Conan O'Brien, who hosted the Emmys in September, has some real comic fodder for his monologue tonight ... the Emmys.
According to this morning's trade reports, all heck is breaking loose in prime-time Emmy land, as the TV Academy is close to reaching an agreement with HBO (which, like PEOPLE, is part of AOL Time Warner) to have the pay cable network carry TV's top awards show for the next five years, starting next year.
Viewers, however, might end up happy: Unlike this year, viewers wouldn't have to choose between watching the Emmys or "The Sopranos." Maybe they could even get James Gandolfini to host.
The decision to switch to HBO -- which, nomination-wise, has become one of the Emmy Awards' favorite networks -- is being called a surprise and one that's not sitting well with the other networks, which might possibly launch competing awards shows.
Traditionally, ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC have rotated the broadcast of the Emmys. But according to the Hollywood Reporter, HBO is the only network that came close to meeting the Academy's $10 million price tag to carry the awards.
Stayed tuned for more developments.
Meanwhile, in other TV news, Steve Martin, 57 (who was just announced as next March's Oscar host) is donning his TV producer's cap to develop a gay version of "Hart to Hart," in which a pair of interior decorators stumble upon a murder each week, Variety reports.
The show would be called "Mr. and Mr. Nash," and "Cabaret" Tony winner Alan Cumming has signed on to play one of the leads.
Said Martin: "I am proud to be a part of 'Mr. and Mr. Nash,' especially the part where it's a big hit."
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