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BEVERLY HILLS, California: Say adios to host Jay Leno for Conon O’Brien will take over the "Tonight Show" next June.
The beloved talk show host’s last show is scheduled to air on Friday, May 29, while O’Brien will start the following Monday, June 1, NBC executives announced on Monday.
O’Brien will be the late night talk show’s fifth host.
Leno took over the "Tonight Show" franchise in 1992, following the reign of Johnny Carson, and has been a late-night ratings leader ever since.
NBC is angling to keep Leno with NBC Universal but the late-night king has indicated he’s ready to jump ship.
“We really believe in the decisions we’ve made with out partners, including Jay, are standing by them,” Ben Silverman, co-chairman of NBC Entertainment said.
Eager NBC competitors, including other networks and syndicates, are prepared to help him make the leap.
During a Television Critics Association panel in LA on Monday, Leno arrived at the panel sporting a bald cap and a fake goatee, posting as a reporter to ask questions.
Foremost on his mind?
“Will (Leno) be paid for the entire year?”
And the executives who seem to be in on the joke, replied, “Of course.”
- CNA/jk
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