Actually, you don't have to just go away when you're let go if you have a contract. Most people who make big money don't give up the successful show they already have and move themselves, their family, their staff, and their families across country to take a new gig without a contract. NBC either had to keep Conan on or pay out the rest of the contract. Sounds to me like he gave part of his contract compensation to his staff. I love Conan, but I do think he's an acquired taste, and some people just don't "get" him. I agree that some of his bits appear immature, but I doubt if anybody loves everything anyone does. He is one of the truly funniest men on television and makes his guests all appear interesting and funny too. But anyone who has paid any attention at all know he's a class act and a genuinely good person. Conan will do juuuust fine, and I like Jay Leno too, but I'm not sure he'll do as well on the Tonight Show anymore now either unless they get some good competitive programming on leading into the 11 pm news. Bad bad bad network decisions. But NBC is getting known for that right now.