Conan O'Brien

Conan O'Brien, who started his career as a writer for 'Saturday Night Live', was hired by 'The Simpsons' creator Matt Groening in 1991. During his time at 'The Simpsons', O'Brien wrote several iconic episodes, including 'Marge vs. the Monorail'. His tenure as a writer on the show lasted until 1993, when he left to pursue other opportunities. His work on the show was well-received and helped establish his career in comedy.

On September 13, 1993, Conan O'Brien premiered as the host of 'Late Night with Conan O'Brien', taking over the show after David Letterman left NBC for CBS. O'Brien was a relatively unknown writer and performer at the time, having written for shows like 'Saturday Night Live' and 'The Simpsons'. The show initially struggled with low ratings and mixed reviews, but over time, O'Brien's unique comedic style and sketches like 'In the Year 2000' and 'Triumph the Insult Comic Dog' won over audiences and critics alike.

In June 2009, Conan O'Brien took over as host of 'The Tonight Show', succeeding Jay Leno who moved to a prime time slot on NBC. This marked a significant moment in late-night television, as O'Brien became the fifth host of the iconic program. His tenure at 'The Tonight Show' was relatively short-lived due to a dispute over time slots with Leno, leading to O'Brien's departure in January 2010. Despite the controversy, O'Brien's version of the show was noted for its unique humor and creativity.

On September 11, 2009, Jay Leno premiered 'The Jay Leno Show' on NBC, airing at 10 PM. This unusual move was a result of the network's decision to give Conan O'Brien 'The Tonight Show' while retaining Leno in a different time slot. The show's performance was mixed and it struggled with ratings, which created tension and eventually led to a late-night reshuffle that saw Jay Leno returning to 'The Tonight Show' and Conan O'Brien leaving NBC. This reshuffle was a notable event in O'Brien's career.

After leaving NBC, Conan O'Brien returned to television with a new show titled 'Conan' on TBS, premiering on November 8, 2010. The show marked O'Brien's return to the late-night scene and was met with anticipation from his fanbase. 'Conan' retained many of the comedic elements of his previous shows, and O'Brien's debut featured guests such as Seth Rogen and Lea Michele. The move to cable allowed O'Brien greater creative freedom and control over the show's content.

On October 31, 2018, Conan O'Brien launched his first podcast titled 'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend,' produced by Team Coco and Earwolf. In the podcast, O'Brien engages in candid conversations with celebrity guests, aiming to find genuine friendship amidst his comedic persona. It quickly gained popularity, showcasing O'Brien's humor and interviewing style in a new medium, further expanding his reach in the entertainment world and allowing for more in-depth and personal discussions than his television format allowed.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Conan O'Brien adapted to restrictions by filming his late-night talk show, 'Conan', remotely starting March 30, 2020. The show was recorded from his home using consumer-grade technology, including an iPhone. This format adjustment reflected the broader shift within the entertainment industry as productions halted in-person filming to adhere to health and safety guidelines. The unique setup demonstrated O'Brien's ability to innovate and maintain a connection with his audience during challenging times.

On June 24, 2021, Conan O'Brien aired the final episode of his TBS late-night show 'Conan', concluding an 11-year run that began in 2010. The finale was celebrated as a fitting end to his distinct blend of humor and television innovation, featuring long-time friend and guest Jack Black. O'Brien remarked on his journey, expressing gratitude to his fans and collaborators. His departure marked the end of his traditional late-night hosting career but hinted at future creative projects, including an expectation of a new show on HBO Max.

In May 2022, it was announced that Conan O'Brien would develop a new weekly variety show for HBO Max. This move came after the conclusion of his TBS talk show 'Conan'. The new endeavor is expected to allow O'Brien to explore different aspects of his comedic talent without the constraints of a nightly talk show format. Interest around the project highlights O'Brien's enduring appeal and adaptability in the entertainment industry, leveraging his long experience from various late-night platforms.