Will Ferrell Appears as First Guest on Conan O'Brien's Tonight Show Couch

On June 1, 2009, Conan O'Brien made his highly anticipated debut as the host of The Tonight Show, a role he had dreamed of since childhood. The inaugural episode featured actor Will Ferrell as the first guest, bringing a mix of humor and excitement to the stage. Additionally, the iconic rock band Pearl Jam performed, setting a vibrant tone for O'Brien's tenure. During his time on the show, Conan earned the affectionate nickname 'Coco,' a moniker popularized by none other than Tom Hanks. Despite the initial enthusiasm surrounding his arrival, ratings began to decline, leading to significant changes in the show's scheduling. In January 2010, NBC proposed moving The Tonight Show to 12:05 am to make way for Jay Leno, a decision that Conan vehemently opposed. This disagreement ultimately resulted in Conan's departure from the show on January 22, 2010, accompanied by a substantial exit deal worth $45 million. O'Brien's brief but impactful stint on The Tonight Show remains a notable chapter in late-night television history.