Conan O'Brien announced he's worried, emotional over move to the Tonight Show

Conan O'Brien announced he's worried, emotional over move to the Tonight Show

Written by: Karen Benardello


Prankster Conan O'Brien, who will host his last episode of Late Night tonight at 12:35, is saying that he'll probably "cry like a baby" during the taping. While
O'Brien will continue to entertain audiences with his comic stylings during his new gig at the Tonight Show, which airs during the 11:35 timeslot. While some critics are celebrating the move, calling it an upgrade for the comic, others are calling it a downgrade, and don't think he'll be able to live up to the anticipated hype.

While on Late Night, O'Brien was able to hold that oh-so-delicate balance between maintaining a smart comedic edge and keeping things accessible to all of his viewers.
For every witty reference or brilliant piece of satire, there was a silly stunt, such as a diapered masturbating bear, to keep things in balance.

Critics fear that the freedom Conan's post-Midnight slot gave him, which largely contributed to his success, may be hindered with his move to the earlier, coveted 11:35 zone, where such silliness isn't as acceptable.

But O'Brien admitted that he knows that taking over for the legendary Leno won't be easy. "I feel like that's sacred ground. That's the job I signed up for, and that's the job I'm excited about," he told the New York Times.

Adding to O'Brien's anxiety is current Tonight Show host Jay Leno's unexpected non-departure from NBC (in December, it was announced that he will be given a daily 10 p.m. show). Critics are saying that O'Brien is getting "the short end of the stick," as people will be paying more attention to Leno's new show once it starts in the fall, and NBC will most likely start saying that late night now begins at 10 o'clock.

O'Brien admited to the Times that the new venture has worried him a bit, but he ultimately knows his talent has gotten him this far, and will hopefully get him through the future.