We interrupt this very serious and never random blog to bring you some shocking and late breaking news.Conan QUIT The Tonight Show!
(and who could blame him)
I've watched Conan for, at the very least, 11 years now.
At one point, before I became a Christian,
I even joined The Church of Conan O'Brien.
(why did I just admit to that?!)
Needless to say, I'm a wee bit heart broken.
Check out his letter to the media and public -
notice that the salutation is for "People of Earth"
- Man, I'm gonna miss that guy.
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
Is that allowed?
Somebody please check the Constitution!
i also love the apology for his hair.
ha ha ha ha!
3 comments:
This whole Leno/ Conan situation is sad. Esp the way Conan is being treated. It's like NBC just wants to cast him aside like day old leftovers- meatloaf. Poor guy. I hope he goes on to bigger and better things!
Kisses for sweet Ethan!
And in case you need my blog address (it is on FB too):
http://champagne-and-cupcakes.blogspot.com/
I'm so bummed about Conan leaving! :(
I totally agree... when I am up that late I really think Conan is hilarious!! NOT leno. CONAN!!
Love to you-
Amanda
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