Jay Leno is taking back his 11:35pm time slot
As we first reported, under the contract Jay had been working under, he was guaranteed the 10 PM hour. By moving him to 11:35, NBC was in breach of his contract and needed to negotiate a new deal. That is now done, sources tell TMZ.
So Conan O'Brien is out, and Jay is restored.
So Conan O'Brien is out, and Jay is restored.
O'Brien made a public and highly-publicized statement on the whole debacle just two days ago. Of course, this story hasn't been confirmed by the network, so we'll be sure to keep you posted with any further breaking news coming out of NBC.
UPDATE: (1/14/10 2:45 PM PST) A new story from The Hollywood Reporter claims that NBC is denying that any deal has been struck between the network and Jay Leno.
Again, we'll keep you posted as soon as we have more word on the situation.
Comments (3)
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CBF
Conan and lawyers just negotiated the deal to leave NBC and start a new show on another network within the year. Which means that Jay Leno will be taking back the Tonight Show, most likely starting Feb 15th. The deal corners around NBC reaching a settlement that will pay O'Brien the owed dues from the remainder of his 2 1/2 year contract. Around $25-35 million, proportedly. One source says it is close to $40 million, which is very close to the NBC clause that stated he would be paid $45 mill if NBC somehow breached the contract early, which I guess they didn't here because it was in the contract that NBC could move the show back if needed, apparently to accomodate sports programs. Conan is apparently going to be abandoning the Tonight Show in a week, his last show being Jan 22nd, even though he has more time on the show left.
I really hope Conan takes his band, cast and crew with him and his opening theme wherever he goes. My wish is that he comes to FOX in the Fall 2010 with "The Conan O'Brien Show" at 11:00 or 11:35 pm. String dance and all. Then we can really see the ratings numbers against Leno, Letterman, and Conan and see who comes out on top. Especially since Jay is now damaged goods.
Here is the link:
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/nbc-us-tv-host-conan-obrien-negotiate-exit-report/story-e6frfku0-1225820372421
2 years agoby @comicbookfanFlag
XSSIV
I've heard that Conan's last show will be Jan 22. Tonight goes on haitus thereafter and, upon its return, it will be Jay's.
On top of that, their new sked has Seinfeld... so... I guess if you can't get anything new working for you... Go back a decade or so and see what happens.
Whatever.
2 years agoby @xssivFlag
CBF
Regarding the update: whatever, I been reading all around the web that it was "silently" agreed upon. Conan's getting axed at the end of February, and Leno is pulling a Jay-Z and coming out of Tonight Show retirement. However, Conan still holds the best cards against NBC, it still sucks that they didn't give him a fair chance to be host, counting him out before counting him in, but in my opinion, this gives Conan the freedom he's always wanted. While Conan definitely "outclassed" NBC and Jay Leno's betrayal, he might get the better ratings against Leno's timeslot with The Conan O'Brien Show on another network.
2 years agoby @comicbookfanFlag