Much ado about Conan

Deeps and I like to speculate about TV because we a) do not have children and b) do not have a sofa. We have a lot of awkward conversations perched upon old rocking chairs and sketchy ottomans (the footstool, not the empire).

Anyway, we've been chatting about the whole Leno retiring (in five years) and Conan taking over The Tonight Show deal. There's been some good coverage about the timing, the negotiations, the Leno factor, and such. Deeps question was along the lines of, "How'd Conan get sucked into such a crappy deal?" and mine was "Why does anyone care anymore?" Not because Conan isn't great or deserving but because of Leno's lame comedy, his lame interviews, and his lame show - I'm not sure the Tonight Show is so relevant anymore. It's not like must-see TV or tune-in television (TM by me) - it's what I watch to fall asleep. Literally. It's that boring.

More and more viewers are moving to cable, the Daily Show is being heaped with accolades, praise, indie cred, and awards. Letterman is sharp and has been gaining on Leno (The Tonight show has beaten Letterman season after season since the OJ trial - remember the comedic genius of the Dancing Itos? Didn't think so) despite still being an also-ran. It just makes me wonder - what kind of raw deal is Conan really getting?

Labels: 2004