Conan Just Says No

Things just got a bit messier for NBC. ‘The Tonight Show’ host Conan O’Brien released a statement today that he will not host the show if it’s placed at the 12:05 a.m. time slot.

Per MTV.com, O’Brien said in a statement:

“For 60 years 'The Tonight Show' has aired immediately following the late local news … I sincerely believe that delaying 'The Tonight Show' into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. 'The Tonight Show' at 12:05 simply isn't 'The Tonight Show.' "

It was recently announced Jay Leno would return to his normal 11:35 p.m. slot, followed by O’Brien at 12:05 a.m. and host Jimmy Fallon’s ‘Late Show’ closing out the night. Over the past few days, the late-night hosts have been taking some comedic punches at the peacock network.

O’Brien’s statement went on to say the move would hurt Fallon and would be catastrophic toward the show. MTV reported O’Brien’s future plans are dubious. Rumors have been rampant O’Brien may move to FOX.

Will NBC be able to recover from this disaster? Will O’Brien’s viewers stay faithful to him wherever he goes next? One thing is for sure: NBC’s got some s’plaining to do.