Chalk up another win for Team Coco.
The world of late night talk shows will be much different this time next year. David Letterman has already announced his retirement, Stephen Colbert will take his place at CBS, and Craig Ferguson is exiting The Late Late Show later this year.
However, TBS is sticking with Coco. The cable network announced at the upfronts in New York City today that it has officially renewed Conan through 2018. Head of programming at TBS and TNT Michael Wright explained the network’s decision, “Over the past four years, we have built a terrific relationship with Conan O’Brien and are thrilled to be extending his series for another three years.” He added, “We couldn’t have asked for a better late-night host or a more enthusiastic ambassador for the TBS brand.”
O’Brien has hosted Conan on TBS since 2010. Although the show averages about 800,000 viewers per night, Wright cited O’Brien’s ability to bring a young fanbase to the program. Additionally, Conan scores strong with the advertising-desirable 18-34 demo. The 51-year-old also has a massive social media presence with 10.7 million followers on Twitter, plus another 2.5 million Facebook fans.
Here are a few recent gems from his Twitter page:
For Mother’s Day I’m giving my wife the one thing she wants from me: space.
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) May 11, 2014
I was just informed that I no longer need to yell "SPOILER ALERT" when describing old "Columbo" episodes.
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) May 3, 2014
Rob Ford has to stop hanging around crack-activated cameras.
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) May 2, 2014
Once David Letterman says “good night” for the final time next year, O’Brien will become the longest-running host of late night television. Late Night with Conan O’Brien premiered on September 13, 1993.
In a recent interview with The Wrap, O’Brien spoke about his journey and what he’s learned from his years on the late night circuit, “It’s very humbling to do this show. The thing you don’t know when you’re younger is you think it’s all about getting there. And then at one point people start to tell you, by your 25-year-old definition, you got there — but you’re still not satisfied. I won’t say you redefine what it is, but you realize the trick, as you get a little older, is especially in comedy to me — there are comedians who are still inspirational to me. Steve Martin is still the funniest guy in the room. Martin Short is still the funniest guy in the room.”
You can check out Conan weeknights 11/10c on TBS.
Image via Conan O’Brien, Twitter