Hollywood Popular Artists

May 18th 2012, 21:03

By Natasha Chandel

Conan O'Brien and David Letterman are keeping their friends close and their enemies closer. O'Brien made an historic appearance yesterday on "Late Night with David Letterman" after 13 long years. The two late night giants came together for one common cause – bashing their other late night nemesis, Jay Leno.

The late night battle feels much like an episode of "Game of Thrones," where comedy circuit brothers (Leno and Letterman) become network foes. But the kings of their own respective lands (NBC and CBS) want more, living with the overpowering ambition to rule all television kingdoms. In neighboring borders lives a young prince (O'Brien), in line to take the NBC king's place, but upon assuming his rightful position is sleazily pushed and banished from the kingdom altogether by an insecure former leader. The old king (Leno) reclaims his position but not without enemies. He leaves the other brothers (O'Brien and Letterman) bitter and scarred. They eventually realize that if they stand united, they might not bring down the lone brother, but at least will have some laughs at his expense. Because, really, who cares about his land anyways.

O'Brien's appearance on "Late Night" began with an awkward silence. "The longer we sit here, the more uncomfortable it will make Jay [Leno]," Letterman said, setting the tone right off the bat. From there, the interview was full of jabs at the "Tonight Show" host – teasing his voice, opulent lifestyle and perceived selfishness.

Letterman recalled an anecdote of working alongside Leno as up-and-coming comics, with Leno usually being the crowd pleaser. "He was also a bit of a brat," Letterman quipped, and went on to say that the Leno who pushed O'Brien out of the "Tonight Show" chair after a mere six months was "the Jay I know."

O'Brien's self-depricating signature style meshed well with Letterman's self-serving humor. Together they succeeded in making Leno the "bad guy," although, to be fair, an entire network was as guilty for the debacle that forced O'Brien to leave NBC and move to his new home at TBS.

But all's well that ends well, right? From the sound of it, O'Brien is happy at TBS, a network that allows him to do whatever he wants and create the show of his liking. Although, it was clear from this interview that the wound is still deep for both O'Brien and Letterman, who take a certain pleasure in knowing Leno is no longer the king he once was.

Watch it below!

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