The Tonight Show

Last night, like many Americans, Jen and I tuned into The Tonight Show, with its new host, Conan O’Brien. To me, it felt like it was a momentous occasion for many Americans, because of the importance of television. It was great to see Conan in the place he had been reaching for ever since he was a kid watching TV with his dad - host of the Tonight Show.

I know he has only been hosting for one night - but I feel Conan will be (and we saw glimpses of this last night) a better host than Jay Leno. I appreciate Conan’s willingness to push the envelope a bit, as he showed some last night. Leno was very middle of the road - one of the reasons why I preferred Letterman over Leno. Pushing the “allowable limits” of comedy makes me appreciate that comedy even more. I loved the skits that were on Conan last night, but I would like to see just 1-2 each night. Also, Conan did a good job with his first night opening monologue. Not at all the train wreck that is Jimmy Fallon. I look forward to seeing what Conan will do in his new job.

Speaking of Letterman, I watched his show from last night, and it felt antiquated. Perhaps it’s the set, or that Bill Cosby was on (I wish he was in better health - his stand up was just mediocre), or that Letterman wore an outfit that made him look like he was going to go yachting after the show - whatever it was, it just felt stail. I was surprised, and a bit disappointed, that Letterman didn’t have a better show than he did last night - that he didn’t really try to compete with Conan. Of course, that’s part of Letterman’s schtick as the underdog of late night, but still - he should have put some effort in it.

All in all, it was nice to see a late night debut that went smoothly (unlike Jimmy Fallon) now I just have to choose between Letterman and Conan - and it might be easy, but I imagine it will be pretty difficult.

- Jason Dean