8/15/2009

in

Jerry Seinfeld will be Jay Leno's first guest on the new talk show.

Tom Helberg

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld will be the first guest on the premiere of NBC's "The Jay Leno Show," [Reuters](http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSN1431739720090814) reports.  
  
Seinfeld will join the previously announced group of musical guests Kanye West, Rihanna, and Jay-Z.  
  
The U.S. television industry is watching NBC's experiment in replacing expensive scripted dramas at 10 p.m. with Leno's less costly talk show five nights a week.  
  
In May, Leno stepped down as the host of the "Tonight Show" after 17 years.  
  
Seinfeld, formerly the star of his self-titled NBC sitcom, will also mark his return to the network early next year with "The Marriage Ref," a reality series that he will produce.  
  
Despite the big names touted for the premiere, Leno has said that the new program will feature more comedy and fewer celebrities promoting their endeavors.  
  
The series will premiere on Sept. 14.