Conan O'Brien Says He Won't Budge for Jay Leno

By Marc Schneider Posted Jan 12th 2010 03:30PM

► 11:54 p.m. | Conan Rips NBC During Tuesday Monologue; Could It Be His Last Ever? Read Full Story

► 10:59 p.m. | Jay Leno Ignores O'Brien's Statement in Tuesday Night's Show

NBC wanted his decision. Well, consider it done: Conan O'Brien says he will no longer host 'The Tonight Show' if the storied talk show is nudged to 12:05 a.m. In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, O'Brien pounds away at NBC for proposing a move to bring Jay Leno back to the 11:35 p.m. time slot, saying that such a change for 'Tonight' would "seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting."

He singles out the network for not giving him a fair shake at success following your local news.

"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," he says. "Building a lasting audience at 11:30 is impossible without both."

The mention of decreased "ratings support" in prime-time is a not-so-subtle dig at Leno's failure to attract the kinds of viewers the network had hoped for. Nationwide, affiliates had complained that Leno's anemic numbers hurt local news telecasts, which in turn hurt 'The Tonight Show.'

In his statement, O'Brien expresses deep respect for the 'Tonight Show' legacy, which includes such icons as Johnny Carson and Jack Paar, and flatly states he cannot participate in what he believes is the franchise's systematic dismantling.

"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."

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O'Brien decries NBC's snap decision to nix Leno's failed prime-time show and for not allowing him the time and resources needed to build a successful viewer base for the revamped 'Tonight Show.'

"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."

In justifying his bold, but understandable stance, O'Brien also cites concern for his successor at 'Late Night,' saying that it would be "unfair" to Jimmy Fallon to ask him to start his show an hour later. "That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love," he says.

The decision will undoubtedly lead to some legal back-and-forth with NBC. His contract reportedly allows the network to move 'Tonight' to 12:05, but no later. It's not known how the network will handle a host of a show that refuses to move time slots.

► On Monday, Conan Addressed the Controversy. Watch His Monologue:

What happens if both O'Brien and NBC stand firm on the matter? If Conan bolts completely from the network, it would appear altogether possible for Jay Leno to simply be installed back in his former home at 'The Tonight Show.' This would simplify matters and possibly result in a ratings resurgence for 11:35 p.m., which has suffered under O'Brien. However, Conan's fans are a loyal bunch and there would certainly be backlash in the comedy community.

Ultimately, O'Brien says he hoped he and NBC could resolve the issue quickly so he could do a show of which he and his crew could be proud -- "for a company that values our work." He also says he has received no offer from other networks, including the one that has publicly shown interest in him: FOX.

► Conan O'Brien's Full Statement (Via NY Times)

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

Tags: conan obrien, jay leno, The Tonight Show

Comments

(649)

Tuesday 12 January

By helen

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

It was Leno's idea to "retire" which caused all this. Leno is old and tired and stupid. Kudos to you Conan! Leave and never look back. You will be snatched up by "another" network before you can blink your eyes. I'm with you all the way!

By amotisi

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Unless Letterman & Leno retire Conan will never get higher ratings then them. If NBC had any brains they would let Leno go and keep Conan . As for Leno he should run to FOX or ABC and cut himself the same deal that Letterman has with CBS.leno has been mistreated and disrespected by NBC.

By Randi Grogan

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I like Leno better much better at stand up and more interesting to watch than Conan. I say Conan get a grip on reality, you can't handle this show. I'd let you go and make way for Jay he's more respected and liked.

By MH from NH

keep on truckin CoCo. I'll watch no matter what network you're on.

By Helen

Old man Leno and NBC both suck!

By bob

Whether you like Conan or Jay, Conan is the one getting screwed. Jay should just man up and bow out gracefully. He planned on leaving the tonight show for several years and at the end, after everyone else waited and prepared, he changed his mind. Be a man, Jay, and get the hell out.

By ali

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

im behind you 100% conan.. leno could have handed the late night title over gracefully like planned but he obviously couldn't let go... conan go to a different network i hope nbc's plan blows up in their face!

By beachbumdoris

If it wasn't for Chuck, I wouldn't watch NBC at all ever since Leno high-jacked the 10 hour. The other shows are not worth my time watching.

By Milton The Monster

NBC has ALWAYS been the Bottom of the Barrel Network. The problem at NBC is that Old Movies and Reruns on Cable are MORE interesting than what they put on as "NEW" everyday.

By scott

leno is a car guy and i will always support him. "o'brain-less" sucks and was never funny. Leno is all about Good humor with out being infentile like opie jr.

By Ralph

You support Jay cause he's a "car guy"? WTFruit? When did cars have anything to do with truly being funny? You have stated a truth though....Jay IS a CAR GUY...NOT a funny guy. Go suck on an exhaust pipe dude.

By Hunt

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Good riddance Conan ..... Jay Leno is head and shoulders funnier than you!!! NBC never should have given Conan Jay's Tonight Show at 11:35 p.m.

By john pezzullo

neather one of them a worth what they get paid. Find someone who is really funny.

By Mr. BIG

I HOPE THAT HE IS REWARDED FOR HIS BACKBONE AND CHARACTER. I will make an effort to follow his career from this moment on.

By glenn

I am old enough to say my nights used to end with Johnny and Ed. NBC lost me when they put Leno in the car in lieu of the obvious successor DAVID LETTERMAN. In all of Leno's years on the show I NEVER saw an entire show. In fact I only watched the Hugh Grant (after hooker) broadcast and the broadcasts with Michelle and then Barak. Why in the name of NBC did they need to let Leno do a 10 PM show I will never understand (other than the cost factors). The man has little talent and very little class as shown in this new mess.

Conan who? Never watched him before and will continue never to watch him. HOWEVER, his press release to the press was filled with facts and class. Although I will continue not to watch him, I must admit he impressed me today with his letter. Conan, I am certain you have a no play but pay clause in your contract. Be smart, take the money and run. Fox is not a better place-remember what they promised Joan Rivers.

That's my two cents.

By MARGIE

KUDOS TO CONAN FOR TAKING A STANCE. NBC THINKS AND I SAY THINKS IT HAS THE FINAL SAY IN WHAT'S GOING DOWN. BUT NBC YOU WILL BE THE ULTIMATE LOSER. SO PUT YOUR THINKING CAPS ON AND PAY ATTENTION TO US THE VIEWER AND YOU WILL GET YOUR ANSWER.

By Deborah

I hope Conan moves to another network. NBC is a loser.

By Ryan O'Brien

WTF Conan? What about letting Andy & Max take a turn at the desk. Hell - La Bomba's pretty funny too.

By boseguy22

Ok, we have 2 shows with poor ratings and as much as I love Conan, what are the chances this whole fiasco is a marketing ploy by NBC just to add some ratings. When was the last time the media really focused on Conan at all or anything but Jay's crappy raitings? But now that Conan is being shat on we are all concerned...

By coscorron

When Conan took over the Tonight Show, I was happy not to wait for Conan so late. Then when Leno came in earlier, I felt like nothing had changed. He took the thunder away from Conan. I felt cheated and stopped watching. Leno needs to quit. Or go somewhere else. Or do something else. Maybe him and Jackie Chan can do a sequel to Collison Course.

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