While many of O'Brien 's professional advisors and managers pushed for the Fox deal , O'Brien 's desire to one day perhaps take over '' The Tonight Show '' after Leno made it a difficult decision ( O'Brien , like many comedians , had grown up idolizing Carson 's incarnation ) . Chernin warned O'Brien that waiting around for Leno to leave would be " only an invitation to long-term disappointment , and potentially a path toward undermining a promising career . " Nevertheless , O'Brien signed the deal with NBC in March 2002 ; the contract extended him through 2005 and most significantly contained an " explicit Prince of Wales clause " that solidified the official line of succession : If anything were to happen to Leno , O'Brien would step in . O'Brien 's successful hosting job at the 2002 54th Primetime Emmy Awards " sent out the most resounding message yet about his growing strength as a performer " , and a year later , NBC broadcast O'Brien 's tenth anniversary special in primetime . By the time Leno 's contract again came up for renewal , a discussion would be needed regarding the future of '' The Tonight Show '' . Facing the prospect of attempting to keep both Leno and O'Brien , Zucker made the final call on Leno 's deal : " Yes , we 'll extend your deal . But this is your last contract . Time to hand over the keys . " The plan would extend Leno four additional years , after which he would give '' The Tonight Show '' to O'Brien
54th Primetime Emmy Awards
54th Primetime Emmy Awards
2010 Tonight Show conflict