Conan O'Brien On Jay Leno's New Show: 'I Am Thrilled!'

Access Hollywood - December 9, 2008 4:26 PM PST
Story photo: Conan O'Brien On Jay Leno's New Show: 'I Am Thrilled!'Conan O Brien and Jay Leno, 2003Getty PremiumAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Conan O'Brien has nothing but kind words for Jay Leno, following the "Tonight Show" host's decision to stay with NBC.

On Monday evening, news broke that Leno, who is to vacate the "Tonight Show" seat in spring of next year when O'Brien takes over, has a new show lined up at the network in primetime. And though many suspected O'Brien, who was promised the "Tonight Show" gig in 2004, would be hit hard by the news, he revealed he's known about it for a while.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Jay Leno

"I've had many people calling me today saying, 'What is all this?' 'What's happening?'" O'Brien said during his Tuesday monologue on "Late Night With Conan O'Brien." "Jay Leno is going to be going in at 10 [PM] on NBC. I wanted to make something very clear here on the show this evening. I've known about this for a while."

O'Brien said he has already discussed the move with Leno and he is pleased for his fellow late night host.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Comedians

"I've talked a lot about this with Jay. I am thrilled. I am absolutely thrilled that Jay is staying at NBC. He has been my lead-in on this program for 16 seasons. He is a fantastic lead-in," O'Brien continued. "He is a huge part of my success. I am indebted to Jay Leno. And I love the idea that that relationship is going to continue. He is going to be my lead-in continuing, I hope, for a long, long time. So congratulations to Jay Leno."

And, the redheaded comedian added, he is happy with Leno staying on for another reason.

"This is a happy ending. It's very nice. We're thrilled for him and we're thrilled for everybody at the 'Tonight Show.' Also I've talked it over with my producer and that means I can keep doing my Jay Leno impression," he concluded.

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comments 1-10 of 11  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • juma obaid
    conan rocks, been watching him since 1996 :D
    report abuseposted June 12, 2009 3:42 PM PDT
  • juno106
    Conan is amazing... If you don't get him then your too old or have no sense of humor.
    report abuseposted June 1, 2009 9:40 PM PDT
  • Aubree W
    Love Conan!!!!!
    report abuseposted March 2, 2009 5:37 PM PST
  • why
    if only conan had some talent . i bet he works for minimum wage.
    report abuseposted December 12, 2008 6:01 PM PST
  • pine nut
    i for one cannot tol conan...his ego is bigger than his hair i never watched his show & most certainly will not watch as he takes over lenos show....how can one guy love his self so much!!! it is nauseating...just my opinion i dont expect anyone to agree with me....its america remember....
    report abuseposted December 12, 2008 3:34 PM PST
  • tongue scrape
    The things Conan does are better for a younger crowd who stays up later, and Leno is for older people who have to go to bed early. Isn't that right man in a gorilla costume, using an old fashioned excercise machine listening to oldies
    report abuseposted December 10, 2008 8:26 AM PST
  • fightingirish
    conan tell jay to move it along he's sickening, but we love you!
    report abuseposted December 10, 2008 5:47 AM PST
  • Y.M.I.evenHereThisSucks
    What's this??? Late Night Show overload! I'll skip Leno and watch Conan instead.
    report abuseposted December 9, 2008 8:31 PM PST
  • *sHaNnA*
    aw i am gonna miss leno, but conan is pretty cool too i guess....
    report abuseposted December 9, 2008 6:28 PM PST
  • Ujo'
    That Fallow or Fallon guy.. Is he a joke? Don’t tell me that he's not.. Because I for one would rather watch that Colber or Colbert something guy on TAPE for all things!!!
    report abuseposted December 9, 2008 6:09 PM PST
comments 1-10 of 11  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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