I do not understand NBC. I've tried to. I really have. But, alas, I do not.
Hell, I even like NBC. I do. And not just the NBC of yesteryear, with the Seinfelds and Cheerses and the Cosby making the funny. That current Thursday night lineup is unbelievably solid. I don't know when it happened, but "Parks and Rec" became my favorite show, with "I'm Ron Fucking Swanson" being my favorite line from a sitcom since "I just blue myself."
They seemed to be on the right track, cutting these shows some slack even if they didn't match the ratings "Two and a Half Men" drew with all its subtle sexual innuendo and convicts. (Oh Sheen! How you wound me!) But it was all a big ruse. Duping me into thinking they had patience and an actual interest in making compelling television. I'd even forgotten the whole reason Jay Leno had a 10 o'clock show was because they'd given up. "Well, we can't make shows as good as 'CSI,' so let's make nothing."
So what the F, NBC? What the EFF? Why must you make such poor decisions? Why? Giving Leno back the 11:30 spot is a big slap in the face to Leno, to Conan, and most of all to everyone who's watched your network and stuck with you.
I can handle you slapping me in the face. You've done it before and you'll do it again. I'll keep telling FOX and CBS that I fell down the stairs.
But please, don't slap Conan. He doesn't deserve it. Remember, it was you who deConanified Conan. I'm not just talking about a lack of a masturbating bear. Why does his set look like a day time talk show? Did you borrow a reject powder blue back drop from "The Bonnie Hunt Show?" Nothing against Bonnie (she's great as the 8th lead in "Jerry Maguire"), but Conan's old show had such a loose feel, like a late night hang out. His new show feels like I'm meeting him for lunch and I'm checking my watch to see if I have to get back to work
And don't slap Leno. I know he gives you a big target (chin joke! chin joke!), but lay off the guy. And just so you know, I have nothing against Leno. He may not be my cup of tea, but he seems like a quality guy, and you're dicking him around. Look at that new haircut. It looks like he went to the barber and said "make me look cool," but his barber just happened to be John Travolta.
With Leno, NBC should give him a time slot, and let him find his rhythm. If they don't want to bother to make primetime dramas anymore, fine. But don't keep jerking him around - he's not "Friday Nights Lights." If they do, they might as well just put him on "Good Morning America." I know that's an ABC show, but if we're playing by NBC's logic, it's all fair game.
And while we're at it, I'd probably enjoy "CSI: Conan." Have at it, NBC.
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Jay and Conan work for NBC. NBC has the bat and they have the ball. If NBC decides they want to change the game, Jay and/or Conan can either agree or go home--because it's not their bat or their ball. There are risks in any endeavor and all one can really do is try their best and then deal with the consequences--many of which are out of their control.
Maybe we should all take notice of how Jay is handling this--like a big boy who knows he's very fortunate.
I've watched Conan a bit over the time he's been there, but haven't seen him since taking over the Tonight Show, I'll make it a point to watch the next one coming up Monday night. Anyways, In the last few months, I've not watched ANY of them. I've had other things occupying my time and such and I have no life, basically.
Conan is very funny at times. I like him and Craig as much as I like Letterman and Leno. Fallon and Kimble are alright too. They all have their moments, and I can remember Ferguson having me rolling in tears at some of his monologues. But then, they've all done that at one time or another. I can see where it would be hard to do that every single night for years and years. At some point things get old, stale, whatever. Plus fans come and go. Anyways, glad you reminded people of Ferguson too, hehe. And also thanks for sticking up for Conan. He deserves better.
Just do like I do, quit watching them. Problem solved.
Overbluff
I think the question that needs to be asked, and pardon me for not being up to speed on this, but why did they change out Letterman for O'Brien anyways? No disrespect to O'Brien either as I've watched him on occasion and he's funny too. To be honest, I don't watch any of the three regularly. So I wish them all the best of success no matter what happens.
Ummm, errrr, that should say.... but why did they change out Leno for O'Brien anyways?
NBC should leave Conan where he is at 11:30. Once he relaxes and becomes his old wacky self, Conan will build a huge audience. Moving or canceling Conan will just create ill-will among the public -- especially younger people. Rather than putting Leno back into late night, NBC should let him do interview specials (like Barbara Walters), a sketch comedy show, or a weekly spin-off of Jaywalking.
Conan is THE BOMB, and they should have left him alone in the beginning. I am an original Conan fan, not some newbie who is just tuning in. I stayed up EVERY night to watch his show, and I can't remember a night that I stayed up to watch Leno (except when there was a band I liked, and then I channel surfed until they came on). He is just... not.... funny.
Conan and Leno should stick together on this since both are being jerked around. They both need to demand they stay right where they are or BOTH leave. They'll be on another channel in less than a month where they want, not where Zucker sticks them. He needs to let the creative folks make the needed changes where they are, not the execs. That's why we have reality tv and not more quality shows.