Jay, David or Conan?

The late night wars on NBC have dominated the news recently.  The story is usually presented right after the latest news from Haiti and before Mr. Obama's latest give away.   It might be funny if there wasn't so much money involved.  All three make millions of dollars so I have a hard time worrying about whose feelings are hurt.

I have been a Tonight Show fan since the old Jack Paar days.   I adored Johnny Carson and seldom went to bed before his show was over, and watched Jay Leno consistently. Despite  good ratings, NBC announced a years ago that Conan would take over the show when Jay's contract expired.  I felt that Jay handled that gracefully, although he said later that it was devastating to him. 

I never watched Conan's version of the Tonight Show.  I wasn't interested in watching the
'masterbating bear' or some equally innane character that O'Brian found so amusing.  And although I tried watching Jay in prime time, it was not very satisfactory.   At that time of night I prefer more action or drama.  The Late Show, for me, is the time to wind up the activities of the day and prepare for tomorrow.

So, I wish Jay Leno to the best and hope he can rebuild the Tonight Show.  Letterman won't be hurt except no more jokes about the NBC fiasco, and the milliions of dollars they paid O'Brian to make this all happen should go a long way in soothing his wounded pride.