Conan makes anticipated return to late night television
Sarah Evans
Many viewers were disappointed when Conan O’Brien left the late night scene. After Jay Leno moved to prime time on NBC, and Conan had taken his 11:35 p.m. time-slot as talk show host for “The Tonight Show,” things got rocky for both comedians. Leno’s ratings dropped, and he immediately demanded his previous time back. This meant that O’Brien would air at 12:05 a.m. There were only two options left for O’Brien: take the midnight time-slot, or leave NBC. He decided on the latter.
The question on loyal viewers and new watcher’s minds is whether or not Conan can bring back his zany brand of entertaining antics to TBS.
O’Brien has always taken risks with new comedic talents. He has introduced some wacky characters to the comedy scene that have gone on to have great success. For example, actor Chris Elliott had his start as the “man under the stairs” featured on Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
It is ironic that even after his attempt to avoid airing at midnight; his premiere show was at that exact time due to day light savings.
Monday, Nov. 8 at midnight, Conan’s new debut premiered on TBS after several old re-runs of Family Guy; hardly the respect this comedian has earned. Yet, O’Brien didn’t miss a chance to turn it into a wisecrack.
In the first few minutes of the new show, Conan poked fun at the situation of being fired and making less money. The skit was an amusing exaggeration of unemployment issues showing that his sense of humor and energetic demeanor is still intact.
Not only did he bring with him the infamous Masturbating Bear and Andy Richter, his awesome band followed him as well, now being called “The Basic Cable Band.”
Conan’s premiere also had the honor of having two guest appearances by popular up-and -coming stars: Seth Rogan from “Knocked Up,” and Lea Michele from “Glee.” The interviews were interesting to say the least; appealing to the younger crowd.
Conan O’Brien is back with a drier feel, mostly because he is getting used to his new set, and making light of the fact he is no longer making the amount of money he was.
O’Brien even tried on a Halloween mask replica of his face labeled “Ex-Talk Show Host.” The crowd had a good laugh at that one.
Screams from the audience, and happy laughter proved that Conan O’Brien was off to a good start, and ready to pick up where he left off.
With the success of the new show and loyal fans staying true, it appears that the joke is on NBC.
