Conan O’Brien’s “Late Night” show was the scene of many laughs this week, as well as of unexpected surprises, since the host brought an ax on the set of the program, which has been his television home for almost 16 years.

 

In addition, Conan O’Brien shattered on Tuesday the paling behind his usual desk and offered a member of the audience a keepsake. Taking into account the fact that this week marks O’Brien’s last in New York, the crowds have been packed with appreciative aficionados who were the winners of a lottery that put at stake “Late Night” tickets.

 

Conan O’Brien managed to reach a significant status and draw impressive popularity in spite of the fact that when he first kicked off producers at NBC trusted too little in him and only intended to keep him for three months.

 

This spring, after O’Brien leaves the show, he will take over NBC’s productive “Tonight” show franchise. He told the Associated Press that at first he was “in denial” and that he thought he could move on from one program to another. However, he explained he was unable to leave his emotions aside and admitted that his departure caused him “mixed feelings.”

 

Following Friday’s episode of the “Late Show,” Conan O’Brien and the majority of his staff, including band-leader Max Weinberg, will go west.

 

“Late Night” is scheduled to air in reruns for a week, while ex “Saturday Night Live” staffer Jimmy Fallon will serve as the show’s new host as early as March 2. Current “Tonight” host Jay Leno is due to leave the show on May 29 and Conan O’Brien will take over the program on June 1. Jay Leno is programmed to hold a 10 p.m. show starting this fall.