Conan O’Brien and Fox have reportedly resumed talks to bring the former “Tonight Show” host to the network for a new late-night show. According to The Hollywood Reporter, there had been a two-week stall in negotiations, but talks seem to be back on.
The paper also reports that O’Brien was approached by 19 Entertainment to appear on Fox’s “Idol Gives Back” special on April 21. Sources close to the situation said that the offer to appear on the special has gone out to several celebrities and is not related to his potential talk show. But according to the report, NBC has said the “Idol” special would not be allowed under O’Brien’s settlement with the network, which placed a moratorium on him appearing on TV until May 1.
In the meantime, O’Brien is taking his act on the road this spring, on his 30-date “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television” tour, which kicks off on April 12 in Eugene, Oregon.
While Jay Leno has settled back in as the host of NBC’s “Tonight Show,” O’Brien is said to be weighing a Fox talk-show option against possibilities on cable or in syndication. But if Fox and O’Brien should reach an agreement, his tour schedule would allow him to appear at the Fox upfront in New York City on May 17 to present the show to potential advertisers.
