Forget the presidential contest for now; it's still way too early. This is much more fun to talk about right now:
Three years ago, NBC announced with pride that Conan O'Brien would take over "The Tonight Show" in 2009. But now that the date is fast approaching, the web is beginning to panic: How do we anoint O'Brien but still keep Leno in the Peacock's nest?
[. . .]
NBC has yet to present Leno with any alternatives, but among the options being floated are a primetime strip or variety show that would air once or multiple times a week, perhaps kicking off primetime at 8 p.m.; work on NBC U's cable properties and specifically USA Network, which the net is hoping to build into the de-facto "fifth network"; Jay-on-demand through TiVo, cable, or online; or, the "Bob Hope deal," where Leno does what he wants -- just about anything but telling jokes at 11:35 pm.
The network also has the option, which many outsiders believe still must be on the table, to back out of the deal, pay a reported $40 million penalty to O'Brien and sign Leno to another five-year deal, a move that would protect the "Tonight" franchise through the end of Letterman's deal at CBS in 2010, and the possible transition at the Eye to Jon Stewart.
NBC could, also, simply let Leno leave. A non-compete would keep Leno off another network for at least six months, allowing NBC to launch O'Brien without Leno in the mix. ABC and Fox are planning as if Leno will be in play.
I'd really rather see O'Brien in that slot. Jay Leno seems too tame to me, and David Letterman is a little too cynical sometimes.
