Conan O'Brien's Final NBC Show: Debunking the Myths and Revealing the Real Cost

As Conan O'Brien wrapped his tenure as the host of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, there were numerous speculations and conjectures about the expenses involved in his final week. Some believed that NBC had spent a significant amount of money on expensive purchases, while others contended that the expenditures were surprisingly minimal. This article aims to shed light on the true nature of these claims, with a particular focus on the use of the Rolling Stones' iconic song "Start Me Up."

Myth Busters: Revealing the True Cost

During Conoan O'Brien's final week as host of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, there was considerable media attention and public curiosity about the network's spending. One of the primary claims was that a large amount of money was spent on elaborate sets and high-profile guests.

However, according to several insiders and industry experts, much of the activity during Conan's final week was either rented, borrowed, or otherwise managed without incurring significant costs. Most of the expenses were not as substantial as initially speculated, reflecting a more modest budget than the public frenzy suggested.

The Hidden Cost: Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up"

One of the biggest expenses associated with Conan O'Brien's final week was the use of the Rolling Stones' iconic song "Start Me Up." This particular claim garnered a lot of attention and debate. While several sources speculated that the cost to use the song could have been as high as several millions, the reality turned out to be quite different.

Based on the research findings, the cost to NBC for using "Start Me Up" was significantly lower. Microsoft had actually paid $3 million to use the song for 6 months in an advertising campaign. Therefore, it can be inferred that the cost for NBC would have been considerably less, likely falling within the range of $50,000 to $75,000.

Conan O'Brien's Final Episode

To add to the intrigue, Conan O'Brien himself dropped a subtle hint about the true cost during his final episode. In his farewell address, Conan made a playful reference to the song "Start Me Up" and the associated expenses. He joked that the cost was "not cheap," which made some fans and critics wonder about the true budgetary implications.

Conan's humor provided a sense of relief, making the entire affair seem less dramatic than it had initially appeared. The cost, while significant, was not as astronomical as some had feared or expected.

Reactions and Public Perception

These revelations generated a lot of discussion among media outlets and fans. The debate centered around the network's practices and the financial aspects of late-night television. Many wondered if the high-profile guests and elaborate sets were necessary, and whether such expenditures were justified.

The situation also highlighted the pressure and scrutiny that late-night television hosts face, especially as their shows come to an end. The public debate centered on whether the focus should be on the quality of the show or the financial resources spent to maintain it.

Conclusion

Conan O'Brien's final week as host of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien was marked by both speculation and significant media attention. While there were substantial costs involved, particularly in the use of the song "Start Me Up," the overall expenses were far less than initially rumored. This article aims to dispel the myths surrounding this period and provide a clearer picture of the true costs and practices behind late-night television.

Conan himself played a key role in this narrative, using humor and his final address to provide a sense of balance and reality. As the debate continues, it serves as a reminder that the intriguing world of late-night television is often surrounded by myth and mystery, but not always as costly as it appears.