Conan to TBS

Well, Conan finally found a new home, and apparently it's going to be TBS, also known as Turner Broadcasting Station, also known for holding the tag line "very funny".

This move strays from the conceived thought that he would end up at Fox. I feel like Fox would have never worked out. Too many affiliates would have to rearrange their schedule to pull it off on a real risk/gamble.

I think I like the move. Certainly Conan has to go SOMEWHERE. He can't just stay on this tour. He won't make it. TBS provides him with an outlet that is relatively visible (most people have at least basic cable) and he can come in with NO expectations. Fox would want him to knock off the main broadcasting stations. He won't. He can't.

By being on TBS he gets to be a little more risky than the national channels. He can be who he was at 12:35. But at 11. Again, with no expectations, he can do whatever. If he flops, it's not an issue, if he succeeds, TBS looks like geniuses.

I'm curious to see how the deal is structured with money and years. I would think that eventually Conan would like to be back in the national spotlight (Letterman's job???) and I hope he doesn't get stuck in this deal doing that.

What is also interesting is the growth and development of cable television. Outside of the HBO/Showtime, most cable stations don't generate nationally-recognized original content. Most of their shows would be syndicated. Family Guy is on every channel. Slowly we're starting to see that shift however. Obviously the big winner is Mad Men, but there's been other great shows that are starting to develop/have developed as well, like Breaking Bad, The Shield, Nip/Tuck, etc. I think it's great - the ability of options. No longer do we have to watch shows that appeal to literally everyone because there are only 5 outlets. I can watch ESPN and you can watch TLC and both be perfectly happy. The options out there (on every outlet, not just TV) is what makes technology so great - everyone can have their niche.