CONAN O'BRIEN TO TAKE OVER 'TONIGHT SHOW' IN '09

Mon Sep 27 2004 13:25:11 ET

 

From Jeff Zucker, issued to NBC staff via email:

 

Today, we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of our late night franchise "The Tonight Show."

 

Today also marks another important milestone in our great late night history. In a few moments, we will be issuing a press release announcing our succession plan for this important television institution.

 

Jay Leno will continue to be at the helm of "The Tonight Show" for another five years, well into 2009, after which time Conan O'Brien will become the host of "The Tonight Show." Jay will officially make the announcement on his show tonight.

 

After that, it's back to work as usual for Jay, Conan and their teams, who will continue to provide us laughs for many more years.

 

I canÕt say enough about this late night team and these two men - especially Jay Leno - who worked tirelessly with us to help us find the appropriate time to make this announcement.

 

Thanks to both men we have a very bright future in late night!

Wow, its like he takes over tommorrow.

It's time to start the "Conan O'Brien Five-Year Don't Say Anything That Can Get Me Fired Plan".

 

...of course, wasn't Joan Rivers the logical successor to Johnny Carson at one point? Five years is a LONG time, so it's not like they couldn't change their minds anyhow.

Can't wait to see the new Conan O Brien show in 5 years?

It's time to start the "Conan O'Brien Five-Year Don't Say Anything That Can Get Me Fired Plan".

 

...of course, wasn't Joan Rivers the logical successor to Johnny Carson at one point? Five years is a LONG time, so it's not like they couldn't change their minds anyhow.

Actually the big deal was David Letterman was suppose to take over and they went with Jay Leno.

Wow, its like he takes over tommorrow.

I know! I read the thread title and was like, 'whoa, that's a big deal'. I read the story to find out it's '09. I'll forget and be told time and time again before that happens.

I couldn't resist. I guess Jay likes long goodbyes

Conan rules, however, I'd like to see if being moved up an hour effects what he can and cannot do, and also if he will have to be more 'proper' per sey on his show because half the time he just screws around.

Will Conan stay in New York when he moves up ??

I think FOX was trying to lure Conan over, with the promise of an 11:30 slot.

Conan simply owns.

I wonder in 5 years...

Will Max Weinberg and the Max Weinberg 7 replace that other band?

Will Joe Gadderd announce him in?

Will Conan go out and about much or will he be behind the desk the whole time?

Will he be on Monday's without doing a replay?

Will he be in Burbank or NY?

Could he beat Letterman?

So many questions, so little time!!!

Hey, at least I'll be watching the show at age 23

Conan will totally own Letterman, not that he already doesnt but itll be official.

I was hoping that part of that press release would have said "effective immediately"

Actually the big deal was David Letterman was suppose to take over and they went with Jay Leno.

No, before that.

Joan Rivers used to be the "designated guest host" and was assumed to be the successor-in-waiting. Then they decided to go with Letterman and then the drama with Leno came about.