thomsen.

For the last three days I have had some time to dwell on the significance of Conan leaving NBC "The Tonight Show" and NBC amateur decision to put Leno back into his original slot he had for the last seventeen years. Let me just say this: we agree that we disagree on how NBC handle this matter. I doubt that whatever I have to say will have the power to put Conan back into the slot that he deserved after working for NBC for almost twenty years of his life. But then again, you can never be quite sure of the power of the pen can have on people lives. What I can do is provide you with my thoughts and some damming facts.

The last show: For everything in the world of television, this was one night that i was not going to miss. I felt bad about cutting a conversation (you have my most heartfelt apology)  with a good friend short just so I can watch Conan last show without any distraction. For those of you who missed the show or want to watch it again, just type in Conan Tonight in the hulu widget above (which by the way, is just awesome because you can watch all the best show right from my blog without going to hulu.com!). I love how the show started and how it ended. You just couldn't have asked for a better closure to one of the best late night comedians of all time. From the moment he started the show with him running from New York City to Los Angles and then reflecting the moments they had to him running out of the studio fading in black "To be continued.." If you have the extra time, check out some ten of the most cherished memories from The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.

"All I ask is one thing," O'Brien said, "and I'm asking this particular of young people that watch. Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism. For the record, it's my least favorite quality. It doesn't lead anywhere."

"Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get," O'Brien continued. "But if you work really hard, and you're kind, amazing things will happen. I'm telling you, amazing things will happen."

Does it all have to be about the ratings? According to NBC, yes; but, according to Facebook, Twitter, and the Internet (tools that Jay Leno didn't have seventeen years ago), no. Quite frankly, the rating system they have is outdated since it does not include how people respond to the show using the Internet. Did you know that one of the most retweeted about Conan last show was about? His farewell speech. Well, if you want to put the argument about the rating system, fine. Did you know that Conan, in his farewell show, got a 7.0.

Not surprisingly, the last edition of The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien was a ratings magnet for the ailing NBC. The comedian, who talked about how he “did it my way” and did not “regret a second,” earned a whopping 7.0 rating/16 share in 55 of the country’s metered markets (the most
immediate numbers available). Ratings for his fellow latenight hosts didn’t even come close: The Late Show with David Letterman averaged a mere 2.5/5,  while Nightline earned a 2.8/6, and Jimmy Kimmel Live, a 1.3/4. Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, however, was able to draft off of O’Brien’s success: his show averaged a respectible 3.3/10, easily beating Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (1.5/4). Final ratings for last night are due Jan. 28. (Hollywood Insider)

Run, Conan, Run: Where to? Nobody really knows what Conan gonna do since his contract with NBC does not allow him host his own show until after seven months. I'm gonna go on a hunch. I think that Conan best bet is either FOX Network or the Internet. It's true that rumor has already speculated that FOX Network has not denied thinking about the possibility to pursue Conan; yet, the question is not a matter of who, it is rather, when? What this mean is that FOX does not what to make the same mistake that NBC did. In my thoughts, this might be a excellent move for Conan and for FOX Network. Pitting Conan O'Brien against Jay Leno and David Letterman is like David going against not one, but two, Goliath. Now, wouldn't that be something!

To sum up, Conan, you have the keys to the kingdom here at Revision3. You want to change our studio around?  Done.  Want to move any of our existing shows to 10pm Please do.  Want to give Andy his own show so he can finally truly control the universe?  Done.  You name the game, we’ll make it happen.

Other benefits:
- A fantastic creative and supportive working environment
- No network censors
- Top notch adsales team monetizing your show
- Complimentary broadband
- “Competitive” salary (you’re going to have more money than Oprah from NBC, so what do you care?!)
- Managed social media strategy, building a dedicated audience around your show
- Decent benefits

Here's what I think. Don't take the bait. Do it on your own. He could launch his own site, build his own studio, and employ his own staff. He can have complete control and play by his own rules. It might be harder, but like you said Conan, "But if you work really hard, and you're kind, amazing things will happen. I'm telling you, amazing things will happen."