The TV Zone

And speaking of parties, NBC held one for the press and advertisers last night over at 30 Rock under a tent; theme was "The NBC Experience," and the whole point was to remind everyone that NBC was still in business even though it was not unveiling a new fall schedule this week along with all the other networks. (NBC took the wraps off its lineup in April ...)

Conan O gave a few remarks to those assembled, and here are some outtakes: Since NBC always liked to be ahead with announcements, he wanted to take the opportunity to say that he would be retiring in 2025 from "The Today Show"; (at that time, he'll be relaxing with his third wife and planned to "audition for [my] second wife right after this speech..."

He mused on NBC's choice of a tent for the party: For previous upfronts, the network had thrown galas in wonderful places: One had been held a few years back at some "historic" venue, then another the following year at the "hallowed" Radio City Music Hall ... "Now we're all sweating under a tent; please join us next year when we're at the falafel stand on 42nd Street."

He gave a nod to his successor, Jimmy Fallon, in the crowd; JF takes over at "Late Night" when CO moves to "The Tonight Show." He then said: "Because of a great negotiation and a very good agent, this show will still be called 'Late Night with Conan O'Brien' after I leave ... "

And because there's a YouTube for everything...here's the YouTube...

(Above: MSNBC pix of CO; no monkey suit or mustache last night, though.)

I know you - you're just like me.

You like to get your official announcements tied up with a nice neat bow, maybe a cherry on top, or some whipped cream (or whatever...this doesn't sound very appetizing, does it?)

In any event, as I - and virtually everyone else on planet TV with a blog - has been reporting almost since the dawn of man, NBC has finally made Jimmy Fallon official - Conan's replacement - and just to prove it sent out a press release with lots and lots of quotes. Here are just some of them:

"We couldn't be happier to have Jimmy back on NBC and to have our number one-rated late night team fully in place for the future," said NBCE big cheese, Ben Silverman, "Jimmy is more than just a likeable guy and a great comedian, he is genuinely interested in what people have to say."

"Jimmy's proven track record and personality make him a natural for this important role that will bring a new generation of fans to 'Late Night,'" said Big Cheese # 2, Marc Graboff. "He will put his own distinct mark on late night humor just as he did on 'SNL' and in his other creative endeavors."

Added Rick Ludwin, Executive Big Cheese in charge of Late Night and Primetime Series, NBC Entertainment, "Simply put, Jimmy has all of the qualities for a late night host -- in addition to being funny, he loves talking to people on and off camera, he's a talented comedy writer and his time at 'SNL' demonstrated not only his ability to entertain, but also the work ethic and dedication it takes to succeed at hosting a nightly show."

(Above: Image stolen from some website called Lemon Pepper; nice pix of our boy after a long night out on the town.)

Jimmy Fallon as Conan O'Brien's replacement? Absolutely, positively, no ifs, no ands, no buts? That's what Roger Friedman of FoxNews.com is reporting and no reason to doubt him - but I'm intrigued. Why did NBC (and Lorne Michaels) forgo that process they went through last time: A long audition process that turned away the likes of Jon Stewart but yielded instead a talented, lanky redhead who had never hosted a talk show and was gloriously rusty in his first few weeks on the air?

AKA, Conan (if you haven't guessed who that was.)

Maybe Lorne did do auditions and it never got reported. But...

If Fallon's the one then this means a couple obvious things: 1.) Conan is definitely heading to "Tonight" next year, and Jay is definitely heading elsewhere. 2.) Lorne is sticking to his old reliable play book, which reads (chapter one, verse one), "Much better to have a talented, versatile and creative performer in this job than a talk show host, which - after all - grows on trees."

Fallon's been off "SNL" a few years, working the comedy circuit, pursuing the silver screen, and - otherwise - staying out of the limelight. There's nothing wrong with that, but didn't he have a LOT more cache a couple years ago when he was an "SNL" star? Fallon's terrific - actually a not-bad singer either and a gifted impressionist - but also an acquired taste. If Roger is right, and Jimmy's the one, how will he get a national audience to acquire it? Don't forget though - Conan got hit with the same question, and earned (initially) even worse press than Katie Couric has. Look where he is now.

There's much Fallon to choose from on the Web, but this clip is good because it's a reasonably amusing parody of lonelygirl15, plus it's got "Car wash for Peace." Take it away...