LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Jay Leno plans "something really unusual and different" when he hands over "The Tonight Show" to Conan O'Brien on May 29, 17 years after Johnny Carson left the hosting duties to him. Jay Leno begins "The Jay Leno Show" in September. His last "Tonight Show" is May 29. But don't expect an emotional final show, since Leno and most of his staff are just moving across the NBC lot to produce a nightly prime time show debuting in September. The traditional desk, chair and guest sofa probably won't follow Leno to his 10 p.m. show, but many of his favorite comedy elements will, Leno said.
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Jay Leno begins the prime-time "Jay Leno Show" in September
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Comedian's last "Tonight Show" is May 29; expect surprises, he says
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He believes audiences will welcome a 10 p.m. comedy-variety show
@placeholder's decision to put a talk-variety show on at 10 o'clock raised some complaints from affiliate station owners, worried the ratings wouldn't be strong enough to build an audience for their 11 o'clock local newscasts.