Jay Leno Show: Brian Williams

Wondering what Jay Leno's new prime time show will be like?

Some details:

Jay Leno's new comedy show will be a fast-paced hour featuring celebrity car races and comedian correspondents, among other format twists.

An energized Leno took the stage at the critics press tour in Pasadena along with network late-night head Rick Ludwin and dropped several revelations about the new program.

"The Jay Leno Show" will have a fast opening sequence, about 10 seconds, before launching into the host's monologue. There will be one celebrity guest, perhaps two at most. Musical segments will sometimes feature multiple acts performing together -- like on the Grammys when famous artists are teamed together. Leno's signature comedy bits like Jay Walking and newspaper headlines will be saved for the end of the show, where Leno will tell viewers to stay tuned for the local news (this is the only part of the show where Leno might have a desk). NBC will not air any commercials between after Leno's show and is urging local affiliates to do the same.

"When the comedy segment is over, it will literally end the show," Ludwin said. "We're giving [affiliates] the hottest hot hand off you can have."

Leno also previewed some segments, such as the advertiser-friendly "Green Car Challenge," where celebrities race against each other in alternative fuel vehicles. NBC has built a race track next to the studio where guests can compete against each other.

"You can see who is faster, Shaquille O'Neal or Cameron Diaz," Leno said.

Other segments will feature comedian correspondents doing taped segments, a bit like on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" (though Leno rejected that comparison). D.L Hughley will report on politics from Washington, for instance, and "Hangover" actress Rachel Harris has been tapped as well.

NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams will also have a regular bit on the show -- "Stories Not Good Enough For Nightly News."

It doesn't sound like Leno will be going where no talk show host/comedian has gone before.

The show will be heavier on Leno's bits and actual entertainment than guests hawking their latest projects.

Other than that, it's pretty much the same old, same old.

What is odd is that NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams will have a REGULAR bit on the show.

A REGULAR bit?

I don't think it's a good idea for Williams to be a regular on Leno's show, delivering "Stories Not Good Enough For Nightly News."

That's just further blurring the line between news and entertainment, between journalists and personalities/celebrities.

Doing an occasional guest spot is one thing, but doing a regular comedy bit could threaten Williams' credibility, such that is, as NBC's anchorman.

Do the execs at NBC think this exposure for Williams will translate into a ratings boost for NBC Nightly News?

They can't possibly believe that Leno will benefit by having Williams around.

I'm surprised they're going along with the idea of Williams doing comedy on Leno's show on a regular basis.

Maybe Williams insisted.