Conan O'Brien's "Tonight Show": OK, not great
(AP/NBC)
Conan killed last night. And by "killed" I don't mean "killed" (in the showbiz sense).
Let's put it this way: Jay Leno was the happiest man in California last night. David Letterman, the happiest in New York.
This beginning was not auspicious.
Allow me - if you will - to be perfectly clear. The first night of what will probably be the first night of the rest of Conan O'Brien's professional life was not a disaster. Not at all. But it was far from a success.
Let me put it another way: A few million "Tonight Show" habitues turned to their spouses and said, "tell me AGAIN Mabel why NBC dumped Leno for this guy?"
What were the problems? There were a few, and I'll go to individual bullets in a minute. But for Conan to allay doubts, to quell misgivings, to make viewers realize there was a bona fide reason for this change (as opposed to a slick strong-arm move by Co and his agents five years ago that panicked Jeff Zucker) he needed to come out and kill. He needed a great monologue, excellent material from start to finish, and a set that didn't diminish him, but somehow enhanced his stature.
He had none of those. He was annoying. He cackled. Andy Richter looked like some insane guy he pulled off the street. Will Ferrell was painful. Even the great Max Weinberg Seven seemed shrill.
And all this is coming form someone - me - who thinks Conan is close to being a comedy genius.
What happened? Opening night jitters. They'll be worked out.
I hope.
Let's fire away:
* "L.A.:" Let's begin with my pet peeve and it's a silly one, admittedly. Why, Conan, this constant reference to "L.A.?" It sounds old and mawkish; no one in Los Angeles refers to Los Angeles as "L.A." anymore; it's like referring to Hollywood as "Tinseltown" or New York as "the Big Apple." It's Los Angeles and you work in Universal City. [Joe Adalian of TV Week tweets: "Verne Gay is apparently drinking from the crazy well; we do call it L.A., often."]
* The set: As billed, spectacular, a thing of elegance and beauty, and ridiculously huge, reducing the 6-foot-4 host to 4-foot-6. There was also a vague whiff of pretension and a New York-imported sensibility; as in, "no plastic or garish lights for ME! I'm too classy for THAT." Those curtains that opened at the outset? Must have spent a million bucks on that setup. Why can't a host just walk out on to the stage?
* The backdrop: A hugely important part of the show, and Co and staff have effectively said, "to hell with modern-day Los Angeles. It's ugly! Hey, let's recreate the skyline from 'LA Confidential' instead! THAT was cool." This would be like going to New York, and creating the skyline from 1925 - not even a Chrysler building in sight. And there, over Co's shoulder is the Los Angeles City Hall - what's cool about that?
* The monologue: One good joke (the first) and the rest so-so, particularly the jab at the Clippers. Note to Conan: Please please please please no more Clippers jokes. They're older 'n Kim Bassinger's 'doo in "LA Confidential." It's like coming to N.Y. and making jokes about the Knicks - old and obvious and unfunny jokes. I suspect people in California are sick to death of them. Meanwhile, the monologue - not exactly a Conan strong suit - needs steroids. More jokes. Better jokes. Audiences expect that, and there's nothing, Co, you can do about it.
* The opener: Brilliant. That's the Co we know and love. Running from New York and forgetting his keys? I loved it. The best part of the night by far.
* Other pre-packaged material: Again, average to middling. The Taurus bit? That was overproduced. The Universal Studio tour? Funny in parts but jarring in others. The "Hollywoo" bit, with the "D" stolen. Not good. At all.
Let me restate to any Co doubters out there: This guy is great. He's brilliant. He's inspired. I fully believe that in time, all will be well, and his "Tonight" run (pun intended) a memorable one.
But last night was rocky.
The cold open...
E-mail
Facebook
Digg
Delicious
Comments (31)
Just as I suspected. Trite, uncomfortbale and stiff.
NOT FUNNY AT ALL! NBC WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?
Actually, the only thing funny to me was the Tauras sketch!
Maybe cause I used to own one! But that was it!
Ferrell was a huge mistake for a first night run!
Pathetic sums it up!
Tell Conan he needs some color, hes in Calif now.
Last night, he was so white, I had to wear shades,
and Im a white girl in Tx!
GOD IM GONNA MISS ME MY JAY! Im holding on till the fall!
The best part of the New Tonight Show is when it signed off.
waited to see the "big" show..finally arrived.
kept nodding OFF.
not very interesting
won't be around long....
too bad...
waited to see the "big" show..finally arrived.
kept nodding OFF.
not very interesting
won't be around long....
too bad...
you all are idiots, are you saying Co as in Conan?Lame. I live in California and still say LA. plus, it was his first night give him some slack, it was a good show, you cant go full boar, you got to have a build. Otherwise you would have to top yourself every night and not even J could do that. and thoes of you who love J so much you will get him earlier and then you don't have to watch Conan,We don't need you.
we love you Conan.
"it's like writing a review about a TV show in Los Angeles, and pretending you know all about Los Angeles, but not actually knowing anything at all"
The new set is fantastic, amazing, and an "LA Confidential" backdrop IS cool and inspired and brings back some history to Los Angeles. Because regular Los Angeles (we call it LA, here) IS boring and drab. And your comment that they spent a million dollars on the curtains - wow - heaven forbid a huge television network pour some money in to their new latenight flagship show. We don't want any of that. No change, no.
The show could have been stronger. Andy could have been better. Max looked stiff. Too many pre-packaged bits. Why didn't you talk about any of that? The whole review concentrated on "omigawd it's a new show with a new look". That would be like going to New York (do you call it NY?) and saying David Letterman's set really doesn't look the same as "Law and Order" or "30 Rock".
You blow goats.
Good luck Conan and welcome to LA. I'm a big fan.
Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien are very different. This is sure to rub many Leno fans the wrong way. I think they are both talented and Leno fans should stop being such haters and give him a chance.
I didn't know that Pearl Jam was still around... still not a fan.
A good show overall.
What WAS NBC thinking? It was a boring, long hour, but I made it
through. Andy was annoying. Max is boring.Conan spends too
much time making faces rather than telling jokes or doing a good
monologue. I'll give it a little time, but at this point, it appears I'll
either switch to Letterman (his ratings should rise) or simply get
an extra hour of sleep. NBC, you made a BIG mistake...BIG
mistake!!!!
To all those who are so critical about Conan on his first night..give him a break! I have watched him for yearssss, and have awaited his first tonight show for a long while. It's about time he's finally getting the credit he has always deserved. It was the first show and it was great. Plenty of laughs all around. He will always be the same old comic genius he has always been. He definitely had some jitters, anyone in his position would. This is only the beginning of a funnier era :)
LOVE YOU CONAN!!!
I have to be honest this is the most biased debut I've read so far about last night's show. And this is coming from someone who regularly (and exclusivly) reads Newsday.
Conan's show is like any other in late night, as you said...it takes time. But why would anyone expect the first episode to be some amazing work? It's not like that any more, if it ever has been, because by night two or three or four, things would have to become "normal" (as was indicated rather effectively in my opinion last night. And normal is great.). Once things changed from how they were during the premiere--when they became normalized and the regular routine began to stick--the change in pace would dissapoint viewers, and, thus, less audience retention.
ALSO, don't talk about what you don't know. That is, LA and what they're feeling the "vibe" to be out there. While I DO agree the backdrop could be better, the set as a whole in my opinion was great. Complaining about a curtain? THAT'S ridiculous. Does anyone realize how ridiculous they were during the (albeit legendary) run of Johnny Carson on the show?
And finally, the monolouge was fine. (Has anyone ever seen Carson Daly's??) Conan should NOT be seen as someone who is not good with monlougues. The main difference is that Conan attracts to a different audience. While this may seem harsh, it's not, but rather a slightly sad fact---the older generations need to realize that "their" television--that is, their preferred style--won't be around forever. Just as many of Conan's fans are becoming older and working jobs, Conan is moving to a time slot more suitable for them. It works out great that way. And growing up with a certain type of comedy, you tend to really grasp and be attracted to that type for the rest of your life. Jay Leno is awesome. He's one of TV's most respected (and most deserving of that respect) talents today. But his audience is different. The lines are blurred--they both attract to both---bot overall Jay represents the classic, proper, and neat or trimmed style of comedy--like that of the greats. Cosby, for example. And Conan is more of the youthful/young adult comedy style.
So, sure, some of your points were valid and well-recieved. Others I disagree with, and many are biased. While personal reactions can be made, anything beyond that, like Conan's lack of monologue talen, because of the different audiences, is biased.
There's a reason why Conan was on AFTER Jay, as are the others that are on that late too. As stated by "J" - too many pre-packaged bits and the same ol' same ol' from Conan "the destroyer" of the Tonight show legend. Johnny just rolled over in his grave. Can't wait for Jay to return in the fall. At least he knows how to entertain an audience. Bad move NBC!!
I would have to say that if you dont know Conan, and had never warmed up to him from the beginning
it will be a tough transition for you to get used to (from J to Con), I mean, very big difference in comedic styles.
I could of course sense some early jitters last night, but thats only to be expected; hes a human being and
there is a LOT of pressure on him to do well! I'm sure that as Conan gets used to his new home, things will start to click like they had for him on late night.
you have to remember and recognize that Conan is indeed a very talented and smart individual, but OF COURSE it will take time for him to adjust. I just dont like how people can right off the bat BASH him like this without giving him a real chance.
I think people just need to STFU for right now and let him do his thing! You will see that he will bring a whole new freshness to this "Classy" show, DONT BE SCARED OF THE CHANGE!! accept that this is more of a generational transition ( Young people love Conan) get over it! you will still have your precious J when he returns in the fall
GET RID OF ANDY!!!!!! THAT GUY WILL BRING CONAN DOWN.
Conan is a lot funnier without Andy. Get rid of Andy and the show is bound to improve.
Sorry. It seems that my messages are posted several time. There must be something wrong with the form submission.
Conan has always had the jitters.
I think hes always felt the pressure of having to be funny or say something witty.
that always came off and nervous to me.
when the table looks to you to say something funny, people tend the say things out of insecurity.
those things usually consists of noises and mumbling.
that might of worked for 1230 but at 1130 or 1135, peopl expect more polished act.
jay was underappreciated for how much time he spend polishing his craft and talent.
conan is ok, the strike proved he isnt really in the same league as jay.
jay was probably writing his own jokes, while conan was spinning a pencil.
isnt conan a writer as well?
Still doing the same ol' crap shtick he did on late night. Shows that he's not versatile at all. Conan will destroy the legend of the tonight show. Those younger than, say, 35 don't remember, which is why you don't understand some of the comments being posted here. The jitters isn't it. It's NO TALENT. Agree with Ken's post above re: needing a more polished act for the time slot which has a diffrent demographic. And yes, Jay was a true master at his craft. Younger gen. didn't appreciate him. They prefer the 'goofiness' of the Conan style. Might recall Conan was a writer for SNL and you see where that show went during his tenure there.
Oh, my god! I’ve started watching David Letterman again. (After all these years.) Yes, Conan still sucks, of course. But Conan or Dave? The few times I’d caught Dave lately, I thought he’d just given up and was waiting for retirement. (Although the Joachim Phoenix segment was a total riot!) Now Dave is charged-up and funny again. He knows the score. He knows he is the only alternative. (Dave, please, just get rid of some of your accumulated drivel. Challenge your writers. They should be way ahead of you. Renew yourself!)
Meanwhile, NBC knows it has a big problem. Five years ago, Conan , his agents, and SNL producer, Lorne Michaels, put pressure on the NBC New York executives (a few floors up) to give Conan assurances that he would get the Tonight Show from Leno. Word is, the result was a 40 million dollar ‘failure to perform’ penalty if they didn’t. So NBC was stuck. Meanwhile, out in Burbank, Leno’s ratings rose, while Conan’s sank. Can you imagine the stress this put Leno under? So, Leno was ready to leave….and ready to KILL. And believe you me, he would have. After a delay, NBC would have to kiss it’s late-night dominance goodbye. So, they pulled a rabbit out of a hat, and were able to keep him aboard.
Truth is, both Leno and O’Brien can be funny guys. But that’s where the similarity ends. The reason: Conan carries this enormous elephant-sized ego around on his shoulders (I went to Harvard!) that gets in the way of everything he does. Leno’s ego is very much under his coat. You couldn’t find a more self-effacing host (except maybe Johnny Carson, who also had a big ego.)\
And HOST is really the operative word here. Yes, a talk show host should be funny, but not at the expense of his guests. At least half of Conan’s shows end up just being about Conan: about his hair, about his pale skin, about his height, about his Irish heritage, about his problems with nudity, about his fixations on beautiful women, and so on. Watching him waste half of an interview because he can‘t talk to a cute girl becomes tedious after the fiftieth time. Most of his monologues are spent ‘humorously’ insulting the audience, the band, the public, nerds in general (such irony!), and anything else he can find to deflect attention away from his rarely funny joke delivery.
Leno is an entertainer who can write. O’Brien is a writer who can occasionally tell a joke. The funniest things on Conan’s show are the bits cooked up by his writers, from the politically-incorrect ghost singer, to the masturbating bear. And some of these bits are side-splitters. Conan himself irritates me personally from his first self-obsessed twitch. Can you imagine if Leno came out and did the Conan opening jerk-dance? The ridicule would be deafening. Conan is a narcissist trapped in his own self-made world, and we don’t expect anything better.
So where do Mr. and Mrs. Middle America (the historical Tonight Show audience) sit with all this? They watch the opening credits (with gritted teeth) to see if there’s anybody on who’s worth enduring a few painful minutes of Conan. They pick up the remote. “ …And now here’s your host … Conan O’Bri-i-i…(CLICK)” and they go to bed. Or watch Dave.
Leno may do very well in his new gig. but he really doesn’t lead-in O’Brien. NBC will have to give Conan a chance for a few months (God knows what kind of agreement they have). Meanwhile, watch the numbers drop. Watch Conan get angry. (His standard response to failure.) Poor Jimmy Fallon could be the first casualty. Carson Daly is already on life-support. (Where he belongs.) The NBC late night line-up has been steady income to a network that sorely needs it. This could be the straw that breaks them. If so, I’ll miss them.
you guys are shitheads for not liking conan. fantastic interviewer SORRY for bringing something fresh to TV
"Truth" - you're clueless. Conan hasn't brought anything fresh to TV since forever!
Conan's first few Tonight shows haven't impressed me much, although the set is nice. Too much time spent on himself and his issues and too little on anything actually funny. He's awkward and his humor seems to be about that of a fourth grader! And so far I haven't seen any particular interviewing talents. He spends more time going on about himself than finding out about the guests or letting them share anything. Kinda hoped he'd raise the bar for himself in this move and polish up his skills a bit but I don't see it yet. Conan's most loyal audience may find this stuff awesome but to me it seems the show is targeted toward the same people Leno would talk to on JayWalking-- clueless. I don't think it's an age thing, I just think Conan plays best to low expectations. Gave it a chance, but no zing there. Now I'll get more sleep.
David Ducovney last night was horrible. He seemed like a child molester. I thought he was on drugs. I'm surprised Conan even tolerated him.
David Ducovney last night was horrible. He seemed like a child molester. I thought he was on drugs. I'm surprised Conan even tolerated him.
What in the Hell was NBC thinking? Conan is a self centered and not funny at all. I loved the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and watched the first few episodes of it with Conan, willing to give him a chance. As I have not seen much of Conan before, I did not know what to expect. He was a major disappointment and I will not be wasting my time on him again.
I can't believe NBC made this change. Conan Obrien's Tonight Show is
awful. I've tried giving it a change, but not anymore. I miss you J!!!!
I can't believe NBC made this change. Conan Obrien's Tonight Show is
awful. I've tried giving it a change, but not anymore. I miss you J!!!!
Conan was horrible on the late show - all NBC did was move it
to the west coast with a new set and time slot. SAME crap different time
No change in material..etc...etc.. I watched him ONCE on the
late show - that was ENOUGH to know he is NOT funny.
He IS self absorbed and pompus. The (lackof ) comedy in the
entertainment business is mainly due to the "comedy" they
promote. Will Farrell, Dane Cook, and the like. Very slapstick
and pratfall - from the silent film days with Charlie Chaplin or just
plain vulgar and requires no intellect on the part of the audience.
Bill Cosby is one of the funniest talents and I don't believe I hear
anything stronger than MAYBE a "Damn" in ANY of his shows.
If Kimmel has one ounce of smarts he'd move his show to 11:30
and Kick late night ass. Letterman is stealing the old Carson bits.
I'm waiting to see Karnack again, he's doing most of the other
routines. Too bad orginality is becoming a lost art.
I currently watch reruns of Sex in the city, the girls are attractive
and the show somewhat tolerable.
Yes, I'll say that the first show wasn't exactly laugh filled, but it was the first show. The only concern I had was that Conan was going to sell out and drop his most funny stuff. Upon seeing more shows, I'm glad to see that it's the Conan I know and love. Newsflash: Jay Leno isn't funny, and hasn't been in a long time! The only thing that may have given Letterman a boost is the whole Palin fiasco. Most of Leno's viewership will eventually become so old they will be limited to CBS shows, aired before 8 pm anyway.
Andy off to the side is a little odd for me, but the studio audience seems to love his side comments. The sketches are solid; he seems to only have gotten rid of his most bizzare stuff. Conan is the most talented guy who has held the post! My 65 year old dad doesn't get him either.
Yes, I'll say that the first show wasn't exactly laugh filled, but it was the first show. The only concern I had was that Conan was going to sell out and drop his most funny stuff. Upon seeing more shows, I'm glad to see that it's the Conan I know and love. Newsflash: Jay Leno isn't funny, and hasn't been in a long time! The only thing that may have given Letterman a boost is the whole Palin fiasco. Most of Leno's viewership will eventually become so old they will be limited to CBS shows, aired before 8 pm anyway.
Andy off to the side is a little odd for me, but the studio audience seems to love his side comments. The sketches are solid; he seems to only have gotten rid of his most bizzare stuff. Conan is the most talented guy who has held the post! My 65 year old dad doesn't get him either.
Good evening. It's a rare person who wants to hear what he doesn't want to hear. Help me! Could you help me find sites on the: Xe money converter. I found only this - tienda inglesa montevideo shopping. Information about these funds, as well as more general information about finance loans and tuition fees is available on the university web site. What more, you find that the interest rates. With love :eek:, Edith from Verde.
Looking for information and found it at this great site...
http://angelam.150m.com/jacqueline-kent/jacqueline-garcia.html
http://angelam.150m.com/virginia-child-custody-rules/loads-virginia.html
http://angelam.150m.com/martha-sanchez/marthasvnurd.html
http://angelam.150m.com/martha-sanchez/marthastewartgarden.html
http://angelam.150m.com/martha-sanchez/fishingmarthavinyard.html
natalia livingston
updating account aol
renting in marthas vinyard
micahsteelebydianapalmer
over 25 dating service