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Arts & Entertainment

"Leno" Writes Letter, Letterman Slams NBC, Conan Leaves


By

Jen Carlson

Published Jan 14, 2010

Modified Jan 14, 2010


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By

Jen Carlson

Published Jan 14, 2010

Modified Jan 14, 2010


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Yesterday Jay Leno issued his own open letter to the People of Earth, and even though it was just a parody, we imagine it wouldn't be far off from what the man himself would have to say. Which would be nothing in comparison to Our Hero Conan O'Brien's letter. But the big news today is Conan is leaving NBC. According to Bill Simmons, at least, "Next week is Conan's final week hosting the Tonight Show. His staff is trying to book big guests so he goes out with a bang. It's true."

Meanwhile, over at CBS, someone is enjoying this fiasco. Last night Letterman used his Top 10 list to attack the mastermind behind the Tonight Show mess: NBC CEO Jeff Zucker.

UPDATE: Zucker is pulling out the threats. Deadline Hollywood reports that "the NBCU chief has been talking tough during the negotiations with Team Conan. To counter O'Brien's principled public statement which the late night host issued this week, Zucker 'is threatening to ice Conan,' according to his reps. Zucker said, 'I'll keep you off the air for 3 1/2 years.'"

Tagged

conan o'brien

david letterman

jay leno

jeff zucker

late night

letter

nbc

tonight show


Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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