• by Steve Sternberg , Featured Columnist, September 15, 2009

Overall, the show had a surprising lack of energy for such a heavily promoted and highly anticipated new show. Leno almost seemed disinterested.

Skits that might pass in late night, don't necessarily translate well to the earlier 10 p.m. hour. Hard to imagine this appealing to very many new viewers.

Painfully awkward interview with Jerry Seinfeld. Interview in the comfy chairs seemed weird with no desk.

The bulk of Leno's audience did not see the [MTV's] VMA Awards and probably had no idea what Kanye West was talking about. Very strange that Leno didn't explain it first and show the clip.

Primetime requires a faster pace than late night. Headlines didn't cut it.

I'd be surprised if they didn't tinker with the format and pacing over the next couple of weeks.

It will be interesting to see whether viewers remained with the show throughout the hour.