Jay Leno To Host CNBC Series

CNBC has signed comedian and Tonight Show host Jay Leno to host a primetime, car-themed series for the network.

The series, tentatively titled Jay Leno’s Garage, is based on Leno’s web series and will feature the comedian discussing all things automobile, including best investments, valuations and the inner workings of the car collector’s market, said network officials.

The program will premiere in 2015. Leno retired from The Tonight Show this past February after more than 20 years as host.

“Jay will add tremendous star power and exceptional content to CNBC’s primetime at the perfect time,” said CNBC President Mark Hoffman in a statement. “CNBC at night has real momentum and Jay’s personality, tremendous fan base and his passion for the subject will contribute mightily to our burgeoning primetime. We’re really excited Jay will continue his storied career with the NBC family and with us at CNBC.”

Added Leno: “This show will be about anything that rolls, explodes and makes noise. We hope to highlight the passion and the stories behind the men and women who made the automobile the greatest invention of the 20th century.” 

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.