Negotiations between Conan O’Brien and NBC recently hit a snag over Tonight Show staff compensation, as the $40 million or so NBC is reportedly paying Conan not to do The Tonight Show apparently has the network a bit reluctant to shell out anything more. However, even if and when the two sides work that issue out, another complication, referenced by O’Brien on last night’s show, looms – intellectual property.

“Hello there, I’m Conan O’Brien and I need all of you to write me a letter of recommendation.” For those who were worried that erstwhile Tonight Show Conan O’Brien‘s late-night hating on NBC was over, those fears were laid to rest by this reassurance at the top: “A lot of papers are now reporting that [...]

Jimmy Kimmel’s evisceration of Jay Leno last night was incredible – as much of the Internet has noted – but not just for the reasons people are giving.

Throughout the recent sturm and drang surrounding the NBC late night drama, the one consistent takeaway is that this is all the fault of NBC Chief Jeff Zucker. And while that may or may not be true, the idea of moving Jay Leno to the 10pm time slot wasn’t always seen as the disastrous move that is now. In fact, many television critics hailed Zucker for “the coup” of keeping Leno when this move was announced. Let’s take a look at what critics said at the time, and compare it to their thoughts now. Fun! Right?

The question has to be asked – was this the last time The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien will air? Because NBC can’t afford to have Conan O’Brien go rogue on a nightly basis like he did tonight.

Let’s explore the carnage and search for morsels of funny buried in the peacock feathers.

The new hot late night TV rumors involve The Jay Leno Show being moved back to Leno’s former 11:30 time slot, rather than scrapped entirely. For some reason, however, this didn’t stop Leno from still talking last night like cancellation was still in the cards. And NBC seems entirely to blame. Video inside!

Who: Jimmy Fallon interviewed by Bill Carter What: The New York Times’ Arts & Leisure Weekend Where: The Times Center When: January 8, 2009 Thumbs: At our palms, applauding