Larry Sanders May Lose Job In Namesake Show

Bubbling out of that satire of art and life imitating each other - the “The Larry Sanders Show” - comes a fascinating potential twist: While speculation has it that this is the last season for the neurotic, ego-driven Larry Sanders (as played by Garry Shandling, executive producer) in the HBO sitcom, there’s a chance that, as in life, Larry could be replaced by another host.

You know, real life, where the show must go on. You know, like the “Tonight” show, where one night it was Johnny and then it was Jay.

“There are episodes (in the coming round of shows starting March 15) dealing with Larry’s leaving,” Shandling tells the Jan. 10 edition of TV Guide. The seasonlong story line concerns Larry’s fears that his guest host, Jon Stewart (played by comedian Jon Stewart), will take over the show. Now, get this:

The rumor floating around real life is that Stewart, who in real life could end up with a CBS late-night talker, heads a list of potential successors who could replace Sanders/Shandling if he exits the “Larry Sanders Show”/Emmy Award-winning HBO sitcom at season’s end.

A “Sanders” insider confirmed the scenario has been discussed but said “nothing has been determined yet.”