Posted by bunnyfear - Filed under: Late Night, NBC

I am very proud of Conan O’Brien today. After I read the story and his statement ,my first and final emotion was nothing less than pride. He’s right. Everyone knows he is right and though everyone expected the congenial host to step aside and let Leno/The Network have their way, he didn’t.

I am  not a part of the Leno hate and even stated in our weekly podcast that this past summer’s ”Leno hate is bullshit” because it was. He’s not a bad guy. He’s just a lame duck who can’t quite let go and honestly….who hasn’t been put in that position before? Obviously not the position of a host of a comedy institution but of not wanting to let go of a place that you felt welcome, loved and successful. That was Jay and so I get it.

 Jay Leno simply should not have accepted the 10/9 offer. I think he should’ve tried something new and a bit different. I  would love for Jay to host a show in which he talks to his guests about entertainment. You can’t argue against his interview style that relaxes most. A 30 minute show in which Jay and company discussed movies, television, music, past/future projects. That would be awesome.

It is a sad state that even if you’re out to promote your incredibly moving drama you must go on a comedic talk show to do it. Tell us a funny anecdote before we show your clip about atrocities of the holocaust  I think Jay could deftly handle a show that is part Charlie Rose/part Dinner for five with a small bit of Inside the Actor’s Studio…. But that’s just my idea. 

Most believe the move for Conan to the Tonight Show was far too early and its unfair that Jay was dethroned so quickly  but we’ve all read the stories or watched the movies about Jay’s succession of Johnny Carson. Jay must’ve knew that karma of his actions during that situation was bound to resurface and resurface it did. Johnny never struck me as a vengeful person but I hope he is smiling somewhere.

Conan deserves this shot and the Tonight show is an institution that can work, will work, and deserves to work in its rightful time-slot. To move it to 12:05 (technically the next day) was a ridiculous idea. I don’t want Conan to leave NBC but he is so very right in not accepting the time-slot jump. Conan  took his time and thought this decision out. He didnt make it lightly and most importantly he didn’t do it for his self. I truly believe he did it not just for his staff who work to put a show on every day but for the Tonight Show itself… Lest it fall into the pit of network maligned shows.

 So Conan I know your parents will tell you this and perhaps quite a few sycophants but here is a fan who just thinks you do a pretty good show and knows this decision wasn’t easy and I want to say I’m proud of you man. I truly hope to see you at 11:35 for many years to come.

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