Full Version: Leno Back To 11:30, Conan To Unemployment Line.
10pm experiment is done and now Conan is out at NBC!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/08/business.../08leno.html?hp
According to that:
Leno 11:30-12:00
Conan 12:00-1:00
Fallon 1:00-2:00
According to that:
Leno 11:30-12:00
Conan 12:00-1:00
Fallon 1:00-2:00
I hope this is a fucking joke! Leno is the worst!!! God, what idiots!
I can't believe NBC is still messing with Leno. Just let him go already.
QUOTE (Suited_Up @ Thursday, January 7th, 2010, 10:01 PM) 
I hope this is a fucking joke! Leno is the worst!!! God, what idiots!
Conan yes, Leno no.
Tom.
Tom.
from warmingglow.
Wow. I’d heard rumors, but… just wow. Although NBC is denying it, TMZ says:
Just to recap: NBC promised “The Tonight Show” to Conan in 2004, and Leno agreed to step down when the time came. Except when the time came, Leno said he wanted to stay on the air, hence “The Jay Leno Show” at 10 o’clock, which quickly became one of the greatest programming f*ck-ups in network history. As Leno’s unwatched show was torpedoing viewership of NBC local news and the new “Tonight Show,” he openly lobbied to get his 11:30 slot back.
Gosh, what an awesome guy. If he’s not too busy during the Olympics, maybe he’d like to come over and get my sister pregnant, wait six months, then punch her in the stomach until she miscarries.
AND
All right, so since the Leno-Conan rumor/bomb yesterday, we’ve got some things that seem certain and some likely possibilities. Here’s what’s certain: Jay Leno is moving back to the 11:30 slot. What NBC wants to do is have “The Jay Leno Show” on for half an hour, then have Conan’s “Tonight Show” at midnight and Jimmy Fallon’s “Late Night” at 1:00 a.m. Whether or not that happens apparently depends on if O’Brien decides to accept this fate.
If Conan bolts, of course, you-know-who gets “The Tonight Show” back. Frankly, I’ve already reached the acceptance phase. NBC’s decision to put Leno at 10:00 was so epically disastrous that they HAD to get rid of Jay at that time slot, and while I would have preferred the network loosen the brakes on Leno’s fleet of cars, I can see how moving him to 11:30 makes more business sense.
As for Conan, I’ll continue to be a fan no matter what happens. Perhaps a move to midnight will open the door for more of the offbeat antics that he had to abandon when he moved to L.A., although leaving NBC would probably be more cathartic — for both O’Brien and his fans.
The bottom line is this: when TV-related stories start getting this complex and heated and I no longer have the ability to turn the conversation to a quick joke, that’s the moment I say, “It’s just TV.” I’d rather spend my worries on actual problems in the world. Things like war and the environment and what happens if TLC runs out of midgets.
Wow. I’d heard rumors, but… just wow. Although NBC is denying it, TMZ says:
QUOTE
Jay Leno is going back to his 11:30 PM time slot, and it’s looking like Conan O’Brien is the odd man out … sources tell TMZ.
We’ve learned Jay’s 10:00 PM show will go on hiatus February 1. After the Olympics, Jay will take back his 11:30 PM time slot. What has not been decided — whether Jay’s show will be a half hour, followed by Conan, or whether Jay’s show will be an hour and NBC says sayonara to Mr. O’Brien.
We’re told Jay and Conan have both been told of the changes.
We’ve learned Jay’s 10:00 PM show will go on hiatus February 1. After the Olympics, Jay will take back his 11:30 PM time slot. What has not been decided — whether Jay’s show will be a half hour, followed by Conan, or whether Jay’s show will be an hour and NBC says sayonara to Mr. O’Brien.
We’re told Jay and Conan have both been told of the changes.
Just to recap: NBC promised “The Tonight Show” to Conan in 2004, and Leno agreed to step down when the time came. Except when the time came, Leno said he wanted to stay on the air, hence “The Jay Leno Show” at 10 o’clock, which quickly became one of the greatest programming f*ck-ups in network history. As Leno’s unwatched show was torpedoing viewership of NBC local news and the new “Tonight Show,” he openly lobbied to get his 11:30 slot back.
Gosh, what an awesome guy. If he’s not too busy during the Olympics, maybe he’d like to come over and get my sister pregnant, wait six months, then punch her in the stomach until she miscarries.
AND
All right, so since the Leno-Conan rumor/bomb yesterday, we’ve got some things that seem certain and some likely possibilities. Here’s what’s certain: Jay Leno is moving back to the 11:30 slot. What NBC wants to do is have “The Jay Leno Show” on for half an hour, then have Conan’s “Tonight Show” at midnight and Jimmy Fallon’s “Late Night” at 1:00 a.m. Whether or not that happens apparently depends on if O’Brien decides to accept this fate.
QUOTE
O’Brien’s handlers are likely mulling all of their options — and pitching their client to both Fox, which currently doesn’t have a late night franchise on the weeknights, and ABC, which would have to move “Nightline” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” out of the way.
But neither network appears immediately likely to make a play for O’Brien, insiders said. What’s more, Broadcasting and Cable reported that NBC has the option to bench O’Brien for the remainder of his contract but keep paying him. [Variety]
But neither network appears immediately likely to make a play for O’Brien, insiders said. What’s more, Broadcasting and Cable reported that NBC has the option to bench O’Brien for the remainder of his contract but keep paying him. [Variety]
If Conan bolts, of course, you-know-who gets “The Tonight Show” back. Frankly, I’ve already reached the acceptance phase. NBC’s decision to put Leno at 10:00 was so epically disastrous that they HAD to get rid of Jay at that time slot, and while I would have preferred the network loosen the brakes on Leno’s fleet of cars, I can see how moving him to 11:30 makes more business sense.
As for Conan, I’ll continue to be a fan no matter what happens. Perhaps a move to midnight will open the door for more of the offbeat antics that he had to abandon when he moved to L.A., although leaving NBC would probably be more cathartic — for both O’Brien and his fans.
The bottom line is this: when TV-related stories start getting this complex and heated and I no longer have the ability to turn the conversation to a quick joke, that’s the moment I say, “It’s just TV.” I’d rather spend my worries on actual problems in the world. Things like war and the environment and what happens if TLC runs out of midgets.
you may have just said this above, i didnt read it all 
NBC has given Conan O'Brien the option to either do his show from midnight to 1 or leave the network, sources tell TMZ.
As TMZ first reported, after the Olympics, Jay Leno will get his 11:30 PM time period back. We're told network execs have told Conan they will let him decide if he wants the midnight to 1:00 AM time slot. If he does, Leno's show will only be a half hour. If Conan walks, Leno will get a full hour, informed sources tell TMZ.
Our sources say Conan has not decided what he wants. We do know he's pissed, because he was given no advanced warning this was coming. Conan's people told NBC they are considering the offer. Translation: Mr. O'Brien -- I have Rupert Murdoch on line one, Stephen McPherson on line two, John Landgraf on line three, Jeff Wachtel on line four ...
We're told if Conan gets another offer, even though NBC could block the move, they will let him go and give Leno the full hour.
NBC has given Conan O'Brien the option to either do his show from midnight to 1 or leave the network, sources tell TMZ.
As TMZ first reported, after the Olympics, Jay Leno will get his 11:30 PM time period back. We're told network execs have told Conan they will let him decide if he wants the midnight to 1:00 AM time slot. If he does, Leno's show will only be a half hour. If Conan walks, Leno will get a full hour, informed sources tell TMZ.
Our sources say Conan has not decided what he wants. We do know he's pissed, because he was given no advanced warning this was coming. Conan's people told NBC they are considering the offer. Translation: Mr. O'Brien -- I have Rupert Murdoch on line one, Stephen McPherson on line two, John Landgraf on line three, Jeff Wachtel on line four ...
We're told if Conan gets another offer, even though NBC could block the move, they will let him go and give Leno the full hour.
If I was Conan, there would be no way I would stay with NBC.
Well, unless I really needed the money and there were no other options.
But that doesn't seem likely.
Well, unless I really needed the money and there were no other options.
But that doesn't seem likely.
They are bastardizing the tonight show. But I don't watch it, so I really don't care.
NBC really played this whole thing horribly.
Personally, I think Conan is much funner than the format of the Tonight Show allows him to be. He should be all over television, and not just limited to doing awkward bits and interviewing guests at midnight.
He should walk from NBC. They've showed him absolutely no respect or confidence with this whole thing. Major networks have absolutely no patience these days, it seems.
Personally, I think Conan is much funner than the format of the Tonight Show allows him to be. He should be all over television, and not just limited to doing awkward bits and interviewing guests at midnight.
He should walk from NBC. They've showed him absolutely no respect or confidence with this whole thing. Major networks have absolutely no patience these days, it seems.
I could be wrong but my understanding was that Leno was doing horribly. Like no one was watching him. I gotta think that might have to do with the fact that no one likes Leno. My guess is that Leno has some dirt on some exec to pretty much be the "king" around there. God I hate Leno. I really like Conan.
The Tonight Show has been evolving into this wanna be cutting edge garbage that has completely come off the rails form the shoot at the hip days of Johnny Carson.
I had a friend in the comedy business, telling me of how the comedians were so excited when Leno got the spot because they were sure he would book lots of comedians, instead Leno booked less. Way less. He apparently didn't want anyone on that was funnier than him. At Bernie Mac's funeral there were even some people commenting on Leno not letting people on his show during the eulogies. ( pronounced as in Zoolander of course )
But the Tonight Show needs to get back to the older crowd that made it what it was. We have plenty of alternatives for the younger crowd who think "In the year 3,000" skit is funny enough to do more than once.
Conan was a horrible choice. Leno was barely able to be the guy. We need someone more sophisticated, who is secure enough with himself to allow the show to make the guests special, instead of just the host.
I do not have the right person in mind, but he would be strikingly like Johnny Carson.
I think conan would do really well at fox. he'd be able to do more of his own stuff. I still wouldn't be able to watch it of course, but I'd root for him.
gee you're old.
QUOTE (Balloon guy @ Friday, January 8th, 2010, 12:43 PM)
I do not have the right person in mind, but he would be strikingly like Johnny Carson.
gee you're old.
QUOTE (Sal Paradise @ Friday, January 8th, 2010, 9:49 AM)
I think conan would do really well at fox. he'd be able to do more of his own stuff. I still wouldn't be able to watch it of course, but I'd root for him.
gee you'reold warm.
gee you're
Jay Leno is just so awful.
Why is TMZ the first to hear everything now? They must have spies all over the world.
Conan should call NBC's bluff and agree to 12am. I dont believe NBC really plans on having Leno only do half an hour and are just weaseling out of paying Conan severance. I have heard it said before that Leno's everyman nice guy image is just an act and he really is a backstabbing liar who will step on anyone to get his way. This makes me think that is 100% true. He tried to push Johnny out the door, backstabbed Letterman in that debauckle and now is pushing Conan out the door.
QUOTE (king_tanner @ Friday, January 8th, 2010, 2:10 PM)
Why is TMZ the first to hear everything now? They must have spies all over the world.
They pay good money for info.
QUOTE (Balloon guy @ Friday, January 8th, 2010, 12:43 PM)
Conan was a horrible choice. Leno was barely able to be the guy. We need someone more sophisticated, who is secure enough with himself to allow the show to make the guests special, instead of just the host.
Disagree, Conan is one of the most sophisticated guys in the comedy world. Also he gave this world the gift that is The Sea Captain.
QUOTE (Speed Limit @ Friday, January 8th, 2010, 2:18 PM)
Disagree, Conan is one of the most sophisticated guys in the comedy world. Also he gave this world the gift that is The Sea Captain.
BG, you're just dead wrong here.
The thing I like about Conan is that when he does an interview he makes it more like a conversation than just a guest telling a story. All Jay does is ask a question which is a setup to the guest's story and then lets the guest talk to themself. It looks like Jay doesn't say anything except for stuff that is written for him.
It does seem like Conan does a lot of interrupting and he is the center of attention not the guest. So I agree with BG there.
I think Letterman is the best at putting the spotlight on the guests. The problem is that most guests (even the real famous ones) are usually boring.
The three late night guys I watch if I'm up is Conan, Kimmel, and Ferguson. I like Kimmel and Ferguson because they are good at making fun of the guests. Usually the guests have no idea that they are being made fun of which makes it even better.
It does seem like Conan does a lot of interrupting and he is the center of attention not the guest. So I agree with BG there.
I think Letterman is the best at putting the spotlight on the guests. The problem is that most guests (even the real famous ones) are usually boring.
The three late night guys I watch if I'm up is Conan, Kimmel, and Ferguson. I like Kimmel and Ferguson because they are good at making fun of the guests. Usually the guests have no idea that they are being made fun of which makes it even better.
Ferguson is great cause it seems like he really doesn't give a shit. Did anyone else see his 1000th episode? He did it entirely with puppets!
I would say Ferguson is by far the best on late night. Of course the competition is weak.
What gets me the most is the scripted jokes that they do, the complete lack of effort to transition into a story and the way they have turned the whole show genre into a scripted cut and paste formula.
Do 6 jokes, make fun of the band
long commercials
Do a game/skit/segment that they've done 50 times before
long commercials
Introduce actor plugging movie
long commercials
Commence poor interview with pre-planned joke set ups and deliveries
long commercials
Repeat with lessor known actor
long commercials
Song
End
Ferguson is good because although he has his canned bits, he seems to be 'star-struck' in his interviews, which makes him much more interested in getting to know the actor/famous person. I think Kimmel was more willing to acknowledge the intelligence of the audience, especially with his long running Matt Damon joke that was probably the funniest thing ever in late night talk show history overall.
What gets me the most is the scripted jokes that they do, the complete lack of effort to transition into a story and the way they have turned the whole show genre into a scripted cut and paste formula.
Do 6 jokes, make fun of the band
long commercials
Do a game/skit/segment that they've done 50 times before
long commercials
Introduce actor plugging movie
long commercials
Commence poor interview with pre-planned joke set ups and deliveries
long commercials
Repeat with lessor known actor
long commercials
Song
End
Ferguson is good because although he has his canned bits, he seems to be 'star-struck' in his interviews, which makes him much more interested in getting to know the actor/famous person. I think Kimmel was more willing to acknowledge the intelligence of the audience, especially with his long running Matt Damon joke that was probably the funniest thing ever in late night talk show history overall.
Bill Maher, if he would back off the political commentary.
QUOTE (Balloon guy @ Saturday, January 9th, 2010, 10:28 AM)
I would say Ferguson is by far the best on late night. Of course the competition is weak.
What gets me the most is the scripted jokes that they do, the complete lack of effort to transition into a story and the way they have turned the whole show genre into a scripted cut and paste formula.
Do 6 jokes, make fun of the band
long commercials
Do a game/skit/segment that they've done 50 times before
long commercials
Introduce actor plugging movie
long commercials
Commence poor interview with pre-planned joke set ups and deliveries
long commercials
Repeat with lessor known actor
long commercials
Song
End
What gets me the most is the scripted jokes that they do, the complete lack of effort to transition into a story and the way they have turned the whole show genre into a scripted cut and paste formula.
Do 6 jokes, make fun of the band
long commercials
Do a game/skit/segment that they've done 50 times before
long commercials
Introduce actor plugging movie
long commercials
Commence poor interview with pre-planned joke set ups and deliveries
long commercials
Repeat with lessor known actor
long commercials
Song
End
Yea, late night in general kinda sucks... I used to be a fan of conan's.. But seriously, how many years can the phoney self deprication schtick still be considered funny?
QUOTE (colonel Feathers @ Sunday, January 10th, 2010, 3:45 PM)
Bill Maher, if he would back off the political commentary.
Bob Costas, if he would stop talking about sports all the time.
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
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
i respect the hell out of conan
I've always really liked Conan.. but I wasn't ever really sure how his show would translate to the 10:35 CST spot. Leno being on at 9:00 CST killed him.
Conan's a great guy. I'm shocked NBC hasn't given his new show the time it needs to fully grow and develop.
The issue was that his comedy style differs greatly from Leno's, and is much more akin to Letterman's. It's silly and outrageous. Leno's is watered down, obvious, and bland.
So, Conan lost a lot of people who would regularly watch Leno. This should have been anticipated by any network that knew anything about TV. Conan needed to be given a lot of time to drain a lot of Letterman's audience, especially the younger people, and to get the old Leno audience used to him.
Also, Conan needed time to get used to his new show. I don't think he was able to relax, which is understandable seeing how he was only on for a bit over half a year. Conan is at his best when he's off the cuff, when he's able to be himself, and when he's not trying to be funny but instead is funny because he can't help it. He clearly had this mindset on his old show, but moving to the tonight show put a lot of pressure on him (he's a very professional guy), and he wasn't yet able to adjust to that mounting pressure (which only grew as ratings stayed pretty low).
Conan will be back if he wants to be. If not, he'll still be rich and will collect a LOT of money from NBC for a long time. But TV is his life, and I see him doing another show in some way. It's hard to imagine him doing another late night show; I don't think he'd feel comfortable competing directly against Jimmy, and if Leno is reinstated, I don't think he wants to compete against him and have the Leno vs Conan issue haunt him. I'm not yet sure where he'll fit in. Maybe he'll find a 10 pm spot somewhere on Fox or cable or what not.
The issue was that his comedy style differs greatly from Leno's, and is much more akin to Letterman's. It's silly and outrageous. Leno's is watered down, obvious, and bland.
So, Conan lost a lot of people who would regularly watch Leno. This should have been anticipated by any network that knew anything about TV. Conan needed to be given a lot of time to drain a lot of Letterman's audience, especially the younger people, and to get the old Leno audience used to him.
Also, Conan needed time to get used to his new show. I don't think he was able to relax, which is understandable seeing how he was only on for a bit over half a year. Conan is at his best when he's off the cuff, when he's able to be himself, and when he's not trying to be funny but instead is funny because he can't help it. He clearly had this mindset on his old show, but moving to the tonight show put a lot of pressure on him (he's a very professional guy), and he wasn't yet able to adjust to that mounting pressure (which only grew as ratings stayed pretty low).
Conan will be back if he wants to be. If not, he'll still be rich and will collect a LOT of money from NBC for a long time. But TV is his life, and I see him doing another show in some way. It's hard to imagine him doing another late night show; I don't think he'd feel comfortable competing directly against Jimmy, and if Leno is reinstated, I don't think he wants to compete against him and have the Leno vs Conan issue haunt him. I'm not yet sure where he'll fit in. Maybe he'll find a 10 pm spot somewhere on Fox or cable or what not.
So what's going on at 10 now? More Law and Order spin-offs?
QUOTE (JoeyJoJo @ Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, 4:08 PM)
So what's going on at 10 now? More Law and Order spin-offs?
Hopefully Seinfeld and Office reruns. I don't think 3 hours worth of each a day is enough.
QUOTE (keith crime @ Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, 1:14 PM)
Conan's a great guy. I'm shocked NBC hasn't given his new show the time it needs to fully grow and develop.
The issue was that his comedy style differs greatly from Leno's, and is much more akin to Letterman's. It's silly and outrageous. Leno's is watered down, obvious, and bland.
So, Conan lost a lot of people who would regularly watch Leno. This should have been anticipated by any network that knew anything about TV. Conan needed to be given a lot of time to drain a lot of Letterman's audience, especially the younger people, and to get the old Leno audience used to him.
Also, Conan needed time to get used to his new show. I don't think he was able to relax, which is understandable seeing how he was only on for a bit over half a year. Conan is at his best when he's off the cuff, when he's able to be himself, and when he's not trying to be funny but instead is funny because he can't help it. He clearly had this mindset on his old show, but moving to the tonight show put a lot of pressure on him (he's a very professional guy), and he wasn't yet able to adjust to that mounting pressure (which only grew as ratings stayed pretty low).
Conan will be back if he wants to be. If not, he'll still be rich and will collect a LOT of money from NBC for a long time. But TV is his life, and I see him doing another show in some way. It's hard to imagine him doing another late night show; I don't think he'd feel comfortable competing directly against Jimmy, and if Leno is reinstated, I don't think he wants to compete against him and have the Leno vs Conan issue haunt him. I'm not yet sure where he'll fit in. Maybe he'll find a 10 pm spot somewhere on Fox or cable or what not.
QUOTE (keith crime @ Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, 4:14 PM)
Redundancy is caring.
how can you "respect the hell out of someone"?
QUOTE (JoeyJoJo @ Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, 4:20 PM)
Conan's a great guy. I'm shocked NBC hasn't given his new show the time it needs to fully grow and develop.
I read the first three sentences or so and said to myself, "Yeah, I really agree with what Joey is writing here".
QUOTE (JoeyJoJo @ Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, 2:08 PM)
So what's going on at 10 now? More Law and Order spin-offs?
NCIS: CSI: SVU
QUOTE (dolfan @ Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, 4:38 PM)
NCIS: CSI: SVU
I've got a Miami spin off I'd like to pitch to you. Perhaps even Vegas if you fancy that a bit more.
**** Leno. The guy has a chin the size of a Buick.
QUOTE (Speed Limit @ Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, 3:09 PM)
I've got a Miami spin off I'd like to pitch to you. Perhaps even Vegas if you fancy that a bit more.
Yeah, glaring omission on my part to leave out a city.
QUOTE (JoeyJoJo @ Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, 1:20 PM)
Conan's a great guy. I'm shocked NBC hasn't given his new show the time it needs to fully grow and develop.
The issue was that his comedy style differs greatly from Leno's, and is much more akin to Letterman's. It's silly and outrageous. Leno's is watered down, obvious, and bland.
So, Conan lost a lot of people who would regularly watch Leno. This should have been anticipated by any network that knew anything about TV. Conan needed to be given a lot of time to drain a lot of Letterman's audience, especially the younger people, and to get the old Leno audience used to him.
Also, Conan needed time to get used to his new show. I don't think he was able to relax, which is understandable seeing how he was only on for a bit over half a year. Conan is at his best when he's off the cuff, when he's able to be himself, and when he's not trying to be funny but instead is funny because he can't help it. He clearly had this mindset on his old show, but moving to the tonight show put a lot of pressure on him (he's a very professional guy), and he wasn't yet able to adjust to that mounting pressure (which only grew as ratings stayed pretty low).
Conan will be back if he wants to be. If not, he'll still be rich and will collect a LOT of money from NBC for a long time. But TV is his life, and I see him doing another show in some way. It's hard to imagine him doing another late night show; I don't think he'd feel comfortable competing directly against Jimmy, and if Leno is reinstated, I don't think he wants to compete against him and have the Leno vs Conan issue haunt him. I'm not yet sure where he'll fit in. Maybe he'll find a 10 pm spot somewhere on Fox or cable or what not.
The issue was that his comedy style differs greatly from Leno's, and is much more akin to Letterman's. It's silly and outrageous. Leno's is watered down, obvious, and bland.
So, Conan lost a lot of people who would regularly watch Leno. This should have been anticipated by any network that knew anything about TV. Conan needed to be given a lot of time to drain a lot of Letterman's audience, especially the younger people, and to get the old Leno audience used to him.
Also, Conan needed time to get used to his new show. I don't think he was able to relax, which is understandable seeing how he was only on for a bit over half a year. Conan is at his best when he's off the cuff, when he's able to be himself, and when he's not trying to be funny but instead is funny because he can't help it. He clearly had this mindset on his old show, but moving to the tonight show put a lot of pressure on him (he's a very professional guy), and he wasn't yet able to adjust to that mounting pressure (which only grew as ratings stayed pretty low).
Conan will be back if he wants to be. If not, he'll still be rich and will collect a LOT of money from NBC for a long time. But TV is his life, and I see him doing another show in some way. It's hard to imagine him doing another late night show; I don't think he'd feel comfortable competing directly against Jimmy, and if Leno is reinstated, I don't think he wants to compete against him and have the Leno vs Conan issue haunt him. I'm not yet sure where he'll fit in. Maybe he'll find a 10 pm spot somewhere on Fox or cable or what not.
Or he pulls an Arsenio (a Arsenio?) and spends the day waking up around noon, put on his bathrobe, walk to the mail box and says: "Hello check" Then takes the rest of the day off.
QUOTE (Mercury69 @ Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, 2:12 PM)
**** Leno. The guy has a chin the size of a Buick.
And he uses it to his advantage
QUOTE (Balloon guy @ Friday, January 8th, 2010, 12:43 PM)
The Tonight Show has been evolving into this wanna be cutting edge garbage that has completely come off the rails form the shoot at the hip days of Johnny Carson.
I had a friend in the comedy business, telling me of how the comedians were so excited when Leno got the spot because they were sure he would book lots of comedians, instead Leno booked less. Way less. He apparently didn't want anyone on that was funnier than him. At Bernie Mac's funeral there were even some people commenting on Leno not letting people on his show during the eulogies. ( pronounced as in Zoolander of course )
But the Tonight Show needs to get back to the older crowd that made it what it was. We have plenty of alternatives for the younger crowd who think "In the year 3,000" skit is funny enough to do more than once.
Conan was a horrible choice. Leno was barely able to be the guy. We need someone more sophisticated, who is secure enough with himself to allow the show to make the guests special, instead of just the host.
I do not have the right person in mind, but he would be strikingly like Johnny Carson.
I had a friend in the comedy business, telling me of how the comedians were so excited when Leno got the spot because they were sure he would book lots of comedians, instead Leno booked less. Way less. He apparently didn't want anyone on that was funnier than him. At Bernie Mac's funeral there were even some people commenting on Leno not letting people on his show during the eulogies. ( pronounced as in Zoolander of course )
But the Tonight Show needs to get back to the older crowd that made it what it was. We have plenty of alternatives for the younger crowd who think "In the year 3,000" skit is funny enough to do more than once.
Conan was a horrible choice. Leno was barely able to be the guy. We need someone more sophisticated, who is secure enough with himself to allow the show to make the guests special, instead of just the host.
I do not have the right person in mind, but he would be strikingly like Johnny Carson.
I find myself in complete agreement with Balloon Guy. Odd.
QUOTE (BaseJester @ Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, 4:24 PM)
I find myself in complete agreement with Balloon Guy. Odd.
We are old...in spirit. And we love Johny Carson?
QUOTE (Balloon guy @ Friday, January 8th, 2010, 11:43 AM)
The Tonight Show has been evolving into this wanna be cutting edge garbage that has completely come off the rails form the shoot at the hip days of Johnny Carson.
But the Tonight Show needs to get back to the older crowd that made it what it was. We have plenty of alternatives for the younger crowd who think "In the year 3,000" skit is funny enough to do more than once.
Conan was a horrible choice. Leno was barely able to be the guy. We need someone more sophisticated, who is secure enough with himself to allow the show to make the guests special, instead of just the host.
I do not have the right person in mind, but he would be strikingly like Johnny Carson.
But the Tonight Show needs to get back to the older crowd that made it what it was. We have plenty of alternatives for the younger crowd who think "In the year 3,000" skit is funny enough to do more than once.
Conan was a horrible choice. Leno was barely able to be the guy. We need someone more sophisticated, who is secure enough with himself to allow the show to make the guests special, instead of just the host.
I do not have the right person in mind, but he would be strikingly like Johnny Carson.
A couple things. First off, I loved carson as a kid.. during the summer, I'd stay up late and watch him.. and I'd also watch the best of carson shows that were syndicated. And when you say " cutting edge garbage".. well.. carson was pretty cutting edge for his day, he would do sketches, tell jokes and make sexual innuendo that were pushing the envelope, for it's time and place. It's just the envelop is much further out there today than it was in the 70's. In the 70's, Art Fern and the Slauson Cutoff was cutting edge, in the 00's the masterbating bear was.
Another thing.. I don't even think Carson could be Carson today. Back during Johnny's heyday, there were basically 3 networks. He was IT when it came to late night.. he was the premier show. If you got on carson, you'd made it. And there weren't many other forums for you to see stars like that, in "casual" settings, talking conversationally, so each night was a bigger deal. Tonight Jimmy Stewart is on, Last night Raquel WelcH! It would be the only time you'd get to see stars like that, to get to know them. Now, not only are there infinite late night talk shows, there are afternoon talk shows, morning talk shows, sports talk shows. There are 300 networks now, and several of them are dedicated to celebrity. there is the internet, TMZ, and all manner of other medium for people to consume stars. So, when a star goes on Leno, or Letterman, it isn't special any more, because we've seen them 100 times before, in a 100 different ways. Unless the show is memorable, unless the show and host are funny, then it's hard to get an audience.
Also, you say that the tonight show should look to find an older crowd, but 1) older people go to bed earlier, so there are going to be less older people watching late night shows than younger people 2 ) older people are much less desirable to advertisers, as older people tend to be more set in their consumption ways, and it's younger people the advertisers covet. And Advertising runs the show.
So yes, Johnny was special, glamorous, legitimately funny and his show had a certain cultural cache.. but I don't think that cache is achievable these days, for a myriad of reasons.
Personallly, I pine more for the golden age of letterman in the 80's. When Comedy central first came on the air, they would show old 80's letterman shows that would just SLAY me. He was so good back then, he's a shell of that now.
QUOTE (BigDMcGee @ Wednesday, January 13th, 2010, 6:36 PM)
Personallly, I pine more for the golden age of letterman in the 80's. When Comedy central first came on the air, they would show old 80's letterman shows that would just SLAY me. He was so good back then, he's a shell of that now.
I saw Brother Theodore on Letterman one night and it changed my life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYMMJvSEwHw
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