Fox and Conan O’Brien have resumed talks about a potential late-night talk show while O’Brien has also been approached to take part in Fox’s “Idol Gives Back” special April 21.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, sources close to both camps stress that the offer is not related to the ongoing late-night discussions and in no way means the two sides expect to have a deal by April 21.
The Idol invitation to O’Brien came not from Fox but from producer 19 Entertainment, which is reaching out to several celebrities for the charity special.
NBC, however, determined that O’Brien could not accept the invitation based on its settlement with the former Tonight Show host, which prohibits him from making any TV appearances before May 1.
Still, notes THR, the prospect of O’Brien appearing on the top show of the network that is looking to bring him into the fold is intriguing.
Further is the fact that should the comic land a show at Fox, he could be available to attend the network’s upfront presentation in May. From May 13-20, his comedy tour has a performance every day except May 17 — which happens to be the date of Fox’s upfront in New York.
Additionally, if there is a deal with Fox or significant progress by April 12 when O’Brien’s tour starts, it could serve as a way for the comedian to meet with Fox affiliate stations, notes THR.
