June 1st marked the passing of the torch on the Tonight Show. Jay Leno officially stepped down as the late night host after 17 years, handing the show over to Conon O’Brien.
Many people feel that the show has never been the same, or as good, since Johnny Carson left after 30 years. Jay Leno struggled after taking over from Johnny but, after a few years, he created his own niche. He created a late night show that became the top show in it’s time slot. He was, at times, silly, at times, not very funny, but he was never negative and involved people.
Conan appears to be directing the show to a more adult audience. In order for him to be successful, he will need to create his own niche and develop an audience. Whether that happens or not, only time will tell. But it won’t be overnight.