Conan O’Brien made his debut as host of  “The Tonight Show” on Monday. See video of Conan’s first night on “The Tonight Show”, and let us know how you think he did! Read more below.

Conan took over “The Tonight Show” Monday night. In his opening monologue he said, “I think I’ve timed this move perfectly.  I’m on a last-place network, I moved to a state that’s bankrupt and ‘The Tonight Show’ is sponsored by General Motors.”

Conan O’Brien hosted NBC’s Late Night for 17 years and his move up one hour has been in the works for five years.

O’Brien has a new studio on the Universal City lot with an art deco style. The stage has a blue glass background for the opening monologue, before O’Brien retreats to a desk in front of a sparkling backdrop of Los Angeles.

O’Brien had some funny skits showing him preparing for his move to Los Angeles, and his “run” to Los Angeles from New York.

Of course Conan was nervous on his big opening night, and paced the stage during his monologue.

“I remember watching Johnny Carson when I was a kid and thinking: That’s what I want to be when I grow up,” O’Brien said. “I’m sure right now in America there is likely a kid watching me, thinking: ‘What is wrong with that man’s hair?’”

Longtime sidekick Andy Richter did great in his role of Conan’s sidekick, much like Ed McMahon did for Johnny Carson.

On CBS, David Letterman mentioned NBC’s transition.

“I’m still here,” he said. “I knocked off another competitor.”

Letterman joked around about his mother calling and saying,  “Well, David, I see you didn’t get ‘The Tonight Show’ again,” a reference to Letterman losing out to Leno to become Carson’s successor.

O’Brien’s first guest was the awesome Will Ferell, who offered O’Brien a few tips for living in Los Angeles.

Ferrell also performed a musical tribute to O’Brien, a version of “Never Can Say Goodbye” that “bewildered” the host. Why sing a goodbye song on the first night?

“Don’t get me wrong,” Ferrell said. “I’m pulling for you. But this little thing is a crapshoot at best.”

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2 comments to “Conan O’Brien Tonight Show Debut (VIDEO)”

1. gerard vandenberg says:

   June 2, 2009 at 12:00 pm

   jeeeeeesus christ, WHO MADE THIS IDIOT MISTAKE?

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2. Peter says:

   June 2, 2009 at 12:09 pm

   This was classic Conan O’brien very little was different from his regular format. I am not a fan and I doubt many Tonight Show fans will stick around. As Billy Crystal says now we will be able to see a show(Jay Leno in an earlier time slot)and still chat with the wife after.

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