Conan O’Brien seems like he’s in purgatory right now, but not exactly.
I am told that the Fox deal for a late-night show is moving forward with “everyone talking.” Among the obstacles, as I reported here first when the whole NBC debacle began: clearing Fox stations for an 11:30 p.m. show. The Fox network signs off every night at 10 p.m.
At the same time, Conan is in discussions for taking his show live to theaters across the country. And what a PR bonanza that would be! Imagine O’Brien moving his show into Radio City Music Hall, then taking it on the road. It’s a sure sellout, and the cachet involved would only make him more desirable to Fox. O’Brien could certainly sell out mid range venues in most big cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C. and maybe even Atlanta. It’s certainly something to consider.
So hold on for more Conan, and don’t be surprised if an announcement comes just in time to upstage Jay Leno’s return to the Tonight Show.
February 24th, 2010 at 10:11 am
While NBC doesn’t control Radio City Music Hall, I seriously doubt that the Rockefeller Center people would want to antagonize the network by bring in Conan.
It’s not that long ago that NBC was thinking of moving to Trump’s proposed West Side project over the Pennsylvania/Long Island RR yards. A stupid move like this could be the spark to revive that & then RC loses a huge, well paying tenant & the free publicity that goes with it!
February 24th, 2010 at 10:54 am
NBC has made so MANY stupid blunders, but even THEY wouldn’t give up their lifelong NBC ROCKEFELLER SQUARE/center identity. They’ve SOLD that image for fifty years — the last 30-some years for SNL alone. The Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is an entire NETWORK prime time SPECIAL EVERY YEAR. Every time anybody goes SKATING in Rockefeller Center .. the evening news from NBC Rockefeller Center, etc. etc. etc.
CONAN’S SHOWS will be a sell-out SRO no matter WHERE he appears. And FOX will give Conan the freedom to do the kind of show CONAN DOES BEST. NBC & the Tonight Show format stifled Conan and his writers, which is why they let it “all hang out” the last week they were on the air and their ratings skyrocketed. And WITHOUT tired, old Leno ruining his lead-in (& late night news audiences being turned-off) … Conan’s ratings would have been A LOT better. As they will soar for FOX whatever time they schedule Conan’s show.
Like NBC, LENO showed the world their “real” faces: (big chin) and stupid network … bald faced liars and corporate STOOGES.
February 24th, 2010 at 10:58 am
PS: IN TRUMP’S DREAMS NBC would move to HIS building! Trump’s NAME is nowhere NEAR as credible as the Rockefeller icon.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:49 am
I was wondering why Fox with a deal with Conan, and even more, why Conan with regard to his live show tour, were both in blackout mode right now.
I think Roger Friedman has the answer: Conan’s agents were not only clever enough to silently make sure his exit deal did not prohibit live appearances, but also are now clever enough to know when to put the PR to get most bang for the buck. (Leno has no agents and it shows).
p.s.–as the three posters leaving a reply ahead of mine: yes, NBC is stupid enough to do it, but it would not take any doing by Conan, but I don’t think NBC is that stupid at the moment.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
This Conan live theater tour is happening. should be a very cool thing. NY play is confirmed.
Scooter, sorry your wrong. Radio City Music Hall has no relationship with NBC. at all. so there is no issue of his playing there. that said. NBC is still in business with Conan… the only reason why not is cause his ratings were kinda poor.
I wonder how it will all shake out with a Fox 11pm show. my bet is that it isn’t a 1135pm show. instead it would start earlier to have a competitive advantage. which would be very interesting. alot of people hate the news from other networks. so my money is Conan at 11pm.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Wow, a road show! Conan is now gunning for Gallagher’s career while the big boys rule late night.
February 25th, 2010 at 9:10 am
[...] even dumber than not banning O’Brien from social media? Not banning a live tour. When they were drafting up this agreement, it was probably the wine-drinking scene in Princess [...]
February 25th, 2010 at 9:26 am
Right, touring automatically puts a performer at Gallagher’s level. Thanks for your valuable contribution.
February 25th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Aren’t the people who watch Leno retired and are now on a fixed income? Why would advertisers want that demographic? I would rather advertise toward the 18 to 50 year olds.
February 25th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Ditto, Patrick.
February 26th, 2010 at 2:25 am
Yeah, Patrick, I’m sure that touring performers like Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Eddie Murphy, etc. would have agreed with you about their being on Gallagher’s level. How about we give Conan a little more credit than comparing him to some hack who smashed fruit?
March 1st, 2010 at 5:06 pm
It’ll be great to see Conan on the road. waiting until September for his return is killing me. hope he comes to our town (or least within a few hundred miles)
March 23rd, 2010 at 4:40 am
haha, Leno is so wild! I love him.