Conan O’Brien’s Final Episode of ‘The Tonight Show’ - January 22, 2010

On January 22, 2010, Conan O’Brien hosted his final episode of The Tonight Show, marking the end of a brief and tumultuous tenure as the host of NBC’s iconic late-night program. This event was the culmination of a highly publicized dispute between O’Brien and NBC over the show’s timeslot, which had significant implications for the network’s late-night lineup.

Background

Conan O’Brien took over as host of The Tonight Show on June 1, 2009, succeeding Jay Leno, who had helmed the show since 1992. O’Brien’s appointment was part of a long-planned transition, as NBC sought to refresh its late-night programming. However, the network also decided to keep Leno on board with a new primetime show, The Jay Leno Show, which aired at 10 PM.

The Dispute

The arrangement quickly led to challenges. The Jay Leno Show struggled with ratings, which in turn affected the local news broadcasts that followed and The Tonight Show itself. In January 2010, NBC proposed a reshuffling: moving Leno back to 11:35 PM for a half-hour show and pushing O’Brien’s Tonight Show to 12:05 AM.

Conan O’Brien publicly opposed the plan, arguing that moving The Tonight Show to a post-midnight slot would undermine the show’s legacy. The dispute attracted significant media attention and public support for O’Brien, who became a symbol of resistance against network decisions perceived as prioritizing business over creative integrity.

The Final Episode

On January 21, 2010, NBC announced that it had reached a settlement with O’Brien, allowing him to leave the network with a reported $45 million exit package. The following day, O’Brien hosted his final episode of The Tonight Show. The episode featured appearances by notable guests, including Tom Hanks, Will Ferrell, and Neil Young. O’Brien delivered a heartfelt farewell speech, expressing gratitude to his fans and colleagues while maintaining a humorous tone.

Aftermath and Significance

Following his departure, Jay Leno returned as host of The Tonight Show on March 1, 2010, where he remained until 2014. Conan O’Brien, meanwhile, embarked on a live comedy tour and later launched a new late-night show, Conan, on TBS in November 2010.

The controversy surrounding O’Brien’s exit from The Tonight Show highlighted the complexities of network television and the challenges of managing legacy programs amid changing viewer habits. It also underscored the power of public opinion and social media in shaping the narratives around entertainment industry disputes.

Conan O’Brien’s departure from The Tonight Show remains a significant moment in late-night television history, illustrating the delicate balance between tradition and innovation in the entertainment landscape.