Conan O'Brien: The Masturbating Bear lives!

One of the recurring "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" bits that most observers confidently suggested would not make the transition to 11:30 was the Masturbating Bear, but it looks like the Bear will indeed be doing his thing on "The Tonight Show," according to this New York Daily News report -- along with Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and In the Year 2000.

"I think sometimes, especially in 2009, people can overstate the idea that there's a comedy barrier that separates 11:30 and 12:30 and that you'll ignite antimatter if you bring 12:30 comedy into the 11:30 hour," O'Brien said. "But DVRs have changed everything. The Internet has changed everything."

On his first week on the air: "It should be a fun week, but I have a rule which is, don't overthink this. My most important job is to think of funny things to do with my writers and enjoy this. What I've noticed is that when I'm really enjoying myself, it seems to be good television."

Meanwhile, Ain't It Cool News has published a fan's report of a test show, and reveals that Andy Richter will do his announcing duties while standing behind a podium -- no more sitting on the couch, as he did in his sidekick days. The fan was delighted with the new show: "Like many Conan fans, I was concerned the shift to 11:30 might soften the tone of the show. I'm happy to report, it's the same show you know and love."