Now that it’s official that Conan O’Brien is vacating The Tonight Show, Jay Leno made the following statement during today’s taping of The Jay Leno Show that will air tonight: “NBC and Conan O’Brien made an announcement earlier today — as many of you know — Conan is leaving the network. His final show airs tomorrow night. I have chosen to stay on the Titanic. I don’t believe the iceberg is that big, the biggest ship, this ship will never sink and Kev…when it does, Kev as it’s sinking you will play us…you’ll be here for us so. Apparently we’ll be back on The Tonight Show March 1 after the Olympics, so that’s pretty much where we are.”
Earlier today, NBC Entertainment Chairman Jeff Gaspin told EW.com that he expects Leno “will be competitive” when he returns to The Tonight Show and — despite the wave of pro-Conan O’Brien sentiment — that he will not have trouble luring stars to his old stomping grounds. “Jay has been booking guests for 18 years, and while there might be a guest or two who favors Conan who doesn’t want to come on, there are also guests who Leno has that don’t like to go on Conan,” said Gaspin. “I think we will be fine.”
Jay Leno = not funny or relevant. What a douche. I hope no one watches and NBC ends up canning him.
sorry Amy…but Jay going back to the Tonight Show is HUGE. People will watch. Nobody but losers watched Conan…and he had fewer and fewer viewers week after week for 7 months. Conan is such a loser. No more masterbating bear skits. If that is what it takes to get you to watch Amy, then go follow Conan to a low rated cable show. He was a disaster on a major network.
I believe you are the idiot for even thinking leno is funny. Conan ruled Late Night for the 14 years he was on and let me remind you that it was leno’s show that failed and was being cancelled. If leno was any sort of a man he would have retired like he said he was going to five years ago. Conan is the bigger man in this situation, stepping aside so Fallon didn’t get screwed in the situation. Something leno should have done for Conan. Leno a conceited piece of shit. He did the same thing to Letterman years ago and now he’s doing it to Conan. It seems like leno has nbc wrapped around his finger and its pathetic. The Tonight Show has officially ended. I think Carson would be truly upset with everything that has happened. And let me remind you, Conan’s following is by the millions while leno’s doesn’t have half of that. And if it’s true that only losers watch Conan, then count me as a loser. I’d rather be a loser than a stuck up bitch.
TEAM COCO!
I actually like Leno and have been watching him for years. Guess that makes me, and the other 5.5 million average viewers who watch him every night, an idiot according to you, right Maggie? Oh well, it’s not like your opinions count for anything
Yes, you are correct, I said idiot. And if you keep reading below, most people agree with me and are saying the same things about leno. Obviously, our opinions count for something.
If low ratings were the real reason behind this shakeup, nearly the whole network would have to be taken of the air. Both hosts are good at what they do. But instead of admitting that the network is failing as a whole, they create these rivalries for a quick boost and laugh as we pointlessly argue over who’s funnier. After all, it’s easier and cheaper than coming up with quality entertainment to fill up the other hours of NBC air time that provide not only advertisement for late night, but a good portion of its audience. So stop calling each other losers, really. It’s getting ridiculous.
Sorry, one more thing… I’m a fan of Conan’s, so I’m saying this to my fellow team members with love. … I don’t think Conan likes the name CoCo all that much. Is that just me?
Ive never liked Leno. Hes as funny as herpes. Its a shame that people are too damn stupid to understand humor beyond the 5th grade jokes that Leno tells. Hell, I didnt like him when I was in 5th grade. I will never watch NBC again, for ANY reason, after this. I hope they go down the toilet.
Dylan, that was a great post and I completely agree.
What’s with all the bashing that takes place? I don’t watch either Leno or Conan but I don’t think the people who watch either are moronic. I don’t find people who dislike Letterman (my favorite) to be idiots, either. I mean, I get that sense of humor is a personal thing, something we can’t really change so we can get defensive when someone doesn’t like what we find funny, but the name calling? Seriously?
How dare you call me a loser for watching Conan. At least he’s funnier and more charismatic. Plus how can you deny the Bugatti Veyron Mouse?!
Personally, I don’t feel like watching Leno after the whole debacle with Conan losing the show. I think Jay and the network acted disgracefully. That said, most other viewers will soon forget what happened and things will be back to status quo. I don’t like it and won’t watch, but I’m sure I’ll be among a minority.
WOW!
I NEVER KNEW THERE WERE 5.5 MILLION IDIOTIC AMERICANS.
Oh there are more, Ernie. But we try to keep them in the dark because they have a habit of blurting out misinformation in poor sarcasm and capital letters.
Maggie….sounds like you enjoy insulting people more than actually watching televison. This is why nobody watched Conan. Ratings have proven it as well. Conan is a sad loser and has a big ego and cares about nobody but himself. You Maggie, should learn how to get along with other people rather than insulting all of them. America got it right Maggie. You and Conan belong together at a comedy club in Reno. Go there.
I think all Pro-Leno people should state their age and education completion level. Will say a lot about Leno fans.
I’d actually say that there are more than 5.5 million dumb americans. And if we wanted to make comparisons in terms of education, I would say that Conan is ivy league, while Jay is community college. That is why Jay has more viewers. Very few people understand how clever Conan is or how absurdly funny his skits are. Leno fans seem to get confused to easily silly does not equal low-brow.
sigh. “Leno fans get confused too easily. silly does not equal low-brow.” Because I was typing too fast, everything I’ve said has just become null and void. d’oh.
I’m out. This whole thing has soured my attitude towards The Tonight Show. And yes, I am the kind of person that will stop watching on principle.
@Jake – so masturbating bears and dog puppets sniffing people’s butts isn’t fifth grade humor? sure. if you say so.
Actually, I’ve watched Conan since he was on Late Night. I do enjoy watching television, as long as it’s engaging. I do enjoy insulting people and apparently you do as well since you were the one to call those Conan lovers losers. I was just sticking up for Conan and his fans, and yes I called leno fans idiots. That’s what I said and that’s what I believe. So before you start pointing fingers make sure your hands are clean.
Leno is the idiot for wanting to stay on the Titanic.
Silly twat. Can’t even spell masturbating.
Though I wasn’t very happy when I first learned that Conan would be replacing Jay in 2009…, I was pleasantly surprised with the Tonight Shows of Conan’s that I did record and watch. I’m disappointed for him that his Tonight Show gig didn’t last longer, but I’m also tired of the Jay bashers who seem to feel so much animosity toward Jay for accepting the Tonight Show back after Conan decided he didn’t want to continue with the show airing from 12:00-1:00 instead of 11:35-12:35. I hope Conan finds a longer-lasting position with a different network after he has to wait out the 8-9 month freeze.
What’s all this about? I’m a morning person.
Sandi, I happen to think Conan is hilarious. According to you that makes me a loser. Wow you sure are smart. I wish you ruled the world, it would truly be a better place!!!!! Your I.Q. must be at the minimum 150!!!
Leno viewers clap on the tv at 11:35 and promptly fall asleep with their dentures poking out of their mouths 10 minutes later. That’s why Leno keeps his audience. They didn’t watch The Jay Leno Show at 10 because it conflicted with “The Lawrence Welk” reruns on PBS.
Jay is funny in his own way. Whether a person is funny or not depends on the viewpoint of the person viewing him. Everyone has their own view of what is funny or not.
Conan is funnier in a smart way. He plays more to how the humor works in the overall context of the joke.
His jokes are more ironic and sarcastic than Jay’s.
I like Leno and I like Conan, but, like many other Coco supporters, felt he got the sh**y end of the stick.
Leno, I’m speaking directly to you, you still have time to back out. Save yourself from forever tarnishing your career. If you step down, you’ll look like a hero. Screw your new contract deal. NBC basically pays no attention to contracts they make with some people (Conan). If you step down, you won’t be looked at as the person who screwed another person over for their rightful job.
I agree completely with you – not that Leno is funny (I feel like his jokes are equivalent to a fart joke – LAME!), but that Leno’s ratings will defitiely suffer! NBC was delusional enough to believe that 10PM variety show would be popular in this day and age. They are now further deluding themselves in believing that Leno will be able to rule “his stomping grounds”.
My parents who always preferred Leno to Conan – in fact on several occasions my parents have been offended by Conan – are totally rooting for Conan. Not once did they follow Jay to 10 PM and when he returns to the Tonight Show both have said they are completely turned off by Leno. In short they realized that he is not a very nice person – and nice people aren’t funny!!!
PMD: You write that “both have said they are completely turned off by Leno. In short they realized that he is not a very nice person – and nice people aren’t funny!!!” -What does this mean, exactly? That Leno is funny? That he’s not? That he’s nice? That he’s mean? You are clearly confused.
I agree. Jay is funny in his own way. His own way is that he is unfunny.
what I hope is that actors/actresses refuse to go on his lame, and unfunny show to plug their new show or movie….
Ditto!!! But I have a feeling they will continue to work the circuit… I do hope that the first few make jabs at Leno though. I doubt Leno will have people like that on his show, especially after the Kimmel burn!
Tsk, tsk, actors & actors go on these shows to promote their latest gig, so they won’t stop going on anyone’s show. But it is the audiences who will decide who they prefer, and I’m pretty sure they will be very happy that the childish humor of Conan is gone.
I would love if celebs refused to go on Leno’s Tonight Show however the majority are out shilling their latest project and will go anywhere to do so. What will stop them from coming to Leno is the audience. If the audience stops watching Leno, then the celebs will stop coming.
NOBODY IN THEIR RIGHT MIND SHOULD TUNE INTO THIS TRAVESTY WHEN IT RETURNS!
SEND NBC A MESSAGE PEOPLE!!!!
It’s not people in their right mind who are the audience at that time.
It’s “Masturbating” you Leno watching tard.
TOTALLY agree with Amy. Leno didn’t make it in prime so the loser wants his old job back….just typical NBC
Jay ruin tonight show for me and my friends time for us to go to Letterman or Kimmel
You’re *just* going to Letterman or Kimmel now? lol lol Good luck, Jay.
I’m sure he’ll be just as happy that you don’t want to watch him. Just think of it, you can have all the fun you want waiting for the return of Conan the Lame so that you can continue masturbating right along with him.
Leno is now the Brett Favre of the entertainment world. Wherever Conan lands, I’ll be watching! Screw Leno, he’s a tool.
Leno is the Brett Farve if he came out of retirement and played for the Rams. They had the worst record sorry.
Yeah, this guy is predicting a great season for Leno.
Breatt Favre is a punk douche bag so I think it’s an apt comparison.
Yes, ummmm that would be a good thing.
Hhmmm. . . Brett Favre throws a last minute interception to lose the NFC Championship for his team. I feel as if this isn’t the first time that that’s happened. . .
Favre is having a brilliant year, so I guess this means that Leno will have a brilliant return to the Tonight Show.
Just because Favre is having a great year doen’t make him less of a douche. Seriously, who plays for their old team’s biggest rival? That’s a huge F-you to all of his fans. I was raised on that man, but I can’t stand him anymore because he plays for the Vikings. But Aaron Rodgers will end up with more rings than him so I guess it’s all good.
… And I’m pretty sure that Jon was refering to the “I’m going away now. . . nevermind, no I’m not.” thing that Leno and Favre both have going on. And also, Favre’s success really only depends on his talent and the talent of the Vikings. Jay on the other hand, has no talent and is dependent on millions of people to watch his show in order to be successful.
Merle, you don’t know shit about sports. Brett’s a bitch, screwing the GB fans (not the management) by playing for their biggest rival. Jay and Brett, so douche-y together…
Jon, that is my favorite comparison. the only major differences are that I never LOVED Leno. I always knew he was a tool. And unlike Green Bay, NBC totally F**KED UP!
Conan O’Brien and Aaron Rodgers FTW!
Agree!!
Awesome!! I can’t stand them both because they are both all about themselves. Great observation Mike.
Yeah, looks like I’ll be watching Letterman a lot more often now.
we will see very soon…my money’s on conan especially on the net and with a younger demo.
too bad that younger demo as you call it didn’t beat letterman when it counted, the way i see it conan couldn’t win the ratings like jay could he loses his job what do you expect?
Actually it was Leno’s poor ratings at ten that was the real problem here… But I wouldn’t expect a Leno fan to admit that their guy is a washed up fuddy duddy that got forced out of prime time in a revolt.
Conan just didn’t want to take it up the rear by a network run by nincompoops.
leno’s show was a self-admitted failure by nbc. they didn’t want to get rid of conan, so they asked him to move back in timeslot. he said no. it’s that simple.
As a part of that younger demo… 25 yrs old, professional with money who buys stuff… I am a huge Conan fan but don’t often watch him because I’m either doing something social at 10:30 (central time) or going to bed to catch up on sleep before work.
HOWEVER… stupid as this sounds… I was looking forward to having him be my late nite show as I grew older and went out less. I can’t stand Leno. I don’t know anyone my age who likes Leno. No one. I’m sure they exist, but I don’t know any of them.
Its also worth noting that I was actually starting to forget Conan was on TV. Why… especially coming from a big Conan fan? Because I NEVER watch NBC. Ever. It honestly slips my mind that Conan’s on at 10:30pm… and I LOVE the guy.
Also… my 60 yr old mom loves Leno but said his primetime show was awful. And again, she’s 60 years old and loves Leno. Leno’s fans are aging. Conan’s fans, like myself, are just beginning to come of age and represent the next generation of Late Night TV rating points. Picking Leno was like giving someone a fish instead of teaching them how to fish. Dumb move NBC. I’ll definitely remember to watch Conan from now on, wherever he winds up.
Then why was Jay fired from his gig and Conan resigned?
Yeah, FOX is the network that Conan should be on. It’s more suited for 3 year olds like the redhead’s humor.
Suck it, Jay.
I agree with you guys, Leno simply is a jerk and he I know many people will not watch the tonight show “if we can call that program that name after what happened to Conan.
I hope ratings go so down, NBC is forced to cancel it or something.
I will be watch from now Kimmel.
and I hope Conan might be able to go back to host in the near future and I will be watching him like I know most people will do.
Keep hoping, Vic. While you’re having that fantasy, why don’t you wish yourself a few million dollars like Conan has.
Jon – great analogy. However, Favre will win the Super Bowl this year. Leno? Won’t even come close.
Leno is a douche bag.CoCo forever!
Leno was always WACK
I really think they’re going to have a problem finding an A-lister to come on that first night. And they NEED an A-lister the first night.
Wouldn’t it be sweet if Conan was on Letterman the first night that Jay is back?
Excellent idea, SJK!!! Hopefully someone out there in booking-land reads this.
Conan’s settlement prohibits this happening.
Yeah, let Conan go over to Letterman. Those 2 losers would make a nice pair, both of them lost out on the Tonight Show and now they can compare notes on how to screw all of the women over at CBS together.
None of your comments make any sense. And quite frankly, you’re not disproving the fact that people believe Jay’s show caters to those with the lowest common IQ.
Haha, I’m sure Seinfeld will be available!
Leno isn’t just a passenger on the Titanic, he’s the effing captain.
That was funny!
No, Leno’s the f’in Iceberg. His viewers are on the ship.
Exactly…Leno doesn’t care who he screws over
I think Leno really meant NBC as the Titanic. Anyways to all these people arguing back and forth about which show is better…HOW THE HELL DO YOU HAVE TIME TO WATCH ALL THESE LATE NIGHT SHOWS!? That’s really the only way to honestly have a say in who’s funnier, and even then it’s still subjective.
DVR.
Its simple. Most dont watch all shows on regular basis. But watch each show from time to time, thus we know whats up with these hosts and their shows and who is funnier. I myself prefer Conan O’Brien. I like Jay but I watched his show with a watch in my hand counting how much time is left till my man Conan is on.
This issue isn’t about who’s funnier, anyway (Conan is, but that’s hardly the point). It’s about what’s right and wrong. Leno fans are ignoring what’s right and making it about the “comic” they favor. They think he’s like them, a blue-collar, nice guy, and that’s just not who he is. The $800 million should’ve been the first clue.
Take note, James Cameron. Titanic 2, starring Jeff Zucker and Jay Leno as Jack and Rose. Instant epic romance!
Have hated him ever since he took over from Carson. Tried to watch him, but he was so boring and UNFUNNY. See you in September Conan!
Same here. He stole the show from Carson and now he stole it from Leno. He must have naked pictures of one of the execs at NBC because he’s always getting away with murder.
I meant Conan. He stole the Tonight Show from Conan. And come to think of it, from Letterman, since he was Carson’s heir apparent.
how can you guys say he “stole” the Tonight Show when decisions like who the host is are made by NBC? At most, Leno made a play for the hosting job and he got it. Good for him. Why shouldn’t he be allowed to go after a job he wants? Everyone else in the world does.
If leno had balls and class, he would have said no. Since he doesn’t, he stole the Tonight Show.
The issue that I have with Jay returning to the Tonight Show is Conan’s rating suffered because of Leno’s prime time show. He was never given the chance to improve which would have happened if NBC just cancelled Jay’s show. It was a horrible decision by NBC to even try a show like Jay’s and Jay should be man enough to say “you know what, we tried this, it didn’t work…time for me to move on and let someone try to be successful on The Tonight Show”, not take it back like that. It shows that he has no repsect for Conan and is just NBC’s puppet. I truly hope NBC and Jay continue to have ratings issues…even though it probably won’t end up that way…..
Amen, Anne.
Has anyone mentioned that Leno sucks? Just wanted to get that in.
That’s just your opinion. Clearly, millions of viewers who’ve watched Leno host the Tonight Show every week night over the past 17 years disagree with you.
Well, pretty much *everything* here’s an opinion, isn’t it?
where were those millions of viewers at 10pm? If his show hadn’t tanked so hard, it might not have been cancelled.
Has anybody mentioned that Conan had his chance and HE BLEW IT! If all of you people who keep posting messages were really watching him as you claim, maybe he wouldn’t have bombed the way he did. GET OVER IT!
AMEN!!!
Jay’s idea of being funny is to repeat everything his guests say in a mocking, whiny voice. And tell lewd, off-color jokes, which, while mildly offensive, are never very funny.
You said it, Teen Wolf.
Case in point – did you see Leno’s interview of Megan Fox? The off-color comments were nonstop. As I was watching the interview, I was thinking, if he were saying this to some random lady on the street, he’d be arrested. So why is it funny if he says it to Megan Fox? (Hint: it’s not) After the interview, I felt like I needed a shower to wash off the ickiness. Conan treats his guests like human beings, not cardboard cutouts.
You probably did need a shower to wash off the “ickiness” but probably because you were fantasizing about Megan Fox and “some random lady on the street.” If it bothered you that much, turn the channel, dumbass. In the meantime, you can put your Megan Fox cardboard cutout on your own couch and have a nice clean interview with it.
Newhart, you’re an idiot.
And you think having your host playing with a masturbating bear on tv is funny? No wonder Conan the Clueless was dumped.