Conan releases statement on late-night situation testing captions Conan O'Brien released a statement Tuesday afternoon regarding NBC's late-night situation, and his place in it. Leave your responses below or send us an iReport: People of Earth: In the last few days, I’ve been getting a lot of sympathy calls, and I want to start by making it clear that no one should waste a second feeling sorry for me. For 17 years, I’ve been getting paid to do what I love most and, in a world with real problems, I’ve been absurdly lucky. That said, I’ve been suddenly put in a very public predicament and my bosses are demanding an immediate decision. Six years ago, I signed a contract with NBC to take over The Tonight Show in June of 2009. Like a lot of us, I grew up watching Johnny Carson every night and the chance to one day sit in that chair has meant everything to me. I worked long and hard to get that opportunity, passed up far more lucrative offers, and since 2004 I have spent literally hundreds of hours thinking of ways to extend the franchise long into the future. It was my mistaken belief that, like my predecessor, I would have the benefit of some time and, just as important, some degree of ratings support from the prime-time schedule. Building a lasting audience at 11:30 is impossible without both. But sadly, we were never given that chance. After only seven months, with my Tonight Show in its infancy, NBC has decided to react to their terrible difficulties in prime-time by making a change in their long-established late night schedule. Last Thursday, NBC executives told me they intended to move the Tonight Show to 12:05 to accommodate the Jay Leno Show at 11:35. For 60 years the Tonight Show has aired immediately following the late local news. I sincerely believe that delaying the Tonight Show into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn’t the Tonight Show. Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the Late Night show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot. That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy. So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of The Tonight Show. But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn’t matter. But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more. There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work. Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair; it's always been that way. Yours, Conan
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Conan,
heart
nell
I really feel sorry for Conan, NBC is going to tarnish the legacy of The Tonight Show..
Good Conan – hope to see you on FOX soon!
As always...
Conan = class
A class act. Good luck, Conan.
It's the right decision. He's absolutely right and it was well-written and better explained than anyone else could have. I will no longer be watching if Jay Leno is allowed to come back. There are very few reasons for me to watch NBC, and Conan was one of them.
Don't let the door hit you on your way out. People act like the Leno is the problem, but his ratings stayed the same (compared to the old Tonight Show) in his new timeslot. I don't know why anyone thought a comedy/talk show would do better ratings earlier. But the fact is that the Tonight Show's ratings fell under Conan and I bet you would rise again if Leno takes the Tonight Show again.
Sure he can spin it to say its the early low rating fault, but then he admits also that it doesn't matter who runs the Tonight Show, as long as the earlier ratings are good.
I hope NBC keeps Conan. They would be making a terrible decision to drop him.
I support you Conan!!!
Conan, I couldn't agree with you more. I wish you all the best!
I think everything is just great the way it is! I watch jay leno every night at 10, and conan every night at 11:35. NBC shouldn't change a thing! We love you conan!
Good for him. – he should not show any loyalty to a network that promised him the Tonight Show for years, made a huge miscalculation on Jay, and now is trying to have late night their way. I'm sure they just expected him to fall in line.
See you on fox, Conan!
NBC sucks. Conan is the best guy and if they screw him, he'd better get the 40 million that was in his contract.
Good for you, Conan. Jay gave you the show back in 2004, and he should man up and accept that it's your's now.
Well atleast some one at NBC is smart
Conan is the man! Corporate America at its finest. He should go work at Comedy Central, in an evening spot. They would love him over there. And yeah, that is some weird hair.
You're a class act Conan.
This is what I call a classy statement. It's a shame he never really had a shot at making the show successful.
Waaa Waaa, hey, you're really serious, which is not your forte
Conan- we love you, your replays will satiate us for years to come.
Conan is the coolest and the funniest. Where he goes, I will follow. The hair joke at the end..... classic.
NBC is blowing it.
Do they even realize this means they may lose Andy?
God I love him.....NBC is sooooo stupid if they lose him!
Way to go, Conan. Finally good to see someone on that network with some integrity.
Conan, you will always have my support! What a talented, hilarious, intelligent host you have been all these years and no matter what show you're hosting, I'll be watching. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK ON THE TONIGHT SHOW, no mater what happens with it. Much love, eternal support!
I don't watch his show. Too much stupid stuff and not enough good stuff.
A legend in his own time
I will miss Conan more than I missed Jay. I never thought Jay was as funny or original. Conan always has fun doing his program and it looks like he is enjoying the time we share with him in our living rooms. NBC, you have screwed up! You have no idea how to manage programming any more and that is why your ratings are terrible. Conan, we will miss you.
If Jay Leno wants to go backwards and the television viewers accept him, then he'll be okay. And as long as David Letterman enjoys his night gig, he'll be fine, too.
But, seriously, maybe it's just time to move on, and to say farewell to late night talk..Steve Allen, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Tom Snyder, David Susskind...you had your time. ...the beat goes on.
Fire Leno.
Conan Must Stay On At 11:35pm...There is no other option, Leno is a schmuck!
Good for you Conan- I love your show and have always been a faithful viewer. I think what NBC is doing is shameful and I would definately miss you however I know a better opportunity will come along where we can meet again. Don't go against your principles and stand strong and know your true fans will go with and support you where ever you land!
GOODBYE CONAN! hahahaha
Way to go Conan! You stand your ground and be proud of the amazing things you have done! Thank you so much for your amazing entertainment!
Jay Leno should be ashamed of himself if he's even considering allowing this to happen. The right thing to do would be to resign and allow Conan to continue as host of the Tonight Show.
Bravo Conan, Bravo! NBC is stupid. Jay Leno should just take a break for a year or two and enjoy his car collection, travel, maybe watch The Tonight Show on TV before bed.
As a person of Earth, I say: Good for you Conan. And don't worry about the hair.
If Conan goes, so does my viewership! Good luck NBC execs, you overpaid idiots.
I agree
Well said Mr. O'Brian. NBC gambled when they decided to schedule three late night shows in a row, and when they lost, they panicked. In my opinion, Conan should be incredibly upset about the broken promise that NBC made to him – and should most definitely go to a competing network, and take his fans with him.
This is not how you do business – and I think this will come back to hurt NBC in the long-term. If you didn't have a reason to switch to Letterman, you do now. (Just come back for Fallon...)
Looks like he is pissed at Jay Leno.
Awesome.
Very well put..
amyoops
Conan rocks. Leno is fodder for nursing homes and NJ hotrodders. Sorry, I wish Conan could stay put.
I say, "Let Jay go!" As much as I've enjoyed the Jay Leno shows - both in the Tonight Show and in primetime, the fact of the matter is this: Jay announced his retirement some time ago, the networks worked at replacing him with the best talent they could. Then, Jay decided he didn't want to go, so they attempted to accomodate everyone and it failed - miserably. Hey, Jay, give Conan a chance and bow out gracefully (which you should have decided to do before going primetime!)
Conan,
YOU ROCK!~~!!!! Field some offers from the cable networks, do some guest shots on The Daily Show and Colbert Report. Heck, even go talk to Sarah on her show – that should be great.
I think you fans will respect your modesty and recognize NBC's stupidity in squeezing you out. Hey - maybe you can take over from Tyra...???
Thank you of Standing up for something.
What a sign of a great man to come out and adrress the people clearly and openly.
NBC should drop CONAN and FALLON and get some decent guest hosts out there. I don't watch late shows anymore, but when I did, Kimmel put on a funnier talk show.
There has to be one person in this country that can do a better job, and NBC should find that person. Heck, offer Jon Stewart some cash.
Sorry Dude but your show sucked.
This is one of the most polite, funny, and respectful "screw you" letters ever. Why do more people not like this guy and watch his show? I will watch Conan on any network at anytime but respect the fact he won't bend to NBC's terrible handling of the situation.
I agree.
I wonder how Leno would feel if Johnny Carson pulled this on him...?
I love Conan. Who else in show biz would have the balls to make a statement like that. He rocks!
What a gracious letter and graceful way of leaving a seriously messed up company that is damaging all the assets they own. Way to go Conan. I was not one of your viewers, but I do believe I shall be on anything you do in the future!
I love you Conan! Stay strong to your wishes and goals.
It's sad to see that NBC has put Conan in this situation. If Conan leaves the network he will take the new and upcoming generation of viewers that would have stood by NBC for another 30 + years. Instead NBC is thinking about now and still trying to hold on to the older generation of viewers who followed Letterman and Leno. When those viewers die off, NBC will have to fight to get back those viewerships. NBC will lose if they cut Conan lose. I promise.
Jay must go! He is NOT going to make any friends by bullying his way into 11:30...Conan deserves this now and should be given a chance...Jay needs to retire and go drive his cars around...He can do plenty of good work behind the camera – maybe even help Conan! What a thought!
Greatest...pr statement...ever.
I can't say this was unexpected. In fact I expected a statement like this to appear yesterday and I personally cannot blame Conan for taking a stand. I wouldn't want to be "bumped back" to 12:05 either. That would make it an in-between show and the ratings would probably end up being absolute trash.
Frankly, I don't see a resolution to this. NBC is too scared to lose Jay Leno, he's been a cash cow for them for years. That means the person who stands to lose will be Conan, and he'll lose big. All because of NBC's inability to manage their network and being scared of a personality they helped create.
And the forty millon dollars he will receive under his contract doesn't hurt.
Amen. A total knee-jerk reaction to a bad idea in the first place.
Conan is getting screwed, and this is a nice way of him saying it. Im hoping to see him move the show to Fox so he can keep the same time slot and have a better and more productive show. Red head unite Conan!
Bravo, Conan!
Jay Leno had his time, NBC made a gamble and it didn't pay off. Such is life, no reason Conan needs to suffer for the company stupidity.
I love your hair!
Clearly, he is the future of the Tonight Show. He needs time to have the ratings competitve with David Letterman. Jay made a poor decision agreeing with NBC execs to try 10pm and needs to live with it. Time for Jay to move on.
CONAN 4 life ! jay leno is not funny ! keep Conan going forever !
Nooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
i love conan so much more than leno!
Well said! This shows that Conan is a class act.
Conan, i love you, and i do not want you to go.
please please please dont take my conan away!
I agree with Conan. How dare NBC bump him so Leno can go back to late night. Leno's show didn't make it, not Conan's. I think it is riduculous of NBC to move the time slots again. This is Leno's loss, deal with it NBC and Leno.
I never liked Jay Leno and know many people in my age group (30-40) that don't either. You are extremely talented and funny and NBC would be at a great loss to loose you. I don't mind the hair, I married an Irish Catholic.
I never thought Conan was very funny anyway. Jay has ran his course too. I hate they cancelled Life to put that crappy show on.
Way to go Conan!! Very classy statement, and while we will miss your hair, the integrity of the Tonight Show is what is most important. I only hope you have the opportunity to stay with your dream job.
Classy response but in fairness to Jay Leno in order to keep Conan, Jay was forced to agree to this situation five years ago. Jay's mistake was in staying with NBC – he is the one that should have gone to Fox or to ABC. I'm so disgusted with NBC that though I have always been a great fan of Leno, he lost me with his 10:00 show (I love the dramas) and instead I went to Nightline at 11:30. I find that is where I will stay for the 11:30 to midnight slot. Sorry Jay and sorry Conan, frankly you have all been royally screwed!!!! I would fire everyone in top management at NBC as of today!! Instead they promoted Zucker who is responsible for this debacle upwards! Go figure. When I worked – if you messed up – you were fired!!!
Conan, never thought much of you before but this is, quite simply, the classiest move you've ever made in your life. I'm certain karma will reward you handsomely.
What a perfect statement! Thanks Conan.
Jay should just retire and give the newer guys a chance.
I agree with Conan – 100%. The Tonight Show must follow the local news as it always has. The network made the mistake; Conan O'Brien should not have to pay the price. He waited all of these years for this timeslot. It should belong to him and no one else! I like Jay but he gave up his timeslot himself.
I agree with Conan. I think it's stupid that Jay Leno is going to have a show before the Tonight Show. He was stupid to give up the Tonight Show in the first place. I would leave the Tonight show as is and Jay Leno go back to stand up comic in the clubs since his show didn't work. Stay positive Conan and good luck!
As much as I love Conan he just isn't a good fit for the Tonight Show. Conan is funny and intelligent but he doesn't fit in on the west coast. I think he should move back to New York where he is a good fit. I wish him the best of luck.
What a class act. If only Leno had initially responded with similar class and refused to bump Conan. Despite his insistence years ago that he didn't know his then-manager forced Carson into retirement, his recent actions – or rather lack of – show that he's nothing if not consistent. He is bumping Conan from his slot. He could refuse to do it but he hasn't. Conan may have that hair but Leno has no class.
This is ridiculous, I know people are always going to be angered about some form of change, but come on. Jay Leno retired from the Tonight Show.
What was the point of creating essentially the same exact show, on the same network without at Desk if he ,has supposedly retired.
I would be ticked off if I were Conan. Jay's show is the new one, IT should be forced to move. The Tonight Show has proven itself for many decades now.
I agree 100%! Conan has held up his end of the bargain now let NBC do the same. NBC gambled on Leno before instead of staying with the person that had the experience and loyalty (Letterman). Now they should honor their contract and tell Leno, "Thanks but not this time."
Class Act........
My wife and I are new watchers to Conan's Tonight show and absolutely love it! We are in our 50s. Conan is right on target saying that moving the tonight show to 12:05 AM will kill the Tonight show's legacy and franchise. But if Conan has to move on to another network that will be the show we watch. Good luck Conan I hope you continue with your new tonight show.
Conan is absolutely right. This is the beginning of the destruction of a great franchise. The rating slump is far from his fault and he deserves better. NBC is a joke of a TV network and I hope Conan moves on to bigger and better things instead of playing around with the losers running the show at NBC. Long live Conan!
Conan, you are awesome as always.
NBC – Do what is right – let Conan keep what is his. Leno failed, deal with it.
I hope NBC listens
Well said. Wherever Conan goes, so follows my clicker.
I love you Conan, I will BOYCOTT NBC totally with only a twitch of your hand or an aloof headnod from your illustrious famed red hair. NBC has no idea what they're doing if they bump you and Fallon. Biggest mistake ever.. up there with Yoko killing The Beatles.
Yes!! Thank you Conan. I couldn't agree with you more. I was telling my friend this morning that everything being moved back, will no longer be 'Late Night'. You should stay at 11:35 and Jimmy at 12:35. I believe that if your show and Jimmy's get pushed back, you may have less viewers because of the timing.
Thank you Conan for everything that you and your staff have contributed to 'Late Night'. You're so funny, and I enjoy watching your show very much !
-Carissa
Ontario, Canada
You tell'em Conan, i'll follow you wherever you end up
I bow before such greatness....
Now if our politicians would behalf as honorably! But who's kidding who?
Thank you Conan. I hope you persevere.
The TONIGHT Show should continue the succesful path it has been on for years. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. NBC wake up. The Tonight Show ALWAYS follows the local news. Does NBC realize how many millions of views are subconsciously "tuned" into this scheduling?? No advertising necessary. I get ready for bed only to be able to enjoy some of the Tonight Show. Moving it to 12:05 will not be the Tonight Show but the Tomorrow Show. Ugh, you loose me as a viewer. And, no, just because it's Jay Leno does NOT mean I will tune in. I tune in to the TONIGHT SHOW because of it's past history and performances.
This will not be successful for NBC. Listen to your viewers.
We love you Conan! I think NBC is really making a bad move here, because Conan is the future of NBC and a lot of us are huge fans of Conan's. Seriously a bad move NBC, you guys really need to listen to your watchers. We know NBC loves Jay Leno, but he agreed to retire. Just retire and let the new guys take over, Conan is a genius and he knows what he's doing.
very classy, the execs are idiots as usual.
Good for you, Conan! Way to hold your head high while simultaneously verbally bitch-slapping NBC for their lack of loyalty and poor decision-making. Their mistakes shouldn't fall on your shoulders, especially after all that you have given to the network and to late night television. Your show is clever, original, and most of all funny. I wish you continued success on whatever network is smart enough to make you the "much more lucrative" offer you deserve.
I completely agree with Conan on this. Leno should be off the air, as much as I hate to say it because I am a true fan of series regular Jim Norton. Jay had his timeslot for years with no one interfering. If it were the Jay Leno show, and were just some other primetime show that was tanking, they would cancel it and keep Conan doing his job.
Conando, Noooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, Conan is getting screwed here. Great statement though, hopefully something gets worked out. Love Leno though, but i've always been a Letterman man!
Hey Conan – Bozo the Clown called, he wants his red nose back...
Pure Class by Conan. Wrong move by NBC to accomodate Leno in a failed show.
And for what tiny molecular bit it's worth, Conan, I agree with you. NBC is giving you the high hard one and calling it shiatsu.
I have never been a big Conan fan, but I have a new respect for the guy! Oh and if the Tonight Show starts at 12:05 AM wouldn't it be the tomorrow show???
I never cared for Conan, but he has all my sympathy. Leno never did that well at the start but at least NBC gave him time. NBC was too greedy seven months ago and it has come back to bite them in the @. I wish Conan all the best and Leno, eh, Colbert does better at 11:30.
Conan, I'm also sorry about your hair. Science is moving along, regardless of the idiocy of latenight TV programmers.
Personally, I thought NBC made a mistake when they didn't hire Letterman, in the first place, and now, bumping you is just further proof of their stupidity. I, for one, stopped watching Late Night when Carson left, and only started again when you came on as the host. I will stop watching again, once you are gone or if they bump you.
Regardless, I'm guessing your hair will continue to be a problem.
Sorry, don't watch you anyway, no matter what the time.
You're kidding me, right? He's negotiating with NBC in the press. What a joke.
God damn it NBC. You complete and utter fools. Can't you see that Conan is the /best/ thing you've got, and you're willing to throw it all away for Jay Leno? Again?
Damn. I can't express how disappointing it'll be to not see Conan on the Tonight Show.
you are such a class act, conan. i just hope this gets resolved soon. i'd rather watch letterman than watch leno.
I think that Conan's approach to this no-win situation is admirable, esp. his desire to protect Jimmy Fallon. He has every right to be angry or disappointed in the way that this whole situation has been handled. I have a feeling that he will land on his feet. It may not be this week, but he'll get there.
The hair...well...none of us are perfect.
Very classy Conan. Good luck to you.
Classy statement from Conan. I will never again watch NBC's The Tonight Show if Conan is dismissed. Leno is so played out and tiring.
Conan is a class act. NBC should be ashamed of screwing him like this.
Conan is a class act, and this will have serious repercussions for NBC. This has been a fiasco for all involved, although Conan will land on his feet whether he goes to Fox, cable or simply leaves the industry behind.
If you go to FOX so do I. Had enough of Leno.
Good for you Conan. You should leave NBC and get out of the mess they have created for themselves. You rock!
HAHAHAHAHA! Win for Conan! Classy, informative and funny all in one! His quirky sense of humor may not be for everyone, but he is following the tradition of progressive late night programming. Shame on NBC for trying to destroy the tradition! Leno you had your chance – so sorry you failed. Take your cars and drive off into the sunset already and let others continue the tradition!
I have never been a big fun of Connan, but I admire his decision to stand up to NBC and don't allow it to treatlike this. "Conan even when I don't find you super funny (sorry to say that) you just earn my admiration and a viewer for not allowing the destruction of a broadcast icon"
Good luck.
I never feel sorry for anyone but, I believe in justice and I agree that you took over the show from Jay which was agreed upon. You should not be tossed like it was no big deal because I belive as you do that the time slot matters.
If it doesn't then move Jay to the last rung since he moved on.
I have nothing against Mr. Leno but, why should you be bumped because idiots at NBC have no idea about talent.
Anyway, you do owe us an apology for your hair but, that said you should be able to stay in your time slot.
The suits do not get that it affects a lot more people than you, Jay, and Jimmy.
Seriously do something about the hair!!!!!
I honestly think Jay should just leave now, throw in the towel. What was the point of leaving the Tonight show in the first place if all this goes through? The show at 10 was a bad idea from the start,and so is this. Jay needs to say "Ok, you know what, I have had my time, a very long, and successful time here, and I am ready to leave" This is a slap in Conans face by JAY. Jay should be saying no to NBC, just keep Conan where he is and where the Tonight show has been for decades, and I will leave.
Conan is the man. Lot of smarts and even more integrity
I love Conan and would be so sad to see him leave, but I think he is doing the right thing by taking a stand. He's been doing a great job as the host of the Tonight Show and anyone who doesn't think he's funny must either have a serious sense of humor problem or be over 90 and out of touch with reality. Or a network executive who probably falls into both catagories.
Class all the way. That why Letterman is on CBS Jay Leno
Conan is not only a truly gifted comedian but a fantastic writer as well. From Saturday Night Live to the Simpsons I am sure the next thing that he finds will be great, and I will be there laughing.
Conan deserves to keep the time slot he currently has. Jay Leno isn't even as funny as Conan and he should REALLY retire, rather than making a big show of it and returning five minutes later to another show. Some people just don't know when to throw in the towel.
Conan,
Thank you for being honest to us, your viewers, and speaking your mind. This is why we love you! Many of us think what NBC is doing to you is wrong, and stand behind you 100%.
I think it's rough what NBC is trying to pull but it's their network so I guess no matter who they decide to burn the most in this deal, it is their decision. I really enjoy Jay, Conan and David and they all bring things completely different to the table. Because of work schedules, I have been able to more recently enjoy Jay's show so that I get a laugh and can then doze off without staying up too late. I'd hate to see anything get pushed later but I can understand the ratings battle and networks must do what they need to do. I'll miss Jay's 10:00 show.
Nobody But Conan = one classy guy
National Broadcasting Company = one lame company
I must say, as much as I love Jay Leno and am great fan, I think this situation is so unfair to Conan O'Brien. He has earned the right to host the Tonight Show and should not be put in this position. Jay Leno started all this BS when he chose to resign, You don't resign and then change your mind. I think Jay should go ahead a RESIGN and let the next generation enjoy what late night is really about THE TONIGHT SHOW. Just saying..........
Thank you, Conan, for taking a stand against the self-sabotage that NBC has become known for in recent years. Neither The Tonight Show under your direction nor The Jay Leno Show have been given enough time to establish a fan base, nor have other possibilities for improving the shows been considered. NBC has some of the greatest talent on television, and also some of the poorest decision-making.
Wake up, NBC. Unless your unltimate goal is the destruction of your network, better decisions will need to be made in the future!
I think Conan is great!! If you jump, I jump, Conan!
HaHa...well put and very classy. I'm sorry about the hair too. Best wishes whatever happens.
This is a Hollywood example of major corporations "experimenting" with people. NBC, has turned Jay Leno and Conan O'brien into another soap opera "As my Stomach Churns". In a race to get a larger piece of the pie, blunders, blunders and more blunders. You cannot HERD viewers around time slots like they were sheep and expect to keep them. And you cannot herd two comedians around in the same way and expect to keep them.
NBC Shame on you
I appreciate you Conan for standing your ground and believing in what you have done in the past and what you planned on doing for the future for Late Nite talk shows and also for holding back for as long as you could and not lashing out at others when you had every right to do so. I do not feel sorry for you, but sorry for NBC for bowing to pressure and doing so little to remedy the situation. Conan continue to be funny and to entertain those in your audience and those like me watching at home, who you made laugh in good and bad times. Now, about your hair, hmmm, no apologies needed, hair is hair.
Good for you Conan! NBC executives need to honor the contract they had with you. Your grace in not mentioning Mr. Leno demonstrates your integrity. It isn't about you or him. NBC needs to accept what they did, as does Mr. leno. He took a chance and it didn't work out. He also had a great run and can move on. You and Jimmy Fallon shouldn't have to. I'll look for you elsewhere if they are foolish enough to proceed with their latest stupid idea.
I take him at his word and don't feel sorry for him. NBC execs may want to tweak a bunch of time slots and ultimately destroy the products, but Conan and all the other hosts have multi-million dollar salaries. I'm sure they'll be able to survive just fine.
Classy guy getting a raw deal. Jay Leno was sleazy when he walked over David Letterman, who Johnny Carson wanted to inherit his show, and now he is doing it again to Conan. Pity. I never watched Jay, ALWAYS watched Johnny, and have watched Conan. Attention CBS: Dave, I'm back!
You Go Conan, They should not move the Tonight show time slot!!!
Who needs the TV. You can just come over to my house and entertain my wife and I at the foot of the bed. (No, I didn't mean it that way, you sicko). And I forgive you for the hair.
But seriously... my fullest support is behind you Conan! Whatever decision you make, wherever you broadcast from, we'll watch you.
Eric Shawn
Novelist
Good for Conan to stick up for himself. NBC is a circus run by a bunch of clowns that just keep making horrible moves. Jay Leno is a hack and should be cut from the lineup. How many late night talk shows are needed???
I will NOT watch Jay Leno. I always perferred Conan. Who does Jay think he is anyway? He's NOT all that.
Conan,
I can apprieciate your feelings and agree with you totally, NBC made a mistake and should correct it without harming it's loyal employees like yourself staff and crew.
pretty nice letter – seemed very honest and open.
This is one of the most important, most heart-felt letters I have read in my entire life. Shame on the network for putting such a gifted man in this position. With a hand as swift as a blade you cut your night, and did not think about the real people who slowly warm up to these shows. I for one had just begun to get into the groove of sitting down for an evening of good TV, others say the same. Well, Conan has taken a stand, good for him. Now, you will sit and watch as your empire slowly folds, and is buried at by your own stupid hands.
Good for you Conan! You are way funnier than Jay Leno and I wouldn't want to get bumped back either. NBC needs to dump Leno and keep Conan and Jimmy where they are!
Nothing like having the chair pulled out from underneith you.... Nice to see Conan in my opinion stand up for himself .... Thumbs up guy...
Conan, you're the man! I agree with you - it's not the same watching your show off DVR. I want to see it as it's broadcast. I've got a DVR full of shows I'll probably never watch, some of which have been sitting on it for years. I keep saying I'll get to them some day, after I finishing watching your show, but that day just never seems to come.
If Conan goes, so do I.
If anyone should be leaving, it's the myopic network executives who created this problem in the first place. I hear TigerWoods.com is hiring!
Conan has always been a classy guy and should have been given his time for people to catch on, just like Jay was. Jay and the execs at NBC are the ones that messed this up.
Jay said in 2004 that he was retiring and then changed his mind. NBC was losing ratings before Jay had his show at 10 and Conan was the host. Of course all they (and Comcast) are worried about is ratings and advertising dollars, not producing quality television.
There will always be the nay-sayers who say Jay is funnier and Conan "sucks," but again, that's how it was when Carson left and Jay took over. It will always be out with the old and in with the new, and usually the old (no offense) are the ones who don't like the change.
Conan loves the Tonight Show, even enough to let it go rather than see it collapse. The same cannot be said for Jay Leno. It is sad that Jay can't be classy enough to step aside and let the man have his time, just like what was given to him. It is sad that NBC put The Jay Leno Show on in the first place and it is sad when they would break a long standing tradition in order to please advertisers and a man who isn't and hasn't been funny for a very long time, leaving a brilliant comedic mind in the dust. Conan will win in the end. Even if it means he has to go to another network and start all over.
for the record,
I think he's dead on. and I for one enjoy his show.
wow. what a class act.
Leno should step down. He failed, and he should man up, and walk away with dignity.
Well said Conan! I could not agree with you more. I am still your biggest fan regardless of the outcome!
TEAM COCO!
LENO quit it. Your time has come and gone!!! way to be a crybaby Jay, way to be a crybaby.
I have loved the Conan O'Brien Show since it took it's place in The Tonight Show slot.
I am saddened and disgusted by the lack of judgment and professionalism on the part of Jay Leno and will never watch any of his "shows" again.
I hope Conan finds a new home because he cracks me up every night!!!
GO GET 'EM CONAN!!!
Conan is the realest of the real!! I wouldn't bend either he uprooted his family and now he has to set himself up for failure because Jay's wack show can be saved! Jay knows very well how his show started in he early days, Conan is right if you don't have the support you're destined to fail.
I'm not a big fan of O'Brien but after reading his message, I have a lot more respect and admiration for him.
What a kick in the nuts for Conan. I hope Fox makes a new franchise and gives it to him, that would let Conan show NBC how badly they've handled this whole thing. I don't blame him one iota for being pissed off.
Class act.!
As long as he doesn't go to FOX. I'd lose all respect for him.
I wish Jay would just retire and leave the comedy to Conan and Jimmy. They have true talent and are actually funny. Jay has lost his touch with the audience. It's a new era for comedy and Conan and Jimmy should lead the way! If Jay really wants to keep his show, he should be on at 2am, after the "real" late shows have been seen.
Conan took over the Tonight Show? When did this happen? and now he's leaving?
Absolutely amazing Conan! You tell 'em & stick to your guns!
Conan is a classy guy as evidenced by his extremely well written and yet understated comment. I am not his biggest fan but I have grown to respect his ability to make the most out of what he has been given. It would be a huge mistake for NBC to let him or Jay go as they are, what has become obvious to all of us, too classy for the pinheads in charge at NBC.
"First the Fat Boys break up, and now this."...NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!*
This is a blessing because --Conan SUCKS !!! I turn the tv off instead of watching either Conan or Letterman. Neither can carry Leno's jock strap!!
Good for him. I hope he leaves and I hope Leno doesn't regain his audience. Leno is as bland and talentless as they come.
Thanks Conan. I for one respect and value what you have done and continue to do to make people laugh. It is a shame that NBC doesn't seem to share that enthusiasm. Jay Leno is the OLD and you (like Craig Ferguson) are the NEW. Sadly, NBC ( like other networks) is briskly maneuvering their walkers for the grave. I really hope to see you come out uncscathed and happy where you are, but these networks seem determined to quicken their demise. You are too good for them. I would be happy to see you on a cable station however. It just wouldn't be the Tonight Show but you would have your creativity and growth in tact.
All of this could go away if Jay Leno would go away... He had his time in Late Night, moved on and couldn't make it and now the cry baby wants to come back... Bow out Jay, stop being a jerk... Your actions effect Conan as well as Jimmy (two comedians who have received their spots the right way)... You sound like a person that sold their house, bought another, didn't like it and now wants their original house back.... Besides, you weren't aboit the Tonight Show, you thought you were bigger than the show and left for your own.... Now you find out that your fans weren't yours they were fans of the show.... You are a JERK... BOW OUT!!!!
Now that is a class act.
Leno retired, then changed his mind and forced this entire issue.
Leno should walk away and live up to his choices.
i say leave conan and jimmy where they are. leno has got to go. give him a daytime talk show to ruin.
The only person that should be fired is Jeff Zuker for the way this came down. This is embarrassing for the network. This only proves Zuker is useless overpaid jerk who ruined NBC.
What a class act...
Thank you Conan. You certainly should be given the chance to build upon your audience & to make the current incarnation of the Tonight Show your own. Moving an unfunny show to another time slot will not make it funnier & will not make people tune in! I gave the Jay Leno Show a chance, it stunk, I mean really really stunk & I stopped watching. Here's hoping you make out like a bandit in your breach of contract suit! Hey, NBC- back up off Coco!
Conan is THE MAN!!!!!
You have class Conan!
Simply put: my pockets are deep, my staff may suffer, but it's the principle.
I did not think Jay would do well at 10PM Now we all see that NBC has screwed the pooch big time. Personally I never have cared to watch Jay Leno and Conan is a bit juvenile for me. I watch CBS. It will be interesting to see how NBC pulls this rabbit out of their hat.
Conan is awesome I really hope NBC will man up and just let Jay go.
I toatally agree. I am a huge follower of conan and any show he is on. He is too talented to settle. I will watch whatever he does in the future , and NBC is wrong in this and will see their mistake.
Conan–please don't go! If you leave the show I don't think I can follow NBC and its programs anymore. Hope you stay and keep up the fight!
Cheers,
-Alvin Lee
Boston, MA
Kind of like SNL on Sunday afternoon. Go Conan!
NBC will offer the Tonight Show to Jay. Jay will refuse it. Jay will leave, Conan will stay at 11:35 hosting the Tonight Show.
Conan
I will look forward to your next broadcast whichever network decides to put you on at 11:30,you rock!
The Jay & O'Brien / Conan & Lenow Tonight Shows:
alternating five minute bits
alternating ten minute interviews
alternating top billing
Amen Conan. Stick to your beliefs!! Let Leno take over for "Al in the Morning" show on the weatherchannel!!!!
This is a first-rate classy response (and a great way to show NBC how serious you are) to NBC's repeated failures at the helm. Is there anyone who can't see that the only correct decision is to let Jay Leno go, release/pay for his contract and let him start a new show on another network?
Then, NBC must realize that the lack of scripted offerings is killing them. Perhaps they'll realize this further when Southland (a former critical success on their network) starts building an audience on TNT starting tonight.
If this is what you do when you're in fourth place, NBC needs to disappear. No bailout.
A very classy statement – and also one of the harshest condemnations of a network I've ever read. Wow!
i love conan...leno can go away as far as i am concerned. there is a new generation watching this show and leno's comedy cannot keep up with it...
NBC should fire the useless Jimmy Fallon and give Conan his 12:30 slot back. That's the only decent thing to do.
Conan was always a lot funnier than Jay. I'm not sure what NBC is thinking.
Great letter by Conan. I hope Conan doesn't leave because we all love his show and hope that Conan is not put in a position to make this tough decision.
Conan is a class act.
NBC made this mess. Leno freely gave up The Tonight Show. I can't believe he's willing to take its time slot! That's just shameful. His time is over. Conan is the future. Also, Jimmy Fallon needs to go. He's just not funny. If Jay wants Jimmy's time slot, I say give it to him. But leave The Tonight Show where it is and how it is. Having Andy back with Conan is great. The only one making out like a bear in all this is David Letterman. How sweet that must be since he got screwed over for the gig he should have had on TTS.
PERFECT!
Although I am not a viewer of the Tonight Show, I do not like what NBC has done to either Conan or Jay. I truly hope both leave NBC.
Conan O'Brien is the Last Living Class Act of Comedy.
A true relic in an entertainment world gone mad.
A legend has been solidified.
LONG LIVE O'BRIEN.
I dont watch you but you are so right not to budge on this Good Luck to you
Where are you going to go? Do let the door hit you on your way out coz you are not funny
Looks like somebody has shown their true colors and is being a real "stand up" guy and a true gentleman about this. Well done, Conan!
wow, a real classy response. someone in this mess has some class.
Remember that it was Leno who decided to give up The Tonight Show. The fact that he had a change of heart and that NBC was generous enough to offer him a prime time spot is not Conan's fault. Leno's "experiment" failed and there should be no consolation prize for him to go back to late night. Maybe if NBC had spent more time promoting The Tonight Show instead of devoting all their time to Leno's, Conan's ratings would be higher.
Yay for Conan! I think this is the right decision.
Good for him. Leno sucks.
Bravo!
Jay Leno is the antithesis of funny. Conan is a comedic genius. The choice is clear, Leno must go!
Well said. NBC really does need to just cut Leno loose. I'm guessing Conan won't voluntarily rework his contract based on this released statement, which would open up NBC to a libel suit from Conan based on contracts he has signed. Best of luck Conan...
Dear Conan,
If I respected you, your team, your body of work before, now all I can say is: You have my forever growing respect and enormous support.
Your fan forever,
Raquel
P.S.: I forgive your hair. It's a force of nature on its own, why deny it? Long live your hair!
Conan O'Brien You are a man ! A real man who stands up for what he truly believes. I applaud you sir !! It takes alot of guts to stand up to the Suits of NBC. And also standing up for Jimmy, way to go !!! I'm gonna watch your show tonight for the first time in about a month. I hope you let people know about this statement. God Bless You !!!!
Class, class & more class – I wish him well.
Conan,
I represent the Conan O' Brien fan club in NYC and all 27 of us support your decision. Hang in there big guy..
BillSeitles
Don't go Conando! After all these years we can finally watch you at a decent hour. NBC....honor your original contract!
total BS on NBC's part ... They pulled the same stuff with Dave years ago ... For some reason they think Jay is the golden boy they can't do without ... Leno should do the right thing and go away for real so that Conan can have his day. Johnny is turning in his grave!
Conan rocks...diplomacy, sincerity, and reasoned thought in a time of hardship. He deserves better!!!
I have been a fan of Conan O'Brien for 17 years and I will continue to be, no matter what time on network he is on! COCO...COCO...COCO...
I for one have long been a fan of Conan, and will follow wherever he ends up. This whole thing has been idiotic from the start. Leno should have bowed out gracefully after a nice run. Perhaps NBC could actually try to develop some decent shows for a change in the 10:00 slot and leave the Tonight Show alone. Good luck to you Conan.
Dump Jay, he killed the news lead-in ratings with his horrible show.
I'm glad to see Conan standing up for the Tonight Show, and his career. NBC has lost its collective mind and I hope they resist the urge to destroy their late night schedule just to cater to Leno. It doesn't make a bit of sense to put Leno in a 30 minute show and have Conan and Fallon suffer for it. I hope Leno retires and Conan can be given the opportunity to take the Tonight Show into its next era. And for the record, hair that fierce should never be apologized for...
You are a true gentleman. I believe when one door closes, another one will open far wider. Good luck to you!
NBC needs to keep it's promise to Conan. The Tonight Show is part of the fabric of American television, from Jack Parr to Johnny Carson to Leno. It is now time to pass the torch to Conan. He has proven to deserve this time slot and should not be denied. I have never been a fan of Jay Leno and felt it was insulting for him to fill Carsons shoes. No one could. Perhaps Conan should follow David Letterman example and find a Network that appreciates his immense talent. Good Luck Conan!!!
Now do you understand why David Letterman doesn't speak to Jay Leno? Once a back-stabber, always a back-stabber.....
I think it's ashame that Conan has to be put into this predicament...and all because NBC is trying to hold on to or accommodate a show that is not worth holding on to-The Jay Leno show. Jay Leno should be a man and a walk away, instead of making a huge problem for everybody else. And like Conan said, the Tonight Show is not the Tonight Show at 12:05 am...period.
Kudos for sticking up for what you think is right. I think Jay Leno is acting like a spoiled child who had a temper tanrum until he got what he wanted.
I think your show is 100% better the what he had to offer. You will be sadly missed.
You go, Conan! I hope NBC can get this figured out because you and the Tonigh Show would be dearly missed, but I believe this is the right decision for you and I admire you for sticking to your guns.
Very "stand-up" thing of you to do, Conan. Very much unlike what NBC is doing. There comes issues at times when one must stand up for what they believe in, and what is right. This is something rarely seen nowadays in society, and almost NEVER in shobiz. But YOU did stand up. Nothing but admiration because us "regular folks" forget that T.V. personalities, actors, etc. are real people too. Something will work out because you are way too talented to keep off the air. Best of luck!
Good for Conan! He has been awesome on the Tonight Show and really think Jay Leno is past his prime. The Tonight Show needs to connect with a younger audience and with Conan they can do that.
Conan is absolutely right about his predictions for the Tonight Show in a 12:05 a.m. slot. Kudos to him for laying it out there and being sincere about the way he is being treated. He'll land on his feet again and probably surpass NBC in ratings.
Cry me a river. I never watched you and prefer LENO anyway.
I concur with Conan. I have to believe the The Tonight Show in any other time slot is categorically ill-advised and damages the franchise entirely.
NBC take a page from the GB Packers and move forward with your new package and put the old dog that cannot make up his mind out to pasture.
Live up to your contract obligations and the public in general, and not destroy the franchise – The Tonight Show.
Conan,.
Our hats off to you for showing a tremendous amount of integrity in the face of unfair treatment. You and The Tonight Show deserve better. We hope you can work things out.
Sincerely,
"People of Earth"
Surprise you are surprised. You should have seen it coming after what they did to David Letterman.
Well there you go. A wonderful statement by Conan showing what a gentlman he is. He really cares about his show, and NBC should respect that.
Get rid of Leno! Conan shouldn't have to suffer for his lack-luster show. Leno should have RETIRED a long time ago, like when he retired from the Tonight Show? Let go Leno, no one wants you.
Conan is letting his pride get in the way of his money. Bad bad bad decision.
By this statement, Conan has indicated that he is indeed a mature, brilliant, and funny class-act. He does Brookline, Massachusetts, very proud. I will follow him wherever he goes (even if it is FOX).
I have been a loyal Conan viewer essentially since the beginning. If the executives at NBC feel that the best move is to bring back the provenly unfunny, ratings blackhole that Jay Leno has been of late, then I applaud Conan's decision to leave NBC. Conan, just know that I, like all of your faithful fans, will follow you to any network and/or time.
Conan O'Brien is the best thing on late night TV.
NBC, once again, proves that it is inept.
Unbelievably stupid on NBC's part. Conan deserves better.
What a wonderful commentary! Good job, Conan!
Good for you, Conan! Can't believe this is happening to you – totally undeserved. Was so happy when you took over the slot. I'd always thought The Tonight Show was intended to be clever, hip and new – loved the self-deprecating style of Johnny. Your show is like that, too. Never cared for Leno, and his disdainful style. Pretty old-fashioned, too. Thought it was a completely stupid move on NBC's part to put Leno in every night – who the heck would watch that? Oh, right, no one. Which is why this is happening now. Love your respect for Dave and Jimmy – being honorable in the face of non-honor. Kudos! Leave this train-wreck company and let them wallow in their failure.
I totally agree with Conan. The idea of putting the Tonight Show on "tomorrow" is absurd. As is the idea of giving Jay a half hour time slot. I don't think many people will be watching either show. I wish Conan and Jay all the best.
COCO SAYS NONO!!!!
I think it's time for NBC to cut ties with Mr. Leno. He has served NBC well, but it's time to go. Mr. O'Brien should have his chance to prove himself in the true time slot for "The Tonight Show"...it is something he has worked for and he has earned. By the way, I am Mr. Leno's age, appreciate his humor, but also appreciate that the baton needs to be passed.
Thank you.
Good for Conan! He deserves SO much better. I can't wait to see what happens when Leno's show tanks!
Conan, you suck anyway and have for years. Your humor is minimal at best and you should leave to make room for Jay. He is the man. You could never fill his shoes or show. Go fishing.
Conan has every right to be angry at NBC. The last #1 show on NBC was what? Seinfeld? NBC is run down as hell...
Sorry, but his jokes aren't the best. Do not really care that much to see him go, if he does. Maybe Max can play for Jay's band?
Jay Leno is much funnier than Conan.
This is Conan. Humor and style encapsulated in class. This is why he will succeed wherever he wants to go.
ps-Conan, you could have Gene Simmons' hair.
Well said Conan!
I love how Leno screwed over Carson and Letterman in '92 and now he's decided to top off that hack of a weasal move by screwing over Conan, Fallon AND another Carson. Daly is out of a job as far as this new lineup goes, and God only knows where Conan and Fallon will land. Maybe another earthquake will hit with winds blowing them straight over to FOX. I don't watch Fox, but I certainly don't watch NBC for anything other than late night when I'm done with work either. If Leno were any kind of a decent human being and man, he'd retire already, having enough fame and fortune for three lifetimes.
The only funny thing about that old man is his existence and persistence in the late night arena. The only good thing I can say about NBC is that they have O'Brien, and it really doesn't look like they're going to have him for much longer. Aside from the fact that he's the only comic and late night host our generation is willing to watch and laugh with, the man completely uprooted his life and the lives of his friends, families and co-workers for the Tonight Show. I can't believe NBC would do that to him, and I can't believe that Leno's taking this deal and going along with it. My disbelief is almost as great a letdown as watching Leno painfully attempt a punchline.
Conan,
If you walk, I'm going with you. Cir-cle. Cir-cle. CIR-CLE. CIR-CLE!
conan – you are a class act. i have grown up watching johnnie carson, jay leno, david letterman, you and saturday night live. i am a fan of late night. however, when jay left late night i was thought that was a bad decision. now he wants back? that is not right or fair to you and your staff, but MONEY rules and not inegrity. it seems honor has left the executives of NBC. can't people just do the right thing even if you make less? i know i do that all the time and i am just a small fry in the big sceem of corp america.
Leno passed on the show to Conan and announced his retirement. Leno needs to step down and honor his word to Conan and let him lead the tonight show. Leno has no integrity if he lets this happen.
With class... thanks Conan!
It's very sad what NBC executives are doing to Conan and his people. How could they push the Tonight Show to a later time slot which technically is NOT AT NIGHT. If that is actually done it contradicts the title of the show. Even after being told he was being booted to a later time he still remains respectful to the Tonight Show franchise and to Jimmy Fallon. This proves that Conan really is a nice person and should be respected by NBC. Those people really don't know what they are doing with their network.
Amazing that Jay's poor performance is the entire reason for this debacle and yet the knuckleheads at NBC are risking losing Conan over him. What kind of weird alternate reality are they living in? Jay, it's time for you to go now.
Conan; The only intelligent late-night talk show host. If NBC was even half as intelligent they would allow him to continue with the show at its normal time and bump Leno out. He's had his time.
Conan has every reason to be upset with Leno, as much as the network. Leno gave up the tonight show, and he gave it to Conan and now he's taking it back? Yea...I'd be mad at him, too. I think another poster said it just right: Leno should man up and do the right thing. He had his shot, now he should step aside as planned and let someone else have a shot.
Astutely written, and shame on NBC. They are making bad decision after bad decision here, and it will haunt them for another year if they don't man up and just jettison Jay. Put him on one primetime slot a week, make it a variety show, hell, give him a daytime slot at this point. But Conan and all the writers, production folks and staff who have tried to give this a go deserve far better. Perhaps they'll get it somewhere else and NBC will continue to languish at the bottom of the ratings pool....
I love you, Conan. And your hair.
He is a class act – 100%.
Jen in Denver, Colorado
I love that he is being an real man about this.
NBC get it together!!! How could you make the late night show at 12:05?
That is ludicrist and you will loose more rating cause of a bad business decision.
Jay can go anywhere, he made the decision to change. Why should everyone else be pushed just for Jay-Really, get real Jay-Go to another network or retire!!! I do love your show, but to kick other people out cause you think you are top dog!!! Time for dog to get a new dog house!
Just my thoughts- and one person who will not be DVR-I will simple walk away-Hope there are others out their like me.
Jay Leno should do the right thing, and accept that his show is being cancelled. He should refuse an 11 or 1130 time slot that would bump Conan and the Tonight Show from the 1130 slot.
NBC is moronic at virtually every level, this just being the latest example of it. Their news coverage is the worst, their shows are pathetic, and instead of attempting to address those concerns, they choose to jeopardize the one thing they actually had going for it.
Conan once again shows the humor, intellect, and class that have made him my favorite late-night show for almost half of my life!
He not only succeeds in putting the entire late-night logjam into perspective, but also deftly points out the failures of NBC and Leno with incredible precision.
I will watch Conan, Andy, Max, et. al, wherever they go!
Right on, Conan! Time to fly the FOX outta that crumbling ediface that is NBC!
Way to go Conan! Leno isn't even funny. Let him go back to stand-up in clubs. Hang tough, some network will give you a gig if NBC is dumb enough to let you go.
Class act, Conan. Nice. Good karma will follow. All the best, R. A.
Lars Kelley –
Try looking at those ratings one more time. Leno has had awful ratings since his primetime show began. There is a reason they're doing this and it's because of his terrible ratings. Now, he wanted to retire from the Tonight Show...so retire already!!! Let somone else man the ship and go play with your fancy cars.
That is really crappy what NBC is doing. I will not be watching NBC after the news unless Conan returns to the original time. Leno isn't even funny and only doing his show a half an hour is a waste!!!!
hell yeah!! we're with you CoCo. glad to see somebody take a stand. if Leno has a backbone he will come out and say he can't be the cause of this trainwreck and bow out. if he doesn't, we'll follow you wherever CoCo.
Since you have no offers, CoCo: Please feel free to visit Rocky Mount, North Carolina. We would welcome your visit to our Cultural Center. In case you are not familiar with Rocky Mount (you have been moving around a lot), Martin Luther King, Jr. gave the famous "I Have A Dream" speech here the first time he ever spoke it. Give it some thought.......
I never liked Conan, I never thought he should have got the tonight show to begin with. As for Jay, his new show is certainly not any different than when he was on the tonight show. With NBC's ratings sucking as much as they do, they should hire someone like myself to do a total revamp of the tv lineup. I couldnt make it worse.
Conan, you rock! Wherever you go, your fans will follow.
George Lopez is whoopin' Conan and Leno combined! Johnny Carson remains as the greatest late night host of all time and for Leno screwing over Letterman as Carson's successor...well, let's just say it's just desserts.
Conan is absolutely right. To move the Tonight Show is absurd. NBC has boldly displayed there idiocy by putting Leno in a prime time show. Now, they are about to out do their stupidity by moving the tonight show. Leno made the choice to leave that spot, now he wants it back...for me, he just inst worth all this trouble. Leave the tonight show alone, Leno, you can go to the tabloid channel FOX. Johnny Carson is rolling in his grave! I think that kid I saw on the news that is charge if these things is out of control and far too immature to be running, or should I say ruining NBC television.
One of the best statements I've ever read.
Jay is ssssoooo much better than Conan, this would be a no-brainer. Move Jay back to the Tonight Show and let Conan go to Fox. Jay and Jimmy, a dynamite line-up...
Can Leno... he ain't even funny.
Good for you Conan. You are 100% right. Most executives are so out of touch, basing all their decisions on numbers on a paper. Jay Leno at 10 was stupid (Like New Coke). If it was on once per week, it probably would have done well. I can't watch all that television. I watch the Tonight Show only when a guest interests me, and I will watch the whole thing. I would like to watch them all, but even with the DVR, I don't have 5 hours per week for this sort of thing. Good for you Conan for standing your ground!
I had seen Conan on his other show and had disliked him on that. When he took ovr the Tonight show I quit watching. Classy letter from him but I will not miss him.
I think Conan summed it up. His response to NBC is thoughtful, strategic and logical – everything that NBC's actions are not.
I like both Jay and Conan, but NBC has treated both disgracefully. Conan deserved more time to establish the show and Jay should not have been penciled in to leave until he decided that he was done in the first place. The whole thing is a fiasco for NBC. Conan should move to another network and Jay should make another go of it at NBC I guess. The brand is pretty tarnished so a re-launch could fail as well. A 1/2 hour show with Jay and then Conan starting at 12:05 is just too dumb for words. Good Luck to both men. I know they will be successful wherever they fall.
We fully support Conan, and will follow him wherever he ends up!!!
Conan O'Brien is the host that people under the age of 50 want to see. NBC is never going to convince young people that Jay Leno is funny, and we aren't the demographic that needs something on television while we fall asleep. We want someone who makes us laugh.
I hope Conan moves to a new network that gives him a good time slot and a quality lead in.
It should be noted that in every market, the show the follows Leno gets bad ratings. Do you think it's because every one of those shows is bad and Leno is good, or because Leno is a bad lead in?
Hey Conan maybe it's a sign you really belong in New York.You'll never tan in L.A. anyway. We will follow you wherever you go! Ya know whadda I mean? xx
I was never a big Conan fan, but I may become one after this letter. What class! Right now, NBC just can't get out their own way.
this means the end of me ever watching Leno again. I will always find a way to watch me some Conezy though!
first of all, i've never been a Conan fan. BUT WAIT ALL YOU FANS BEFORE YOU HATE ON ME! I don't dislike Conan, i've even watched his show from time to time, he just was not my cup of tea...you know, i wish him well and al lthe success. BUT I don't see how he can be shocked or surprised at the way NBC is treating him. They screwed over Letterman and upset him way back when, when he was supposed to take over Tonight, they screwed Leno by forcing him out before he was ready to leave, and so what they are doing to him should be no surprise.
And yet, even after all that, i supose i AM a little taken aback that NBC would do this! Although with their ratings, it should be obvious that they conduct their bussiness like they have a complete moron in charge. (and that's an insult to morons!)
I can't imagine how this thing works out, but Conan, GOOD LUCK, whatever you do!
Leno is now damaged goods and should stay away from television for a year. Then maybe give him a 4 pm daytime talk show...hey, Oprah is leaving anyway.. Keep Conan on at 11:35...without viewers having to sit an entire hour first through Jay Leno, Conan's ratings will rise quickly.
I feel NBC has gotten itself into a position where it has to chose between too many stars for too few time slots. If they thought Jay Leno was most valuable at 11:35 then they should have kept him there, but we were told that Jay was leaving that time slot to pursue another avenue, and the slot was given to Conan. Now the NBC executives have realized they made a mistake, and they don't care who's life they step on, like most large corporations. Good luck to Conan, and Jimmy although I didn't watch either show I can still have empathy for them.
You're the man Conan!!
While I feel bad for Conan, Craig Ferguson is my late night choice.
Bummer if Conan is forced to leave. Leno has always sucked. Leno is the George Lazenby of late night.
Does NBC think putting Leno on later will make him actually funny and relevant? Which I've always though are really good traits for a comedian to have...but maybe that's just me.
CONAN WE LOVE YOU!!!!
Sad to see this. Leno is simply not as funny as he thinks he is.
You're a class act Conan. NBC execs are trying to save their jobs by doing -something- to fix the mess they got themselves into. They should be axed immediately before that something is dragging the network down even further. Jay Leno should retire, he looks tired, his show is tired. Conan, you're the best. Personally I hope that you keep the Tonight Show at it's current time or move to Fox at 11. Either would make me happy. Thanks for standing up for yourself.
Conan is a class act.... If this has taught us anything, no matter your job, your at the whims of the company, nothing more than a mule.
Company loyalty is an outdated concept. Get yours and yours alone – just speak the company line at work to keep the bosses happy.
Loyalty today for employees should only extend to the receipt of their next paycheck.
Super classy Conan...I'll follow you wherever you decide to go.
Well said Conan! Fire Leno!! wasn't he supposed to retire anyways. Move over Leno, Conan was supposed to be there, not you!!!!!
While I do feel for Conan, he has to understand that television ratings are cutthroat. The days of waiting for a hit like Seinfeld to finally gel are long over. And frankly, he should have been prepared for this knowing that NBC is a sinking ship and hasn't had a hit since Friends. This proves that sometimes it's better to hold onto a proven vet and well- oiled machine like Jay Leno even if his act is somewhat repetitive.
People conveniently forgot that Jay had higher ratings than Dave. Conan wasn't going to be able to surpass Dave anytime soon, so NBC has to cut it's losses.
Conan's previous Late Night show had a distinctly New York appeal that I loved. I also watch Letterman for the same reason. I think Conan should pack up and move home To NYC. Take an offer with Fox. He is too good for NBC, but his audience is a niche audience and not nearly as broad as Jay's. NBC has to save their channel before it sinks like the Titanic. It really is just business. There's no reason for any of the Tonight Show hosts to be angry.
I appreciate Conan's comments about how the world has problems worse than his, but it still stinks how he was never given a truly fair chance. He got far less time than Leno got, with the added hurdle of NBC undermining the legitimacy of his "Tonight Show" by putting Leno on at 10pm anyway. It would've been interesting to see how Conan's audience went without Leno drawing away viewers who only have room for one talk show in their evening schedule.
That said, I totally respect and share his point of view that the "Tonight Show" is an institution larger than the specific guy behind the desk. Hopefully NBC will come to their senses and truly keep the promise they made to Conan; if not I will be happy to give him a chance if (when) he ends up on FOX.
I can't stand Jay Leno. Never could. His show is a failure.
Here is the problem. The did not phase Conan in like they with Jay Leno and Carson. Conan should go back to Late NIght and do 1 night a week of the Tonight Show for a couple years, whole weeks in the summer and gradually phase out Leno.
People forget that Leno became popular because people turned on the tonight to watch Carson but Leno was "guest hosting" so they watched anyway. When they picked Leno over Letterman it was because the audience was used to Leno already.
Get rid of Fallen, Conan back to Late Night with a huge bonus and phase him into the tonight show over the next five years. At the same time try out a bunch of young talent on the Late Show to groom for the tonight show.
Jay Leno just needs to hang it up and retire. The guy is not funny anymore, and if he retires, he can spend more time on his hundreds of cars and motorcycles. C'mon Jay, hang it up!
Good Job, Leno! Go back to your old time slot and continue to copy everything off of the Stern Show. Conan is much better than Jay and original.
Leno peaked on Laverne and Shirley
This whole thing is absurd!! Didn't Jay Leno, at the onset of his reign at the Tonight Show, indicate he was in it for a finite period of time? Well, that time is up and his/NBC's prime time experiment didn't work. Take a hike Jay and let everyone one else continue. NBC – put in a real show to help your affiliates and Conan. Enough is enough!
He always was a much better writer than talk show host.
Leno is a dinosaur! Pay off Leno's contract and let him go! Conan RULEZ!
It would be such a mistake to bring Leno back to late night at the expense of Conan and the Tonight Show. Leno, take a bow, exit stage left.
I'm not much of a fan of Conan...always been a Letterman watcher. But Conan got this exactly right. There are bigger problems in the world, but in the context of late night TV the Tonight Show should stay right where it is. And several months is definitely not long enough to see if something will work. Conan obviously has his fans and this is just so typical of the "right now" and "what have you done for me lately" mentality of so many industries right now.
Good for Conan! NBC promised him the Tonight Show years ago and are now screwing him over by trying to keep Leno. Now there will truly be no reason to watch NBC.
Conan, you are fantastic and I hope to see you on Fox!
My personal preference is Jay over Conan, but I think Conan is getting a raw deal with this latest move, and I think his statement is a good response. If NBC keeps on the way they're going they'll lose both Jay and Conan, and I think it would serve them right.
I have no idea why NBC would move Jay Leno in the first place. These polls about who watches what at what time are absolutely bogus. Jay had a good slot. And to even consider move the 'Tonight" Show to TOMOROW, would have Jack Paar and Johnny Carson both rolling in their graves. NBC should just let things be! There is a big Jay Leno fan base, and I think more would be able to watch him at the earlier time slot (as -s). LEAVE THE TONIGHT SHOW ALONE!!!!!
dear conan,
BYE-BYE!
He has got class. Its NBC's loss I have been following Conan for years and he really brings alot to the table every night.
Go Conan! Personally, I will not watch Jay if the network puts him back on. Conan does a fantastic job in the evenings and when Jay decided to "retire" from late nite, he took his chances. Cry baby!
I'm with you all the way Conan! It is a slap in the face to you, your staff, and to the legacy of The Tonight Show to ask you to move to 12:05am (which isn't even "tonight", it's "the next day") & I am glad you will not accept it. I sincerely hope that Fox makes you an offer to take your brand of late night comedy to their network. I know I will be watching.
Cheers,
Christian
If Conan does eventually leave..get Jerry Seinfeld to host.
The only reason I ever watched Jay Leno was because Conan came on after him. I hope NBC realizes how much they are screwing up by keeping that unoriginal pompous jerk on late night tv. I hope Conan goes to Fox so I don't have to worry about watching Jay Leno ever again!
Leno retired from the show and passed the torch to Conan. Leno is a fake if he pushes himself back into that time slot. NBC should find something else for Leno to do.
Conan is doing the right thing to leave instead of letting NBC execs make a fool out of everyone involved. Conan is a great talent and NBC doesn't realize the future they are going to give up. Good Luck NBC – because when Leno leaves for the second time, who's going to want the job?
Leno wasn't winning the late night ratings until he got one break through interview with a cheating Hugh Grant. It is unfair to judge Conan on the current ratings, not only was he competing against Letterman, he was competing against Leno too...
I feel bad for Conan. I don't understand why NBC won't just move Leno to 9 pm and put a drama on at 10. That would resolve the issues with the affiliates and keep everyone where they are.
Leno is not funny at all
Jack Donaghy needs to be called in to fix this.
Do what you must man!
I've been a huge fan of Conan's for years. We will follow him wherever he goes. Completely agree with his statements, new shows and ratings aren't made in a day and if the network is concerned about Jay Leno show losing money, cancel it and be done with it. And Conan don't change the hair!
Why not move Jay Leno to the 12:05 slot? Conan is the man now and Jay is the one wanting back what he gave away. just because your new show sucks doesn't mean he should get his old one back. welcome to the corporate world.
dont go conan... we love you
Although I don't watch much late night tv anymore, it's great that Conan is sticking up for what he believes in and it's the least bit selfish. Seems the networks pull, push, and shove so it's fantastic he's put the ball back in NBC's court.
Class act, Conan. You've always been my fav. I will be watching wherever you end up
Well looks like Lopez Tonight will be the winner here, it's what the Late Show was when Conan took over..edgy yet funny, mixed with The Arsenio Hall Show of old...entertainment and fresh at the same time. Is it me or is does NBC stand for No Brains Controlling???
Not a Conan fan, but I think he is getting screwed by NBC if they move him later to put Leno back at 11:35. The plan always was for Leno to leave The Tonight Show, it wasn't like NBC forced him off the show to put him on at 10pm. Cast members of cancelled shows don't get to just take over somebody else's role in a different time slot, why should Leno be any different. He couldn't pull it off and his show should be cancelled; end of story.
Stand up for Conan and walk away with a little dignity, Jay.
A legend in his own mind.
Conan should keep his new spot. Jay should get Jimmy Fallon's.
Jimmy should go back to SNL.
There, all is fixed and I'm happier.
NBC created this whole mess. Conan and Jay never seemed to have any problems before. NBC offered Leno a slot, and I think his show's pretty good. This is just another example of corporate America taking two good guys, actually four, because Fallon gets bumped and Carson Daly gets cancelled but stays on contract (whatever that means) and putting them against each other. How about Leno becomes Conan's Ed McMahon? That would be funny! NBC do the right thing leave it alone until Septemeber!
Conan is the man. Way to stand up for yourself (and Fallon) in a classy manner.
Conan,
A class act all the way!
It's not Jay or Conan's fault any of this is happening. It is bad decision making on NBC management's part. I bet if NBC could go back to Jay at 11:30 EST and Conan at 12:30 EST, they would. Someone other than Jay or Conan should get fired for this. I'm sure Jay doesn't like this either. I'm sure he would rather keep things the way they are, but business is business. Jay likes Conan and I'm sure he doesn't want anything bad to happen to him. As Conan said, don't feel sorry for any of them. They all make more money per year and have more fun at work than all of us posters combined.
Honestly, I don't think either of them are very funny, and all these formula talk-shows are just not that entertaining. Craig Fergusson and Wanda Sykes are the exceptions, I record them to watch later.
Good luck at 11:35 Jay. The good folks that bring us Geritol and Ovaltine must be wringing their hands.
Way to stick to your guns and send corporate America a message!
Do not feel sorry for Conan – that is the whole point of his letter. He's got way more class than the people who seem to have the ability to decide his short-term fate on NBC. He is rising above, people. Say hello to someone with dignity and character – who just happened to get mixed in with the wrong bunch of bozos.
I will not on Conan's request feel sorry for him, I respect that. But I can't help feel a slight heartbreak to see him a victim of NBC's horrible management. This guy did it. He achieved his dream! He took over the Tonight Show and deservingly so.
Conan's actually respecting the 60 years of the Tonight Show, he's not willing to be part of the destruction of that at this point American (USA) Television national treasure. I found it incredibly crass that the NBC executives prematurely pulled the plug on him. How almost... abusive that is. NBC failed NOT Conan. Current NBC executives did NOT give Conan an opportunity to flourish, build his audience, did not support him. Johnny must be turning in his grave.
I will NEVER watch another NBC show again or support any of its advertisers, and I'll make a list to carry with me. On the other hand I will admit this, I haven't owned a TV since about 2003, I caught up with Conan's Tonight Show via Hulu and the great thing is that I watch it anytime in the evenings and I still get a sense that its 11:35 pm when that Conan theme song hits! And I LOVE that!
I will miss Conan, I only wish that there will be a midnight hour (slight pun intended) decision to save Conan's Tonight Show. And Jay would consider stepping aside and supporting Conan rather than taking it back.
Conan deserves more than just seven months. This is the problem with television today....too quick to pull the plug before a show can develop its roots. If Conan is dropped from the Tonight Show just to accommodate Leno, then I'm done with NBC late night. There is always Letterman to fill the void.
I have a few friends that work on his show. They always said Conan was a giant pain in the butt BUT they love him and that he always looked out for his crew to the inth degree.
His whole group will be on Fox very soon.
As for Jay, Jay is a great guy and I betcha this has to do more with NBC than Jay. I've talked with the man for hours and he is the same way(caring and concern wise).
NBC's executives' panic is really starting to show.
Try some quality programming and not this rehash reality crap and you may have something.
my 2cents
Conan is in a league of his own. I wish the best and greatest success wherever he may wind up. I've never liked Leno and I am sad to see NBC treat Conan this way.
Good for you Conan! I to grew up watching Johnny and I think what you and your crew has done to re-establish what I believe to be THE Tonight Show, is fantastic! The show is back to what it should be however, Jay did his own thing which was good for his style. I think the situation that NBC has put everyone in is nothing more than a bunch of suits trying to save their own millions. I think Jay had a good run and now it's time for him to move on and let the Tonight Show progress as it has for years. I was disappointed in his new show and was really expecting something new and different from the same old same old. So NBC, why don't you do the right thing and work something out with Jay and leave the Tonight Show and Jimmy Fallon be!
teamconan.com
NBC is boarding the HMS Leno without any lifeboats.
I think that NBC executives are missing the point that a huge part of the success of 'The Tonight Show' lies in the 11:35 slot. People for years wanted to lie in bed and watch the monologue, then fall asleep with Johnny or Jay. That quality is not DVR-able, and is akin to asking someone to change something that has become very much a part of their daily routine. Watching last night's 'Tonight' the next day is not the same experience. As much as I like Jay, what's going on here isn't fair to Conan, nor to the viewing public. Decide what you want NBC, but be careful what you do to an American television icon, and the fine performers you have in your late night line-up.
Goodbye Leno – you lost all my respect after 20 years. NBC and Lars are both idiots. FOX, please take Conan away from the morons at NBC.
Conan,
You are a class act!
Conan,
I am a long time fan and love all that you and your staff have done over the years.
Please don't walk away.,... I will watch you no matter where you land !
Good luck.
E Braun
Good on ya, Conan. That is how it should be done, funny but wise; strong but not forceful. Conan O'Brien has been one of the best modern comedic writers of the last 20 years, the fact that The Simpsons made it from the mediocrity of season 1 to the pure, unmatched hilarity of season 4 is due largely to this man.
It's a true shame that NBC cannot recognize the cachet of their history, something they should be able to properly exploit for success. Hopefully, Conan's powerful words here will remind them of the right path and they will figure a better situation out of this mess than to disrespect one of their most consistent talents and one of the most important talk shows of all time.
I hope Conan doesn't end up at Fox, they clearly have no idea how to nurture talent or quality, but no matter where Mr. O'Brien ends up, I wish him the greatest of successes.
Conan, I was never a fan of your show. But you've been dealt from the bottom of the deck – and in return, shown you're a class act. NBC's loss. Good luck.
Sounds like this actually came from Conan and his lawyers. Never watched his show much, but this sounds like a classy statement with not a lot of malicious finger pointing.
Well said Conan. A classy statement.
Wow. Conan is the man. I have no doubt he will end up on another network soon enough. His show was great and he is absolutely right...all he needed was time and support by the network. He got neither.
His entire staff uprooted themselves from New York to LA for the Tonight Show, only to be given seven months to prove themselves. Is this what TV is coming to? I know we live in a on-demand world these days, but people/talent still deserve some respect.
As for those saying Conan's TS ratings aren't what Leno's were– few remember that Leno's ratings were weak the first few months after he started. If I remember correctly it wasn't until he interviewed post-hooker-scandal Hugh Grant that his ratings began to shoot up.
It took Leno a while, it's only natural that it would take Conan a while for his show to perform. But TV executive's memories are comparable to that of a goldfish, so...
This whole debacle makes Leno seem like a giant petulant baby.
Anyway, glad to see Conan taking the high road, and showing some class. I'm sure you'll land on your feet, wherever you end up.
NBC is run by a bunch of idiots on behavior modifying drugs!
Cone-Dog is the man. He has the chance to be as funny and classy as Carson but NBC is too blind to see the potential. Doesn't matter what he does, he's the future of late night.
for crying out loud, why can't Leno just gracefully step down and let the Tonight Show go on with its new host?!? you didn't see Carson hanging around causing problems like this!!
Conan,
While I have nothing against you personally and I don't or can't appreciate the humor on your show, a deal is a deal. If you want to stick it to NBC for breach of contract, lay it on them.
However, If Late Night TV is on in this house, it will be Dave or Jay. Sorry, and again, nothing personal.
Thanks,
PS: Nice hair? Are you kin to Carrot Top?
As far as I'm concerned, the Tonight Show ended when Johnny Carson left. Everyone else since then has been a mere shadow.
Yes, Conan is a class act, and Leno is an ass act! Leno failed–it's that simple. So to save face, they bring him back to 11:35 pm hoping that he will re-energize the ratings. In turn, the move indirectly says that Conan failed. NBC's programming 'guru' should be fired. It was a poor move from the beginning, and now it's a total mess.
Leno should have more class, and just move on rather than trying to reclaim the 11:35 spot. I will not watch him - on principle!!
An eloquent and classy statement displaying his skill as the writer he once worked full-time as and a comedy host he humbly transformed into. As Jerry Seinfeld suggested, (and partly as Conan requested), “Don’t feel sorry for this guy…he has an opportunity to destroy everybody.”
I'm not a real fan of either Leno or Conan, but the Tonight show belongs after the news. Jay looks like a jerk in this situation and he should bow out. He's had his turn and now it's Conan's. I thought it was terrible that they put Jay's show on in the first place, like a total insult to conan. Now it's time to say good-bye to Leno even if he isn't ready.
Conan's statement is quite classy and I applaud his position.
Very classy, Conan!!!!
Now Leno should follow suit, swallow his larger than life ego, and do what he should have done six months ago: Retire
EPIC SUCCESS!!! Good Luck Conan.
First Jay Leno screws David Letterman out of the Tonight Show and now he's trying to screw Conan out of it. Both of those men are vastly superior as talk show hosts and operate in the tradition of the late night show, whereas Jay does his shtick each night. It used to mean something to be on the Tonight Show. Now, because of how Jay Leno handled that responsibility, now a guest spot on the Tonight Show doesn't amount to much. Notice how Jay is one of the only late night talk show hosts that never gets nominated? He is the worse one. Why NBC is willing to stab Dave and now Conan in the back over Jay amazes me. Maybe it's because of decisions like that that NBC is dead last in the ratings.
What's that about history repeating itself? Years ago, NBC screwed around with its people and lost Letterman. It's screwing around now and will loose Conan. And if Leno has any sense, he'll be looking for something else to do at night. (Doesn't he have enough money to do the right thing and walk away?) I can't believe that a prime time talk show was considered the future of television just a few, short months ago.
I LOVE YOU CONAN!!!
You ARE A CLASS ACT! and where ever you go, I'll follow!!!
screw nbc!
What a class act! I'm a huge fan and will watch whatever Conan does next.
Conan is awesome and very funny. The NBC execs messed up big time.
Jay's comedy is old and worn out – the main reason why his show isn't working...that and the horrible set! Move on, man! Go ride your motorcycles and exit gracefully! Do you really think you'll be able to come back to late night and reclaim the top ratings spot? You (and NBC) took a HUGE risk and lost – there's no going back.
Conan = Class is right. Moving the show to 12:05 to keep Jay is a serious mistake. Conan, you need to stay in your same slot or go to another network where you will actually be supported.
Let Leno go, his days are over in late night. If he didn't want to retire then he shouldn't have. If he wanted to retire he should have stayed retired.
I think you're doing and saying the right thing for the right reasons as you stated in your letter.
Conan, you are too cool brother! You are true OC, original comedian. I look forward to seeing your talent on a different network that appreciates your hard work and dedication, and also, that out of this planet 'do.
Leno has no class and he hasn't been funny in years. He planned on retiring but could find anything to do with himself, so he had to come back with the same old jokes and screw things up. People tend to forget that his ratings were terrible in the beginning but they improved eventually. Conan is an original like Dave, who deserves to be supported by his network.
Way to go Conan! I like to see that hair at 11:35 and I wouldn't wait at 12:05.
Fire the NBC execs for thinking that Jay Leno would work in the earlier timeslot. Conan has an established audience as does Jay. NBC had two hours of decent late night ratings when Jay and Conan were back to back. Now there gonna have only one hour of decent late night ratings when Jay is moved back to the Tonight Show and Conan leaves NBC. I hope Conan goes back to New York, joins CBS in a slot right after Letterman and him and Dave Letterman kick the crap out of NBC in the ratings!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep up the good fight Conan. I can tell you I never watched Leno and went to bed often before your Late Night show but have been a loyal viewer at 11:35 and that's where you should stay!
Not only 'class'- but TRULY funny- quick witted, and entertaining- unlike Jay. As far as I'm concerned- true talent in Late Night = Letterman, Ferguson and Conan. And that's it. Kimmel is ok- but not great. But, even Kimmel is better than Leno- who ranks 5th. Jimmy Fallon is the least talented of all. He shouldn't even be called a comedian. At best, he's a "C" movie actor. He'll only not flub lines with 5 takes. They should pay millions and give that show to Bill Hader. Now, he's a hidden talent that NBC should take advantage of... Hader's the next Jim Carrey- in my opinion! In summary, Memo to NBC: If you're smart. Pay Jay what you owe him and say – CYA!! Keep Conan where he is and happy! FIRE JIMMY! Hire Bill Hader! That's the ONLY way you'd be able to compete with Letterman and Ferguson. If not, I hope Conan kicks Jay's a@@ on FOX. And I hope CBS hires Hader to take over for Ferguson after Ferguson moves up to 11:30 after Dave retires in a few years. Also, you should change your call letters to MBC- the MORON Broadcasting Company.
Huzzah, Conan!
You have worked long and hard to get where you are and deserve to stay there. Jay announced his 'retirement' years ago, and both he and the execs at NBC had plenty of time to strategize the format/time slot for his 'new' show. Well, they blew it. Sorry, but this is grown-up time. No 'do-overs'. Stand your ground. If they lose you, they, and your viewers will be very sorry. But, before you go – if it comes to that – get the biggest, fattest severance deal anyone has ever seen.
Cheers!
I have watched the Tonight Show since I was a kid. I can not imagine that the excutive bafoons at NBC are even considering asking such a dumb question out of Conan. NBC needs to go back to the drawing board and get rid of Leno. Ratings never fell because of Conan but because of Jay. Think about it, Leno has the lead in, then the news followed by the Tonight Show. If Leno cant keep people tuned in, people will change channels, follow that with the news on that station. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out what show they will watch thereafter. If Conan leaves so shall I. I will miss my shows such as Heroes, Law and Order, Chuck, etc...
Well, NBC does it again. They are the one network that repeatedly shoots themselves in the foot. When Conan leaves, which he should, I'll be watching his show on whatever station has him. He was the only reason why I'd watch NBC but it looks like thats over now too. I hope NBC never recovers from this in there late night ratings.
NBC nees to realize that Conan is the new era and our generation dig his show. Yes tivo /dvr can probably be blames a bit. Im overseas and watch Conan on Hulu or AFN when I can. My viewing doesn't help because its not counted towards the actual numbers.
Leno, he is just play stale. His best bits are the jay walking segments where people make idiots of themselves.
I don't think Conan is that good ( or bad ), but his hair! Child please!! Why anyone in the public eye, with all the hairdressers out there and all the money in the world, wouldn't change that GOD-AWFUL HAIR, is baffling. Maybe he'll think again about how stupid he looks, now that it has cost him his job!!
Why not have them do their programs, it is taped anyway, then allow the viewer to selection which person to watch. Give it 6 months the lower ratings is out.
I heart you Coney! Stick it to "the man!"
Late night television would be instantly improved if Conan O'Brien were to depart NBC immediately after tonight's show. He is a thoroughly obnoxious, asinine jerk just like Jay Leno. Get rid of them both NBC.
LONG LIVE CONAN!!!!!!
I was never a big fan of Conan, I am a Letterman fan. However, this is the most gratious statement I have ever read. Although I do not align with Conan's comedy, he has my respect. NBC management, on the other hand has horrendously botched this up. What a bunch of total idiots, with no credibility, common sense, or most importantly ethics. Leno should go as he is the odd man out. Here is an idea, give the network to Howard Stern, as he predicted this situation from the beginning, and truly values Conan, and Jimmy.
Calling it "The Tonight Show" at 12:05AM won't even make sense. It would have to be called The Today Show, but that's already been done.
Conan, I like your hair. J
Conando rules! I hope he does move to a new show, since he's been on the tonight show, you can tell that some of the comedy bits are more sterile, not quite the quirky, weird, witty, and funny bits he used to do on Late Night. Bottom line, they are not funny and seem to be written towards Leno's family-friendly, mainstream audience, not so much the edgy, Daily Show types that appreciated Conan on Late Night. God bless Conan! I hope he goes to Fox or Comedy Central at 11 pm so that I can watch his show instead of using the DVR to catch him and Andy and Max and LaBamba.
don't like your show Conan, and would be happy to see Jay back as I have missed his show...that said, you are a class act. your letter is from the heart and i hope that everything can be resolved and that your career continues to flourish.
Conan, you are a class act who has handled this pathetic disloyalty with dignity and integrity, neither of which Mr. Leno apparently possesses. I was glad to see David Letterman land on his feet when all was said and done back in the 90's, and I fully expect you to do the same. We all know it will work out for the best, just hang in there.
The Tonight Show is for fossils. Take the mega cash that Fox will give you and laugh all the way to the bank! Aw hell, you'll get enough to buy a bank!
This is a joke. Leno is still just as unfunny and unoriginal as he was on the Tonight Show. I still don't know how he had the numbers he had. His jokes were stale, unoriginal and just not funny. They were grade school level and a cheap laugh. Apparently America doesn't want to have to think.
NBC should leave Conan be at the Tonight Show, he is so much funnier than Jay and believe he has even had to dumb it down to try and keep the Leno contingent. Conan is comedic genius and would be a shame for them to screw him over like that.
NBC made a mistake when they didn't give the tonight show to David Letterman back in1992 and screwed him over and now they're doing it to Conan O'brien.Unfair.No wonder Nbc's ratings are in the tank.Maybe the'll give Bill Cosby a show and revive the network like they did in the mid 1980's
I like Conan and Leno.
but if i had to choose between the two, i'd take conan in a heartbeat
A great example of applying your principles. America needs more of it.
Fortunately for Conan, even his prior gigs have made him independently wealthy enough that he can afford to tell NBC to "shove it" .... in the gentel manner that he just exhibited.
Very classy, just what I would expect from Conan, not to mention funny. I was hoping I would see him on another network but it sounds to me that he will probably take a buy-out from NBC. One media outlet says he's been offered 80 million from NBC to go away. If so, I hope he uses that time (and money) to write a book about his experiences in TV and maybe start his own production company. Whatever he does, I wish him the best of luck.
Jay Leno needs to retire...He has had his time. Conan and Jimmy are amazing and they deserve their time to shine! Jay Leno is trying to hold on to his career but I guess he is not getting the hint: NOBODY WANTS TO WATCH YOU!!!!!
I freakin' love you Conan. This may hurt Jay in the long run. This may not have been his decision, but he could've stepped up to the plate as you did and not allowed it to go forward, let alone, far enough to hit the media.
I will never watch Leno again. I watched some odd 5 years ago when Jay renewed his contract and announced that Conan would take over as host, at the end of that contract. But now Jay doesn't want to retire.... and NBC has to keep him on or he will go to a competing network. (its a no win situation for NBC) If Carson had decided to stay on the air like Jay did; Jay would have failed...... Jay.... go lay on a beach somewhere, work on some cars, spend all those millions. What you are doing to Conan is low class.....
I love you Conan, and I love your hair and I love your integrity.
Responding to a couple posts below, I don't think anyone says Leno is the problem – NBC is the problem. They made the decision to stick Leno on at ten, lowering the ratings for affiliates and damaging the ratings for the Tonight Show. Also, Conan wasn't given the chance to find an audience (as Leno was in 1993 – remember, he wasn't always #1) which I think he eventually would. It was a lousy deal from the beginning and the odd man out will be Conan. I hope he doesn't go to Fox but instead finds something else to challenge and entertain him and us in the near future. And while I personally don't find Mr. Leno entertaining, funny or at all interesting, I very much appreciate Conan's loyalty to the legacy of The Tonight Show.
Conan = The man.
Conan is a class act. I don't see Jay Leno stepping up to say "I won't do that to Conan." But yet Conan refuses to do that to Jimmy and to tarnish the Tonight Show. Leno hasn't been funny in years – it's time for him to go.
Conan, you are not living up to the expectations of The Tonight Show which was the late night leader almost since its inception. Since you took over viewers have flocked to Letterman, who by the way I don't like. NBC is doing what is best for the company and its affiliates and going with who produces results and draws in the audience, who happens to be Leno. So Conan suck it up, own up to it or move on and remain third banana.
Good for You Conan! I agree with everything you wrote in your statement. Rearranging the late night schedule to accommodate someone's vanity for thirty minutes just doesn't cut it. You are very talented, and by the way, we like your hair.
love it conan! way to stick it back to the man.
The most amusing thing about this talkback is that every single person who has opined that Conan isn't very funny has demonstrated some basic lack of understanding of grammar, sentence structure, or reading comprehension (of his letter and its meaning).
If the jokes and the commentary escape you, perhaps you should return to Larry the Cable Guy–he's more your speed.
For the rest of us, to see someone so professional and classy be treated so shabbily is a shame. Conan's fans will follow him if he is forced to leave.
This is the first time i have ever written on a blog or is it in a blog. Anyway Conan you are an original, a real class act. I think the person that should be moved out is the NBC executive that allowed leno to have a prime time spot, Conan whatever you decide I'm with youl.
Conan here or Jay there? Who cares? I kick myself that I actually wasted my time to read the whole statement.
Conan never got a fair shake once they decided to put Jay on at 10:00. That's like buying a house, and then having the old owners living right next door...just kind of weird. Go away Jay. Having jay's show at 10 not only hurts the late night ratings (just looked at how p'od the local affiliates were) but it creates confusion. And, I agree Leno wasn't funny...with his Don Rickles-style schtick and predictable jokes that were only funny because the band played music after the bad ones to cover the silence of no laughter.
Conan, you're a class act.
poor Conan...maybe you and Jay Leno should host the Tonight show together. It will be like glenn beck and keith olbermann hosting the Oprah show...
haha... Good luck man..
Wow, just like NBC screwed Johnny and Dave. Connan's letter is in a class with Johnny's; Go out with grace and style. Johnny didnt stand for NBCs political garbage and neither should Conan.
Have fun with your new purchase Comcast.
If I were running NBC, I'd let him go. You're not going to put him back at the Late Night Show, and he has shown he can't hold his own against Letterman, so he's obviously not going to be a major threat against both Letterman AND Leno at 11:30. Put Leno back at 11:30, which will improve the ratings, and let one of your competitors overpay for Conan to be in third place.
The only reason Jay will not resign, is because NBC is the only Network that thinks he is still funny. Conan can literally go anywhere, and be HIGHLY successful, but when Jay leaves NBC, he is leaving network television for good.
Conan = poor ratings = Welcome back Jay and hello advertising dollars.
I will lose all respect for Mr. Leno if he takes the half-hour at 11:35.
NBC is making a huge mistake, and Leno should really get over himself and see that he's the odd man out here- don't ruin the very thing you devoted years of your life to. Conan, as always so smart, classy and of course funny. We're all behind you!
See you in univision conan..
Truly sad situation and I agree with Conan. The franchise is firmly rooted to immediately follow local news. Anything else will lead to atrophy of the audiance.
It appears both Conan and Jay are right. They are being penalized because of the lack of ratings of the rest of the NBC prime time. Apparently NBC is trying to save money because they don't have anything to plug the Jay Leno hour before the news. Too bad NBC won't have a chance to recover either. With the number of viewing options, who cares.
Time for Leno to man-up and retire and not be party to pushing back the Tonight Show and Late Night.
I will watch Conan on whatever channel he goes to (yes, even FOX). He has always been one of the funniest guys on television and deserves to be the host of the Tonight Show. NBC has really lost it.
What I can't understand is Why Leno is still on TV, did he not quit the Tonight Show in 2009? Why does he still have a show, they should keep conan at the same time and let Jay Leno do special shows for them on a monthly basis or something like that. No show but he would still have a job at NBC. I think that sound like a plan so NBC better listen up because they have alot of unhappy people there. Just my Opintion.
Best in your face but in a nice way letter!!
Conan no matter what station you work in i'll always watch your show. I've been a huge fan of yours since you started the late night show, and I always thought you were funnier than Leno.
If unfunny Conan leaves, NBC will have to find someone else to illustrate – on a daily basis – that America is the bastion of bad taste.
love love love you coney!!!
Good man, Conan! You deserve a full shot. Jay is the one who should back out gracefully, he's had his.
Wow! What a stupid move by NBC to even consider this debacle of a move. Conan deserves to be treated a hell of a lot better than this...NBC sucks!
I love Conan. I'll be very very sad if he's no longer on late night tv and I probably won't watch it anymore because for me there will be nothing to watch. Honestly, I understand that NBC took a risk with their new late night lineup, but they should have had a backup plan in place already if it didn't work out. A backup plan that included keeping Conan on the Tonight Show!
p.s. Dear NBC, Conan has a younger audience than Leno. In my opinion, that gives him longevity. As his current audience members get older, they will probably continue watching his show (I know I will). He will probably also continue to attract the 20-somethings to his show. You just aren't giving him the chance he deserves. Maybe there are other factors in play here that I don't understand, but I think your business decision is short-sighted here. Just my opinion.
Jay Leno is about as funny as a malignant tumor.
Well said, Conan. I always wondered about the hair.
This guy just do't get it. The issue is not how much he enjoyed hosting this program or how disappointing it is for him to consider losing it. The issue is how much the viewing public enjoys him hosting it. After seven months of people turning away time has come to make the call - "bad show!"
Leno is so not funny, the only thing going for him is that he doesn't suck as much as Letterman. If they move Leno and his ratings go up it's only because of all the controversy surrounding the switch back, which he is creating. NBC executives are truly ruining their primetime programming with this move. Cancel Leno and fill it with something people want to watch....don't get rid of Conan, who has a much brighter future ahead of him than Leno.
Can't wait to see Conan on a new network killing Leno in the ratings.
I'm a bigger fan of Leno than Conan, but even I think NBC is screwing Conan here.. As I recall, Leno's ratings weren't stellar when he started out either... So step aside Jay and let the rightful heir to the Tonight Show have it. It's a simple question of fairness. Anything less represents selfishness and greed.
Conan was promised the Tonight Show when Jay Leno was slated to retire several years later. Why is Jay Leno still on the air? That is the problem. Jay, you've had a great career and it's time to move on and honor your commitment to go and let other comedians get their chance. David Letterman, I could say the same thing.
NBC has made several huge mistakes here. They have destroyed The Tonight show and will still be paying for this years from now. Conan just gave a very classy "shove it" letter to NBC. Hopefully he jumps to Fox and then goes on to thrash NBC in the late night ratings.
Also, I used to think Letterman was just bitter every time he made Jay Leno out to be a bad guy who liked to pull the strings behind the scenes to screw people over if he wanted something. Now I'm not so sure Letterman was just bitter, he may have been telling the truth.
Everyone keeps saying that the Tonight Show's ratings have dropped since Conan came to fill the seat. But now its coming out that the local affiliate news was having a very bad drop in ratings being after Leno. Has it occurred to anyone that Conan's problem with ratings might have nothing to do with him and have something to do with Jay Leno/local news affiliates inability to hold viewers into the Tonight Show?
sure his show is toned down from the previous craziness. but he's still arguably the best late night host right now, giving him like 6 months to get the same ratings that jay built up in 17 years is ridiculous.
jay should just retire late night and make a new show about cars or something on a cable network.
Conan, I love you and you're doing the right thing. I will never watch NBC again. I've hated Leno since he stole the Tonight Show the first time. Letterman deserved it, even Johnny Carson knew that and continued to send Letterman joke ideas after he retired.
Jay Leno is not funny & never has been. ALL the others: O'Brien, Letterman, Kimmel, Ferguson, Fallon, are all naturally, spontaneously funny people. Leno's humor appeals to the ignorant, uneducated masses who don't know when to laugh unless the comedian pauses at the end of his jokes. Jay's a whiny, weasel who's face reminds me of big, ugly butt cheeks w/ his mouth being the crack and his nose brown from kissing NBC corporate ass.
Conan is hilarious and brilliant. NBC had better not risk losing such an ace host and comedian.
Johnny Carson did late night to perfection. Leno, Conan, Letterman, etc., no matter how entertaining, will only ever be second best. Time for the networks to give us something completely fresh.
Or, we could all just turn of the TV and read a book.
I love Conan and wish that Jay Leno would hang it up. NBC executives must have nothing better to do than to constantly screw up what viewers love.
As much as I dislike Letterman I started watching him rather than Conan.
Really no need to add one more comment to profess my love for you. But I do love you. Have always loved you. And will love you forever. So very much. Now even more if that is even possible.
Your loyal legion of Conrad O Bannon fans will follow you where ever your hair takes us! ::::Salutes:::::
Jay Leno at 11:35?
Perrrrfect.
FOR ME TO POOP ON!!!!!!
Conan is right nbc should leave him where he is !! We love you buddy
Montreal, Que
Although I'm not a big fan of Conan or Leno, I am aghast at what NBC is asking. No Tonight show right after the News? You can bet I am one who will not be watching a show that starts at 12:05 p.m. If Leno couldn't cut it in prime time, why punish people who are at least trying to make a good show their own? Leno had his chance, two of them in fact. Don't punish others for his failure to bring in viewers.
Never liked Jay...always LOVED Conan – Give it up Jay – the show is now Conan's – take your other ball and go home
Leno is not the problem here folks, he is as much a victim as Conan. Leno was contractually forced out of the Tonight Show by NBC in an attempt to attract a younger audience. They gave him the Prime Time slot to keep him from jumping ship when they did that.
The problem is...Conan had to water down his act for the 11:30 time slot, which cost him his younger viewers; while never quite attracting the over 50 crowd that was loyal to Leno, so the net effect was a ratings drop.
NBC screwed up from a business point of view...Leno had won the late night wars for over 12 years, he was the late night Golden Goose...Conan attracted the younger crowd that came home from nightshift or the clubs, it was the perfect pairing...they should have never changed it.
NBC...what the F are you guys doing? I understand Leno has meant the world to that network...but sometimes you have to look into the future. The situation is similar to that of the Green Bay packers choosing Aaron Rogers and the future over Brett Favre and one more good season. I would say NBC needs to take a clue from the Packers Franchise and follow their lead. It worked out very well for them and would no doubt have the same result in NBC's case. Nerd on, Conan. I follow wherever you go.
I lost interest in Jay Leno as he seemed to fade into retirement mode while on air! I enjoy Jaywalking but his monologue presentation is tired. I enjoy Conan's wit and humour–both his monologue and interviews. Skits are always flaky–just as were Jay's.
I agree with those that support keeping Conan at the existing time and format and just moving Jay Leno to Sunday morning with the old folks happy hour revival.
I hope that 1) Conan leaves NBC 2) Jay gets The Tonight Show back and 3) the ratings are terrible. Conan has been fantastic on whatever show he's hosting and this is all just garbage.
Maybe he could move his entire crew and get a show on HBO or Showtime if Fox or Comedy Central didn't materialize, but its clear that the majority of these comments are in Conan's favor. Crazy lanky ginger SOB that he is.
Leno passed on the show to Conan and announced his retirement. JAy lame-o needs to hang it up..Conan is Future. Lame-o show sucks..
I Hope no one watches jays show... He needs to go sit down!
In the year 2000, NBC will make a decision that will forever mar the chemistry of their legendary late night comedy programs. The Absurdly Late Tonight Show, with Ashton Kutcher.
Love you Conan, good luck!
Way to go, Conan! If Jay had any class whatsoever, he'll gracefully bow out and let Conan continue what he started 7 months ago.
TEAM CONAN
Conan is awesome, Jay should take his giant chin and akward conversation, get in one of his thousand cars and drive away into the sunset.
As classy as this statement is, you can tell it also oozes with feelings of hurt and betrayal by NBC, and rightly so. Since 2004 we've all known his day would come to host the Tonight Show, and now he's getting screwed. Do you think a guy that talented and funny would sit at a 12:30AM slot for 17 years without the promise of the Tonight Show? Not sure if Leno is behind this, but if he is, this is on the level of a Brett Favre. Leno, just RETIRE!!! Conan is 10x's the host Leno ever will be. I have no idea who watches Leno, but his monologue just isn't funny. Conan is a true stand-up comedian. NBC, you have the Office and Conan. That is it. Don't screw over 1 of your 2 remaining good programs. Thanks.
Conan, hugs and loves man. (Pssst. By the way, I like you much more than that other guy)
Can't wait to see the new show on FOX!! (hey FOX if you're reading this, take that as a hint on what to do next!) You've made your own name buddy, and whatever you end up doing your fans will be right there with you!
He is no Leno. He should go back to his old slot.
Jay Leno should move to the Discovery Channel and host a classic cars show.
Axe Leno!!!! You didn't see Johnny Carson sticking around in primetime trying to steal away viewers from the tonight show. Leno what a hypocrite. Your time has passed move on. It is pathetic to see him hang on like this. I always preferred Conan and Letterman over Leno. After this fiasco there is no way I would watch the tonight show if Leno is hosting it AGAIN. Just poor class.
I love Conan, but until all of this dust settles I'm going back to Letterman.
Well said Conan!
Ok, let's keep Leno and die of boredom from his show!! I hope to see you on a different network CONAN, very very soon! I would watch you on any other network over Leno any day!
Jay, You had your time in the sun. It's time to go and go quietly...and if you listen carefully you can hear the the guy off stage with the bo-peep hook dialed in on Jimmy Fallon. Apparently no one put together a focus group on that show. He's right up there with Craig and Magic. Alas giving Jimmy the hook doesn't fix anything here.
Conan is absolutely right, and this is a fantastic statement- true class. I think NBC is downright bonkers for holding on to Leno like this- didn't he retire? Regardless, the Tonight Show belongs right where it is, and Conan makes a fabulous host.
I would like to see Jay Leno back as The Tonight Show because it should have stayed that way from the beginning. Jay is the best!!! I can't stand the other shows and no one I know can either.
Classy statement from a classy man. All the best to you and your show, Conan!! You have, quite literally, millions rooting for you!
Jay announced his retirement long ago..He should stand up and be a man and bow out NOW..He gave up the show, and now his ten oclock show didn't work out , he wants back the tonight show...shame on him...Conan worked for that spot and it shouldn't be taken from him...If Jay gets the show back, I will switch to Letterman!!
Leno needs to let go of what he said he wanted to let go of already! It's called integrity! Stop making Conan and The Tonight Show suffer from your poor decisions. If Conan gets the boot for this, and NBC allows him to leave, then they too are morally bankrupt and lack accountability and integrity. I will no longer watch NBC.
I love your show Conan. Go to FOX or to another network that *actually* values your work and what you do.
Conan is the man– handling this with complete integrity and class!
What Im not sure NBC is realizing is how much this will thoroughly annoy other NBC actors! Conan has had his hand in most of NBC's franchises, including The Office (Krasinski, Kaling, and Kinsing were all once interns for Conan), 30 Rock (Jack McBrayer was an intern, and Tina Fey pretty much adores Conan), and SNL where he got his start. I feel getting rid of Jay may be the smartest move politically, as people had already accepted that he was going to retire in the first place.
Does anyone even remember this all started because LENO QUIT in 2004, saying he was leaving when his contract was up in 2009? Last night (January 11, 2010), Leno had the nerve to say he had been fired from the 11:30 slot and fired from the 10:00 slot. Conan was named the Tonight Show host-in-waiting 6 years ago when Leno quit. Somewhere along the way, Leno decided he still wanted to do TV and NBC created the 10:00 show for him. This is all Leno's fault. Be a man and retire like you said you would.
I can't think of the last time I laughed at Leno. Conan and Andy I tune into just about every night. Though my night with NBC ends right there because I think Craig Ferguson is 1000 times better than Jimmy. I think I like him even more than Conan.
I support Conan! You go man, will watch you anywhere you go
Well said, Conan. Good Luck!
Conan, way to keep it classy and funny. Late night television won't be the same without CoCo. Jay Leno had his time and he willingly retired. I watched Jay Leno from time to time, but never laughed at a single joke of his. His show is best reserved for the elderly and those with a bland sense of humor. Conan was the future of the Tonight Show and NBC is treating him and his staff unfairly. I hope to see him on FOX or any network that will appreciate him. Besides Conan and Jimmy Fallon there is no reason to watch NBC.
Conan is awesome in so many ways. He is not selfish, obviously loyal and full of heart. He will suceed in whatever he chooses to do. Much admiration to him.
Time to retire, Jay. GO CONAN!
Is Conan right? Tough to say, after you get past his Harvard educated eloquence consider the following, his show at 12:30 was much better than his show at 11:30, Jay's show at 11:30 was much better than his show at 10:00. Jay retired too early, he needed about five more years.
Conan should have accepted that instead of pushing the network to accept the helm at an earlier point. Is he right that 12:00 will destroy the franchise? Questionable, and he shouldn't let his ego assume the worst.
It could work. The problem would be if NBC decided to expand Leno back to an hour and essentially relegate Conan to his original slot. Then Conan would probably have no choice but to jump ship.
Conan is a stand up guy. I LOVE his version of the Tonight Show and can't believe that NBC would be so dim witted as to sentence it to a quiet death. I sincerely hope that Conan and his staff and crew are offered a new show because late night TV won't be worth watching until they do.
Conan is amazing...Conan the Barbarian...THAT'S who should get the show. Not just 30 minutes...NBC needs to have a Conan the Barbarian talk show for 24 hours a day. Then and only then will they be saved...from both their rating woes and the tree of woe.
Nothing but class in that statement, Conan. I've never watched either show, but I think what NBC (Nothing But Crocodiles) is doing, is beyond unprofessional.
I think now would be a good time for Jay Leno to actually DO that retirement thing he was talking about. It would be the right thing to do, considering that the new lineup is going to cost somebody his job.
TEAM COCO! I went to conan's show last nov and i had a great time and shook jim careys hand! im sooo happy i had a chance to go since this guff has happened! i am totally TEAM COCO! go to comedy central Conan!
I truly feel for Conen, it is tough losing your job – too many people know that. I had always watched Jay at 11:35, but don't always get the chance at 10. I watched Conen long enough to discern that his style was not for me, I will once again be watching Jay and for that I am happy. NBC should have never created this mess. (Neither Jay nor Conen created this mess, they just get caught in the middle.)
So, Leno steals the Tonight Show from Letterman, who by all rights should have inherited it from Carson. That resulted in Letterman moving to CBS, which never had a late night show that could compete with the Tonight Show before Letterman's Late Show. Now, not satisfied with keeping the promise (and contract) he made 5 years ago, Leno is going to steal the Tonight Show back from O'Brien, which will likely result in O'Brien setting up a competing show at Fox. What does NBC love so much about Leno? If the geniuses at NBC had gotten it right the first time, they would have given the Tonight Show to Letterman, with O'Brien lined up as his successor, and no competition at the time slot from any other broadcast network. (And Leno would still be doing the stand-up circuit where he belongs.)
I've been watching Conan for years. He appeals to the younger crowd. Most people who don't like Conan are in their mid-40s (from what I've personally heard when talking latenight at work or social gatherings) I will follow Conan where ever he goes. NBC is making one mistake after another, and honestly, what will they air at Leno's old slot? You can only play so much "To Catch a Predetor"
Leno should have as much class as Conan and retire as he was contracted to do. What does he have on the NBC execs? Is he blackmailing them, or do they really think that he is so great that they have to ruin a person's life long dream (and a pretty good show) by shoving him out of the way for Leno. My guess - Leno has created enough animosity among the viewing public that Letterman will continue to win the ratings war. I, for one, will never watch Leno again, no matter who his guests are. And NBC just sucks for putting Conan in this position. Sorry, but no other way to put it.
I would much rather have Jay Leno on The Tonight Show. No one else can compete with him. NBC should never have let him go.
Conan is very mature in his reply. I didn't watch the show, but I now respect him for doing the right things. I don't feel sorry because I think he is mature and wise enough for better and bigger things to happen to him. Shame on NBC to do things simply because they can....
Way to go Conan! NBC us making a huge mistake!
You're right Conan, it would not be the Tonight Show if it moves to 12:05, that would be the "Tomorrow Morning Show" or better yet, "The Earliest Morning Show".
You're the corned beef in this NBC late night sandwich, Conan. Don't let them put you on stale bread.
Great statement?!?. I disagree. Sounds to me like Conan already decided to leave. Anyone who writes a public statement using words such as "some degree of support" & "terrible difficulty" I find it hard to believe you "honestly have no idea what happens next." Especially in light of your prior statement "But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction." I feel sorry for the shows staff who are going to be out of a job.
We here in Seattle are rooting for you.
Well said, Conan. We support you.
And I WILL not watch the half-hour show of Leno's...it tarnishes the Tonight Show too much.
I agree with Dan's comment: "Wow, just like NBC screwed Johnny and Dave. Connan's letter is in a class with Johnny's; Go out with grace and style. Johnny didn't stand for NBC's political garbage and neither should Conan."
Thank you, Conan.
Conan,
I am a 62 year old grandmother of 9 that looks forward to watching late night programming. I will be honest with you, I very often struggle (channel surf) with "who do I watch tonight". I love watching you and David Letterman which makes it a predicament Monday through Friday. You, of course, win out more often than not.
I love your red hair and fair complexion. My two children are both redheads and 2 of my 9 grandkids are redheads. Your sense of humor makes my day.
Your statement on the late-night situation is exemplary and certainly shows what a professional and honorable person you are. NBC's decision makers have pulled some real "bone head" stunts before with absolutely no regard for what the viewers want, but this is the all time %@*&-up.
I'm proud of you Conan and will continue to follow your successful career. You, your family, and all your staff are in my prayers.
Grandma Karen
awesome awesome awesome!!!
CoCo is the coolest!!
Oh, and for the record, I think your hair is totally sexy.
Leno should move on.
Very classy Conan.
NBC's decision to put Leno in at 10:00 undermined the Tonight Show.
The Tonight Show has been traditionally the first talk show of the evening. By making a show for the Leno and putting it in the 10:00 slot split its late night talk show audience. I have no doubt that Conan's audience would have grown over time had there not been a competing show at 10:00.
Whatever really happened to why Leno left the Tonight Show and how NBC "fixed" the problem has caused this problem. In "fixing" this problem NBC may have totally lost any chance that the Tonight Show will ever regain its position.
Leno was the right choice when Carson left and Conan was the right choice when Leno left and still is.
Leno's humor is so second rate. I couldn't take watching the guy's pathetic attempt at being a Letterman wannabe, so I stopped watching a long time ago. As far a Conan goes, there's a funny guy. Good luck to you, Conan!
CONAN rules! I'll never watch the Tonight Show again i they screw him over..
Conan,
The Tonight Show was brought back to life when you came on board. Months later, you still shine. I hope someone smacks around the execs at NBC and wakes them up.
We love you.
I won't watch anything with Leno. He's like a sad old clown who only knows how to make one balloon animal.
Conan is twice the host of Leno.
are people forgetting that jay walked away from the tonite show~~that he GAVE it to conan? conan is so funny and unique. i'm sorry for those who don't 'get' him!
NBC is being so stupid. Conan is so right – the shows should not be pushed back later.
Jay retired – then he pulled a Brett Favre.
Conan is hilarious and I wish him luck however this turns out.
Here's an idea ... why don't they replace Leno with some tired, stale (lack of) reality programming. That would be the cherry on top! Conan, great seeing you take the high road. as others have noted: Class act! But do something about the hair, please !
Idea....Move Leno back to the 11:30 spot. Keep Jimmy Fallon, as is. Give Conan opportunity to develop a weekly comedy show at some other time, like Leno's was...but just not 5 nights a week! Maybe a big weekend something....
Leno is tanking at 10 not because of the time slot, it's because, sorry Leno, you're just not as funny anymore, and no disrespect cause you were funny for so many years, but Conan represents a whole different time and generation. I'm 32 and I grew up watching Conan and he's just, well..pretty f'in funny. He's kept his show so insanely funny you can tell a good amount of work is put into the quality of the show..
and thats saying much for me because i'm a snob when it comes to what I find funny. haha.
Conan rocks..leave him at 11:30..he deserves it damnit!!!
NBC really messed the bed when they gave The Tonight Show to Leno over Letterman. Letterman should have succeeded Carson and even Johnny himself was upset by the decision. Now they want to do the same to Conan? What is the big deal paving the golden road for Leno? He is just not that funny! Courage and patience Conan. You deserve better.
I watch NBC late only to see Conan. If you go to Fox, so will I, and the rest of this dorm follow too. You crack us up, bro!!!
Wow. . How many email addresses can one guy have.. Great writing though is it possible it's not much more than a 2 ft thick smoke screen. The crux of Big Steps is sometimes their comprised of a few small steps. Johnny Carson held Jay's hand for a time too.
The pen is mightier than an acronym.
Nicely phrased. Conan is the man...NBC is a failure. He could destroy everyone and start his own legacy on Fox Nao.. Wherever he goes i will follow and watch.
NBC is making an enormous mistake. Moving the Tonight Show to after 12 midnight makes it no longer the Tonight show, but the "Tomorrow Morning Show".
I agree with Conan that he has been enormously blessed, and I agree that NBC needs to seriously re-think its scheduling and management of ratings. Something is seriously a-miss.
go conan! i have always been a big fan and now have even more respect for you. way to stick to your guns and look out for your all the employees, jimmy and his staff, and the show's legacy.
I don't think that Jay is doing his show just for the money... he has a lot of people attached to his show that will lose their jobs if the show doesn't air. I think the Jay Leno show is a transition for them to be able to find other work.
Conan can attract an audience Leno can't: one that will be alive another 30 years or so.
I hope he finds a network that appreciates him and his sweet head of hair.
Leno was forced out of the tonight show because Conan threatened to quit if he couldn't move up the network food chain. Now Conan's tonight show sucks big time. I quit watching it. I'll continue to watch Nightline instead.
Conan,
Thank you for such a classy, concise statement. As a huge fan, it's been hard watching the goings-on the past few days at NBC. Shenanigans I tells ya, nothing but shenanigans. Move to FOX and do it quickly so you're back on tv ASAP. You make us all laugh and that's something we desperately need.
Considering the average age of the Leno viewer, they'll all be dead in 3-4 months, then where will NBC be? Ahhh ha haaaa. Wow, my evil laugh needs work.
Good luck Conan!
Conan needs to jump ship. If he allows them to make this change, he will never be given the respect he deserves; especially from the brass at NBC.
If NBC goes ahead and moves Jay Leno to the 11:35 slot, the public needs to boycott the show along with their advertisers.
Conan, you are all CLASS.
Classy position Conan. I can't say I've been a fan because I haven't. That said, a contract is a contract and that should be honored. Alas, we have entered the age where contracts are routinely broken and an acceptable remedies almost always tendered. Have fun cashing the check.
NBC....does not know marketing, or mass media anymore.
We love you CoCo! Fight the bear and I'll see around.
I haven't stuck with him for 10 out of my 18 years of existence on this planet for nothing.
While I love Conan, this has nothing to do with either he or Leno. This whole thing is about the network. They took a risk and made a mistake. Now they are trying to fix it. But their solution might just ruin two shows in the process. It's yet another gamble. I think Conan really stated things well. In any other business you would review the two against past performance and probably get rid of one. Good Luck NBC. You messed up prime time and now you are aiming to do the same to late night...
I say HBO should look @ snatching him up- move to cable Conan- it would shake up the industry for sure!!! We love you & dont want you to go away. Your humor is much more now then Jay's anyway.
You are a class act! I wish you well in what ever you decide.
I've always enjoyed Conan and can't believe that Jay is being so selfish in all this! He gave Conan the job and now wants it back? II have lost all respect for Jay Leno. Conan – I'll follow you wherever you go!!
Jay Leno should bow out gracefully. Conan is in the right on this one and there's no doubt.
Honestly, I think Jay should be contractually bound to host an American version of Top Gear with an overexcited chihuahua of a man (or woman) and a grumpy old car-magazine journalist who doesn't like anything. Then it could be aired on slow saturday afternoons when not even PBA or LPGA have any events
Conan and Kimmel are the funniest in late night. Dave and Leno are tired. Let's hope Conan can stick around in some fashion.
I like both Jay and Conan as comedians equally. And before, I loved both of their shows equally. However, after Jay moved to PrimeTime with "The Jay Leno Show", everyone I know including myself all agree that the new show format has bombed. It's much more bland, boring and just...bad, period. I don't blame Jay for this. The people to blame are the people (most likely they are new for the Jay Leno) that write the scripts for it. When Jay comes on and does his monologue and interviews guests, all is good as usual. But when the new features such as "JMZ", "10 at 10" (and "9" at "9"), "Earn Your Plug", etc come on, they are soooo lame and bad. I really don't like the idea of having other guests take part in the comedy show. They seem so amateur and they makes the show much less attractive to viewers like myself. After all, we've all waited to watch the former "The Tonight Show" to SEE JAY LENO. Now, we all wait to watch "The Jay Leno Show" to SEE JAY LENO, not less entertaining guests. I think that's the main problem why the Jay Leno Show is not performing up to par. That's the problem, not because of the poor timeslot. A really good Jay Leno show will put NBC's primetime 1-hr drama/scripted shows into direct competition, or even outcompete them.
We love you Conan (and your hair when it moves like a "shark" across the front of the camera)
They should have left things alone when Jay was on tonight show and Conan was on the Late show. It's neither Jay's or Conan's fault. it's the idiiots running the place. Jay was forced out of the tonight show, he didn't want to leave. NBC made him a show to keep him from going to another network and now this is what happens. NBC wants to have thier cake and eat it tooo.
I have pieces of poop that tell funnier jokes than Jay Leno.
My viewership follows Conan wherever he goes...
Jay should just bow our gracefully and drive off in his cars.
Well organized, articulate, and overflowing with class.
Congratulations, Conan, on a phenomenal career. I look forward to you making us laugh for decades to come.
Will not watch Leno, nor NBC late night, if this change occurs. Keep Conan at 11:35pm!
You rock Conan! We really miss you in NYC, say goodbye to Hollywood and come back where you belong.
We are of course hoping you retain the helm of "The Tonight Show" as is, so keep standing your ground. You are the perfect successor to Johnny, and if NBC execs can't see that, then it's their loss. Either way, your loyal fans will follow you wherever you go!
Keep Conan!!
If FOX wants a show, I think they said 11:00PM would be the starting time. It seems that Conan and Jay will be put up against eachother; I think whoever gets that slot will have an advantage.
Stick to your guns! A true class act, your fans will follow you in your endeavors
Absolutely brilliant statement...makes me have new respect and admiration for Conan, even though I preferred Jay on Tonight! On first reading of the coming change several years ago, I thought "what are they thinking?" I couldn't even believe Jay would want to retire so soon and didn't think Conan was the appropriate replacement for that legendary show and time slot. I haven't watched Conan as faithfully as Leno on Tonight, but think he deserves more time to prove himself than this decision gives him. He's so right about the time slot needing to stay the same...the country falls asleep with a smile listening to that show...after hearing all the pain on the local news. It would be nice if we could have just a few of our traditions remain intact. People and generations don't change that much...we need the continuity. It would be like taking away baseball.
Bravo for your totally straightforward remarks...Conan for public office!
Another poor decision by NBC.
You the best Conan!!!
I was never a fan of Leno or Letterman, and I don't care for the racist and sexist Kimmel. Conan was the only host that brought genuine, intelligent comedy to the late night line-up as far as I'm concerned. I began watching the Tonight Show because of Conan. Jay Leno is neither funny nor intelligent. If he had any sort of decency or integrity, he would walk away now and enjoy a very comfortable retirement after having had a long and successful career, letting Conan and Jimmy Fallon make a very watch-worthy weeknight talk show line-up. Jay Leno is selfish and greedy and only cares about his big face taking up NBC's television channel. Conan is ten times the man that Jay Leno will ever be!!!
Conan O'Brien is one very class act!! America needs another Ed Sullivan. Give Leno a variety show with all the glitz and glamour of a Las Vegas show. It would be fun and utilize Jay's true talents. Leave Conan's show alone!!!
I support Conan. NBC is lame.
Here's an idea to solve the whole mess: FIRE JAY.
It's sad to see NBC be so reactive rather than proactive because of low ratings from their affiliate stations? Besides, the "experiment" with Jay Leno failed. Why can't they just admit to that and leave well enough alone? Kudos to Conan's response.
I've been watching Conan for years and it's not right whats going on. Conan has handled this situation extremely well and has been a class act. I'll continue to watch him no matter where he goes because he will definitely still have a show somewhere, because he is simply to brilliant and funny to not watch.
Jay Leno has never been funny. Moving the slots around to make HIM happy is stupid. Moving the slots around because his show isnt getting the ratings they "hoped' for is stupid. No funny = low ratings!
Jay Leno, You should just retire and buy cars. Leave the funny to the people that know how to do it!
Conan is by far funnier than Leno. Better comedic timing and energy. Where ever you go Conan, I will be watching.
Sad to see it all play out like this. I think Conan is the best, funniest and the most responsive with his guests. Unfortunately, once again, mediocrity rules on network TV.
I am looking forward to whatever Conan will end up doing, no matter what the format, or what network he ends up signing to.
Goodbye Tonight Show!
Conan, you are not funny and your presence on The Tonight is truly ruining the franchsie.
I never watched any late night talk shows until Conan came on. I don't watch much television but I made sure to get in an hour Conan befoe bed. Shame on NBC
If only Tiger Woods was as classy as Conan, he'd be even richer, today; with his whole fortune still in tact. I guess you can put a price on class. Whatever shall become of that very classy mast**bating bear?
Completely disturbing, looks like NBC has a bad case of "Poor Leadership" If I were Conan, I would tell them to take a flying leap! He's the best and funniest guy on any late night show and should get out while he's has the chance. NBC, looks like they have a bunch of inexperienced idiots running it, so run Conan, run!!!!!
Hey Conan,
They are looking for a new American Idol Judge!
coco dont go go!!!!
Conan is the funniest of them all.
The problem is not Jay Leno in the 10PM time slot, the problem is Jay Leno. He is not funny, can't carry a bit and is so maudlin in many of his interviews, he is not interesting at all. If NBC wants to keep Jay on the air, give him the slot after Fallon at 1:45 or move him to the today show. He would probably make a great replacement for Willard Scott with all of his syrupy nonsense and effusiveness.
Conan, where you go I will follow. You funky red-haired nutbag.
not a funny person, but the hair is normal,
Rick
Conan = class, talent and humor
Leno = no class, no talent
NBC = plain ol' greed
I think its absolutely a classy statement. I grew with the Tonight Show and loved Johnny Carson. I don't find Jay humorous at all and much preferred Letterman. i've watched Conan and I enjoy some of his bits more than others but like someone else said, Craig Ferguson is the only late show I DVR.
Whatever business reasons brought this about, this is the best statement about it made so far. I agree pushing the show back would be a huge detraction from the whole idea of a show after the news.
Good luck Conan,
A person from earth!
When did any network executives give a rat's ass about any show? These people are lower than Lawyers, at least you can fertilize with Lawyers...
Bravo Cone-Man!!! Bravo!!! The Tonight Show shouldn't suffer because Jay won't leave quietly into the night.
Good luck!
I totally agree with Conan. Not to mention, I don't even find Leno funny. I don't understand why all the disruption of scheduling for him. I will just end up watching Letterman like I always did, and not remember to change the channel half way through the show to tune in to Conan. It would really be hurting the show, and also the Late Night show. The networks just don't appreciate when they have a good thing anymore.
Jay should've done the classy thing and said good-bye to NBC, thus preserving the legacy of the Tonight Show and giving Conan his due opportunity and respect.
Instead, he was complicit. Angry, sure, about his 10pm failure, but certainly accepting of his "back to usual slot" fate.
Conan – move to another network and start anew. If you build it, we will follow.
Conan is right. It's no longer the "Tonight Show" if it is airing in the early morning hours of the next day! Its the "Morning Show!" A show that has been on air for 60 years to be moved for a 35 minute show? Who think up this crap? What happens when Leno dies? does Conan get his 35 minute gig?
I LOVE Conan! JL needs to drop out of this... DO THE RIGHT THING J.
I agree with Lou F completely! Jay should man-up and retire. He gave up his show, did the same shtick at 10 pm where it didn't work, and now the network wants Conan to suffer. Shame on them! But strange that the network is showing Jay such loyalty when they never show it to anyone else.
Leno bought into the self-proclaimed belief that he's still a comic and funny. Ever since he took over for Johnny, if I've every watched him, I always switch channels not long into his monologue for something more entertaining - like bowling. With Conan's invigorated, self-deprecating comedic approach, we have begun to enjoy The Tonight Show all over again..... So to NBC: Retire Leno, it's clear he's had his shot and failed. For Conan: Your pride and class dictate success whereever you go next.....and your fans will follow.
I feel bad for Conan but i did not like the tonight show! He was better on late night.
Conan, you are hilarious- great statement. I'll watch you wherever and in any time slot. Awful decision from NBC-Leno is a has-been- just get rid of him.
I recently watched Pioneers of Television – Late Night on PBS, and I was reminded then that The Tonight Show is an American institution. It not only defined a genre it has endured and been successful – except for those Leno years, in my opinion. I can't believe NBC is jeopardizing a decades long legacy.
When NBC double-crossed Dave I left the Tonight Show. Thanks to DVR I can still watch you both. There is no doubt that NBC can be reactive and behave stupidly, but this is just crazy talk! Hey, NBC, ever heard the saying "Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it?"
Conan, I'm not feeling sorry for you. I'm feeling sorry for the people of earth if NBC can't see you and the Tonight Show are just fine where you are. As far as I am concerned, Jay can have the 1:05 a.m. slot. I avoid watching him in any time slot.
My favorite quote is apropos to so many situations, this included – NBC, are you listening – "You cannot solve a problem from the same consciousness that created it." – Albert Einstein.
Let Jay retire – he can still parlay his resumé into something that works for him. Ah, but no matter what NBC does, they signed big contracts they will have to honor out if they let either Jay or Conan drop. Good corporate citizenship.
This royal screw-job is not so surprising given what NBC has done with a number of promising shows over the past few seasons.
Giving them little time to develop an audience, cancelling them and then pissing off viewers like myself who truly LOVE TV.
Johnny Carson is rolling in his grave while NBC take a big dump on top of it.
NBC needs to face facts – Leno is NOT funny...at all. When a comic repeatedly has to explain his jokes – bad. The guy also can't interview a person to save his life. You are alienating the next generation of earners and forcing them to other networks who have more foresight than yourselves.
And now it is too late to go back.
Conan – classy as always. I will follow you wherever you go – and my advertising dollars will go with you.
Nice one Peacock.
What a classy, professional, well-thought and communicated statement. This alone makes me a huge fan. Go Conan!
conan, i will always love you & your show.
#Team Conan. It's a trend right now on Twitter for a reason. NBC may believe it's doing the right thing by relocating Leno, but clearly viewers don't feel the same.
I don't care what the ratings are of the Tonight Show, all you need to see is the 5 minute standing ovation that Conan receives every night at the beginning of the show.
Stay strong Conan, we're all rooting for you.
I agree with Mary below. While I like both Jay and Conan, Jay only 'retired' a while back because he was forced to by NBC's contract with Conan. So where's the crying out about fairness to Jay Leno. And Jay had to leave while he was leading in the ratings. It's not as if anyone, including Conan, has a 'right' to the 11:30 slot.
I find Jay more personable, even though Conan might be more original. I think one reason Conan's not doing well at 11:30 is that his humor/antics are more suitable to the 12:30 audience.
Very well done. Those who argue, or put him down for taking a stand are a bunch of pansies who would have folded to NBC's request had it been them. ... I guess screwing up not only the Tonight Show, but the people who come on behind the Tonight Show is fine with those critiques. ... Conan doesn't want screwing up the Tonight Show or messing up his colleagues shows on his conscience, and I don't blame him. ... Screw Leno, and screw the Conan critiques.
Conan you are the man!! Dont let them bring you down. I will not watch any late night show but yours. So NBC, pack that in your pipe and smoke it!
good for you Conan. itegrity and loyality may be NBC can learn by your example.
Leno makes me kringe with his personal attack jokes on other people.
Leno needs to find another gig and let Conan do his thing.
NBC is not funny playing with these funny shows.
Public opinion is so clearly behind Conan on this one, and against Jay moving back to 11:35. NBC needs to forget about pandering to their "big star" (Leno) and start thinking about what its remaining audience wants to see (Conan). If they give their audience the finger this way, they'll start losing them all across the schedule.
Jay needs to move on and give Conan a chance. Conan is all NBC has going for it in late night and he will probably be the one to leave. NBC will be stuck with Jay and Jimmy Fallon, neither of whom are remotely funny.
I don't really understand the basis for the problem. Conan is awesome, Jay is not. I'm not actually sure what demographic Jay appeals to and must assume he is in possession of compromising photos of someone important.
Show Jay the door, and leave late night alone.
Conan = Wow! Love ya, man. We'll follow and watch you wherever you go next. Class all the way.
Leno = Yawn. Yesterday's news. Gone from my radar.
NBC = The biggest loser. Watch those late night ratings plummet.
Conan should go to Fox at 11:30pm...I hate those Seinfield re-runs. Telemundo would take him too...as Conando lol...xoxo Conan
Jay Leno is not funny. If his TERRIBLE show turned people off from watching their local news on NBC, then he probably hurt viewership of the Tonight Show as well. Oh, and then there's always the problem of diluting the talent available for interviews by having THREE late shows on every night. NBC has just made a bad situation even worse. Conan will prevail in whatever he does.
Conan, you really are a class act – unfortunately the same cannot be said about Leno or NBC. We believe you are making the right ,albeit tough decision to leave your job in these uncertain times. Wherever you go, whatever time you are on we look forward to watching for many years to come! Best of luck to you and your staff.
Team Conan!
Why punish Conan for Jay not being able to go into the sunset gracefully? Jay refused to leave, came up with a bad idea & it failed miserably. Why should Conan pay the price? When Jay had the show I always watched Letterman, then would switch back for Conan, because both are much wittier & not nearly as bland as Jay. And due to his statement I now respect Conan far more than I ever could Jay.
I support you 100% Conan. NBC is stupid, Leno is the past, and you are the future, either at NBC or somewhere else. Leno needs to man up the same way and hold to his commitments to you.
conan will dominate eventually, he's hilarious, he's crazy smart, he's genuine... leno is painfully unfunny and an anchor pulling down the collective IQ of the few people who did watch his show. go ahead nbc, give your old tonight show viewers their idiot back. i'll be tuning in to conan and his masturbating bear, hopefully not on your network!!!
Class act as always from Conan! I have watched your show for years and I will keep doing so. Keep up with the laughs Conan, and do whatever you need to do! Wherever you end up, i'm sure everyone will follow you to your next journey.
wow. seriously well written, candid, and classy. I applaud the sincerity and truthfulness, we don't get much of that from TV land. And i love how he signed off with a little humor. This guy is so good at what he does.
Bravo Conan! Way to tell it like it is. Eff Leno! Eff NBC executives!
You should go to comedy central and with the power of Stewart and Colbert – Take over the world! – Maybe in the year ThreeThoooousssaaannnddddddd!!!!!!
way to go, Conan. I'm glad you're standing up for yourself. Jay made the decision to leave and try something else, and he failed. The end.
I think it's outrageous that he will allow them to push you and Jimmy Fallon around like that. It shows how selfish he is.
CoCo rules. NBC is just full of bad decisions
Well at least if Jay comes back on at 11:30 he can steal more of the Howard Stern show.
I really can't believe that NBC is doing this to Conan...it's like the Letterman fiasco all over again. If they screw him over I will honestly never watch NBC again. Their management should look long and hard at themselves and let Leno go and keep Conan/Fallon in place.
I've been watching Conan since he took over the Late Night from Letterman, and have enjoyed watching him through the years. I was excited when I heard that he was taking over the Tonight Show from Leno because I've honestly never enjoyed Leno. He is about as funny as watching the paint dry on walls.
Conan you could be on at 330 am and I watch!!!! NBC I hope you don't lose Conan– we will follow him!!! And his hair!!!
Wow, karma has really bitten NBC in the backside hasn't it? They screwed up royally by banishing my personal favorite Letterman to CBS, and now he reigns supreme in late night despite his recent indiscretions.
I have the feeling that Johnny Carson is laughing it up in his grave, since he always wanted Dave over Jay.
I'm not a huge Conan fan. I like his monologue, but he's not in the same league when it comes to interviewing as Dave, Jay, and especially Johnny. I wish that Conan had spent more time writing an Oscar-worthy movie script or becoming the next Lorne Michaels instead of imagining the Tonight Show of the future. I feel that writing is where his talent is.
Who would have thought that Johnny Carson would have been right way back in 1992? Too bad we can't get rid of Jeff Zucker and replace him with Carson. See you on the other side Johnny.
Way to stay classy, I mean yeah his ratings have been lower than usual but most people my age (in college) don't even watch much actual cable tv, just stuff from the internet, but I do think it's BS that NBC made a dumb move and now want to screw over two good guys. Holding onto my hat on this one
Why do people care about the three non-talented snivelling wise guyes who are on first for late night viewers? Fire them all and put on
Craig Ferguson first after local news. It is not surprising that his comedy remindes me of Carson because he creates scetches whitch are funny but not insulting.....or is it that he is just a better comedian?
I'd like to see Jay Leno do the honorable thing and not permit NBC to fool around with the Tonight Show's timeslot. It's unbelievably unfair to Conan. Jay has had his chance to make a mark on the show; it’s Conan’s turn now. I think Conan’s been doing a fantastic job.
I’m also extremely disappointed in the network (NBC) who’s programming, up until the advent of reality television, I’ve enjoyed watching.
Good decision Conan! You have a lot of folks who will follow you wherever you go, but hopefully you'll stay right where you are. I like Leno, but the most decent move on his part would be put in his resignation to NBC unless they agree to let him go elsewhere. I know this puts him in a bad situation too, but he shouldn't have any part of taking over Conan's timeslot – he had the Tonight Show once, it's time to move on.
Good for you Conan! Such integrity would make Carson proud. Leno and NBC should be ashamed of themselves!!!!!!!
Conan, you are the most gifted on all the late
nite shows. Total class you are , what an awesome
statement!!!!! We totally support you, they did not know
what a genius they have in YOU. Your hair is
very handsome, you MUST stay on tv. Good luck
we love you...... your Georgia fans.......
Conan, is a gentleman, what NBC and Leno are doing is a cowardly act. Jay Leno decided to leave, it did not work out for him @ 10:00 NBC should not be so accomodating. I enjoy Conan very much, keep him where he is. Fight for your rights Conan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm with you Conan! As a long-time fan of The Tonight Show, I couldn't imagine it airing 30 minutes later, and frankly I wouldn't stay up to watch it as much as YOU ROCK! I think NBC has done a fine job insulting some of their choicest assets - you, Jay and Jimmy - by such a ludicrous move.
Nice heart felt and genuine letter. How did you make it so far in the jungle of network tv? You're right of course and I hope you prevail and that the folks with the suits rethink it all.....all that work and all that talent will find its place...best to you and your whole crew.
PS. About the hair–are you related to TIN TIN?
Good for you, Conan. I agree with you wholeheartedly and believe NBC is sacrificing you to keep Jay Leno around. Keep fighting and sticking up for yourself and your show. I honestly believe NBC is totally clueless about their scheduling strategies, and I believe you and your show have not had any support from the network since the beginning of your tenure on the Tonight Show.
Conan,
We will watch you on any station. I waited many years for you to get that time slot. Please don't give in .
Way to keep it classy Conan! I hope everything works out for the best!
I smell a boycot.
Well said, Conan. Let's hope NBC execs will finally come to their senses.
Does Mr. Unfunny, Jay Leno have a sex tap of NBC execs or something? Jay failed in primetime and Conan gets punished? Seriously? NBC blows... They hyped Leno for months with promos and still this unfunny hack couldnt deliver the goods in prime time.
Why mess with Conan & Jimmy for a washed up hasbeen like Leno.
If Leno had ANY class or clue, he's bow out gracefully like Johnny Carson...
FOX is the worst network in the land, we hope that Conan doesn't end up with them...
NBC made calculated risk, by taking Leno instead of Letterman on the Tonight show, are they going to make the same decision, by losing Conan and keeping Leno??...
with this type of negative publicity, Leno will not do well, if Conan leaves NBC,,,
Conan should remain in the Tonight Show, Fallon should be dropped (is being killed by Craig Ferguson) with Carson Daly....
Leno should go to ABC and replace their current (the worst of them all) late night host....
Conan vs Letterman - right now CBS is beating the crap out of NBC
Carson Daly vs Craig Ferguson - right now CBS is beating the crap out of Fallon - at least is a fresh start for NBC
Leno vs Conan & Letterman - all at 11:30, that should be interesting
Let the games begin!!!!....
As expected the perfect response from Conan. Make NBC shoot you, collect tens of millions of dollars and head elsewhere (Comedy Central following Stewart and Colbert would be heaven!)
Good response from Conan, real shame he sucks and cannot get the advertising dollars. Never did like him. NBC should never have forced Jay to have a retirement date in his contract. I think Jay should move to a different network and knock the socks off of Conan and NBC. Do not listen to the network execs and move the Tonight Show around. That would prove how dumb the network execs are.
Great response to a difficult situation. I love Conan's show. He makes me laugh much more than Leno and handles his guests with humor, honesty and creativity. I'll never forget the night he jumped on his desk while doing an interview with Tom Arnold (I think it was him). I laughed so hard. It doesn't make sense to throw a 30 minute show with Leno into the mix – is it because he's insisting or due to contract matters? What is he going to do for 30 minutes anyway? Jaywalking? Stand up? Funny headlines? Is NBC trying to pacify him? I agree with Conan; that the Tonight Show tradition should remain in the same slot and he should not have give up his long-held dream for this shot just because NBC wants to accomodate the news, Leno, advertisers, etc. I will not watch Leno regardless what time he's on. Conan is more entertaining in my opinion.
Conan proves again he is a class act.
Many boos to Jay Leno for not keeping his word. I also heard him on a show months ago pretending to be a nice guy again and saying it was all no big deal, and how he was doing the new show instead of retiring for fun, and whatever happens happens. Then to turn around and screw Conan is not great. Even if it was the network pushing them, Jay had the opportunity to be a person of integrity, and blew it again.
And now Conan considering Jimmy Fallon, and standing tall. Love him.
Really dont want to see Conan have to go to a lame network like fox. That would just be wrong. Conan deserves the tonight show. I have grown up watching him and want continue watching him on NBC. Please just get Jay on another project. Suggestion : US version of Top Gear would be amazing. Jay, Adam Carola and someone else would be one of the best shows on TV and would not give people too much talk show.. I dont understand why its not obvious that this is the ratings have dipped on the tonight show. NBC puts a talk show on before a talk show and expect people to stay tuned. We have short attention spans and get fatigued with celebs. The Tonight show is your flagship marquee show and has years of history dont screw it up. Give Conan the respect he deserves and let him and his hair do their thing.
Thanks
Conan holds the sacred tradition of the Tonight Show true.
As a GE Stockholder, all I can say is, SELL.
Keep fighting the good fight, Conan.
You're an excellent host.
For me to poop on.
G'day, Conan from Oz
There's a job offer here for a show like yours, considering the guy who ripped your ideas for 10 years has quit.
What do ya say?? If NBC won't have ya, don't step over to the dark side at FOX, Australia loves ya.
What the hell are you people out there thinking. Jay Leno has had a quality show since day one at each time slot. I have tried to watch Conan O'Brien, and I do mean "tried to watch". I just do not get it, and the antics and comedy are quite juvenile and silly. Conan seems to be a good person, but the 11:35 audience is more mature and is comprised of a more general audience. Leno did not ask to be removed from the 11:35 timeslot in the first place. He never got a fair shot from the very beginning even when he took over for Johnny Carson. There were a few complaining about Letterman not getting the "Tonight Show" at that time. Leno has consistently led in the ratings, and this shows that overall that America does relate to him. In other words, they get it. If America cannot have both, then we want Leno. Give us Leno !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also for the record your hair is great, compared to Jays old skunk streak!
Here's what I don't understand... why does Conan have to be the one to take the fall for everyone? Leno has had his time. Leno should be the one who bows out, not Conan. NBC is making a huge mistake.
Love you, Conan. I'm proud of you for not going down without a fight.
And NBC can suck it.
Well said, Conan, well said.
Well written, comprehensive and a humorous ending.
Even though I have lived in Tulum Mexico for 13 years and have not been able to view any network programming beyond rebroacasts of The Late Show with Dave, 11:30 does indeed belong to the the Tonight show. I watched Johnny from back in the 60's and am unable to conceive how network executives can have such istored thinking as to want to begin the tonight show, tomorrow.
Conan you are a man a integrity. Now we do have the 11:30 spot open on Asteca TV here near Cancun. Think about it.
Conan has equitably made the proper decision. His concerns regarding his staff, preserving the time slot of The Tonight Show and Jimmy Fallon are commendable.
Leno is truly a gifted individual but his decision to take back what he had is unacceptable and unjust to his colleagues. This move will not make Leno appear as an ethical hero in the eyes of his devoted fans. Jay, you had your fame and made your fortune but you already passed the baton so it is time to give others the same chance someone had given to you.
Conan is TOTALLY the best. I never could stand Leno and would watch repeats of other things just to stay up and watch Conan before heading off to bed. There are still times where I stay up only to watch his intro and lead in to his first guest, as it's Conan that I love listening to. I can't believe that NBC had him sign this deal so long ago, moved he and his crew out to LA, built this set for him and his crew, as well as the band! And Andy!! And now they're wanting him to change? Leno's show is old, like all of Leno's jokes. Keep Conando!!!!
Honestly, I quit watchikng Leno years ago and was glad he was going and being replaced by Conan. Conan is unique. I love his comedy style. And so did NBC is they promised him the show 6 years agol. Thi9s is totally unfair to Conan. I support you Conan, now and forever. Also, if they move Jimmy any later. I will be snoozing, and I LOVE JIMMY, TOO!!!
I feel sorry for NBC. i will rather see ferguson.
wooooo young people for Conan!
I think he should make the move of going to another tv channel and life goes on and should be in competion with Leno and Letterman!!
bringing jay back to 11:35 is the thing to do...
i watched conan a few times a week and never made
it past his monologue...it just wasn't funny !!
Jay Leno needs to gracefully bow out. The future is Conan, Jay is the past.
You ROCK Conan!
Very classy and well written response to the idiocy going on at NBC, Conan. If they don't appreciate you, let them lose more viewers than they already have with their prime-time fiddling and ridiculous plans, since many of us will follow where you go.
This is another poor decision by NBC and I hope Conan gets a better offer elsewhere so that he doesn't need to deal with NBC's antics any longer. For the record, I am not a Conan fan and much prefer Leno. However, this move by NBC is totally inappropriate. They have two talented hosts with Leno and O'Brien. Obviously, they wanted to keep both and not go through the antics they created with Letterman. But, they handled it poorly. Moving Leno to 10 to keep him happy was stupid. Now, NBC is trying to undo the mess they created, at the expense of O'Brien and Fallon. They know that if they say, 'Sorry Leno it's not working out for us,' Leno will be on another network at 11:30 starting next week. They also know that if they get rid of O'Brien he will be on another network at 11:30, eating up some of Leno's ratings.
Maybe NBC should just give up on the whole mess and show re-runs of Johnny Carson at 11:30. It certainly can't hurt their ratings or image. What a pathetic end to a network that once dominated the ratings.
Conan,
YOU ARE THE MAN! Good for you and I applaud you for standing up for what you believe! Thank you for not folding to the network!
Way to go Co Co Conan, you're the BEST and the BRIGHTEST & funniest....You'll have no trouble anyhwere except for angry New Yorkers saying, I TOLD YOU SO! I hope you stay in LaLA Land we need some fresh laffs.....AND FAUX needs credibility... Simon Cowell's job is open too.....You are loved dear Bostonian.....
WAY TO GO CONAN!.. Its yours, you earned it, you deserve it and you should stand up for it! You, your band, Jimmy Fallon, and the Roots all contribute to the best late night lineup in TV history... no one deserves to have their careers tossed because NBC can't come up with its own LOST. Wherever you DO end up, your loyal viewers will be there to watch, even with the hair! Hang in there!
Conan rocks! What a classy individual. I'd be a little more than angry if I were him. Wherever you go Conan, I'll be watching. NBC is ridiculous and cruel to think it would be "OKAY" to just bump your time that you have worked so hard for, and that which was PROMISED to you. Go get 'em Conan. Fight the good fight.
Conan's Tonight Show was the best thing that happened to the 11:30 time slot since Johnny Carson. I haven't watched Jay Leno's Tonight Show in years, because it wasn't worth staying up on the east coast. I can tell you since Conan's move to 11:30 I have stayed up for almost every show. I love the humor, the writing, the self-depracating tone and the way all of it is put together. Kudos to Conan...I'll be watching on whatever network he undoubtedly moves to.
Conan's funnier than Jay. Jay sucks! NBC sucks...they really have no idea what they're doing. Jay left the show and should walk away into the sunset...period. I only feel sorry of Conan because he's stuck on a horrible network. Good decision Conan!!!
Extremely classy statement.. love the comment at the end about his hair.
CONE-BONE!
its amazing the network's own destruction has resulted in a quality show being run out. simpson returns then local news and then conan! FOX make it happen!
I really hope NBC doesnt make an even bigger mistake by bumping Conan to 12:05. It was bad enough great dramas like Law & Order lost the 10pm time slot to an un-retired comic. Cut your losses NBC and move on.
GO CONAN AND THE TONIGHT SHOW. Keep it at it's usual time slot. Keep tradition alive.
grow up Conan...you don't run the show ...NBC owns you so when they play ...you dance
NBC Pinheads!! When Leno left the tonight show, he said, on national TV mind you, "I'm gonna try a 10 pm slot and if it works out great, and if not, that's fine as well". When Jay's so-so comedy spin took over the Tonight Show from a legend like Carson, nobody attempted to push him past the well worn time slot, and he got his years of doing the show. I think it's in poor taste of Leno to even consider moving Conan back, and I hope Conan stands his ground. Jay...the car website is great, book your stand-up, do the site, play with cars and frigin relax, you had your spot...move on!!! Conan is waaaaaaay funnier and smarter than Leno ever was.
Dear Conan,
I love you.
NBC is a turd face.
Yours,
John
Beautiful Statement, very mature and well written. Kudos to Conan.
When Jay chose to leave the Tonight Show (his own choice) he should have stayed in retirement, instead of taking his old show and calling it a new name in Prime Time.
I agree with what Conan says. They should give him more time, a courtesy they extended to Jay when he took over the show and lost viewers.
This is just wrong and I think Conan should stand his ground and be given more time.
Leno chose to give that show up. He should step up to the plate and be a man about it. Jay Leno is the Brett Farve of Late Night.
Jay Leno was given the tonight show which we all know others would have done anything for. Why he would agree to give up the show five years ago is odd. Messing with Conan, (orJimmy Fallon for that matter), is just not fair. Jay Leno made a stupid decision to give up The Tonight Show and he should be gentleman enough to step aside instead of trying to get back The Tonight Show or that timeslot. its not Conan's fault jay Leno's show didn't work. NBC & Jay Leno should be ashamed of themselves. I'm behind Conan 100%.
its amazing the network's own destruction has resulted in a quality show being run out.
here is what I propose to FOX.
simpson reruns
followed by local news and
then conan!
FOX make it happen!
I hope NBC is reading this, because from what I see, people love Conan. NBC is showing a real lack of integrity by promising something to Conan for five years, and then showing so little support.
Like another user said, the best thing about this letter is the truthfulness, which as stated before, is severely lacking in public figures. Conan should get a lot of respect just for being truthful and straight forward without any spin.
Conan: around for many more years, bringing lots of ideas to the tonight show and its ongoing tradition.
Leno: will probably retire soon eventually anyways.
Leno, you have enough money and cars. Please retire. There is a reason why your show did not do so well in the 10pm time slot. Seriously. We are tired of your played out comedy.
Conan has worked really hard and no one is more deserving than him. So what happens when Leno actually retires or croaks? Good luck getting Conan back. NBC couldn't find a more suitable replacement. Fallon isn't really even an option.
I have grown up watching and loving Conan and I am very disheartened.
This is a professional statement which clearly state the facts. The Tonight Show is not the Tonight Show if it is at 12am. NBC and Leno have ruined the Tonight Show. It shows what type of businessmen/women they are. Low.
well, i quit watching because conan sucked, so it doesnt hurt my feelings them moving his show... he is not funny.. would rather see leno again...
I love Conan! He is HILARIOUS!
I wish Jay would just leave some grace.
Conan has always been my favorite late night host (with Jay being far and away my least favorite). This example of class and good sense doesn't surprise me in the least. Conan is brilliant – he'll find a place somewhere at 11:30, and I'll be watching. Even if it's on Fox. And that's frickin' saying something.
Where Conan goes, I go, hopefully to fox! Good luck Conan.
Leno is dead weight, a ratings-killer in any time slot. Get rid of him already. No one thinks he's funny. Sure, he had a built-in audience when he took over 'Tonight' and people endured him b/c the show itself is such an institution (ala SNL). But he has no intrinsic appeal. Conan is doing well b/c he's actually talented and is a breath of fresh air in the 11:30 spot. NBC would be insane to cripple a good show (Conan's) by bending over backwards to accommodate the ratings albatross known as Jay Leno.
Conan's ratings were low, not Leno's. I think they should pay Conan the $80 million they owe him to buy out his contract and let him leave with the money. NBC screwed Prime Time, The Tonight Show and The Late Night Show, so they deserve to pay the price for their mistakes.
Leno is the best of the three comics so his show should go back to being 45 minutes and called "The Tonight Show" and then Jimmy Fallon can come on. It would be a win win situation for all.
NBC is making this worse. Just let go of Leno and keep Conan. I will follow Conan's show wherever it goes.
Good for Conan. Whoever is in charge at NBC has their head where the sun does not shine.
NBC is doing the right thing, Conan is a failure and will never increase his audience.
Let him go to FOX, he can split ratings with that LAME O Letterman.
I have always liked Conan better than Jay. I used to make an effort to stay up to at least see Conan's monologue. When my kids were born, I wasn't able to stay up late enough to see Conan any longer, so I was thrilled when he took over the Tonight Show. I like Jay, but he's had his time and made the choice to "retire". I think that to move Conan and Jimmy to accomodate Jay is insulting. If Jay wanted to keep the 11:35pm timeslot, he shouldn't have left the Tonight Show in the first place...
Exactly! I don't want to wait till 12:05 to watch Conan.
I am sorry, but NBC is really stupid!
Conan is completely right. He stood stand his ground to this ridiculous craziness. He's ten times better than Leno anyway.
Conan you are the man. Dont take NBC's crap!
Conan,
You are the funniest late night comic, no question about it. NBC is digging its own grave even deeper. I will be a loyal fan no matter what you end up doing.
Thanks for all the laughs.
Hey conan, Jay leno should have retired from television after he stepped down from the tonight show. He's worth no telling what. This just proves that some people (JAY LENO) need's all the attention!
Hey jay, if your reading this, let conan have the spotlight just like when the great johnny carson gave it to you. Just get out of the way and pass it on down.
Conan is a classy act, more so than most in the entertainment industry. He has true passion and seems to really want to be a part of something wonderful. It's obvious now that Leno is and only has been interested in getting his face up there. To be ok with letting a legacy fall to pieces because he doesn't know how to retire is a shame. If he "wasn't ready", it apparently doesn't matter as it wasn't his call. To quote a friend, "Why can't he just gracefully leave, like Carson."
Yes, the Tonight Show may have lost all the old timers who loved Jay's worn-out comedy. However, Conan brought all his fans from that coveted 18-25 demographic to a show that never used to appeal to them before. NBC will suffer more than it already has if it isolates those fans again with Jay's boring comedy routines and tired-out sketches!
Bring Leno back to the Tonight Show. It was a mistake to put O'brien on it to begin with.
It isn't often that a public statement is as well-written and eloquent as this. It takes time for ratings to stabilize; considering the international turmoil that's existed for the last 18+ months, it is more than reasonable to expect that a show, especially with a host of 15 years, will take time to regain ratings as people become more comfortable with a new format. I'm not alone when I wish Conan the best of luck in his future endeavors, whatever they may be.
Conan, you are amazing and I would watch you in any network at any time. However...it would be great for my health if you could manage to grab that 9 or 10 p.m. slot, so that I can get to bed at a decent hour, get a full night of sleep and still wake up with the sun. I don't want to have to miss seeing your hair in order to be in sync with my circadian rhythm. Love, M
leno's show = the titanic. just let him go down with the ship-for pete's sake, and leave conan and jimmy clear of his wake.
Dear Conan,
We sincerely hope that the situation between you and NBC will resolve itself peacefully, so we may continue to be entertained by your giant Irish antics, frightened screams at wild animals, predictions for the year 3000 and other hilarious happenstances we have enjoyed in Late Night and now with Tonight Show.
Just so you know, just give us a word and Finland will send its polar bear cavalry to storm the NBC headquarters.
As much as I like Leno I think the proposed move by NBC is wrong for Conan and The Tonight Show.
Get rid of Leno!!!! Are we serious here?!?!? Keeping Leno for a 30 minute slot at 11:35 and delaying the Tonight Show until 12:05 is, without question, absolutely ludicrous. Jay's had a good run. He surrended the Tonight Show to Conan. It should stay that way.
Such a great response! Conan is brilliant and will do well wherever he ends up, and I will watch him wherever he goes. Shame on NBC, Jay Leno, and for some odd reason, Jerry Seinfeld, for being such idiots. Leno and Seinfeld are has-beens, and NBC is a has-been network.
Leno should RETIRE as he stated in the first place.
The tonight show will never be the same again no matter what tiime it is on.
In my opinion , Jay's show was fantastic when it was at 11:35. I always watched it over Dave, whom I thought was never funny.
Conan was super funny at 12:35 and I always thought he was the funniest between himself, dave, and jay.
so when he got the 11:35 job, I thought: great! he's gonna take the show to the next level baby! sadly, this was not the case. he was super funny because he was allow to do those childish things during his 12:35 timeslot. however, 11:35 is considered "primetime" for late night shows and he failed to bring the game. his childish skits were no longer considered funny to me because I was expecting so much more. I got embarassed for him watching the same stuff he did from the 12:35 show at 11:35. he could've taken the show far beyond its potential, and yet, all he did was took his 12:35 show and moved it to 11:35, which is unacceptable to America. In a way, he moved on to the big leagues with a little league game plan. that was the problem. sorry Conan, I love ya, but I also gotta tell it like I see it.
frankly, I would love for Jay to stay at 10, and then for Conan to completely revamp his show at 11:35, and then for Jimmy to keep his show at 12:35. which btw, I think as of right now, Jimmy is the funniest to me of the 3...sad but true. it was never Jay's problem, Conan just didn't "bring it", like he should've.
If NBC is hell bent on cancelling Jay's show at 10, I think they should just let Jay go and allow Conan to develop his show. this would be horrible for Jay and I obviously would not want this, but moving Conan to 12:05 is not the solution. you're basically setting conan up for failure if you do this. think about it. by that time, people would've been too invested in Dave's show to switch to Conan...they would rather see Dave's celebrity interviews than to watch Conan's childish skits...IMO.
why in the heck did will ferrell get to be your first guest, I think that in itself was a giant failure for the show. you cold've had anyone come on to be your first guest and you chose will ferrell?! LOL...I mean I like him and everything, but he's not "first guest evar" material.
sorry Conan, you were the best but you didn't step up your game, but I still love ya! I truly hope you and NBC can work this out.
Leno left the Tonight Show. I think it was terribly wrong that he was given another show in the first place and it's not Conan's fault, or the other late night shows it will impact, that it didn't do well. Conan, we will watch you wherever you end up. Oh, and the hair? Hot.
Conan you are epic hold your ground! You have worked hard, and transformed Finland. No other man has your hair, therefore, stick with your spot. If not, find another network. NBC is cooking their own goose in my opinion.
As for Jay, I have great respect but perhaps it is time to explore a new kind of show. For example BBC's top gear is very successful in the UK as a car and comedy show. Jay's vast array of cars and a passion for them could bring him a new kind of car show, and he could still have guests. Jay's audience is aging and this may bring him younger viewers while holding onto his current die hard fans.
Just goes to show that employee appreciation is hard to find on every scale. This man moved his entire crew and FAMILY to do this show for NBC as per his CONTRACT–but he will win in the end. People will follow Conan wherever he goes. NBC has made some horrible decisions over the last few years with programming. Maybe they should bring Bill Cosby back to save it again-Oh, but NBC doesn't fancy Black people so...
Losing Conan would be a great lost to television. Leno had a good run while it lasted, but it's time to give Conan the chance he deserves. Viva la pompadour!
This entire debacle is well deserved karma for NBC for screwing Letterman out of the Tonight Show years ago. That shoehorn of Leno into that show forced Letterman out, and opened the flood gate to alternative late night programming for a network that had the entire game locked up.
Also, rightfully so, Leno was not bitten by the Karma God in this, just NBC. Leno held the #1 late night show for years and has amassed a huge wealth (cars, $$$, etc.) while carrying on a fine tradition with class every step of the way.
Now it's time for NBC and Leno to step up and make it right. They have 2 options, do "Specials" with Leno just like Barbara Walters, or have Leno pinch hit for Conan when he is on vacation or otherwise step in when needed, just like Tom Brokow in the Nightly News. Leno needs to endorse the current Tonight Show and quit whining about going somewhere he would be more appreciated like Fox. He would be an over-the-hill under appreciated struggling comedian if it weren't for NBC.
Leno, shut up and retire with grace like the class guy you have usually been. Take the high road and the viewers will follow...I've enjoyed your 10:00 show, but it should have been implemented as summer programming to build a following. Your best bet now is to give Conan your full support and do specials on NBC...that would be awesome.
I do not and never will watch Leno. He is terrible. Conan is the better choice. Jay is boring and not funny. Conan at least has some class here. There is very little to wonder why NBC is at the bottom of the rating pool. They make bad decsions at every turn. Too many fine shows got canceled for the Leno slot. Too many people are going for the quick buck with reality TV crap, (DO not watch any of it.) Follow that with Talk Shows and the one real reason to watch TV is a dying breed, Well Written Well Executed Dramas. Thank god for Cable, they at least care about Well Wriiten Shows. Shame on you NBC for putting Conan at risk for Leno. Let Leno go. He is no good. Stay with the Class. Keep Conan. Or lose another viewer. Dave will not mind.
Conan is the greatest thing to happen to the Tonight show since the departure of the much beloved Johnny Carson. Don't mess with success, and don't mess with Conan.
Great statemen Conan! Always a classy guy.
I hope Conan stays at 11:35 for the next 30 years!
Jay: why don't you stay retired. You had a great run and were well compensated for it.
That was very classy. Good for him!
I would like to know what dirt Jay Leno has on NBC executives that they will bend over backwards to accomodate him. I like both Jay and Conan, but if Jay's show isn't cutting it drop it.
Jay leno isn't funny we love Conan & Andy!!!!! NBC if Conan leaves so will we!!!!
Conan going to FOX is career suicide
CoCo-
Thanks for making me laugh every night. Its great you are taking a stand on this, its the right thing to do. I hope NBC listens, if not, they will regret it.
Sane, rational people support you in this fight, Conan! You articulated your position in the strongest, yet most balanced terms possible given the shafting that NBC is attempting here. To top it all off, you are unquestionably correct on all counts.
Why don't Conan and Craig Ferguson team up and dominate late night on Fox?
Ferguson needs better exposure from an audience who will appreciate what he brings (maybe Leno would take the spot behind Letterman for a while on CBS to work his way back in), and Conan needs properly rewarded by a viable network that has the finances to support quality late night entertainment that will be around after NBC changes its late night lineup to the cheapest thing of all - reruns of classic Carson hosted Tonight shows, and then finally gives up and turns to news and infomercials to fill in the huge gap.
Good show my Irish jokester! Don't give an inch....
Wow! What a statement.
Leno had his chance. He needs to move on. I will boycott NBC if they go through with this.
COB, COB, COB!
It's the end of the world as We knew it. Leno is just so os . I loved the fact that I could watch Letterman and then watch Conan. Then Conan and Letterman aired at the same time. Thats where my DVR came in handy. But now I think I will not record a program that I will watch another day with day old new jokes. To bad. What are they thinking?
i love conan.
Your hair can speak for itself. And according to my calculations, it is NOT sorry. LONG LIVE YOUR HAIR! LONG LIVE CONAN!
I love you Conan. Since way before I saw you at In and Out Burger in LA and realized you are the size of a Superhero.
Very classy, Conan... I am sure that he will be welcomed in another slot on another network.
Jay leno is the biggest attention hound I've ever seen. Everything he does right down to the classic car collection is about being the center of attention. Screw them Conan
I absolutely HEART that Irishman! He truly is classy. Jay Leno is ok but i wish he would've stepped in and given somebody else a shot but he didn't. Conan can bump Jimmy Fallon for all I care, that dude is so not funny but leaving is a better decision.
The World does not need more comedians, the world needs more economists!
Conan, and that is why we love you!
All the best to you.
Fondly,
Debra
Perhaps Conan can move to David Letterman's spot. It's really time for Dave to be replaced – his stuff was sort of funny when we were twenty, but the rest of us have grown up. Leno's good and so is Conan – let's keep the talent and get rid of the trash.
Classy statement from a classy professional. That's what I call integrity. I wish more people will look into it....like Jay Leno.
We will folow you wherever, whenever. And there's a lot of us.
Conan your fans will follow you and your decision. NBC can suck it!
It's a TV show, does it really matter when it is on? just record the damn thing and move. or better yet, do what the spoiled rich sports stars do and go on strike for better offerings. then we all can move on to watching comedy central for some real humor.
ironically enough, this whole Conan-Leno fiasco is probably going to draw ratings from people tuning in to watch.
NBC is good....
For me to poop on!!!
We love you Conan!
d8r@d8r.com
No matter who hosts the Tonight Show, it should follow local news as it always has. Anyone who likes to watch the Tonight Show plans on that time slot and is not likely to wait until later. So why not just put Leno in the host position, which is the reality of all of what they are doing. Why rename and reposition and all that? Maybe because of Conan's contract? I don't know. Conan wasn't my favorite, but I want the Tonight Show where it belongs.
When Johnny left everyone said Jay was a terrible replacement. With time, he did well as the show came into its own with him at the helm. Conan deserves the same opportunity. Good for him for not backing down. I agree that the Tonight Show timeslot shouldn't change.
Jay's time has passed. Please Jay, be gracious enough to walk away.
Conan we support you, but whatever you do, Please don't go to FOX and support their evil empire!
My day always ends with Conan and I hope they are able to continue his CURRENT time slot. He's done a great job and NBC should be more concerned with retaing this next big star than finding a place for Leno, who I also love, but he's no Conan. This is a terrible mistake on NBC's part. I will tune in to wherever Conan ends up!
Just another bone headed move by the NBC brass. They are screwing Conan just like they screwed Letterman.
I never watched Conan until he came into the current slot, but I have loved watching him since. He is VERY funny. Different, but funny.
Wierd, but funny. I'd rather watch him than Jay.
Looks like NBC is going the way of MSNBC. Both really suck!!
It just goes to prove what i have thought all along. It's not Leno, its the Tonight show that is popular. If Leno was all that, he would be pulling viewers in before the evening news. I'm sure Leno is a nice guy and all, but I have never found him all that entertaining. I feel bad for Conan, why ISN'T NBC dealing with him better? They are always making bad decisions there....like initially choosing Leno over Letterman when Johnny retired. NBC, big mistake. Keep Conan and the Tonight Show at 11:30, where they belong.
Conan appeals to a younger audience. The reason the tonight show ratings have slipped is the older generation of baby boomers simply don't appreciate his humor..... People get set in there ways and I truly believe if they were to give Conan a chance to let his show build up some steam that eventually he will rule the late night time slot.... In conclusion ..... Conan Rules!!!!
I love you, Conan! You are the man – the man of great integrity and you deserve all the respect in the world. God bless you.
Dear Conan,
I feel like NBC is "for us to poop on". I have to be honest in saying that I did not watch The Tonight Show during Jay Leno's entire reign as host because I feel he is a jackass. As soon as you took over, I watched again.
Because, frankly, you're funny and Jay is not.
Happy Tuesday,
Laura in The Lou.
i am happy for conan that he stood up to nbc.
I didn't read every word of the article but I concur with Coco – don't move!!!
NBC should ease off the panic button and tell the local newstations and their advertisers to suck it up and hold on for a little while longer to allow people time to adjust!
suck it Jeff Zucker
NBC is notorious for handling things badly when it comes to late night television stars. Leno was the first to publicly give the show to Conan, now he wants his time slot back. The issue is Leno bucking two long established shows out of their time slots, retaking the time slot he of his own accord gave up. I don't think that Leno looking like a crybaby is the image NBC should push for, which is what will happen if they let him retake his time slot. What sense does it make to lose Conan and keep Jay Leno with a the new reputation of resident jerk.
Conan, you're a class act. I'm sure you wish that you could say the same for NBC and Jay Leno.
We love you Conan!
People, people,people...
NBC made their 1st mistake with the "big experiment"; people only tuned in if nothing else was on. Leno's 10pm wasn't funny, and his addition of new "original" bits and skits were sad at best. Leno failed to carry on the legacy Carson left him. The Leno TS never really clicked, and Leno just isn't side splitting funny-never was, never has been, and never will be-regardless of time slot or home planet.
Conan packs up, moves west, and takes on a nearly impossible task. People still think Carson when talking about the Tonight Show. Conan and his staff are doing a tremendous job rebuilding what Leno meticulously destroyed.
Leno should tuck his tail, go to Fox, cable, or wherever it is guys go to atone for humor failure. Conan should have the TS @ 11:35. He's already under the gun to attract folks with no 10pm lead in. Remember, NBC put Leno there because they had NOTHING ELSE!!!
What the fat do they think they're gonna put there now?
Oh, and, by the way, LEAVE JIMMY FALLON ALONE! It took Letterman awhile in that time slot, as it did Conan, as it will Fallon.
conan great move. now u will have the sympathies of the public and those MBA type executive knuckleheads will be wondering what to do!
i support u. leno is a nice guy but his late night show was boring. u are much funnier and stupid....u r the best : )
At last! Someone who makes sense! Conan, you deserve it exactly as you want it to be, you made perfect sense in all your arguments. I will watch you no matter where you are.
If Jay has an ounce of decency, and I think he does, he will get himself out of this triangle, now!
Hi,
I am not a fan of the tonight show, never have been! I especially loss interest after the fiasco with Mr. Letterman not stepping in when Mr. Carson stepped down!
But, just like most of you The Tonight Show ,is iconic! It's American it's what we go to sleep to , when nothing else is on. It's our constant. The time slot is what makes the show so unique. We know it's there and we can depend on that. In a day age where internet digital and satellite where you have a million choices. It's sure nice to know you can rely on a network that doesn't mess with the consistency of your evening.
Whether we are big fans or not, knowing you can always go to NBC at 10pm eastern time no matter what else is on, or not on is simply what true blooded Americans do!
And why are they always so willing to accomodate Jay Leno anyways.. Why is his show or he worth more then 60 yrs of consistency and dedication??
hey Jay: stop hiding behind your agents and be a man like Conan and take a stand against this silly move and simply RETIRE ALREADY. Let the young guy come in and do his thing – you did it to Johnny and you didn't see Johnny cry about it like you are behind the scenes.
While I enjoyed Jay Leno during his Tonight Show gig, I like Conan just as well. He has done a great job. Leno, as much as I like him, should display the same class as Conan, and refuse to participate in this mess. If this means Leno moves to 12:30 a.m. (sorry, I never cared for Jimmy) or to another network, so be it. Conan has earned his 11:35 time slot and Leno should not take it away from him.
Great Job Conan for sticking to your guns......dont let NBC bully you around because they made the mistake of creating a show just to appease Jay Lenos ego!
Keep going strong....and I'll be sure to keep watching,
big fan,
Jeff
.
Conan is truly a class act. Wherever he goes there will be throngs of viewers that will follow. Any network that wants him will benefit. I think Jay Leno (and the network) thought just a bit too much of themselves.
Leno's standup schtick is getting a bit stale anyway.
I think that everyone is acting like children, I have really never watched Conan so I can't say his show was good or bad, but one
thing I feel like cutting Jay Leno to about 30 minutes is not right,
but these guys make so much money for what they do & so many people are going hungry & have no money this type of
thing is what makes people like myself a 70 year old widow who
barely survives on Social Security watch reruns of shows that at
least have a story to them & no one is fighting. I used to watch
Jay Leno & I enjoyed his show when it was the Tonight Show, I
tried watching it at Prime Time & I just not feel it was the same so I just stopped watching them all & chose to just turn off the TV or watch a rerun.
Jay Leno is horrible, i didn't watch when he hosted the Tonight Show previously, and i will NOT watch if he takes it over again. How anyone finds that man funny is beyond me. I love Conan & what NBC is doing to him is a shame. Wherever he goes i will follow!
I'm so glad Conan made this statment, I was worried he might even considering going along with moving the tonight show...good for Conan for maintaining a sacred trust with the tonight show time slot...
If Jay does come back and retake the tonight show, I really look forward to seeing Conan on Fox or ABC
Fight it Co-co!!!!
Hmmm... Leno (although I like him) is acting like Brett Favre when he retired and then later decided he wanted to go back and play for Green Bay. The coaching staff had decided long before his about face that they were moving Rodgers into the lead position. I like Favre too (a fantastic quarterback), but the Packers organization made the right decision to reject Favre's request to return. NBC executives could learn something by looking at the Green Bay franchise' decision! I wish Brett well, as well as Leno. But the decision and commitment was made to move on with Conan!!!!
Conan is exactly right. Leno's ego and the NBC execs stupidity need to get out of the way. What they did to him was low class and unconsciounable. Someone needs to be fired. I believe this has revealed who these 2 men are and has diminished Leno's reputation in no small way. What jerk. Conan deserved the respect that Leno was shown when he took over so many years ago. I feel badly for Conan.
I will follow Conan into enternity
I totally agree. I think he is doing right by his contract by not seeking out other offers blatantly, but if Jay Leno wanted to stay in the time slot he shouldn't have retired from the Tonight Show, and gotten Conan's hopes up that he would one day be at the helm of this legacy. 7 months is a fraction of the time he thought he would get to do this project, and if he signed a contract that should be good enough. It's a travesty for them to lead him on, and have him do the late show for all that time, thinking it was going to lead somewhere. This stinks.
Jimmie Fallon is much funnier than Conan will ever be. NBC made the mistake of giving it to Conan in an agreement 6 yrs ago. I say let Conan go to another network and let Jimmie take the helm.
Conan,
You are absolutely right about everything you said. America surely supports you and hopefully you will be victorious. A deal is a deal. Jay Leno agreed to step down and you were contracted to take over under circumstances that were well understood by all parties. Changing the game now is completely acceptable as you indicated.
What I want to know is: Does jay run NBC?
Conan, you are righteous. C’mon Jay, this is making you look more egomaniacal and greedy than you already do.
Bottom line: Conan is funnier and more creative. If NBC bumps him or changes the time slot I will be boycotting the network.
Really guys ? Have you WATCHED the show ? I'm sure Mr. O'Brien is a very nice fellow, but The Tonight Show is over, and it is he who caused its end. The network execs. know it, and they are now taking necessary steps to minimize the damage. It makes perfect sense to me. I wish Conan the best of luck . . . on some other show.
To the ppl that are name calling LENO... it's not his fault. It's the NBC executive that are messing with the hosts. I love Coco to death and he is one of my favorites but leno deserves some respect. NBC is stupid. Nuff said.
Hey Lars Kelley, take a look at history and you will see that, in the beginning, Leno struggled too. Conan is different than Leno, I know I will watch him no matter where he goes. The only person I would not watch Letterman for is CONAN. Conan O'Brien is refreshing and I wish him luck on THE TONIGHT SHOW at 11:35 or something better on another network. Fox anyone?
Bye Conan, You're not funny and never have been...maybe to a first grade class. Put Leno back where he belongs on The Tonight Show.
That show died when Leno left.
Even Jimmy Kimmel is better tha Conan
I say keep everybody happy. Make the Tonight show 11:30 to 1 like the 1960's, 70's. Jay Opens it up. Same stage, Conan opens at 12
Make It fluid Jay stays later some times, They switch some times.
Sometimes its Jay all night other times its Conan.
Conan – I look forward to the near future as to when I can see you & the crew once again. I promise I won't let myself go! I love u man!
I'm not all that fond of Conan, he hasn't grown on me yet, but I admire him for standing up to these execs with his attempt to keep the integrity of the Tonight Show intact. I absolutely agree with him. Leno decided to leave and why should O'Brien be punished–as well as Fallon?
Stand by your guns there, Conan. Leno should take a few lessons from you and show the same class that you do.
That Conan is one classy guy. He's got my support. I've watched every episode of the Tonight Show with Conan, and I hope he gets to keep his show and his time slow. Leno had his run at 11:35, he's done, let's move on.
I am not surprised by NBC at all, just like their owner GE, they do not care about their employees or customers and fans.. It is all about cash.. Jay Leno should be a man and retire, his run is over. If he doesn't hold viewers at 10PM, who will care to watch him at 11:35. His material is old and redundant. Conan is a breath of fresh air and should live on!!
Dear conan the barbarian,
I nearly broke my thumb scrolling down this list of comments, but now that I've made it to this comment box, I want to tell you... I'm proud of you. Keep going, we will follow you to the moon! Ps stop knocking your hair. It's the best thing to happen to television.
wherever conan goes, i will go
Jay Leno IS NOT the problem!!! Jay was pretty much forced out of the Tonight Show by NBC – he didn't want to retire. However, they also did not want Leno to go to another network, in fear that he might fill a time slot that competes with Conan. This is where the problem began – LITERALLY YEARS AGO. NBC is the problem, and 100% at fault, for disrespecting their talent.
If Conan goes, I go.
Unfortunately, Leno isn't funny. And that's what make all of this frustrating. Instead of passing the baton and letting a new generation claim this spot and make it theirs, he's hanging around for what, 2 more years of stale laughs? NBC has always owned the "Vintage, authentic broadcasting" brand. Unfortunately, a few executive mishaps threaten to ruin that brand equity by turning away viewers so a suit can try to correct his errors. I think giving Leno a 30 minute show will render NBC late night obsolete.
Thanks Conan for always preserving the history and understanding its importance. You'll be around for a long time.
I can't believe I'm responding to this, but feel I must. I never watched late night talk until two years ago. I like Jay, and always found him entertaining. However, Conan must prevail, and not because of his heart felt letter. He's a cool guy who makes the world laugh (and laugh hard), and laughter is what we need (now more than anything). NBC, get your act together. Who ever is running the show there is not doing a good job. Someone is lacking some serious skills.
Paul
http://paulkilmon.blogspot.com
Please, I know Conan is an excellent writer, but he never gives his guests a proper showcase, everything is always about "him!" Stopped watching him long ago. And if he's so funny, how come his ratings were so much lower than Leno's? Although he sure does have a small, but vocal following.
If Leno had any class or loyalty at all, he would bow out right now so that Conan (and more importantly, Conan's staff) isn't out of work. He made the decision to retire back in 2004, passed the torch to Conan, and then decided that he wanted to stay... AFTER everything was already in place for Conan. All this nonsense that Leno was axed is exactly that: nonsense. That's just the way he started to spin it after NBC told him that they couldn't & wouldn't reverse the Tonight Show decision.
People also seem to forget that both Letterman & Conan actually put in a LOT of years working towards the Tonight Show, whereas it was basically just handed to Leno. Letterman already had his own show for umpteen years following Carson and Conan put in 16 years at Late Night. What did Leno do? Some stand-up and a few guest hosting spots – that's it. Not only did he not deserve the show in the first place, he certainly does not deserve to be THE key element in the entire clusterf*ck situation that's happening right now. What makes NBC think that if Leno can't get any viewers now that he will again an hour and a half later? Considering his demographic is essentially senior citizens who enjoy his outdated cookie cutter "comedy" stylings, you'd think they would have loved him at 10 since it's so much earlier for them.
In the same way that Conan couldn't convince millions of people to watch him at 11:30 (yet), Leno clearly couldn't convince anyone to watch him at 10:00 either. But rather than even attempt at going out on a high note with a bit of dignity, Leno first sabotages the Tonight Show by getting his new show put on beforehand, and now this mess. Just goes to show how he played the game back when he was battling Letterman for the Tonight Show. I don't think Leno is a bad person, but he's obviously self obsessed, self absorbed and has no problem stepping on his friends it means getting into or remaining in the spotlight. No tact and no class.
NBC is making another terrible decision. The first bad decision was keeping Leno on at 10pm. It's pretty obvious the only reason he got a new show was because it would be really cheap to produce! If Jay would've rode off into the sunset like he should have then none of this would have happened. I like Leno a lot, he seems like a great guy and i dont think any of this is his fault. Too bad for him he's caught in the middle.
I guess when your network only has 3 good shows you have to take some drastic measures.
I have always loved Conan, and i have massive amounts of respect for what he had to say. I agree with his decision 100%
Time for Jay to man up and find another job.
Jay Leno = Brett Favre; Be classy and know when to hang it up. Hey Jay, ever heard of passing the torch?
Conan is the funniest host in late night today. NBC will be making a big mistake by letting him go. Where's my "I Support Conan" button?!?!
This mess is not Conan's fault but NBC's terrible decision five years ago. I can still clearly remember thinking "WHAT??!!??" when NBC told Jay he would be replaced by Conan. NBC was so misguided in thinking that Conan's offbeat humor would translate with the Tonight Show audience. It won't – and has not – not in the last 7 months and not in the next 7 years. 15 years ago NBC made the difficult but smart decision when they chose Jay over Lettermen to replace Johnny Carson. Lettermen also was and still is not "mainstream" enough for the 11:35 timeslot and his ratings vs. Jay's these last 15 years prove such. Let Conan move to a better fit for him at Fox. NBC can restore Jay as Tonight Host. He will beat Lettermen in the ratings by at least 1-2 million viewers and he will beat Conan on Fox by 2-3 million viewers. Craig Ferguson and Jimmy Fallon will go head to head and take turns being #1 in their 12:35 timeslot. (Craig was on Conan's ratings tail when they were still competing in the same timeslot). Sorry, but Conan is the least funny of all these late night guys. Just like when I tune into SNL on occasion and scratch my head as to where is the humor on that show I do the same with Conan on the rare times I watched his show... Good luck at Fox Conan! Welcome back Jay!
Pretty sure I won't be watching ANY late night shows if Conan goes away. Jay Leno is NOT FUNNY and Conan is amazing.
Love you Coco!
Viewer input is important!
Contact NBC
nbc.com/contact/general/
I've boycotted the show since Jay got it in the first place. He's simply not funny and I've always thought he was the wrong person to carry on the Carson legacy. It should have been Letterman!! I might come back now after reading what Conan had to say. At lease he's funny...
Fire Leno
Conan is an idiot.. He lacks the necessary skills to carry the show..
NBC needs to get it together!! seriously, jay leno had his time and now it belongs, as already promised, to CONAN. The world is ready for conan!!!! biggggg mistake to let him go. this is so annoying and frustrating.
Jen – Leno had better ratings in the time slot than Conan has during his run. I like Conan too, but lets not blame Leno for this... this is 100% NBC. While you support Conan, keep in mind that Leno likes his job, too.
Beautifully said! I am a Yalie and tend to never agree with anyone from Harvard (joke...), but Conan, you are a fantastic writer and expressed your disappointment and your concern for your staff with such eloquence. No one could have said it better. You're standing up for what you believe in, and that's called living with integrity. You must make your staff, your wife, and your children very proud. I never appreciated you as much as I do now!
Love Conan–what a great response to those fools at NBC and idiots in charge of programming. Leno should graciously remove himself from the equation. Moving Leno to 11:35 wouldn't change a thing when the affliates are screaming that they have no good lead into the 11 o'clock news. NBC needs an executive shakeup. Keep Conan at 11:35.
Leno should just retire. He gave up the tonight show and it is rightfully Conan's now and Conan shouldn't have to give up his time to make room for Leno. It is just stupid and if Conan leaves NBC I will never watch them again.
Everybody seems to think that Leno left The Tonight Show willingly, and that he's reneging on an amicable deal but that's simply not the case. Six years ago, Conan basically threw a hissy fit and threatened to leave NBC for another network like FOX or ABC if they didn't hand The Tonight Show over to him, so NBC agreed to give it to him and put that five-year clause in Jay's subsequent contract, which Jay had no choice but to accept. Had he turned it down, it would have meant that he would have to give up his job, entirely. Leno was basically strong-armed by Conan, with NBC as an accomplice. Furthermore, The Tonight Show's ratings have plummeted since Jay left, and Conan is struggling to compete with Letterman.
The Tonight Show should never have been taken away from Leno in the first place, but I'm not suggesting that they give it back to him, nor do I believe that The Tonight Show should be pushed back half an hour. My solution to this disaster is the route that NBC should have gone with six years ago. What I propose is that they cancel Jay's early show, scrap the half-hour pre-Tonight Show idea, leave Conan where he is, and give Jay an hour show following Conan. That would only leave Fallon in the rubble, but he's not that big of a factor. To handle Fallon, they should give him the proposed B.S. half-hour show. His fan base is relatively small, his show has only been around for 7 months, and he's the newest guy to the scene. Even if he doesn't like that idea and decides to leave for another network, so be it. It realistically wouldn't be much of a loss for NBC, especially compared to losing Jay. Or better yet, NBC could give Fallon a stay-on bonus of maybe $10M.
So to sum up my proposed lineup: 35 min of Local News, 60 min of Conan, 60 min of Jay, and 30 min of Fallon. That way NBC, their Affiliates, Conan and his fans, Jay and his fans, and possibly Fallon and his fans will all be happy, pretty much guaranteed for years to come.
For the record, Ive been watching both Jay and Conan since I was a kid, and I like both of them very much. They're both iconic and are as much a part of the American landscape as American Idol and Corvettes. Unlike most of the one-sided, seemingly closed-minded bloggers and comment posters I've been seeing all over the net, I don't believe Jay should retire, nor do I believe Conan is a sophomoric amateur. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, and they both have huge fan bases. Anyway, if somebody out there could come up with a better plan than mine, I'd sure like to hear it.
What is it with NBC & Jay Leno? Give it up already, Leno's about as hip as hip replacement surgery. About as relevant as a McDLT.
Comparatively Conan rocks.
Go Conan! Defend for what you worked hard for, I actually think Conan is Funnier then Leno and even Letterman is funnier then Leno. But between Conan and Letterman, i'll go with Conan.
Way to go Conando!!!!
NBC bumping you to put Leno back in a more desirable time slot is like rewarding bad behavior.
NBC is such a backwards thinking network. If they are to move forward they need someone who young people watch and think is actually funny: Conan!
Leno's a great guy, but he should have thought about this 6 years ago when he agreed to leave the show.
Another person of earth to Conan:
Well done, well said & 100% agree with keeping Johnny’s Legacy alive at 11:35 slot. Not that I hate Leno, but, he retired, they brought him back, maybe he changed his mind? Not cool at all.
Maybe it’s all about the money for NBC. I waited months for Conan to return during his move to Cal, I will wait again as needed on whatever network you end up on.
Hopefully NBC will wake up and do the right thing, leave Conan at 11:35 and let Jay retire peacefully or maybe a weekly show and Friday or Sat night.
Conan, what an incredible statement. It's so great that it really irritates me that people that run this country and world don't have half the clear and meaningful statements you have. You'll never see my comment but for everyone else, stay true to what makes you happy, it shows how great of a person you really are, minus the hair.
Conan is so funny. NBC would be stupid not to keep him at 11:35....moving Leno to 10pm was a gamble for NBC and it did not work out. NBC... do not ruin another part of your lineup....it is good how it is! Conan's hair is awesome.
I don't want to bash Jay Leno but why should Conan and Jimmy have to shuffle their shows around to keep Jay? Jay has had his run. Time to bow out gracefully so everyone else can keep their well deserved slots.
Conan, you are the most talented comedian out there & i will follow you wherever you go . This is truly unbelievably cruel.
I truly believe that 3 people are caught in a tug of war that is not their fault.
I never liked Jay Leno but have come to really enjoy him, could be either aging or brain deterioration. Conan's antics always make me laugh at his child like wonder.
Having 3 late night people never made any sense so conan should jump to Fox but if he does I can't see him since I don't get fox.
Personally I side with Conan. But NBC took a failed gamble
Yes I am from Canada and we get all the shows. Don't hate me
Good Luck to you Conan. I have always watched your show, even when it was on late. You are worth staying up late for, and I admire your great respect for Jimmy Fallon's show slot. To bad that Douche Bag Leno has no integrity at all. He is a loser who has never been funny, unless you find him making others look stupid funny.
Conan,
Maybe to solve the dilemma Jay can just join your show as the guy who does the lips behind the picture of Arnold... ??
But, in any case, great statement on your part, perfect approach, you are the best.
Something good will come of it. But in case not, get some good running shoes for your trip back here to MA!
What a great statement by classy dude with funny hair. Bravo, Conan!
You're the man, Conan. I remember watching your first episode, and was happy to see Andy back in action on the Tonight Show. Although I was always a fan of Jay, nobody does it like you guys... it's refreshing to see someone "stick to their guns," even in the public eye. NBC would be making a fatal mistake to allow you guys to leave the network. Keep up the good work!
NBC is pulling another Letterman. NBC you SUCK
Right on Conan! I love the tonight show and I enjoy Jay Lenno but you have earned your chair and NBC is making a HUGE mistake by messing with that time slot. No matter what happens I will always be a fan of you Conan, and with that I wish you the best of luck no matter what happens.
This is just another example of the baby boomer generation trying to get as much as they can, when the fact of the matter is they need to go ride off into the sunset. Gen X wants Conan not Jay Leno. Baby Boomers go to bed early, put him on at 8pm and leave Conan on for us workers that stay up late.
Very classy Conan. NBC keeps making one mistake after another, the ship is sinking fast. They will probably lose a lot of viewers, me being one of them
I will follow Coco anywhere!
Conan,
I think it's a shame that things have gone this way. I have always loved watching your show and truly thought of you as the best of the late night hosts of my generation. Whatever happens with NBC, I wish you the very best. I think it would be a great loss to many of us if you were no longer on television. Good luck to you sir.
Jay Q
Why is anyone angry at Jay Leno? He is obviously the guy who is BEST at the comedy game. The ratings have shown that for over sixteen years.
When I watched television late at night, I would always opt for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Speaking of class, I wouldn't put it past him to bow out and let Conan, his personal friend of many years, have at it.
Leno has always taken the high road, with Arsenio Hall's silly attacks in '92, with the Dennis Miller "fight" not long after, both of whom ended up doing skits for him. The hardest working guy in show business is also the nicest guy in show business.
You deserve NBC ... Did you really think you were any different than Letterman? Welcome to the group....
I really dislike Conan's hair, it's a vanity issue. Leno's hair can't be controlled. Conan's can. Don't lie. As for Leno, he's more down to earth than Conan. People can relate to Leno easily. The only thing I dislike about the Leno show is guests like "Enon". How do talentless people get such undeserved priviledge? I imagine from the same people who made the irrational decision to shakeup the late night schedule.
IN THE YEAR 3,000!!!!
I love you Conan.
Leno, give it up. You're crusty and you're jokes aren't funny.
Conan your the best! It's not right you get knocked out of your spot to accomodate for Jay's lack of ratings. Anyway, your hair is perfect just the way it is. Don't apologize!
If Leno had any sense of decency he would retire and solve this dilemma for everyone. He's plenty rich and has had plenty of time in the limelight. Does he need the extra fame so bad that he's willing to screw over Conan? Conan is very funny, and needs only a bit more time on the Tonight Show to get his ratings at or higher than Jay's.
Conan is the most talented talk show host and a worthy successor to Johnny. Those Jay years seem like a bad dream. David should have been picked but I think his humour had too much of an edge back then. Oddly, after Jay came in, his real side came through and his humour became mean. I stopped watching the Tonight Show when Jay arrived and have been a Dave fan since. I still like Dave, but now that Conan is the competition, sorry Dave, I've loved Conan since day one of his first late night show. If the climate for Johnny was what it is today he never would have made it. Instead, the network supported him in the early days and he became an icon. Conan is a class act. He didn't take cheap shots at Dave when he could have and he continues to be humble with his guests. Yes, I use Canadian spelling, because I'm a Canadian. I tried to give NBC my feedback yesterday but they don't want to hear from Canadians. We watch their network too. for now You have a lot of support from Vancouver, BC, Conan. You are the best, whatever those idiots do.
TEAM CONAN!! that was a great letter! So glad you are fighting back. I dvr the show every night and watch in the morning with my coffee. Good Luck! I was on the Tonight Show back when Leno was the host and I thought he was really friendly and his staff said he was really hard working. I am surprised that he is not sticking up for the Tonight Show as well. Is he really so bitter that he would put the legacy of the show in danger? I'm also surprised that NBC would mess with its longest running show. Its so confusing. Someone needs to tighten some screws in those monkeys.
x
Jay is out of touch, too old, not funny and very very cranky...who wants to watch that???? Conan is waaay funnier and more genuine...
Give me a break NBC you guys are a mess !!!!!
Wage WAR!!! Play the album, This Is War by 30 Seconds To Mars and know that we are all right there with you supporting you for standing up for what you believe to be just and not caving to the almighty dollar! Bravo Sir!
Don't mess with Conando!
He's doing exactly the right thing and saying it exactly the right way.
Mr. Chin should go elsewhere.
See this chart of a show's audience over time.
Newness (bad) –> Used to (good) –> Bored of (bad)
NBC knows one truth. That people watch what they are used to. So instead of making 11:35pm people used to Conan (who already has fans), they will just stick with Jay longer since people are used to him with no regard for the future (see last step of the chart).
NBC wouldn't even have competitors of the same format if they didn't screw over Letterman and there are more networks left to compete.
Imagine where NBC will be 6-7 years from now. Generation X approaching middle-age. 20-somethings now in their 30s. Teens in their mid 20s. On the flipside, the middle-agers who make up Jay's audience today pretty much dying off from obesity or not staying awake past 10pm.
With technology 5-7 years from now, people will subscribe to missed episodes on iTunes and other online services on tablets and phones. Revenue there will be huge, but no one in Jay's audience will have the skills to be able to do that, or not think it's worth paying for the subscription.Yet it is worth it today for the more youthful-energied Colbert.
In 6-7 years, FOX, ABC, CBS, WB and Comedy Central will all have 11:35pm talk shows with some of the best talents in both hosts and guests. All NBC will have is an aging Jay with an aging bored audience (see chart). Maybe Jay will interview Hugh Grant and other celebs past their prime.
NBC is thinking only of the now. This is why they are in the situation they are in now, not realizing how long Jay would want to stay on. (Oh, it's like 20 years from now. I'll be out of the game by then. Let future execs deal with his mess at the last minute. Who cares if we are killing a legacy show.)
I never understood why NBC was so obsessed with Jay Leno in the first place that they refused to give Letterman the 11:35 spot (and Letterman will retire properly soon).
There's nothing organic about Jay's format, his relation to his band, his audience or guests. Howard Stern (who openly likes Letterman way better than Leno) was able to convince Jay's band leader that he should quit the show for being a sellout to whitey. Took him probably 60-seconds. Probably because it is true. Compare Jay's manufactured relations to how Conan interacts with Max Weinberg and La Bamba. Conan even did/wrote skits containing the announcer of his show. Not having Andy on screen didn't stop Conan making connections. Letterman even has Rupert, his announcer and his stagehand in skits. Leno doesn't write skits so the whole show is centered around him by his writers. Boring! Oh, but there are celebrities. Do we even need Jay for this? Just have the celebrities talk rather than Jay asking canned pre-written questions. It's plain and obvious promotion rather than a proper interview.
NBC is pulling the same stunt they did with Letterman with Conan now, and he will quit from NBC along with half the audience.
Jay Leno is not a writer or a funny personality. NBC brought him in from nowhere, built him up and eased the Johnny audience to him. Do this building up with Conan now so that 5-7 years from now people will be bored of Letterman and Shafer, Letterman's replacement and too-political Stephen Colbert.
Imagine if Johnny retired and then came back to take over Jay's slot. NBC would be screwed today.
Didn't they learn anything when Letterman went to directly compete?
i keep hearing how Conan is for the young, however, I am 74 and could not wait for him to be on at 11:30. Before that I watched David L, and now oops no more Conan. This is bull and unfair not only to Conan but to the Tonight Show which might just as well close the doors if cannot run a company better than this Bye bye NBC
I discovered Conan when I up in the middle of the night feeding my newborn 10 years ago. Conan is BRILLIANT! A SMART comic who makes me laugh like Jay never, ever has. Don't move the Tonight Show to a later time! Please. NBC. Listen to the masses. Please.
Replacing Conan would be a huge mistake, and a totally classless move by NBC. Sticking a Leno show between the news and the Tonight show would be a huge mistake, and a stupid move by NBC. I like both Conan and Jay, and watch them both, but I hope Leno does the right thing and tells NBC "Sorry, you guys blew it. You had your shot and messed it up. I'm walking" and heads over to Fox or another network to start a new show to go up against Conan and Letterman. He'd probably still win the time slot.
Well said! NBC handled this so badly. They had to know that talk at 10 would dilute viewers for talk at 11:35 – there's only so much of an audience. They also had to know that their core 10:00 audience would find other shows to watch, especially putting a "variety" show on every night in prime time! Once a week at 10:00 is enough!
I think NBC needs to reassess their love affair with Leno and look to their future viewer base. Conan has shown he's a class act; I say give him a chance and let Jay move on.
As for NBC, thank heavens they didn't get any TARP money! If they did I'd say no executive bonuses and "Off with their heads!"
Tell NBC to check the ratings for your hair. Maybe your hair can take the 12:05 slot? And you can keep 11:30? Just a thought.
Wrong person to carry on the legacy. As bad as the Jay Leno at 10pm idea was, moving O'Brien to the Tonight Show was even worse. If O'Brien is that worried about the Tonight Show legacy, he would serve us all better by stepping aside and hosting something else. I've watched the tonight show for 25 plus years, but that all stopped about 2 weeks after he started hosting.
I understand that NBC may have wanted to try someone else at the Tonight Show, but were they all brain dead when they made this decision? No wonder they're in dead last amongst the networks...
The idea to move Leno to an early slot failed. All of the affiliate local news outlets are getting crushed as a result that Leno can not hold the viewers. Leno made the move, so Leno should pay the price. The tonight show "moving" to a later time is a different show.
What happened to artist development in this industry? Not that Conan needs to prove himself as an artist... Conan is bright, hilarious, and always positive. I've heard critics say that Leno's comedy aims to lower others, couldn't agree more. I personally don't need to see Jay-walking or "Cars with Jay" anymore or Jay walking around in a denim shirt... I think that Conan's comedy is edgy and he always puts himself into a "people's host" position, does what most people won't for a laugh. And, why does Jay believe that he's more important than his establishment. Jay, you agreed to retire, step aside and let Conan have his contractual turn. And to you NBC, make a decision and stand by it... Maybe you'd get more viewers if you'd let something develop beyond the level of character exposition. Support it... Stand by your decision and support Conan, you owe it to him, his crew, and his family.
I can't believe how absolutely infantile NBC is. Their executives have no idea how to run a network. All they look at is ratings and they never give a show a real chance to gain a strong fan base. NBC, you need to grow up and learn how to act. Otherwise you will continue to be a failure long into the future. For me I will only watch three shows on NBC now. Community, The Office, and 30 rock. Thursday night is the only night that NBC will exist for me.
Very well put, Mr. O'Brien. I'm afraid that NBC is suffering what so many businesses in this economic era already have: revenue shortfalls. It's not about the talent, it's not about contracts, it's not about legacy. NBC just doesn't have the revenue any more. For your sake, I wish you all the success with Fox or wherever else your talents take you. You and your crew deserved better. But this it the economic reality of our times, and so many less fortunate than you already have experienced it. Peace.
Jay Leno was the man of the 90s. His expiration date is around the corner. Conan is the man of future. Give him some time and some better lead-in programming and he'll be the best theres ever been . LOVE YOU COCO!
NBC should honor its commitment to Conan, who should host the Tonight Show from 11:30 to 12:30. It's time for the awful Jay Leno to move on. Why doesn't Fox hire him? NBC management has crossed the line into absolute idiocy. Shame on Jeff Zucker!!! NBC should get rid of HIM!!!
As someone who grew up with a father who was a V.P. at NBC West Coast (now deceased), I have lots of good memories of NBC, just the address in Burbank sparks emotion. But this is truly embarrassing.
How can they be so callus as to make the offer to Conan, have him up and move his entire family and staff from a place that was their home, just to screw them over so severely?
I really miss watching Dave at 11:35, and Conan at 12:35. It would be screwing over Craig Ferguson, whom I really do like, but it would be cool to see Conan right after Letterman. As for FOX? It's FOX! Can't even imagine Conan's name associated with them.
kudos to Conan,
i think he's right on the money in his reasoning, and shows great character in his response.
i also think he has always been as witty, funny, and talanted, as anyone who has sat in that chair.
I saw this coming as soon as Jay Leno moved to an earlier time. I think everything was PERFECT the way it was. Conan at the late night show, and Leno at the tonight show. I can't imagine what made the networks make that ridicoulous change anyway, with the Jay Leno show. I can tell you this, I kinda stopped watching Jay Leno when he moved to an earlier time slot, and for some odd reason, I haven't seen much of Conan, besides his first airing on the Tonight's show. I wholeheartedly agree with everything Conan has mentioned above. A man with that much integrity should not just be tossed to the side. However, at the end of the day, the networks' largest goal is to generate money, as is any business. I think what they're doing is giving Jay back to tonight show without changing it's name. signing off
Several years ago, Jay Leno said he was going to retire from late night, the decision to change his mind has just scewed everything up, Leave Conan and the Tonight show alone and maybe give Leno a Saturday show in front of SNL, He made a decision and he shouldn't step backwards on Conan's toes because he felt he made a mistake.
Oh!!! Now I have The Solution!!
Finally!!
Here it is:
La Bamba can be the host, with Jay and Conan featured in the background throughout the show as go-go dancers suspended in giant bird cages.
NBC, contact my agent and we can work out the details.
Conan,
You have a lot of class. Great statement. You are right on.
Stand your ground Conan. Don't let anyone treat you like you're second class. I like Leno, but he retired, so it's your turn to shine. You are just as good as Leno.
You should not have to sacrifice anything.
I have loved Conan from the beginning, and was over joyed when he took over on The Tonight Show. I have never found Jay Leno funny or entertaining, and am surprised that he had any fans at all.
please jump ship, conan! please! screw nbc. i heartily refuse to believe that there is anyone on this planet that finds leno even remotely funny, entertaining, or bearable to look at for more than 20 seconds at a time. it's impossible. i'd rather watch fallon and daly sit at a table and discuss political theory then sit thru 2 minutes of lamo. stupid stupid stupid. unfunny, worst interviewer ever, ugly as sin. facts.
and someone asked what leno would do if johnny carson did this to him... well, carson had class and integrity, he would never, ever, allow anything like this to happen. leno is really a sleezeball. his guests have said it before. none of them, except seinfeld (apparently), like the guy at all.
Jay Leno is a Great Comedian......However he is (and always been) a trouble maker. First, he screwed David Letterman out of the Tonight Show and then (after he supposedly "Retired") "stole" the Thunder of Conan's Re-incarnation of the Tonight Show with his stupid "Jay Leno" Show in Primetime. Now, he is bumping the "Tonight Show" out of it's place for more of that Stupid Show. Why doesn't he just Retire!! If I was Conan, I would be really mad and disappointed. NBC is really Stupid to continue with Jay Leno!
Way to go Conan. You are freakishly tall, share the ginger with all of us gingers, and are not ashamed to dance battle with Michael Cera. Thank you for being firm and very gentlemanly. I hope that what I've heard, that you and your staff may have relocated to LA for nothing, will not end up being true. Peace to you all, and keep having fun.
NBC should have invested in the future and kept Conan around. How many more years do they think they can get out of Jay? Five? Maybe Eight? Jay, along with Dave, represents an older generation. NBC had an opportunity to build an new audience but their narrow-mindedness got the best of them. Without Conan, Late Night is official dead. (At least on the main networks).
no to leno
yes to conan
Conan, it's refreshing to see you standing up for yourself and Jimmy with class and integrity! Mr Leno, why don't you show some integrity and try a weekly variety show instead?
Much respect to Conan.....i agree this is a big mistake being made by NBC and an opportunity to move the best late night entertainment to another station...jay and conan should jump ship and leave nbc in the cold because its about $$$$ and nothing else
I blame all this on Leno.
Well said. Glad to see Conan standing his ground. NBC is very foolish for what they are doing. I'll be watching Conan's show wherever he lands. Best of luck to Conan.
I love you, Conan, and I hope all of this works out in your favor. Stick to your guns!
Glad to see this great response from Conan today! Conan is a great interviewer and puts on such a great show. Its got to be a touch situation but his class shines through!
I'll follow Conan where ever he goes!
Conan (and Carson) ftw!
We love you Conan!!!! Well stated sir. I hope NBC realizes that they would be stupid to lose you. Keep on truckin.
Go Co Co! We're pulling for you! NBC has done some dumb things over the years, but this is the worst....
NBC -
We the fans of Conan O'Brien believe that you would be making an egregious mistake if you bump 'The Tonight Show' to 12:05, thus losing its host.... See More
Conan O'Brien is the Tonight Show voice of the next generation – the 30 and 20-somethings who are your upcoming audience, your growing and powerful demographic. Along with Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, Conan speaks to this generation on a far greater level than any other host possible.... See More... See More
Jay Leno has been waning in popularity within this demographic for years – he kept many viewers while still on the Tonight Show because his audience aged with him, watching him out of habit from his 16 year run.
When he moved to Prime Time, it became apparent that Jay himself was not the commanding reason for viewership – and his ratings failed because of it. It was not due to prime time, it was simply due to his stale humor, outdated and tiresome to new generations of viewers. There weren't enough people to follow him out of personal loyalty, and the show itself was so bad that the few who did tended to leave for higher quality shows.
When Jay stepped into Johnny Carson's shoes, he received fair play in rebuilding viewership. He ran into some of the same issues that Conan recently has – the loss of an audience which feared the change of host. It takes more than one season to rebuild that trust with the audience – something Conan apparently will never get.
Additionally, I highly recommend taking to the internet to see how this is being reacted to by the demographic I'm speaking of – the youthful demographic that would have been watching NBC and Conan for many years to come. See the boycotts being proposed of your other shows that hit well with this demographic: 30 Rock, Heroes, and Chuck.
I would also take a closer look at internet viewership of The Tonight Show – I think you would be massively surprised by not only your NBC site's streaming video, but also by Hulu's – and the amount of viewers who rely on those for their Conan fix.
Please reconsider this decision – Jay Leno's time has come, as his ratings have clearly shown. It's not because of his slot – it's because he is simply no longer relevant to television. Give Conan his time to shine. Give us back our Cone Zone.
You will find your network sorely hurting if you do not.
Respectfully,
Fans of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien
Conan and Leno are both very talented performers and it's terrific watching both of them.
What about having Conan and Leno both be co-hosts for the Tonight Show? Isn't the Tonight "Brand" an NBC legacy that outlasts a single person? One show is the product of many hard working people.
Don't dilute the talents and creativity of people by coming up with comprised solutions. Think what would happen if rock and roll was influenced by corporate management....we'll all be listening to different versions of Lawrence Welk music.
Conan is absolutely the best and a worthy and dignified man and an excellent comedian and talk show host. He has shown time and again that he has a personal love for the role he has played in late night television. It is not JUST A JOB for him. He has honoured the legacy of the show once more through this statement. I see comments that he has not much to lose, having made his millions.. but even men with millions love to hang on to the title and status that comes with the Tonight Show host post and he does stand to lose that by taking this stand. I stand by him. Shame on NBC. Jay is also a great comic but he is not greater than the Tonight Show franchise.. don't destroy something great for momentary profits. They will come with doing the right thing.
Classy guy. NBC totally botched this one.
Leno should have bowed out gracefully and retired. I can't believe they thought he could carry the 10pm slot. What a mess.
Leno was always at best a mediocre stand-up comedian who had an obsessive drive to control the Tonight Show. He pushed Carson out prematurely and into his grave. Once it truly dawned on him that a classy and talented individual (Conan) was going to take over his show, he pulled a fast one and tried to usurp the Tonight Show audience by going on ahead of it. Didn't work. He is now single-handedly destroying NBC. What a piece of trash.
This shows nothing but class on Conan's part. NBC is goofing up again like it did with Letterman. Leno has been declining over the years and its time for him to hang it up. Conan is the funniest guy on late night TV. NBC needs a reality check and should honor their original agreement. If not, shame on them. I wish Conan the best of luck and I will follow him wherever he goes.
Coco we love you!!! I am a loyal fan and will follow you wherever you go. It is not fair that to accomodate Jay they're willing to potentially destroy two other shows.
Well said Conan!! My family and I love your show!! We will watch ya where ever you go. Am sorry NBC did this to you as they did to David Letterman, This whole mess shows NBC's true self! Good Luck in whatever you choose to do!
What I love the most about Conan is that he doesn't stop being himself, this was honest and classy. I feel really bad about the hole thing, because he really deserves a network that respects him more.
Conan goes, I go. Yes I will give up watching The Office and 30 Rock, the only other 2 decent pieces of tv NBC has.
ABC, are you listening?
This is your chance to dump the latest, useless, Martin Bashir travesty you call Nightline.
Give Conan the 1/2 hour before Jimmy Kimmel (who I also love) and you'll have the youngest, hippest late night lineup of them all.
Jay should do the right thing and step down. I completely agree with Conan – this move would forever tarnish the Tonight Show legacy.
Shame on NBC for very poor and reactive decisions.
Conan O'Brien is about the 1990s. Now it is time for the 2010 stars.
In the end, this is not about disrespect for a legend.
It is about redeveloping the future.
Conan is amazing
What a big way to respond to the small way NBC has handled this whole thing! We love you Conan – we're not sympathizing just rallying for a good cause!!!!!
Conando!!! Loved Conan on Late Night, and he's great on The Tonight Show. NBC better keep him where he is at!
Long live Conan! He is the funniest guy on TV right now.
In the yeeeeaaar threeeee thousand! The tonight show will cease to exist. Taking it's place a reality show starring Jay Lenos cryogenicaly frozen chin!. "CHINVATAR" God I hope not. Please don't go Conan, you will be missed!
Dear Conan,
Chances you'll never read this comment since it will just get lost in the comment river, but remember that you've always been the underdog, even on SNL and the Simpsonian Institute of higher comedic education. You're at your best when faced with that kind of adversity. The Tonight Show is more funny now than it has been since you took it over, not because of your teams' lack of effort, but because of lack of proper motivation.
What do you do after running and winning a 16 year marathon?
You take a much deserved break.
Not that you're not working hard, I don't think you've had the same spark of energy that you had 16 years ago. I'm willing to bet the old fogey NBC decision makers deflated that balloon for you at least a decade ago and only your drive and determination has been motivating you. And without a shred of leadership or guidance or REAL support from anyone that you can look up to besides Johnny, who can blame you? When we heard Jay was getting a show before the Tonight Show, I think America thought to themselves "What a fucking dickholed thing to do... NBC sure does suck!" If I haven't watched your show lately, it isn't because of you, it's because of NBC.
I digress... Now that there's a fire under your ass, the writers are funnier, the skits have more energy, and you can cut loose and do the show you want to without fear for tomorrow, because every night feels like it could be your last. David Letterman did the same thing before he went to CBS, and I think those were his most memorable episodes.
I say, keep this energy going and keep kicking the NBC execs asses around. Moving the Tonight Show around to appease Jay (who in my opinion never deserved the Tonight Show and isn't worth the time he sat stagnant in the Tonight Show spot and didn't do anything worth talking about) will only prove to be NBC's late night demise, not yours and not the Tonight Show's. Give it a year of more sucky ratings for Jay and increased negative feedback from local affiliates, and things will go back to normal.
Honestly, I'd much rather have you walking in Johnny's footsteps than Jay's. Jay is forgettable, you are not. What Jay needs is a daytime show where he can reach out to the lazy unemployed blue collar factory workers that refuse to buy computers to catch up to the 1990's. You know those guys, they cash their unemployment checks at the strip club and complain about immigrants taking their jobs like their crappy ass efforts are worth minimum wage in the first place...
Maybe NBC has forgotten who their Tonight Show audience really is... Or, maybe you should go start your network. O'Brien vs O'prah! O"Brien FTMFW!
Anyhow, best of luck Conan, and if you leave NBC, I'll follow you.
jay leno is not funny or entertaining. anyone who thinks that is delusional
Just because Jay is hurting doesn't mean Conan should suffer with him. Give Jimmy a chance as well.
Leno sucks. Retire already. Dave is always going to rule late night and Craig Ferguson is funnier than all of them. Conan should keep the slot and the programming execs at NBC should join Sarah Palin's posse on FAUX.
My initial reaction was that it's a classy statement, particularly if Conan's actions show that he means it.
Conan's contract with NBC is to be the host of the Tonight Show. That contract presumably doesn't specify the time slot. I'm guessing that NBC can change the schedule as they see fit without needing Conan's approval. His main options are probably to do what he's told or quit.
I would be quite surprised if NBC's side of the contract would require them to keep paying Conan if he quits.
Perhaps he's trying to create a legal basis for claiming that the Tonight Show in any other time slot wouldn't really be the Tonight Show any more.
Good for you Conan! Jay Leno needs to just step down. He had is time, he had a good run and now he needs to find something else to do. If Jay Leno were the bigger man he would bow out gracefully, there is a reason his show has low ratings – it sucks!
(Carson is rolling over in his grave now)
Way to go, Conan. It's nice to see someone stand behind his principles. As for the hair...call me crazy, but I think it suits you.
Somebody let me know when anyone on a late night talk show does anything remotely funny. I've been waiting since the 80's.
Ah, Conan.
"People of Earth: ....Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair; it's always been that way."
Conan, we love you. We'll stand by you, whatever you do.
Alright Conan! You're the best in late night! Keep it up and don't let them knock you around.
Stay Classy, Burbank!!
The biggest difference between Leno to Carson, Letterman and Conan is that Carson, Letterman and Conan were/are innovators and creatives that make history not react and read the history that has happened.
I am not a huge Conan fan but Leno is just putrid, he is basically appeals to the blue haired community and is only cruise ship, Promenade deck comedian.
However he has a killers mentality when it comes negotiations.
What a mess!!
The universe is truly out of order. Conan should have inherited the Tonight Show from Dave Letterman, who should have inherited it from Johnny Carson. NBC wrecked The Tonight Show when they gave it to Leno. Dave walked... and now Conan should do the same. Conan... Don't take this from them. You were the one hope of restoring The Tonight Show to its former luster.
And take a look at Leno. He has muddied his legacy since the beginning. Everyone knew Johnny wanted Dave to follow him, but Leno kicked, screamed, and whined until he got the show. He resigned years in advance kicking and screaming again that he wanted to be Mr. Prime
Time and save NBC from themselves, the show failed... and now he wants his old job back. Leno's legacy with be loaded with footnotes.
Distance yourself from this behavior and create a show that belongs to you... from your heart and mind. We'll be there!
NBC network has been making lots of stupid changes in the last few years. Look what they've done to Heroes. It went from being my favorite show to now – I don't watch it at all. Conan this could be a blessing. The network is after the money it can generate and that is first and foremost. If I were you I'd pack up my family and friends and go back to NY and take some time to sort things out before making another long term decission.
Life is to short, you will go down in history as one of the greatest comedians in our history and you should have nothing to feel bad about. Get your own network (like O) and have Jay work for you, and Jimmy. Make it a network dedicated to talk shows – show NBC the way it should have been done. I watched Jack Parr, Steve Allen, Johnny Carson, Jay Leno and you and honestly you have all been terrific. My problem is with NBC. Good luck in whatever you do and whatever you do just be sure you are happy and keep the blood pressure down.
I've been watching the Tonight Show since the early 70's. When Carson retried and Leno come on board I was distastefully shocked. But after giving Leno some time on the air, I grew to respect and like him and have been been watching him ever since. I flat stopped watching the Tonight Show when Conan took over! Frankly, he is not funny by any means and his humor is forced and obnoxious! Granted, I felt Leno's new time slot was a bit lack luster, I will greatly enjoy seeing him take back over what he never should have left in the first place. Conan should just stick to what he does best....write for other people...
Leno should move over. He had a good run on Tonight show, but it is now Conan's turn to be the number one late night host. And he is a better host anyway. So NBC should do the right thing and keep the Conezone on the air.
I have always been a fan of Conan, and never found Leno to be very funny. However, I don't think people should be vilifying him over this situation. In 2004 NBC basically forced Leno retire because they wanted to turn the show over to the host they felt would be "hot" with the right demographic 5 years later. They made this decision when the current host had great ratings and his rating held steady until his scheduled "retirement" date. Leno is clearly someone who relishes work, he still goes out and does standup and even though I don't think he is all that funny, clearly he doesn't need the money. He does it because he enjoys it. So, when his retirement date approached other networks were sniffing around and he was still the ratings king and NBC decided that they didn't want to lose the hot property to another network. So, in an effort to cut programming costs and keep well-liked, highly rated personality, they killed their prime time line up and tried an experiment. Leno wanted to stay on TV so he was game to give it a try. The experiment failed. Who knows why? Leno was doing the same bits and since his audience skews older they should have been awake to see it, but a talk show is not what people want to watch before the news, they didn't watch and his show had poor ratings. Local affiliates had been complaining because they were losing their late news audience to other network affiliates. (I know I stopped watching my local affiliate I wasn't watching Leno). That, combined with a new Tonight Show that hadn't quite it's stride yet, lowered the Tonight Show ratings even more.
Conan moved his family, staff and crew across the country to do the Tonight Show and now NBC wants to change the rules. NBC made a gamble and when they didn't win, they wanted a mulligan. But it is not even a do-over, because they are going to change the whole post-news format, pushing a show that has been on after the late news for decades for another "experiment". This is a disservice to the Tonight Show audience and to the audience of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, which is an example of a show that had some awkward episodes, but is getting funnier and funnier each night as they get their stride.
Conan's letter is heartfelt and perfect. He deserves better treatment than this and so do his fans. Jay is a good guy who took a chance so he continue to do TV and there is nothing wrong with that, but I can't imagine he thinks this is a good idea. Surely, he cares enough about the tradition of the Tonight Show to refuse to play a part in it's demise.
NBC is the villian here. Shame.
Good luck, Conan. I will follow you to whichever network is clever enough to get you!!
The execs at NBC need to grow a pair and make the call instead of putting Conan and Jay thru this public and degrading debate.
Dear Coco
Behind you 100%, with love and support from Finland!
Conan is the future. But please! I just heard the FOX rumor on WEEI... Don't do it Conan! Don't do it!!!!
NBC is only hurting themselves, and I've never agreed with their decision to host 3 late night talk shows 5 days a week. It's hard for me to say this, but drop Jay and keep the tradition of two late night talk shows alive.
Leno is doing the same thing to Conan that he did to Letterman- selfishly screwing him over to get ahead. I guess his apologizing to Letterman about how the transition from Carson to him went at the Tonight show didn't mean a thing. Leno is an unfunny jerk and Conan is a hilarious class act.
Way to go, Conan!
NBC, no one will ever watch your shows in the Philippines if Conan goes.
OH GOD!! NOOOOOOOOOO! Don't go to Fox.....Sarah Palin and Mike Huckelbee.....Sell your body to science first! Please Please Please Please NO!
I can't say that Im surprised...I feel like Conan has changed since he began The Tonight Show and he's not as funny, quirky,& inovative as he was when he was still in NYC doing Late Night.
However, I HATE Leno...especially his boring new show and it's just not fair that he's kicking CoCo out of his deam job he's waited SO long for.
After 60 years of reputation and consistancy NBC wants to move that for LENO???????? What!!!!!
-Poor CoCo-
Conan has been my favorite late night comedian for years! If they kick him out, then I will literally refuse to watch a single NBC program. No SNL, no heroes, no 30 Rock. I would easily trade all of those shows to keep the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, at it's normal time. NBC executives should see this comments section, it is 99% Conan support.
If NBC absolutely must do this, why doesn't Leno go on after Conan. Better yet, after Fallon? It's only fair! I like all of them but that's not how you handle business. I've been hearing alot about NBC (even from Leno himself) and now I think what I have been hearing is right. NBC no longer knows what they are doing!
Great statement from Conan.
Conan is the best and is the most honest...Here's a solution..Put Conan at 11:35 for an hour, Jay for half an hour after Conan and then Jimmy...or leave Jay out of the whole mix...Jay was the one to retire anyway...
Conan,
I loved watching you on Late Night and I enjoy watching you on the Tonight Show. I hope that NBC can figure something out so all 3 men are happy, however I do believe Jay Leno should just quit the talk show thing. Let Conan and Jimmy have their chance. I feel bad for Conan and Jimmy and hope that Conan stays on late night whether on NBC or Fox.
If Jay had even an ounce of Conan's character and class, he'd know that he's acting like a child. Jay, take it like a man and step down. NBC, honor a good man by doing what is right, leave Conan's show intact.
seriously, NBC needs to put Leno's show out of its misery. his new show failed, but apparently NBC just NEEDS him to the point that they are willing to mess with the lineup that has worked for many years. I'm sure Letterman is having a blast out of this.
I already never wanted to watch Leno and his forced, unfunny catering- to-the-lowest-common-denominator style, and now I'd want to watch him less. Hope NBC does right by Conan and the Tonight Show.
Boy, who are the monkey execs that were given the keys to the smooth running Ferrari over at NBC? They took an iconic & hard to wreck classic; drove it through two guard rails and over a cliff. And, they get to keep their jobs? Maybe, it's time to put an actual monkey in charge... It couldn't be any worse, right?
NBC, and Universal are so dumb. do they not get none of us watch the J any ways? The people who watch conan are different people. Younger. get it straight NBC.
This statement reflects the exact feels i've had since hearing the news. Keep the tonight show with conan at 11:30 PLEASE!!
You said it Conan. I too grew up watching Johnny Carson with my father and then Leno and You always. It's a Travesty. Keep your Dignity and stand by your guns. This is NBS'c Flub Up. I mean a BIG one. Let them figure out how they're gonna fix it.
Don't take Conan! I couldn't get into Leno or Letterman and when Conan came on, I thought he was just freakin' hilarious, smart, super quick witted etc. He has "something" that the other guys don't have and I'll follow him whatever station he's on. So put him back and keep him for good!
Class act
Way to go, Conan! I know we will see more of your hilariousness no matter where you go. NBC can't possibly think this musical chair game will go over with the public!
Conan is a class act, unlike Leno and the NBC corporate clowns. He did the right thing by leaving, he didn't deserve this obvious slap in the face. If Leno was the all around nice guy he pretends to be he would have just retired. His 10:00 show was a stupid idea to begin with and it didn't help that he's not funny and his jokes are lame. His show is the reason Conan's show didn't do better in the ratings because at 10:00 people changed channels from NBC and just didn't bother to switch back after the local news. Conan shows character by expressing concern about what the time slot push-back would do to Jimmy Fallon's show. Leno and NBC show no qualms about screwing Conan over. He and his whole crew didn't deserve this. I hope another network picks him up & I'm boycotting NBC.
I agree with Conan, the Tonight Show should be on at 11:30, after the late local news. I grew up watching Johnny, then moved to Jay, now Conan. At first, I wasn't a big fan of Conan, when he had his late show. But, when he made the big move up to the Tonight Show, I gave him a chance, and I have stuck with him ever since. I love the way that he does the show, with his Andy Richter next to him during interviews, reverting it back to the way Johnny did it, instead of the way Jay did it, leaving poor John Melendez out in the crowd.
Jay, you have more than enough money now, go into retirement, and let the new generation take over
I't not like Conan O'Brien took over the Tonight Show by force in some kind of a military coup. We all knew this was coming for years. NBC and Jay Leno should be ashamed for coming up with such a crappy prime time show on EVERY STINKING NIGHT then, seeing how much people hate it not just saying goodbye with dignity. jay Leno could have immediately put a stop to this madness by actually RETIRING as he said he would. If he ends up getting the Tonight Show back, it would be a real sleazeball move on his and NBC's part. The people who are in charge of programming on NBC SUCK!!!!!!!!!!
Shame on Leno and the NBC execs for screwing Conan like this. Conan is infinitely funnier than Jay ever was, and his "Max Weinberg 7" band is the best on television – far better than the sorry group of amateurs led by Kevin Eubanks.
NBC is shooting itself in the foot big time. Conan is absolutely right when he says that "The Tonight Show" at 12:05 AM is ridiculous. How can it be "The Tonight Show" when it airs the following day? Unbelievable...
Conan,
You're so damn funny. I still can't get past the comment about your hair.
This is what you need to do. Quit the Tonight Show if they don't let you keep the time slot. Then be like Oprah and buy your own newtwork and make it all about the Coco Show. Stick it to the man. NBC is going down!
Leno...what a tragic piece of work. He undercut Letterman to get the Tonight Show, and now is trying to squeeze out Conan because his show bombed! I truly hope NBC realizes that Leno is a dud and needs to go away before they lose a good host in Conan.
Jay Leno tells jokes, but has no charisma. It's not interesting to just watch him, unlike Letterman & Conan (or Craig Ferguson). In order of funnyness, it's Letterman 1st, Conan & Craig 2cnd, Jimmy Kimmel 3rd, Leno 4th, & Fallon 5th. Carson should be a music VJ.
And, Leno is (always was) a poor lead-in for Conan. Their styles are very different. Conan is smarter, more silly & quirky. Leno is more Vegas stand-up, lowest common denominator, predictable. He never attracted an audience that would stay on for Conan. (I would skip Leno & watch Conan).
Presumably a smarter audience has more money, so the advertisers would do better with Conan. It was a great disservice to Conan to have him follow Jay after the news break. The topical comedy material was used up, & the viewers were tired of night time style comedy, or, if they stayed watching, were set up as the wrong crowd for Conan.
Just my two cents –
And best wishes to Conan, whatever he does.
A classy man and a classy position. I like Leno a lot but he should step aside.
Conan, Jay, and Jimmy are legends in their own minds.
You want to talk Legend? Johnny Carson was a legend....the line stopped with him. I think NBC knows this and are positioning themselves to overcome this fact of life.
I also am not in agreement that these celebrities take their issues public when they should be dealing directly with their employers. They hope the public will be in an uproar.....at this point like that's going to matter. It was the same way with Paula Abdul. Loved Paula but hated the way she handled her departure from AI. Someone called this "classy"......on what planet is it classy to have a public fight with your employer regarding an internal issue. Just because these people are public figures it does not give them license to be unprofessional. This display is neither Professional or Classy, its embarassing at best. Sophmoric at worst.
I hope they fire him for doing this.
Conan, you have clearly lit up the stage with your entertaining humor!! The world has been long in waiting for a talented and gifted comedian as yourself!! I seriously cannot wait to see you at night!! I adore your sense of humor. I would LOVE to see you in the MOVIES as well!! We cannot get enough!!! I would also like to suggest a "best of Conan" DVD......please!!! Love u!! Nanc
Thank God, I never liked his show and started turning on David Letterman despite not liking him either – but it amounted to who you can't stand the most and it was Conan without a doubt. His juvenile humor and antics were reminiscent of 6 Grade Boys that love to use anal and shock effect humor. Every time I saw even glimpses – there it was non-intelligent, stupid humor. It was always about him. I missed Jay Leno's humor (adult thinking humor which was really funny). Even on his commercial for going to the Tonight Show – Oh Please, running along a beach in a full dress suit - so stupid. On Leno, they had Ross the Intern doing this (you expected stupidness), but with Conan, it was constant stupidness on and on - Can't believe, my prayers were answered. Good Bye, Conan – Go back to Comedy Clubs or better yet - Go teach 6th Grade Boys – they will love you.
I respect Conan for his honesty and intergrity for something that he believes in.
It's wrong for them to treat you like the red-headed step child of NBC Conan!
Conan was the reason to stay up...Jay is so old news. I wish Jay would just go away, but I doubt they can fit his chin through the building...
I am 54 years old and my wife is 58. We love the CONAN tonight show. Never thought Leno was that funny. NBC is making a huge mistake. We will follow him to Fox or wherever he lands. Good luck Conando.
Conan, I can't tell you how impressed I am with the amount of class you're showing right now. I hope you can get this resolved and wish you the best of luck in the future.
I respect Conan for his honesty and integrity for something that he believes in. Well done.....Conan
Keep your chin up Conan. We still love you no matter what time or station you are on.
I support Conan! NBC brace for impact.........more viewers to be lost if you force Conan out! I respect him 100% if he won't accept this crazy deal. Move to fox, I'll go with you.
Conan is da man! He respect the Tonight Show name and history and cares what happens to Jimmy too.
Leno, class up man. Class up!
Johnny was great – and Leno was pretty good. Conan – should have stayed on late night. NBC should never have cut Leno for Conan. Why did NBC cut their nose off back then anyway. Leno back 11:35 PM – Conan to FOX – who cares. I like Fallon's attitude – he'll take anytime available! If Conan was so good – why are ratings down? Maybe an unemployed steelworker would like the job. I'll take it – I could always use a few extra millions. Here's...........Jay. There goes Conan!
Because the half-assed, humorless 10 PM "Tonight Show" redux failed, Conan takes the hit. Very sad. Jay Leno may be a great guy, but his show sucks – and the only one that should pay for that is Leno.
Behind you Conan!
I think Leno should leave and go to Fox. He would destroy NBC and The Tonight Show.
NBC really is making a huge mistake. I hope Conan knows that his viewers will miss him, and personally – should he have an offer on another station in the future, I will watch him wherever he goes. He is handling this very well, when NBC is treating him very poorly. I do not understand why they treat Leno like the funniest guy on earth – Conan is so much more real and funny in his own right – at best, Leno just has good writters.
Conan: We are all with You from Budapest, Hungary!
Even with this hair.
for years i've watch david letterman, but with all the hype about conan taking over THE TONIGHT SHOW i had to see this for myself. i never really watch conan's previous show, but i was sold on conan from the first night.
in my humble opinion, jay leno has had his time on late night television and unfortunately on prime time as well. (let the rating speak for themselves). to give jay his time slot back is insulting to conan and he's deserves his chance to build on what is part of American late night television history and culture.
NBC, reconsider this decision. you won me over with conan after years watching letterman on CBS. letterman is great was well, but if conan is pulled, NBC, you lost one viewer. why is NBC trying to keep someone who's had his time and made his mark on this American television legacy, now give conan the same opportunity. if it's about ratings?? keep conan and give jay a well deserved vacation from television, you may be giving some viewers the pleasure of that as well.
CONAN'S GOT MY SUPPORT!
Your show is poor. When you have to repeat your jokes over and over again, and look at your poor side kick for help, it's time to take the money and run. The snideness reminds me of Letterman in the beginning, he eventually got his teeth fixed. Where do you have the gall to tell your employer what you want when you can't produce? It's great you put your heart into this, should I feel sorry? I think not.
I love Jay, but I agree, I won't watch the Jay Leno show if it disrupts Conan's. It certainly isn't Conan's fault that Jay's show isn't doing well. Conan is the future of late night, he's who my daughter will remember me watching.
Conan, you are the absolutely awesomest person in the world (and funniest!), and the people at NBC are too stupid to realize that.
Conan – you're da man. The passing of the torch was one of the highlights of 2009 and now it's a blemish on the face of 2010. I personally didn’t watch too much when Jay was at the helm, admittedly it was pretty funny when I did, but in a way that one may laugh at someone getting their a** chewed out by their boss or teacher. Jay Leno has a way of making people feel stupid where Conan seems to laugh at the obvious humor in life, including himself (which more people could stand to do). He brought a younger vibe to late night programming, which is important to do when you have an ageing baby boomer audience. What a poor decision on behalf of NBC. To honor our friend Conan: "In the year 2000 (and ten)... a historic TV network will promote one of their finest employees to a well deserving position, only to then ruin the position to which they promoted him (no laughs)
NBC screwed Letterman back in the day now they are making Conan bend over. But sorry Letterman is ruling in the ratings for a reason..he's funnier. And Craig Ferguson who comes on after Letterman on CBS is even more funny.Leno said he wanted to retire..let him! Bring him around for hour long specials 6 times a year like they did w Bob Hope that would be awesome! I'd watch those!And support Carson Daly..he is a true up and coming talent over there who you ignore.
Jay had NBC run off Johnny Carson and then stole the Tonight Show from David Letterman. He is now bending Conan and Jimmy Fallon over. I really don't understand Jay's popularity. He has always seemed like a brown nosing cry baby to me...
Is it true that NBC plans to start the Morning Show at 12 noon and the Today Show on the next day? Don't worry, I'm sure the brain trust at NBC has this all figured out. Jimmy Fallon will be pushed backed to the Late Late Early Sunrise Show and Carson Daley will be... He'll be out of work, again.
Too bad the night line-up didn't work out. I thought going to bed with 3 Irish men was a good idea.
It's too bad Mr. Leno didn't stay retired when he decided to give up the The Tonight Show. What's the deal with that show anyway? I wish Conan and his staff greater things. Remember Conan, you were a success even before your move to The Tonight Show!
Conan your hair is way better than Letterman's.
If Leno cares at all about the Tonight Show legacy, he should take a lesson from the great Johnny Carson and gracefully step aside.
Way to go, CoCo!!!!! You truly are a class act!!! You've waited so long to be the host of the Tonight Show (way too long, in fact), that you deserve to stay right where you are. I also love Jimmy Fallon, and it would be a shame to move his show as well. Jay hasn't been funny in years, so it's time for NBC to let him go. He never should have been given another show, at all. You and Jimmy have my support all the way!!!
jay leno should just retire. old man, he's not even that funny. why can he go to cable or something or do cameos for shows and movies if he desires a career that bad. just retire for now, and bounce back later with more original ideas. Leave conan alone, he is awesome.
" hi i am conan o brien, the host of the last call with carson daly"!!! OMG how hilarious is that!
Jay Leno should be embarrassed & ashamed of himself. His show will not be the Tonight Show – why does NBC think anyone will watch him at 11:35 when they didn't watch him 10??
This sucks! I guess I'm part of the problem since I usually watch the new Late Night show the next day on my DVR, but his is the only late show I'll watch. I never bothered until Conan took over. I definitely won't bother watching when he's gone, the others just aren't funny to me. P.S. I will also deeply miss Andy Richter.
TEAM CONAN!!!! Harvard= class act!!!!
Conan has made The Tonight Show fresh and fabulously entertaining. He has waited in the wings and now it is his turn! Leno is not the future-he is the past.
I continue to be shocked by this recent turn of events.
NBC– you are blowing this!
We watched old, old reruns of Late Night w/Conan O'Brien when we lived in Paris for 3 years– we love Conan!!!!!
If NBC loses Conan, it will be one of the worst mistakes they've ever made. Not only will the network's image be tarnished, but the legacy of the Tonight Show will be too. Not to mention that this whole thing is making Jay Leno look like an egomaniac and a bully, a guy who can't seem to accept that his time is over.
Do they really think that America is going to welcome Jay back with open arms after a stunt like this? The best thing Leno can do at this point is bow out gracefully before his own legacy is completely destroyed.
This statement and position took courage and frankly reflected better decision-making than NBD executives were capable of over the past few months. Conan will be fine whichever way this goes.
Wow, NBC sucks!
I love Conan and his crazy hair, and I'm glad he has the integrity and the balls to stand up for himself and for his show. Jay Leno should own up to his word and retire with some dignity, though I love the guy.
(To be honest I thought things were perfect with Conan in New York and Jay doing his thing at the Tonight Show, and I wished it would have stayed that way.)
Jay retired, enough already!! I love Leno, but it's Conan and Fallon's turn! Come on Jay, it's time to honor your retirement...
Conan,
You're awesome!
Conan is awesome and the greater talent. It's NBC loss.
Dump Jay. His time is done. He's got plenty going on with autoshoes and stuff anyway.
Conan is the new Jack Parr.
Conan, you're fantastic. I'm glad I got to see you live in action this fall before NBC messed it up.
This has all come about because of Jay Leno's greed and egomania. He should have disappeared from tv years ago - he has never been, and will never be, anything even approaching funny.
Conon, on the other hand, has shown class, style, wit, and integrity - which are four things that Leno has no clue about.
Leno is a loser. Team Conan all the way!
I would like to see Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien work this out. It's their shows and NBC execs are a bunch of neencowpoops. Only Jay and Conan have the cahones to make the best decisions. As with most executives, their heads are up their butts and can't see the forest for the trees.
Conan,
You are very professional in how you present your statement. It seems very sincere and real. I don't watch a lot of TV, but my boyfriend and I watch your show regularly and I personally laugh out loud at your skits! I really hope that the Tonight Show stays put where it started off so many years ago. To alter it's time shift would be to alter history, and from what I read from other viewers commenting on your statement, you have a lot more support than Jay's show or the executive decisions from NBC. We will continue watching your show no matter where you go. You really are a CLASS ACT! There are not many things that make me laugh out loud if they aren't live and in person. Please keep up the great work and if you move to FOX, that would be great!
If NBC had listened to Carson and picked Lettermen in the first place no of this would have happened. NBC is run by idiots!
Let Conan stay in his slot and give Leno the slot after Jimmy Fallon... no one watches Carson Daly
nothing will happen to conan, he will continue with his show in time as it is ussually. this is only way to get more atention for NBC. conan, if any problem in usa you come here in croatia (south Europe). we will give for your show any time you like. do not worry!! from all of these problems you will make a lot of jokes in Tonight shows what coming.Take care, relax
NBC DO NOT MOVE TONIGHT SHOW WITH CONAN!!!!!!!!!!!
Bravo Conan!
You couldn’t have put it more succinctly! And you've done it graciously I might add!
I'm sure you'll find that the majority of the public feel this way too!
I like Jay, but it was his decision to leave the Tonight Show. To turn around and create the havoc that he and the network did by creating a prime time show with nothing more than the same format that was being done @ 11:35 was a ludicrous idea to begin with.
Jay and the network put you behind the proverbial "eight ball" before you even started. And to appease the situation they've come up with an even more ludicrous idea.
Jay, hate to say it but you should be gracious enough to just say goodbye and find another gig.
Stick to your guns Conan!
I hope the network realizes what they've got and won't blow it by trying to appease the situation with a very bad scheduling decision!
Keep the Faith, from a loyal viewer!
Jay has no class. He said he would never put Conan through what he experienced when he took over the Tonight show. How would he have liked Johnny coming back? Conan is the best and also is a class act. I hope everyone boycott's Jay and follows Conan where ever is goes!
I watched Johnny when growing up and for some reason Leno was not my cup of tea. I watched Conan on late night on those occasions when I was up that late. I watched pretty religiously the new Tonight Show with Conan. NBC could not have botched this. Jay's new show was rehash in a time early enough that we would want something fresh. Conan's show didn't have a shot with a poorly thought out Leno earlier in the evening. They have manged to mangle two major late night shows and one hour of prime time. Hope Conan turns up elsewhere I'll watch- as for what they do with the Tonight show forget it I'll do with Lettterman for now.
I can't believe Leno and NBC are even considering changing the time slot for "The Tonight Show". That's just wrong on sooooo many levels. They should be ashamed. I watched Johnny faithfully and when Jay took over I watched him. I absolutely adore Conan and if NBC and Jay do this, I will just watch something else.
My oldest daughter and I used to stay up and watch Conan after Jay and we had such fun! (I think she's still half in love with Conan). I will always treasure that time we had. Thank you, Conan. If you leave I, for one, will NOTbe watching NBC late shows!!!
Conan,
This is why I have always loved you! Thank you for so eloquently stating your firm resolve! Hang in there! It's ok -I have bad hair days too; just not everyday! Watching and waiting.....
My husband & I are in our 50s and have been Conan fans for years. I think bringing Leno back to 11:30 is a BIG MISTAKE. I know that NBC needed to give Conan the Tonight Show years ago to hold onto him. At that time Leno agreed to step down and he should do the right thing and honor that agreement. His new show is not funny. We tried watching it but found it bland and boring. If Leno is brought back to 11:30 we will probably switch permanently to Colbert or Letterman.
Conan took a while to catch on when he started at 12:35. Give him some time! (We like Jimmy too!)
STRIKE!!!!!!
I just read a late report indicating that Conan will definitely leave NBC and Jay will resume hosting duties at the The Tonight Show. I am disgusted. The more I read about this fiasco, the more I believe that Jay was in on this plot from the moment his primetime show began to falter in the ratings (in week two). I liked both men at the outset and watched Leno's Tonight Show and occasionally his primetime comedy program as well as Conan's Late Show and his Tonight Show... but I have chosen to support Conan and will follow him to Fox or wherever he lands. I will deliberately avoid next incarnation of The Tonight Show with Jay.
Stepping back to look at the big picture, it may indeed be that Jay felt trapped into a 2009 forced retirement by NBC back in 2004 when the studio fought to keep Conan in the fold; however, everyone signed a contract.
Conan reportedly stands to receive a payoff in the tens of millions due to NBC's idiocy. Way to go, Conan!! Take the money and run, but please hit the air soon.
I never thought Leno was funny and was excited about Conan going to the Tonight Show. I honestly only catch the show every once in awhile becasue I prefer to do other things then watch TV all the time but I would watch Conan. At least he is funny and semi-original. Leno is not even close to the talent Conan has as a host. I couldn't even tell the last good prime time show I watched on NBC...I watch football on the network and that's about it.
Leno is a major DOUCHE–never liked him before, like him even less now and I cannot for the life of me understand why NBC is willing to screw over just about anyone to keep him happy. His bits were lame to begin with, now they're tired AND lame. Best wishes to the very talented Conan, can't wait to see him on FOX.
Conan O'Brien and Stephen Colbert have proven to be some of the most influential people in both television and comedy. I'm sure that some of Conan's audience is split flipping between Colbert and Conan's show. I know my remote gets a workout between 11:30 and 12:00.
I have learned to love Conan on The Tonight Show. While I am a Leno fan as well, Conan has done an awesome job and I find his humor to be more contemporary and up-to-date. While Jay is great, I would rarely laugh outloud. Onward and upward Conan. My loyalties are with you and your awesome staff.
Conan to me will always be the greatest talk show host of all time
Translation of Conan's press release:
To NBC: a) The position of my legal team is that your proposed changes would leave you in serious breach of contract and cost you many millions of dollars because the Tonight Show is not just the name of any program, it's the name of the first late-night program after the news and occurs at a particular time. If you signed a contract with someone that said they would be doing the "6 o'clock news", and then moved the "6 o'clock news" to midnight, you would similarly be in breach of contract.
b) I, myself, am not in breach. In fact, I began working on the show, living up to my end of things, long before appearing on it as the main host.
To all other networks: Make me an offer. It better be good.
To his audience: Don't worry. When this all blows over, I will still be funny and on T.V.
Who even finds Jay Leno funny anymore? Conan's impersonation of Leno is funnier than the real thing. Conan's the new breed of Tonight Show host, and he didn't get a fair shot at something he spent well over a decade working towards. NBC is screwing him. Also, people who don't think Conan is funny are probably old, or absolutely boring. I'd hate to see what you find funny.
I waited years for the eternally lame Leno to be replaced. Finally we got Conan who is perfectly qualified to carry on the great comedy legacy that Johnny Carson left. Leno's success was because he hosted the tonight show, not because of his personality. Leno's show failed not because of the time slot but because Jay Leno simply isn't very funny. Save Conan!
This statement shows you the awesomeness of Conan, and what a horrible mistake NBC's Zucker is doing. That waste of space should have been fired ages ago. Its time for Leno to hang it up, not destroy the enormity that is the Tonite Show.
Conan should bring back the Masturbating Bear to do a visual for NBC on O'Brien s State of the Network address
I'd say leave Conan at 11:35, kick Jimmy Fallon out of the Late Night show and let Jay run that show. Seriously, Jimmy is a really bad late night show host. The way he presents his monologue and jokes at the beginning of the show are so out-of-rhythm. It is so clearly obvlous that he's eyeballing the script as he reads his lines, and so it awkwardly interrupts the audience's reactions when he cuts them off. He has no flow with the audience. And most annoyingly, Jimmy tries way way WAY too hard to laugh, react, etc with his guests and audience.
Don't feel sorry for Conan, feel sorry for NBC. They are the real losers here. I agree 100% that you CAN'T move the Tonight Show to accomodate Leno. Leno never should have had the Tonight Show to begin with...that was supposed to be Lettermans spot after Carson retired. Carson (who will always be the "King of Late Night") disliked Leno so much that he continued writing monologue jokes in secret after he retired, but GAVE the jokes to Letterman because Dave was supposed to be his successor.
Bravo Conan for standing your ground. Boo NBC for pandering to a hack like Leno, and Boo Leno...just for being Leno.
Jay and NBC died months ago but forgot to fall down.
Conan, You are a class act. You can only end up at a better place - see you when you get there. Good luck and enjoy the journey!
I AM CONAN!
Conan=class
Jay=classless.
It's quite obvious that Jay is a huge baby.
It's like they are both the prom date for the good looking twin thinking they are the "one". Don't blame Jay or Conan for jockiing for position for a go at the bossom. Blame it on the Dad, NBC. He's the one they took them in the back room and put the arm around them and said, "you are my favorite."
Some one is going to end up with good looking twin and the other is either going to take the ugly one, or drive across town for a go at the Foxy one.
Jay's ego is as lame as his personality. *spits*
Conan has principals and class. *APPLAUSE*
CONAN RULES!!!! Sorry Jay time to step out...
Irish Class!
Conan: At first I thought you would never "fit in" at 11:30pm - but I stayed faithful and I think you have evolved and are perfect for the job! You are a class act and deserve to have your showtime uninterrupted.
Jay: I don't miss a show. BUT, I don't like it as much as the Tonight Show. The things that were the best – Jaywalking, Headlines are keepers. The car race stinks – let it go. NBC needs to help you tweak the format and maybe add a desk, add something NEW and worth watching at 10 – like a movie review, audience interaction, and maybe people would tune in as faithfully as they did at 11:30. Don't rain on Conan's parade. You'll regret it in the long run, just as you regretted the silence between you and Johnny.
NBC: Ratings aren't everything. you are ruining a GREAT thing. TWEAK the 10pm and LEAVE 11:30 ALONE!
It doesn't matter whether any of us find Conan funny or not, or Leno funny or not. When Carson left, I knew a lot of people who found Leno "juvenile" etc., and refused to watch and I'm sure when Paar left, there were those who wouldn't watch Carson. It's how it works. New generation. I personally find Conan hysterical and have watched him from day 1 (17 years ago). The point here is that NBC made a deal and Jay needs to learn to graciously let go, like Carson did. Yes, ratings will suffer for awhile. It takes time. That's the sad thing. If a show like MASH came along today, it wouldn't last past 1 season since no one watched MASH until season 3. It's ratings were terrible. Nowadays, if you aren't wowing them RIGHT AWAY, they cut the show. Anyway, Conan is a class act and I hope he's able to keep the Tonight Show. Even if you hate him, well, that's just too bad. That's how the cookie should crumble. When Conan retires (if he's able to stay), I'll bitch and moan too and probably not like the new guy/gal either. New generation.
I find it hard to believe that Jay Leno would even allow this to happen to Conan. I will never watch Jay again and will follow Conan to wherever his show is! I have always loved Dave and never liked Jay, now I know why, this is pretty low of him!
Conan, just ask David Letterman , So, Mr. Letterman, How did NBC treat you, do tell me again??? They do not care. They are idiots as Leno at 10 is a disaster- and I worked in media for years- try selling that hunk of old junk. I digress. Conan, you deserve great things! I hope you find them AND SOON!!
OH FOX!!!!!!! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL THESE YEARS?????
Conan is and always has been awesome. I feel sad that he will end up being the whipping boy for the demise of the Tonight Show. I'm glad he put out this statement to make clear where the blame lies. I love Conan and can't wait for him to show up on a – excuse the word – renegade network like Fox where he can really shine. And UGH that hair!!!
HBO HBO HBO !!!!! If these guys are not talking to HBO or some other cable network like Comedy Central I will be shocked. I have not watched broadcast TV for some time........but don't watch Hunt for Red October everytime it comes on either. Surely the cable guys are trying to fill the "seats" too.
Good for you, Conan! Wherever you land, I'll be watching, and I'll never watch another episode of the Tonight Show if NBC follows through with this awful slap in the face to you and your crew. Hang in there and keep the faith. Someday taking this stand will make you bigger than ever when you get your time slot back (hopefully) or end up on another network. We, the viewing public, love your guts and your integrity. Bravo!
It is good to see that someone like Conan believes in keeping things grounded. The tonight show should stay in it's time slot. These suits at the networks are really setting a precedence of 'herky jerky' programming. So what's next more TV shows to watch that will never have a series finally. There is no loyalty to the public anymore, by the suits or in this case by Leno towards the Tonight Show's legacy that he is helping to destroy.
Conan,
NBC needs to realize that your program is more appealing to a wider variety of audiences. While Leno is just as nice and classy as you, he doesn't have the guts or intellect that you have. Your show will always be better than his and I can't believe NBC would be this stupid and bump you later. When I was in high school and college I watched your show every single night because I could stay up later. When the move was made I was ecstatic and I watch you every night once again.
Please NBC. Just make Jay retire like he said he would instead of destroying your best late night show.
Conando!
You are the man for so many reasons. You're real, simple, and funny as heck. Thanks for all of the work you've done with the infantcy Tonight Show. I hope you're given the chance to continue...
Someone else said a great point that is worth repeating on this comment board:
If NBC pulls Conan, they're walking away from the next generation of viewers... Conan followers are very loyal, and with time, his popularity will grow. Letterman won't be around for much longer, which will prime NBC to have, yet again, the top rated late night talk/comedy show on television. Why does it take a 30 year old, college educated, employed sales professional with great family values and a good head on his shoulders to see this, yet the "executives" in the suits at NBC do not????
All the best, Conan.
Nate, from Minneapolis.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Conan is standing up for himself and his staff along with Jimmy Fallon and his staff. I couldn't be more proud of Conan today.
Well said. Bravo!
Glad to hear you are sticking to what you believe, Conan! I seriously just said this the other day, when hearing the news, "Conan is WAY funnier than Jay Leno! ugh!" Sorry but Jay's just not funny and burnt out. Best of Luck, Conan!
Yes Conan, your hair is bad, but your comedy is great. We look forward to your new show on whatever network it may be. Cheers.
Leno was supposed to retire, not start a new show in another time slot which, has essentially screwed everybody. To make it worse, NBC is still sticking with Leno going back on the promise they made to Conan (and Jimmy Fallon). I say give Leno back the Tonight show so, Fox can sign Conan. Then clean house at NBC...they screwed this one up bad. Conan is the funniest man in late night bar none!!!
Conan speaks from the heart. If Leno has a decent bone in his body he will reject the offer and not force Conan out.
For the record I loved Johnny Carson and looked forward to watching the tonight show every night right after the news.
If anyone is to leave NBC or get fired it's the moron who decided to mess with one of the crown jewels of the NBC lineup.
War Conan!!!
Conan is a great comedian and a class act. I support and follow Conan no matter what happens next.
I'll follow Conan regardless of where he ends up. Leno lost my respect back when he got the Tonight show the way he did.
There was a reason Johny Carson thought Letterman would have made a better host.
Idont get it.. when a show gets cancelled, they don't move it to a different time slot.. The show is removed from the network and thats it. What does Leno have on these NBC execs that have them scrambling to move him to another time.. If your show sucks, it sucks. It doesn't matter what time its on tv..
Conan is awesome! I've disliked Jay Leno almost from the beginning (can't deal with his smarminess) and have opted for Conan for 10+ years now, staying up later than I probably should have. And finally, when Conan gets his much deserved award, he gets a slap in the face with it! So incredibly infuriating.
I know Leno fans have said Leno deserves NBC's continuing support after he "sacrificed" his entire career for them. But I honestly doubt he would have had much of a career outside The Tonight Show, as seems apparent in this latest ratings fail (but hey, I'm biased). Even if you're a Leno fan, you have to admit he's already gotten a great reward out of his NBC service - that is, hosting the friggin' Tonight Show! Leno should be thanking NBC for allowing him the honor, not the other way around. Why is NBC bowing down to him like he's king?!
Conan, we will follow you where ever you go. No matter what network, no matter what time. We will not be watching Jay Leno as he has shown his true colors through this ordeal. He knew 6 years ago this was coming. Jay, its time to move on. Conan, we adore you!
OK. Leave Conan in the 11:35 time slot and give Leno a 1/2 hour after Brian Williams finishes the Nightly News. Leno can replace one of the trashy gossip programs and make us laugh after we get hit with the hard stuff. How freakin' hard can running a network be anyway?
Conan: You truly rock. Wherever you go (if you go), we will follow.
Conan is a class act.
Good for you Conan. How well would Leno have done if, when Johnny retired, he started doing an exact same show right before the Tonight Show? You got screwed on this deal and it is good that you are standing against it. Of course I don't know how well you will do if you pick up an 11:30 show that competes with Leno AND Letterman.
Conando there is always Telemundo.
Conan IS the king of late night in my opinion. He's an amazing host and hilarious. Jay seems like a nice guy, but as a comedian he's a total hack. What NBC is doing is asinine and anyone who looks forward to the return of Leno obviously has an extremely weak sense of humor. It's sad to think about Conan having such a short Tonight Show legacy. I really believed he could have revived and revolutionized the brand given more time to settle in and find his feet.
Good luck, Conan!
If Conan goes, I will never watch NBC late night again. NBC needs to pull the plug on Leno and end all of this craziness.
Conan, you're a class act sir.
NBC and Zucker have managed to piss of America by treating us like a friggin' media experiment.....a FAILED experiment that was so short sighted, fear driven and just plain LAME!
WALK CONAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You tell 'em, Conan.
P.S. to NBC: You really should have just gone with Dave...
Nooooooo. I have tickets for the 22nd.
You have had seven months to be half as interesting as your predecessor ... evidently you haven't been able to achieve that and your network is having to replace you in the nicest way possible .. they could just fire you and hire jay leno in your place, but they like you so they are pushing you aside to rot while you look for your next job ... best start polishing your cv
This is incredibly sad and disappointing from NBC. I guess we can expect SNL to be moved soon too?
I have always enjoyed The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. As disappointing as it was to see him go this past spring, he did retire. It was his choice. And Conan took over the slot. I love Conan and think he is doing a fantastic job. I don't think it's fair that Leno return to a time slot he retired from to push a show that was his a few months ago back 30 minutes. I don't think he would think it was fair if it was his show being bumped back for a retiree to make a comeback. NBC has always had my favorite late night line up, but I will continue to watch Conan, wherever he may go.
I like Jay and dislike Conan. When Jay left the tonight show, I watched his new show and stopped watching the Tonight Show. HOWEVER, NBC is not being fair to Conan. He was promised/contracted for the Tonight Show at 11:30 and if NBC wants to yank the Leno Show-yank it. But don't expect Conan to move his show. Fair is fair.
Actually you probably had six months ... the seventh is just them being nice.
Serious .. find another job.
Jay Leno has ripped-off others for his humor and skits, now he wants to rip-off Conan for his time slot! Conan is respectable and has earned his chance to succeed. Leno should concede failure and move on to something else, perhaps back to his stand up career. Maybe NBC can try to create some sitcom and let Jay give that a go...
It seems like NBC is committed to screwing up shows people actually watch to make room for programs that people don't watch. They consistently kill great shows, and this move just goes to further the fact that the NBC executives have completely lost their minds. Jay Leno is a nice guy, but I just don't find 90% of his shows funny. I mostly only watched The Tonight Show with him on Monday nights for Headlines, and even then, I think I watched it a dozen times in his last 2 years. Even his monologues are usually bad. Conan is really funny, but I really started watching him consistently when he took over from Leno. Conan, Andy, Max (and, yes, even La Bamba) have really done a great job and I hope NBC either comes to their senses or another network will give CoCo and the gang a great opportunity to blow NBC out of the water. I like Jimmy Fallon, but with the loss of Conan and Scrubs, I will likely never watch NBC again.
Terrible to see such poor management at NBC. Where can i send my resume? I can honestly say that I can do 100 times a better job of managing. How on earth, do you let this out to the public? This may be one of the worst decisions magnified by the way it has been handled, in television history!
"People of Earth", hahahahahaha, Conan is just funny being himself, and although Leno is ok, I think he forces the jokes too much, he is rich, he should just retire, let it go man..Conan is the future, at least for 10 years or so
By the way, they should let Jimmy Fallon go, he is horrible, unfunny like Carson Daley...
Conan is the funniest act on TV period! Leno is good but has been done. I was pumped when I learned that I wouldn't have to stay up as late to watch the funnier of the late night programs. Laughter is what our country needs and Conan and Andy bring it in the best way possible!!!! Boo to NBC! I won't stay up for Leno, but it's worth the laugh if Conan is on!
Sad to see you leave..
They air your shows a cpl weeks/months behind here in sweden.
Never really saw tht hype with Leno. ah well ..
Hope you land OK ..
They did something similar to Letterman too, no?
conan your the man
NBC is run by a bunch of misfits. Most of thier programing sucks. Conan take your 40 million and call it a day. The Tonite Show goes back to Leno and the executives of NBC get fired. Done.
Conan is a stand up guy. The reason Leno's show failed at it's current time, is that Leno just plain SUCKS. He's barely chuckle-worthy, and should stick to doing what he does best, spending his millions on awesome automobiles. Leave the comedy to the pros Leno – let Conan do his thing and bow out gracefully.
I like leno!! I guess I am one of the few but I find conan's monologue strange and wierd at times! I think that leno seems pretty down to earth when he interviews and he is hilarious with animals not like letterman who is lame!! I have never found letterman funny he bores me!! Go leno
I for one will never watch Jay Leno again. There is an old adage in show business - Always leave them wanting more. By following this wisdom many top comedians and performers have sealed their legacy of greatness. Jay, however didn't know when to bow out gracefully, moved to prime time and flopped and now wants to bump the Tonight Show, a franchise he claims to love out of the time slot it has held since its conception. If Jay moves back to 11:35 I be watching Colbert!
Si CONANDO!
Go COCO! I think you have great hair! We believe in you and what you stand for. I have a lot of respect for you for standing up for yourself and what you believe is right. No matter what happens, you have a loyal following and growing strong.
Do what is right!
We love you!
TV execs may think it a stupid idea for reasons I do not appreciate, but given the amount of reruns, breaks, and similar that occur in these programs...and the horrible state of NBC, itself, and that it seems not a lot of known extensive friction (at least prior to this) between Conan and Jay,,,,perhaps
A Tonight show with Jay Leno AND a Tonight show with Conan O Brien....with some sort of alternating schedule, separate staff, etc. ...and freeing them up to host or be involved in other projects or shows at other times that might try to rescue NBC.... Not sure that would work, but hate to lose either of them...I actually would like both of them even more, if got a break from either....
never thought conan was that funny. his shows were good with richter as his sidekick early on and now back with the tonight show but conan himself is kinda annoying. i feel for the guy getting shafted around but he's gonna walk with a ton of change either way. wonder how his staff contracts work out?
I just wanted to show my support for Conan as well. I've enjoyed his show since the early days and have always enjoyed his brand of humor. He has worked long and hard before landing the Tonight Show gig and this does not seem fair at all. Whatever happens Conan I'm sure you 'll land on your feet and I will always tune in no matter where you land. Stay Classy Conan!
STICK TO YOUR GUNS CONAN! WE'LL BE HERE FOR YOU TONIGHT SHOW OR NOT!
as for Leno, i guess if this goes through he will go down in history as the guy who stole the tonight show not once but twice.
and NBC whats the deal? you are catering to a demographic that will be dead in about 20 years while conan potentially has a LONG ride ahead of him and the young folk on his side. you know, those crazy young people that arent on a fixed income and like to spend money. you know what money is right? that stuff advertisers give you to show their products during the show.
if they force this through then it truly is the end of an era
Wait a minute. If the Tonight show does air at 12:05am now does that mean we will again see characters like the masturbating bear? If the answer is yes then this could be a good thing.
Setting aside anyone's personal feelings about who is funnier or more deserving, NBC put Conan in the time slot that the show's been on for 60 years. The fact they tried to keep Leno for an earlier show was their choice, and it didn't work out as well as people would have liked, so now to keep Leno in the mix after he served his time on The Tonight Show, Conan's ratings could suffer. It is irrelevant if you like Leno or Conan more, Leno's contract was over for the Tonight Show, he retired from it and he's *never* going to be hosting it again *regardless* of what happens with Conan! So, now, Leno is supposed to force the Tonight Show's time slot back by 30 minutes after all of the years it's been played at? Leno should graciously back down about this, and let Conan have the slot he was promised.
If not, Conan leaves and takes a lot of fans with him and the Tonight Show is forever dead. Also, those people that aren't fans that understand how this affects his show, some will be upset enough to stop watching NBC late night, too. Anyone that doesn't think 30 minutes later that late at night for working people is a big deal, isn't considering the matter. Conan waited 7 years for Leno to retire, only to be pushed back because Leno doesn't want to let go? Sure, Leno has his fans that don't want to see him go, but the Tonight Show is long gone from his grasp, and where were those fans and ratings for his earlier time slot. A 10 PM time slot should receive better ratings than the 11:35 PM slot overall, which is the problem with the ratings NBC saw. So, what is to be expected from die hard Leno fans? That people that have a problem should voice that they demand Leno host the Tonight Show again, or to cancel that series altogether, after decades, all because they don't like the new guy enough to let him have his fair shot at the time slot he was supposed to be put in? So, what, just have Leno with the Tonight Show and Conan with Late Night, put everything back the way it was 1 year ago, or 10 years ago and everyone's happy that they didn't have to say goodbye to their beloved host with their beloved time slot and show title? Even after contracts were signed, terms promised and groups of people moved along with their families across the country, all because some people can't bare to let go and move on.
What a poor attitude to have some people say Conan should go because they don't like his sense of humor! He and his staff worked hard for years and hard for this move. How would you feel if you were planning to relocate across the country, are doing the job the company expected you to, and some ex-employee is favored enough to modify your work hours and basically affect your life where you aren't able to perform the job you were hired for in the position you were to perform? Leno isn't going to want to host forever, regardless of what show it is, so what to do then? Just because you don't get your way, doesn't mean you're right. You think Leno regaining the Tonight Show and Fallon with Late night is a good thing? Yikes. I guess people's opinions on what is funny greatly vary, but that's all sort of irrelevant. The fact is, Leno is NOT going to get the Tonight Show back, so all this will do is force Conan and his many fans to stop viewing NBC late at night, and NBC isn't stupid enough to lose Conan, because it's not a choice of Leno vs. Conan. They've made their choice with Leno alredat. It's a choice of keeping Conan or losing them both. If NBC try and move the time slot, they've wrecked 60+ years of what people have come to grow to expect and like (even if you personally don't). It's not like Conan is a bad person because you don't like his humor, so why think it's okay to wreck it for him and his staff just because you think someone else is funnier? Do you think you can get Jay back into the Tonight Show by this happening? Not going to happen! Then again, I suppose stranger things have happened though, so maybe Leno will get the Tonight Show back and screw Conan. I suppose that will make some stubborn fans happy, until Leno retires completely anyway.
The question is, is Leno that petty and selfish to just not bow out gracefully? Carson wanted Letterman to have the Tonight Show, was never happy with the choice for Leno. In fact, Carson never agreed to be a guest on the Tonight Show with Leno, but he was a guest on David Letterman's. What does that say? It was a fluke and a damn near disaster for NBC when they didn't get Letterman, and if they do the same to Conan and he leaves, no big act names will ever trust NBC and their 60+ year late night talk show leadership will forever be lost. Do you want that to happen, all because you're a die hard Leno fan? A man that has served his time, made big money and was replaced fair and square, and whom it appears would rather be selfish and hog the time slot in question, after NBC agreed to give it to the normal Tonight Show? Not a guy I'd want to support, regardless what I thought of him. Yeah, it is no fun to see a familiar face you think is funny go away, but it happens, and it'll happen anyway, so why wreck if for Conan whom has earned this gig and slot without any question?
Why can't everyone else in the business be this open, straightforward, and honest?
There isn't a better way to handle this scenario.
NBC makes no sense. The reason why Conan's ratings are bad are because 1) All of Jay's viewer's moved with him instead of staying with the Tonight Show. Jay should have retired like he was supposed to. If NBC wanted to give him a new show it should not be near the TS time slot let alone daily. 2) Only reason why Letterman had more viewers is because of the scandal and people wanted to see what was happening. All this nonsense because NBC lost the sweeps once?
I have been watching Conan since it first aired. I was excited when Conan was given the opportunity to step into the "Tonight Show" Legacy. I feel that NBC is making a terrible mistake, and should Conan decide to leave, I will never watch anything on the NBC network ever again....unless it's gay porn starring Ryan Seacrest.
You can never go home NBC. You cannot unring the bell.
Leno is doomed to fail in this attempt to return to what was before.
Conan is man enough to say "wait a minute". I think I'll just get off this out of control network ride. Let's face it, he is bound to resurface somewhere.
Very classy on Conan's part. Very much not classy on the part of NBC.... to say nothing of Mr. Leno's non-existent back bone.
NBC is terrible. Don't forget they're screwing over Jimmy Fallon too. He never had a shot either. They screwed up back in the early 90's letting Letterman go and now it's come back to bite them. Leno is acting like Brett Favre, and NBC is letting him do whatever he wants. Letterman had a great suggestion of Conan co-hosting with Leno on the Tonight Show, which I think would be great.
I really hope Conan comes out of this strong, because he is the only classy person on TV
Why not air both Leno and Conan at 11:30 with a split-screen; Leno on the right and Conan on the left, or whatever. Jimmy Fallon could even be in a little window somewhere near the bottom of the screen. Now that's a Solomon-like decision! Can't we all just get along?
Screw Jay..He had his time. I always liked Conan better
Way to Conan! We are definitely on your team!
NBC suits should resign. Their decision is outrageous. The Tonight Show is the only "jewel" left in their tarnished crown. Conan is a comic genius. What in the world are they thinking? Oh wait a minute, they aren't thinking. They put Conan and his staff in a very humiliating public position. It is quite an embarrassment to the peacock network. With these guys in charge, its no wonder they are behind in the ratings. If this network is to survive, they should get rid of these execs who are acting out of panic instead of keeping their heads about them and making sound business decisions. Conan, leave the network and go over to Cable where you will be truly appreciated.
Right on Conan! You stand your ground. That would be a career suicide if you moved. I'm not fond of Leno...it's time for him to graciously step down. It's time for team Conan and Fallon.
Huge Disappointment. NBC is throwing away the best host on television.
Leno is old news, and can't relate to anyone under 40!
What an amazing statement. Super classy. Best of luck in all you do.
Letterman will retire and give his show to Conan. It's what Johnny would want. Jay Leno is scum. Good day.
Best of luck to you, Conan. And your hair is amazing!!!
I agree with the others here: Conan has class; the network doesn't. Notice how his statement mentions the needs and wishes of others (e.g. his staff, Jimmy Fallon, the Tonight Show legacy–even a nod to Letterman), not just what HE wants. That thoughtfulness, plus his trademark self-deprecating humor, is what makes Conan the man. Pretty humble for a Harvard grad...
Where ever Conan goes, I go! This statement, has always been what I have expected from the guy. Yes his hair is intimidating but he is and has always been, a class act. I hope you go to FOX and leave that dump of NBC which is literally destroying that franchise.
Love you Coco! Great letter, and I concur with you 100%. Maybe Leno can have the timeslot back.... in the year 3000!!!!
Jay, have you no shame? If you had any class you would have shot this idea down before it went public. You have no loyalty to the Tonight Show legacy. Don't you have enough money? Retire already.
I believe that Conan, his writers and the Tonight Show are being disrespected horribly by NBC. The man works hard day in and day out, and for what, only to lose support from NBC? They made a big mistake giving Leno another late night show. He was suppose to step aside gracefully so Conan could continue where he left off. Without the full support of NBC, I fear the Tonight Show might have seen it's final days. And Conan, you should be pissed. Let people know you're being dicked of what's rightfully yours. You never know what you have until its gone....
Jay Leno is a Geezer, and his comedy doesn't appeal to the coming generation.
Conan is a perfect candidate for the tonight show, he's younger and his comedy style is more cutting edge and modern.
Somebody put Leno in home (along with his tired-ass jokes) and let Conan proceed as planned.
That being said, fuck every last one of you, kiss my balls.
Leno should have retired gracefully like Carson did and left us with fond memories. Instead he overstayed his welcome and has embarrassed himself and NBC.
I've been a fan of the Tonight show all of my life. When I was a child and could stay up late on Fridays I saw Jack Paar. I watched Johnny as long as he was there, and cried with him when he left. I watched Jay for all of his 17 years. He did a great job. I was sad to see him leave. And it was apparent that he really didn't want to go.
I loved Conan on the Late Night show. But he's bombing on Tonight. NBC must have toned him down, and he's really struggling with that. I'm not watching as much as I once did.
Same for Jay in prime time. It just isn't the same. Not watching if I can find something better.
Personally, though it would be a shame for them to compete, I'd love to see Jay back on Tonight at 11:30.
NBC is making a major mistake. Conan need time. and guys, move on from leno
Instead of going by ratings, why not put the shows on in height order? Conan is the tallest, so he goes first. Then Jay. Jimmy Fallon is the shortest so he goes last.
If they can find a taller host than Conan I'll be very surprised!
Way to go Conan! I have watched you since I was a kid every Friday night and during the summers bro. 11:30pm Tonight Show has been a treat and I hope you go to Fox for that same slot. Loyal fan 4life!
I love you Conan! I love that you are sticking to your principles.
You will land on your feet of that I am sure.
Conan is the Man. C'mon Jay Leno,you had your time, let Conan get his this time...
LOOK. Atlanta and Jerry Glanville let Babe Favre 'escape' north to the Good Bye Packers. It's STILL Burning. Now you want to FIRE a proven hire in his 2nd Semester of his Freshman Year on the Job?
Even Mr. Obama made it 2 his Sophmore Year. Did he not go to Harvard, too? I like Mr. Obama. Did not vote for either party, but now will support THE WINNER. Mr. Obama WON. And is entitled to his 4 Year gig. Frosh, Soph, Jr., and Sr. And so did Mr. "Big Red" O'Brien Win. He's niW. So let U.S. All support him, and we will be ONE. #1
It takes 3 Yrs. to be human (terribel 2's), 3 Yrs. to earn a Good Driver Discount, 3 Yrs. to become a Varsity Prep Player, 3 Yrs to be a BMOC. Hell, it took J.C. Goodman 3 years to get nailed to that tree! Plz note Jay's first 3 Years. You are knot C-EEING the Forest for the Big RED Sequoia! He literally runs CROSS COUNTRY! He's FAST!
PLEASE look at Leno's early Tonight Shows. I thought he was the Wizard of Oz (imposter) getting caught in his own curtain...w/ the Conan Lion..."If I WERE KING of the FOREST!" , Cone's Mane is King NBC. And we are entering the "Year of the Tiger." GGGGRRRR..
It's J's time to Smoke Off. Besides, he only wants to come back so he can announce Arnold's run for the U.S. Presidency in 2012. Let the Cone doo this. Like Mr. Kennedy, he's from Harvard Yard. Go Cone!
The Big "O" is a Cone 4 All Seasons. Regards, A. L.
POE (A Loving Person of Earth)....&
A proud member of "Saving Private O'Brien"
Isn't Jay embarassed by all of this? He should bow out like a gentleman and give Conan all that was promised to him. Jay has seen his day (or night!)–time to move onto something new.
First, the Conan version of the Tonight Show blows away the Leno version. I still don't understand why Leno had good ratings in the first place. We all know for a fact that he was ripping off some of his bits from Howard Stern via that stuttering fool, John Melendez. Second, Leno wanted out, and then he cried like a girl when he changed his mind. He knew he wouldn't get the same tables in the trendy spots anymore. Typical Andover wimp. Third, and this is what amazes me most. His show was basically the same at 10 and it sucked!!! What makes you think putting it back at 1130 would make it any better. Is NBC that stupid? It doesn't matter how you package Sh@#, it's still sh@#!!!!
Conan moved his family, his staff, his life to be able to finally do this show, which NBC promised him and is now renegging on. I would say boycott NBC if they do this to him but you know what , there isn't anyone watching NBC anyway. Smartin' up NBC it will be suicide if you do this to him. And as for Leno, be a man, you wanted out, now go! Your show didn't work and if you publicly cut Conan's throat because you want your toy back, you'll be playing to an empty house, to which by the way you have been used to lately. Typical Andover wimp.
We love u Coco! Behind u 100%
Conan rules! Leno sucks...
Cones! I hope you stay on the West Coast. I hope to visit your show.
Good for you Conan. Glad to see someone who thinks principals are more important than money.
Jay, Jay, go away, don't come back, PLEASE Conan stay!!
conan has been a stable source of perky yet inteligent humor for years. he has established himself as the funniest comic in late night tv and THIS IS the reason he was given the tonight show.
NBC is a defunct network with retrograde execs running the show. Leno has never been as funny or witty as either Conan or Letterman, he has made a career out of derrier kissing and boring routines that have worked simply because the alternative was too intelectualy charged to atract common America
I praise Letterman for sticking to his guns and maintaining the level of wit and high end comedy, and I sincerely praise conan for making me laugh for years and in these trying times not giving up to the unfunny...
u da man conan
Ron
Well Conan you have always been my favorite you didn't get a fair shake but you are moving on I respect that. I always liked Leno but I feel his part in this has been unfair to you and I respect that you are thinking of others. You Rock.
After 9-13 hours of work a day, I found it so refreshing to have Jay Leno's humor on at 10pm instead of 11:30. I'd be able to catch his entire show, watch the news and maybe have some life left to see Conin's monolog. By midnight, I'm out cold.
I personally prefer Jay's presentation of humor over Conin's and Letterman. If I had to explain why, I think Jay has a way of telling the jokes, good or bad, and moving on quickly to the next one. I think Conin and Letterman spend too much time floppin' hair, playing with tie or jacket button, etc. Jay's show just seems to move quicker with a bit quicker whit.
Well, since I'm a brazilian and don't follow the show here at my country, I can't really know how the things work there, but, I was wondering, couldn't have any way to accommodate de comedy who before the last news of the night and make it shorter to don't change too much the schedule? Perhaps it could work better and would be good to everybody... I don't know... Well... this is just a suggestion...
I dunno if you will ever read this Co-Co but I just wanted to say that I hope you come back with something REALLY FAST!
If I had a network, I would offer you any time slot you wanted, but sadly, that dream isn't real!
There's only one Co-Co O-B!!!
I will be looking for you whereever you land and Andy too!
Where Coco goes, I go.
Heads need to roll at NBC for this debacle.
Great statement. Straight forward, but respectful. Conan's arguement is good, and I fully support him. I totally agree that it is a huge mistake to move the time slot of the Tonight Show. And though I have nothing against Jay Leno, what the heck is this that he retires from one show, but they want to put him back in the same slot? They really think people will watch because of that? Not me! Leave the Tonight Show in the timeslot it OWNS! What a sad day if they break this long-standing tradition of television.
Hope to see Conan with a network that respects him soon. No Conan on NBC, me no watchy NBC period !!! All because of poor ratings for the 11pm News ?? Maybe your news cast sucks. Maybe someone should pull out the dictionary and show THE CHIN the definition of "Retired". We love you COCO !!!
NBC is dumb. NBC is Dumb
I had to say it twice to try express my frustration over this calamity. If Conan leaves the air, he will leave a hole that will never be filled. As the state of television dives to new depths of depravity, shining stars of class and comedy such as Mr. O'Brien are few and far between. One shudders to think of a world without Conan O'Brien.
Shame on you NBC.
Conan You are awesome my husband and I hav ebeen watching you since highschool, your humor is fresh and fun, and hilarious! You deserve the Tonight Show and it is better now because of you, and Jimmy Fallon is Fantastic as well. DONT GIVE UP THE FIGHT. YOU ARE RIGHT and you deserve your show!
Ask Letterman what it's like to be screwed and backstabbed by Leno. Jay's a jerk that will only be remembered for forcing NBC to take it on the chin!
Conan should stay. Leno is history.
Connan is the best thing that has ever happened to NBC! If they let him go they are idiots. I am really upset. All this situation is really unfair for Connan and his staff.
"Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the Late Night show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot. That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy."
Well looky here...someone with class and consideration–something Leno lacks completely. Leno screwed Letterman in the past, he couldn't accept HIS OWN decision to retire and came up with an awful excuse for a primetime show (quite frankly stabbing Conan in the back by doing so)...and now this? Classic Leno, I guess. If he were a good man, he wouldn't allow NBC to do this to 1) Conan and 2) The Tonight Show as a whole. Not to mention, "The Tonight Show", I'm guessing, was named just that for a reason. A 12:05 slot compromises the truth to the title....wouldn't ya think?
It's not even about Conan vs. Leno anymore–it's about doing what's right. Conan (and his entire crew) brought his entire life with him to CA–something I'd imagine wasn't easy.
I've lost an incredible amount of respect for NBC, and never really had an ounce of it for Leno. I'll consider it when he makes me laugh.
Conan, I go where you go...I just wish you could take The Office and 30 Rock with you.
I loved Late Night with you on it. I didn't see many episodes of your Tonight Show as aired though. I didn't want to sit through the programs that preceded it, and frankly, I had grown out of the habit since Leno took over years ago. I did watch several episodes on the net so I could avoid having to exposed to Leno's new show too but the Leno promos around them even stopped that for me. That show ranks with the wingnutters and those who aren't into that are finding less irritating entertainment.
Your show is good, as good as any Tonight Show prior to Leno. But the Leno Show beat down is harsh. It's depressing and to wait through it or even see promos for it is like asking someone to laugh after snidely telling him or her the dog just died.
You're right. I think your show was sabotaged. Hate to see you go, but the prospect of you doing something away from that place entirely is exciting and I hope if things don't work out there, that you do. Something freer.
I only watch NBC shows online now and will continue to avoid the Leno downer. It's sad to see an institution fade away and I'll remember that NBC killed it.
*** cries violently ** WHY why why .. Leave Conan alone! .. You dont understand Conan! .. Why cant they just leave Conan alone! He's a Human!
(wish i could video that in youtube fashion)
Many have already said it, but bottom line... Once Jay accepted that absurd "5 year retirement plan", he should have left NBC at the top of his game last year and moved the heck on. He could have done anything he wanted anywhere... his ratings were crazy good. Now he looks like a whiny child and NBC looks, well, ridiculous.
Conan you are the best! You are incredibly talented and sooo funny!
Hey Conan: It IS INDEED classy of you to write this letter, esp for a young guy...............class at your age is too often something never learned.
I would be sorry to hear about changes to your show. I was really happy with Leno on at 1000.........I watched it religiously and thought it was pretty great............and I liked the time; I have to get up early.
I have enjoyed your show the times that I have been able to be up later, and I have no doubt that you've worked your butt on, and so has your staff.
But look; I'm 54, and so if someone were to argue for some legacy or late night institution don't you think it might be someone my age? But I'm sorry Conan; it's a dog-eat-dog world unfortunately....believe me I WISH it wasn't but wishing doesn't get you anywhere these days. I think that you need to recognize that understandably this is very PERSONAL to you, and I'm also SURE that NBC is an network without ethics, just like they all are. So you're probably getting treated really badly.
In the end, though, I guess it'll all come down to what the audience wants......EVERYTHING ELSE ASIDE, because ratings are the world we live in. I never thought I'd ever say this, but, DON'T GET HUNG UP ON VALUES, CONAN. Just take your lumps, and bail if ethically you have to.
And to be honest here, I'd rather watch Leno earlier than you; Leno is also an institution of sorts, and I'm afraid that if I'm polled as to who gets the earlier slot, as a member of the "audience", for me, my loyalty is to Jay Leno's show.................take care, Conan
How could anyone think Jay Leno is funny? He's dried up and done. Conan is whitty and clever and keeps things new and young. Only old people with no sense of humor like Leno anyway.
and NBC, a deal is a deal. What's the point of a contract if you can just change it whenever you want?
Conan, I applaud you for standing for your principles. In a situation that has been handled very poorly by NBC, you responded with grace and compassion for others.
M. Jones
Conan is awesome, wherever he goes, I will go. PERIOD. If it's FOX, then FOX IT IS!
Lets be clear.
Leno is getting canceled because of ratings.
Conan is getting moved because of ratings
Fallon is getting moved cause of ratings
They are all doing half of last years numbers.
Jay during the tonight show is the best for NBC.
Good integrity, Conan! Sick of Jay! I won't watch him anyway. Stick to it, man! Where ever you end up, I'll watch.
Conan had fantastic ratings until the Jay Leno started. I think the solution has become clear....
another thing....
Jay never wanted to retire. He was prematurely forced out. While I prefer Conan, Kimmel, Stewart, Letterman, Fergusen, etc Jay has proven he pulls the best late night ratings time and time again.
While is 10pm ratings are down for that slot his talk show is still outperforming all others including Conan and Letterman.
Great Gods, NBC, dump Leno and keep Conan... what drugs are you smoking/injecting/snorting??? Puhleeeeeze!!!
For everyone who is bashing Conan for his low ratings I want you to know this. When Leno took over the Tonight Show from Johnny Carson; the transition was shadowed in controversy and it took him a few years to figure out a formula that worked. He had low ratings his first few years.
You need to think about that. Give Conan a little more time. It hasn't even been a year yet.
Many have already said it, but bottom line... Once Jay accepted that absurd "5 year retirement plan", he should have left NBC at the top of his game and moved the heck on. He could have done anything he wanted anywhere... his ratings were crazy good. Now he looks like a whiny child and NBC looks, well, ridiculous.
What is NBC thinking catering to a "retired" Leno without giving Conan a fair shake? If NBC has any sense at all, they'll drop Leno altogether and look forward to future successes with the Tonight Show w/ Conan instead of dwelling on the past.
Well said. It's time for Leno to step aside. Love you Conan and your crazy do!
I always thought it was ridiculous and unfair that NBC gave Jay Leno yet another "late" night show. I would love to see how "the Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno" would have held up if Johnny Carson had set up shop in a 10pm time slot during his debut season. Conan is and always has been far more entertaining then Leno. I hope he moves on to a network that appreciates his genius.
Whatever happens, I will be a lifelong fan of Conan O'brien. This statement, as well as his career to date, shows him to be hilarious, of course, but also truly a man worthy of my respect and admiration. I will support him in every way I can as a viewer, and I will boycott anyone who treats such a man this way. NBC really botched this one up. If they weren't going to give him a fair chance, they shouldn't have taken his other very successful show from him and sent him and his family to live on the other side of the country. One thing, at least is for sure. Conan has many exceptional talents, and if he is not appreciated there, he will be somewhere else. We all will enjoy many more years of Conan O'brien.
Conan is a class act all the way. Ever since the beginning. NBC needs to get it's lips off of Leno's ass....his time has passed. He and NBC need to let go gracefully.
If you leave, you should have a farewell show on another network.
Conan is hilarious and an amazing talent.
I agree completely with his statement.
I will stop watching NBC altogether if they bump his time slot back, or even worse, let him walk away because he won't let them screw him over.
NBC needs to step up and do the right thing here and I think its pretty obvious what that is.
Get rid of Leno. It's a slap in the face to Conan to let Jay have the 11:35 time slot. If Leno can't generate the ratings cut him lose.
The NBC and GE management are a joke, they need to leave Conan alone and cancel Leno, problem solved!!
NBC made a series of decisions that they've been trying to weasel out of since 'The Jay Leno Show' was conceived. They've been laughably bending over backwards to accommodate Leno, and now the experiment has failed. Instead of taking responsibility for this failure, however, they'd rather alter the nightly staple that is 'The Tonight Show' to nestle Leno in their arms as if to comfort him like an infant. Not to mention slap in the face each and every person involved in the following two programs. This is simply wrong.
Conan is 100% right to stand by the program and refuse to let them do any further damage. NBC should honor their decision, honor his contract, and trust the show O'Brien is putting together so he can build an audience. I've always been a fan of Jay's, but this whole situation is absurd, and him being the bigger man, and ACCEPTING the network let his contract expire while stepping aside would end this nonsense before it gets even more out of hand.
That sucks.
Not to mention that Conan moved out to California from New York for this. Wherever you go Conan, you are going to be successful and watched. You are a class act. Best of luck!
Conan is the only show I watch on NBC. If he leaves, they'll no longer have me as a viewer.
I am very sad to learn that you were given a long-running show in a time slot that has traditionally been permanent, and the suits are causing you problems, Conan. I know you will hold on to your integrity and do what you feel is right. I will keep my fingers crossed that you can come to a mutually beneficial agreement with the executives you have to deal with. I support your endeavors 100%. I will keep my fingers crossed and hope you will be able to present the show the way you have always envisioned it.
I wish NBC would make up their minds, if they have one anymore!They keep changing things & one day everyone will get tired of this & QUIT watching completely! I grew up watching Johnny Carson, then Leno & Conan but not if they keep changing!!
this is dumb... leno is the the uncle fester of late night! his jokes are poor, his interviews are rehearsed, the truth is that' his street interviews and funny newspaper thing was the only contribution to the legacy of "the tonight show" that he stumbled upon in his unmemorable 20 years! thank god Conan was on after, to right all the dis-genuine corporate wrongs of a tonight show on before! there is a youth demographic NBC!! and they want there own tonight show! they want to say to there friends "did you see Conan last night? OMG the funniest thing i ever saw happened". or' "dude eff this scrubs rerun Conan's on" i wonder what demographic johnny did best with when he started? old whinny farts? i doubt! im going to blame all the baby boomers for losing there sense of humor along with there bags of weed' when they all had to start clocking in early for there shinny shimmering manufacturing jobs (which dont exist anymore, along with there sense of irony and improve)!! there slow' im sorry! they dont get it , along with how to work there remote. but im sure they know how to bitch when there NBC stock goes down and they "just dont get this new tonight show", there traditionalist's!! and thats why they love there leno, cuz as long as its the same they dont feel so old. but HEY' america loves its traditions!! thats why we root for are favorite team even when there having a losing season and hate to watch our favorite shows fall away along with our youth. but ya cant stop progress and "this" New Tonight Show generation needs a host they can count on, someone who can make them laugh! i look forward to a NEW tonight show tradition, a show about whats going on in the world today and why its funny and absurd. Conan' you are the chosen one!! you bring us down to earth just to kick us back out in too the atmosphere!!
Leno was never the Tonight Show, he's just the guy who had a show before Conan took over and made johnny proud. stay you Conan and ill be watching. ' 'LoVe' '
p.s. NBC..... i poop on you!
You are truly an amazing individual, Conan. I support you completely in your decision.
Zach
The elegance, humility, and humor of your statement, Conan, stands out even more in a culture where celebrites and athletes routinely let everyone else down. Your class and integrity are reflected in your argument regarding fairness, and by expressing more concern for the larger picture, as well as a valued friend. Maybe it's because I live in Massachusetts, but I LOVE the hair!
It is really about the viewership after the news. Conan will lose because plenty of us who get up every morning to go to work cannot hang on another half hour. The first 30 minutes after the local news is all any network is going to get out of me. I would really prefer Conan to Leno. Guess I'll go back to Letterman– or just get 30 extra minutes of sleep.
Yahooo.... conan is gone... sorry chap... I just don't think you have what it takes for the tonight show... you've got your groupies and that 's good ... just not at that time slot. good luck to you wherever you go.
What kind of coward is Jay Leno? I'll tell you what kind...the kind that still thinks he has a lock on the American Late-Night audience, and won't bow out like his predecessor. His run with The Tonight Show was fine, but grew bland and boring. I thought it was a smart decision that Jay pass the torch to Conan to lead the show for a new generation, but to take it back not unlike a child would...well that just shows us what he really cares about. Himself! Shame on you Leno!
As for Conan O'Brien...well anyone can see that a Harvard graduate should be the clear choice for the job. Just think about it NBC? Conan has established himself for 17 years, clearly has a giant fanbase, and has the raw talent needed for the gig. Johnny Carson must be spinning in his grave. Conan you have filled our hearts and minds with a type of humor that has truely been remarkable. Whatever happens to you I know will benefit you and your viewers.
NBC is sooo ratings hungry it wouldn't surprise me if they made a reality show out of this, "America's Next Late-Night Tool." Get with the times NBC, Leno is out and O'Brien is in...INDESTUCTABLE HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.....(picture Conan doing his classic evil, up to no good laugh).
I agree with "Turkey." NBC, it's time to let that big chin go. Conan is the future, Leno is the past.
We love you, Conan, no matter what happens next.
I've enjoyed Conan's comedy since 1994. His rare and intelligent humor helped me study through the late night hours in high school, college and law school. It's ridiculous that NBC fails to see that Conan attracts a new generation of viewers.
Today, I respect him even more for maintaining his integrity. I'm following Coco to any Network he chooses.
The problem is not enough audience of Tonight show with Conan, not the Jay Leno show. Tonight show under Jay Leno was number 1.
NBC has to run a business. To fix it they have to get to the core of the problem.
I think Conan should join Fox or some other for the same time slot at 11:30. That way everyone gets to stay at the same time slot. And then let the best person win- David Letterman or Conon or Jay.
Don't go to Fox Conan! They're just plain weird over there. And guess who you might just run into – Palin! Love and appreciate your staff's hard work. Thank you. Hope everything works out for the best.
Jay's ratings at 11:35 were #1 because of the institution of the Tonight Show – not his talent. His failures (in comparison) at 10:00 were due to his inability to create a show that could stand on its own merits without that institution. Both men are surely comic geniuses – Conan, however, is more so.
Leave Conan at 11:35 and let the institution be led by a competent talent. Let Leno go and ride his bikes. With the money saved. hire a hair stylist and put George Clooney in scrubs again.
We love you, Conan, no matter what. I just hope to be able to see you somewhere.
Today Conan showed class and dignity rare at this level of show biz. I am a bigger fan than ever. Are they just not paying the guys at NBC enough to figure this stuff out?
I am a long-time Conan fan. He is smart, edgy & challenging. None of that describes the "Tonight Show" heritage. I don't doubt his sincerity about the thought put into extending the legacy. I believe he thought he could do his show under that franchise. In time he would be proven right.
The mainstream TV audience has not grown as fast as needed to "get" Conan. Given time, they could. He's right; he deserves a salient network lead-in & marketing moxy. With the recent ownership change at NBC he will have neither in time.
His statement really reflects Big Picture thinking and consideration–of the network, the brand and his colleagues.
I will follow Conan wherever he goes...and hope for the best for NBC.
John
This is completely unfair to Conan and I hope all issues will be resolved quickly without any more difficulties for him (and also Jimmy Fallon).
Clearly, Conan has the moral high ground here. He will surely come out on top, even if it's at another network. NBC's executives, on the other hand, are making the same sort of decisions that have long sabotaged the network's ratings. And as for Leno . . . what can I say? I suspect the measure of his greed is matched only by that of his chin.
Conan must be commended for his refusal to be remembered as the Tonight Show host who rolled over as NBC's executives, blinded by dollar signs, lost sight of the value of a timeless television institution, then razed it to the ground.
More power to you, Conan!!!
You're the funniest thing to hit late night TV in decades, and NBC/GE would be be surpassing their stupidity exhibited in their GE Capital venture by putting Leno ahead of you. Leno's time has passed.... put him on the AARP network, or better yet put him on the retirement home circuit!
I don't watch anything on any Fox channels other than an occasional Simpsons episode.... but if Conan makes that move I'll follow (and it'll be their best investment since the bimbo from Alaska)
Great guy, great response.
NBC made an incredible string of mistakes with their late night jewel. They should have stuck with their decision and not risked hurting the Tonight Show and Late Night shows as a key part of their brand. Conan O'brien's statement was classy and insightful. I believe Johnny Carson (the true king of late night) would be proud. NBC screwed up in 91 when they allowed Johnny Carson's job to become a point of negotiation with Jay Leno. They screwed the pooch again when they offered Leno's Job to Letterman while Leno was just warming up. They repeated the 91 screw up again in 2004 only this time with letting Obrien negotiate for Leno's seat. Now again while trying to undue this screw up they didn't let O'brien grow into the chair just like Leno needed to. Two lessons for NBC: Never let the top spot become a point for negotiation by a hopeful. When you do make a decision (and sign a contract) honor it. Simple enough?
12:05 is more like the tomorrow morning show
way to go conan, you deserve way better. People should live up to their contractual obligations
Where Conan goes I go.
NBC has a history of screwing over late night hosts. Jack Paar walked out over a censorship issue. We all know the story of Lettermen. Now we have them trying to return Leno to late night.
Personally, I prefer David Lettermen over both Leno and Conan.
How many years does NBC expect Leno to give them? 5? 6? He can't have many more left in him. He's gonna want to retire sometime ... Why would they screw up something that's working so well for them? I love Conan ... It's been so great to be able to watch him earlier. My job performance has improved significatly since his move to the Tonight Show since I'm not up so late anymore.
Conan is the wave of the future.
Stick to your guns, Conan. You are the right guy for the Tonight Show job. Jay had a great run but your time is now. Much man love to you, buddy. Hang in there.
Keep Conan at 11:35!!! (and Conan don't go to Fox)!
Jay Leno has had his day, by sticking around I feel he has jumped the shark big time. In no disrespect to Leno it's time for him to retire from late night NBC.
Jay Leno is the biggest douche in the world. When I heard he was going to host a new show at 10pm, i thought it was a selfish decision to stay on TV after announcing his retirement. Now that his crappy show has proven to be just that, NBC has decided to throw a wrench into everything just to accommodate this big chinned loser, creating an incredibly unfair situation for both of the other late night shows. I love Conan, and the possibility of the network essentially choosing Leno over him is a bad move. Leno is not and has never been funny. If NBC follows through on this, I sincerely hope that the network and Leno are punished by even lower ratings.
Conan, I hope you win out...could care less what happens to Leno-so not funny
Conan you're the man, but jackin Jay's spot or Jimmy's spot would be a disaster. if you can get jay or jimmy to swap with you, then problem will be resolved.
I wholeheartedly agree with Conan on every single point that he's made about this issue. Moving the Tonight Show to a later time slot to accommodate Leno is really unfair, not to mention desperate and petty on Leno's end of it. Leno retired and passed on the torch to Conan, but unlike Johnny Carson can't seem to let go of the limelight.
I applaud Conan O'Brien for making a statement that was not only classy, but also speaks the truth. NBC should be ashamed of themselves for even fathoming moving the Tonight Show to a later time slot. It's trampling on a legacy that has stood for 60 years and the fact that Conan is standing up for that legacy shows a lot about his character. He clearly has nothing but sincere reverence for the franchise and what NBC is proposing is absolute sacrilege on a show that has defined late night television in America. O'Brien is a class act all the way.
Good for you, Mr. O'Brien. I'm proud of you for speaking up not only for yourself and your staff, but also for the legacies of The Tonight Show and Late Night so graciously.
NBC and Jay Leno, shame on you both.
Jay Leno needs to do the right thing and just retire...period. He has the power to put this whole mess to rest. Will he man-up and do the right thing? Probably not...too bad. We love you Conan. You ARE the future and I hope to continue to see you on The Tonight Show.
Conan once again displayed enormous grace under pressure and masterful diplomacy.
NBC should realize what a treasure and gentleman they have.
It seem to me that Jay should do the honorable thing and drive one of his 200 cars off to another project. Thanks, Jay, you ass.
I support Conan and will follow him wherever he takes is genius.
Conan is extraordinary! Leno is simply out of touch and no longer funny.
easy fix. leave conan at 1135 and jimmy 1235 and put leno at 1am.
I've been a fan since 1993, and I'm sad to see Conan in the middle of a bad situation again after all these years.
Bravo, Conan! Well said, point made, totally agree! If only NBC/Tonight Show execs will leave a good thing right where it belongs. Doesn't 60 years count for something?
At least Conan still has his head on straight.
Don't be such petulant little jerks. Do you know how hard it is to be funny for a living? Yes, we love what we do, we live to see laughter in peoples faces, but it is far from easy. For conan obrien to come out and make this statement shows how truly dedicated he is to what he does. For people to come on here and leave snide, critical, judgmental remarks is truly a vicous thing to do. The man is speaking to his fan base, letting them know he does not agree with NBC completely obliterating a long standing late night broadcasting tradition and that if they remain by him he will be doing everything he can to help alleviate the current situation. How can you be so judgmental towards a man who is simply apologizing and asking for patience and support? And then to come on here and tear down his talent is worse. Would you be any better at his job than he is? There is a reason he is where he is at, because he loves to make people laugh, and has made his life's work to do so. Who are we to bring him down?
Conan, you have tremendous integrity!
So glad he's sticking to his guns... And he's getting a lot of support. Celebs have been tweeting about it all day:
http://bit.ly/6tRVAx
Good for you Conan. Go to Fox. I'll watch you there.
Conan should stay, Jay should go! Tell NBC to F-off!!! NBC made their bed with Leno and agreed it was time for Leno to relinquish the Tonight Show.
Conan has an excellent point in regards to NBC screwing up the primetime hours with BAD programming. Leno inherited Carson's show as well as an excellent #1 rated weekly primetime lineup from the early 90's that included huge fan-supported, wildly popular shows such as Cheers, Fraiser, ER, Seinfeld and Friends. The viewers made NBC the most watched network throughout most of the 90's. Once NBC lost the primetime fight between the hours of 8-11PM the viewership dramatically declined and caused a ripple through the late night time slots. NBC's reaction was to push Leno out and make the Tonight Show a hipper and trendier show by placing Conan as host. That was a brilliant move in my mind. Leno's time was over and he lost any "spunk" that he may have had earlier on as a host. Plain and simple, Leno is a bore and looks like Bea Arthur.
NBC shouldn't dick Conan around with the Tonight Show. It's Conan's show now, not Leno's. Conan is not to blame for NBC's reduced viewership. How about this novel idea... GET SOME DECENT SHOWS IN NBC'S PRIMETIME SLOTS!!! With more viewers in the 8-11pm slots, the viewership carries over to the late night shows. It's simple!! So simple in fact that even FOX figured it out.
Dump Leno. Fire ALL the execs at NBC and start over. Keep Conan the host of the Tonight Show at 11:35PM.
I only hope that Conan will get another show that airs 5 nights a week like the tonight show. I was so glad when I first learned that Conan would be taking over the Tonight show and Jimmy Fallon would be taking over Late Night because I always liked Conan more than Jay and am a big fan of Jimmy's work on SNL. Oh, and just to set the record straight after what Lars Kelley said, the ratings for the Jay Leno show have been significantly lower than those of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. That has been a huge problem for Conan's tonight who (which has gotten better ratings than his version of Late Night but not by much). The audience for the Jay Leno show is much smaller than the dramas that used to occupy the 10:00 time slot, which which has in turn caused lower ratings for the local news, The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, and even Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Conan is being perfectly fair by saying that it is way to early to know how successful his version of Tonght is and that he isn't getting the primetime support he need to build an audience like Leno had.
I concur with one of the other comments.
conan=class
This guy is simply a very good person. In Hollywood, you have to dig through a lot of garbage to find another Conan. What am I saying? Ummmm, let me rephrase that. Conan, you can use this on your show. haha.
By the way I have a friend with your hair. He has a second ailment as well, a grossly hairy back. It's like a rug you want to lay on in front of the fire if you felt comfortable doing so. Anyway, I digress.
Where was I going with this? Oh yeah, go with your heart. You'll do the right thing and we'll all still be right here cheering and laughing at you.
Ryan from Canada
Conan! I love your show and you are right!!! Move Leno to another station at the same time and see who wins. Leno=BORING!!!!
I think this is the most disrespectful way to behave (NBC) in lieu of a temporary drop in ratings....It is a difficult time and people NEED to laugh....CONAN is the man to continue the CARSON legacy( I never got the LENO thing) Conan needs to be given the chance to suceed.....
p.s. love the hair Conan, I was affraid you would go LENO with it....but you kept true to you! Good luck
PS – Andy Richter ROCKS as a second banana!!!
Join the Conan Defense Fund!
http://savethetonightshowwithconan.blogspot.com/2010/01/mission-statement.html
NBC is a dolt if they go through with this change. Conan you are awesome and I will be very sad to see you go if the network should choose to make the change. I love your hair and your unbelievably pasty skin. I love a lanky Irishman who knows his history.
Don't make it worse NBC – Conan is right...changing the tonight show would be taking away a part of America. We need Conan, the Tonight Show needs Conan!
Conan...we will continue to watch you, wherever and whenever you are on TV. You are a brilliant comedian. And, by the way, it takes some serious *ahem*... courage... to draw a line in the sand like this and take a stand for something you believe in. Bravo.
Conan I love you no matter what!
Very well spoken sir. I accept your hair apology and hope the Tonight Show stays in it's current time slot with you as the host. Screw Andy though...just kidding.
True story. One time, I was stopped at a red light on Sunset blvd., when I looked over and saw Jay Leno throw some trash out of the window of his fancy car. Litterbug.
NBC should just move the news earlier.
Tonight show = 11:35pm. Always has, always will. I thought Leno was "retiring" anyway?!?
Conan, I hate the situation you're currently in. I grew up enjoying your show and was so happy to know that you would one day have the tonight show. I feel it's very unfair for this honor to be revoked (adjusted to a new time slot) in order to give Jay Leno a later slot. Hang in there and hopefully things will sort themselves out.
Shame on NBC for sacrificing the history and legacy of "The Tonight Show" in the name of greed. Not business... not progress... greed. While I am not a big fan of Jay Leno, I hope that he refuses NBC's offer for the thirty minute show, buys out his contract and continues on with with his stand-up career. I hope that Conan finds great success on another network like David Letterman did. Once again NBC paid no attention to the legacy of the show and ignored the great Johnny Carson's obvious wishes for Dave to replace him. As for Jimmy Fallon, I care much for his show but some do, so I hope he finds a home somewhere away from NBC. I hope when the dust has settled that no one loses their jobs over this except maybe for whatever over-paid boneheads were responsible for this fiasco in the first place!
Leno must know something about NBC that the rest of us don't, because it seems like NBC bends over backwards for this man. He must know something big that would hurt NBC.
Here is the problem. If NBC puts Leno back in his old spot things will be alright... for a short term. Conan is the future of The Tonight Show mainly on the fact that he brings in a younger audience. Leno just needs to accept this and move on. What has happened has already tarnished NBC Late Night somewhat. It seems the only one who has shown class so far is Conan; not NBC and definately not Leno. Think beyond tomorrow NBC; give Conan the chance he deserves.
Conan, that was a superb press release. I like you more than I ever have. I don't watch you, never have, never will. I'd watch the Tonight Show again with Leno. HOWEVER, I don't think they should do it. Jay moved; you moved across country to take it, you have a following. Six years in the waiting. Don't budge. Let Jay move.
NBC's packaging of the Jay Leno show at 10 is this generation's version of New Coke. Great idea on the surface that failed miserably with consumers and nearly killed a brand.
Yo' Conan, before you hit the bread line, I might consider letting you be my bench-warming partner. I keep a bench in the park company most days, feed the squirrels & what not-could use the conversation but you gott'a do something'bout that hair man-the squirrels might mistake it for nesting! Then instead of being at one with nature, we'd be wrestling with the critters-sort of tempers the mood and such. Anyway, them are the rules and that's the invite. Let me buddy. Oh, and bring your own nuts-in a bag, you know what I mean. Later
Steve C
We love you, Conan!
Conan ROCKS!!
Conan, you're a class act and truly hilarious. I will NEVER watch Leno again. NBC sucks.
Jay Leno should not be allowing this to happen. The right thing to do would be to resign and allow Conan to continue as host of the Tonight Show.
This man is the most talented of the late night hosts but unfortunately has fallen prey to the dim wits of his company. What a shame. Is spite of this he has again showed us his class.
And the reason that Jay Leno HAS to have a show is......???
Conan's show is a great fit right where it is and I want to watch him on "The Tonight Show" not "The Tomorrow Morning Show". Hasn't NBC made enough mistakes? Maybe NBC just needs a new management team that can teach them to leave the programming alone.
Jay should go to FOX.
Conan – you are a class act!!!! I really appreciate your integrity – it's such a rarity these days when there's money to be gained! How refreshing! Good luck to you.
Conan, your genuine talent and integrity will keep you in the lime light where ever you go! you will be truly missed. Thank you for the great memories and the many more that are sure to come. Best wishes!
I laugh reviewing all the comments from the viewers! Neither Leno or O'Brien really have a say in this matter. They are contracted players in a television play basically. They cannot delegate or take anything with them except their stories and skid-marked underwear! The board will decide the fate of whom goes where and what will occurr in the final realm. It all boils down to $$$. Whomever has made the most $$$ for the proper, will remain. No amount of wishing, threats or public harrassing will influence anything. Bills, salaries and investors must be paid and the mighty dollar will the objective of the 15 members on the plate known as the "Board" to say what happens! Personally I see Leno back as he is a "fav" of the execs and Conan receiving a nice little severence with a one way ticket back to the "Big Apple" for himself and his family. Doesnt take a idiot to figure out these people have no real say in the decision and most importantly they are mules that will follow what ever they say to avoid being black ball. In entertainment, your only good as the next buck coming in on your favor!
Thank you Conan...
I am a huge fan – not in size just in theory...
I am somewhere just short of your age and my hair styles better than yours so to not see what red bedhead looks like every night at 11:30 would be a true dissapointment...
Seriously NBC you know which way the door swings – don't reverse the hinges...
Keep Conan in tact – just not tacted to the wall...
Thanks for your patronage...
thank you Conan for not rolling over for jay and nbc , fight on
'The 'tomorrow' show with Conan Obrien.' Nahh.
I find it incredibly wrong that NBC would even consider this move. Conan was right that that timeslot is traditional, as is moving on when you say you're going to ( i.e. Jay Leno). If anything, they should move Jay earlier when his audience is already watching. Besides, Conan is alot funnier and always has been.
Conan: "Keep the timeslot, keep the hair!"
I am and will always be a big fan of Conan. I am so proud that he is standing up for himself and his staff. What a great PR statement – it encompasses all the qualities that I so admire of Conan. I do believe that Leno is a great host, but it's time for him to bow out. Good luck with the negotiations.
You are class. Good for you and know you will beat them at FOX if NBC goes back on their words.
I'll be watching you!
Jay Leno should demand that they not do this to Conan. He can help NBC solve this dilemma by stepping aside. Leno's new show was a flop and if he encroaches on his successor then it will just hurt his brand. Step aside, Jay! No take backs!
Conan – I hope it works out so that you stick around. Your self-depricating humor has made me laugh for years and I'm so glad you're in the 11:30 spot!
Conan:
You are 100% correct, and a class act. You are the future of Late Night television, and I'm sure you'll find a home where you and your staff are treated with the respect you've earned after so many years of hard work. We'll miss you if you're gone for a bit, but it'll be all the more awesome when you return! Best to you always!
Michael
Coco, I've loved you since I was 13 years old.
Once again, Conan is the epitome of class. It is an injustice what NBC is doing, especially since Conan has worked so hard over the years behind the scenes to build up the Tonight Show he was to inherit.
Our generation loves Conan because he's fresh and funny and witty. Leno has NEVER been funny–on the Tonight Show, or on the Jay Leno show–and it is time for him to bow out gracefully.
Conan is having the rug pulled out from under him, and NBC will have to pay for their treacherous breach of contract and immoral sense of loyalty.
WE SUPPORT YOU CONAN! Wherever you end up, we will follow!
Dear Conan:
If you leave The Tonight Show because of NBC's incompetence, I wont blame you, but I will quit watching TV...all of it... forever. This is it, I am done. I will literally through my TV out the window, cancel my cable, and only receive entertainment through the internet. Thats it, I'm done.
Write to nbc, let them know how much you love Conan, and how you feel about moving Jay into Conan's time slot. Go to nbc website, then "contact us", in the area for "Questions not found on FAQ page about NBC Entertainment programming? Email us using the pull down menu below: " select "Tonight Show Conan", and send them an email.
Conan is a class act. Hold your ground. You are right.
Conan, don't let the door hit you in the ****. You are not even funny, just silly, stupid. Jay Leno is funny and a class act and when he had the Tonight Show it whooped David Letterman in the ratings. So, good riddance.
Honestly, its just NOT right for Leno to comeback.
Conan – I am proud of you for not giving in and not giving up. You are the best of the night time shows and have been for a good 10 years. You got me though some hard times with your late night show – the laughs made things better. Move on, and your fans will move with you. The reversible two toned hair won't make it. Love you and best to your wife. Hugs to her, too, because I know you are in it together. me
Conan is the best. Leno is trash and needs to be taken out.
Leno killed the Tonight Show 13 years ago. Now he is digging it up so he can shoot it in the head one more time.
Conan is showing a lot more class than I would in this situation. I agree with what he's saying. Watching the news then settling to bed with The Tonight Show is tradition. It always has been. I don't know if this is just sake for the sake of change or if it's a failing network's attempt to keep the talent happy but it isn't working. The execs just need to let go and stop doing ANYTHING with this whole situation. Every time they touch it, they just make it worse. Let these gentlemen do the jobs you hired them for and leave them alone.
Leno has always been a schmuck. First he screwed over Letterman for the Tonight show and now he is doing the same with Conan. Why do the dummies at NBC cater to him? Time for Leno to just go for good, the ratings show that.
Very well written and completely called-for. Conan is by far a greater host and deserves to entertain us, the viewers, with his consistent class act comedy. If this ends in Conan losing his show I would be furious. Conan is without a doubt the best talk show host of the past two decades. He brings a pure and genuine comedy to everything he does.
Conan is rad! And regardless of networks, if the two were on at the same time, I'm going with Conan. I couldn't wait for Conan to take the Tonight Show in '09. He is showing he is the best caretaker of the Show. Johnny would be proud.
I personally think both Leno and Conan are excellent talk show hosts. Their comedic styles are different, which is why they were both successful in their previous time slots when they weren't competing.
Each had a huge number of dedicated viewers, because people have different ideas of humor and different schedules for watching TV. Many people were die hard fans of BOTH shows before the change.
I don't believe everything I read, so I'm basing this on what I've heard so far about this whole debacle. It's wrong on so many levels that NBC has cornered the two of them into what is becoming a highly controversial popularity contest. It wasn't fair to offer Conan what he considered a great honor, dangle that carrot in front of him for six years, and then say "oops, we changed our minds."
I realize they're not canning "The Tonight Show" but NBC probably expects Leno to host if Conan tells them to bite it. And if not, the impact of moving the show to a later time slot after 60 years of success is a stupid, risky move. Some people will be either offended, and others unwilling to stay up to watch it because they need to get up early.
Everyone surely knew going into it that the transition would take time to either make or break itself, and 7 months is a ridiculously short time period to make a fair analysis. NBC said "the show performed exactly as they expected it would." So, if that statement is true, are they implying that they had this whole thing planned in advance? That is one of the lamest excuses I've ever heard, and if that's their defense it's embarrassing and shallow.
I think they shot themselves in the foot by being too eager to reap the benefits that would have ultimately come if they had given Conan the time he needed to establish himself in the role of hosting the longest running talk show in history, just as Jay Leno had to do years ago when trying fill the shoes of Johnny Carson amidst major criticism.
I won't be surprised if they lose both of them.
I watch the David Letterman / Craig Ferguson team... but you're right Conan, The Tonight Show at 12:05 would be The Tomorrow Show. I don't understand NBC... I thought Jay was retiring???? I guess the contract didn't specify the time slot. Stick to your guns... you're integrity will be rewarded.
40 something demo, we only watch the tonight show because of Conan. Don't f with Conan. He is the future. Put Jay in the later slot. Duh
Conan O’Brien is the funniest and most intelligent comedian I have ever seen. He is simply the best. I love Jay, but if I have to choose, it is definitely Conan!
NBC executives are in a tough spot, I sure hope they will make the right decision. But I think the only who should make a decision, is really Jay Leno. I think it is time for him to do other things, in which I am sure he will be great. Bottom line, I am with you Conan... love your hair, and wherever you go, you are the BEST!
Conan O’Brien is the funniest and most intelligent comedian I have ever seen. He is simply the best. I love Jay, but if I have to choose, it is definitely Conan!
NBC executives are in a tough spot, I sure hope they will make the right decision. But I think the only one who should make a decision, is really Jay Leno. I think it is time for him to do other things, in which I am sure he will be great. Bottom line, I am with you Conan... love your hair, and wherever you go, you are the BEST!
Conan,
You are a lovable dork.
Jay is a stage hog.
A deal is a deal.
Karma will play out for you both.
Redheadfs rock.
How dare you NBC execs! Who do you think you are? “I feel sorry for your mutha.”
Like a lot of American’s out there, Conan has been part of my life for more than a decade.
NBC execs know nothing.
You owe Conan everything, and you owe us too. The Viewer.
This goes to show you that any simpleton can do your job. You no talent hacks. Go back to the MBA programs you came from and leave the Funny alone.
I think the person responsible for this non sense should be shunned from show business for ever and be fired immediately.
You have till noon to get your stuff and get out or else I’m calling security.
Does anyone even watch Leno? Oh my overrated! Perhaps it's time to consider retirement, sir...
(BTW – Jimmy Kimmel tonight – as Leno – was definitely WAY better than Leno – as Leno – has ever been.)
Bottom Line:
Conan = FUNNY.period. Plus, you gotta love his respect for the history of the Tonight show... THAT is no joke.
Leno = ANNOYING + NOT FUNNY.period. It also seems that he Whines a lot. NOT cute: Sorry, but it's TRUE!!
Conan, You are class act. NBC is making a HUGH mistake if they give up talent like yours. The Fox network would be an excellent line up of programming to add your talents to.
Conan is the reason why I choose not to get 8 hours of sleep every night. He's hilarious and I will never get tired of his humor. If he leaves NBC, I'm following him.
I think everyone should boycott NBC if they take this away from Conan. I don't want the ten pound chin guy.
Conan has been a personal hero of mine since grade school when I would sneak out of bed to hear his Late Night programs. Already he has brought the wit and energy to the Tonight Show which has been lacking since the days of Mr. Carson. Conan has always come across as being brilliant, original, and moral- more than can be said of other late night talk show hosts. This is Conan's time, and if NBC will not wake up and uphold the integrity of the show, as well as properly accommodate the preferences of all of the Tonight Show staff members who waited so patiently for said time, than I swear I will NEVER watch NBC programs again. The boycott starts here.
Show your support for Team Conan: http://www.cafepress.com/teamconangear
Doesn't Leno have enough cars already?
COME ON, just give it up man. Go out with some class.
I will never forgive him for crossing the picket line in '07.
That was a deal breaker for me. But, no love loss, I never liked him
or the show. His writers aren't even that good.
He needs to open a comedy club and chill out.
You couldn't have said it better. If NBC doesn't value the Tonight Show then you shouldn't either. No worries though if you have to leave NBC, well be your fans probably on any show you do
Forever great and a class act. One of my favorite people ever. I was outside in the freezing cold for twelve hours when he brought "late night" to chicago. He couldn't have been anymore of a class act. He came out and greeted everyone outside and gave us all pizza! Conan will always have my support for any decision he makes. I wish him nothing but the best!
Conan, I've been a huge fan of yours ever since I can remember. You are a truly such a class act, so hilarious – I just adore you. Count me among the scores of people who will follow you wherever you go. Good for you for standing up for what you believe.
Conan's programs are the only ones I've watched on NBC for some time now.
I love Conan and I love Jay...Jimmy [Fallon] is growing on me. What I wish is for Conan to take Letterman's spot on CBS because That Guy, I cannot stand!
Jay Leno has and always will be unfunny. He has only delivered comedy that is safe and has no edge. It is directed to the morons of middle America. Also, a large portion of his success has been directly related to the fact that "The Tonight Show" is an American institution and most of his viewers watched "The Tonight Show" prior to his succession from Johnny Carson and only continued to watch because it is "The Tonight Show." It's too bad that these people that continue to support Leno cannot handle comedy that sometimes makes direct points about contemporary issues and doesn't shy away from disappointing or angering their viewers with opinions. I can only hope that the resolution from this results in my being able to watch both Letterman and Conan again in a single night. Down with Leno...Stand your ground Conan!
Conan's statement is eloquent and clear. It deserves the kudos voiced.
This is an old and very sad story. A story of Upper Management making stupid mistakes / decisions and the workers suffering the consequences. What are the consequences for these Upper Management people? Maybe a lower bonus...
Most stories have focused on the Hosts – Jay, Conan, and Jimmy, who are highly compensated for their talent, who I think will be back entertaining us quickly. I would like us to also remember the others that work hard to make these shows succeed. Think about the directors, writers, musicians, camera operators, sound technicians, prop guys, etc. Think about their families these people support. What are the likely consequences for these people? How quickly will they recover?
Well I'll be watching Leno whatever time slot he is in. Conan sounds like a spoiled child. If i can't have Jay Leno's job then I don't want any. Always thought he was childish. Conan's show was boring from the get go and that is why i didn't watch it when it was on after Leno. I notice in his statement he calls his predecessor Johnny Carson. His predecessor was Jay Leno. Rude. Impudent. Insolent.
What was NBC thinking when they signed with Obrien 6 years ago????
"The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn’t the Tonight Show."
Exactly. At 12:05 am, it would be the Tomorrow Show.
Conan will conquer all, by Crom.
First of all, no one currently on late night could ever replace Johnny as King of Late Night! That being said, I have read way too many comments where it's obvious that some people don't know what the hell they're talking about. For one thing, too much blame is being placed on the entertainers themselves when this is clearly a fiasco created by the powers that be at NBC. Johnny left on his own terms after 30 years – he WAS NOT forced out by Leno! And Leno was chosen by NBC execs over Letterman. Jay didn't “steal” the job from Dave. And, like it or not, when NBC announced six years ago that Conan would take over as host of The Tonight Show from Jay in 2009, it gave us plenty of time to get used to the idea. We wouldn't know that it would be Jimmy Fallon to take over Late Night until the last few months before Conan left, and we also wouldn't hear about Jay's new show until NBC revealed this “new” concept for him during prime time shortly before his exit from The Tonight Show. All of these guys are talented in their own way. I know I switch back and forth depending on the guests who I'm most interested in seeing on a given night. In any event, all of these attacks against any one of these late night guys are unwarranted because, again, this whole controversy has been created by the poor decisions being made by the head honchos at NBC. Personally, I don't think The Tonight Show in it's traditional time slot should be taken away from Conan! I believe that would damage what's left of any integrity NBC has at this point. If they want to hold on to Jay, it seems more logical to offer him a 30 or 45 minute time slot between Conan and Jimmy. Or, if that doesn't work, maybe he could do four comedy specials each year for the network. I'm afraid there would be a huge backlash against a network decision trying to reinstate Jay in the coveted 11:35 time slot at this stage. There's been way too much negative press for any sort of smooth transition to occur. As stated, I like all these guys because they each have something to contribute for our nighttime entertainment. I hope the higher-ups at NBC can solve this mess without digging themselves into a bigger hole in the process!
Stick to your guns, Conan. Moving "The Tonight Show" to 12:05 is insane. Jay Leno and NBC should be ashamed of themselves. Jay is the failure here, not you and not "The Tonight Show." This whole thing just reinforces my poor opinion of Jay Leno.
Good luck! Lots of memorable times with You!
In what universe does it make sense to take a host whose show was unsuccessful, and plant him in the midst of two shows that are successful, thereby screwing all three? Conan and Jimmy are both amazing, and they deserve their shows and timeslots!
It is unfair. Leno took a gamble and he lost. I have lost all respect for him.
Let Conan go to FOX. Wait a year and see Leno resume crushing Conan and Letterman.
I wonder how many times NBC has said to a producer, host, writer or other talent, "A contract is a contract." Probably thousands. Now that they want to wriggle out of an agreement they conveniently forget those times. Conan was never my favourite (nor was "Jay the Jaw") but NBC will see by now that Conan is on the receiving end of an enormous amount of goodwill from America (and, as from me, beyond) and the network's esteem has been severely damaged. Would Johnny Carson and Fred DeCordova have stood for this crap? No. Go, Conan. Take your $50 million and run a mile, and good luck to you.
Conan's an excellent writer, which we knew, and thankfully this talent will continue to take him far, whether at NBC or another network. Praising the franchise and wanting to honor it by keeping it intact IS the way to go here, and taking a high road is better than slugging it out in the media. Where ever Conan ends up, I will follow.
P.S. Conan – don't change the hair. We appreciate that as much as your comedy.
So proud of Conan!
i agree with you 100%. i honestly love, love love conan! goodluck to you man and i will continue to support you in whatever decision you will make.
Conan I applaud you. Too bad NBC doesn't have the same integrity. I too will watch you wherever you go but hope that you remain on the Tonight Show. For NBC to even think about messing with the time slot of the Tonight Show is ludicrous. Johnny Carson would be very proud of you. Now it's time for Jay to take the high road.
Where is Jay Leno's comment saying HE doesn't want anyone else's show bumped to accomodate him?? His experiment in prime time failed. Time to move on, Jay!
As a long time Conan fan, i think he did us all proud sticking to his guns. The network is silly for reacting this way while both shows are still so young. Both Conan and Jimmy have done such a great job, i hope NBC ends up having to just leave things well alone.
I have to get up at 5am to get to work and work 11-12 hours a day...I NEVER had a reason to stay up later than after the news, because I needed to get some sleep. Since Conan has been on, I have blood shot eyes every day at work, and I would NEVER do that for Leno. Leno is NOT FUNNY. Leno needs to do the right thing and go enjoy his 250+ cars with his wife. Maybe if he would have had children he would have something else to focus on other than screwing a friend!
RETIRE LENO!!!
Conan was signed to do the Tonight Show for years and had a mere 7 months to enjoy it and it"s a shame. On a professional level, Leno has to know that he will not come out at the end of this looking good at all. To move the time slot for the Tonight Show and Late Night so that Jay can have a truncated half hour show (thats 22 minutes with commercials) is a damn shame. Its time for Jay to move on (like Carson did for him) and give Conan and Jimmy the opportunity the earned. And for the Jimmy haters... do you remember Conan's first season after Letterman...shudder. Give him time and he'll find his niche.
so the suits who decided to reformulate Coke back in the 80's finally found work at NBC?
I'll follow Connan whereever he goes next. Good luck Jay but I'm with Connan all the way! NBC, you should be ashamed!! FOX, pls be bold, make an offer, get Connan & his gang and let them PLAY – no bs sensorship, pls – it will pay off big time, you'll see.
Beautiful statement, about a crazy situation.
Sorry, but I NEVER thought Conan could hold a candle to Johnny Carsen or Jay Leno. I NEVER found his show very entertaining.In fact, I just quit watching his show altogether. Unlike Jay Leno, Conan is a "poser"–very full of himself (probably because he is actually very insecure), I find his sarcasm mean-spirited and not amusing. Jay could be sarcastic too, but because he was comfortable being just himself, it never came across as hurtful or crass, but like a easy-going goofy guy kidding around. Nope, I won't miss Conan if he goes bye-bye. Good luck to you Conan, maybe you should get your own sitcom going.
I'll watch you on any network Conan.
Wow conan you tell the suites they really messed this up. Way to go and speak for us who dont have a voice. Where ever up end up i will watch, you crack me up.
It always amazes me when funny people show their sincere side. Conan–stick to your principles–that's how you gain respect. And by judging from the responses here, you have earned quite a bit of it already. NBC has its head up its arse–they keep digging in that hole and I'm proud of you for not picking up a shovel. Fight like crazy to preserve what Carson created–it's the only thing on NBC worth watching.
@ Brent- You mean tarnish it *again*. They pulled a similar, unfair stunt with Letterman about 20 years ago, which caused all kinds of bad publicity for them. It even became a movie, or so I've heard. You would think that they would learn. I will continue to watch Leno and Conan, no matter where or when they are on, but other than that, I know I am not alone in saying I will go out of my way not to watch NBC out of principle. Conan moved ACROSS THE COUNTRY for this show, and they're disrupting his life again – in a big way – after only 7 months? NBC = Not Big on Courtesy.
I haven't enjoyed the tonight more since Conan O'Brien took over, I actually stay up to watch it now. He is funny and extremely classy. If NBC thinks that Jay Leno is going to save their network, they are saddenly mistaken. Everyone always said what a nice guy Jay Leno is...well if he was a nice guy, he would gracefully bow out of this whole mess and let Conan keep his rightful place.
Leno panders to the lowest common denominator ... his act is stale, unless you're retired and eat dinner at 430.
Viva Conando!!!
Conan,
You are my hero. Well... let's not go that far, that's just pure exaggeration. Truth is, I sincerely enjoy your show and will follow you to whatever network this whole situation may or may not lead you to. You deserve to keep your slot because: you.are. CONANDO!
Brittany Shepherd, Tallahassee, FL
P.S. I want to write jokes for you!
It sounds like this situation will be the premise for The Late Shift 2.
im 14 and i huge fan of conan im sitting in school reading this and it brings me to tears to think that my fav. person on tv may not be on tv any longer i see where he is coming from he is a very wise man and i respect him so much it is true 12:05 is not the tonight show lets hope NBC has a brain and says conan you are right we will just have of get rid of jay leno and they owe conan a HUGE sorry i love you conan christopher o'brien so much words can not explain i give u my best wishes xoxo kylie<3
NBC's problems are two-fold: (1) writing on both Jay's and Conan's shows has been, to be kind, "less than compelling" since the change over in 2009, and (2) poor understanding of brand management by NBC management.
I believe Conan's assessment is correct... moving the Tonight Show will severely damage this once-powerful brand. Frankly, I don't know why they are clinging to Jay Leno... he's soooo, as Fergie put it, "2000-and-late."
Good on you Conan, because NBC can't figure out what the hell they are doing should not destroy what you and Jimmy and worked hard to achieve!
Leave the tonight show and conan at 11:30pm cause, I really Like the Jay Leno Show , it's about the only show I try to watch and is at a time slot (10pm) where I can catch part of the show, especially his monologue.
If NBC makes them both move then Jay and Conan should both leave NBC for another network and knock NBC out of the ballpark.
Leno has NEVER been funny or entertaining...Conan is HILARIOUS! Bye Bye Leno, we don't need you...it's only the old people with no sense of humor that don't get Conan...most young and middle aged people have the kind of sense of humor it takes to love Conan...Old people like Leno because you literally have to have NO sense of humor to be entertained by him...
Get rid of the so called funny guy, Conan,
There is absolutly nothing funny about him @ all, other that his dumb looking doo.
"KICK HIM TO THE CURB" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It must be different in the States but here in Canada 12:00 is the first hour of the day, so "The tonight show" would be the tomorrow show. Do you have an extra hour to your day in the U.S.A.? Who the heck is making these dumb decisions for N.B.C.???? Good for Conan for not being pushed around by executives that screw up.. Did the N.B.C. executives once work on Wall St?? Hope it gets straigtened up soon. Sure is turning off viewers even from way up north...
Conan summed it all up brilliantly. In my opinion, Leno tried his new gig and it didn't work. That's life. Don't make Conan & Jimmy bend over and take it so that Leno can screw up our traditions of late night TV. I know it is the NBC execs doing this, but I say too bad for Leno. Time to move on & let Conan & Jimmy make their marks in late night TV history. AND time for NBC to get some decent shows on and get a big audience again. The local news affiliates & Conan can't depend on their good looks & talent alone. They need help to get that audience already watching the tube, which apparently Leno is not bringing. So why let Leno be the lead-off for the The Tonight Show? Whatever happens, I wish the best to all 3 gentlemen. I hope they are content with whatever decisions are made and that some amazing offers come their way. Thanks for making us laugh, boys!!
First of all these people get millions of dollars a show? Just shut the hell up and move where your bosses say and laugh all the way to the bank you idiots.
NBC is succumbing to the same stupidity that has destroyed newspapers: When the changes they made didn't reap immediate improvement, they panicked. They pulled the plug on the project.
I've watched newspapers make the same mistake over and over for the last 15-20 years. Beef up Sunday sections, kill them. Launch new hyperlocal projects, kill them. Try to be "hip' (OK, that was a bad idea - just hire some fresh faces out college, and not just j-schools, and they'd do fine). Lay off all the younger workers (if you're unionized) or cut off all the experienced writers/editors/artists (if you're too stupid to value experience and institutional knowledge).
Want a blueprint on how to wreck a media company? Ask a (former) newspaper executive. Or, now it seems, watch NBC - must-see TV, indeed.
Can somebody at NBC put Tina Fay in charge of the network... I mean "in charge in charge". She would send Leno packing...
bravo
Hey, Conan...I hear Oprah's retiring soon. Maybe you could take a shot at that?? ;o) Or maybe you can replace Simon Cowell on Idol. You & Ellen can turn that show into the funniest reality singing show EVER!!
I think Jay Leno should be ashamed of himself! He needs to gracefully bow out. Why does he need a half hour comedy show?
I thought the whole reason for Conan taking over was because Jay was "Retiring". Just go away Jay!
conan just isn't that funny, it's dull, senseless humor, maybe a chuckle once in while but nothing worthwhile. and his choice for assistant, & band is blah.
None the less leave conan at 11:30pm. it's been the standard time slot for years.
Jay leno show is much better even though it seems like it's gotten a bit raunchy.
Go Jay Leno!!
Boooo NBC!!
Conan, or anyone connected to Conan's team: I hope you are seeing and reading all of these and all of the other feedback all over the internet. Common themes: you are excellent at what you do, folks love you, and you are handling this with class and poise and integrity!
This just goes to show you even when he's backed up against a wall, Conan is still charming and completely hilarious. That's the definition of a true performer. It is also precisely why he should continue to host The Tonight Show. Jay Leno had his moment, his show proved unsuccessful and now he should hang it up. He will never have Conan's timing or wit. NBC needs to get real on this.
Leno Stinks, cant even stand the sight of his face! Its appalling! Conan is So much better, always has been, always will be. He is actually FUNNY!
Thats right CoCo! No more Leno, More CoCo!
Leno is for senior citizens and the mentally challenged. Conan is for the real people..those who get a joke and HAVE a sense of humor!
This whole thing is ridiculous and uncalled for. To have waited that long for this, and not even given the proper chance to take it under his wing...only to have that snake Leno and his giant ugly head cry and whine that his show isnt doing well in its time slot...well boo hoo you disgrace!
Shame on NBC for letting this retard get his way.
Hope to see you on a REAL network worth watching in the future Consey!
Luv Ya!
I never liked Jay's version of TTS, but I respect his accomplishments. My sense of humor falls more in line with Letterman (not JUST because I'm a Ball State alum!) and Conan (not JUST because I'm Irish!). But regardless of that, the FAIR and ETHICAL thing to do is for NBC to honor the deal made with Conan and keep TTS in it's regular slot. (But then, who am I kidding, throwing out words like "fair", "ethical" and "honor" in a discussion about network TV!)
Conan, you showed class with your statement. Stick to your values and keep your head held high!
Conan's show is brilliant. NBC has been awful in they way they treated the man who is clearly the most clever and quick-witted performer on their payroll. Leno's griping, sometimes self-absorbed humor style has always grated on me and has never been enjoyable for me, or anyone in my family for that matter. Conan has handled this in such a classy manner.
Conan, I hope you can reach an agreement with NBC that retains your position at the tonight show! And I hope this can be done without creating lasting wounds between you and your extremely stupid employers. If this does not work out, I'd bet Comedy Central will give you everything you need (except for the network audience) to make the show of your dreams in the same lineup as Jon and Stephen.
Either way I will remain a faithful viewer of anything that puts you on the TV screen.
Thanks
I am very sad to see Conan leave the Tonight Show. I have never been a fan of Leno and never will be. One of the things I wish Conan did do with the Tonight Show was to put more of the Spotlight back on Max Weinberg like he did when he hosted late night. It seemed like ANdy Richter took that spot and at times I thought Andy was just awkward on the show. Sitting on the other side of the guest and putting in his comments every now and then I did not like.
Great Job – it is about time to have someone stand up with class and Integrity.
Conan,
I've been watching you since High school. Thanks for all the great ideas for my youth ministry!
Why not just cancel Jay and let him go to FOX.... nobody likes Jay anyway! In fact, most people I ask can't stand jay leno, no wonder his newest show flopped! LEAVE CONAN ALONE! ~ I MEAN IT!
Hey, remember when Jay Leno was funny?
...yeah, neither do I.
Break a leg, Conan, just don't budge from that time slot.
It worked for David, it'll work for you!
This whole thing fell apart because the Jay Leno show is painfully stupid. It was hard to watch. Conan O'Brien has far more talent and NBC will be at a REAL loss if they let him go. Jay Leno is a has been and a new generation of late night viewers are ready to see Conan in the 11:30 slot.
Conan, I realize you are being an extremely good sport about your situation, but it's making me pissed off! I actually started to like the Tonight Show again with you as host. I hope that you will find a new home for your show, and I also hope you will take along your band...I enjoy your interactions with them. Loved when you had Max riding the drum riser to the airport to go on tour with Bruuuuuuuuce. That was a riot. Anyway....NOT happy about this recent turn of events! Enjoyed your official statement though. Hope it all works out for you – keep us posted!!
I am beginning to think that all this is a stunt by Conan and NBC to draw viewership to TTS. what a creative way to get people to watch your show...
I like Leno and Conan, dont care for Letterman, he is far from funny. I think its bad there is drama with this whole deal.. I would like to see Conan stay and hopefully he and Leno and NBC could come to a compromise, if not then i would hope to see Conan on fox or else take over Lettermans show, since he not funny and his top ten are always a bore! Good Luck Conan something will work out for you!
Leno's just not funny. End of story.
I've been following this late night mess for years. 1st with the piddling contest between Leno and Letterman. Now with Leno and Conan.
There seems to be a common denominator here: Jay Leno.
This is a man who would be past his prime, if he had ever had one. Watching him and his Hollywood/Whitehouse butt kissing routine has been like just as entertain as watching the Chevy Chase or Arsenio Hall shows..........Know what I mean.
Bite the bullet. Buy out Leno's contract and consider it a lesson learned.
Conan is my guy. I've been waiting for Conan to take over for Jay Leno when Leno's stint was over. I hope this situation irons itself out well for everyone concerned and especially for Conan who has worked his behind off at his craft.
Big NBC fail. Leno is old news so why can't he just retire? Team Conan all the way!!
This statement itself is reason enough for NBC to see the error of their ways. Conan is THE reason to watch NBC.
Conan is a class act...like Johnny Carson. Go away Jay...this reflects poorly on you and NBC...YOU retired, no one forced your hand. Too bad you won't be remembered like Johnny...and even Conan down the road...for doing the RIGHT thing!
Conan is a class act. Shame on NBC for wanting moving everyhing around after making a bad decision to move Jay Leno to prime time. Some say that his ratings were the same there as they were in the Late Show, but that is deceptive. Ratings during prime time are a whole different matter, like comparing apples to oranges. I agree with Conan about The Tonight Show being an institution. Changing its time slot just because they want to fit Jay Leno in... well, that's just wrong all around.
I'm with CoCo. Always have been, always will be. Damn sexy.
DOWN WITH THE JAW!!! Team Conan all the way!!!!
I support you Conan! You honored your committment to the network, and now Jay should do the same – step down.
Simply put...Keep Conan in his current time slot and dump Leno.
Does Leno have naked pics of NBC execs? Seriously. The guy is funny sure (kind of has to be with that face), but not anymore talented than Conan or Letterman or Jimmy.
He seems to be getting it all and everyone else is getting screwed.
I hope FOX makes Conan a heck of an offer!!!
I actually feel bad for both Jay and Conan. I feel that NBC is the big bully in all of this. I mean look at this way. They tried to have their cake and eat it too and it did not work. Now they dangle a carrot at Jay Leno and being the showman that he is, of course he still wants to stay on the air and then Conan is supposed to just accept what they want. Conan made the right decision to keep The Tonight Show going as it always has. Johnny Carson would be proud of him right now. I am not sure what the answer is for Jay, but at this time I think that he should accept that he is being cancelled and work another angle just like any other actor would have to once their show is cancelled. SHAME ON U NBC!
Conan is amazing. NBC is being ridiculous.
NBC sucks, Jay Leno even more...
Conan The Legend – on NBC or on FOX or anywhere, I'm gonna stick with him... If this is the end of the Tonight Show with Conan, it wont be the end for him... There are plenty of other (sane) networks that would hire Conan... Jay Leno is an oldman, he's going to see his makers soon, probably... And what's left for NBC then... Good luck, NBC, you're gonna need it...
If I want endless jokes about how men like to use the tv remote control more then women, I would watch Jay Leno. If I want boring bits with some celebrities face superimposed on a baby's body, I would watch Jay Leno. If I want to see how people on the street cannot recognize photos of international political figures over and over and over again, I'd watch Jay Leno.
If I wanted to actually laugh, or be surprised, or see something new every so often, I would watch Conan.
It's sad that NBC keeps dumbing down their programming by force feeding us Jay Leno to accomodate the lowest common denominator. Holy Lame!
Andy Richter accidentally funnier than Jay Leno is when he's trying!
Retire Jay Leno!
Well done, Conan. I, too, share your feelings on the value of keeping the Tonight Show in the slot it has always been. It is a true institution. Quite honestly, I think it is time for Leno to be shut down. He is such a narcisist. It is not about you Leno. It is about the show and what is contractually appropriate. If NBC screwed you like they did Letterman 17 years ago, then you should move to another station. It is NBC and Leno who are destroying the "Tonight" legacy. Also, Leno has had the show for almost 20 years. Have we not been inundated far too long with his generic brand of mindless humor?
leno isn't funny. and although jimmy fallon seems like a really, really nice guy- his show sucks. nbc should be kissing conan's ass.
Brett Favre- I mean Jay Leno, you are washed up. You were good in your prime, but your time is up. Conan relates to the new generation of viewers in a way you can not. Go rest your chin in your hands and pout for a while, it's big enough, should keep you busy just long enough for the corporate execs to pull their heads out of their @$$. Conan is and always has been a class act. Good luck.
Conan! He's one of the smartest public figures out there, as well as gracious and humble – a rarity in the larger world, but extinct in the entertainment land.
It must have been very difficult, but a very wise deision, Conan. You have earned the right to not be kicked around by the network. You're right in every way.
I was never a fan of yours really, until yesterday. I admire your decision and for standing up for what you believe in, even if it will cost you your beloved show. You are holding up the integrity of the legacy you inherited. Well done.
Thank you for the hair apology, 17 years late but accepted.
Conan...good for you man! Honestly, Leno stole the tonight show from Letterman. What goes around, comes around.
In all honesty, let Leno move to fox. If they want a FAIR shot for you, let the news run into your program. It is absurd to presume you are failing if the show that leads into yours if awful. Remember what happened when Cheers finally went on just before Seinfeld?
Hold your ground. Leno is washed up and that's that.
Wouldn't it be nice if the real issues of the day generated this many comments?
I like LENO better, more class, less sarcasm, but i support CONAN fighting for his rights
Eh...I never thought he should have moved to 11:35 anyway. Nice guy and all but sorry, I miss Jay plain and simple.
Love ya Coco!!
Conan will be back.
he is truly the best
Conan- I wish the executives would see things the way you do. You are doing the right thing. The executives will figure it out after they destroy what has been built by the real talent.
Leno has disgraced himself... He looks like total buffoon. He should have been the one saying NO you cannot move the Tonight Show from 11:35 to 12:05!!! Instead, the new host, Conan, does the right thing. It just shows what an awful big ego Jay has that he thinks he is more important than a 56 year old institution, and would let this happen.
Shame on you Mr. Leno, and Shame on NBC!!! Conan you deserve better, I hope FOX takes care you.
Six years ago Jay announced he would be retiring in 5 years and that his successor would be Conan. I always liked Jay, but he should have left NBC with his retirement. I enjoy Conan more and this Tonight Show fan will not watch Jay again.
Conan,
Your show has always been and always will be funnier and better than Jay's. It would be a terrible mistake for NBC to jeopardize your show in favor of the other. I hope they will come to their senses and allow Jay to fade out into the sunset.
Jay and Conan are equally funny but it seems not funny enough to get the viewing public to watch them, You can't blame NBC either, since they are a company that surnives by making money....there is just not enough viewers...
In my opinion you are the funniest talk show host on television. I just hope you still have a show for us to look forward to every evening! Regardless of what network – since my dvr searches for Conan O'Brien
Conan's always had one of the best programs on t.v. The Tonight Show slot, being earlier, seemed to cramp his style. It's weird having Andy at a podium; instead of at Conan's right ala Ed McMahon. Andy's talent and contribution are going to waste! And no, I don't know Andy personally!
Jimmy Fallon's show has gotten funnier (entertaining) lately, and now they want to throw a wrench into it? Absurd.
I hope this can be resolved to everyone's benefit. Conan's, Jimmy's and NBC's. When they let Leno go, they should have just let him go! What were they thinking?
AMR71. Entertainment is as much the issue of the day as anything else occuring in the world. Entertainment keeps you sane and out of the depressing rut we could be in. Yes there are bigger issues going on in the world, and they affect us tremendously, but you need a release. I for one like kicking back and watching TV everyonce in a while. That being said, it must have been the issue of the day for you, if you found it necessary to contribute a post to this site.
Lets be frank....we all watch the Tonight Show because we wait up to catch the evening news, get too tired to go to bed and sit like a zombie listening to bad jokes and waiting for the guests to come on.to plug their latest movie or book or political campaign....if the Tonight Show were moved to prime time nobody would watch it....Jay Leno's ratings prove this point.....
The Johnny Carson days are over and the format of a show like this needs to drastically change to remain current, relevant or even interesting.....I watch often before going to bed and silently be moan how useless it is!
what a class move by conan. nbc is a joke and not the kind that appears on other network's comedy shows but the sad and pathetic kind. it's obvious they have no clue what their doing with respect to late night. this statement should be coming from leno who relinquished the show to conan but it would never occur to jay to do something like that because it would require DIGNITY which is something neither he nor his freak chin would recognized if it sat in his audience and laughed at his stupid jokes. jay leno is a showbiz hack his act isn't funny his show isn't funny he is completely irrelevant. come to think of it him and nbc deserve each other. thank goodness letterman got off that train wreck of a network when he did. best of luck conan wherever you wind up i'll be watching.
Never a big fan before this, but what a class act – will have to pay more attention to Conon in the future – maybe he should consider politics, at least there would be one open and honest person involved!
so right
Conan should not look at it as delaying the Tonight Show into the next day to accommodate another comedy program. He should look at as being the first show of the day.
Conan O'Brien is the ONLY good thing that NBC has to offer and now they are screwing him over. Congratulations NBC, once Conan leaves your network, then you have nothing...because all your other shows SUCK...
Conan:
The problem is that your humor is too immature and sophomoric for the 11:35 pm Tonight Show. It does not appeal to an older audience, (but probably does work for the under-30 crowd). You will never get your ratings up to Leno's level, since you don't appeal to a large segment of Leno's former audience. Fox might be good for you.
Bill
give'm hell coco! fox is more your style anyway.
I am sorry that Conan has been put in this position. However, I would like to point out that he did NOT inherit this show from David Letterman. Jay Leno inherited the Tonight Show when Johnny Carson left (maybe this was not Johnny's wishes but he didn't own the network. I really liked but Johnny but he was a very vindictive person and for some reason did not like the fact that Jay got the position instead of David Letterman but that's a whole other issue). Conan – when Jay Leno left you inherited the Tonight Show. Do you see the difference? David Letterman did not hand the show off to you. Why do you guys dislike Jay so much? Oh, I know. It's because Jay's ratings are better than yours and David Letterman. I see.
@Sissy.. Conan inherited his previous show from Letterman, get your facts straight.
In regards to the topic, I support Conan 100%. Since hearing that he would eventually take over the Tonight Show, I have always feared that NBC would force him to dumb/water down his comedy in order to appeal to a different demographic. The obsene, offensive, random, crude, silly humor of Late Night is what generated such a mass cult-following in the first place. It is no wonder that NBC ratings have crashed in the last 10 years, they are oblivious to what their viewers want. Here is an idea.. lets let one of the funniest people on the planet slip through our grasp and we can fill the time slot with reruns of "Jay Walking". Better yet, how about some lame reality show spin-off... failed contestants from "The Biggest Loser" in a food eating challenge against Kobiyashi, and a black bear.
Best of luck Conan!
Conan – We totally agree and support your decision 100%. We love you and will continue to do so, come what may.
It just amazes me that because Leno's show is bombing, they are gonna move him to a later spot and push Conan of the "Tonight Show" to a later spot. Like Conan said, for 60 years The Tonight Show has always aired after the local news!!
Maybe if Andy's little sister made a reappearance?
I believe that Conan is making the right decision. I truly believe that if people follow their heart and do what they believe is right, good things will come out of it. The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. No one should waste half of everyday working for people that do not share the same values as they do, such as fair chances and supporting employees. This is just another example of American Greed! Someone throwing another under the bus and not taking responsibility! Why is it that the guy who follows his ethical beliefs is always the one to be left out in the cold?
Good luck, Conan! I have no doubt that you will bounce back!
Wow NBC really is once again not thinking things through. The Tonight Show, no matter the host belongs in the 11:35 time slot. Right after the news is where I have always known it to be. Of course once they put Jay Leno in as the host I switched to watching David Letterman when his shows are new so, I cannot say they are losing a regular viewer although, I do watch Conan when Dave is a rerun because I enjoy him as well. Since NBC is being so unfair I hope to find him somewhere he does not conflict with Dave so I can watch him as well. Good luck Conan
Conan is the MAN. I will refuse to watch any NBC programming if he leaves. Well, except The Office. And 30 Rock. And NFL.
Absolute and utter travesty,if Leno wanted to do the Tonight show,onto his old age like Carson (who I being in my early 30's had the opportunity to enjoy the show hosted by him as well as Leno)then he "truly" should have thought about this decision before he made it.In summarizing my opinion on this matter,the Nelson Rating system can count me as one of the people who WILL NEVER watch Jay Leno's new show.I wish the best for Conan Obrian in his endeavors,hopefully this is a momentary lapse in judgment by the executives at NBC,and they will extricate there heads from there anus's as soon as possible.
Why is NBC catering to a washed-up hasbeen who has a lisp, grey hair, and when u look at him profile his face looks like the letter 'C'. Get him off the air already losers!!!
Conan!! Love from Caracas, Venezuela!!! Don't worry, you'll come back bigger than ever! you are the best!!!! Hurry up! Don't take too long.... We'll miss you! LOVE!!!
This is a huge publicity stunt. It is obvious. They would never really move the tonight show to 12:05. That would make it the "tomorrow show", or the "morning show". It has to stay at 11:30... I think leno is retiring, and this is his way to help struggling Conan to get more ratings... Leno moved out of 11:30 to give it to conan. he wouldn't take that back, It NBC really moves the tonight show to 12:05, they would be digging their own grave... To prove this is all a publicity stunt, go the the NBC home page. they are showing a clip of Conan making a decision with the help of Deal or NO Deal .... NBC executives wouldn't allow their NBC.com home page contain conans threats to leave NBC. NBC is doing everything in their power to display conans statement everywhere, including MSNBC. I youtubed conan and there is a clip of anchors from MSNBC talking about his statement.
Give Conan the slot and retire Leno
i grew up with late-night Carson!! it was really the only way I could 'stay up late' b/c the parents were so into the show too =) then like everyone else i faithfully knew that each night, at 11:30, I could find laughter, topical discussion, and famous folks laughing and discussing topically!! It just wouldn't be the same...I'm sure Johnny would agree.
Conan--you are a class act........you did right and it is pretty obvious who needs to go.......you have honestly worked very hard and deserve the Tonight Show title..........Johnny Carson would be proud and totally support you Conan!!!!!!!
Typical suits, typical LA, typical showbiz, typical America. Let them buyout Conan and let's get him somewhere with total freedom to do what he wants. NBC is a joke. Stick to selling microwaves.
Sand Bagged!
CONAN I LOVE YOUR SHOW!!! ..nbc is really not thinking this through i remember staying up to watch the show like..forever.. i never really liked jay leno... so sad but anyways GOOD LUCK obviously nbc is missing out!
All the people in here that say they back Leno are dumb, come on, this contract was put in place a long time ago, what? 6 years? Everyone knew what was going down, and with something that has been in place since before color TV, I don't think they should bend on this, it has been established for too long to have "Spoiled Jay" whine about ratings and have them break contracts with two other shows in order to appease someone that won't be around as long as the other two. Besides, the network is going to lose more viewers if they decide to derail O'brian and Fallon. Apparently Binding Contracts don't mean anything anymore.
Just remember how Jay was asked to step down from the 11:35 P.M. time slot. Was that a fair move to him? Yes Conan you are a classy guy and you are doing the right thing. Please move to Fox, and go head to head with Leno. To quote Rodney King, "Why can't we all just get along". As for me...I'll be watching Leno.
Like a fine wine, Conan just gets better with age. His stance on this matter shows the true gentleman he is. It's refreshing that someone actually takes a stand in what they believe in, without the self interest and personal agenda that so many put before anything else. Even his consideration for Jimmy Fallon, who may never get it together in the late night format, is a wonder to witness. Good luck Conan, wherever you wind up you will have a new dedicated follower.
Conan we always support you, it's that old Jay who should leave the place not you...
Jay Leno, or as I like to call him, "the very poor-man's Conan O'Brien", had his time...too much time. The tonight show was actually funny again. First Dave now Coco. NBC surely f'd up on this deal by not giving this ginga a chance.
Conan is the best & I am a long-time fan. NBC Executives should be ashamed of their idiocy.
I always liked Leno when he guest-hosted for Carson. I thought his "Headlines" bit was very funny, and I liked his political humor. I don't know the circumstances of Carson's retirement, but I remember being very surprised Letterman didn't get asked to replace him. At that time, it was said that Letterman got a raw deal, and some blamed Leno.
While I enjoyed the show at first, I felt Jay was a step-down from Johnny. True, Carson seemed off his game and "old school" when Arsenio Hall briefly kicked his ratings to the curb, but he seemed rejuvenated when the show hit its stride again. Carson's strength wasn't in his "comedy." It was in his interviewing technique, and the intelligence you saw in his monologues – that sly wit.
Leno doesn't have that. I'm not saying he's not a smart guy. It's just that his humor is much broader – more mainstream USA stand-up stuff. Ironically, the broader humor worked better for him on TV than in his standup stuff. Hip and edgy, he's not.
Still, I must admit that after the first few years – for at least the last few years, Jay has seemed to be "phoning it in." The jokes are obvious – the kind of thing you'd here at an Amway convention. He's not totally un-funny – it's just too predictable. Standard guffaw-fodder you'd hear at a B-level comedy club. Now and then, he has a gem of a line, but not often. I wonder how involved he is in writing his own material. He just doesn't seem as involved – he delivers jokes as if he has no connection to them.
Carson depended on his writers too, but was a genius at handling the jokes that bombed. His intellect was so fast on its feet that he was funnier then than he'd have been if the joke worked.
Letterman, by contrast, is more like the late legendary Jack Parr; a quirky, moody, brilliant eccentric. When he's too grumpy, which is too frequently in recent years, he can fall flat. But when he's "on," comedy lightening strikes. Brilliant, cerebral goofball. But the Tonight Show has a mass audience. Bluntly put, Letterman may be too smart- and idiosyncratic – for NBC and an audience that's been weaned on Jay.
Conan was a happy compromise. Smart like Letterman, but too savvy to let the audience feel he's trying to be smarter than they are. He flits above mass broad major-market Leno-style comedy club gags, but keeps returning the humor down to earth for the average viewer.
None of the late night shows are what they could be. But Conan had the best chance of being the best for the future. You could see he'd eventually get there, given the chance. Now, he may not get it.
I'm disappointed in Jay. I'm sorry if he felt forced into leaving Tonight by executives trying to groom Conan – if that happened, then yes, he got a raw deal too. But many people think that's what happened to Carson, pressured to leave because Jay was the "fresh face."
NBC executives couldn't find their own butts with a map and a flashlight. C'mon, they've managed to piss off and lose Letterman to CBS, squeeze a legend out the door (Carson), pressure the host of a ratings gold mine into bowing out early (Leno), infuriate a rising star twice (making Leno primetime killed Conan at 11:30, then asking him to step down to make space for Leno to return). these idiots seem to have no personnel skills whatsoever – much less the deft touch needed to manage celeb egos and keep a stable of stars.
This is probably the best public statement I have ever read by a person in the media. Great words, great heart, and above all else, selflessness. It is very rare to find these days, especially for celebrities, someone who puts other peoples careers before his own. (Referring to Fallon).
everyone that supports Jay is talking about ratings. Hello! the reason Jay just got canceled on prime time was for his ratings (which by the way hurt Conan because the Jay Leno show was the same as his tonight show just earlier) and now he wants to go back to his original time, which shows what a jerk he really is. He had his chance, not only on late night but prime time and now he needs to move aside. Conan has worked hard for that spot and I think should stand his ground. NBC as always making stupid choices and hurting everyone in the long run. NBC needs to buy Jay out and beg Conan to stay. Please don't waste anymore of your money and our time.
This isn't making Jay Leno look good. What's he got to say about all this? As it stands, Conan is definitely taking the higher road here. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.
This is typical of whats happening in corporate America in general,
micro management kills creativity. Looks like a management meltdown to me!
Conan seemed like he had been told to tone it down, wasn't as funny in LA as In NY.
Jay Leno sucks, He is the reason the ratings sucked. Leave Conan Where He Is!!!
NBC appears to be run by boring old farts who don't take chances. Conan, you might be better off leaving. They can have Leno. He fits right in.
Conan > Leno
Conan actually makes me laugh like Letterman always has. Also, anybody who says Conan's show sucks must suck themselves. Literally......
NBC execs, you are idiots for doing this to Conan. This will backfire in your face. Conan is so much funnier than Jay ever thought about being. Jay has worn out his welcome, and doesn't know when to bow out gracefully. I will never ever watch the tonight show if they give it back to Leno. He's not funny! Conan's intelligence and with far surpass Leno's.
NBC has shown no integrity in how they have handled this situation. I have so much respect for Conan-personification of grace under pressure. Thanks for all the laughs you provide us with! Hang in there, Conan. So many people are behind you!!
I'm with Coco.
I'm not sure that you know what you are talking about Lars. Leno's ratings dropped just like Conan's did.
I personally think that Leno just needs to retire. Walk away from it already.
I love Jimmy and if we arent going to get to watch him and Conan we wont be watching NBC after the news. NBC needs to rethink their decision so ratings wont go into the ground.
What does NBC know anyway. Carson selected Leno. Carson knew best who should have the show.. And.. Leno ought to pick his replacement when the time is right for him, not a bunch of no nothing NBC execs. That's how it should work!
Who the hell is Conan?
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