At NBC, executives say a network turnaround will take years, and they aren't counting on any single show.

WSJ: The High Stakes of NBC's 'Smash'

As for the rest of the programs last night, well ... only the most masochistic of TV showrunners and network executives even look at ratings during a holiday week (which is to say, pretty much all of them).

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Correspondents say NBC executives were concerned a rival late-night show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel on the ABC network would make gains among the crucial younger audience if Fallon's move did not happen quickly.

BBC: Jay Leno replaced by Jimmy Fallon at Tonight Show