The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brian, last episode tonight.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around Conan O'Brien's last episode as host of The Tonight Show, exploring opinions on his hosting style, the impact of network decisions, and the demographics of late-night television. Participants express nostalgia, critique corporate decisions, and reflect on the suitability of Conan's style for the show.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express strong support for Conan, stating he is a better host than Jay Leno and lamenting the loss of quality programming due to corporate decisions.
  • Others suggest that NBC's focus on older demographics may be a strategic move, likening broadcast television to AM radio.
  • There are mixed feelings about Conan's appeal, with some arguing that his humor may not resonate with the traditional Tonight Show audience.
  • A participant recalls an awkward early interview with Jamie Lee Curtis, highlighting Conan's initial struggles as a host.
  • One participant mentions falling asleep during the last episode, indicating a lack of engagement despite not disliking Conan.
  • Another participant reiterates the subjective nature of humor and questions whether Conan's style was a good fit for the show's demographic.
  • Concerns are raised about the network's decision-making, with some arguing that the ratings should have indicated Conan's suitability for the show.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with no consensus on Conan's suitability as host or the network's decisions. Disagreement exists regarding the demographics of late-night viewers and the effectiveness of Conan's humor.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific moments from Conan's career, indicating a mix of nostalgia and critique. The discussion reflects varying perspectives on the evolution of late-night television and its audience.

Topher925
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If anyone cares, Conan's last episode as host of the tonight show is tonight. Conan is definitely a better host than Leno ever could be, but of course all good things must be destroyed by corporate douche bags. The only late night show that's on now that's even remotely entertaining is Craig Ferguson. I really wish companies such as NBC Fox wouldn't kill off the only quality programming that they provide.

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it's a generational thing, i think. NBC is betting on the oldfart demographic. which, maybe, is the right move. broadcast television is kind of like AM radio now.
 
I'm going to miss Conan! He was awesome, and such a dork, and that's why I liked watching him. Way better than Leno.
 
Alright, I saw this thread and had to watch. Not to say that I haven't been a Conan fan, but the last show of his that I made to point to watch was his third show, on the Late Show. That was in 1993. :biggrin:

Neil Young! Not bad for a last musical guest.
 
I don't know why anyone ever liked Conan. I think the demographic he'd appeal to has a bedtime before the Tonight Show comes on. He might have a better chance being on during the hour before the adolescent boys who like the shock jock junk on the radio go to school.

Their viewers must agree. No network is going to drop a host if the show is getting good ratings. They probably also came to their senses that filling up all of the 10 PM slots during the week with a single show is wasting prime time space for the more adult-themed shows that can't be aired earlier but get a lot of viewers.
 
On one of Conan's very first shows, back in 1993, he had Jamie Lee Curtis on as a guest. This led to what must be one of the most uncomfortable moments on television. Conan was very green and awkward. His skills as an interviewer were clearly lacking. Eventually, much to Conan's dismay, Curtis starts cracking up and finally manges to blurt out that this is the worst interview she has ever had. She then got up and left during the interview! Poor Conan was stunned. What a lousy way to start a new show.
 
I tried to watch it but I fell asleep halfway through (not hating on Coco, I was sleepy)
 
Moonbear said:
I don't know why anyone ever liked Conan. I think the demographic he'd appeal to has a bedtime before the Tonight Show comes on. He might have a better chance being on during the hour before the adolescent boys who like the shock jock junk on the radio go to school.

Their viewers must agree. No network is going to drop a host if the show is getting good ratings. They probably also came to their senses that filling up all of the 10 PM slots during the week with a single show is wasting prime time space for the more adult-themed shows that can't be aired earlier but get a lot of viewers.

Oh, come on now. I'm sure you must know that humor is subjective!

I agree with you in a way, however. I don't think The Tonight Show was really a good fit for Conan's style. Or, rather, Conan's style was NOT a good fit with the Leno-era Tonight Show demographic.

Everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY, saw this coming -- except, apparently, the network executives. Those morons should have taken note when the local affiliates complained BEFORE Leno took to prime. There have been quite a few major markets that have seen their late-news take some pretty big hits because of the weak lead-in.

Also, I can assure you that my bedtime is after 11:35PM. :biggrin: