NBC Issues Statement Amid Late Night Rumors: ‘We Remain Committed To Keeping Conan O’Brien On NBC’

While reports are swirling around the future of “The Jay Leno Show” on NBC, the network released a statement to Access Hollywood on Thursday night defending current “Tonight Show” host Conan O’Brien.

“We have the best comedy team in the business. We remain committed to keeping Conan O’Brien on NBC. He is a valued part of our late-night line-up, as he has been for more than 16 years and is one of the most respected entertainers on television,” a spokesperson for NBC said.

The New York Times reported the network was planning to move Leno back to his old spot at 11:30 PM, pushing O’Brien back to a midnight start time and Jimmy Fallon’s “Late Night” back to 1 AM. However, the network said no official decision had been made.

During his monologue on Thursday, Leno addressed the reports.

“As you may have heard, there is a rumor floating around that we were canceled. I heard it coming in this morning on the radio,” Leno told the audience. “So far, no one has said anything to me. But Kev, if we did get canceled it will give us time to do some traveling. I understand that FOX is beautiful this time of year.”

He also joked that amid all the talk, the name of his TV home had a new meaning.

“The Justice Department announced they will conduct an anti-trust review of Comcast’s proposed deal to merge with NBC. An anti-trust review, which is the relationship I have with NBC – anti-trust,” he joked.

“Hey Kev, what does NBC stand for?” he asked bandleader Kevin Eubanks. “Never Believe Your Contract.”

Leno vacated the “Tonight Show” host’s chair last year with O’Brien taking over after hosting “Late Night” for 16 years.

On Thursday morning, NBC defended recent reports suggesting low ratings could spell the end for “The Jay Leno Show,” which currently holds the 10 PM time slot.

“Jay Leno is one of the most compelling entertainers in the world today,” an NBC rep said in a statement to Access Hollywood. “As we have said all along, Jay’s show has performed exactly as we anticipated on the network. It has, however, presented some issues for our affiliates. Both Jay and the show are committed to working closely with them to find ways to improve the performance.”