What makes Conan a one-in-a-billion isn’t just his story of getting a late night show but the fact that he never became corrupted. He never lost his humility, kindness, and classiness ever since he started.
This video shows up on auto play at least once a day for me. Im at the point that Im sick and tired of CONAN being pushed on me...and I...was...a diehard fan...Cool, blame "MY" algorigthm...anyone know how to stop this...insanity(insert the cliche definition of "insanity")?
This is the guy that went to Haiti, booked a stay at an exclusive resort, hired a small army of armed private security and said it wasn't a shithole. That's the problem with MSM guys trying to do podcasts. They've been licking boots for so long that they have no takes or personality of their own. The whole thing comes across as extremely forced. Extremely manufactured.
Can we please just have Conan, Jeff, and a few others in a room recounting chronologically like this for like 100 hours? Please! I could listen to this all day!
Absolutely, this needs to be some sort of documentary/podcast, or at the very least a book. I can't really even express how fascinating this is, and there are so many sub-stories that they kind of "glossed over" that I'm dying to hear. When Jeff and Conan both said that getting the band as well as making the set are crazy stories, I was sitting here thinking, "please tell us!!!"
I think as big as Leno, Letterman, and Carson were, Conan's fans truly and deeply love the man. We will follow him where ever he goes because of who he is. His quirks, self-depricating humor, irreverence, humbleness, kookiness, and all around character make people relate to him.
Carson, Letterman, and Leno, even to this day, don't seem entirely human to me. The legend around them is FAR bigger than their personalities ever will be, IMO. The legend of Conan was never bigger than Conan himself.
Conan is far bigger than the other 3 in actual numbers and popularity. This is mainly because there was no UA-cam during letterman and Carsons time and Leno wasn that popular on UA-cam. Conan is hundreds of times more recognizable, you can put these 4 in front of anyone around the world and i guarantee at least 5 out of 10 times people will recognize conan first and they might not know who the rest even are.
We are still here. Conan was the show I would turn the volume down and get really close to the TV so I could hear when I was a kid so my parents didn't know I was still awake. I would put clothes at the base of my door, too.
I remember watching the first show with Conan. I was 16. My parents had given me a tv for my own room the xmas before. I spent many a late-night watching TV in my room. When Conan came on it felt like I found something no one else knew about. Every night from that day on I watched Conan until his final night 16 years later. I grew up with him throughout my teens, 20s and into my 30s. He's the greatest by far.
Well said, I feel like I have the exact same story as you - new TV in my room in high school - bad idea, mom and dad, as I'd stay up and watch Conan every night and then be half asleep the next day at school, every single day. But totally worth it.
@markstewart4501 0 seconds ago This video shows up on auto play at least once a day for me. Im at the point that Im sick and tired of CONAN being pushed on me...and I...was...a diehard fan...Cool, blame "MY" algorigthm...anyone know how to stop this...insanity(insert the cliche definition of "insanity")?
10:36 Conan is so humble he doesn't realize that he's one of the main reasons writers are now given a chance at being performers in modern day entertainment . His success showed the great potential in the writer/performer
Very true. He’s a trailblazer for sure. Even now he’s blazing the trail of “post late night show” podcasting. To be fair I guess Letterman did this too.
I don't understand this request, do you genuinely sit down and watch an hour long podcast? do you have that much free time in your life and can't multi-task? Don't you do something else? the advantage of a podcast is being able to listen while doing something else, like driving, exercising, doing cleaning, etc..
@@imeverywhere9633 Some people like to see facial expressions & reactions.. Its not that deep. Youre a strange one for going after someone over something simple they enjoy in life.
I think Conan is the person most responsible for the comedic sensibilities that exist today. His influence is huge and I hope he knows how treasured and revered he is.
I think todays late night hosts are the antithesis of Conan. They’re not curious, they’re politically partisan and are obsessed with use basic - for clapsnotlaughs material . Conan is clever, nuanced, curious and genuinely self-depreciating
@@LaPtiteAnglaise Conan was literally my guiding force in comedy, along with the downloaded George Carlin specials from Limewire lol. Conan/Carlin, not bad for an 8 year old or whatever i was
Have you seen him play guitar? Lovely footage of him playing ‘Old Brown Shoe’ with his band. Really talented, cool guy 😊 You could see Letterman and Norm McDonald really liked the guy as well…
Thank you for sharing this full episode! And I'm extra grateful to Conan for being vulnerable about his struggles with mental health. Discussing how he's wrestled with anxiety attacks and 'moments of true despair' has helped me tremendously. Thanks again
There really is no way to fully understand how Conan took Letterman's spot on late night...still seems highly improbable 😆 I've never heard, before or since, of a largely unknown (to the public) comedy writer getting to be the host of a late night comedy show. It's not like he was a writer-performer, outside of improv groups. Publicly, he was almost strictly a writer in 1992-1993. Still amazing, and a great inspiration for other writer-performers, love hearing the full scoop!
@@jackmurphy8545 I know I'm late to the show, Christophers comment was accurate just not the 'since' comment. JC, JK, and SF came after Connan, Aresenio had more of a formal talk show format like Carson.
They need to turn Conan’s life into a movie. It really writes itself. It’s very inspiring and filled with amazing moments. (Can you imagine a recreation of a young Conan and young Lisa Kudrow shoplifting his late night suit?)
i really want to direct movies one day and like theres alot of different movies i would want to make but if there was everr a chance to make a conan movie i would fr
Conan’s comedy and production style has surpassed even broadcast and cable networks, surviving and thriving on modern platforms such as UA-cam and podcasts. Unlike so many traditional entertainment companies that tried to pivot online and failed, Conan succeeded by courting and captivating the same online audiences modern influencers and independent content creators have.
Conan’s graduated from Harvard. Writer for both SNL and The Simpsons, Late Night, Tonight Show, his own on TBS, UA-cam clips, podcast, and now on SiriusXM!! Conan, I’ve been a fan since the 90’s and happy as a fan enjoying your success by proxy. Great clip!! He deserves all the success in the world!!
To me, one of the great classic moments in Late Night is Conan's inaugural show replacing Letterman, where he's struttin' the streets with a composed self-assuring smile, everyone on the way telling him "good luck, Conan - lotsa pressure!"; he enters his dressing room before the show starts - still smiling. He picks up a rope and hangs it over a beam, still smiling as he puts the noose around his neck, clearly having had a nervous breakdown well before this moment - to be interrupted by a knock telling him it's "SHOW TIME!"
After the producers liked his confidence and aptitude during the audition tape, He mentioned he went to the audition with the confidence of someone who would not get the job. From now on, that is the level of confidence I try to project whenever I have a job interview.
As a kid watching Late Night when Conan got it, it never occurred to me that they might need encouragement. You see the talent and you laugh and you love it, but you don't see the struggle, so that's why I never wrote a letter. But through almost my whole life, Conan O'Brien has been a staple. He helped me to not be cynical and to make sense of 911. Around the time he lost the Tonight Show I was going through some loss as well, and his poise and grateful attitude and the relentless humor helped me to take a deep breath and move forward. Out of all the celebrities I'd thank, Conan O'Brien and David Bowie top the list.
@@jpm199 I mean I'm not going to say Leno wasn't good ... He did carry the #1 late night show on TV for what...a decade plus ...But he's been off the air for a number of years now. I know he runs his own UA-cam channel now so people still see him around, but Conan's fans are not only young folks anymore. Some of us have been following him since the Late Night days in the 90's. The man isn't an idol for me but I have a helluva lot of respect for him as a person and is why I'm still listening to his podcasts. All in all he's had a pretty incredible career. He still has a large fan base that have been around a long time
The history of Conan is absolutely riveting. The early days, the transition and "thrown in the spotlight" rock star situation was great to hear. Thank you for sharing this history.
It seems like this was yesterday for me, I remember when they announced his name to replace Letterman, after the Letterman/Jay Leno mess for The Tonight Show people in the business were mad that a writer got the position and not a comedian. Only Lorne Michaels had the vision and guts to be behind 100% Conan for that position. THANKS LORNE!!!! Almost 30 years later Conan is the man and he is still going.
The biggest thing I got from this amazing round-table interview is, Conan is an extremely grateful and loyal person. I've always appreciated his shows regardless of the medium.
This was so satisfying to watch. I remember first watching Conan with my mom in 93-ish at six or so years old. Half of the jokes were probably over my head at that age, but I absolutely loved it. Very cool to see just how lucky we were that it even happened at all. Well deserved too all of them for their hard work and persistence. 😎😎
The essential Conan interviews are: Inside the Actors Studio, The Howard Stern Show (he discusses The Tonight Show), the Harvard University conversation with President Drew Faust, and the Simpsons Writers Reunion on Conan's Serious Jibber Jabber.
Conan is a huge influence on my life. He has taught me so much about the art of conversation. The trait I admire most is his realness. He never sacrifices his true self for the sake of being entertaining or interesting. He’s a beautiful soul.
This whole story will always be fascinating to me. Not to doubt his talent in any way, but he’s so insanely lucky that he was given that shot being an unknown. Wish we could see this stuff happen more often.
One of my favorite Conan moments is at the end of one his show's runs. He 's doing final thank you's and gets to Lorne Michaels. And he says "Lorne was the guy who could see something in you that you didn't see in yourself." Such a powerful statement. He saw Conan goofing around at the writer's table and just saw the potential in him. That pantomime and goofiness in my favorite late night monologue made my day for years! No matter how hard my crappy day was, I would laugh my ass off every night to this man. Laughter really is the best medicine and Dr. O'Brien always had the best prescription.
There is a generation of children that grew up watching Conan. We did "homework" during the Tonight Show and watched Late Night Show with Conan. Loved it.
You could write the entire script about the start of Conan's life JUST off this single conversation. WOW. There's SO much information that it would be extremely easy for someone connected in the industry to do a serious deep dive into ALL the people discussed in the conversation.
I almost never watch long videos, but I love Conan and I appreciate when he talks about his crazy journey to stardom. I was a kid in the 90s in Peru, so I just recently became aware of him, his talent and what a gem he is for the entertainment industry. Also, I find remarkable that most of the people from the early days have remained with him til today ❤
It feels like being able to tell this story on air, in detail, from beginning to end was cathartic for Conan. This was a fascinating listen. Truly respect Conan’s comedic presence in this world.
In 1993 as a 13 year old I tuned in to see Radiohead perform Creep. Ive stuck with Conan since. Never once been disappointed by the man himself. Nuff said.
Conan was a guest on that show too. The episode he is in is one of the most memorable. He is not even interviewed 'cause Space Ghost is too distracted with something else.
Just rolled over from Conan Needs a Friend while I was napping, and this might be the best story I've woken up to. Just to hear the strife it took for Conan to achieve what he has, and acknowledging his doubts and the doubts around him but also the belief and what other people saw in him. Love it
I absolutely love these origin stories. It soothes my anxiety by recognizing the luck involved with success. But it also raises my anxiety because luck is preparation met with opportunity, and I certainly need to move locations to make my own luck by being around creators and Artists.
This story is so unique and crazy. I really hope that Conan is working on his memoir as we speak, cause I really like to hear/read more Storys from the trenches of his career. And like he said, this was only the beginning. And a big thank you for releasing this entire episode on Video.
Conan deserves every bit of fame and recognition for his talent and hard work! He's truly one of the greats, no question. Conan is a living legend, and a true pioneer of comedy.
So amazing to hear all these details and to see and hear the entire piece. A riveting nail-biter. We all know now that Conan and Co. was the absolute best thing that could have ever followed Letterman's amazing run (having changed what a talk show could be - with wacky bits, etc.) We're so lucky to have had so many years of Letterman and Conan on TV - late at night. Cheers to all involved - the humor and rule-breaking bits and overall delivery enriched my life so much. Go Team Coco! Love the podcast, btw.
I need more of this. I feel that Conan, like David, has always let us in on the the inside baseball. It was tongue in cheek on the show, yet still honest. This is next level and still entertaining. I like stuff. Especially in video form.
As a 14 year old kid, Conan was the funniest show I'd ever seen. I always loved how he would joke on himself and his show, just made him feel like a normal guy. He is still hilarious, and this backstory is so intensely interesting. Thanks for all the laughs guys.
Although is not a Conan needs a friend episode, this one is my absolute favorite one. Love how he narrates all the details, even lots of things he didn’t shared before. VIVA CONAN from Mexico!
You guys were all I watched growing up in the 90s/2000s. I had totally forgotten about the green screen audience theater but the memory came back as soon as you mentioned it! So many of those bits informed my sense of humor
I've never felt any kind of feelings for any late night show, Conan always felt different. Couldn't be happier to have seen his career play out. What a likeable dude.
WOW, this full podcast lit my mind up, it's so interesting to listen to all of these people talk and add whatever they have to say to the mix. Conan's cinematic story-esque recounting of him receiving the golden oportunity and being even depressed and anxious to do it is incredibly fun to hear in it's own right. Every tidbit such as Lisa Kudrow and Conan shopping was fun. Incredible energy!
Conan is who drew me into Late Night Television - i watched others before Conan sparingly, it wasnt until Conan came onto the scene that caught my interest. From there i watched the show regularly - once DVRs showed up i recorded every episode to watch next day if i missed the live airing. I was SUPER excited for him when he got the Tonight Show - loved it! Then i was incredibly disappointed with all that transpired and became a part of Team Coco - followed him to TBS and now to this podcast. Thank you Conan for bringing so much laughter and joy ... not only for me but MANY others
I would listen to an extended series of podcasts where they go more in depth at each stage. Conan jokes about the memoir but I really do want a podcast version of it
This is really a slice of life. Thank you for taking us on your journey. I continue to be a big Conan fan. I am married to an Armenian American from the Valley...I know you can relate... In any event, it is always a kick watching the spontaneous interactions in whatever you do. In everyone's career there comes a time where you ask, " I hope nobody finds me out....how did I get here" The sheer panic of reality sets in and in order to survive, you improvise and work through it with the help of others. Noting is accomplished alone. To recognize those who have help you along the way with real humility and gratitude is a gift. Just know that you helped many on your staff to succeed and you have helped many of us out in TV land as well. You helped us bear our everyday pressures by giving a twisted type of humor when we most needed it. To that, I just want to say thank you for your ongoing gift to us. It is in the form of another format, in a different time but it is better than ever.
I love Conan so so so much. Whenever I need a laugh I can turn him on and immediately feel lighter and smile. I grew up watching him and still follow him. ❤ you Conan
@@thelettermanpodcast I'm taking a shot every time I see an inane comment from you in this video's comment section. I'm posting this from beyond the grave, btw.
This was so revisting, I stayed up late to listen to it in its entirety. Such a compelling podcast. Conan deserves every accolade he has ever received and more for what he went through.
What a privilege it is be privy to how Conan got his start on Late Night and so thoroughly entertaining to listen to everyone's input. THANK YOU for airing this!
I remember this time well in the BV office. I didn't think Shandling was going to take the job either. All the other choices like Jon Stewart didn't feel right. I remember seeing Conan's audition tape and really not understanding what Lorne was thinking. However I do recall Conan's easy laugh and how he was obviously the smartest person in the room. Never doubt Lorne.
Can you please do a series where Jeff and Conan just do a recap their whole story?! I want to hear about all the stuff they don't have time to mention on this episode!
Conan was a light in many lives . I as a musician loved his band and the music he booked . And I loved his relationship with Andy . The comedy was innovative and so just great . I remember a skit with an interview with a silent film actor where the actor was in grainy black and white and he answered questions with silent film sub titles .. just great , so many great memories. Amy Pohler as Andy’s psycho sister , the cable shows , the racist crooner ghost , just thank you for the great memories!
Any Conan thread is the most cohesive on the internet. The only bickering is about What level of greatness was better. He is the people's choice for sure.
Conan you're so humble in an old man out of touch way. You are bigger than Letterman to most people and that tradition of Writers becoming performers exists because you pioneered it. You're adorable
I had the privilege to film and work with Conan and team, for 1 day doing one of their remotes, and few years back. Seeing Jeff and Mike talk with Conan on this episode, has been really interesting. They were just strangers on Conan's team to me, at that time.
Conan is one of the biggest inspirations in Hollywood and has inspired so many people in comedy. I have seen so many people in comedy say in interviews that he inspired them.
Conan is the reason why i have always wanted/still want to be a talk show host. He always looked like he was having so much fun. Truely my hero. One day maybe, ya never know
I was two years younger than Conan and grew up two towns away in a similar family. When he got the gig, it was like your favorite cousin got a TV show. I was stoked. Still am.
I remember clearly loving and watching Conan in 1993. I just graduated high school and moved out with friends and watched it all the time. I did think he was really pale initially. like i remember thanking that
So great to hear the back story behind this amazing man’s show, I only heard about this when he got Lisa Kudrow on his podcast a few years ago, and listening to him going into it with that much details was a real treat. And now I’m gonna watch the old timey baseball remote for the 47th time lol
It is truly an incredible story. One that brings me happiness and hope. Conan is lucky, sure. But no one else is more well deserving of being the protagonist in such a story. Long May You Run, Conan!
To hear the genesis of the best late night show of modern times...for my generation a 38 year old. Conan and his team is the best of all time. Thank you for this episode🙇🏾♂️
It's fascinating to learn the behind-the-scenes details of Conan blasting onto the scene. I'm sorry to hear the early seasons were rough. But I'm glad he succeeded: his show went on to give me loud belly laughs!
This is one of my favorite episodes of anything ever. This feels like just the tip of the iceberg, and is my absolutely favorite kind of content on this podcast.
![Larry David [FULL EPISODE] | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/fEMzCHX2ONA/mqdefault.jpg)
What makes Conan a one-in-a-billion isn’t just his story of getting a late night show but the fact that he never became corrupted. He never lost his humility, kindness, and classiness ever since he started.
This video shows up on auto play at least once a day for me. Im at the point that Im sick and tired of CONAN being pushed on me...and I...was...a diehard fan...Cool, blame "MY" algorigthm...anyone know how to stop this...insanity(insert the cliche definition of "insanity")?
This is the guy that went to Haiti, booked a stay at an exclusive resort, hired a small army of armed private security and said
it wasn't a shithole.
That's the problem with MSM guys trying to do podcasts.
They've been licking boots for so long that they have no takes or personality of their own.
The whole thing comes across as extremely forced.
Extremely manufactured.
Can we please just have Conan, Jeff, and a few others in a room recounting chronologically like this for like 100 hours? Please! I could listen to this all day!
We could too. It’s fascinating to no end!
Absolutely, this needs to be some sort of documentary/podcast, or at the very least a book. I can't really even express how fascinating this is, and there are so many sub-stories that they kind of "glossed over" that I'm dying to hear. When Jeff and Conan both said that getting the band as well as making the set are crazy stories, I was sitting here thinking, "please tell us!!!"
Absolutely yes
Agreed
And please no Sona, she's absolutely horrible and adds nothing.
I think as big as Leno, Letterman, and Carson were, Conan's fans truly and deeply love the man. We will follow him where ever he goes because of who he is. His quirks, self-depricating humor, irreverence, humbleness, kookiness, and all around character make people relate to him.
Carson, Letterman, and Leno, even to this day, don't seem entirely human to me. The legend around them is FAR bigger than their personalities ever will be, IMO. The legend of Conan was never bigger than Conan himself.
Conan is far bigger than the other 3 in actual numbers and popularity. This is mainly because there was no UA-cam during letterman and Carsons time and Leno wasn that popular on UA-cam. Conan is hundreds of times more recognizable, you can put these 4 in front of anyone around the world and i guarantee at least 5 out of 10 times people will recognize conan first and they might not know who the rest even are.
100%
We are still here. Conan was the show I would turn the volume down and get really close to the TV so I could hear when I was a kid so my parents didn't know I was still awake. I would put clothes at the base of my door, too.
@nikolas tapakkis cfxxxx⁸88888788b8l9okķ5gq1qf3688888788b8l9okķ5gq1qf36 ❤Heb je nog foto's van jezelf? Heb je nog foto's van jezelf?
I remember watching the first show with Conan. I was 16. My parents had given me a tv for my own room the xmas before. I spent many a late-night watching TV in my room. When Conan came on it felt like I found something no one else knew about. Every night from that day on I watched Conan until his final night 16 years later. I grew up with him throughout my teens, 20s and into my 30s. He's the greatest by far.
Wait until you discover his career continued after that 16 years…
So you probably remember the best dumb show ever…..Jack Of All Trades
Well said, I feel like I have the exact same story as you - new TV in my room in high school - bad idea, mom and dad, as I'd stay up and watch Conan every night and then be half asleep the next day at school, every single day. But totally worth it.
bhhhh
I don't know exactly when I first started watching but I do know that by 14, in high school I was a fan. That was around 1997. The glory days
I want an 8 hour version of this. Conan has one of the most fascinating and public stories in show biz.
Without a doubt, A WORLD class talent with a phenomenal story. We are so happy for his success.
@@thelettermanpodcast you look desperate as all hell
@@crazyinsanepenguin you should see how we smell. Or, smell how we smell.
You mean "The biii"?
@markstewart4501
0 seconds ago
This video shows up on auto play at least once a day for me. Im at the point that Im sick and tired of CONAN being pushed on me...and I...was...a diehard fan...Cool, blame "MY" algorigthm...anyone know how to stop this...insanity(insert the cliche definition of "insanity")?
10:36 Conan is so humble he doesn't realize that he's one of the main reasons writers are now given a chance at being performers in modern day entertainment . His success showed the great potential in the writer/performer
I love how he implies the trend *started* with Seth Meyers, an SNL writer who got Late Night exactly following his path.
Very true. He’s a trailblazer for sure. Even now he’s blazing the trail of “post late night show” podcasting. To be fair I guess Letterman did this too.
kinda
Quality too
You can’t fool us, Conan. We know it’s you 😏
OMG THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO US TEAM COCO AND RELEASING A FULL EPISODE 🧡
@@nawarbmansour6510 I think they meant as a video
They do read the comment section! Wow
I don't understand this request, do you genuinely sit down and watch an hour long podcast? do you have that much free time in your life and can't multi-task?
Don't you do something else? the advantage of a podcast is being able to listen while doing something else, like driving, exercising, doing cleaning, etc..
@@imeverywhere9633 Some people like to see facial expressions & reactions.. Its not that deep. Youre a strange one for going after someone over something simple they enjoy in life.
@@imeverywhere9633 That's how you consume podcasts. Not everyone is the same. Personally, I can't listen to a podcast without video. Just can't do it.
I think Conan is the person most responsible for the comedic sensibilities that exist today. His influence is huge and I hope he knows how treasured and revered he is.
I think todays late night hosts are the antithesis of Conan. They’re not curious, they’re politically partisan and are obsessed with use basic - for clapsnotlaughs material .
Conan is clever, nuanced, curious and genuinely self-depreciating
@@LaPtiteAnglaise Conan was literally my guiding force in comedy, along with the downloaded George Carlin specials from Limewire lol. Conan/Carlin, not bad for an 8 year old or whatever i was
@@ctrainbeats Same here my friend
Have you seen him play guitar? Lovely footage of him playing ‘Old Brown Shoe’ with his band. Really talented, cool guy 😊 You could see Letterman and Norm McDonald really liked the guy as well…
Completely agree.
Thank you for sharing this full episode! And I'm extra grateful to Conan for being vulnerable about his struggles with mental health. Discussing how he's wrestled with anxiety attacks and 'moments of true despair' has helped me tremendously. Thanks again
Conan being the absolute legend he is, this was a really fascinating listen.
There really is no way to fully understand how Conan took Letterman's spot on late night...still seems highly improbable 😆 I've never heard, before or since, of a largely unknown (to the public) comedy writer getting to be the host of a late night comedy show. It's not like he was a writer-performer, outside of improv groups. Publicly, he was almost strictly a writer in 1992-1993. Still amazing, and a great inspiration for other writer-performers, love hearing the full scoop!
James corden, jimmy kimmel, spike feresten, Arsenio hall
@Clay Chiarelott some people just can't think
@Clay Chiarelott I didn't really know James Corden
And Trevor Noah came out of nowhere
I know, right? That’s literally the plot of Showgirls, and that movie SUCKED!
@@jackmurphy8545 I know I'm late to the show, Christophers comment was accurate just not the 'since' comment. JC, JK, and SF came after Connan, Aresenio had more of a formal talk show format like Carson.
My brother as a teenager loved your show. Thank you for making brother happy. He's not dead or mentally disabled or anything, he just had good taste.
Lol I'm glad this ended differently then how it started lol
They need to turn Conan’s life into a movie. It really writes itself. It’s very inspiring and filled with amazing moments. (Can you imagine a recreation of a young Conan and young Lisa Kudrow shoplifting his late night suit?)
i was just thinking the same thing
i really want to direct movies one day and like theres alot of different movies i would want to make but if there was everr a chance to make a conan movie i would fr
why cheapen it? it's so special the way it is now
The whole montage set to “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cindy Lauper
There’s a great documentary called Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop. You can watch it on UA-cam
Conan’s comedy and production style has surpassed even broadcast and cable networks, surviving and thriving on modern platforms such as UA-cam and podcasts. Unlike so many traditional entertainment companies that tried to pivot online and failed, Conan succeeded by courting and captivating the same online audiences modern influencers and independent content creators have.
So true! Very accurate
Conan’s graduated from Harvard. Writer for both SNL and The Simpsons, Late Night, Tonight Show, his own on TBS, UA-cam clips, podcast, and now on SiriusXM!! Conan, I’ve been a fan since the 90’s and happy as a fan enjoying your success by proxy. Great clip!! He deserves all the success in the world!!
To me, one of the great classic moments in Late Night is Conan's inaugural show replacing Letterman, where he's struttin' the streets with a composed self-assuring smile, everyone on the way telling him "good luck, Conan - lotsa pressure!"; he enters his dressing room before the show starts - still smiling. He picks up a rope and hangs it over a beam, still smiling as he puts the noose around his neck, clearly having had a nervous breakdown well before this moment - to be interrupted by a knock telling him it's "SHOW TIME!"
So brilliant. He had such a great sense of what would play to an audience and what his brand of comedy was.
After the producers liked his confidence and aptitude during the audition tape, He mentioned he went to the audition with the confidence of someone who would not get the job.
From now on, that is the level of confidence I try to project whenever I have a job interview.
One of Dave’s original writers for Late Night, Stephen Winer, expressed a very similar sentiment on a recent episode of our show.
It's similar in effect to pulling one off before you go on a date.
As a kid watching Late Night when Conan got it, it never occurred to me that they might need encouragement. You see the talent and you laugh and you love it, but you don't see the struggle, so that's why I never wrote a letter. But through almost my whole life, Conan O'Brien has been a staple. He helped me to not be cynical and to make sense of 911. Around the time he lost the Tonight Show I was going through some loss as well, and his poise and grateful attitude and the relentless humor helped me to take a deep breath and move forward. Out of all the celebrities I'd thank, Conan O'Brien and David Bowie top the list.
Bush did 911
I can't believe Jay Leno replaced him. What a disgrace to comedy.
@@reneeschwider6136maybe you're young and that's why you think of him as bad but jay was THE best at a moment in time
@@jpm199 I mean I'm not going to say Leno wasn't good ... He did carry the #1 late night show on TV for what...a decade plus ...But he's been off the air for a number of years now. I know he runs his own UA-cam channel now so people still see him around, but Conan's fans are not only young folks anymore. Some of us have been following him since the Late Night days in the 90's. The man isn't an idol for me but I have a helluva lot of respect for him as a person and is why I'm still listening to his podcasts. All in all he's had a pretty incredible career. He still has a large fan base that have been around a long time
@@jpm199I seriously have never found Jay funny.
The history of Conan is absolutely riveting. The early days, the transition and "thrown in the spotlight" rock star situation was great to hear. Thank you for sharing this history.
This was such an incredible conversation. Please do a part 2 with Conan and Jeff!
We would love to have either on our show.
Of course you would any small channel wants that level of advertising
@@NotDuncan we dream of being a small channel.
As for Conan and Jeff, our desire remains, and it has nothing to do with numbers.
@@thelettermanpodcast nobody's going on your show lol, take it easy
@@crazyinsanepenguin someone clearly underestimates the power of positivity.
It seems like this was yesterday for me, I remember when they announced his name to replace Letterman, after the Letterman/Jay Leno mess for The Tonight Show people in the business were mad that a writer got the position and not a comedian.
Only Lorne Michaels had the vision and guts to be behind 100% Conan for that position.
THANKS LORNE!!!! Almost 30 years later Conan is the man and he is still going.
Conan burst on the scene like a bolt of lightning, marking a new era in late night!! I still remember his first show 🥰 I was a fan IMMEDIATELY!!
The biggest thing I got from this amazing round-table interview is, Conan is an extremely grateful and loyal person. I've always appreciated his shows regardless of the medium.
This was so satisfying to watch. I remember first watching Conan with my mom in 93-ish at six or so years old. Half of the jokes were probably over my head at that age, but I absolutely loved it. Very cool to see just how lucky we were that it even happened at all. Well deserved too all of them for their hard work and persistence. 😎😎
I listened to this episode recently, I never heard the full story like that from Conan, how incredible
The essential Conan interviews are: Inside the Actors Studio, The Howard Stern Show (he discusses The Tonight Show), the Harvard University conversation with President Drew Faust, and the Simpsons Writers Reunion on Conan's Serious Jibber Jabber.
Conan is a huge influence on my life. He has taught me so much about the art of conversation. The trait I admire most is his realness. He never sacrifices his true self for the sake of being entertaining or interesting. He’s a beautiful soul.
Well said!
This whole story will always be fascinating to me. Not to doubt his talent in any way, but he’s so insanely lucky that he was given that shot being an unknown. Wish we could see this stuff happen more often.
It’s television/broadcasting history
Conan has fostered so many talented people, I believe his company is centered around it
Conan guest hosted for both the tonight show and late night.
I remember hoping he would be Dave's replacement
@@lucifersdiamond he did? Man if there’s a vid please send it!
One of my favorite Conan moments is at the end of one his show's runs. He 's doing final thank you's and gets to Lorne Michaels. And he says "Lorne was the guy who could see something in you that you didn't see in yourself." Such a powerful statement. He saw Conan goofing around at the writer's table and just saw the potential in him. That pantomime and goofiness in my favorite late night monologue made my day for years! No matter how hard my crappy day was, I would laugh my ass off every night to this man. Laughter really is the best medicine and Dr. O'Brien always had the best prescription.
There is a generation of children that grew up watching Conan. We did "homework" during the Tonight Show and watched Late Night Show with Conan. Loved it.
Leno was the late night show for my parents
Conan was for my generation
I’m not sure how old I thought he was but it would be insane to take over the late show at 29 with no other hosting experience. He did amazing.
You could write the entire script about the start of Conan's life JUST off this single conversation. WOW. There's SO much information that it would be extremely easy for someone connected in the industry to do a serious deep dive into ALL the people discussed in the conversation.
I almost never watch long videos, but I love Conan and I appreciate when he talks about his crazy journey to stardom. I was a kid in the 90s in Peru, so I just recently became aware of him, his talent and what a gem he is for the entertainment industry. Also, I find remarkable that most of the people from the early days have remained with him til today ❤
Finally, a full episode I can listen to at work without having to start a new video every 5-10 minutes, more of these please!
Exactly! Long form is where it’s at!
It feels like being able to tell this story on air, in detail, from beginning to end was cathartic for Conan. This was a fascinating listen. Truly respect Conan’s comedic presence in this world.
Soo humbling for Conan to share about panic attacks and his insecurities ❤
This is one of the most interesting and entertaining things I've watched in a while. Conan is a comedic genius.
In 1993 as a 13 year old I tuned in to see Radiohead perform Creep. Ive stuck with Conan since. Never once been disappointed by the man himself. Nuff said.
I could hear Conan talk for hours about anything. Truly amazing and talented person
Conan is the GOAT. Not of just late night but of interviews and comedy all together.
Letterman is
He’s by far the most accessible giant of Late Night there is.
Space Ghost was a great host too. He deconstructed the talk show all while never appearing needy. He was the dangerous one.
Space Ghost was incredible.
I miss Space Ghost
@@realspenz Zorak escaped. Eventually Space Ghost will find him. Or Zorak will kill him.
Mortar was the best producer
Conan was a guest on that show too.
The episode he is in is one of the most memorable. He is not even interviewed 'cause Space Ghost is too distracted with something else.
So good. I could have listened to 10 hours of this conversation.
We feel the same way.
Just rolled over from Conan Needs a Friend while I was napping, and this might be the best story I've woken up to. Just to hear the strife it took for Conan to achieve what he has, and acknowledging his doubts and the doubts around him but also the belief and what other people saw in him. Love it
Same thing just happened to me. Serendipity
I absolutely love these origin stories. It soothes my anxiety by recognizing the luck involved with success. But it also raises my anxiety because luck is preparation met with opportunity, and I certainly need to move locations to make my own luck by being around creators and Artists.
Our host certainly can relate to what you are saying. He had all sorts of imposter syndrome when starting the show.
This story is so unique and crazy. I really hope that Conan is working on his memoir as we speak, cause I really like to hear/read more Storys from the trenches of his career. And like he said, this was only the beginning. And a big thank you for releasing this entire episode on Video.
FULL EPISODE!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU! Video pod is the best move, reminds me of serious jibber jabber
Conan deserves every bit of fame and recognition for his talent and hard work!
He's truly one of the greats, no question.
Conan is a living legend, and a true pioneer of comedy.
So amazing to hear all these details and to see and hear the entire piece. A riveting nail-biter. We all know now that Conan and Co. was the absolute best thing that could have ever followed Letterman's amazing run (having changed what a talk show could be - with wacky bits, etc.) We're so lucky to have had so many years of Letterman and Conan on TV - late at night. Cheers to all involved - the humor and rule-breaking bits and overall delivery enriched my life so much. Go Team Coco! Love the podcast, btw.
😊p😊
Conan... This was such a great podcast of how you got started in Late Night.
Your fans would love to hear more behind the scenes stories
We sure would!
@@thelettermanpodcast conans not seeing this bro
@@crazyinsanepenguin we have it on good authority that Conan sees all.
God bless whoever uploaded this as a full video.
I need more of this. I feel that Conan, like David, has always let us in on the the inside baseball. It was tongue in cheek on the show, yet still honest.
This is next level and still entertaining. I like stuff. Especially in video form.
We could not agree more. And Conan seems to really be taking advantage of it, letting us behind the curtain.
That was an hour. I didnt realize until it was over - it felt like 10 minutes. I couldnt turn away it was fantastic. You have to do more.
You might really like our show! Average runtime is about an hour but it feels like 10!
As a 14 year old kid, Conan was the funniest show I'd ever seen. I always loved how he would joke on himself and his show, just made him feel like a normal guy. He is still hilarious, and this backstory is so intensely interesting. Thanks for all the laughs guys.
What a story. Wow. Conan "What Have I Got to Lose" O'B, still killing it.
Although is not a Conan needs a friend episode, this one is my absolute favorite one. Love how he narrates all the details, even lots of things he didn’t shared before. VIVA CONAN from Mexico!
You guys were all I watched growing up in the 90s/2000s. I had totally forgotten about the green screen audience theater but the memory came back as soon as you mentioned it! So many of those bits informed my sense of humor
I've never felt any kind of feelings for any late night show, Conan always felt different. Couldn't be happier to have seen his career play out. What a likeable dude.
It really was a miracle that Conan came in and succeeded under these circumstances. He really is brilliant
I’ve been watching Conan since the beginning, I’ve always enjoyed his humor and how humble he is. I will always be a fan Conan!
WOW, this full podcast lit my mind up, it's so interesting to listen to all of these people talk and add whatever they have to say to the mix. Conan's cinematic story-esque recounting of him receiving the golden oportunity and being even depressed and anxious to do it is incredibly fun to hear in it's own right. Every tidbit such as Lisa Kudrow and Conan shopping was fun.
Incredible energy!
Lorne Michaels saw the potential in Conan ever since he was a writer on SNL.
That shows you what a genius Lorne is 😊
Conan is who drew me into Late Night Television - i watched others before Conan sparingly, it wasnt until Conan came onto the scene that caught my interest. From there i watched the show regularly - once DVRs showed up i recorded every episode to watch next day if i missed the live airing. I was SUPER excited for him when he got the Tonight Show - loved it! Then i was incredibly disappointed with all that transpired and became a part of Team Coco - followed him to TBS and now to this podcast. Thank you Conan for bringing so much laughter and joy ... not only for me but MANY others
I would listen to an extended series of podcasts where they go more in depth at each stage. Conan jokes about the memoir but I really do want a podcast version of it
Agreed! A podcast version of this many times is much more entertaining than a book. The deep dive factor is so much less filtered.
I wish I would have written Conan as a teen in the 90's to tell him how much joy he brought me.
Absolutely fantastic! Thank you for the full episode! Please continue uploading these to UA-cam!
This is really a slice of life. Thank you for taking us on your journey. I continue to be a big Conan fan. I am married to an Armenian American from the Valley...I know you can relate... In any event, it is always a kick watching the spontaneous interactions in whatever you do. In everyone's career there comes a time where you ask, " I hope nobody finds me out....how did I get here" The sheer panic of reality sets in and in order to survive, you improvise and work through it with the help of others. Noting is accomplished alone. To recognize those who have help you along the way with real humility and gratitude is a gift. Just know that you helped many on your staff to succeed and you have helped many of us out in TV land as well. You helped us bear our everyday pressures by giving a twisted type of humor when we most needed it. To that, I just want to say thank you for your ongoing gift to us. It is in the form of another format, in a different time but it is better than ever.
This was so nice, I was really enthralled the whole hour. More please.
I love Conan so so so much. Whenever I need a laugh I can turn him on and immediately feel lighter and smile. I grew up watching him and still follow him. ❤ you Conan
Anyone else rewatching this video again and again?
No...
@@TheRealLachlan do it!
Me!
I don’t know.
I want to see conan’s journey to late night as a movie
I desperately need them and the Inside Conan podcast back! Hands down, my favorite podcast ever.
Yeah! Ours too! Wait a second…
@@thelettermanpodcast I'm taking a shot every time I see an inane comment from you in this video's comment section. I'm posting this from beyond the grave, btw.
This was so revisting, I stayed up late to listen to it in its entirety. Such a compelling podcast. Conan deserves every accolade he has ever received and more for what he went through.
54:35 is one of the most motivating and inspiring things I have ever heard in my life. Conan operates in ultraviolet. I love you Conan!!!!!!
What a privilege it is be privy to how Conan got his start on Late Night and so thoroughly entertaining to listen to everyone's input. THANK YOU for airing this!
THEY UPLOADED THE WHOLE CLIP?! 😍
He seems to be a nice, regular, genuine bloke.
I remember this time well in the BV office. I didn't think Shandling was going to take the job either. All the other choices like Jon Stewart didn't feel right. I remember seeing Conan's audition tape and really not understanding what Lorne was thinking. However I do recall Conan's easy laugh and how he was obviously the smartest person in the room. Never doubt Lorne.
Fascinating..
This was so gd good…it literally answered the questions as they popped up into my head…thats how you know its great
Loved this episode so much. I love hearing all of it coming together everytime Conan or anyone else brings it up, its one of the best success stories
Can you please do a series where Jeff and Conan just do a recap their whole story?! I want to hear about all the stuff they don't have time to mention on this episode!
Conan O'brien came a long way i miss him on late night his humor was funny. I hope they continue talking about it
I love how conan peaks the mic multiple times through this, it adds to the dramatic feeling of the episode
Guys like this episode so Team Coco knows they have to keep uploading full episodes on UA-cam.
Conan was a light in many lives . I as a musician loved his band and the music he booked . And I loved his relationship with Andy . The comedy was innovative and so just great . I remember a skit with an interview with a silent film actor where the actor was in grainy black and white and he answered questions with silent film sub titles .. just great , so many great memories. Amy Pohler as Andy’s psycho sister , the cable shows , the racist crooner ghost , just thank you for the great memories!
Any Conan thread is the most cohesive on the internet. The only bickering is about What level of greatness was better. He is the people's choice for sure.
Conan you're so humble in an old man out of touch way. You are bigger than Letterman to most people and that tradition of Writers becoming performers exists because you pioneered it. You're adorable
I was totally not expecting to enjoy and watch this whole one hour 7 minute thing. Thank you for posting! That was very interesting
I had the privilege to film and work with Conan and team, for 1 day doing one of their remotes, and few years back. Seeing Jeff and Mike talk with Conan on this episode, has been really interesting. They were just strangers on Conan's team to me, at that time.
Conan is one of the biggest inspirations in Hollywood and has inspired so many people in comedy. I have seen so many people in comedy say in interviews that he inspired them.
Conan is the reason why i have always wanted/still want to be a talk show host. He always looked like he was having so much fun. Truely my hero.
One day maybe, ya never know
A Conan biopic now seems like a good idea. What a roller coaster of events
I was two years younger than Conan and grew up two towns away in a similar family. When he got the gig, it was like your favorite cousin got a TV show. I was stoked. Still am.
Man this was great I love this!..what insights into how it all began and the craziness of it all and how it so easily could not all of happened!!
I remember clearly loving and watching Conan in 1993. I just graduated high school and moved out with friends and watched it all the time. I did think he was really pale initially. like i remember thanking that
So great to hear the back story behind this amazing man’s show, I only heard about this when he got Lisa Kudrow on his podcast a few years ago, and listening to him going into it with that much details was a real treat. And now I’m gonna watch the old timey baseball remote for the 47th time lol
Yes!
That one and when he does the Civil War reenactment 🤣
It is truly an incredible story. One that brings me happiness and hope. Conan is lucky, sure. But no one else is more well deserving of being the protagonist in such a story. Long May You Run, Conan!
Compelling to say the least!
To hear the genesis of the best late night show of modern times...for my generation a 38 year old. Conan and his team is the best of all time. Thank you for this episode🙇🏾♂️
Conan, you’re awesome! Glad you went through it all to bring it to all of us all these years.
It's fascinating to learn the behind-the-scenes details of Conan blasting onto the scene. I'm sorry to hear the early seasons were rough. But I'm glad he succeeded: his show went on to give me loud belly laughs!
This is one of my favorite episodes of anything ever. This feels like just the tip of the iceberg, and is my absolutely favorite kind of content on this podcast.
Man I love hearing Conan’s come up story. Very inspiring.