VERY well put. I'm sad, yet excited. Also, im glad to hear the blog will be up and running throughout the transition. Good luck with the move, dude.

************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Thanks, Ryan. I'm writing this in a hotel room in LA - literally in the shadow of the gigantic NBC Universal building - and I have to say, it's a pretty exciting feeling! ;)

Aaron - that was a wonderful post. I've continued to read your blog after I finished my internship and I must say, this was one of my favorites. I am honored to have been at intern at Late Night and work with great people including you and the rest of the research office. I wish you the best in your travels to LA and most of all - have fun while doing it all! Maybe one day I'll be out there as well during my career in television. :) Please express my congrats and best wishes to the rest of the research office.

Have a great time at the wrap party and congrats on all of your achievements!!!

- Janelle Margolis

************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Hey Janelle!! Great to hear from you!! Thanks for all the congrats - I'm glad you had a chance to be part of the Late Night magic, too!

Wow Bley, way to make me cry! I'm so happy that we'll be able to keep watching Conan, but like you said, it won't be the same. I have high hopes for the Tonight Show and know that we won't be disappointed.

Once again, thank you for continuing to blog for us during the transition! I can't imagine how hard it must be for you to say goodbye to so many people that you've known all these years. Good luck with everything, and I look forward to coming back here every Monday!

************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Oh no! I'm sorry about that, Ashley!

And you're welcome! It definitely will be tough to not see some of these awesome, awesome people every day, but with the internet, no one ever REALLY goes away! ;)

I know you have a ton of comments to go through, so I'll try to keep this short. You all have accomplished Job 1: We WERE entertained. In a huge way. And I'm so glad the hand of fate decided to let Conan continue in those early days. I don't want to think of what my television life would've been like without him.

Don't sell yourself short, Bley. You are an important part of this blog/podcast/Underground equation. YOU. I for one want to hear what the transition will be like for you, including the trek across country, whatever form that may take. You driving from NYC to LA, Twittering all the way would be a blast (again, for me anyway).

You're right, there's big reason to celebrate. Our man, the one we root for and hope the best for, is taking the big job! In June, he inherits The Carson Throne! And he will do it incredible justice.

Can't wait.

************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Ha! Thanks, Brad!! It's been a pleasure to be a part of something that people care about. I will do my best to keep you all up to date on the move! I just hope it's not too boring. ;)

I really don't even know what to write. There is all these different thoughts running around my head, that if I was to write a paragraph with them, they would not be very cohesive.

I will say that I'm trying to not think about it being the last show.

It is funny how something so distant can bring you so much joy. Late night (through out the years) has certainly made me laugh in times when things were not to great, and nothing else would make me do so.

I do want to go ahead, and say thank you for always responding to my comments, and liking the items I mail you (unless you are just being polite!), and for this blog you write. You really seem like a very kind person.

Time for tissue. EXTRA JUMBO size.

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Thanks, Clara Lou! The things you sent were always sweet... And I'm happy that we were able to make you smile even in the worst of times. Whomever said that laughter is the best medicine was right!

Hi!!!

I have been watching the show since, I was in high school, and I seriously sit here writing this with a heavy heart. U might not believe this, but I actually stopped watching the show in September because I was already feeling sad, because I knew the show would end in a few months. It was like I was trying to pretend the show didn't exist. If it doesn't exist, it can't end, and it won't hurt if it does. I know that sounds crazy, lol. But thats how I feel.

I started watching the show again, these last few weeks, I guess I had to face reality....it really is over. I have been to the show 6 times, 3 times alone last year. I tired to get tix to these last shows, but was unsuccessful. I can never again pick up the phone and call NBC for some Conan tix. Its so sad. I just think, if I have been this sad, how it must be for u guys, that have had the great honor and privilge to have been part of the best Late Night show in History. I know u guys must be hurting right now. But at the same time, I think u guys must also feel a great sense of pride to have been part of something, that brought so much happiness to millions of people. U guys must be very proud, and u deserve to be:)

I use to also comment on this blog, but I also stopped when I stopped watching the show back in September. Like I said, I was too sad. Now I regret it, lol. Should have just faced the future. I don't think u will remember, but I commented religiously from like February to September last year. I especially during the April fools month, when U had us believe u were being held hostage by Chill. Chill!!!! I really like him too, lol

I will try to comment more often, expecially when u start the Tonight Show Insider. I think u are very funny Bley, and just like Conan and the show, u have brought me happiness.

And I don't know if Conan will read this, but I don't care:

Conan, u are best. I could always count on u to make me laugh, even when I was having the worse day. I love u and I will miss u. I know u will be great in L.A., but don't forget your true "Late Night" home, New York, and all the New Yorkers who love u dearly! Muah!!!! U are my hero:)

Kat

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: KAT!!! Yes, of course I remember you!! Even though I'm sad that you stopped and reading and watching, I'm EXTREMELY happy you came back! There's no reason to fear the inevitable; it's always best to face it and embrace it; anyway, in this instance, we're not leaving - We're just transforming into something else! It's a thing worth celebrating. Now that you're back, I sincerely hope you'll stick around, and help us morph into the new Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien! It's an exciting time, and I'm glad you'll be here with us to see it all happen!!

Thank you Aaron for all the work you've done for us. Its much appreciated :)

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: You're very welcome, Jess! Thanks for reading!! ;)

Dear Aaron,
Thank you so much for all of the hard work you have put into Late Night with Conan O'Brien these last few years. If it weren't for you, we Late Night fanatics wouldn't have the excellent "behind the scenes" look into life at Late Night. Thank you so much for your amazing blogs, underground videos, comments, twitters, and podcasts. Reading the blogs has become a part of my daily routine. I am glad that you will continue blogging and twittering through the duration of the transition to the Tonight Show. You don't know how excited I am about you going to LA. It will be awecellent. I must admit that tonight this blog moved me to tears. And not just misty eyes, but full-out tears rolling down my cheeks. I can't wait to watch tonight's show. I think that it will be a true work of art. Magic will happen, sparks will fly, and I will bawl the whole time. You have started such a legacy at Late Night that it will be sad to see it go. March 2nd it will be so weird to hear the words, "From NBC Studios in New York it's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." But the words, "It's the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" will be music to my ears. You are so right about this being like the end of high school. It's sad that this chapter in 30 Rock history is over, but new and exciting things will be coming down the road. I know this is really long, but I would just like to express my heartfelt gratitude for not only all of the hard work that you have done at Late Night, but to everyone on staff, from the writers, to the camera crew, to the guests, to Max and the band, to Conan O'Brien himself, and so many more people that have spent the last sixteen years making magic happen in studio 6A. Thank you so much. You guys are amazing people.
Here's to a new legacy, a new chapter in history, and a new show.
Sincerely,
Julie
:)

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Well, it was our pleasure Julie. I'm happy that our lil' program was able to bring you joy!! It's always nice to feel appreciated. ;)

In regards to the "behind the scenes" stuff, I'm really excited to let you guys in on the transition out West!! It's a unique and historic transformation, and hopefully you guys will find it all as interesting and enjoyable as I will!!

---if you think listening to "When You were Young" by the killers is sad right now, listen to Goodnight, Travel Well. "Stay don't leave me; there's nothing I can say, there's nothing I can do/ Goodnight. Travel well." :(

I can't even comprehend this. It is so sad. and I mean, it's not like we'll never see Conan again. and this is actually a really great thing for Conan. But I'm going to miss LATE NIGHT with Conan. :(

aaron, say it aint so. it just makes me cry and I'm not entirely sure why.

best of luck to you all. xoxo.. I mean, we'll be seeing it an hour earlier, but still. it's the end of an era.

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Yikes! Well, I wasn't planning on listening to depressing or meaningful songs... The Universe just decided to make me!

No matter what the future holds - and make no mistake, it holds some awesome things - it's always a melancholy party whenever anything comes to an end. It's the end of an era, for sure... But the beginning of another, even more awesome era! Rejoice!

I was lucky enough to be at the taping this evening. I waited with a bunch of my friends in the freezing cold New York night for hours (gladly sacrificing my health and ultimately - I think - all of my now frozen internal organs) just to get the chance to sit in that theater for what would be my first and everyone's final time.

It was so surreal. For fifteen years, I've loved this show; its quirky, offbeat, smart humor, it's manic characters and that semi-translucent string bean at the helm of the madness. What an amazing experience to be a part of my favorite show's last night.

I don't know that there was a dry eye in the theater when Conan said goodbye, but I do know that there were certainly tears of joy when he promised he'd never let his humor grow up. Amen.

And while us East Coasters will certainly miss him and all that he has brought to our fair city, we know that the West Coast is really in for it and that the best is yet to come.

And, you know, good luck to Fallon, too. I guess. You've got a gaping, lanky hole to fill there, buddy.

Thanks for everything, Conan & Co. We love you!

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Agreed, Marie. There was applause in the hallway when he said he'd never grow up!! (We all watched the show in the hallway right outside the studio) Thanks for waiting outside for us!! I'm glad it was worth a frostbitten kidney or two. ;)

I JUST returned from the final taping!! It surpassed my expectations, and I am so grateful to have been there. I must say that my favorite part about the entire night was the fact that the love everyone, especially Conan, has for the show was so palpable. There was just this unique energy. From how excited Conan was to see Andy and leaping over his desk, to the amount of energy Conan seemed to have, to how fresh and funny the baseball remote still iss...I loved taking it all in. The emotion was so bittersweet yet genuine, seeing people crying and getting choked up, all crowded onto the set. I looked for you, and didn't see you. I must say that the only downfall was not receiving a piece of the set as promised by COB...haha. This is truly an experience I will never forget, and I can't wait to watch the show again on tv!

I know the show is going through a crazy transition, but do you know if there is any information about applying for summer internships with the Tonight Show? That sounds weird to say!

Anyway, I hope you and everyone is enjoying your night!

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: You made it!!! I'm so glad, Natalie!! Sorry I couldn't make it into the studio... Things were just really crazy backstage; lots of pictures and hugging and crying. You understand. ;)

I'm not quite sure about Tonight Show internships yet, but rest assured that as soon as the details are all worked out I'll let you guys know about it right here on this blogeroo!! Stay tuned!

Damn it, now I'm going to start crying...

It still hasn't quite sunk in that the awesome little show I've been watching since 1998 is coming to an end in a few hours. Whenever I had a bad day, I knew that I could always rely on Conan to bring a smile to my face (or to make me laugh myself sick). So I just want to thank you, and Conan, and all of the fantastically talented people at Late Night for doing such an amazing job. You guys rock. And bring on June 1. :D

Now wish me luck, because I'm going to bid on the mutant rat prop!

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Tears of joy, I hope!!

And you're welcome, Erin. I'm glad that we could make your day just a little bit better with our absurdist brand of comedy!! And speaking of... GOOD LUCK!! Did you win it?! How'd it go?!??

why no comment here?

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Hmm? Say again?

I think making people laugh is greatly underappreciated. Conan has proved to be one of the best at it. I've been watching the show from day 1. I also feel like the political humor on this show was consistently great.Conan seems like a very good person, and I hope he enjoys fantastic personal and professional success in LA.

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Awesome!! Thank you for watching, William. And thank you for your well wishes!!

Hey Aaron! I was wondering- I called the offices today around noon, and did I talk to you? I asked about any events going on after the show, but then I realized too late that I thought I recognized the voice on the other line.

Anyway, simply put, thank you for everything. Also, thank you for the insomnia I developed from staying up ever since high school. I regret not making it to a show and I will now make it a life mission to go to LA and see a show!

Once again, thank you guys for the joy and laughs.

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Nope!! They keep my idiot self away from the phones at all times, ha ha!!

Please come out and see us in LA, Andrew!! The weather is a lot better, that's for sure...

Hi Aaron,

Thanks for all the wonderful work that you have done on the blog. I just have one wish. Could you post the staff photo that shows everyone on the stage that happened near the end of the show? Thanks. You,Rock!

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Why, you're very welcome, MG! It's my pleasure. I will do my best to get ahold of that pic and put it online... I hope I look okay!!

Wow, Bley...just got done watching the final show. I'm kinda floored. That was a really, really great heartfelt farewell speech. And the next three months are really gonna suck. I mean, Fallon could be amazing, but he'd never be conan.
I'm super excited for conan, but kinda sad he'll never be on Late Night again. I mean, I literally grew up with conan. It's just insane.
I'm getting kinda emotional just thinking about that...wow.
On another note, my friend heard you on the radio the other day. Guess they beat me to the punch eh? haha. We did get a bit of a green-light on that by the way. I'll let you know what happens with it.

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Yeah... I think that Fallon will be different. But I hope he does well, and sincerely think that he will. He's a very funny, talented guy.

And yeah! I was interviewed by my hometown radio station, 101.1 WRIF in Detroit! I grew up listening to those guys, so it was quite a thrill!

I just finished the episode, it was great!! I was super happy that Andy came back and I had a feeling Will Ferrel would show up sometime this week. haha Anyways I can only imagine how you guys are feeling right now, it's like the end of an era. But I just wanted to say that Conan and this show has meant so much to me over the years, you don't even know. Life can get rough sometimes and like everyone I have had some personal ups and downs (especially the past few years) and Conan has been the one constant thing in my life. No matter how rough life seems to get or if I get really depressed or lonely Conan can always put a smile on my face and make me feel good. This comment may seem kind of cheesy but I can't tell you how much I love Conan and this show and how much us fans really appreciate you doing this blog and putting up the awesome behind the scenes videos.

Anyways I am not looking forward to these next few months without Conan but I know once The Tonight Show starts it will be well worth the wait!! Thanks again!

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Oh man... You have no idea the monumental effort it took to keep Will Ferrell a secret from you guys!!! I'm glad you were surprised, ha ha.

And dude! Don't worry about the cheese. Sometimes, life calls for a bit of cheese... And these are gonna be a Velveeta couple of weeks! ;) I hope you'll continue following along as we head out West - we've got a few more surprises up our collective sleeves these next few months...

I just finished watching the tonight's finale.

I don't know what to think or what to feel. I wish I could be a fly on the wall in your offices today to see the vibe and surreal emotions you all must be feeling. I know this should be an exciting time, but I just can't get past the sadness of what this particular ending means. Late Night is over, can you even say that with any ounce of belief? To think that everything is going to change from here on out, it's just something I can't fathom. The Tonight Show is amazing, but Late Night is home, for everyone, and the closing of it's doors is like the end of a generation of laughs, memories, and joy. As cliche as that sounds, it's so true. This is all bittersweet indeed, and, just from the a mere viewer's point of view, it's hard to say goodbye.

Now that I stopped drying my eyes (yes, I teared up, it was sad, Conan was getting choked up and that just put me over the edge :'( ) I just want to again reiterate to you, Bley, my sincere appreciation for everything you've done for us. Sure, we may tune in every night to watch the show, but that's all we do. You put in such an incredible effort to please us, as fans, and to go above and beyond to make videos, give us the inside scoop, telling us the behind the scenes, you're amazing, Aaron Bleyaert, the things you provide for us and do just add that much more joy into mine and everyone else's lives. You've gotten us through hard times like the writers strike, and excite the everyday mundane work/school day. I can't thank you enough :D

On that note, I'd also like to give more sincere gratitude for the continuation of this magical blog! I'm so happy1 Thank you Bley, this is awesome, 4 months without Conan is going to be so damn hard, it's great to know we'll have some sort of connection to the show until it begins :D

Can't wait for pictures! Have an amazing time tonight and amazing weekend! See you MONDAY! Whoo!

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: I know! Just give it some time, Sarah... The awesomeness of the future will begin to sink in. One door closes, another opens, etc.

And thank you for the kind words, Sarah!!! It makes me happy to know that you guys enjoy the little behind the scenes glimpse that I'm lucky enough to be able to give you! I'm excited about the move, and the transformation into the Tonight Show - I was such a fan of Johnny growing up, and it's completely crazy to think that I'll be working on that show in the near future!! I'm happy that I can take you guys with me, as well!! The best is yet to come, sweet Sarah...

aaron, you are so awesome to continue these blogs even when the show is over. i look forward to seeing the move to l.a. thru your eyes. i'm very sad tonight and have cried lots over the end of late night. but you have brighten my day by saying you are going to keep this blog going thru the move. thank you for all that you do, aaron and i will continue to call you names on facebook too.

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Ha! Thanks, E! I'm pumped to bring you along... I just hope that it's not too boring!! I'll do my best to make it worth your while - hey, maybe I'll light something on fire or something. Fire is always exciting, right? ;)

WOW! I can't believe the day has finally come. I started watching in high school when I was still being taught at home. My family mainly watched the Late Show and then went to bed or something. But I've always been a night owl and when I got my own room and tv became a huge fan! Everyday something would remind me of what I saw on Late Night and I would have to tell my sister and mom. Oddly enough these memories were usually brought up as we were reading a story in the Bible I'm not sure how the connection was made but it was. :) Now my whole family watches your show. I love your show and know that the love will only grow as you move to the Tonight Show. I'm so proud of you (Conan) and everyone at the show that makes it what it is. You manage to be funny, silly and not obnoxious which is not an easy task. I noticed you spoke about this being the end but you should focus on what you said last "It's the beginning". It reallly is the beginning of something great. Your show tonight really touched me and I almost shed a tear. It was definetly one of your best I only wish I was older so I could have started watching sooner. I'm sure your feeling a lot of pressure and probably anxious but make sure you take the time to relax and take in the little things that you might forget.(If this gets a little self-helpish it's probably cause I'm a psych major, and I apoligize in advance :)Also as you stated at the end of the show, You're right don't grow up! I was talking with my mom about this and she said it perfectly "We like you just the way you are!" It is really going to be something terrific! Just know that you have your fans support and encouragement!
God Bless you and your loved ones and Stay Happy, Silly and Yourself:)

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Thanks for your kind words of encouragement!! I'll be sure to pass them along to Conan... And I hope that you'll join us on our grand adventure of taking over The Tonight Show!

Oh my god, that was rough. And awesome, hilarious, and touching all rolled into one great last Late Night! Like I said in my last comment, this show means the world to me. I still remember watching this show for the first time eight years ago.. and it seriously feels like yesterday. I remember the day I heard that Conan will be taking over The Tonight Show.. and thinking, oh my god that is sooo far away from now, I will be graduating college when he takes over! And now it's here and I can't believe it. I even got emotional today when I got dressed because out of nowhere I put on a hoodie that I really never wear anymore because I have had it for so long. And for some subconscious reason I decided to wear it today. And then like an hour after I got dressed I realized it was the hoodie I wore when I went to see Conan. I seriously almost started to cry. I know I sound like a total Lame-o telling you this story, but I just thought it was so weird that I did that. Anyway, it's not over... you'll still be doing the blog and underground, and Conan will still be doing a talk show for a good.. 50 years (yes I command he still be doing a show well into his nineties) Have a safe move to LA and I look forward to hearing all about it within these next few months! :)

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Whoa! That's crazy! You don't sound lame at all, Ashley - it's the same thing as The Universe making me listen to all those crazy meaningful songs!! It's one of those cosmic occurance things! That's pretty awesome, actually. So... Yeah. It's a sad time, but it's also a time for something fresh and new. Every once in a while, you have to say goodbye to things, but that just makes you appreciate them more, you know? I'm happy to be still doing the blog, and I hope that it softens the blow of Late Night ending... And that it gets you excited for the new Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien!!

Thank you, Aaron. The last show was amazing and powerful. I had tears in my eyes at the end. And I don't cry.

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: You're very welcome, Judd. And dude, you have nothing to worry about - I was welling up like a huge big baby, too (it didn't help that I was wearing an adult diaper for some reason)!!

And by the way... AWESOME email address. ;)

OMG! AH! It was AWESOME! Speechless...tonight's show, the last show...left me speechless! Thank you so much for the experience...

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: You're welcome, Albert!! Thank YOU for watching us!!

Haven't been this sad in a while. I feel like without you guys, I wouldn't know what to do. This show has probably changed my life for the better. Thank you to all Late Night Staff. The show could not have ended any better then the way it did tonight. Conan had some true words that were said which was a very, very tearful moment.

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Well, thank YOU Matt. Without you, I wouldn't know where I would be, either! We've helped each other out!

We all TOTALLY teared up when Conan teared up. It was so weird - I was completely fine until that happened... It just made it all so real, you know?

Hey Great Post, I've grown up with Conan and I have always had the utmost respect for the writers, especially my old friend Vernon Chatman. It has certainly left me with some of my greatest fits of laughter and tears of joy. And i just hope that the show can go on to do what it does best, make people (and me especially) laugh. And thanks for 16 years of them.

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Thanks, Danny! I hope that we can continue making you laugh on into the future at 11:30!!!

The last week of shows was AMAZING!!! I've been telling people all day that this is a HUGE day and that they should watch Late Night tonight, but almost everybody tried to rip out my heart and stomp on it by letting me know that they didn't care that this was the last Late Night with Conan O'brien. But I was not deterred. Conan will always be my hero and tomorrow I'll tell everybody what they missed out on... Just one question: Is the Late Night with Conan O'brien merchandise at the NBC store going to go on sale? And one suggestion: All the location shoots should go on DVD and be sold... And all the strike shows too.
I'm glad you're moving to LA with the show! I can't wait till the Tonight Show with Conan O'brien starts! Thank you for the blog and the podcast and the all the underground stuff that you do. You're an amazing man Aaron Bleyaert
P.S. Tell Conan he should grow his beard out again to protect his face from the sun...

*********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Hey Alyssa!! Don't listen to those bastards who try to rain on your parade! Sometimes people are jerks just to be jerks.

Rght now, there are no plans for any kind of DVDs - we're all just trying to get everything set for the new Tonight Show! You neber know what that future will hold, though! And good news: Conan merch IS on sale!! Go to it!

Let me start with saying I have been fan of Conan from the beginning. I was a cop from 1984 to 2005 when I retired and I remember working all kind of different hours. I remember the war between Letterman and Leno, which I also like but in a different way. I remember sitting at lunch time on a midnight tour at 1 am and watching him and he always made me laugh about the most stupid things and I was hooked. While working I saw him a few times in the street filming something. He stood out like a sore thumb. I guess I would too if I was 6'4". I've watched him just about every night and I end up asking friends did they see what happened last and most of the time I found it so funny that I can't explain what I saw without cracking up. I feel like we lost something big here in NYC. All like you lost a long time friend. But I wish him the best in The Tonight Show and will continue to watch him because I do enjoy his humor. It's not for everyone but it's for me. Take care Conan, Love ya, man.

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Thanks, Eddie! Thanks for sticking with us, and I hope you enjoy what we do with The Tonight Show!

Congratulations to you all! it' amazing how a show could affect someone even from across the hemisphere, but it did. Conan is an inspiration, an always reliable source of laughter and of course, a good old piece of awesome.
But you too Mr Bleyaert are a part of our lives not only as an inside observer but as a truly funny and humble guy sharing the love for something as great as the show is. For that, I thank you enormously and wish you the best in the future thats about to come.

Please share the love with Ms Hardy and Ms Bruno for they are also, very very awesome.

See you around!

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Oh, Juan - you're too kind!! I think it's a great thing that we're continuing on as another show - this would all be SO depressing if that wasn't the case!!

Im sorry Aaron, I almost made it through without crying but when Conan started thanking people.. I just lost it, and when he almost cried himself, that was it for me and now I can't wait for him to come back.

yours sincerely
Sara

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: I KNOW!!! We were all crying, too!! It's like seeing your dad cry, or something!

Thanks and good luck in the next few months! :D

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Thanks, Steve! I hope we'll still talk over the blog in the coming months!

While watching Late Night's last show I couldn't help but think of the SNL skit with Tom Hanks & John Lovitz. Quote-- "Hello and goooodbye." I think that pretty much sums it up on the transition between Late Night to Tonight Show. Even though my attendance to a taping, during the summer of '07, is just a quick blurb in history of Late Night, I have to say that it was a real honor to have the chance to see the magic happen in front of my very own eyes. It's a moment that I treasure every single day. I hope one day soon I'll have the chance to be part of this new chapter.
Adieu and bon voyage to hello and welcome.
-stef
PS What will happen to that beautiful NY skyline mural?

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: I'm happy that you got to see a taping before it all went bye bye, Stef! I hope you can make it out to LA and see our new show, at some point!!

Not sure about the mural - most of the set was either auctioned off, or donated to museums!

"The Future" Conan?

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: That's right, Noak Eldh!!! All the way... TO THE YEAR 2000!!!

hey, so i didnt know the blog would still exist, so never mind about that last comment, i guess. anyway, this post was really great and sincere and comforting to all of us, i think, just as the last show was. i just wanted to say that i read an article over at the a.v. club. you might have seen it, but i thought it did a super job of summing up everything that us conan fans feel. so here it is: http://www.avclub.com/articles/late-night-with-conan-obrien,24148/

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: HA HA HA HA. No! I'm glad you posted that last comment!! It doesn't change things between us, C.

Thanks for the heads up on the Onion article! I hadn't seen it, yet - I love those folks, though. Great group of people, and AWESOME writers!

[sigh] i will miss late night with conan, but i'm looking forward to his move to LA :)

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Thanks, Jenny. We will try not to disappoint!! ;)

Hey Conan.
This is my first time onto your blog, but I have been a fan of your show from the start � well until Andy Richter left anyway � but I always tuned in to watch when Ferguson was having a dull show, which was about once or twice a month.
In the least it was a good sleeping pill.
(seriously)
Your speech at the end of the last episode was extremely moving and important to us, your fans.
I am so glad to here that despite the press and media's call for you to grow up, I stood up and cheered with your studio audience, and everyone in my house was wondering what was wrong with me.
And it only increased their worries when I told them the reason for my excitement.
So glad your remember Johnny Carson 's advice to be yourself .
And if there was anyone who can maintain the mystique of the Tonight Show to the level of Johnny Carson it's you.
Not just blowing the wind up your ass.
That level of entertainment and showmanship, but not quality, is what we, your fans come back for, but not that quality.
The Quality is your own, and its nothing anyone can give you or take credit for, its not better and definitely not worse. Its yours and we love it and we love you,
especially my self, even though that love is disturbing and something I should seek professional help for.
Hey we all know who the Masturbating Bear was thinking about.
Abe Vigoda

Seriously Carson's Legacy is in good and well deserving hands, Give'em one Hell of a belly laugh ache.

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Thanks, Ron - rest assured, we will do our best! What do you think of Andy coming back as The Tonight Show announcer?! Awesome, no??

I was both moved and saddened by tonight's show. I hate when things change - change is bad!!!

Though I must say, I thought it was extremely classy the way Conan commented on both Leno and Letterman. That upped his already high stock in my book.

Bully for him, and the rest of the show. Best of luck to all - looking forward to the future.

-> Richard
-> Milwaukee, WI

P.S. Mad props (as the kids like to say) to Bley for keeping us all in the loop.

P.P.S. Is it June yet?

P.P.P.S. Really - is it June yet? Is it? Is it?

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Aww... Well, SOMETIMES change is bad; after all, how can you truly appreciate something if nothing ever changes? I think it takes a step back to realize what something means to you - certainly, that's what's happening with Late Night & me right now.

Thanks for watching us and taking the time to comment, Richard! Hopefully I can ease the pain with some sweet blogs and videos in the months ahead!

Aaron Scott Bleyaert!
Aww, I cried of course. When conan's voice broke at the end, I couldn't control myself lol. I just wanted to reach into the tv screen and give everyone a big hug! ): I loved conan's speech at the end; I'm so glad he said that he wasn't going to grow up!! (: And he's right, he does have the best staff in the world.
I hope you had tons of fun at the wrap party, the after party, and the after after pary. Those mini friess and hamburgers looked EPIC. Did they taste as good as they looked?
Well, now I have a new goal; to watch every single episode of the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. I can't wait, it's gonna be ahh-mazing!
I get the feeling this is going to seem like the writers strike all over again.. no shows, but blogs and behind-the-scenes goodies. Get a picture of conan's new set as fast as you possibly can!!
Well, that's all for me right now. I'm sure you have millions of comments to reply to, so get busy, buddy boy!! :D
Take care everyone!!

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Oh no! Well, I cried too! It's an emotional time for us all. I had a great time at the wrap party, but it just seemed all so surreal, you know? I'm sitting here in an empty office, everything packed up but my computer, and it STILL hasn't sunk in that the show's over! It probably won't until I get into my new offices in LA. I hope you'll still continue to comment and hang around in the months to come, Court! ;)

I took a video of the set! It's over on The Underground right now!!

Wow
I can't believe it's over...
I have to admit there were some waterworks on my part, especially when Conan's voice started to crack :(

Fun Fact (or: "Evidence-How-Creepily-In-Love-With-Conan-I-Am" Fact)
My mother works at Harvard Medical School and she therefore has access to all of the libraries on campus. After profuse begging by me she did some research and found Conan's thesis! :) Apparently it's called: "'Old Children' in Faulkner and O'Connor". As both an English major and Conan lover I cannot WAIT to read it.

Looking forward to your Monday blogs to keep my Conan withdrawals in check! You rock Aaron!

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: YOU rock, Beets! And that's awesome (and a little scary) about Conan's thesis! You'll have to tell me how it is... I'm guessing that it's not that funny. ;)

Thanks for keeping up with the blog!! I can't wait.

Random question, but this fascinates me...did Conan design his blue desk mug?

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: You're very welcome! I'm hoping that these Monday blogs won't suck. Oh well... All I can do is my best!

And no! It was actually Conan's old buddy (and current Executive Producer of The Office) Greg Daniels!

Hey Aaron..

Definitely, a bittersweet show last night. Conan's fittingly, sentimental state made me cry (single tear)..no worries, I will be seeking help soon. I know you will be busy for a long while but I was wondering if you are familiar with the satellite channel sketch showcasing THE AMISH PORN CHANNEL, in which; an Amish woman teasingly pulls her sleeves up and sensually begins to churn butter in an old stick churner? The accompanying music was just as funny as the sketch's concept. If you have access to this clip or simply know the season..please... I beg of thee, share with me- with the world, one of the funniest things mine eyes have ever witnessed. Good luck with the transition to you and the rest of the gang! :)

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Bittersweet is definitely the word, Nay. And no reason to seek help - we ALL were tearing up! Sad stuff. Our comedy database is all packed up and put away, so I won't be able to look that up until April when I get into the new offices! Could you remind me then?!

Holy moley, you should show this around the new office: http://picasaweb.google.com/jaredandrews33/JaredSTripToEurope#5124179616069858546

Personally, I don't see the resemblance. :P

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Ha ha! I'll save it for April, when I get into the new offices. ;)

Whoah, the second act is always the darkest act, let's hope that this isnt your SW:ESB! Last night was filled with tears of laughter and tears of sadness, but i loved that Conan said he was not going to grow up. I think that is what the world needs. I heart late night!

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Agreed, R Train! I'm happy that he won't be changing his mentality for 11:30. I love the kind of comedy we do, and I'm happy that we'll get to continue doing it!

thanks for this post.
Bye!Late night with Conan O'Brien.
Go!the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien!

big fan from China.

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: You're very welcome, Coka!! Thank YOU for watching us!!! ;)

Oh, and I forgot to ask, I heard that Conan has a blackberry, but which type? Like.. I mean, a blackberry Pearl, Cuve, or whatever? x]

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: I think he's got a Blackberry Bold!

Wow, the last show was a perfect demonstration of why I love Conan so much. I had to choke back some tears at the end. A huge thank you to all of you at Late Night for putting together a show that never failed to make me laugh and cheer me up. I wish you all the best for the future. Can't wait for June 1st. You continuing the blog will make the wait a lot easier.

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Hey Sonia!! You're extremely welcome! It was our pleasure. Thank YOU for letting us into your brain every night!! I hope we can continue to make you happy in the months to come!

When I watched the last show I couldn't believe it was finally over! I am soooo sad. Thank you for always blogging and continuing to blog though, since having absolutely no updated contact to Late Night would be too much for me to handle haha. The last show was an awesome show, as it has always been, so great job!! You guys are amazing!!! We will miss you!!

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Ha ha ha - well, I hope these Monday blogs don't just devolve into me making lists of my favorite Golden Girls episodes! I hope I have enough goo to keep you all interested...

Hey Aaron! Are you excited about the new Tonight Show studio they're building for Conan? Since it's being custom-built for Conan, what are some of the tailor-made features you guys are looking forward most?

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: I'm SUPER excited, Heidi! I tried to go see it when I was in LA, but the lot is closed on Sundays!! Bummer. I can't wait to check it out! I'm hoping for a guacamole dispenser, personally. ;)

Wow thanks for all the programs over the years,
I started watching it around 95-6 when a local pay-tv company picked it up, I had a couple of years off in the 2000's, and found it via the net again 4 years ago.
Not many people in Australia Know of its existence but in my own way Ive managed to turn some 150 people into fans.

Id like to reiterate the complete joy that watching the show has given me, and I hope the new Incarnation will just be as good.
You can rest assured in our "No Conan" period we will check this blog out regularly, and wish you guys the very best in the "transition peroid"

It occured to my today that now the show is to recorded on a "sound stage" this will mark the end of "tonight shows in genral" being recorded in a real to goodness TV Complex, I just can't imagine Conan's show being recorded anywhere esle, A soundstage?, Ughh.
It'l somehow lose some of the "magic" of being in a working, living TV studio. Oh well Im sure after a week Ill forget it.

Thanks for the laughs, from the bottom of my kidneys

Adrian Gregg
Archive Sound Enginner and Comedy Historian

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Well, 150 is 150!! Thanks for spreading the good gospel of Late Night around, Adrian!! Good work!

I'm anxious to get out there and check out the studio - I can't tell if it'll really be that much different inside the studio; certainly, it will be different having our studio in a separate building, rather than in this pit on insanity known as 30 Rock!

You rock, dudebro (yes, I've been using that word in my everyday life now!) -- thanks for the blogs and the videos and the insight into a show that I started watching in 1993 when I was 12 years old. From Andy and John Goodman leg wrestling to this. It was a great final show, which even included a special bonus -- despite thinking I've seen everything Late Night since 1993, I barely if at all recalled that old-timey baseball bit, which was ridiculously funny.
.
Looking forward to The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien 3 (long) months from now!

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: I hope more than just once a day, old friend... We've gotta get the Dudebro word out on the streetz!!!! And three months will pass before you know it!

Still hasn't hit me that you kids are gone.
But I'll try to miss you even until then!
Epic love, boyz and girlz. That's right, y'alls are awesome enough to move me to use z's instead of s's...'s...
... ya know what, i'll let you pick a noun for once.

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Hey! We're not gone... We're just in hibernation for a bit! Thanks for everything, Jacki. The noun I pick... is LIGHTNING.

Sad times....but I'm looking forward to see what can Conan and you all can do out in LA.

One question that alot of fans are wondering. Who is actually going out West and who stays with Fallon? writers, research, interns, lighting, production crew, etc.

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: It's a mixed bag of people who are going and staying. Paul Tarascio, our second stage manager, is working at Fallon; our sound guy Fred Zeller is at Fallon; Talent Coordinator Lisa Phillips got hired as a Talent Booker; web guy Lee Dayton; NBC PR man Marc Liepis is a Segment Producer; Wardrobe's Tina Ryan; our awesome Security man Bobby Hankinson; our awesome accounting peeps Dawn, Mitzi, and Keri; our sweet AD Maureen Smith; our Music Clearance guy Matt Kappel; lawyer Jeff Hoeh; our cue card man Steve King; and probably some others that I don't know about. Not sure about our interns. None of our writers (to my knowledge) went over to Fallon.

There are some folks who are not going out West and are not going to Fallon; people like our casting department (Janine & Cecelia), Intern Coordinator Chris Formidoni, Video Researcher Tania Hryckowian, some of our Graphic department like Anne, Marty, & Bob; our remote crew Gene & Jay, our Costume Design person Deb Shaw, our PA Nikki Smith, our Script Supervisor Andrea Kail, COB's assistants Todd & Laurie, Talent booker Gina Battista, Writer's Production Associate Ruth Sinanian, video guy Joe Colvin, etc. These people are either working for NBC in some other capacity, or are going to work on other shows (or careers). We have a huge and awesome staff, and I'm sure I've forgotten some people (and for that I'm sorry), but that's all the fates I know. Everyone who worked on our show has done a fantastic job, and to all of them - coming West or not - I wish them the best of luck in the future!!! ;)

Great last show.

What was it like right after the show ended? What did we not get to see on TV? Did Conan hang around in the studio with the audience much when the show ended? Did he do a final "end of show song"? Besides getting to attend the final taping, did the audience get any other special/unique experience?

I was also wondering, besides what Conan took down during tapings, has the set already been removed? When is Dr. Oz moving in?

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Well, all of us were out in the hall, and we all hugged each other and laughed and cried... Then we all headed upstairs to the SNL set to the wrap party! It was a sweet, if completely surreal, time. I got home at 6:30am.

I made a video of the current condition of the studio... It's over on the Underground! Check it out!

Hey Aaron - Thanks for the good news that both you and MW7 are going to LA?

Were any of the news articles true that Max was uncertain if he would go to LA? Or was that all just bad media?

Also, is Joel going? I was also wondering if any current people on the Late Night staff were able to get jobs on the new Late Night staff w/ Fallon? Or, is his staff 100% new?

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Thanks!! I have no idea of whether or not those articles were true... People love controversy, I guess. I'm just happy he'll be there!!

Sadly, Joel is not going. Instead, Andy Richter will be our new announcer! It's both a major bummer and totally awesome. Some of our peeps went to Fallon, but just as many are not working on the Tonight Show OR Fallon. It's one of those "scattered to the winds" kind of scenarios. It's a weird time for a lot of us here.

Hey Aaron -
Anyway you can post some pictures for us of the studio as it is taken apart? I know you are not in 30 Rock for much longer but it would be interesting to see what the studio looks like as it is taken down.
Thanks!

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: I couldn't get in there, but I made a video of what it looks like now over on The Underground... Warning: It is depressing.

You used the word oscillate! That's my favorite word!!!

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: Yessssssssssssssssssssss!!!

Heyaert, i hope that you have funds coming in before June.

************************************************************************
Aaron Responds: I do, friend. AS LONG AS THE BLACK MARKET IS STILL LOOKING FOR KIDNEYS.

I still don't think it's hit me that the show is over. It probably will sometime during one of my withdrawals in the coming months. The show has been a big part of my life just as a fan, I can't imagine what it's like for those of you who put it together. I'm so happy you'll still be doing your blog, it should help me with the aforementioned withdrawals haha.

Don't you love it when your ipod reads your mind?

********************************************************
Aaron Responds: I'm lucky enough to work on a show that I'm a fan of too, so it's hitting me doubly hard!! I'm really excited about working on the Tonight Show, though. So many of us are continuing with the show that it's more fun than sad!

And yes! That's always so great... Have you done that "Genius playlist" thing yet? I'm hearing good things about it...

Congrats to Conan and all of Late Night for 16 awesome seasons! I am going to miss the show being in NYC. Plus I guess that means that the old NBC radio singer ghost character will not be making another appearance. He was one of my favorite characters. "Ladidy Plow". Can't wait to see more great shows coming out of L.A. Good luck and all the best.

********************************************************
Aaron Responds: Thanks, James!

And you never know about the crooner... After all, maybe the new Tonight Show studio was built over an old burial ground!!