NBC made a bold move early in 2009 to ditch 10 PM scripted shows and install a new Jay Leno Tonight Show knock-off. With Conan O’Brien filling in as host of the Tonight Show, NBC was forced to do something with Jay to keep him happy and keep him off a rival network.

Now that time has passed it is safe to say that the gamble did not pay off. NBC has seen low ratings which in turn lead to lower ratings for local stations which follow the Leno time slot with their own programming. However, rival networks seem to love the Jay Leno 10 show.

Awkward Situation

Awkward Situation

Which leads us to the point where NBC is deciding what to do with Jay again. Rumor mills have been spouting off all week that Jay will take back the Tonight Show and leave Conan looking for a new gig.

For the first time we hear from Conan about the situation as he addressed the possible changes in his last show. During the monologue he made jokes that included [via GawkerTV]:

* “We’ve got a great show for you tonight. I have no idea what time it will air, but it’s gonna be a great show, let me promise you that.”
* “NBC has finally come up with an exciting new idea: they want me to follow Jay Leno.”
* “When I got to work this morning, there was a 1923 Duesenberg parked in my spot.”
* “Until this whole thing is sorted out, NBC lawyers have advised me to refer to this program as The Some Time at Night Show with Some White Guy.

So, is Jay Leno canceled? Or is Conan O’Brien canceled?

Who knows at this moment. But, judging by the quips from O’Brien we can easily gather he’s not going to lay down and let Jay take his job without a fight.

Now that might be something worth watching.