Fewer Leno Viewers Than Expected Flee On Night Two

After a bang-up opener which drew 18 million viewers, what’s a third of your audience more or less?

Early ratings numbers—to be adjusted later today—show viewership on the Big Chin’s sophomore outing falling off by 34%. The Hollywood Reporter reports that “For its second episode, The Jay Leno Show drew a metered-market household rating of 8.0 and 13 share—down 34% from his Monday debut. ”

A big drop, but probably less than executives might have feared.

The second night which featured guests Tom Cruise and Michael Moore faced off against stiff competition than on Monday night, going up against Big Brother and a Barbara Walters tribute to Patrick Swayze.

Critics were no kinder to their permanent punching bag’s second night than they were to his first. And with every interest in entertainment facing certain doom if Leno succeeds, Hollywood may well be meeting in secret conclave today, wondering if they should bring out all sorts of secret weapons and private militias.

Watch your back Jay. Hollywood won’t go down without a fight.