Leno’s last ‘Tonight” draws 11.9 million viewers, short of his record and Carson’s farewell

Leno’s last ‘Tonight’ draws 11.9 million viewers

LOS ANGELES — Jay Leno’s final “Tonight” show drew nearly 12 million viewers but fell well short of his most-watched night or Johnny Carson’s farewell.

Leno wrapped up his 17-year run on “Tonight” on May 29, with new host Conan O’Brien and James Taylor as guests.

It proved to be Leno’s seventh-highest-rated “Tonight” telecast, with 11.9 million viewers. The highest rated: Leno’s 1993 show marking the finale of the sitcom “Cheers,” watched by more than 22 million.

Leno’s 1992 debut on “Tonight,” when he replaced Carson, drew 16.1 million viewers. Carson wrapped up his three decades on the late-night show with an audience of 41 million.

But Leno’s final “Tonight” show audience was more than double his current season average of 5.2 million viewers.