Leno helping O’Brien with ‘Tonight’ transition

updated 6:36 p.m. ET May 26, 2009

NEW YORK - Conan O'Brien says there's been little backstage angst associated with the "Tonight" show transfer of power from Jay Leno.

"He's happy, I'm happy." O'Brien said Tuesday. "That's actually been kind of a godsend."

O'Brien is the guest on Leno's last "Tonight" Friday, before doing the show for himself next week. Leno is moving to prime time on NBC with a one-hour comedy show each weeknight at 10, starting in the fall.

Past transitions haven't been as smooth. Leno was chosen over David Letterman to replace Johnny Carson at "Tonight," a decision that still causes some hard feelings.

O'Brien credited Leno's kindnesses for helping on the transition. He said he'll be looking to his predecessor for what comedy to do on Friday's shoot.

"It's Jay's night," he said. "I don't have any illusions that it's going to be my night."

In a conference call with reporters, however, O'Brien discussed their comedy differences. When asked to think about career highlights, Leno would probably cite specific jokes while he would be more apt to think about sketches, he said.

After a few months off the air and thinking about the "Tonight" show, O'Brien said he's eager to get on stage and do it.

"The biggest danger to me taking over the 'Tonight' show is overthinking," said O'Brien.

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