2/14/2009

in

Late Night talk show host prepares for his last night before leaving New York and heading to Los Angeles.

Shaina Wizov

Conan O'Brien is leaving his 16-year-old post at "Late Night" to take the place of Jay Leno on NBC's "The Tonight Show" starting in June.  
  
O'Brien will be handing over the torch to former "Saturday Night Live" star Jimmy Fallon, who will start his new "Late Night" gig on March 2, according to the Associated Press.  
  
AP reports that a nostalgic O'Brien has been watching old episodes and "greatest hits" clips throughout the last few weeks. The biggest qualm about O'Brien's move to an earlier time slot is whether he would have to change the show's tone to appeal to a different audience, but with television viewer habits different than they used to be, a need for change isn't too crucial.  
  
O'Brien was promised the "Tonight" time slot five years ago. However, the recent announcement that Jay Leno will be staying with NBC may cause O'Brien to be seen as second best to Leno, according to the AP.  
  
O'Brien's last "Late Night" show will be on Friday, Feb. 20, and will feature a performance by the White Stripes.