'Tonight Show' tops in ratings race (writers or no writers)

[katty]

more: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117978850.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

'Tonight Show' tops in ratings race
Leno still the latenight leader over Letterman
By JOSEF ADALIAN
'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno'

Writers or no writers, Jay Leno is still TV's latenight leader.

In its first three nights back on the air last week, NBC's "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" easily beat CBS' "Late Show With David Letterman" in all key categories, according to final Nielsen data released Thursday. "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," whose host is also operating sans scribes, topped the WGA-blessed "Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson."

Winning perfs by the NBC shows disproved predictions that the Peacock skeins would be put at a serious ratings disadvantage since their CBS counterparts are operating with their full writing staffs and don't have to worry about SAG members refusing to cross picket lines.
Latenight twist isn't the only sign that the major TV networks are managing to survive without scribes --at least for now.

While it's far too early to draw definitive conclusions, ABC and NBC execs have been pleasantly surprised by the strong ratings for their crop of January reality skeins.
In some cases, the reality shows are doing as well as or better than the scripted shows they've replaced.

[Nailzberg]

1. Rubberneckers. Everyone loves watching a wreck. n/t