How Conan Became The Host Of "Late Night" | Inside Conan

Conan and his longtime producer Jeff Ross sit down with "Inside Conan" hosts Mike Sweeney and Jessie Gaskell to discuss the absurdly improbable story of how Conan became a late night talk show host. Hear more from this episode @ listen.teamcoc...
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ABOUT TEAM COCO PODCASTS
Team Coco is home to a collection of hilarious podcasts covering celebrity culture and interviews, dating and sexuality, mental health and daily affirmation. Subscribe to see exclusive video clips from Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend (Hosted by Conan O’Brien, Sona Movsesian and Matt Gourley), Literally! with Rob Lowe, Why Won’t You Date Me with Nicole Byer, The Three Questions with Andy Richter, May I Elaborate? with JB Smoove, Scam Goddess with Laci Mosley, Inside CONAN and Good Game Nice Try with Aaron Bleyaert and Sonja Reid.
ABOUT TEAM COCO
Team Coco is the KZbin home for all things Conan O’Brien and the Team Coco Podcast Network. Team Coco features over 25 years of comedy sketches, celebrity interviews and stand-up comedy sets from CONAN on TBS and Late Night with Conan O’Brien, as well as exclusive videos from podcasts like Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Literally! with Rob Lowe, Why Won’t You Date Me? with Nicole Byer, The Three Questions with Andy Richter, May I Elaborate? with JB Smoove and Scam Goddess with Laci Mosley.
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[@markengle2199]

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.

[@manifestingbeautifullife2187]

He's a comedic genius. I know his hair went through some changes! Love the growling at the ladies with the hands up.

[@jkap34]

He was 30. He was 29 when he got the role, but it didn't start until September 1993, his birthday is March 1993. I think he was hired in January or February.

[@josueorgoaway]

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.

[@markstewart4501]

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")?

[@st.michaelofcigarillo2845]

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.

[@fdrstan]

💯

[@Angel3243]

Completely agree! Conan is a treasure. His influence on comedy dwarfs anything Jay Leno accomplished.

[@markhathaway2641]

You can't lose what you don't have

[@ImNotaRussianBot]

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.

[@spdcrzy]

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.

[@nikolastapakkis7021]

Conan is far bigger than the other 3 in actual numbers and popularity. This is mainly because there was no KZbin during letterman and Carsons time and Leno wasn that popular on KZbin. 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.

[@gsamaven]

100%

[@84jdgregory]

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.

[@CantDcdeGoodNamsTakn]

​@nikolas tapakkis cfxxxx⁸88888788b8l9okķ5gq1qf3688888788b8l9okķ5gq1qf36 ❤Heb je nog foto's van jezelf? Heb je nog foto's van jezelf?

[@whitestoneandy797]

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

[@chukwudiilozue9171]

I love how he implies the trend *started* with Seth Meyers, an SNL writer who got Late Night exactly following his path.

[@victoryak86]

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.

[@jeffcrow2506]

kinda

[@eldropeful]

Quality too

[@cobanerdanny456]

You can’t fool us, Conan. We know it’s you 😏

[@tylero8595]

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.

[@jdd1979]

Wait until you discover his career continued after that 16 years…

[@Tacconi757]

So you probably remember the best dumb show ever…..Jack Of All Trades

[@kevinklassen4328]

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.

[@ilovericelol]

bhhhh

[@yvonnegougelet1204]

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

[@DawnPatrol101]

I want an 8 hour version of this. Conan has one of the most fascinating and public stories in show biz.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Without a doubt, A WORLD class talent with a phenomenal story. We are so happy for his success.

[@crazyinsanepenguin]

@@thelettermanpodcast you look desperate as all hell

[@thelettermanpodcast]

@@crazyinsanepenguin you should see how we smell. Or, smell how we smell.

[@RichV20]

You mean "The biii"?

[@markstewart4501]

@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")?

[@TheBurnouts]

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!

[@thelettermanpodcast]

We could too. It’s fascinating to no end!

[@roypaz5331]

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!!!"

[@pwr2al4]

Absolutely yes

[@TheAbilityNetwork]

Agreed

[@simon5045]

And please no Sona, she's absolutely horrible and adds nothing.

[@DanteBland]

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.

[@josiahamaze]

Lol I'm glad this ended differently then how it started lol

[@miles3908]

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.

[@LaPtiteAnglaise]

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

[@ctrainbeats]

@@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

[@RichV20]

@@ctrainbeats Same here my friend

[@LaPtiteAnglaise]

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…

[@whitestoneandy797]

Completely agree.

[@robvangessel3766]

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!"

[@jaywalker.]

So brilliant. He had such a great sense of what would play to an audience and what his brand of comedy was.

[@bernlin2000]

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]

James corden, jimmy kimmel, spike feresten, Arsenio hall

[@lauristonbrewster9097]

@Clay Chiarelott some people just can't think

[@mefi1895]

@Clay Chiarelott I didn't really know James Corden And Trevor Noah came out of nowhere

[@emontzka]

I know, right? That’s literally the plot of Showgirls, and that movie SUCKED!

[@jamj2912]

@@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.

[@hankdatank09]

Conan’s graduated from Harvard. Writer for both SNL and The Simpsons, Late Night, Tonight Show, his own on TBS, KZbin 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!!

[@ariloveshouse]

OMG THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO US TEAM COCO AND RELEASING A FULL EPISODE 🧡

[@rush2sk8]

@@nawarbmansour6510 I think they meant as a video

[@bravo_01]

They do read the comment section! Wow

[@imeverywhere9633]

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..

[@ninalou4629]

@@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.

[@mcigloo]

@@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.

[@WilliamGreer]

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.

[@nemanjap8768]

Bush did 911

[@reneeschwider6136]

I can't believe Jay Leno replaced him. What a disgrace to comedy.

[@jpm199]

​@@reneeschwider6136maybe you're young and that's why you think of him as bad but jay was THE best at a moment in time

[@magnubeido832]

​@@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 KZbin 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

[@NASkeywest]

@@jpm199I seriously have never found Jay funny.

[@JuQui228]

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?)

[@josephmarshall9210]

i was just thinking the same thing

[@josephmarshall9210]

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

[@Crystalshopmusic]

why cheapen it? it's so special the way it is now

[@SmokeyChipOatley]

The whole montage set to “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cindy Lauper

[@dreaming_cthulhu]

There’s a great documentary called Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop. You can watch it on KZbin

[@drumsNstuff79]

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.

[@samiel89]

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.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

One of Dave’s original writers for Late Night, Stephen Winer, expressed a very similar sentiment on a recent episode of our show.

[@jenkem4464]

It's similar in effect to pulling one off before you go on a date.

[@joshuaychung]

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.

[@MrE51917]

Leno was the late night show for my parents Conan was for my generation

[@salsal435]

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.

[@Northerncalwolf]

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.

[@DRHPaints]

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

[@g1xrider13]

Conan’s comedy and production style has surpassed even broadcast and cable networks, surviving and thriving on modern platforms such as KZbin 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.

[@j22mattones]

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.

[@shareebrown4362]

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!!

[@TheEndofThis]

Conan being the absolute legend he is, this was a really fascinating listen.

[@1200hobos]

Space Ghost was a great host too. He deconstructed the talk show all while never appearing needy. He was the dangerous one.

[@RobertMcNamara3DMc]

Space Ghost was incredible.

[@realspenz]

I miss Space Ghost

[@SorendeSelbyBowen]

@@realspenz Zorak escaped. Eventually Space Ghost will find him. Or Zorak will kill him.

[@user-bz7hz4jl1t]

Mortar was the best producer

[@cesarmadero05]

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.

[@MsAnonomys]

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.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Well said!

[@Eskay_The_Evil_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.

[@waltersreads]

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.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

It’s television/broadcasting history

[@ctrainbeats]

Conan has fostered so many talented people, I believe his company is centered around it

[@lucifersdiamond]

Conan guest hosted for both the tonight show and late night. I remember hoping he would be Dave's replacement

[@waltersreads]

@@lucifersdiamond he did? Man if there’s a vid please send it!

[@2kuzik]

This was such an incredible conversation. Please do a part 2 with Conan and Jeff!

[@thelettermanpodcast]

We would love to have either on our show.

[@NotDuncan]

Of course you would any small channel wants that level of advertising

[@thelettermanpodcast]

@@NotDuncan we dream of being a small channel. As for Conan and Jeff, our desire remains, and it has nothing to do with numbers.

[@crazyinsanepenguin]

@@thelettermanpodcast nobody's going on your show lol, take it easy

[@thelettermanpodcast]

@@crazyinsanepenguin someone clearly underestimates the power of positivity.

[@spdcrzy]

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.

[@ralhamami]

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. 😎😎

[@hayleeromrell3000]

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.

[@shanewhite195]

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.

[@sethcartner2996]

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.

[@Terp311]

1:12:39

[@Winteramen]

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

[@aidenxokeefe]

Same thing just happened to me. Serendipity

[@Mczzin]

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 ❤

[@micahj894]

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.

[@ErnestoComposer]

I listened to this episode recently, I never heard the full story like that from Conan, how incredible

[@patreekotime4578]

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.

[@StraeterundStreberg]

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.

[@whitwaltman5137]

What a story. Wow. Conan "What Have I Got to Lose" O'B, still killing it.

[@mozeltovcocktail]

This is one of the most interesting and entertaining things I've watched in a while. Conan is a comedic genius.

[@loonatictunes9925]

I could hear Conan talk for hours about anything. Truly amazing and talented person

[@hexxon77]

He seems to be a nice, regular, genuine bloke.

[@omrmajeed]

So good. I could have listened to 10 hours of this conversation.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

We feel the same way.

[@deborah3250]

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!!!!!!

[@zureyaodula5348]

Soo humbling for Conan to share about panic attacks and his insecurities ❤

[@darrinbatchelor]

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.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

You might really like our show! Average runtime is about an hour but it feels like 10!

[@SuperToughnut]

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.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

We could not agree more. And Conan seems to really be taking advantage of it, letting us behind the curtain.

[@SurvivalAussie]

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.

[@zanejenkins8418]

FULL EPISODE!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU! Video pod is the best move, reminds me of serious jibber jabber

[@johnshepherd708]

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.

[@JoyStickJester_]

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

[@thelettermanpodcast]

We sure would!

[@crazyinsanepenguin]

@@thelettermanpodcast conans not seeing this bro

[@thelettermanpodcast]

@@crazyinsanepenguin we have it on good authority that Conan sees all.

[@michaeljasinski1906]

more! in❤this!

[@kimsales7514]

As a kid in the Philippines, we got most of the mainstream night talk shows on cable. I was just a 12 year old kid with a tv in her room that couldn't sleep. Conan was the show that I stumbled upon and it became a regular routine for me to watch his late night show. I yearn for those years of my childhood. Thanks for the gift you've given to the people, Conan.

[@Godeias]

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!

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Exactly! Long form is where it’s at!

[@MISNM0]

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.

[@alexpetitcomedy]

Conan is the GOAT. Not of just late night but of interviews and comedy all together.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Letterman is

[@thelettermanpodcast]

He’s by far the most accessible giant of Late Night there is.

[@noellerose3453]

I wish I would have written Conan as a teen in the 90's to tell him how much joy he brought me.

[@jeffehren]

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.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Our host certainly can relate to what you are saying. He had all sorts of imposter syndrome when starting the show.

[@niallkenyon9347]

God bless whoever uploaded this as a full video.

[@joePARKS]

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

[@luuismarquez]

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!

[@randyj420]

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.

[@gloriaonejeme927]

😊p😊

[@sumitlakhani4012]

Guys like this episode so Team Coco knows they have to keep uploading full episodes on KZbin.

[@forty_two42]

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

[@conornunnally4238]

I need a Apple TV origin series for Conan and the whole late night story..Conan can play himself, they make no effort to de-age him, and it’s never addressed..

[@dar_jada]

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!

[@YTUse601]

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

[@dehbonpog4761]

I love how conan peaks the mic multiple times through this, it adds to the dramatic feeling of the episode

[@tompreciado863]

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!

[@nebakanezer13]

I’ve been there since the beginning. I just graduated high school and would record Conan cause I had a 4am shift. From being almost “murdered” in Houston by a man named Buffalo, to discovering his wife while helping a chainsaw wielding furniture salesman. Conan will always be my favorite late night host. I’ve watched them all. NO ONE is more genuine and naturally funny as he is. Carson and Letterman are of course legends that Conan emulated and added his own charisma and humor.

[@trentthemediocre7596]

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

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Agreed! A podcast version of this many times is much more entertaining than a book. The deep dive factor is so much less filtered.

[@lovepg56]

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!

[@metalx224]

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!

[@momcatwoo]

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.

[@Zorklis]

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!

[@TheAcenightcreeper]

This was so gd good…it literally answered the questions as they popped up into my head…thats how you know its great

[@KarloPanda]

A Conan biopic now seems like a good idea. What a roller coaster of events

[@stevedoesnt]

I desperately need them and the Inside Conan podcast back! Hands down, my favorite podcast ever.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Yeah! Ours too! Wait a second…

[@crazyinsanepenguin]

@@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.

[@basirazami1462]

to the executive that got fired for defending Conan you're the real MVP

[@seedheechhaatee3891]

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🙇🏾‍♂️

[@charlockprime]

Absolutely fantastic! Thank you for the full episode! Please continue uploading these to KZbin!

[@stephpavone]

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

[@jbanders2358]

Conan is a Legend. He’s in another stratosphere than letterman and leno. There’s no comparison. Nobody is watching letterman and leno clips. Why would they? Conan and Carson are the best of the best.

[@untexan]

There’s an entire Letterman KZbin channel that tells you you’re wrong about Dave. But agreed no one is digging up old Leno clips

[@jbanders2358]

@@untexan didn’t say there wasn’t clips. Just said no one is watching.

[@williamgregory1848]

Lorne Michaels saw the potential in Conan ever since he was a writer on SNL. That shows you what a genius Lorne is 😊

[@dwarkeshgaur]

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.

[@lauratomczak6797]

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

[@SkullMan---]

This was so nice, I was really enthralled the whole hour. More please.

[@metalmuumuu4181]

I was a college kid in the 90s totally in love with how alternative Conan's humor was. He was also very good about bringing alternative bands to his show, which is mainly what I appreciated.

[@ClapHurts]

Conan O'brien came a long way i miss him on late night his humor was funny. I hope they continue talking about it

[@MrKeychange]

I had the chance to interview Conan after one of his first couple of shows and saw the start first hand; he was REALLY good. No matter what internal struggle he was having, he did an excellent job

[@mathemagician81]

We should really thank Michelle for convincing Conan to go for the Late Night audition

[@Rowebot15]

This story is almost identical to why I had insomnia in high school. Oh yeah, now I know why. I never missed an episode of Conan O'Brien. I remember the funny name, and the strange intro music. The gags and sketches are so purely Conan.

[@jawhar5677]

You know someone is amazing when they're not really aware of how great they are

[@ThatJohnnyGuyyy]

Someday Conan is going to get his own movie about his career and childhood, and I can't wait to see the whole story unfold on screen.

[@stevespohn4291]

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.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Fascinating..

[@aprilkepler1702]

Face it, essentially, the wife who said, "What does he have to lose?"made Conan's career skyrocket.

[@jimreynolds1019]

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.

[@joshuas4695]

This might have been the longest I've ever listened to a Podcast and it was so very well worth it! Conan's my guy! ♡

[@georgesowers9113]

Love Conan. I'm a year older than Conan. I grew up in the 60's and 70's and seldom saw Carson because my parents were usually in bed by then and thought everyone should be in bed if they were. I started watching Carson regularly when I started college. My roomates and I enjoyed Carson but by 1980 his guests were usually past their prime, Carson did'nt have the bands we listened too and Carson was taking a lot of time off and guest hosts often filled in for him. Then we discovered Dave. My college roomates and I would sit through Carson just to watch Dave. We never knew what Dave would do next. At first it seems like he would have two guests, a celebrity and then some odd character like a guy who made cookies out of insects or a woman who sewed clothes for her parrots. Dave would sometimes be rude to the celebrity but he was always rude to the odd character. Then he fill in around them with tossing watermellons from towers, knocking on doors with Paul, talking to the two brothers who ran the gift shop next door, dunking himself into water dressed in a suit made of Alka-Seltzer, etc. We were glued to his show. I continued to watch dave the rest of his career. Then when I was about 30 Dave goes to CBS and Conan takes his time slot. I can remember getting a girlfriend to watch it with me and telling her that she has to see these two guys that come on after the Tonight Show, I think I discribed them as like Wayne's World talk show except they're in this small paneled room with curtains and they're wearing suits. To me it seemed like these two nerdy guys were some how broadcasting a show from small studio somewhere and filling it with what ever they wanted. It was like discovering Dave all over again. You never knew what you were going to see when you tuned in. There was in the year 2000 with those ball collars, the masturbating bear, If two celebrities mated, Triumph insulting Star Wars fans, Staring contests, Leg wrestling, Conan visits Ted Nugent, the Clutch Cargo like interview, just to name the first shows that come to mind. I will always be a fan of Conan and I'm looking forward to his next show that I've heard rumors about.

[@leica842]

Spot on. Great recollections.