Conan O'Brien is still on NBC's staff – just. It seems his lawyers and NBC's lawyers are still haggling over the fine print of an exit strategy for the comedian. It is still widely expected that he will exit The Tonight Show stage right on Friday night.

Tonight's (Thursday) episode features a ratings-grabbing Robin Williams, who did a similar stint more than 20 years ago on Johnny Carson's last-but-one shows. Tomorrow's (Friday) edition will star Tom Hanks and Will Ferrell, and another ratings-winner. Neil Young will be the musical guest. In other words it is absolutely likely that O'Brien will go out with significant ratings, showing that a bit of publicity, decent guests and a sympathetic audience can do wonders for viewer numbers. Ratings are already up around 50%.

A formal announcement is expected on his departure today (Thursday). Most of the argument over the past few days has concerned O'Brien's on-screen and back-stage talent, who will also depart.