Report: Team Conan's Blunder - Nixed SNL Boss To Produce Tonight Show
Jan. 18 2010, Published 8:47 a.m. ET
Saturday Night Live’s legendary producer Lorne Michaels was a candidate to produce Conan O’Brien's ill-fated Tonight Show when it made its debut last September, but O’Brien's team reportedly declined, in what show biz insiders say was a crucial mistake.
Michaels "could have helped Conan navigate the stormy political waters at NBC," a source told the NY Daily News. "He, obviously, is extremely well-respected there.” Despite that report, the Daily News also quotes a rep for Conan who said that "no one ever suggested to Conan that Lorne be a producer."
REPORT: Getting Rid Of Conan O'Brien To Cost NBC $40 Million
O'Brien and Michaels have ties dating back to 1988, when Michaels hired O'Brien as a writer on SNL.
"Lorne could have given great counsel on his show creatively," the source said. "I think Conan and his team know that passing on the opportunity to have Lorne be a part of the show was a big mistake."
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
