When Conan O'Brien threw shade: reliving the golden era of late-night host battles

As we dive into the annals of late-night television history, there's one moment that still stands out, especially for fans of the ever-witty Conan O'Brien. A time when the Tonight Show torch was passed amidst a storm of controversies, jokes, and some unexpected camaraderie.

One joke to rule them all:

For those needing a refresher, Conan, after a brief stint as the Tonight Show host, had to step down in favor of Jay Leno. On a fateful evening on TBS’ Conan, O'Brien couldn't resist a jab at the entire NBC-Leno saga. With the 2014 Olympics as a backdrop, he delivered a zinger: “NBC will finally get to show somebody who is OK with passing the torch.” True to his style, Conan acknowledged his jest, commenting, "I allowed myself one, but it was a good one.” And indeed, it was.

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Late-night hosts weigh in:

The late-night realm is no stranger to rivalries, but it's also a world filled with camaraderie and respect. While Conan took a humorous jab, other hosts reacted differently. Jimmy Kimmel, who had his share of disagreements with Leno, surprised many by tweeting his admiration for Leno's remarkable two-decade run.

David Letterman, a longtime Leno rival, chose to stay away from the jokes, instead offering a simple congratulations for Leno’s 22-year run. His cheeky suggestion for a retiring Leno? “I’d go out and buy myself a car,” Letterman quipped.

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Then, of course, there was Leno's successor, Jimmy Fallon, who gracefully remarked, “To Jay, we say thank you very much. He’s been a great guy. We’re going to miss him,” but couldn't resist adding a playful jest about Leno's final week ratings.

Revisiting this time frame reminds us of the ever-evolving landscape of late-night television. As rivalries brewed and jokes flew, it was the sheer talent of these hosts that kept viewers glued to their screens night after night.

Today, as we celebrate the current slate of late-night shows and hosts, it's moments like Conan's unforgettable joke that remind us of the rich legacy and history of late-night television.

Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.