The Times on Conan

Sunday's Times has a great article (may require free login) about Conan O'Brien's uncertain future with NBC after the network's extension of Jay Leno's contract for the 11:30 slot until the end of the decade.

Throughout, Conan's disappointment is palpable. The article points out that, should Conan choose to stay at NBC until the end of Jay's contract, he will have spent 17 years -- a "television eternity" -- in the less-appealling 12:30 slot.

Conan's manager Gavin Polone notes Conan's many alternatives: Fox, which has seriously approached Conan in the past; CBS, in the unlikely event that Letterman decides to step down, or even Comedy Central. Conan's take:

None of the outside options seem all that clear-cut to Mr. O'Brien — at least at the moment. "There may be possibilities, but are they viable?" he says. "NBC at 12:30 is still better than a lot of things. Following the `Tonight' show is still better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. There is the curiosity to take the show earlier. But if going to another network for more money still means being seen by fewer people, what are you doing? Then it's just an ego thing."

In honor of Conan, who Gusto believes deserves the slot much more than the smarmy and un-funny Jay Leno:

1. Watch clips of the show online.

2. Watch Conan's Simpsons episodes on DVD ("Only I may dance").

3. Impersonate your favorite Conan characters -- Masturbating Bear, Pimpbot 5000, or Triumph the Insult Comic Dog.