Monday evening, viewers tuning in to NBC saw an old familiar face at a brand new time and setting. The debut of Conan O’Brien as host of “The Tonight Show” meant the former New York resident had to pack his bags for the west coast and get ready for life in Burbank, California. It seems that New England serves as a breeding ground for “The Tonight Show” hosts of late–O’Brien was born and raised in Brookline, Massachusetts, and graduated from Harvard University before starting out his career as a comedy writer for shows like “The Simpsons” and “Saturday Night Live”.
Conan O'Brien Courtesy US Fed
He became host of his own late night talk show in 1993 with “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”. In 2004, it was announced that upon Jay Leno’s retirement from hosting “The Tonight Show”, O’Brien would be the one to take up the mantle. On February 20, 2009, NBC aired the last episode of “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” before that show was taken over by new host and former “SNL” star, Jimmy Fallon. On June 1st, to much pomp(adour) and circumstance, Conan’s first time out as “Tonight Show” host was received favorably by both critics and audiences alike. O’Brien’s audience so far has seen gains in the coveted 18-49 demographic over both his predecessor, Leno, as well as his new competition, David Letterman.
Tags: Conan O'Brien, David Letterman, Harvard University, Jay Leno, NBC, Saturday Night Live
