Pamela Sitt,
Jul 16, 2008
ABC beat critics to the chase this morning by planting comedian Jimmy Kimmel in the audience during a Q&A session with ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson.
Kimmel asked McPherson -- "Is it McPherson or McPhorson?" -- about rumors that ABC is pursuing Jay Leno, whose contract with NBC expires next year. McPherson dodged the question, after which Kimmel asked: "Are you at all afraid that if you do replace Jimmy Kimmel, he might do something crazy to you or our car?"
Then: "I'll be out in the parking lot."
McPherson had high praise for Leno, saying that "I can't believe [NBC is] going to let this guy go at the top of his game." In the event of any negotiations between the network and the late-night star, "Jimmy will be involved in those talks."
Some other highlights from the ABC executive session, which kicked off the network's two-day stop on the Summer Press Tour:
--Katherine Heigl is "absolutely" staying on Grey's Anatomy, and "there's an unbelievable story line for her this year."
--Kate Walsh will get back to doing actual surgeries next season on Private Practice.
--ABC will not be changing the tone of Pushing Daisies.
--The Bachelor is not on the fall schedule because they are still looking for a suitable bachelor.
--Katie Holmes is "fabulous" and "exquisite" in her upcoming guest role on Eli Stone.
--No celebrity versions of Wipeout are in the works.
