Jay Leno spent 17 years as ` ` Tonight Show '' host Friday . Leno has been criticized for letting down the audience , but he 's been No . 1 for years . You want to hang out with Jay , '' said Kyle Aevermann of Itasca , Illinois . He will be succeeded by Conan O'Brien ; in fall , he 'll leave prime - time altogether .
Jay Leno spent 17 years as ` ` Tonight Show '' host Friday . Leno has been criticized for letting down the audience , but he 's been No . 1 for years . He will be succeeded by Conan O'Brien ; in fall , he 'll leave prime - time altogether .