late night wars

Jay Leno Felt ‘Blindsided’ by Conan Replacement

Are you ready to feel Jay Leno’s pain? “I was blindsided … [NBC executives said] ‘You’re out…’ and I went ‘OK,’” the Tonight Show host says about his 2009 ouster on his upcoming 60 Minutes interview. As for his depiction as a villain during Conan O’Brien’s subsequent dismissal, Leno explains, “I didn’t quite understand that, but I never chose to answer any of those things or make fun of any other people involved. It’s not my way.” He doesn’t sound totally thrilled about Jimmy Fallon taking his job either. “It’s not my decision, and I think I probably would have stayed if we didn’t have an extremely qualified, young guy ready to jump in,” he admits. Ah jeez, Jay. Break our hearts, why don’t you? May your tens of millions of dollars and the Dancing Itos offer you solace during this tough time.

Jay Leno Felt ‘Blindsided’ by Conan Replacement