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Why Conan will continue to shine on “Tonight”
14-Jun-2009
Written by: Ted Simmons
Silly humor carries Conan and “Tonight” into a new generation.
If “The Tonight Show” is as iconic as NBC would have us believe, then Conan O’Brien’s first two weeks as host are surely up for analysis.
Anyone who watched Conan on “Late Night” recognizes the same shenanigans and playfulness on “Tonight.” He does goofy dances, he strikes silly poses, he takes aim at himself, and he displays the general childish attitude that makes anything he does fun.
But as Conan’s stint continues, and goes beyond the point of counting shows, the question has to be asked, what will separate him from Leno? From Letterman? And what imprint will the quirky host leave on the iconic program?
Well, after his first ten shows, Conan’s dose of juvenile comedy has matched up to Letterman in terms of ratings — the two flip-flop with who sits in the late night throne.
But there’s a reason O’Brien’s brand of humor is able to replace Leno so smoothly. For those in their twenties, myself included, O’Brien is the first “Tonight Show” host that speaks to our generation. Jay Leno was always an adequate host, but it felt enjoyable at best, never side-splitting, and often too gimmicky. Did Jay Walking work because of him, or because of the premise? And was Headlines about his personality, or the news clips he was reading? O’Brien though, however juvenile, seems much more authentic. He’s able to induce laughs with his own character, regardless of how well his given shtick or jokes land.
Anyone under the age of thirty, whether watching O’Brien during “Late Night” or “Tonight,” is able to witness the beginning of an era that we’ll all be able to follow till its end. And his stamp is one we can all enjoy fully.
Call it immaturity, or just the desire to let loose, but O’Brien’s direction for “Tonight” is one that I’ve been following, and others have as well. His monologues are hilarious, his bits are entertaining, and his interviews are always engaging. How O’Brien fairs after his month of superstar guests will tell whether or not the host has staying power. But my guess is that his silliness will be infectious, even for those of the Leno-era “Tonight.”
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