If you think things get nasty in the world of electoral politics, consider all the fun that’s gone down in recent days in late-night comedy circles, what with the sticky tangle that NBC execs got themselves into after handling the highly charged Jay Leno-vs.-Conan O’Brien “Tonight Show” debacle with all the delicacy and subtlety of a jackhammer.

Thankfully, it looks like this inglorious chapter of TV history is just about closed, according to The Wrap’s Sharon Waxman, who reported Friday about an apparent deal in the works between O’Brien and the Peacock Network.

For more background about the “Tonight Show” saga, click here. –KA

Sharon Waxman on The Wrap:

NBC has its way out of the Conan Crisis.

The network has agreed to pay O’Brien $30 million to vacate the 11:35 p.m. “Tonight Show,” individuals involved in the negotiations have told TheWrap.

The deal, which may still be in the process of finalization, could be announced as early as Friday.

O’Brien publicist Leslee Dart emailed “Nothing (is) signed yet. Those figures are not accurate.”

But others described the negotiations in detail.

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#comedian#conan o'brien#jay leno#nbc#the tonight show