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Home > Blogs > Celebrity Worship > Archives > 2010 > January > 12 > Entry
Conan rejects NBC’s offer
And NBC’s late night shake up just got even crazier.
Conan O’Brien says he won’t take a back seat to Jay Leno.
In a statement picked up by the “New York Times” and others, Conan reject NBC’s offer to air his version of “The Tonight Show” at 12:05 a.m., an half hour after Jay.
He says the Tonight Show at 12:05 a.m. simply isn’t the Tonight Show.
“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,” he wrote.
He says he has no other offers from other networks and doesn’t know what will happen 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.”
Do you agree?
Read the statement below:
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
Permalink | Comments (34) | Post your comment | Categories: Jay and Conan
Comments
By jp
January 12, 2010 3:52 PM | Link to this
I applaud Conan for his decision. He is a class act. Leno should bow out!
By bored
January 12, 2010 4:11 PM | Link to this
I can’t stand Jay Leno - I totally stopped watching the Tonight Show when he took it over. bleah - let him go… he’s over, old news, washed up.
By OBrienLover
January 12, 2010 4:18 PM | Link to this
Conan’s statement reminds me why I’m such a big fan of his. It really sounds like it’s coming from his heart. I will follow him whereever he lands!
By notoleno
January 12, 2010 4:24 PM | Link to this
I can tolerate Leno, but that is it. I can’t stand that no matter the subject he is trying to make fun of it ends up being a sexual joke. How can all of the other comedians hosting a late night show tell good jokes, but he can’t seem to handle it. The only thing that I will miss is Jay Walking.
By Mr. Entertainment
January 12, 2010 4:37 PM | Link to this
When did Leno start being on at 10PM?
By Creek Mom
January 12, 2010 5:01 PM | Link to this
I am a fan of Conan O’Brien. I think he is funny. I disagreed with the choice of Leno taking over the Tonight Show originally. I don’t find him funny. Leno is an interesting character and personality, but he’s not my brand of funny. I think Conan will come out on top no matter what happens because the public has spoken loud and clear about Leno, it’s time for him to move on and out. I would hate to have this public debate going on if I were either of them. Here’s to Conan; may he continue to walk onto our televisions at 11:35 pm.
By rj
January 12, 2010 5:25 PM | Link to this
Once again Leno shows his “class.” When he got the Tonight Show gig after Johnny Carson retired, he refused to acknowledge Carson in any way. Now his 10pm experiment is in the tank, he wants his “old” time slot back, regardless of his stepping on Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Fallon. ClassAss Leno is only concerned with Leno. I stopped watching him years ago. He’s just not funny.
By JD
January 12, 2010 5:43 PM | Link to this
I say cut Leno and let him go work on all of his cars. It’s Conan’s time. Jay decided to retire long ago, his show didn’t make it, so he’s gotta stick with his first choice, retiring from the Tonight Show. Let Conan lead NBC into the future. I’m tired of Leno, all he does is make fat jokes and OJ simpson jokes. Because, afterall, he’s the thinnest guy around…
By coll
January 12, 2010 6:23 PM | Link to this
You decide to retire, a year later you decide you want your old job back..do you get it, I think not, why is Jay Leno any different. Just don’t watch his shows and watch his ratings drop.
By Nate in Miami
January 12, 2010 6:54 PM | Link to this
Had not really developed an opinion on this matter until reading the letter by Conan. What a classy guy. He can just fade into the sunset with $80 mill., but instead is voicing his own thoughts and concerns for his staff.
By Crush
January 12, 2010 7:56 PM | Link to this
Conan isnt even funny. Tonight ratings have dropped since he took over. At least someone who is funny is coming back to the slot.
By Good Riddance
January 12, 2010 7:58 PM | Link to this
conan is a joke himself. good riddance.
By A Fan
January 12, 2010 10:00 PM | Link to this
Leno wore out his welcome a long time ago. Conan is not that funny but I respect his position. However, the name of the game is ratings and neither is doing that well.
By KIKI
January 12, 2010 10:02 PM | Link to this
Do any of you commenters realize Leno did not make the decision to “go back” to the time slot? This was strictly the network decision! They screwed up in the beginning and now they want to try to rectify it. Leno should never have left the 11:30 time slot to begin with. Conan may be a good person, and I think he is, but he is not funny. In fact he is disgusting. I have not watched the Tonight Show one time since Conan took over. I say good riddance!
By Bill
January 12, 2010 10:41 PM | Link to this
As usual most who comment here haven’t a clue what their talking about. KIKI is correct, blame the network. Conan couldn’t carry Leno’s tools but I applaud what he says and agree with him. he nor Leno deserve the problem they didn’t start
By chris
January 12, 2010 11:58 PM | Link to this
long live letterman
By middsteve
January 13, 2010 12:49 AM | Link to this
Conan couldn’t be funny if he took lessons.
By Green Bowl
January 13, 2010 1:10 AM | Link to this
Dude, Leno is so hilarious. that huge chin of his, it totally epitomizes comedy! I constantly laugh at Leno, that and have the munchies. Anyone hungry for some ice cream pizza? haha that’s yummy! Maybe i’ll soon have a big chin like Len-o. haha
By nyc
January 13, 2010 3:15 AM | Link to this
i think both shows are lousy…
By Bob W
January 13, 2010 7:38 AM | Link to this
Conan is good. Leno is better but he’s starting to let his politics show, and I don’t like it. Letterman is the funniest of all, but he’s “come out” as a total obnoxious very left winger, alienating 60%+ (?) of his middle of the road and conservative audience.. and he’s been bad to his family. Conan should replace Letterman, and let Leno have his tonight show.
By pie8me
January 13, 2010 10:04 AM | Link to this
The only person worth watching in late night at the moment is Craig Ferguson.
By pie8me
January 13, 2010 10:04 AM | Link to this
The only person worth watching in late night at the moment is Craig Ferguson.
By fortressdayton
January 13, 2010 10:20 AM | Link to this
@pie8me: agree 100%! But good for Conan standing up to a bunch of network idiots.
By Fan
January 13, 2010 10:36 AM | Link to this
Way to go Conan - I totally agree with you!
By spoon
January 13, 2010 4:54 PM | Link to this
Letterman is laughing at NBC.I say dump both and show the best of Carson.But seriously doesnt NBC have the final say?I think they are trying to say “look Conan,you arent getting the job done,Letterman is slaughtering you WE ARE GONNA MOVE YOU”
By KelliKite!
January 14, 2010 12:47 AM | Link to this
Bravo, Conan! What a class act. The Tonight Show IS an American tradition that should be honored-its not the Tomorrow Show! Furthermore, Conan held his end of the bargain- kudos to him for standing up for what he believes.
By Randy
January 14, 2010 1:52 AM | Link to this
Conan is cool. NBC sucks and so doe s Jay.
By NBC is Wacky
January 14, 2010 7:22 AM | Link to this
Leno was all set to retire - and NBC didn’t want to let him go, and so created a wholly new idea for him at 10pm. They tried to save money by doing Leno instead of scripted drama. The network still likes the idea - it’s the local affiliates who are up in arms, and forcing this issue. Oops. O’Brien has a contract to do the Tonite Show. Guess contracts mean nothing to a network??? I watch Craig Ferguson…
By NBC is Wacky
January 14, 2010 7:22 AM | Link to this
Leno was all set to retire - and NBC didn’t want to let him go, and so created a wholly new idea for him at 10pm. They tried to save money by doing Leno instead of scripted drama. The network still likes the idea - it’s the local affiliates who are up in arms, and forcing this issue. Oops. O’Brien has a contract to do the Tonite Show. Guess contracts mean nothing to a network??? I watch Craig Ferguson…
By PV1
January 14, 2010 7:43 AM | Link to this
It is hard to find sympathy for someone who will get 30 million dollars when he departs. Good luck Conan…
By PV1
January 14, 2010 7:44 AM | Link to this
It is hard to find sympathy for someone who will get 30 million dollars when he departs. Good luck Conan…
By ConanFan
January 14, 2010 8:57 AM | Link to this
They should let Conan take over the 10 o’clock spot and then maybe the ratings would go up!
By Kevin
January 14, 2010 9:23 AM | Link to this
I am so thrilled Leno is back!!! Saw him in Vegas years ago & he was hilarious. Thought it was a very classy move when he gave a free show in Wilmington last year after he’d heard how badly thet were hit by the economy. Jay rules!! & never did really get most of Conan’s humor…
By Robert
January 15, 2010 10:17 AM | Link to this
Hire Craig Ferguson for the Tonight Show, I can’t understand how Leno or O’brien have kept their jobs to begin with. People actually think either one of the two are funny?