He’s back again: Jay Leno set to host CNBC show about cars

Former The Tonight Show host Jay Leno is lining up his first regular television hosting gig since leaving in February, and he’s even staying in the NBC Universal family. Leno is close to a deal to host a new show for cable network CNBC, sources told The Hollywood Reporter. The show will focus on Leno’s longtime love of cars and will air in primetime, not late night. Landing Leno is a coup for CNBC, a network better known for financial news, which has suffered ratings lows during its traditional daytime programming. Sources say Leno, 64, was courted by several outlets, including CNN, A&E, History and the Tribune stations. But Leno has been loyal to NBC and has a relationship with CNBC president Mark Hoffman.

Nothing would make us happier than for him àla Bob Hope to still be a presence on the network.

NBC entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt

Sources say no start date for the Leno show has been decided, nor has the frequency of the show, which will be a regular series. The comic hasn’t slowed down since giving up his nightly NBC perch after 22 years. He has toured the country with his standup act and hosted an awards show in Jerusalem in May. Earlier this month, he also joined NBC’s Al Roker and others in Afghanistan to launch a USO tour. CNBC declined to comment on Leno or the negotiations.