In Depth
O’Brien ‘Thrilled’ Leno Is Staying at NBC
Conan O’Brien Tuesday welcomed the news of Jay Leno’s decision to host a 10 p.m. show for NBC, calling it a “happy ending.”
“I've known about this for a while,” Mr. O’Brien said Tuesday during a taping of his current NBC late-night show. “I've talked a lot about this with Jay. I am thrilled. I am absolutely thrilled that Jay is staying at NBC.
“He has been my lead-in on this program for 16 seasons,” Mr. O’Brien continued. “He is a fantastic lead-in. He is a huge part of my success. I am indebted to Jay Leno. And I love the idea that that relationship is going to continue. He is going to be my lead-in continuing, I hope, for a long, long time.
Mr. O’Brien said Mr. Leno’s decision to stay had one other upside.
“I've talked it over with my producer and (it) means I can keep doing my Jay Leno impression,” Mr. O’Brien said.
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scrivener
But will he stay "thrilled" when Jay siphons off all the top guests, who may prefer to be seen by a bigger primetime audience?
And both shows are slated to be based in LA. Doesn't that exacerbate the guest cannibalization?
Maybe Conan should stay in NYC? Any second thoughts about the geography, Conan?
Stay, stay, stay. Rerun that greatest of all '50s TV movies, "That Wonderful Year." Stay in New York!
Andrew Boggs, BA
I would agree, it may be a good idea to keep Conan O'Brian in New York - it works for him. Jay Leno will work at 10PM to some degree, however, one cannot make the automatic assumption that audiences may be 'talked-out' with three or four talk shows on the network. If ABC or CBS counter programs with a good comedy or drama series, it could blow Leno's vehical out of the water. I also have to think with NBC's dismal overall ratings, GE might be getting ready to shop the network. We'll see?
- Andrew Boggs, BA, MALL727.net -