Comments on: Conan O’Brien’s Historical Debut: This isn’t Your Grandma’s Tonight Show

By: Erik

Erik — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 05:28:54 +0000

Kimber: Craig Ferguson is an interesting character, and perhaps the person with the most to gain from the Leno/O’ Brien transition. If/when David Letterman chooses to leave The Late Show, it would be fascinating to see Ferguson go head to head with Conan. Unlike his peers, the Late Late Show host appears to conduct interviews in a freewheeling manner, unbound by index cards and pre-interview talking points.

Which of Craig Ferguson’s traits bring you back to CBS each night?

By: Erik

Erik — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:31:27 +0000

SB: I am in complete agreement with you about Andy Richter. One of the “concessions” that Conan could make to the older audience referenced above would be to have Andy serve in a similar role to Ed McMahon. I am curious to know whether Richter is perceived as too “wacky” for the NBC suits, who have always believed that an 11:30 audience is vastly different than the 12:30 crowd.

Ironically, the college-age viewers who propelled Conan to success in the Late Night time slot are now the parents and professionals who are critical to keeping the new Tonight Show on top. It goes to show that TV executives are rarely inclined to break with tradition, even with an entirely new cast of characters.

By: Erik

Erik — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:16:46 +0000

Kath: The general feeling is that a large cross-section of Leno’s older viewers (age 49+) are too familiar with the Carson/Leno format, specifically the first two segments of a topical monologue and live comedy piece at the desk, to accept wholesale changes. So long as Conan’s core audience of 18-49 viewers grows, NBC will have no problem selling the show to advertisers. The public relations problem is if those older viewers leave abruptly, and Nightline (and to a lesser extent, Letterman) becomes a viable rival as the “#1 Program in Late Night.”

By: JennyL

JennyL — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:32:58 +0000

Big Conan fan and was very pleased with his first show last night! Seemed very naturally Conan, but did feel like a bigger show. I will be watching for sure!!

By: strunkette

strunkette — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:53:07 +0000

I liked it. Everyone was speculating that he would adopt the monologue ala Leno, but I like that he stayed true to his brand of humor. I loved the tour group highjacking. I think Conan will find his way.

By: Kimber

Kimber — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:39:23 +0000

As a Leno/Ferguson late night fan, I was never much into Letterman or Conan. If I managed to stay awake long enough, I’d usually watch Jay’s monologue, as well as whatever stint he performed before the first guest. I can honestly say after last night, I won’t be watching latenight television at 10:35 pm. Nothing against Conan, or his style, but he’s just not my thing, nor has he ever been. I’ll give Leno’s “other show” a try, but perhaps for me late night will just be starting and ending with Craig Ferguson from now on.

By: Give Me My Remote

Give Me My Remote — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:26:43 +0000

I’m with SB. As a long time Conan fan I’m excited that I don’t have to stay up as late to see his show. I don’t really know that much about some of the “traditional” late night demographics outside of what I’ve read, but comedy is comedy. The people that are staying up late enough to watch Leno will probably like Conan. Maybe they just need a little bit more time.

With everything going on last night I don’t think we saw a “normal” Conan show.

I’m excited to check him out every night!!

By: Conan O’Brien’s Historical Debut: This isn’t Your Grandma’s Tonight Show | Joe Hosting

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:21:18 +0000

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By: SB

SB — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:42:02 +0000

Well, I am madly in love with Conan and I will not miss Jay at all, including while I’m never watching his stupid new show.

My only thing was that I came in after the Andy Richter era, and I wish there had been more Max and less Andy, but I’m still keeping an open mind. I’ll love Conan forever and I’m loyal to the bitter end. He’s so effing hilarious.