APPLETON, Wis. — Nearly five years after signing off from his long-running late-night talk show on TBS, comedian Conan O’Brien is thriving in new media landscapes, reaching what he describes as a broader audience through podcasts and travel series. In a recent interview with The New Yorker, the six-time Emmy winner reflected on his transition from traditional television, suggesting that the old format is fading while innovative platforms offer fresh opportunities for connection and humor.
O’Brien, who hosted Conan on TBS from 2010 to 2021, told the magazine, “I left my late-night show four years ago. I’ve had a wonderful time.” He emphasized the shift in how audiences engage with content today, stating, “I think I reach more people now, either through the podcast or doing the travel show.” His current projects include the popular podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, where he conducts in-depth interviews with celebrities and public figures, and the HBO/Max travel series Conan O’Brien Must Go, which follows him on comedic adventures around the world.
The comedian’s remarks come at a time when late-night television appears to be undergoing significant changes. According to reports, CBS has announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude its run in May, marking the end of another staple in the genre. This decision follows ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, though details on the suspension remain unclear. O’Brien addressed the evolving landscape directly, noting, “I mean, this old format is going away, but they’re being replaced by a multitude of other ways to connect with people and be funny, and be satirical, and be probing, and let your talent run wild—that in some ways are more freeing.”
Looking back on his extensive career in late-night, O’Brien’s journey began in 1993 when he took over as host of NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien, a role he held until 2009. That stint was followed by a brief but tumultuous tenure as host of The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien from 2009 to 2010, after which he moved to TBS for an 11-year run that ended in June 2021. During his time on TBS, O’Brien experimented with remote segments and virtual guests, adapting to the demands of the pandemic era while maintaining his signature irreverent style.
O’Brien’s departure from late-night was not without reflection on the constraints of the format. He explained to The New Yorker, “I have all this freedom to be me in different ways, in different formats. There’s a lot of really beautiful opportunities, and I’ve been having a blast and getting to have types of interviews I never could have had in that old ‘You’re up in the attic’ format.” The “attic” reference alludes to the quirky, low-budget sets of his early shows, which contrasted with the polished studios of prime-time late-night.
Beyond his personal success, O’Brien has weighed in on the broader role of comedy in contemporary culture. In recent comments reported by Deadline Hollywood, he cautioned fellow comedians critical of former President Donald Trump against prioritizing anger over humor. “Exchanging funny for anger” could undermine the essence of satire, O’Brien suggested, advocating for wit that entertains rather than alienates. This perspective aligns with his own approach, which often blends sharp observations with self-deprecating charm.
O’Brien’s influence in entertainment continues to expand. He is reportedly set to host the 97th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Producers have praised his ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments, a skill honed over decades in television. The Oscars gig marks a return to live event hosting for O’Brien, who previously emceed the ceremony in 2017 and 2021 remotely.
The decline of traditional late-night programming has sparked discussions among industry insiders about the future of comedy on television. While O’Brien celebrates the freedom of digital platforms, others point to challenges like fragmented audiences and ad revenue shifts. For instance, the end of The Late Show is expected to impact CBS’s late-night slate, potentially leading to new programming experiments. ABC’s handling of Jimmy Kimmel Live! suspension has fueled speculation about cost-cutting measures amid streaming competition, though network executives have not elaborated publicly.
O’Brien’s podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, has become a hit since its launch in 2018, featuring guests like Barack Obama, Paul McCartney, and Michelle Obama. Episodes often delve into personal stories, offering a contrast to the rapid-fire monologues of late-night. Similarly, Conan O’Brien Must Go, which premiered on HBO/Max in 2024, takes viewers to destinations like Norway, Argentina, and Ireland, where O’Brien immerses himself in local cultures with his trademark awkward enthusiasm. The show’s first season was well-received, with critics noting its blend of travelogue and comedy.
Reflecting on his career arc, O’Brien has spoken about the pressures of late-night’s daily grind. Hosting five nights a week for nearly three decades required constant innovation, from writing desks to celebrity skits. His TBS era, in particular, allowed for edgier content and collaborations with animators like those behind Adult Swim. Yet, as he told The New Yorker, the freedom post-late-night has been liberating: “I’ve been having a blast.”
Industry observers see O’Brien’s path as a model for veteran entertainers navigating media disruption. With streaming services like HBO/Max and podcast networks booming, talents once tied to network schedules are finding diverse outlets. O’Brien’s success underscores a trend where audiences increasingly seek on-demand, personality-driven content over scheduled broadcasts.
Looking ahead, O’Brien shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to his hosting duties at the Oscars, he continues to produce content through his company, Conaco, which has been behind shows like Late Night and The Tonight Show. Rumors swirl about potential new projects, including expansions of his travel series and podcast specials. Meanwhile, the late-night void left by shows like Colbert’s could pave the way for hybrid formats blending TV and digital elements.
As traditional late-night evolves or ends, O’Brien’s comments highlight a silver lining: the proliferation of creative avenues. “There’s a lot of really beautiful opportunities,” he said, encapsulating optimism amid change. For fans in Appleton and beyond, his voice remains a constant, now amplified across platforms that transcend time zones and screens.
The entertainment world’s shifts also intersect with larger cultural conversations. O’Brien’s advice to anti-Trump comedians, for example, touches on the tension between political commentary and entertainment value. In an era of polarized media, his call for humor over ire resonates with those seeking levity. Whether hosting awards shows or chatting on podcasts, O’Brien continues to adapt, proving that comedy’s reach extends far beyond the studio lights.
In summary, Conan O’Brien’s post-late-night era represents not an end, but a vibrant new chapter. With millions tuning in via podcasts and streaming, he exemplifies how entertainers can thrive in a fragmented landscape, all while the traditional talk show format recedes into history.