NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
01-21-10, 02:08 PM
#301
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Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
The negotiations for an exit were completed before he did his show last night, and yet he's still enough of a spoiled brat to cost his bosses millions more by doing 'stunts' (band playing expensive 'music', etc.). I'm surprised NBC didnt wipe the music clean before airing.
01-21-10, 02:11 PM
#302
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Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
You Conan fanboys are utterly ridiculous. And like fanboys everywhere, you are utterly incapable of seeing a balanced point of view because you have your lips firmly stuck to Conan's bony ass.
First of all, let me say I was relieved to hear that the Bugatti bit was all a ploy. Had this been for real, this would have been one of the most cynical and classless exits from a show in TV history and would have shown Conan's true colors -- that of a petulant baby. Of course, going by the Coco fanboy posts in this thread, you all bought it hook, line and sinker and thought it was uproariously hilarious that Coco robbed NBC out of 1.5 mill.
Second of all, let me say that I think Leno has been the least objectionable in this whole fiasco. (Although that's not saying very much.)
Third of all, let me say that I think that Letterman has shown himself to be nothing but an utterly classless sore Loser. Yes, that capital L is there on purpose. (And FYI, I watch Letterman almost every night.)
And finally, let me say that I don't have a dog in this fight and I could give a fuck what these mega-millionaires all do with their careers. I just wanted to address the crusading Conan fanboys who seem to think that they're defending some poor down-trodden done-wrong-by freedom-fighting underdog by defending Coco. The guy's making more money in his exit deal than the combined annual income of all you fanboys. Get a fucking grip.
First of all, let me say I was relieved to hear that the Bugatti bit was all a ploy. Had this been for real, this would have been one of the most cynical and classless exits from a show in TV history and would have shown Conan's true colors -- that of a petulant baby. Of course, going by the Coco fanboy posts in this thread, you all bought it hook, line and sinker and thought it was uproariously hilarious that Coco robbed NBC out of 1.5 mill.
Second of all, let me say that I think Leno has been the least objectionable in this whole fiasco. (Although that's not saying very much.)
Third of all, let me say that I think that Letterman has shown himself to be nothing but an utterly classless sore Loser. Yes, that capital L is there on purpose. (And FYI, I watch Letterman almost every night.)
And finally, let me say that I don't have a dog in this fight and I could give a fuck what these mega-millionaires all do with their careers. I just wanted to address the crusading Conan fanboys who seem to think that they're defending some poor down-trodden done-wrong-by freedom-fighting underdog by defending Coco. The guy's making more money in his exit deal than the combined annual income of all you fanboys. Get a fucking grip.
01-21-10, 02:15 PM
#303
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
I don't have a problem with Leno taking shots at Dave, NBC, or even Conan if he wants to. His bits just aren't good and lack any real ingenuity.
I've always been more of a Dave guy and some of his pieces on this have been hilarious and others are lame.
Kimmel's show where he did "Jay" was pretty funny. His follow-up bits, outside of the 10 @ 10, have been pretty lame.
Conan has, hands down in my opinion, been the most creative and humorous of everyone. The craigslist stuff, the classic moments, car, music, etc. have all been great.
I've always been more of a Dave guy and some of his pieces on this have been hilarious and others are lame.
Kimmel's show where he did "Jay" was pretty funny. His follow-up bits, outside of the 10 @ 10, have been pretty lame.
Conan has, hands down in my opinion, been the most creative and humorous of everyone. The craigslist stuff, the classic moments, car, music, etc. have all been great.
!
01-21-10, 02:16 PM
#304
DVD Talk Legend
Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
You Conan fanboys are utterly ridiculous. And like fanboys everywhere, you are utterly incapable of seeing a balanced point of view because you have your lips firmly stuck to Conan's bony ass.
First of all, let me say I was relieved to hear that the Bugatti bit was all a ploy. Had this been for real, this would have been one of the most cynical and classless exits from a show in TV history and would have shown Conan's true colors -- that of a petulant baby. Of course, going by the Coco fanboy posts in this thread, you all bought it hook, line and sinker and thought it was uproariously hilarious that Coco robbed NBC out of 1.5 mill.
Second of all, let me say that I think Leno has been the least objectionable in this whole fiasco. (Although that's not saying very much.)
Third of all, let me say that I think that Letterman has shown himself to be nothing but an utterly classless sore Loser. Yes, that capital L is there on purpose. (And FYI, I watch Letterman almost every night.)
And finally, let me say that I don't have a dog in this fight and I could give a fuck what these mega-millionaires all do with their careers. I just wanted to address the crusading Conan fanboys who seem to think that they're defending some poor down-trodden done-wrong-by freedom-fighting underdog by defending Coco. The guy's making more money in his exit deal than the combined annual income of all you fanboys. Get a fucking grip.
First of all, let me say I was relieved to hear that the Bugatti bit was all a ploy. Had this been for real, this would have been one of the most cynical and classless exits from a show in TV history and would have shown Conan's true colors -- that of a petulant baby. Of course, going by the Coco fanboy posts in this thread, you all bought it hook, line and sinker and thought it was uproariously hilarious that Coco robbed NBC out of 1.5 mill.
Second of all, let me say that I think Leno has been the least objectionable in this whole fiasco. (Although that's not saying very much.)
Third of all, let me say that I think that Letterman has shown himself to be nothing but an utterly classless sore Loser. Yes, that capital L is there on purpose. (And FYI, I watch Letterman almost every night.)
And finally, let me say that I don't have a dog in this fight and I could give a fuck what these mega-millionaires all do with their careers. I just wanted to address the crusading Conan fanboys who seem to think that they're defending some poor down-trodden done-wrong-by freedom-fighting underdog by defending Coco. The guy's making more money in his exit deal than the combined annual income of all you fanboys. Get a fucking grip.
You're the one who seems to be taking this a bit more seriously than the rest of us.
01-21-10, 02:17 PM
#305
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
You Conan fanboys are utterly ridiculous. And like fanboys everywhere, you are utterly incapable of seeing a balanced point of view because you have your lips firmly stuck to Conan's bony ass.
First of all, let me say I was relieved to hear that the Bugatti bit was all a ploy. Had this been for real, this would have been one of the most cynical and classless exits from a show in TV history and would have shown Conan's true colors -- that of a petulant baby. Of course, going by the Coco fanboy posts in this thread, you all bought it hook, line and sinker and thought it was uproariously hilarious that Coco robbed NBC out of 1.5 mill.
Second of all, let me say that I think Leno has been the least objectionable in this whole fiasco. (Although that's not saying very much.)
Third of all, let me say that I think that Letterman has shown himself to be nothing but an utterly classless sore Loser. Yes, that capital L is there on purpose. (And FYI, I watch Letterman almost every night.)
And finally, let me say that I don't have a dog in this fight and I could give a fuck what these mega-millionaires all do with their careers. I just wanted to address the crusading Conan fanboys who seem to think that they're defending some poor down-trodden done-wrong-by freedom-fighting underdog by defending Coco. The guy's making more money in his exit deal than the combined annual income of all you fanboys. Get a fucking grip.
First of all, let me say I was relieved to hear that the Bugatti bit was all a ploy. Had this been for real, this would have been one of the most cynical and classless exits from a show in TV history and would have shown Conan's true colors -- that of a petulant baby. Of course, going by the Coco fanboy posts in this thread, you all bought it hook, line and sinker and thought it was uproariously hilarious that Coco robbed NBC out of 1.5 mill.
Second of all, let me say that I think Leno has been the least objectionable in this whole fiasco. (Although that's not saying very much.)
Third of all, let me say that I think that Letterman has shown himself to be nothing but an utterly classless sore Loser. Yes, that capital L is there on purpose. (And FYI, I watch Letterman almost every night.)
And finally, let me say that I don't have a dog in this fight and I could give a fuck what these mega-millionaires all do with their careers. I just wanted to address the crusading Conan fanboys who seem to think that they're defending some poor down-trodden done-wrong-by freedom-fighting underdog by defending Coco. The guy's making more money in his exit deal than the combined annual income of all you fanboys. Get a fucking grip.
Uh, you sound like you have a helluva lot more angst than any of the alleged "fanboys" you are calling out.
Nobody is feeling sorry for Conan financially. If it is his dream job, which is what he professes, then forgive us for feeling bad that he got screwed by the network which didn't even have the class to tell him first -- he heard it from the media that all this crap was going on in the first place.
It's good you were "relieved" to know that car bit was a joke. I shudder to think the state you'd be in if it had been real. Because you don't give a fuck and all...
01-21-10, 02:25 PM
#307
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Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
At least we can all agree that siddd5 is just trolling this thread. 
01-21-10, 02:26 PM
#308
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Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
Nobody is feeling sorry for Conan financially. If it is his dream job, which is what he professes, then forgive us for feeling bad that he got screwed by the network which didn't even have the class to tell him first -- he heard it from the media that all this crap was going on in the first place.
01-21-10, 02:37 PM
#309
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
You Conan fanboys are utterly ridiculous. And like fanboys everywhere, you are utterly incapable of seeing a balanced point of view because you have your lips firmly stuck to Conan's bony ass.
First of all, let me say I was relieved to hear that the Bugatti bit was all a ploy. Had this been for real, this would have been one of the most cynical and classless exits from a show in TV history and would have shown Conan's true colors -- that of a petulant baby. Of course, going by the Coco fanboy posts in this thread, you all bought it hook, line and sinker and thought it was uproariously hilarious that Coco robbed NBC out of 1.5 mill.
Second of all, let me say that I think Leno has been the least objectionable in this whole fiasco. (Although that's not saying very much.)
Third of all, let me say that I think that Letterman has shown himself to be nothing but an utterly classless sore Loser. Yes, that capital L is there on purpose. (And FYI, I watch Letterman almost every night.)
And finally, let me say that I don't have a dog in this fight and I could give a fuck what these mega-millionaires all do with their careers. I just wanted to address the crusading Conan fanboys who seem to think that they're defending some poor down-trodden done-wrong-by freedom-fighting underdog by defending Coco. The guy's making more money in his exit deal than the combined annual income of all you fanboys. Get a fucking grip.
First of all, let me say I was relieved to hear that the Bugatti bit was all a ploy. Had this been for real, this would have been one of the most cynical and classless exits from a show in TV history and would have shown Conan's true colors -- that of a petulant baby. Of course, going by the Coco fanboy posts in this thread, you all bought it hook, line and sinker and thought it was uproariously hilarious that Coco robbed NBC out of 1.5 mill.
Second of all, let me say that I think Leno has been the least objectionable in this whole fiasco. (Although that's not saying very much.)
Third of all, let me say that I think that Letterman has shown himself to be nothing but an utterly classless sore Loser. Yes, that capital L is there on purpose. (And FYI, I watch Letterman almost every night.)
And finally, let me say that I don't have a dog in this fight and I could give a fuck what these mega-millionaires all do with their careers. I just wanted to address the crusading Conan fanboys who seem to think that they're defending some poor down-trodden done-wrong-by freedom-fighting underdog by defending Coco. The guy's making more money in his exit deal than the combined annual income of all you fanboys. Get a fucking grip.
01-21-10, 02:37 PM
#310
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01-21-10, 02:37 PM
#311
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Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
First of all, let me say I was relieved to hear that the Bugatti bit was all a ploy. Had this been for real, this would have been one of the most cynical and classless exits from a show in TV history and would have shown Conan's true colors -- that of a petulant baby. Of course, going by the Coco fanboy posts in this thread, you all bought it hook, line and sinker and thought it was uproariously hilarious that Coco robbed NBC out of 1.5 mill.
01-21-10, 02:48 PM
#312
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01-21-10, 02:50 PM
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Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
ABSOLUTELY NOT...HIS show at 10 was canceled because of poor ratings so now they had nothing to do with him and his huge salary so his only option was to put him in Conans job.
01-21-10, 02:53 PM
#314
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Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
Leno's show was canceled because of the Affiliates - NBC was making money with Leno at 10pm but the affiliates couldn't handle the lack of lead-in to their news.
01-21-10, 02:57 PM
#315
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01-21-10, 02:57 PM
#316
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Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
I find it interesting that anyone, whether they found it funny or not, believed for any period of time after that sketch that Conan actually spent $1.5M of NBC's money. I think most of us laughed because the notion that Conan would stick it to NBC in such an absurd way was hilarious. Obviously it's based on the viewer's temporary suspension of disbelief. Conan clearly can't actually do that any more than he can actually sell the Tonight Show on Craigslist, but both are still very funny.
01-21-10, 03:00 PM
#317
DVD Talk Legend
Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
I find it interesting that anyone, whether they found it funny or not, believed for any period of time after that sketch that Conan actually spent $1.5M of NBC's money. I think most of us laughed because the notion that Conan would stick it to NBC in such an absurd way was hilarious. Obviously it's based on the viewer's temporary suspension of disbelief. Conan clearly can't actually do that any more than he can actually sell the Tonight Show on Craigslist, but both are still very funny.
01-21-10, 03:00 PM
#318
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01-21-10, 03:20 PM
#319
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Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
You Conan fanboys are utterly ridiculous. And like fanboys everywhere, you are utterly incapable of seeing a balanced point of view because you have your lips firmly stuck to Conan's bony ass.
First of all, let me say I was relieved to hear that the Bugatti bit was all a ploy. Had this been for real, this would have been one of the most cynical and classless exits from a show in TV history and would have shown Conan's true colors -- that of a petulant baby. Of course, going by the Coco fanboy posts in this thread, you all bought it hook, line and sinker and thought it was uproariously hilarious that Coco robbed NBC out of 1.5 mill.
Second of all, let me say that I think Leno has been the least objectionable in this whole fiasco. (Although that's not saying very much.)
Third of all, let me say that I think that Letterman has shown himself to be nothing but an utterly classless sore Loser. Yes, that capital L is there on purpose. (And FYI, I watch Letterman almost every night.)
And finally, let me say that I don't have a dog in this fight and I could give a fuck what these mega-millionaires all do with their careers. I just wanted to address the crusading Conan fanboys who seem to think that they're defending some poor down-trodden done-wrong-by freedom-fighting underdog by defending Coco. The guy's making more money in his exit deal than the combined annual income of all you fanboys. Get a fucking grip.
First of all, let me say I was relieved to hear that the Bugatti bit was all a ploy. Had this been for real, this would have been one of the most cynical and classless exits from a show in TV history and would have shown Conan's true colors -- that of a petulant baby. Of course, going by the Coco fanboy posts in this thread, you all bought it hook, line and sinker and thought it was uproariously hilarious that Coco robbed NBC out of 1.5 mill.
Second of all, let me say that I think Leno has been the least objectionable in this whole fiasco. (Although that's not saying very much.)
Third of all, let me say that I think that Letterman has shown himself to be nothing but an utterly classless sore Loser. Yes, that capital L is there on purpose. (And FYI, I watch Letterman almost every night.)
And finally, let me say that I don't have a dog in this fight and I could give a fuck what these mega-millionaires all do with their careers. I just wanted to address the crusading Conan fanboys who seem to think that they're defending some poor down-trodden done-wrong-by freedom-fighting underdog by defending Coco. The guy's making more money in his exit deal than the combined annual income of all you fanboys. Get a fucking grip.
Pretty obvious the "most expensive skit" bit was a ploy but that doesn't make it any less hilarious. The reason Conan has his fans is because he has an absurd sense of humor that is occasionally borderline mean and it is enjoyable because of that, though people have different senses of humor. Quite frankly, I was expecting his decline when it was announced he'd take over The Tonight Show, as much as I like the guy he has a niche style.
I don't think that many people are that emotionally involved in this whole thing, it's a giant goofy situation that is a lot of fun to listen to a watch. It seems like you're taking the whole thing way too seriously. Everybody is aware these people have mega bucks and won't be hurt in the least bit by what happens. Doesn't mean people weren't screwed in the grand scheme, but they won't be hurting after the fact.
I do have to say Leno has looked like the worst of the group, the repeated jokes on Letterman's personal life (well joke, it's the same one over and over) are a bit tacky and he hasn't used the "Late Night War" to his benefit as the other 3 (4 if you count the Daily Show ("Both Obama and O'Brien have their beloved masturbating bears"
)have -- and quite frankly, he has equal ammunition in the thing. But then, that's why people like Leno, he plays it safe.As much as it sucks that Conan is quitting his show, this is the best Late Night Talk has been in years.
Last edited by RichC2; 01-21-10 at 03:31 PM.
01-21-10, 03:22 PM
#320
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Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
Didn't Letterman's company pay his staff during one of the Writer's Strikes? Why is this so hard to believe?
01-21-10, 03:41 PM
#321
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
I guess it is assumed Conan will go to Fox. Going to ABC will leave him again after midnight or result in Nightline, Kimmel, & whomever is after Kimmel getting moved (which would be bad press for Conan for doing to them what was done to him)
A problem I can see with Fox is that they don't have an established late night show. Currently the 11:30 spot is used for syndicated/rerun shows, which from what I've heard get $$$ for the affiliates. Some might not want to stop showing syndicated shows to put on Conan's show.
I can see them starting at 11:30 instead of 11:35 in hopes of catching some viewers who are ready for comedy & hope they don't switch or NBC/CBS at 11:35. By 11:30, most of the 'important' local news is over so people might be more willing to not see the weather recap, special interest piece or sports sections. Of course, I could see a side effect of this tactic of NBC/CBS/ABC moving their late night shows to 11:30.
A problem I can see with Fox is that they don't have an established late night show. Currently the 11:30 spot is used for syndicated/rerun shows, which from what I've heard get $$$ for the affiliates. Some might not want to stop showing syndicated shows to put on Conan's show.
I can see them starting at 11:30 instead of 11:35 in hopes of catching some viewers who are ready for comedy & hope they don't switch or NBC/CBS at 11:35. By 11:30, most of the 'important' local news is over so people might be more willing to not see the weather recap, special interest piece or sports sections. Of course, I could see a side effect of this tactic of NBC/CBS/ABC moving their late night shows to 11:30.
01-21-10, 03:45 PM
#322
DVD Talk Hero
Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
I think they would go with 11 instead of 11:30 anyway. Fox doesn't have a 10 pm broadcast hour, and as such, that is reserved for local news. There's no reason to go to Local News, show a 30 minute syndicated show and then go into late night. Odds are not all markets will pick his show up immediately if he does move to Fox.
01-21-10, 03:46 PM
#323
DVD Talk Legend
Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
I guess it is assumed Conan will go to Fox. Going to ABC will leave him again after midnight or result in Nightline, Kimmel, & whomever is after Kimmel getting moved (which would be bad press for Conan for doing to them what was done to him)
A problem I can see with Fox is that they don't have an established late night show. Currently the 11:30 spot is used for syndicated/rerun shows, which from what I've heard get $$$ for the affiliates. Some might not want to stop showing syndicated shows to put on Conan's show.
I can see them starting at 11:30 instead of 11:35 in hopes of catching some viewers who are ready for comedy & hope they don't switch or NBC/CBS at 11:35. By 11:30, most of the 'important' local news is over so people might be more willing to not see the weather recap, special interest piece or sports sections. Of course, I could see a side effect of this tactic of NBC/CBS/ABC moving their late night shows to 11:30.
A problem I can see with Fox is that they don't have an established late night show. Currently the 11:30 spot is used for syndicated/rerun shows, which from what I've heard get $$$ for the affiliates. Some might not want to stop showing syndicated shows to put on Conan's show.
I can see them starting at 11:30 instead of 11:35 in hopes of catching some viewers who are ready for comedy & hope they don't switch or NBC/CBS at 11:35. By 11:30, most of the 'important' local news is over so people might be more willing to not see the weather recap, special interest piece or sports sections. Of course, I could see a side effect of this tactic of NBC/CBS/ABC moving their late night shows to 11:30.
01-21-10, 03:47 PM
#324
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Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
I think the plan is for Conan at 11pm on FOX (local news is usually 10-11pm on FOX). FOX can clear 40% of the country right away from O&O's, but they'll have to figure out how to convince the others who will make less money with Conan than strip syndicated shows.
01-21-10, 03:53 PM
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Re: NBC: let's see how low we can go (Conan thread, part 2)
January 21, 2010
NBC Q&A: Leno's 'Tonight' will be a 'hybrid'; Conan exit 'cost of doing business'
With Conan O'Brien departing NBC and Jay Leno resuming control of "The Tonight Show," NBC Universal TV entertainment chairman Jeff Gaspin talked to The Hollywood Reporter about the shake-up and what happens next:
THR: What is Jay Leno's "Tonight Show" going to be like -- his previous "Tonight" or "The Jay Leno Show"? Will he still have his contributors? The race track?
Gaspin: [Executive producer] Debbie Vickers and Jay are working on that now. My guess is it will be a hybrid. They're going to make some alterations to the studio to make it more intimate. There's elements of the current show they like, and there's elements from "The Tonight Show" they'd like to bring back. I would be surprised if they didn't bring back the desk and a couch, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was a new desk and couch.
THR: Are you concerned that Leno's popularity may have suffered? Do you expect him to pull the same numbers on "Tonight" that he had before all this?
Gaspin: I think Leno will be competitive at 11:35 p.m., I think his fan base is very strong and they will welcome him back. I don't think they're paying nearly as much attention to what's going on as we are.
THR: You tried to keep both, but you had to make a choice between keeping Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien. What makes Leno the better fit for NBC?
Gaspin: I did want to keep both. But if you look at the business of it as a practical matter, when I knew I was going to have to make a change at 10 p.m., I looked at the facts. "The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien" was [anticipated] to lose many millions of dollars at 11:35 p.m. If you looked at the ratings, affiliates were down 14%, "The Tonight Show" was down 49% -- this is year-to-year for full fourth quarter. As a practical matter, it made sense to try and come up with some other formula for late-night.
THR: What do you think about Conan's ratings climbing right as he's going out the door? Is it just sentiment and buzz, or is it a little worrisome?
Gaspin: I would look at David Letterman's ratings currently. He had a huge pop during his scandal. If you look at his ratings now, they're below where they were before his scandal.
THR: Is there a lesson to be learned by this?
Gaspin: There's always lessons to be learned, whether you do things right or wrong. Based on the information I was working with, I came up with a fair and responsible compromise. I wanted to keep both, maybe I was too optimistic.
THR: You guys raised Conan. Now his profile's gone up, his ratings are up, you've given him a bunch of money, and now he's going into the marketplace. What are your feelings about what's transpired here ...
Gaspin: That is just the cost of doing business in television and film. That is one of the Shakespearean story lines that happen over and over in television.
THR: Between Conan, Letterman, Leno, the Golden Globes, it seems like you can't turn on the TV without hearing an NBC joke. Branding-wise, how do you bounce back from that?
Gaspin: I think those jokes are waning very quickly. You're actually seeing backlash against those jokes on air. People are saying, "We have a horrendous situation in Haiti, let's put this thing in perspective." Controversies and scandals burn red hot for a short period of time. And then they are extinguished. I expect the same thing will happen here.
NBC Q&A: Leno's 'Tonight' will be a 'hybrid'; Conan exit 'cost of doing business'
With Conan O'Brien departing NBC and Jay Leno resuming control of "The Tonight Show," NBC Universal TV entertainment chairman Jeff Gaspin talked to The Hollywood Reporter about the shake-up and what happens next:
THR: What is Jay Leno's "Tonight Show" going to be like -- his previous "Tonight" or "The Jay Leno Show"? Will he still have his contributors? The race track?
Gaspin: [Executive producer] Debbie Vickers and Jay are working on that now. My guess is it will be a hybrid. They're going to make some alterations to the studio to make it more intimate. There's elements of the current show they like, and there's elements from "The Tonight Show" they'd like to bring back. I would be surprised if they didn't bring back the desk and a couch, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was a new desk and couch.
THR: Are you concerned that Leno's popularity may have suffered? Do you expect him to pull the same numbers on "Tonight" that he had before all this?
Gaspin: I think Leno will be competitive at 11:35 p.m., I think his fan base is very strong and they will welcome him back. I don't think they're paying nearly as much attention to what's going on as we are.
THR: You tried to keep both, but you had to make a choice between keeping Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien. What makes Leno the better fit for NBC?
Gaspin: I did want to keep both. But if you look at the business of it as a practical matter, when I knew I was going to have to make a change at 10 p.m., I looked at the facts. "The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien" was [anticipated] to lose many millions of dollars at 11:35 p.m. If you looked at the ratings, affiliates were down 14%, "The Tonight Show" was down 49% -- this is year-to-year for full fourth quarter. As a practical matter, it made sense to try and come up with some other formula for late-night.
THR: What do you think about Conan's ratings climbing right as he's going out the door? Is it just sentiment and buzz, or is it a little worrisome?
Gaspin: I would look at David Letterman's ratings currently. He had a huge pop during his scandal. If you look at his ratings now, they're below where they were before his scandal.
THR: Is there a lesson to be learned by this?
Gaspin: There's always lessons to be learned, whether you do things right or wrong. Based on the information I was working with, I came up with a fair and responsible compromise. I wanted to keep both, maybe I was too optimistic.
THR: You guys raised Conan. Now his profile's gone up, his ratings are up, you've given him a bunch of money, and now he's going into the marketplace. What are your feelings about what's transpired here ...
Gaspin: That is just the cost of doing business in television and film. That is one of the Shakespearean story lines that happen over and over in television.
THR: Between Conan, Letterman, Leno, the Golden Globes, it seems like you can't turn on the TV without hearing an NBC joke. Branding-wise, how do you bounce back from that?
Gaspin: I think those jokes are waning very quickly. You're actually seeing backlash against those jokes on air. People are saying, "We have a horrendous situation in Haiti, let's put this thing in perspective." Controversies and scandals burn red hot for a short period of time. And then they are extinguished. I expect the same thing will happen here.