NBC Late Night Fiasco

[Jana]

I never understood why they were taking off Leno when his ratings were higher than Dave. Though, I love Conan. To Keep Leno from going elsewhere as the time came for him to leave they put him on at ten and huge mistake. This reminds me of the HBO movie about NBC and the big mess with Leno and Letterman after Johnny retired.

"PASADENA, Calif. — NBC said Sunday that it's waiting to hear if Jay Leno and "Tonight" host Conan O'Brien will accept its new late-night TV plans after the network decided to end the Leno prime-time experiment. NBC decided to pull the plug on the experiment after learning some affiliates were considering dropping the nightly prime-time show.

NBC Universal Television Entertainment Chairman Jeff Gaspin said that "The Jay Leno Show" at 10 p.m. EST will end with the Feb. 12 beginning of the Winter Olympics, which will air in the prime-time hours, including Leno's slot. NBC wants to begin airing Leno's show at 11:35 p.m. after the Olympics end Feb. 28, but with a half-hour show, Gaspin said.

The plan calls for O'Brien to retain his job with "Tonight" but at the later hour of 12:05 a.m. EST, Gaspin said. Also in the mix is Jimmy Fallon and his "Late Night." Fallon's show would be pushed a half-hour later as well, to 1:05 a.m. EST.

"My goal is to keep Jay, Conan and Jimmy as our late-night lineup," Gaspin said, adding later that they "have the weekend to think about it" and discussions with them will resume Monday. He said the proposal gives Leno what's important to him – telling jokes at a later hour – and O'Brien his top priority, retaining "Tonight."
"I hope and expect that before the Olympics begin, we'll have everything set. I can't imagine we won't have everything in place before then," Gaspin told a meeting of the Television Critics Association.

He said that despite lower ratings for NBC at 10 p.m. compared to last year, the network was making money off the show.
But affiliates were upset that it was leading fewer viewers into their late news programs, costing them significant advertising revenue. Some affiliates told NBC in December they would go public soon about their complaints if a change wasn't made, or even take Leno's show off the air.
Gaspin said about one-third of the affiliates were really hurt by the Leno show, although he wasn't clear on how many said they might pre-empt his show.

"I asked them (the affiliates) how many are they talking about, because I could have lived with one or two. But I got the sense that it was more than one or two," he said.
Asked if O'Brien and Fallon expressed anger at his proposal, Gaspin said both men were professional and understanding when they talked. "Beyond that, it was a private conversation," Gaspin said. The decision will leave a gaping hole in NBC's prime-time schedule, at a time the network is already struggling. A mix of reality programming, "Dateline NBC" and at least two hours of scripted shows will be added to fill in the five hours taken up by Leno's prime-time show each week."

[bluejeangirl76]

NBC Universal Television Entertainment Chairman Jeff Gaspin said that "The Jay Leno Show" at 10 p.m. EST will end with the Feb. 12 beginning of the Winter Olympics, which will air in the prime-time hours, including Leno's slot. NBC wants to begin airing Leno's show at 11:35 p.m. after the Olympics end Feb. 28, but with a half-hour show, Gaspin said.

Good. I'd rather watch the winter olympics all year long (cuz I love them! except curling... wtf is that shit about?) than watch Jay for one night. He's an unoriginal hack and unbearable to watch. I knew his 'new' show would tank.

[Jana]

NBC Universal Television Entertainment Chairman Jeff Gaspin said that "The Jay Leno Show" at 10 p.m. EST will end with the Feb. 12 beginning of the Winter Olympics, which will air in the prime-time hours, including Leno's slot. NBC wants to begin airing Leno's show at 11:35 p.m. after the Olympics end Feb. 28, but with a half-hour show, Gaspin said.

Good. I'd rather watch the winter olympics all year long (cuz I love them! except curling... wtf is that shit about?) than watch Jay for one night. He's an unoriginal hack and unbearable to watch. I knew his 'new' show would tank.

Conan has to be pissed off, just like Leno wasn't happy off when they kind of forced him to retire earlier than he wanted, when his ratings were high, b/c they wanted to retain Conan and felt he would bring in a younger audience, and I guess worried he might jump ship to get an 11:30 slot somewhere. That movie from HBO, The Late Shift, when NBC screwed over Letterman and chose Leno was fantastic and very interesting.

I've never really watched Leno much. I watched Letterman. But NBC doesn't want Leno to run to Fox over this. It will drastically hurt their ratings at 11:30, and they don't want to lose Conan b/c the same thing could happen. Plus, they have never gotten the ratings they thought they would with Conan. Letterman is beating him pretty strongly; whereas, before Leno was beating Letterman.

[Ehwmatt]

I've been following this story, big fan of Leno and Conan (though Leno's new show absolutely sucked and Conan was better at his later time). Nothing much to say besides this is a totally mismanaged clusterfuck on the part of Zucker and the idiots at NBC.

[Jana]

I've been following this story, big fan of Leno and Conan (though Leno's new show absolutely sucked and Conan was better at his later time). Nothing much to say besides this is a totally mismanaged clusterfuck on the part of Zucker and the idiots at NBC.

Conan was better later. His style seemed to work better later. Though, I watch him at this time, when I rarely watched Leno. And I can't see Leno doing a half hour like they first started saying. I see they really just want it to go back to the way it was, but will Conan agree? And Conan moved out to California for this. Of course, he has a huge pay raise.

"NBC chairman Jeff Gaspin added that he wants to push Conan and Jimmy Fallon back an hour so things will go back to the way they were -- with Jay controlling 11:35 to 12:35 .... but that's not a done deal,"

[Ehwmatt]

I've been following this story, big fan of Leno and Conan (though Leno's new show absolutely sucked and Conan was better at his later time). Nothing much to say besides this is a totally mismanaged clusterfuck on the part of Zucker and the idiots at NBC.

Conan was better later. His style seemed to work better later. Though, I watch him at this time, when I rarely watched Leno. And I can't see Leno doing a half hour like they first started saying. I see they really just want it to go back to the way it was, but will Conan agree? And Conan moved out to California for this. Of course, he has a huge pay raise.

"NBC chairman Jeff Gaspin added that he wants to push Conan and Jimmy Fallon back an hour so things will go back to the way they were -- with Jay controlling 11:35 to 12:35 .... but that's not a done deal,"

The way it's being reported, Conan holds the keys to the kingdom here. If he wants, he can leave AND collect from NBC for breach of contract. If I were him I'd take the money and run to Fox. NBC sucks anyway. HORRENDOUS programming.

[bluejeangirl76]

"NBC chairman Jeff Gaspin added that he wants to push Conan and Jimmy Fallon back an hour so things will go back to the way they were -- with Jay controlling 11:35 to 12:35 .... but that's not a done deal,"

The way it's being reported, Conan holds the keys to the kingdom here. If he wants, he can leave AND collect from NBC for breach of contract. If I were him I'd take the money and run to Fox. NBC sucks anyway. HORRENDOUS programming.

If NBC fucks Conan in favor of Leno, of all creatures, I'll never watch that network again. (after Vancouver )

[Ehwmatt]

"NBC chairman Jeff Gaspin added that he wants to push Conan and Jimmy Fallon back an hour so things will go back to the way they were -- with Jay controlling 11:35 to 12:35 .... but that's not a done deal,"

The way it's being reported, Conan holds the keys to the kingdom here. If he wants, he can leave AND collect from NBC for breach of contract. If I were him I'd take the money and run to Fox. NBC sucks anyway. HORRENDOUS programming.

If NBC fucks Conan in favor of Leno, of all creatures, I'll never watch that network again. (after Vancouver )

Haha, fuck that Vancouver shit too!

I was actually in Salt Lake the year after the Winters there, it was pretty cool to see the sights, as many things were still up at that point.

[Jana]

"NBC chairman Jeff Gaspin added that he wants to push Conan and Jimmy Fallon back an hour so things will go back to the way they were -- with Jay controlling 11:35 to 12:35 .... but that's not a done deal,"

The way it's being reported, Conan holds the keys to the kingdom here. If he wants, he can leave AND collect from NBC for breach of contract. If I were him I'd take the money and run to Fox. NBC sucks anyway. HORRENDOUS programming.

If NBC fucks Conan in favor of Leno, of all creatures, I'll never watch that network again. (after Vancouver )

They will, b/c Conan's numbers have been shockingly low against Letterman, when Leno beat Letterman, not by much, but by a little consistently. So they don't want Leno somewhere else against them at 11:30. Conan going to Fox and then going up against Leno and Letterman wouldn't be good either. He should just stick it out with the move back later and the new high salary they have to still give him and have the two years, which is his contract, I think, to see how everything plays out with retirements or where he wants to go or offers.

[S2M]

Again I'll be the lone contrarian.....Late night shows are useless....actors plugging movies. Networks plugging shows. Alot of back-patting going on, not much else. Jokes are horrible.

I don't know what's worse - Late night, or Awards Shows.....

[Ehwmatt]

Again I'll be the lone contrarian.....Late night shows are useless....actors plugging movies. Networks plugging shows. Alot of back-patting going on, not much else. Jokes are horrible.

I don't know what's worse - Late night, or Awards Shows.....

Other than 80s hair rock, what gives you pleasure in life? Lol

[Jana]

Again I'll be the lone contrarian.....Late night shows are useless....actors plugging movies. Networks plugging shows. Alot of back-patting going on, not much else. Jokes are horrible.

I don't know what's worse - Late night, or Awards Shows.....

surprise, surprise, surprise.

Though, you're right, many of the interviews are boring, a little more than half, but half are pretty good and funny or informative. But I love the monologues. Letterman is the best at it. And he used to be great at interviewing, unlike Leno, who stays so scripted and doesn't know how to go with the moment, But he got much better by the end. Whereas, Letterman has lost his edge in interviewing a little bit and stays more scripted these days, but still has great moments. I used to love his sarcasm. I enjoy Conan with his interviews. He helps make some not so boring.

Craig Ferguson is the best. He totally wings it with his interviews and so can bomb or the interview can take on a life of its own.

[S2M]

Again I'll be the lone contrarian.....Late night shows are useless....actors plugging movies. Networks plugging shows. Alot of back-patting going on, not much else. Jokes are horrible.

I don't know what's worse - Late night, or Awards Shows.....

Other than 80s hair rock, what gives you pleasure in life? Lol

Right about now its Voyager's website....

FYI: I'm a totally bald kinda guy.....

[Ehwmatt]

Again I'll be the lone contrarian.....Late night shows are useless....actors plugging movies. Networks plugging shows. Alot of back-patting going on, not much else. Jokes are horrible.

I don't know what's worse - Late night, or Awards Shows.....

Other than 80s hair rock, what gives you pleasure in life? Lol

Right about now its Voyager's website....

FYI: I'm a totally bald kinda guy.....

lol. You should drink more booze, you'd have more fun.

[S2M]

Again I'll be the lone contrarian.....Late night shows are useless....actors plugging movies. Networks plugging shows. Alot of back-patting going on, not much else. Jokes are horrible.

I don't know what's worse - Late night, or Awards Shows.....

Other than 80s hair rock, what gives you pleasure in life? Lol

Right about now its Voyager's website....

FYI: I'm a totally bald kinda guy.....

lol. You should drink more booze, you'd have more fun.

Saving it all up for May.....it should be epic.

[Ehwmatt]

Saving it all up for May.....it should be epic.

I'm still pissed I can't fuckin go, fuckin wedding.

[Sarah]

Craig Ferguson is the best. He totally wings it with his interviews and so can bomb or the interview can take on a life of its own.

He's my favorite late night show these days. I love his randomness.

Conan lost something when he made the move to TTS, he's just ok now. How embarrassing for him, though. He gets his dream job hosting the most famous late night talk show ever, and then is deemed unworthy of it, all very publicly. I hope he leaves NBC.

A lot of people are primarily blaming Leno for this, but I don't agree... he wants to keep working somewhere, which I think is legit, but NBC doesn't want him to go to another network so Conan gets screwed. It's mostly NBC's business decision.

[Jana]

Craig Ferguson is the best. He totally wings it with his interviews and so can bomb or the interview can take on a life of its own.

He's my favorite late night show these days. I love his randomness.

Conan lost something when he made the move to TTS, he's just ok now. How embarrassing for him, though. He gets his dream job hosting the most famous late night talk show ever, and then is deemed unworthy of it, all very publicly. I hope he leaves NBC.

A lot of people are primarily blaming Leno for this, but I don't agree... he wants to keep working somewhere, which I think is legit, but NBC doesn't want him to go to another network so Conan gets screwed. It's mostly NBC's business decision.

I agree. I don't blame Leno. Leno was beating the late night shows, and NBC forced him to retire by a certain date b/c they wanted to keep Conan from shifting eventually to another network. Why Leno agreed I don't know. But by the time it came about, and his ratings were so high, he wasn't happy and it was clear he would probably take a deal with another network. So NBC does this, the 10:00 to keep him. The problem with Conan is his ratings are just not high at all, and he seems to be more suited right now to the later time. Letterman is beating him with big numbers, so he doesn't have a lot of leverage as far as if he left, it's clear to me that Letterman and Leno would beat him at 11:30 easily. Careerwise, I think he should stay put and collect the big dollars for his two-year deal and see how it all plays out then. If Conan had big numbers, I would say jump to Fox, but he doesn't. But I feel for Conan. To move his family and his staff to California and only four months into this gig, without any time to work out the kinks in his show, this happens.

[lights1961]

LENO would be smart to bolt... go to FOX or HBO and do a more stand up style comedy... where he would have more control about what he can do and say... The thing that sucks about the new Leno show at 9CST... was the no desk thingy... the chairs he used to interview the guest were a complete disaster.... that crap was silly... and he got lousy guests on that 9P slot... His rant on Thursday or Friday was his best 20 minutes...for a very long time... I hate Conan's show... terrible. and NBC hasnt had a hit show since Fraizer...

[brywool]

Can't stand Leno anymore. He's for geriatrics. EVERY joke starts with:

"ya hear about thith?" ANNOYING.
Come up with another lead in Jay.
The guy still makes Clinton jokes...

Can't stand him.

For comedy, I'm digging the standup stuff on Comedy Central. Some seriously funny people there.

[lights1961]

Can't stand Leno anymore. He's for geriatrics. EVERY joke starts with:

"ya hear about thith?" ANNOYING.
Come up with another lead in Jay.
The guy still makes Clinton jokes...

Can't stand him.

For comedy, I'm digging the standup stuff on Comedy Central. Some seriously funny people there.

Leno's time in comedy... were Carson and Dangerfield...type stand up... old fashion but funny...


Clinton Jokes were/are funny!!

[bluejeangirl76]

Can't stand Leno anymore. He's for geriatrics. EVERY joke starts with:

"ya hear about thith?" ANNOYING.
Come up with another lead in Jay.
The guy still makes Clinton jokes...

Can't stand him.

He the biggest abuser of one of the things I hate most that comedians do... the thing where they don't finish the sentence. The deliver the joke and stop when the point is made, and the sentence trails off and it sounds totally moronic. Can't wrap it up in a funny way so you just give up, or what?

And yeah, still with the Clinton jokes... Is he still telling OJ jokes too? He certainly beat that one into the ground for a good 5 years, at least.

[brywool]

I liked his standup. Can't stand him on tv. Clinton jokes were funny when they were relevant. Now, it's like, Gee Jay, can't you pick a more difficult topic???

[Jana]

Conan's public letter. He's pissed off, but still has his humor re who he addressed his letter to :

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

[Ehwmatt]

Classy communication from Conan and 100% truth all the way. The thing that really jumps out to me is the fact that he indeed waited so long to finally get his chance - six years after signing the deal! Kudos to his agent/handlers/whoever else was involved in drafting that letter.

[brandonx76]

Sad that Conan is getting the pinch - especially since he moved to California for his 'Dream job'. Very class response - must be nice when money is not a factor in career decisions.

Someone going to Fox?

[Jana]

Sad that Conan is getting the pinch - especially since he moved to California for his 'Dream job'. Very class response - must be nice when money is not a factor in career decisions.

Someone going to Fox?

OH, he's still getting big money for the duration of his contract if he leaves, I think, b/c of this change, and if it finds they defaulted he could get damages or I'm sure there's a clause what he gets extra. If he gets another gig, whatever that is less than his contract with NBC, they have to pay the difference for the duration. Gf course, right about now they could be offering Conan even bigger money to stay. What a mess. He says Fox hasn't approached him.

I agree with Conan the 12:05 is stupid and wouldn't have worked and they would have eventually pushed Conan all the way back to 12:30 and given Leno the Tonight Show hour. I have to go back and watch that HBO Movie, Late Shift, on NBC's fiasco with Letterman and Leno. It was fascinating and funny.

[lights1961]

NBC deserves to lose the whole fanchise of Fallon, Connan and Leno...

[WalkInMyShoes]

Maybe Arsenio Hall, Tyra, Joan Rivers, Alan Thicke or Pat Sajak are available??????

[X factor]

Maybe Arsenio Hall, Tyra, Joan Rivers, Alan Thicke or Pat Sajak are available??????

OR...wait for it... MAGIC JOHNSON!