Conan O'Brien's time as the host of The Tonight Show was a whirlwind of excitement and controversy. Taking over from Jay Leno in June 2009, O'Brien's tenure was marked by a significant shift in the show's
location and style. However, his stint was short-lived, ending in January 2010 due to a highly publicized conflict with NBC. This article delves into the key events and challenges that defined O'Brien's brief period at the helm of this iconic late-night show.
The Transition to The Tonight Show
Conan O'Brien took over The Tonight Show on June 1, 2009, moving the production from its long-time home in Burbank to a newly constructed studio at Universal Studios Hollywood. This marked the end of an era, as the show had been recorded in Burbank since 1972. O'Brien's arrival was highly anticipated, as he brought a fresh comedic style that had been honed during his years on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.
Despite the excitement surrounding his debut, O'Brien faced immediate challenges. The transition from Late Night to The Tonight Show required adjustments in both content and audience expectations. O'Brien's humor, known for its quirky and sometimes edgy nature, had to be adapted for the earlier time slot and broader audience of The Tonight Show.
The 2010 Timeslot Conflict
The most significant challenge during O'Brien's tenure was the 2010 timeslot conflict. NBC's decision to move Jay Leno to a new prime-time show at 10 p.m. led to a cascade of scheduling issues. Leno's show did not perform as expected, causing a drop in ratings for local news broadcasts and, subsequently, The Tonight Show.
In January 2010, NBC proposed moving Leno back to the 11:35 p.m. slot, pushing O'Brien's Tonight Show to 12:05 a.m. O'Brien publicly opposed this plan, stating that it would damage the legacy of The Tonight Show. The conflict garnered significant media attention, with O'Brien gaining widespread support from fans and fellow comedians.
O'Brien's Departure and Legacy
On January 21, 2010, NBC announced a deal with O'Brien, allowing him to leave The Tonight Show with a $33 million payout. His final episode aired on January 22, 2010, ending his relationship with NBC after 22 years. Despite the controversy, O'Brien's departure was marked by a sense of humor and grace, with memorable performances and heartfelt goodbyes.
O'Brien's brief tenure on The Tonight Show remains a significant chapter in late-night television history. It highlighted the challenges of network politics and the impact of scheduling decisions on a show's success. O'Brien's subsequent move to TBS, where he launched his own show later in 2010, demonstrated his resilience and continued influence in the world of comedy.
