Conan the Cable Guy

The news broke yesterday that exiled NBC talent Conan O'Brien would make his return to late night on TBS. O'Brien, who has always looked to me like a Slim and Stretched version of old-time comic (and early TV star) Red Skelton, said the show will be almost exactly like his pre-Tonight NBC format.

Which could be a good thing, I guess. TBS is excited - they say Conan captures the younger demographic. I can believe it, even if the man himself does fit more with the 'I Love Leno' age group.

Apparently, no one cares about my demographic - the thick part of the boomer bulge. We're too old even for Leno - or rather, we've never gotten used to Leno replacing Carson. And Conan's entire run has been outside our normal bedtime hours. We are invisible to television programmers.

Even if I am not his demographic, I wish Conan success. He's already made a smart move by avoiding FOX, which was the network backing Chevy Chase's ill-fated late night foray. Ill-fated? It was watching career suicide.

I am sure O'Brien, savvy player that he is, will avoid any such end. He will garner his youthful viewers and hopefully keep them glued to their TV for George Lopez, who now moves to a 12 midnight slot following Conan.

I won't be watching, but I am sure someone youthful will ...