Old times, new tricks: On Jay Leno's last Tonight Show on Friday, he and Conan O'Brien looked back at their on-stage meeting in 1993, just after O'Brien was announced as the new host of what had been David Letterman's show.
 

by Linda Holmes

Watchers of the late-night scene know very well the tale of a then-unknown Conan O'Brien taking over what used to be David Letterman's show back in 1993, having worked primarily as a writer (most notably for The Simpsons) before that time. He overcame early bad reviews to become quite beloved at 12:30 a.m., and now he's got the big desk at The Tonight Show, starting tonight.

Guests for the first week will include Will Ferrell, Tom Hanks, and Ryan Seacrest, as well as musical guests Pearl Jam, Green Day, and The John Mayer Trio.

The pressure is on, but one of the things Conan has going for him is that he's done this before; he's been patient. If he isn't an instant hit at 11:30, he's conditioned not to wilt.

categories: Television

10:31 - June 1, 2009

What is this?

Share