Conan: A Lesson In Class, Dignity And Self Respect

[Refugee 7]

I have always liked Conan O'Brien. I think he's goofy and funny in a way that doesn't appeal to everyone, and I respect the fact that he's never tried to change who he is just to earn wider appeal.

But my respect for him has grown exponentially today. NBC put him and Jay Leno in a pit and told them to fight it out. Neither deserved that. It's a gutless way to make a decision.

But Conan has done the right thing for the right reasons. If you read nothing else today, read his statement, addressed to "People of Earth." It's a lesson in class, dignity and self-respect. Class, because he's putting The Tonight Show above himself and biting the bullet, making the decision NBC isn't classy enough to make. Dignified, because he doesn't take any cheap shots at Leno or NBC, and he makes it clear that his only goal is to do work valued by his company. Plus, he puts all of this in context, recognizing that he has been "absurdly blessed." And, finally, he shows some self-respect by politely but firmly pointing out that, despite his passing on other possible deals in the past, he was never given a chance to succeed.

This is about more than entertainment or NBC's history at dealing with its late-night franchise. This is a lesson in how companies deal with people and how people react in the 21st century. It speaks very poorly of the state of corporate America, but my hope is that Conan speaks for many of us in his handling of his bosses' spineless decision-making.

http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/01/conan-a-lesson.html

[Refugee 7]

Boycott NBC, they suck. Why would any station try and make something happen with Jay Leno? UGH! He's not funny! He's an absolute chore to watch. I hope Conan goes to a network who can appreciate his talent and humor and show NBC what a huge mistake they have made.

[AmyLou 5]

^ I agree totally Linda, I heard his statement today and it was totally classy. I really like how he refused to upset not only the Tonight Show franchise, but also Jimmy Fallon's show. I cannot stand Leno and used to watch Letterman until Conan took the time slot (it was too late for me otherwise.) I absolutely love both Conan and Jimmy Fallon's show, and think, given time to work it all out, both would have risen exponentially in their ratings.

I hope Conan goes to Fox and Jimmy can retain his slot... The Roots are without a doubt the best band of any show.

NBC = No Body Cares

[normandi 21]

Team CONAN!!!!

Leno sucks and he is an ASS.

NBC are chumps.

However I still prefer Craig Ferguson and David Letterman above all... but thanks to TiVo I get to see them all!

[Merritt 8]

Screw that big chinned asshole.

Conan didn't deserve any of this.

Wherever he goes, I will follow.

[Katie 0]

Conan really is a rare example of keeping your integrity in a dirty business. I can't even begin to tell you how closely I've been following this whole situation. All through Jr. High and High School I would stay up extremely late just to watch him. He had a humor that I really connected with and I've always admired him for being a persistant yet humble underdog.

He packed up and moved his entire family to the opposite side of the country - as did many of his staff. This is just a really awful situation for them and really speaks volumes about NBC and Leno.

I'm just gutted.

[normandi 21]

NBC can follow Leno right into the grave.

[Tara 0]

I :heart: Conan. I just read through his official statement, and he doesn't disappoint. He isn't going to compromise his integrity, nor the legacy of The Tonight Show for the sake of Leno snagging a better time slot. He has far more talent and potential than Jay Leno could ever have and wasn't given a fair chance. I can only hope that there is some validity to the talk that he may be going to Fox.

That being said, I'm also a fan of David Letterman and I absolutely adore Craig Ferguson! But thumbs down to Jay...he's excruciating to watch at times!

NBC sucks...but I can't completely boycott them because of 30 Rock. :003:

[Refugee 7]

LMAOOOOO!! I don't know who had the best monologue tonight, Conan or David Letterman. I'm in tears from laughing so hard at both of them. :077:

[agirl 0]

I love Conan! Katie, I'm with you. Wherever he goes I will follow!

[Refugee 7]

LMAOOOOO!! I don't know who had the best monologue tonight, Conan or David Letterman. I'm in tears from laughing so hard at both of them. :077:

Okay, I think Craig Ferguson took the title, lol.

[Marion 1,411]

It's all past my bedtime but go Conan!

[Echosoftom 3]

This whole thing pissed me off from the very beginning. When Leno left the Tonight show, why in the hell didn't he just LEAVE???? GO AWAY somewhere and play with his lame car collection. One thing about it when Johnny Carson left the Tonight show you never heard another word from him. He had class. He went out at the top of his game. Leno seems to be hell bent on dragging it out to the very end. I'm sorry, I know it's mean but I hope he bombs miserably! He had his time, now give Conan his.

[agirl 0]

^ Amen!

[DCAHNM 0]

^^ I totally agree.

Boycotting NBC would be pretty easy for me. There's nothing on that channel (except Conan (and maybe Jimmy Fallon) that I like). Conan rules. That dude has a lot of class. Jay Leno should just go away and play with all his collectible cars and get out of our lives. I see him more than enough on those stupid car shows that Mr. Pettyhead watches.

[LRED 1]

I like Conan Total class

[LizzieB 0]

I didn't watch Conan on the Late Show, but I always liked him on Late Night. And I've never liked Leno. I don't hate him but he is boring! There is no doubt Conan will come out on top somewhere, somehow. He's great.

That article had it right. This decision is totally spineless! I hope NBC suffers for it (as long as it doesn't impact Jimmy Fallon, I love him).

[surfnburn 5]

It's too late for me, too...I miss Johnny Carson..

"I thought late night tv was just background noise to having sex". (I can't remember who said this. But it's too funny.)

[emmie 2]

Call me weird, but I'll take Leno over Conan any day of the week. I just think Conan's a jackass.

[KansasPettyFan 1]

^ You're not weird. I am in a minority because I actually like them both. HOWEVER, when they moved Leno, they changed the whole format of the show and added some very lame things to do which they didn't have to do and lost viewers because of it. This seems so simple to me and they don't seem to get it. I hardly ever watched the new Leno show because of those stupid pieces they did. Blah!

[nurktwin 2,143]

i'm not crazy about leno, but i hate conan and all the rest of the late, late show hosts, they suck! maybe conan should cut his hair and stick it on his butt, because he has NO class or a hair on his ass!! bring back johnny carson, steve allen and maybe i'll start watching again.

[Echosoftom 3]

Ames, I miss Johnny too. NOBODY can fill his shoes. I hardly ever watch the Tonight show anymore. But, when Johnny Carson was still hosting, it was part of my nightly ritual to watch before I went to bed.