Conan O’Brien’s late-night show ended in 2021 after a long run on TV. He started hosting late-night shows in 1993 on NBC. He moved to TBS in 2010 where he stayed for 11 years.
Conan O’Brien left his TBS late-night show on June 24, 2021, finishing a 28-year career in late-night television. He hosted three different shows on two networks during this time. His departure came as late-night TV ratings were dropping across the board.
O’Brien didn’t leave TV for good. He planned to create a new weekly variety show for HBO Max after ending his TBS show. This move allowed him to try new things while still entertaining his fans.
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The Evolution of Conan’s Late-Night Career
Conan O’Brien’s late-night career was marked by both triumphs and challenges. From his early days on “Late Night” to his controversial exit from “The Tonight Show” and his successful run on TBS, O’Brien left an indelible mark on the late-night landscape. Though his late-night show has concluded, his comedic legacy and influence continue to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.
The Tonight Show Fiasco
Conan O’Brien’s tenure on “The Tonight Show” was short-lived but unforgettable. After years of hosting “Late Night,” he took over “The Tonight Show” in 2009. However, due to scheduling conflicts and declining ratings, NBC proposed moving the show to a later time slot, a move O’Brien refused. He left the network with a hefty settlement and a seven-month hiatus from television.
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Conan on TBS
In late 2010, O’Brien returned to late-night with a new show, simply titled “Conan,” on TBS. The show followed a similar format to his previous endeavors, showcasing O’Brien’s signature blend of absurdist humor, celebrity interviews, and remote segments. It ran for 11 successful seasons, garnering a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim.
The End of an Era
In June 2021, “Conan” aired its final episode, marking the end of O’Brien’s 28-year run as a late-night host. The decision to end the show was mutual, with O’Brien expressing a desire to explore new creative avenues.
Life After Late-Night
Since leaving late-night, O’Brien has remained active in the entertainment industry. He launched a successful podcast, “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” and continues to produce various projects through his production company, Team Coco. In 2023, he returned to television with the travel series “Conan O’Brien Must Go” on HBO Max.
Timeline of Conan O’Brien’s Late-Night Shows
| Show | Network | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Late Night with Conan O’Brien | NBC | 1993-2009 |
| The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien | NBC | 2009-2010 |
| Conan | TBS | 2010-2021 |
Key Takeaways
- Conan O’Brien ended his late-night TV career in 2021 after 28 years
- He hosted shows on NBC and TBS before leaving amid falling ratings
- O’Brien moved on to create a new weekly show for HBO Max
The Rise of Conan’s Late-Night Career
Conan O’Brien’s journey to late-night stardom began with his work on Saturday Night Live. He then landed his own show on NBC. This led to a brief stint as host of The Tonight Show.
Early Years and Saturday Night Live
Conan O’Brien started his TV career as a writer for Saturday Night Live in 1988. He wrote for the show for three years. His clever sketches caught the eye of many in the industry. This time at SNL helped Conan hone his comedic skills.
He left SNL in 1991 to write for The Simpsons. His work there further proved his talent for comedy writing. These early jobs set the stage for his move into hosting.
Success with Late Night with Conan O’Brien on NBC
In 1993, NBC picked Conan to replace David Letterman as host of Late Night. Many doubted if he could fill Letterman’s shoes. But Conan’s quirky humor and self-deprecating style won over fans.
His show became known for its odd characters and absurd sketches. Conan’s ratings grew steadily over the years. Late Night with Conan O’Brien ran for 16 years. It earned an Emmy Award and widespread praise from critics.
The Tonight Show Transition and Controversy
In 2009, Conan took over The Tonight Show from Jay Leno. This was part of a plan NBC had made years earlier. But the switch didn’t go smoothly.
Leno’s new prime-time show got poor ratings. NBC then wanted to move Leno back to late night. This would have pushed Conan’s Tonight Show to a later time slot. Conan refused to accept this change.
After just seven months, Conan left The Tonight Show. This led to a public dispute with NBC. Many fans rallied behind Conan during this time. The controversy changed the landscape of late-night TV.
Conan’s Tenure at TBS
Conan O’Brien moved to TBS in 2010. His show ran for over a decade. It changed with the times and grew a big online following.
Launching the TBS Show
Conan O’Brien started his TBS show in 2010. It came after his short run as host of “The Tonight Show” on NBC. The move to cable TV gave Conan more freedom. He could try new things and be edgier.
The show aired four nights a week. It had a mix of celebrity guests and comedy bits. Fans liked seeing Conan’s quirky humor in a new setting. The hour-long format let him do longer interviews and sketches.
Evolution of the Format
Over time, Conan’s TBS show changed. In 2019, it switched to a half-hour format. This shift let Conan focus on what he did best – comedy and interviews.
The show cut out the desk and band. It became more casual. Conan did more remote segments. These changes kept the show fresh and fun. It also helped it stand out from other late-night shows.
Impact on Digital Media and Social Presence
Conan’s TBS era saw a big push into digital media. The show put clips on YouTube and other platforms. This helped Conan reach younger viewers who don’t watch cable TV.
His “Clueless Gamer” segments became huge hits online. Conan also grew his social media presence. He used Twitter and Instagram to connect with fans. The show’s Team Coco website became a hub for extra content.
This online growth helped Conan stay relevant in a changing TV world. It set him up for future projects beyond traditional TV.
Conan’s Work Outside of Late Night
Conan O’Brien expanded his career beyond late-night TV. He took on new projects in travel, podcasting, and other media.
Conan Without Borders
Conan O’Brien created a travel show called Conan Without Borders. The show followed him as he visited different countries. He went to places like Cuba, Haiti, and Israel.
In each episode, Conan met local people and tried new things. He often made jokes about being a tall, pale American in foreign lands. The show mixed comedy with cultural learning.
Conan Without Borders aired on TBS. It was popular with fans who enjoyed seeing Conan outside his usual studio setting.
Podcast Endeavors
O’Brien started a podcast called “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” in 2018. In it, he talks with celebrities, comedians, and other interesting people.
The podcast lets Conan have longer, more relaxed chats than on TV. He often brings up funny stories from his career. His assistant Sona Movsesian and producer Matt Gourley join in too.
Conan’s podcast network, Team Coco, also makes other shows. These cover topics like history, true crime, and pop culture.
Other Media Appearances
Conan O’Brien has shown up in many TV shows and movies over the years. He often plays himself or does voice acting.
Some of his guest spots include:
- The Simpsons
- 30 Rock
- The Office
- Arrested Development
He’s also been in movies like “Now You See Me” and “The Lego Batman Movie”.
Conan sometimes hosts award shows or charity events. He uses his comedy skills to entertain audiences at these special programs.
The Show’s Format and Notable Segments
Conan O’Brien’s late-night show had a mix of comedy bits and celebrity chats. It featured funny opening acts, talks with famous people, and recurring skits that fans loved.
Monologues and Comedy Skits
Conan started each show with a funny monologue. He joked about current events and pop culture. His quirky humor and self-deprecating style made people laugh.
The show had many comedy skits. Some were pre-recorded videos. Others happened live on stage. Conan often played silly characters or did physical comedy.
One popular bit was “In the Year 2000”. Conan and a guest would make outlandish predictions about the future. The segment kept going even after the year 2000 passed.
Celebrity Interviews and Performances
Celebrities came on the show to chat with Conan. He was known for his witty banter and off-the-wall questions. Guests often joined in on comedy bits or games.
The show also had musical acts. Bands and singers would perform their latest songs. Sometimes Conan would join in for a funny duet.
Comic actors would act out skits with Conan. These often led to hilarious unscripted moments that fans loved.
Recurring Characters and Skits
The show had many recurring characters and bits. Triumph the Insult Comic Dog was a puppet that made fun of people. The Masturbating Bear was a costumed character that popped up at random times.
“Clueless Gamer” was a segment where Conan played video games badly. He often had celebrity guests join him.
Another fan favorite was remote segments. Conan would go out to real places and interact with people. These often led to funny and unpredictable moments.
Key Figures and Contributions
Conan O’Brien’s late-night show relied on a talented team of performers, writers, and producers. Several key people and elements helped shape the show’s unique style and humor.
The Role of Sidekick Andy Richter
Andy Richter played a big part in Conan’s shows. He started as Conan’s sidekick on Late Night in 1993. Richter left in 2000 but came back for Conan’s TBS show in 2010. He added quick wit and funny reactions to Conan’s jokes. Their back-and-forth banter became a fan favorite. Richter also took part in many comedy sketches. He helped interview guests and often chimed in with his own jokes. His presence gave the show a friendly, relaxed feel.
Influential Guests and Repeated Bits
Conan’s shows featured many famous guests and recurring comedy bits. Some popular guests came back often, like Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd. These return visits led to running jokes and special moments. The show had many repeated segments that fans loved:
- “In the Year 2000” (later “In the Year 3000”)
- Remote segments where Conan left the studio
- The Masturbating Bear character
- String Dance
These bits became part of the show’s identity. They gave viewers something to look forward to each night.
The Writing Team and Producers
The writers and producers were crucial to the show’s success. Jeff Ross served as executive producer for 28 years. He helped guide the show through its different versions. The writing team came up with fresh jokes and sketches daily. They worked hard to keep the humor current and sharp. Some writers, like Robert Smigel, became well-known for their contributions. The production team made sure everything ran smoothly on set. They handled the technical aspects and brought the writers’ ideas to life.
Transition to HBO Max and The Future
Conan O’Brien’s move to HBO Max marks a new chapter in his career. This shift brings changes to his show format and impacts the late-night TV landscape.
Ending the TBS Late-Night Show
Conan O’Brien’s TBS show ended in June 2021. He hosted the show for 10 years. The decision to end the show came as O’Brien looked for new ways to connect with his audience. His final episode featured special guests and a look back at memorable moments.
TBS supported O’Brien’s choice to move on. The network praised his work and wished him well in his future projects. Fans expressed mixed feelings about the show’s end. Many were sad to see it go but excited for O’Brien’s next steps.
Moving to a Weekly Variety Show on HBO Max
O’Brien’s new show on HBO Max will be different from his past work. It will be a weekly variety series instead of a nightly talk show. This format allows for more creative freedom and diverse content.
The HBO Max show will let O’Brien explore new ideas. It may include travel segments, comedy sketches, and interviews. The weekly schedule gives more time for planning and producing high-quality content.
This move also puts O’Brien on a streaming platform. It helps him reach younger viewers who prefer on-demand content.
Influence on the Future of Late-Night TV
O’Brien’s switch to streaming could change late-night TV. Other hosts might follow his lead and move to digital platforms. This shift could redefine what “late-night” means in the streaming era.
The weekly format might become more common. It allows for more in-depth content and less pressure to produce daily shows. O’Brien’s success could inspire other comedians to try new formats.
His move also highlights the growing importance of streaming services in TV. As more viewers cut cable, streaming platforms may become the new home for talk shows and variety series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conan O’Brien’s late-night career spanned several shows and networks. His departure from NBC led to changes in late-night TV lineups.
Why did Conan O’Brien leave his late-night show?
Conan O’Brien left his TBS show in June 2021. He ended his 28-year run in late-night TV. The TV landscape had changed. Ratings for late-night shows were falling.
O’Brien wanted to try new things. He planned to make a weekly variety show for HBO Max.
Who took over the hosting duties after Conan O’Brien’s departure from Late Night?
Jimmy Fallon took over as host of Late Night on NBC. This happened in 2009 when O’Brien moved to The Tonight Show.
Fallon hosted Late Night until 2014. Then he became the host of The Tonight Show.
How long was Conan O’Brien the host of The Tonight Show?
Conan O’Brien hosted The Tonight Show for less than a year. He started in June 2009. He left in January 2010.
NBC wanted to move Jay Leno back to late night. This led to O’Brien’s short run on The Tonight Show.
Where can viewers watch episodes of Late Night with Conan O’Brien?
Full episodes of Late Night with Conan O’Brien are hard to find online. Some clips are on YouTube. NBC owns the rights to the show.
Fans can find highlights and popular segments on various video platforms.
Who were some of the writers for Late Night with Conan O’Brien?
Late Night with Conan O’Brien had many talented writers. Some notable ones were:
- Robert Smigel
- Louis C.K.
- Bob Odenkirk
- Mike Sweeney
These writers helped create the show’s unique comedy style.
What is Conan O’Brien’s current professional endeavor?
After leaving TBS, O’Brien started new projects. He now hosts a podcast called “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend”.
He’s also working on a weekly variety show for HBO Max. O’Brien continues to create comedy content in different formats.
