Christmas break on unemployment rocks!

    Comment by Matt — January 3, 2008 @ 8:29 am

  110. The tone of the comments section of this post reflects what happens when Nikki gets linked by Drudge.

    Comment by Anonymous — January 3, 2008 @ 8:31 am

  111. I see all the union-hating Mike Huckabee supporters have showed up in the comments today.

    By the way Huckabee fans, every pinko liberal I know is rooting for you in the primaries! Jimmy Carter’s foot corns would sweep Huckabee in the General. Go Huckabee Go!

    Comment by Pepe — January 3, 2008 @ 8:35 am

  112. Did anyone else read this article? Leno is a member of the striking union. When you join a union, you agree to follow union rules and support your brothers in a strike.

    He’s a scab.

    Comment by Frank — January 3, 2008 @ 8:36 am

  113. What? In order to write anything funny it has to be written by a union member??? So if Leno comes up with his own material it’s not funny because it wasn’t written by a union member? I’m confused…

    Comment by Joel — January 3, 2008 @ 8:36 am

  114. “UNIONS RUIN AMERICA!” - Anonymous

    You speak the truth with the courage a name like yours belies.
    The multi-national corporations that refuse to bargain with the WGA are the real heart and soul of America. Without them, how would American workers get to pay sooo much for health care? How would American jobs ever reach the shores of India?
    All that damn union keeps asking for is fair wages for honest work - pinkos!
    You’re a patriot Anon - fight the power!

    Comment by M.R. in L.A. — January 3, 2008 @ 8:37 am

  115. Jay is the reason people tune in. He should bring some WGA union people on the show, and have them try to get some laughs. Jay is good at what he does, obviously the union stooges are not.

    Comment by JayFan — January 3, 2008 @ 8:39 am

  116. I find it very interesting that there are so many comments here criticizing the WGA, and so few criticizing the AMPTP. It is perfectly clear to anybody who is paying attention that the AMPTP is not dealing fairly or negotiating in good faith. So what recourse do the writers have other than collective direct action?

    All drama starts with a script. We need writers more than we need giant corporate media conglomerates.

    Comment by Huw Bowen — January 3, 2008 @ 8:42 am

  117. Not much to add except “Amen!” to what Jinny wrote.
    As a viewer who wants to be supportive and can agree that writers should be paid fairly for their material, I also think some of this is ridiculous. Maybe some guild rules need to be changed. The host of a show should be able to make up their OWN material, period. That’s just common sense. Personally I watch Letterman, but still…

    Comment by lynn — January 3, 2008 @ 8:42 am

  118. Uh oh … a Drudge link means the right wing crazies are coming out…

    Comment by RS — January 3, 2008 @ 8:43 am

  119. I am not a fan of unions in general. I remember back in the early 70’s when the UAW struck at the International Harvester plant in my home town. They stayed on strike because they wanted IH to pay for the union member’s car insurance. A few months later IH shut the plant down and sent our local economy into the toilet for many years. But I fully support the WAG strike as I understand it. The future of entertainment profits will be in the form of so-called “on-line” broadcasting and that is what the producers are holding back from the writers. In the future we will all be paying for the shows we watch on an individual basis regardless of which media displays them; cell phone, pc, tv, etc. We are at the tipping point of technology here and the writers are correct to demasnd pay for the projects they contribute to no matter how they generate revenues.

    Comment by steve — January 3, 2008 @ 8:43 am

  120. Uhm, has anyone actually watched the Leno and Letterman show? I think anyone who is deemed “Funny” in life could work on those shows and make them funny. You know, think of a friend who is funny, who makes you laugh. Yup. They could do it.

    What a dream to write jokes and put together skits and get paid for it!

    The writers will be beat because it really isn’t that hard to write jokes.

    Drama, movies, shows on the other hand - hard. Jokes? Skits? Not hard.

    Comment by Todd — January 3, 2008 @ 8:46 am

  121. Leave it to the Leno lovers to not understand what this strike is all about & just blindly spout about their darling. Good grief, folks–do a little bit of reading on your own.

    Comment by poopsie — January 3, 2008 @ 8:46 am

  122. Clearly the WGA should blacklist Jay and all his friends…

    Comment by Karl — January 3, 2008 @ 8:47 am

  123. I totally support Jay on this one. Letterman owns his own show, and the union will benefit from WP’s negotiations. Jay should not be expected to throw his franchise away or damage his legacy. NBC clearly won’t protect either one.

    Comment by Adrienne Merrill — January 3, 2008 @ 8:49 am

  124. He could have been joking about writing his own stuff…I don’t know. I do know that he pointed out that you have a situation now at his show where 19 people are putting 168 people out of work bc they’re on strike.

    Comment by David — January 3, 2008 @ 8:49 am

  125. The sad thing is Jay, however he got his jokes, was much, much funnier than Dave. Shining a light on the situation can only hurt the writers, as America sees how incompetent most of them are.

    Comment by anon — January 3, 2008 @ 8:51 am

  126. “World needs ditch diggers, or in the writers case, Baristas”

    Did it ever occur to you, Mike and other anti-union folks on this page, that if people did not make decent wages they would not be able to go buy a coffee from a barista or own a car to drive on a road that might need a ditch dug?

    Corporations were and have been SO benevolent over the years to their workers haven’t they? It is the unions, or the threat of a union, that make bad employers pay decent wages. It is also crazy laws like the minimum wage that make bad corporations pay at least poverty level wages. Why do you think the minimum wage was created? It was to MAKE corporations, kicking and screaming still, pay a somewhat decent wage! They didn’t do it otherwise.

    Also…since those of you on this comment page think unions suck so much then perhaps you shouldn’t be able to have the things that unions fought to have created over the years like: a weekend, a 40-hour week, a minimum wage, employer sponsored healthcare, pensions, overtime. The list could go on and on with the bizarre, outlandish, progressive ideas that unions have fought for and won over the years.

    If unions are so bad for workers how come employers fight tooth and nail against their existence? If you want the market to rule all then why not let the “market” rule in the case of unionization? That is to say let unions exist and thrive and if they are so bad then workers will refuse to join and be part of them.

    Comment by JS — January 3, 2008 @ 8:51 am

  127. Leno’s monologue was funnier that the formula jokes the writers come up with every night. The problem will be sustaining the high level of funny without those formula jokes.

    Comment by Jim — January 3, 2008 @ 8:52 am

  128. There are strike rules, and Jay, as a WGA member, has admitted violating them. But most important is Jay’s statement that “19 people are putting 160 out of work.” Um… it’s the studios, and in this case NBC, who are threatening to put people out of work. I never thought Jay was funny, but I didn’t know he was also stupid.

    If I could, I would vomit his donuts back in his face.

    Comment by writer — January 3, 2008 @ 8:52 am

  129. I agree with the union-busters! No health insurance or pension for anyone! No one should be able to support their family by simply writing stories that millions of people want to watch– Get a real job! And while we;re at it, let’s bring back child labor! Take that, Jackie Coogan!

    - Nick C.

    Comment by Union-busters United — January 3, 2008 @ 8:53 am

  130. This isn’t complicated. Leno isn’t allowed to write material for NBC, a struck company and then go out and perform it. Period. I can’t write for a struck company either, and in my case, as with most of my fellow WGA members, financial disaster is beginning to rear up and clear its throat. No matter–we’re not writing for struck companies. Nikki says Leno has been “very supportive” of us striking writers by “delivering food and drinks to the scribes walking the line.” I love you, Nikki, but guess what? I can buy my own doughnuts, and I don’t need some noblesse oblige stunt like Jay zooming up on a Harley (or was it the new Indian Chief with classic valanced fenders?) to toss a few Krispi Kremes to the help before roaring away. We need him to walk the picket line with us, EVERY SINGLE DAY, which is his FORMAL OBLIGATION as a WGA member, just as it is mine. I know that he paid a few weeks of his staff’s salary, from his own (rather gargantuan) NBC paycheck–and the grudging way he tiptoed up to that gesture (see Nikki’s excellent coverage at the time) does not lessen his eventual generosity. But that does not innoculate him from his rather shabby decision to return to work without his writers, or from his flabbergasting decision now to perform scab writing for a struck company. Leno is a smart guy, famously atuned to the smallest nuance of showiz. It is hard to believe he didn’t know how serious such a breach would be, and how deeply resented. If you liked those Krispy Kremes and want to give him the benefit of the doubt, fine–he didn’t know. Now he does. What will he do?

    Comment by StickingWithMyUnion — January 3, 2008 @ 8:54 am

  131. This is exactly why unions are needed. Read the comments from the minimum wage lemmings who never had to fight for the rights they enjoy so much today. If these weak sheep had been around 100 years ago, we’d still have children working in sweatshops in America, and they’d be telling you how lucky they were to have a job.

    Comment by Bill Clay — January 3, 2008 @ 8:55 am

  132. I’m glad to see that so far common sense is prevailing here. Jay’s a professional stand-up comedian, it’s ridiculous to expect that he can simply stop telling jokes. I admit, I enjoyed last night’s show more than I have in a long time. Everyone expected him to fall on his face, and he did just fine! Let Kimmel and Conan write, too. This strike is NOT going to be won based on Late Night talk wars, and quite frankly the writers would be smart to let the awards show go on and let the actors give them some high-profile support.

    Comment by Rina — January 3, 2008 @ 8:57 am

  133. Jay sucks. It’s amazing that he regularly beats Letterman, but then again, that just show how many dumb Americans there are that own TV sets.

    Comment by Rob — January 3, 2008 @ 8:57 am

  134. Unions ruin America? Heh. Seems we have some talk radio educated fellows here. Why shouldnt workers look out for their own financial interests? Does Jesus hate that? You think they should just bend over and take whatever the corporations offer them? That’s a recipe for a race to the bottom. Corporate america is already jettisoning most of their benefits programs. Get real and learn to do your own thinking. Knee jerk talk radio “conservatism” will just get you enslaved.

    Comment by bubba — January 3, 2008 @ 8:57 am

  135. This is the greatest news! Finally someone (Jay) is making it clear how ridiculous this whole strike is. First off the writers already make as much as surgeons for the higher profile shows! This means these writers are just greedy people. They have no clue how much money goes into to marketing a show: billboards, radio, TV ads, magazines, and internet ads. Then beside that the networks pay about 10 million just to release a DVD box set of the season. Not to mention a script is nothing without good actors and production teams a.k.a the people that actually make the show popular!

    Thanks Jay for breaking the rules the Guild needed this wakeup call. If you get kicked out of the Union just think of it as a late christmas gift.

    Comment by Austin — January 3, 2008 @ 8:57 am

  136. To all the AMPTP shills leaving comments here:

    Everyone here knows what you are and what you’re doing. Maybe if YOU were in a union you wouldn’t have to do those scumbags’ dirty work.

    As fas as Jay goes, he can’t pretend to support the Writers’ Guild and then turn around and scab for NBC by writing a monologue. He’s back as a host… HE’S STILL ON STRIKE AS A WRITER.

    Or is he?

    Comment by Stewart — January 3, 2008 @ 8:58 am

  137. People who think that unions are a bad thing are absolutely clueless.

    Without unions, we’d all be working for crappy wages without overtime pay and could be forced to work 90 hours a week.

    Without unions, where do all the profits go? Don’t bash unions lest you expose yourself as ignorant.

    Comment by SoxSweepAgain — January 3, 2008 @ 8:58 am

  138. I wonder if the republicans are going to get their wish to break another union? After all they fondly remember those good old days of child labor and no pesky unions asking for wages above slave labor. If those days were good for the rich, why would they not still be good for the rich. After all, number one is health, number two is money.

    Comment by OLD HERMIT DAVE — January 3, 2008 @ 9:02 am

  139. if you believe that these 2 showman have anything to do with the outcome of your contract,you are also in denial.the studio’s go on as if nothing is happening.your 9to5 picket line is a laughing stock.the teamsters are supplying the studio’s and theme parks.yes drivers are running the line everyday.just one is the truck gate to universal to be exact.you should have pickets 24-7. every gate of every studio,every theme park entrance.shut down disneyland,disney world everything.nothing in,nothing out.that would be a start.

    Comment by A teamster in denial — January 3, 2008 @ 9:02 am

  140. “Brought up on charges? Is writing a joke against federal or state laws?”

    Given the jokes Jay Leno usually uses, it certainly ought to be.

    Comment by Steve — January 3, 2008 @ 9:04 am

  141. Shouldn’t the WGA be all over this? Leno clearly broke the rules of the union he belongs to. Either follow the rules or quit the guild, Jay.
    Kimmel at least did the right thing and didn’t do a monologue and told stories from his desk. That is showing support for his team and respecting the rules.
    If I were a Tonight Show writer, I’d be furious. Jay not only pissed on the union, but he disrespected his writers by showing he doesn’t need them to put up a long monologue.
    Out of respect for his writers, he should have made his show a departure of what his writers usually provide for him.

    Comment by Stunned — January 3, 2008 @ 9:06 am

  142. Way to go JAY!! The show is just as funny without the writers. Conan O’Brien’s show was great also. Nobody is missing television shows, but it is nice to see these late night hosts showing that they can pull it off on their own. Keep it up!

    Comment by mod baker — January 3, 2008 @ 9:08 am

  143. Hey Elaine - Leno is indeed responsible for his family, but he’s worth tens of millions and his family is in no danger of economic hardship. By the way, everyone wants to work, especially the writers.

    If Jay didn’t need writers before the strike, he wouldn’t have them. He’s a very talented comic, but no single person can write 10 minutes of great jokes every day, week after week.

    Jay is a union member, and is breaking the rules. If he really wanted to support his writers AND his crew, he should just interview people and have musical guests, not doing struck work.

    By the way, you NBC employees are up early.

    Comment by striking writer — January 3, 2008 @ 9:11 am

  144. Leno is the King of Scabs and has always used nobodies to write his jokes, for a few bucks a pop. Why hasn’t the guild stomped on him for that long ago? And on Letterman too, who has done the same thing and I’m sure is doing it now. Every comic in clubland sells jokes to these two. For little money, no benefits and against WGA rules. Now is the time to stop it.

    You want a show that has no writing, check out Conan. The spinning wedding ring bit was classic. Ate up time and no scab to pay.

    These shows are going to use more standup comics who will finally get some airtime which they never got before. As long as they don’t mind CROSSING PICKET LINES!

    I like all the beards I’m seeing though. I’ve grown mine out too during this strike.

    Comment by Robin — January 3, 2008 @ 9:12 am

  145. It is perverse that the First Amendment and the right to strike should be at loggerheads. Blood has been shed for the right of every person to write what he pleases, and for the right to strike. When union rules interfere with the First Amendment, the first Amendment should prevail. Any writer who disagrees should find another line of work.

    Comment by Ross Scott — January 3, 2008 @ 9:14 am

  146. “This prohibition includes all writing by any Guild member that would be performed on-air by that member (including monologues, characters, and featured appearances) if any portion of that written material is customarily written by striking writers.”"

    Does this mean Colbert can’t be “Colbert”?

    Comment by eris — January 3, 2008 @ 9:16 am

  147. People are making it seem like crossing a pickett line is illegal or something. It’s really not a big deal–especially if you’re losing money and favor with the American audience. I’m supporting Jay on this one!

    Comment by eltigre_01 — January 3, 2008 @ 9:17 am

  148. Jay obviously has the full backing of the AMPTP. You people are so obvious with your boring as hell blogs. Hire a writer to do your dirty work. As a proud WGA member, I’ll grant a waiver just so I can at least laugh at your attempts to break the union.

    Jay - just forgo the monologue, add another guest and just be funny off the top of your head when you interview them. You are good to your writers and we appreciate it. We’re picketing NBC, not you personally.

    Comment by LOVE JAY - WGA — January 3, 2008 @ 9:18 am

  149. To “Anonymous” first post above: Unions ruin America? Get real!

    We would have children working 60 hours a week and no work safety laws if it were not for unions. You can thank unions for any decency in job conditions the world over.

    Comment by nmlhats — January 3, 2008 @ 9:20 am

  150. We are nothing without Union solidarity!!! Unions are the machines that power humanity so we can live. Jay needs to know this: He is not an individual he is part of the collective and needs to sacrifice himself for the good of the group. Stop writing your own jokes on your own show Jay Leno, it’s evil of you!!! This is America, you are not free to do as you choose! Go Strikers!!!!

    Comment by Jay Lennin — January 3, 2008 @ 9:21 am

  151. Jay has always been a backstabber, just look at what he did to Letterman.

    Comment by dave — January 3, 2008 @ 9:21 am

  152. WOW.

    Not a lot of WGA support on this topic. Sounds like Jay did pretty good WITHOUT his writers. They might want to think about going Fi-Core and get back to work, or there might not be a job waiting for them when they decide to lay down their picket signs.

    A PAID SHILL

    Comment by Frank Grimes — January 3, 2008 @ 9:21 am

  153. Seriously, good for Jay. What he wrote was funny, and truer to the idea of a good hosted talk show, than having a backroom of writers supplying all the jokes.

    The writers guild is going too far, and I’m getting a little irritated with them. They make enough money considering that they take none of the risks of the producers, and have an enjoyable, satisfying and cushy job

    Comment by Alex — January 3, 2008 @ 9:23 am

  154. I hope both side can come to an agreement soon. But I feel my greatest sympathies for the non-writers who work on any production that has shut down due to the strike. The camera operators, lighting technicians, sound editors, video editors, bookers, stagehands, office assistants, and everyone else who works behind the scenes to keep a show going is going through tough times since they are not pulling in an income.

    I welcome any show that is able to resume to help keep those people afloat.

    Comment by Jordan — January 3, 2008 @ 9:23 am

  155. hey, elaine… writing is a job and i’m out of work just like anyone would be. so, thanks for your sympathy. steve… we’d love to get together with the other side and talk about it. for some reason, they refuse to do so. i don’t know why we’re not even ALLOWED to talk to the amptp for what we want without them storming away like babies. i thought in negotiating, one side asks something, and the other side makes a counter offer until a deal is done. one side doesn’t walk away if they’re really serious about negotiating. why are you mad at the writers and not the amptp? THEY’RE THE ONES THAT WALKED AWAY.
    either jay supports the writers guild or he doesn’t. he is a member, so it’s odd to hear him say he supports his writers. he is one of his writers. that said, i sympathize with him. he is first and foremost a comic, who made his career writing his own act. he probably thought that’s what he’s doing… writing his own act like he’s always done. of course, i wonder if he called his guild, the wga, and asked what he was allowed to do… or just let himself believe that there was some loophole.

    Comment by land serveyor k — January 3, 2008 @ 9:23 am

  156. Having just gone through a strike for 148 days, I understand what the strikers are dealing with. Why are any of these people doing their shows if they are members of the unions? They should honor the strike and not work. If they did that then the pressure would be put on the networks to get this solved. IAM LL2061

    Comment by Jack — January 3, 2008 @ 9:23 am

  157. Jay isn’t responsible for his people being out of work. The ridiculously unfair proposals of the AMPTP are. Nice try PRODUCER SHILLS trying to make this a personal war on Jay Leno. This is and always has been about your corporate greed and inability to share the wealth that the working class writers, directors and actors earn for you.

    Comment by SICK OF AMPTP SHILLS — January 3, 2008 @ 9:24 am

  158. I can’t believe all the anti-union comments I’ve been seeing. Yes, unions can become corrupt, but they’re still advocates FOR the workers, protecting workers from corporations. All you anti-union commenters: Do you really believe ALL unions are worse than corporations?

    Anyway, I think Leno is in a tough spot, being threatened by NBC, and using the non-writing workers to guilt the celebrity hosts. But union rules are union rules, and I think Leno went too far, and I don’t believe he truly believes it’s ok for him to write his own stuff. He should apologize for his lapse in judgment, and wing it on the fly, like Carol Burnett did with her audience dialog, or do other audience participation things that don’t require pre-scripting.

    Just because there’s a handful of anti-union folks out there, remember there’s also a lot of pro-union viewers. And even if the viewers aren’t a member of any Hollywood unions, they’ll still turn their backs on known scabs. Make amends while you can Leno.

    Comment by S — January 3, 2008 @ 9:25 am

  159. Some unions may have either outlived their usefulness or have become too powerful but to malign all unions for this is ridiculous. Without them this country would be far more of an oligarchy than it is already.

    Why shouldn’t the writers have a piece of non traditional media sales? I don’t think they’re looking for a giant slice, just a reasonable piece. Perhaps the same piece they get of traditional media. No one could have predicted the rise of TV viewing on the web at the time they negotiated their last contract.

    Comment by Lou Sussler — January 3, 2008 @ 9:26 am

  160. i agree. no writing means no monologue. even interviews are written, but at least they don’t LOOK written like a monologue obviously is.

    another question: when Jay said that 19 people shouldn’t put everyone out of work, did he mean 19 writers??? or did he mean the moguls.

    writers are NOT the ones putting people out of work. the moguls are. they refuse to negotiate. if Jay is blaming his writers….well, there are no words for that.

    Comment by wonder — January 3, 2008 @ 9:27 am

  161. I see AMPTP did a lot of hiring over the holidays. Welcome aboard, union-bashers! Nothing like the lame yip of studio lapdogs to strengthen the guild’s case and bolster its resolve.

    Keep it up, but you might want to try being a little less transparent, y’know? If you’re not fooling anyone it’s kinda self-defeating. We’d hate to see you lose this fine new gig just after you landed it.

    Oh, and Elaine? We want to work. As soon as your masters quit pouting and come back to the table, maybe we can make it happen.

    Comment by I Love The Smell of Fresh Shills in the Morning — January 3, 2008 @ 9:28 am

  162. WGA Union deserves to implode, for allowing separate agreements. Double standard, two-faced hypocrites don’t deserve support. Let’s hope these already-grossly-overpaid spoiled brats come to their senses, and realize they are already living in a dream world, and… ahem…. SETTLE for a meager raise to their already obscene wages.

    Comment by Phizz — January 3, 2008 @ 9:29 am

  163. I would bounce back and forth between Leno and Letterman depending on guests in the past. Last night I found Leno just plain funnier. Apparently he alone is better than a bunch of writers. Go Jay!

    Comment by Dan — January 3, 2008 @ 9:29 am

  164. I wish the WGA would take a flying leap. I am sick to death of them giving Leno such a hard time. The man should be able to write, edit and polish his own work for himself.

    The WGA is going to accomplish nothing but deeply wounding the industry that allows them to eat. The public is going to find other ways to entertain themselves and realize just how little we need the insipid crap that TV produces much too much of.

    Comment by Bobbi — January 3, 2008 @ 9:30 am

  165. 1) Leno is notoriously hardworking and has probably been writing jokes every day for the last 2 months while Letterman’s were picketing - no way a terrific monologue was the result of one day’s work.

    2) Leno has supported his other workers by not shutting the show down - they’ll get paid whether his ratings stay up or not, so the success of the monologue is irrelevant to their well-being.

    If Leno really supports his writers as he says he does, as a WGA member, as someone who knows how hard it is to face the blank page, Leno’s got to put his pencil down. It’s up to his producers to find creative unscripted ways to fill the time.

    While it may seem as if entertainment comes out of thin air, creating it is hard work. Go WGA!

    Comment by AMANDA — January 3, 2008 @ 9:30 am

  166. Leno’s monologue and show is pretty awful anyway.

    Comment by stephen — January 3, 2008 @ 9:33 am

  167. Leno and Huckabee must have swapped notes. Go read United Hollywood exposing Huckabee in a lie, claiming he thought the WGA gave Leno a waiver when he knew very well he was crossing a picket line. The union that endorsed him should revoke it TODAY.

    Likewise, does anyone believe Leno thought the Guild was OK with writing jokes during a writer’s strike? There is ZERO chance he didn’t know he was scabbing. Performing his non-writing services is one thing. Leno is scabbing.

    I can’t think of anything more loathsome than doing something selfish (scratching your jealousy of Letterman) and trying to pass it off as something you are doing magnanimously out of concern for your staff. If you really are most concerned with your staff having their jobs, do a show without writing during a writer’s strike (which you obviously knew the Guild is not OK with). Leno is an outright scab. But it’d be interesting to see the decline of the mono if he tries to churn a new one out everyday.

    Not only did Huckabee cross a picket line and Leno scab, they both lied and disgustingly feigned ignorance. No amount of delicious donuts can make that OK.

    Comment by Boo LLeno — January 3, 2008 @ 9:35 am

  168. He should claim the Dudley Moore defense from Arthur…”Sometimes I Just Think Funny Thoughts!”
    The Union can’t restrict his thoughts can they?

    Comment by Scott on Cape Cod — January 3, 2008 @ 9:37 am

  169. What’s the man supposed to do? Ad lib the entire monologue? I can understand if using other writers would violate the union rules, but to rely on himself?

    Your union will find a settlement soon enough. Let the man do his own work to keep his staff employed, will ya?

    Comment by Dar — January 3, 2008 @ 9:37 am

  170. If Leno wants to write his own stuff then all the more power to him. He is making the choice for himself to do this while not being paid under a new WGA deal and that should be his right. As someone else pointed out, the writers being on strike puts a lot of other people out of work when they have no say in the matter — how fair is that?

    While I understand the writers want a better deal they can’t expect everyone to be out of work just for them too. Leno paid his staff of writers while they were off the air, went on the picket lines with them and brought them coffee and donuts: What else is the man supposed to do? He also took it to the CEO of his own network and I think he does more good by voicing a monologue that shows how silly the producers are being than with keeping quiet altogether.

    And it’s not Leno or any late night talk show host doing their monologues that’s keeping the producers from negociating. I’m sorry but one monologue isn’t going to make the difference between a deal or no deal… Leno is more valuable to the WGA showing his support on-air in his “illegally” written monologues.

    Comment by Marc — January 3, 2008 @ 9:39 am

  171. I see the trolls are out in force today.

    There should be repercussions for Leno’s behavior. I will trust that the WGA leadership will consider their strategy and do the right thing for everyone involved.

    Comment by T — January 3, 2008 @ 9:43 am

  172. I thought Jay has a funny monologue last night and of course in his own style. The article does not say if Jay Leno is himself still a member of WGA. Is he a member or not? If so, then the rules would I think prohibit a writer from performing even his or her own material. Maybe Jay can sell his jokes to Dave Letterman?

    Comment by Mark Rhoads — January 3, 2008 @ 9:43 am

  173. I believe Leno knew exactly what he was doing, and simply accepted that he would be fined or given a slap on the wrist. He made it clear that he wrote the monologue so A) America would be enamored with his deft writing abilities and B) There would be no inquiry into whether his - obviously written and rehearsed - material had been the product of scabs.

    After all, better to break the rules during the premiere and have to change his game later than disappoint millions of viewers on his first night back with an abysmal show.

    But the abysmal shows will follow….

    Comment by People Paula — January 3, 2008 @ 9:45 am

  174. Hmmm, gee, a spate of early morning,identically-themed anti-union rants over the space of ten minutes. One overzealous studio mouthpiece with a multiple personality disorder? Nah…

    Sheesh, do they get these guys off craigslist or pick them up on street corners? (”Pssst. Hey, buddy, wanna make some quick cash? No qualifications, and you can work at home!”)

    Comment by Um, Not Very Convincing, Gang — January 3, 2008 @ 9:46 am

  175. Funny how as soon as drudge links to this story the anti-union rhetoric explodes like a popped pimple.

    Comment by Anonymous — January 3, 2008 @ 9:48 am

  176. Hey Jay, why not have a WGA member on your show every night to do updates on the strike issues? You’re giving the AMPTP what it wants - a show, so balance it out with a WGA sidekick.

    Comment by WGA ALL THE WAY! — January 3, 2008 @ 9:48 am

  177. Obviously, a lot of people on this board would like to force writers to work for nothing so they can be entertained. Who cares about the fair compensation of others, if it gets in the way of our fleeting happiness?

    Comment by Truth — January 3, 2008 @ 9:49 am

  178. Yeah, to hell with the unions! What did they ever do for us? Well, let’s see. Their agitation led to the five-day, 40-hour work week; paid holidays and sick days, laws mandating safer worksites, laws fighting racial/ethnic/religious discrimination, laws fighting sexual harassment, family/maternity leave and much much more. None of that would have happened on its own. Keep fighting the good fight, WGA! And shame on you, Jay Leno!

    Comment by Tim1979 — January 3, 2008 @ 9:50 am

  179. You all seem very upset with the writers, which I understand. When coal miners went on strike, people went without heat in their homes. When garment workers go on strike, it affects truckers and those working on retail floors. When auto workers go on strike, everyone in the dealership, from the dealers to the secretaries to the cleaning lady, is up crap creek.

    In my lifetime the telephone workers and electrical workers have gone on strike, which affected me and my family deeply because of my father’s job.

    And that’s just what it is. The strike’s not personal. It was not done flippantly. The WGA is a union and this is a legal strike.

    Some of this rage might be better directed at the AMPTP, which refuses to return to the bargaining table. THEY are the ones who are keeping you all out of work.

    Comment by Novelist — January 3, 2008 @ 9:52 am

  180. Frankly, I have to agree that Leno needs to be appropriately sanctioned for this. The WGA rules are quite clear, and Leno is a WGA member, is he not?

    While Leno may have just made an honest mistake, the point is that no writing can take place. It’s simple union strike logic: you need to prevent the product from getting made, in order to leverage power for a reasonable contract. That requires unity, which Leno did not provide when he provided writing for the show.

    You’d have to ask an entertainment lawyer for the specifics, but I suspect that the only way to do the show as NBC is requiring him to and to comply with the WGA contract would be to completely extemporize the monologue. The ultimate in stand-up.

    Joel

    Comment by Joel Dahl — January 3, 2008 @ 9:52 am

  181. Let’s get some things straight here; Leno’s a member of the guild. As a member of a striking union, he cannot under any circumstances perform his job duties without facing expulsion from that union, same as any other union’s rules. Letterman settled the dispute with the writers through is company; Leno crossed picket lines and scabbed his way back on the air just so his reruns could stop losing to Letterman’s in the ratings. The unions in the entertainment industry are some of the few that still actually strike and negotiate for real reasons anymore. Leno crossing the lines and writing his own jokes, and then bragging about it in his monologue, while publicly bringing food and drinks to the picketing writers, is like petting a loyal dog with one hand and slapping with a newspaper in the other. It’s not right, and he should be punished for it. And it’s not about who’s funny, and who’s not here; it’s union rules. Leno performed his job duties during a strike, and regardless of his position to negotiate with the writers, has gone on without them. He has no place in the guild if he cannot abide and respect its rules.

    Comment by sean — January 3, 2008 @ 9:53 am

  182. Why does the blame always fall on the striking writers?!?! I agree, this should be sent to arbitration. Let’s see how the AMPTP likes that.

    Comment by Tony — January 3, 2008 @ 9:53 am

  183. Is it just me or do all the “screw the union” ones seem a tad synchronized?

    Comment by Writer / Producer — January 3, 2008 @ 9:54 am

  184. The WGA bet all the marbles on the notion that having Dave back with his writers will give the union an advantage. The reality may well be that Jay will prove he can compete just fine WITHOUT the WGA writers. This could be a gamble WGA lives to regret.

    Comment by George — January 3, 2008 @ 9:56 am

  185. I’m heartened by the number of contributors to this site who are anti-union. If the writers can get what they want — fine. Just don’t expect me to believe that somehow it is your right to get it.

    Comment by Mike T — January 3, 2008 @ 10:00 am

  186. Dear Jay-

    “Either you’re with us, or you’re against us.”

    If you’re back on the air flaunting the fact that you don’t need your union writers, you’re a total fucking anti-union scumbag. Bravo to Letterman for attempting to strike a deal with the union.

    Dan Moreno
    I.A.T.S.E. Local # 16

    Comment by Dan Moreno — January 3, 2008 @ 10:00 am

  187. Maybe now Jay will start being funny again!

    Comment by Randy — January 3, 2008 @ 10:01 am

  188. I’m not a huge fan of unions either, but this is Hollywood, and if we didn’t have unions here we’d all be fucked. Maybe you’re lucky enough to work in an industry that takes care of you and for a company that protects you, but here we take care of and protect each other.

    Leno needs to not do monologues, those are the rules. It’s a big fuck you to all the writer’s that have helped him through the years.

    Comment by red — January 3, 2008 @ 10:03 am

  189. So do you rabid anti-union folks enjoy things like weekends . . .

    Comment by John Robie — January 3, 2008 @ 10:04 am

  190. Thanks to all the “unions are scum” people who are claiming Jay as one of your own who are making our point for us. Don’t worry, Jay, you may be a duplicitous asshole who’s “supporting” the strike by supporting NBC through your illicit strikebreaking, but you’ve got plenty of support. Now, please depart our guild so you can be with your people–there’s only so long they can continue to support you, after all, even the worst union member on Earth is still EVVVBBIILL. (And don’t worry, we remember the cost of that photo op pizza so you can sue for the money back).

    Comment by Anon — January 3, 2008 @ 10:10 am

  191. All Jay has to do is declare himself “financial core” then he can tell the Guild to go to hell and continue writing his own jokes. He was actually much funnier before he ever hosted the Tonight Show he used to be hilarious whenever he guested on Letterman’s old show he was by far the funniest guest ever. When he replaced Johnny he dumbed down his act to appeal to the lowest common denominator and ever since he’s been Mr. White Bread. It’s a shame because before 1992 he had the funniest act and was one of the wittiest guys around.

    Comment by Anonymous — January 3, 2008 @ 10:10 am

  192. Mill workers need a union, writers do not.

    Comment by Travis — January 3, 2008 @ 10:11 am

  193. Jay probably did a lot of the material he’d been working on over the break. (He did a big new years show in Hermosa, wear he plays regularly.)

    You’ll notice even though he did a strong monologue, he ran out of material and told some odd story of a girl from home he dated in high school. Not the usual polished stuff he does.

    So I’m guessing as the strike goes on, he’ll tell more stories and we’ll see the seams showing more and more.

    Letterman did the same thing when he came back in 1988. He wrote his own jokes and monologue, did his own top ten lists, and bombed a lot of times (although its much funnier when Dave bombs, as back then at least he was kind of mocking the whole format and conventions of TV.)

    Would it be better if none of the TV talk show hosts had come back? God yes. But they felt they had to support the crews that have been with them for over a decade (and I guess on these shows, because they work year round the relationships are closer.) I don’t agree with this decision– I think the AMPTP was responsible for crews being out of work, and should be lambasted in the press for it (oh wait, they own the press.) But once the decision has been made to go back, as wrongheaded as it was (if well intended,) I think we have to just suck it up and focus the strikes efforts on our next big leverage point — the networks are gambling with the upcoming season. And if there’s no new shows to showcase at the upfronts, the networks will lose BILLIONS. that’s our best card, and the one we should keep reminding them of.

    Comment by WGA Writer — January 3, 2008 @ 10:11 am

  194. Leno’s been supporting the WGA from the getgo, then the WGA screws him and NBC by cutting a side deal with
    Letterman/Wordwide Pants. (Somewhat baffling in and of itself, given Letterman’s resistance to inviting guests who only want to promote their new movies/shows — which is how writers get their work promoted. Duh!)

    So Leno’s already back on the air with one arm tied behind his back. Why should he avoid giving offense to the WGA and refrain from writing his own monologue?

    The WGA thinks they are being so clever by dividing the producers. They’ve also divided their own membership.

    I prefer Kimmel anyhow.

    Comment by Joan — January 3, 2008 @ 10:12 am

  195. Maybe Jay will just send in his WGA card and break ties with the union. Why does HE need THEM?

    Comment by Maz2331 — January 3, 2008 @ 10:13 am

  196. Jay had a couple of weeks to write that monologue. Let’s see if he can churn out decent material night after night by himself.

    He is breaking the strike rules and the guild should let him know that since he seems oblivious to the fact.

    And to all you union bashers, toddle off for your paycheck at Lehane & Fabiani now — good work.

    Comment by LKB — January 3, 2008 @ 10:16 am

  197. Wow it must be a week day ’cause all the corporate trolls are out in force to be anti-union. You keep siding with giant congloms and believe in the magical thinking of the “invisible hand.” That hand is controlled by corporations picking America’s pocket, and shoving regular working people down on the pavement. But hell if you can get paid to lurk on the internet….

    I watched a couple minutes of Leno and I was annoyed by the bad writing and cue card performance. He should have just done improv - he might have been funnier. Huckabee snuck past the pickets by going in some back entrance, and pretended he didn’t know he was crossing a picket. They’re both hucksters. I was supportive of Leno going back to help his crew but he should not have done any writing.

    Conan was funny, as he can do improv.

    Comment by Corporate Trolls — January 3, 2008 @ 10:17 am

  198. Free market? Please read your American history and see what destruction free markets have brought about over our nations time.

    Comment by Frank — January 3, 2008 @ 10:18 am

  199. So what if Leno is a writer doesn’t follow the rules. Doesn’t his lifestyle, his cars, homes, hobbies, etc., dictate that he must work in order to live the style he is used to? Letterman worked within the system and won: Jay is union buster who has full support of all the idiots who watch his show. Working America loves Jay, and the message is, judging by the previous comments, unions don’t matter. Why doesn’t Jay just get his jokes from China? Pathetic!

    Comment by BTL — January 3, 2008 @ 10:19 am

  200. Union: An organization that you belong to when you have little or no talent so you can have the same pay, benefits, and job assurance that those more talented than you have.

    Comment by Tyler Durden — January 3, 2008 @ 10:19 am

  201. You can thank the UNIONS for your weekends off along with your holidays off. Jay is a scab!!!!

    Comment by Automan — January 3, 2008 @ 10:22 am

  202. To all you union-haters….unions are responsible for bringing you the five day workweek and health benefits. Look around at all the tall buildings surrounding you. Union-built. The writers are well within their rights to strike. How would you feel if something you created only served to enrich someone else and you received little to nothing for it? Methinks you wouldn’t be too happy. Get a clue before commenting.

    Comment by Chris — January 3, 2008 @ 10:24 am

  203. Trolls out in force today. “unions ruin America” and similar crap are a waste of space. Go away. On the topic at hand — Jay Leno should not write and perform his monologue. Probably he wrote it himself — but that’s against strike rules. I hope the board will talk to him and get him to stop; it’s a bad situation, bad for everyone. If he goes on the air and does his interviews ad lib, he is keeping his crew working, which he says is all he wants, without breaking rules. He’s not going to get fired. Conan apparently did ad lib the show, by the way.

    Comment by Another Hyphenate — January 3, 2008 @ 10:27 am

  204. Shame on NBC for not negotiating!
    Shame on Leno for scabbing!
    Shame on Huckabee for crossing the picket line!

    Hooray for Letterman and WWP for negotiating and honoring his writers’ union!

    Comment by James in MA — January 3, 2008 @ 10:27 am

  205. I hope all you folks above realize how you’re contributing to the brain drain of America and the growing inequities in our corporate plutocracy. To intone that writers at best are nothing more than overpaid shot-pullers is a bit sad, but also pretty normal for the pigheaded American status quo. I’m sure you wish your mid-level jobs in faceless corporate dungeons would provide the same kind of entertainment or thought-provocation as the scripts and books and speeches that writers (of all stripes) have written. In a country where most employees of any industry manufacture literally nothing ever, isn’t a person whose work culminates in a book, script, or ultimately a film a relatively GREATER contributor to society?

    I also hope you don’t buy Jay Leno’s shtick just because you think he’s a “working man.” He, like our esteemed President, has mastered the projection of that freakish “gooble, gobble, one of us” energy. But the man has hundreds of vintage cars. Did you anti-union, anti-writeristas take your immaculately restored Model T out for a run this morning? (And if so, do you offer tickets for future rides? Because that would ROCK.) If not, you’re being misled and your enmity toward writers is misdirected… and not just hypocritical as I described above.

    Comment by Seth — January 3, 2008 @ 10:27 am

  206. Conan was funny, contrary to the purposely nasty post about his show yesterday afternoon.

    Comment by mike — January 3, 2008 @ 10:27 am

  207. There are so many trolls commenting on this story … and you think we all can’t see that.

    Unions stand up for the people who don’t have the power themselves individually to stand against big business and get a fair wage and benefits. If you don’t support the unions during this media industry problem, especially when the media has consolidated to the point of super business powers, then you certainly must have been indoctrinated by the conglomerates and/or work for them. Oh you poor souls!

    Comment by Tweety — January 3, 2008 @ 10:28 am

  208. Thank you Jay Leno for worrying about your employees. Shame on the big companies who refuse to give the writers a fair deal. And for those of you who complain about Jay Leno, are you willing to pay the salaries of all his non-writers? Are you willing to pay their mortgages and feed their children? Hah, didn’t think so. Put your money where your mouth is or give the guy his due for trying to do what is right.

    Comment by cmom — January 3, 2008 @ 10:31 am

  209. unions ruin america? Listen buddy if you enjoy things like health benefits, minimum wage, fair hours.. you should think (or..gasp!..READ) up a little before you go writing assinine things on the internet.

    Comment by Andy — January 3, 2008 @ 10:32 am

  210. Jay did a great job last night! And I give him kudos for making the brave decision to go back to work. 97% of his staff shouldn’t suffer because 3% are striking.

    Comment by Jeff — January 3, 2008 @ 10:35 am

  211. So you are saying Letterman can get special treatment (and yeah, his deal was all about giving him special treatment to try to break NBC), but Jay can’t even prepare his own jokes?

    The WGA is the joke. The Internet is kicking your butt and you are worried about Leno writing his own material. Are you kidding me?

    This is sour grapes. Y’all tried to prove your worth to the studios by pitting a writer-staffed Letterman over a lone Leno, and you lost! Oh crap, Leno is still funny! Rather than show the studios they need you, your un-calculated risk has backfired and now you look more useless than ever.

    I’ve said this before and I will say it again: fighting over the spoils of a dying industry only accelerates your demise.

    BTW, in the Internet entertainment world, we get our salaries upfront. Maybe try that?

    Comment by Sarah — January 3, 2008 @ 10:35 am

  212. My husband wrote an Academy Award winning movie. When the producer stood on the stage accepting the Oscar he thanked everyone involved EXCEPT the writers. The night before at the Oscar party he told us that he wasn’t going to thank the writers when he won. “Why would I thank you?” he said to my husband’s face. We thought he was joking. He wasn’t.

    By the way, the studios have made 2 BILLION DOLLARS because of the movie my husband wrote and he made enough to buy our car and no it wasn’t a Rolls Royce Phantom.

    Does this seem fair to those of you bashing the writer’s here? Writer’s have always been shafted when it comes to how important they are and they have learned to live with it. But being cheated out of money they DESERVE and were promised is an entirely different thing.

    Comment by Roxy — January 3, 2008 @ 10:36 am