“I’ve timed this moment perfectly, I’m on a last place network, I moved to a state that is bankrupt, and tonight’s show is sponsored by General Motors.”

Stated O’Brien in his opening monologue during his kick off of taking over “the Tonight Show.”  He takes over for Jay Leno, who sat in the supreme chair of late night programming on “the Tonight Show” for 17 years.  Conan becomes the fifth host of the show, most say he has some giant shoes to fill.  The show originally aired in 1954 hosted by Steve Allen, who was preceded by Jack Parr.  Johnny Carson then took over in 1962, and that’s when the show became a household name.  Carson lead late night until 1992 when Leno took the reigns.  Knowing Conan though with his quick-witted comedy and his all around goofiness, he will do a admirable job hosting the show. 

Conan opened his new gig off with a bang.  He brought in Grudge rock legends Pearl Jam to perform.  He also was joined by fellow celebrity comedian Will Ferrell.  O’Brien carries over features from his former show “Late Night” by bring house band leader Max Weinberg with him( Max Weinberg also know as the drummer of Bruce Springsteen’s sidekicks the E-Street Band).  He also brought back Andy Richter as his partner in crime and sidekick announcer from the early years of “Late Night.”  All in all Conan seems ready to be the lead man of late night talk shows.  He seems ready to carry on the shows historic legacy while simultaneously giving the show his new age comedy groove that always captures the laugh’s of the viewers, and has people watching night and night again.