Tonight Conan O’Brien takes over the hosting duties of NBC’s The Tonight Show, the third longest running television program now in its 54th season. Conan is only the show’s fifth host ever, and he has some pretty big shoes to fill considering The Tonight Show has been hosted by four true legends in the television industry: Steve Allen, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson and Jay Leno.
I had a buddy ask me why I didn’t mention that last Friday was Jay Leno’s final show, and I think part of the reason was because Leno’s not going anywhere. It’s not like when Carson retired and he was never heard from again. With Leno just basically moving time slots (he’ll be hosting an all new show airing five days a week at 10/9c on NBC in the fall), his leaving of The Tonight Show has lost much of its luster. It’s really too bad his departure from The Tonight Show hasn't gotten more publicity, because as host for the past 17 years he has dominated the ratings and the competition. Oh well…Leno’s out and Conan’s in.The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien debuts tonight, Monday, June 1st, on NBC at 11:35/10:35c. Conan’s first guest will be Land of the Lost’s Will Ferrell and first musical guest will be Pearl Jam.
