LOS ANGELES — Conan O’Brien all but posted a farewell banner on this week’s “Tonight” shows as his exit negotiations with NBC neared their conclusion Wednesday.
In the late-night tradition of a star-studded goodbye, O’Brien’s guests tonight include such names as Robin Williams and Barry Manilow. Tom Hanks was scheduled for Friday, as was Will Ferrell — the first guest O’Brien welcomed when he started in June as “Tonight Show” host.
And then there was this joke from his monologue Tuesday: “Hi, I’m Conan O’Brien, and I’m just three days away from the biggest drinking binge in history.”
It was yet another indication that he’s bracing for the bitter end of his brief tenure on “The Tonight Show,” less than eight months after taking over as host from Jay Leno. The show previously had been scheduled for reruns next week.
The redheaded comedian was negotiating with NBC for a severance package of more than $30 million, which would clear the way for Leno to return to late night. The proposed deal would allow O’Brien to work at another network as soon as next fall.
The announcement of an agreement was possible today as the sides worked to resolve the final hurdle: compensation for O’Brien’s staff and crew of about 200 people.
