Tuning In to TV

Look who’s talking

Aisha Tyler has been tapped to host a talk show pilot for ABC, the Hollywood Reporter says.

“The Aisha Tyler Show” is described as a hybrid that will incorporate aspects of a traditional talk show with comedic political commentary, produced comedy segments and other elements usually associated with late-night shows. Aimed at a younger audience, “Tyler” is being developed as a fully “wired” concept, with fans being able to communicate with Tyler via Facebook, Twitter and other platforms, THR notes.

There has been speculation that the project might be eyed for ABC’s afternoon block, which airs the soaps “All My Children,” “One Life to Live” and “General Hospital.” (CBS recently canceled its long-running soap “Guiding Light” and will replace it with a game or talk show).

But ABC sources stressed that “Tyler” is being targeted strictly for syndication or cable.

Miss Tyler — a Dartmouth College graduate and a former host of E! Entertainment Television’s “Talk Soup” (2001-2002) — recently appeared in the feature film “Bedtime Stories.”

Mel to chat with Jay

Whether his pending divorce will be a topic of conversation — or even jokes — Mel Gibson will join Jay Leno as the NBC host oversees the “Tonight Show’s” final week.

According to People.com, Mr. Gibson, whose 29-year-marriage has ended amid stories of a new girlfriend, will appear on the late-night show May 25, along with musical guest Lyle Lovett.

Other guests that final week include Dwight Yoakum and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on May 26; Wanda Sykes and Sarah McLachlan, May 27; and Prince and Billy Crystal, May 28.

Stars for the very last show have yet to be announced. Once the curtain on the Leno era comes down, Conan O’Brien will then occupy the “Tonight” chair that Mr. Leno inherited from Johnny Carson in 1992.

Mr. Leno will then move to NBC prime time with a new nightly program this fall.

‘J&K’ premiere a go

TLC is dealing with a real-life controversy stemming from its real-life reality series “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” Multichannel.com reports.

The network is still planning its May 25 season five premiere of the series, which focuses on the lives of Jon and Kate Gosselin and their eight children, despite reports that Jon is having an affair. TLC executives would not comment on recent photographs published by Us Magazine of Jon leaving a bar at 2 a.m. with third-grade teacher Deanna Hummel.

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