Conan O'Brien hints at Friday farewell
on Tonight show
Hinting that he's bracing for the bitter end of his brief tenure at Tonight, he said in one of his show monologues: "Hi, I'm Conan O'Brien, and I'm just three days away from the biggest drinking binge in history."
Conan took over from host Jay Leno less than eight months ago.
His guests this week include big names such as as Robin Williams, Barry Manilow, Tom Hanks and Will Ferrell - in what could be a star-studded farewell for the comedian.
He was negotiating with NBC for a severance package of more than 30 million dollars, which would clear the way for Jay to return to late night.
The proposed deal would allow Conan to work at another network as soon as this autumn.
The sides are working over the issue of compensating Conan's staff and crew of about 200 people.
NBC's effort to keep both Conan and Jay at the network ran aground when Jay's experimental prime-show show drew poor ratings and affiliate complaints that forced its cancellation.
When NBC proposed moving Jay back to 11.35pm with a half-hour show, Conan refused to host Tonight at 12.05am.
Conan, after posting lackluster numbers, has seen his viewership jump in recent days. Jay left Tonight last May after 17 years.
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