Fox vetting O'Brien for late-night show deal

PASADENA, Calif. — If "Tonight" show host Conan O'Brien decides he doesn't want to shift back to a post-midnight time slot at NBC, Fox executives have a clear message for him: We love you.

"It's a very compatible fit for our brand," said Peter Reilly, Fox's entertainment president, on Monday. NBC's late-night shuffle, one of the most compelling dramas this television season, hinges on whether O'Brien will accept what is effectively a demotion or go to a network with a spotty record developing a late-night show. NBC confirmed it was ending Jay Leno's prime-time show. He would appear at 11:35 p.m., followed by O'Brien.