CNN is marking Jay Leno‘s exit from “The Tonight Show” with “Jay Leno: Mr. Comedy,” a special that will look back on his rise from the 1970s comedy-club circuit to his leading role in late night.
Hosted by Nischelle Turner, the special will look back on Leno replacing Johnny Carson on “Tonight” — just as Leno prepares to hand off the show to Jimmy Fallon.
Also read: Jimmy Fallon Calls Conan O’Brien ‘A Great Guy,’ Gives Seth Meyers the ‘Late Night’ Pickle
Leno is being replaced next month despite earning the best late-night ratings. NBC is trying to lock in a younger audience amid challenges from ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel, among others.
The special will air this Friday Jan. 31 at 10 p.m. ET on CNN, and will repeat Saturday Feb. 1.