Late-night TV has always been filled with laughs, interviews, and drama. But one of the biggest behind-the-scenes showdowns happened between Conan O’Brien and Jay Leno. This is the story of how two comedy giants clashed over one of television’s most iconic shows: The Tonight Show.
The Reign of Johnny Carson
Before Conan and Leno ever stepped on the stage, there was Johnny Carson. He hosted The Tonight Show for 30 years, earning him the title of TV legend. When he retired in 1992, most people expected David Letterman to take over.
Instead, NBC surprised everyone. They gave the job to Jay Leno, a frequent guest and fill-in host. This decision shocked the world and started years of behind-the-scenes tension.
Leno vs. Letterman
After losing out on the big job, Letterman left NBC and started his show on CBS. For a while, he beat Leno in ratings. But in 1995, Leno booked Hugh Grant for an interview after Grant’s scandal. Leno opened the show by asking, “What were you thinking?” The bold question made headlines—and helped Leno surge ahead in the ratings.
Enter Conan O’Brien
With Letterman gone, NBC needed someone for the Late Night slot. They eventually chose Conan O’Brien, a young writer from The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live. At first, things didn’t go well. Conan was awkward and had limited TV experience. However, over time, he developed a strong fan base, particularly among young viewers.
The Deal That Started It All
By the early 2000s, NBC was worried they’d lose Conan to another network. So they made a big promise: if Conan stayed, he’d get The Tonight Show in five years. Jay Leno’s contract was ending, and NBC hoped this plan would keep everyone happy.
But they didn’t tell Leno right away.
Conan and Leno Share the Spotlight
Eventually, Leno found out, and he wasn’t thrilled. Still, he agreed to the plan. In 2009, after years of waiting, Conan O’Brien finally took over The Tonight Show. He moved his entire team to Los Angeles and got to work.
But the ratings didn’t meet NBC’s expectations.
Leno Comes Back
Instead of supporting Conan, NBC made a strange move. They gave Jay Leno a new show, right before The Tonight Show’s time slot. This change hurt both shows. In January 2010, NBC asked Conan to move The Tonight Show to 12:05 AM to make room for Leno.
Conan refused. He said, “The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply is not The Tonight Show.”
Conan’s Exit and Fans’ Support
Conan left the show just months after taking over the reins. He received a $40 million payout, most of which went to his staff. Fans were furious. People protested outside NBC studios and launched a support campaign called “I’m with CoCo.”
Later that year, Conan launched a new show on TBS, just called Conan. Meanwhile, Leno returned to The Tonight Show until his retirement in 2014. Jimmy Fallon has hosted the show ever since.
A Legacy of Laughter—and Drama
The Conan and Leno saga is more than just a TV story. It’s about ambition, timing, and what happens when big egos and big promises collide. Conan walked away with respect and loyalty from fans. Leno kept the job, but many believe it cost him his reputation.
Final Thoughts
Late-night TV will never forget the drama between Conan and Leno. It’s a reminder that even in comedy, power struggles can get serious. While both men made people laugh, only one won the audience’s heart.
Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning and laughing a lot while you do, you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode right now!
Sources
Conan/Leno Conflict – Wikipedia
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