The Conan/Jay Controversy

[MegaAstroFan75]

People everywhere are talking about this and throwing hate galore at Jay Leno, and I'm going to try and get this out there, what's actually happened. If you think Jay whined about being in prime time, want his show back, tried to force Conan out, or anything else like that, well you're wrong.


Here's what actually happened, right from Jay's mouth. Jay's contract is set to expire two years from now, but he gave up the Tonight Show early and it went to Conan. Back in spring towards the end of Jay's run he went to NBC and asked them to let go of his contract so he could retire. NBC however refused to let go of his contract saying he was still valuable to them and instead gave Jay the prime time slot Jay Leno Show, predicting lower ratings. When the affiliates got upset because of the lowering ratings on Jay, Conan and Jimmy, NBC decided to cancel Jay's show. Once again Jay asked them to let go of his contract and AGAIN they refused to drop his contract deciding to give him a half hour show at 11:35 and bumping Conan to 12:02, assuring Jay that Conan would be fine with it.

Of course Conan was not fine with it and due to contract either had to quit NBC altogether or move the show. The last two weeks have been negotiations with Conan ending with him leaving the network and Jay being given the Tonight Show back.

There, that's what happened. If anyone's a bad guy in all this it's Jimmy Kimmel whose been relentless in insulting Jay, devoting an hour and 10 minutes to it altogether (an episode of his show and then 10 at 10 on Jay's Show where he was a guest and behaved abominably).

So don't go blaming Jay Leno for things he had no control over. Blame NBC, but not the hosts.

[jeffbert]

As long as the HEADLINES feature returns to the early part of the Monday show, I will be happy.

[cybotron]

As long as the HEADLINES feature returns to the early part of the Monday show, I will be happy.

Amen