Carson's 1:35 am Last Call talk show recently marked its fifth year on NBC (has anyone seen it?), and has lately included lots of comedy sketches in hope that the suits will think Tara Reid's ex-fiance is cool and funny enough to take over the lead-in Late Night gig, if Jay Leno walks away as promised in 2009 and Conan slides into his job.
Fat chance. Though Carson has expressed a sad longing for the job, the suits rarely mentions him as a candidate-- and to twist the knife a bit more, signed Saturday Night Live himbo Jimmy Fallon to a holding deal that appears to make him the leading contender.
Even so, Carson said of his new two-year contract: "I can't help but think I am one lucky dude."
Conan's show may be a dream, but Carson will keep hosting NBC's New Year's Eve show. He's hosted NBC's New Year's Eve With Carson Daly each year since 2004.
(Hey, somebody check out Carson's show and give us a report! On in the ndidle of the night, playing with the format, desperate to impress-- he could be doing something surprising. Remember how long it too for Conan to get it together.)