Looks like the late night shake-up at NBC is getting a little more complicated. In a public statement released Tuesday afternoon, Conan O'Brien told the Peacock Network that he has little intention of hosting The Tonight Show at 12:05 a.m. (essentially the next day).
Addressed to "People of Earth," and infused with Conan's signature wit, the redheaded talk show host said "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."
Conan goes on to explain that he believes moving The Tonight Show to 12:05 would damage the decades old franchise. And in a man-up move that other talk show hosts should note, Conan said he doesn't want to hurt host Jimmy Fallon's Late Night.
"So it has come to this," Conan says. "I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is [The Tonight Show's] 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."
And with that - oh, and a touching joke about his hair - Conan draws a line a in the sand. The Tonight Show stays at 11:35 - with or without him. Or, if The Tonight Show moves to 12:05, it does so without Conan.
Big move. And one that has people squarely joining Team Conan. Facebook comments on my personal Facebook page were squarely in Conan's court. And the move makes Leno look like a spoiled brat (though Leno, of course, has had little - if anything - to do with the network's decision).
Curious what Conan said? Read his full statement.
Photo: Getty Images
Comments