Conan O’Brien is an Emmy-winning comedian, writer, and television host who spent nearly three decades in late-night television before transitioning to podcasting. He created the Team Coco media empire, sold it to SiriusXM for $150 million, and hosted the 2025 Academy Awards. His podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” ranks among the top comedy shows on all platforms.
From Harvard Graduate to Comedy Writer
Conan Christopher O’Brien graduated from Harvard University in 1985 with a degree in History and Literature. His thesis examined “Literary Progeria in the Works of William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor.” During college, he served as president of the Harvard Lampoon, the university’s humor publication, where he refined the comedic timing that would define his career.
After graduation, O’Brien moved to Los Angeles and struggled through several failed television projects. His breakthrough came in 1988 when he joined Saturday Night Live as a writer. The SNL writing staff won an Emmy Award in 1989, with O’Brien contributing memorable sketches that showcased his absurdist humor.
He moved to The Simpsons in 1991, where he wrote classic episodes including “Marge vs. the Monorail” and “Homer Goes to College.” His work on The Simpsons established him as a skilled comedy writer who could balance smart satire with broad humor.
The Late Night Years: 16 Years Behind the Desk
NBC executives made a controversial decision in 1993 when they selected O’Brien to replace David Letterman on Late Night. At 29 years old, with no hosting experience, O’Brien faced harsh criticism from media observers who questioned whether the unknown writer could fill Letterman’s shoes.
The show’s first year proved difficult. Critics panned his nervous on-camera presence, and NBC issued 13-week contracts instead of long-term commitments. Cancellation seemed imminent multiple times during those early months.
O’Brien developed his unique comedy style over time. He introduced recurring characters like Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and the Masturbating Bear. His self-deprecating humor, string dance, and willingness to embrace absurdist comedy gradually won over audiences.
By the late 1990s, Late Night with Conan O’Brien became must-see television for younger viewers. He hosted for 16 years, from September 1993 to February 2009, making him the longest-serving host in the franchise’s history as of 2023. The show earned numerous Emmy nominations and one Primetime Emmy Award.
Andy Richter served as his sidekick for the first seven years before leaving in 2000 to pursue acting. Max Weinberg led the house band throughout the entire run.
The Tonight Show Era and Network Controversy
O’Brien took over The Tonight Show in June 2009, fulfilling NBC’s promise made years earlier. He inherited the 11:35 p.m. time slot but faced immediate challenges when the network moved Jay Leno to 10 p.m. with a new show.
Leno’s program failed in ratings, threatening NBC affiliates’ news broadcasts. Network executives proposed moving Leno back to 11:35 p.m. and pushing O’Brien’s Tonight Show to 12:05 a.m. O’Brien refused the arrangement in a public statement, arguing it would damage The Tonight Show’s legacy.
The conflict became national news in January 2010. O’Brien hosted his final Tonight Show on January 22, receiving a $45 million exit settlement. The episode drew 7.8 million viewers, his highest ratings during the seven-month run.
The controversy generated enormous public support for O’Brien. His “Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour” sold out venues across North America in spring 2010, proving his connection with audiences extended beyond television.
Conan on TBS: A Decade of Creative Freedom
O’Brien launched his self-titled show on TBS in November 2010. The cable network gave him creative freedom that broadcast networks couldn’t provide. He focused on comedy bits and interviews rather than chasing high ratings.
The show featured digital content that performed well online. His “Clueless Gamer” segments, where he played video games with celebrities, generated millions of YouTube views. Remote segments took him to Cuba, Armenia, Israel, South Korea, and other countries, creating memorable comedy moments.
Andy Richter returned as his sidekick, restoring their on-screen chemistry. The show ran for 11 seasons until June 2021, when O’Brien decided to end the traditional late-night format and pursue other projects.
Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend: Podcast Success
O’Brien launched his podcast in November 2018 while still hosting his TBS show. “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” featured long-form conversations with celebrities, freed from television’s time constraints and content restrictions.
The podcast’s premise came from a simple observation: after 25 years interviewing thousands of guests, O’Brien hadn’t formed lasting friendships with any of them. Each episode runs 60-90 minutes, allowing deeper conversations than television permitted.
Sona Movsesian, his assistant since 2009, co-hosts alongside producer Matt Gourley. Their dynamic creates a more relaxed atmosphere than traditional interview formats. Guests have included Michelle Obama, Bill Hader, Nicole Byer, and Werner Herzog.
The show ranks consistently in Apple Podcasts’ top comedy category. It has released over 600 episodes as of October 2025, with new episodes dropping twice weekly. The podcast won the 2024 Webby Award for Best Individual Podcast.
Team Coco expanded to include multiple podcasts: “Inside Conan,” “Literally! with Rob Lowe,” and “Why Won’t You Date Me?” with Nicole Byer. SiriusXM acquired the entire Team Coco digital media business in May 2022 for $150 million.
The deal included O’Brien’s five-year talent contract and the development of a SiriusXM comedy channel. Team Coco staff joined SiriusXM while maintaining the podcasts’ distribution on all platforms. YouTube revenue from Team Coco’s extensive video archive was also part of the acquisition.
Conan O’Brien Must Go: Travel Documentary Series
O’Brien premiered “Conan O’Brien Must Go” on Max (formerly HBO Max) in April 2024. The travel series was built on his popular remote segments from previous shows, but with higher production values and longer episodes.
The first season took him to Norway, Argentina, Thailand, and Ireland. He met podcast fans in person, explored local cultures, and created comedy moments that mixed genuine curiosity with his signature humor. Episodes run 45-60 minutes each.
Critics praised the series for its authenticity. Rotten Tomatoes gave the first season a 94% approval rating. The show earned Emmy nominations for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series.
Max renewed the series for a second season, which premiered in late 2024 with episodes featuring New Zealand, Austria, and Spain. A third season was greenlit in March 2025, confirming the format’s success with streaming audiences.
Hosting the 2025 Academy Awards
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced O’Brien as the 2025 Oscars host in November 2024. The 97th Academy Awards took place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
This marked O’Brien’s first time hosting the ceremony. He replaced Jimmy Kimmel, who had hosted the previous two years. Academy executives cited O’Brien’s experience with live television and his appeal to younger viewers as reasons for the selection.
O’Brien’s performance received positive reviews. He opened with a musical number and delivered monologue jokes that balanced Hollywood insider humor with accessible comedy. His self-deprecating style differed from previous hosts who took more aggressive approaches.
TIME magazine called it “A Win for Conan O’Brien and Team Coco,” praising his ability to keep the show moving while giving nominees their moments. He avoided controversial topics while maintaining his comedic voice throughout the broadcast.
The broadcast attracted strong viewership compared to recent years, though final ratings weren’t immediately available. Social media response skewed positive, with many viewers calling for O’Brien to return.
The Academy announced in October 2025 that O’Brien would return to host the 2026 Oscars, making him the first host since Kimmel to receive an immediate invitation back.
Mark Twain Prize and Career Recognition
The Kennedy Center announced in January 2025 that O’Brien would receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The award recognizes individuals who have had a significant impact on American society through humor.
Previous recipients include David Letterman, Tina Fey, Dave Chappelle, and Jon Stewart. O’Brien joins them as recognition of his three-decade influence on comedy and television. The ceremony typically airs on PBS and features performances and tributes from fellow comedians.
This award represents the comedy industry’s highest honor, acknowledging O’Brien’s contributions beyond ratings and commercial success. His willingness to take creative risks and support emerging comedians has shaped modern comedy.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Celebrity Net Worth estimates O’Brien’s net worth at $200 million as of 2025. His wealth comes from multiple revenue streams built over 30 years in entertainment.
His NBC contracts paid him an estimated $12 million annually during Late Night and approximately $20 million annually during his brief Tonight Show run. The $45 million exit settlement from NBC significantly boosted his net worth in 2010.
TBS paid him an estimated $12 million per year during his 11-season run. His production company, Conaco, produced his shows and retained ownership of content, creating additional revenue through syndication and digital distribution.
The $150 million sale of Team Coco to SiriusXM in 2022 represented his largest single transaction. The deal included his ongoing talent services, podcast production, and YouTube revenue rights.
O’Brien’s 2025 Oscars hosting fee wasn’t disclosed, but traditional host payments range from $15,000 to $25,000. The exposure and prestige matter more than direct payment for established performers.
Personal Life and Public Image
O’Brien married Liza Powel in 2002 after meeting her during a Late Night segment at an advertising agency. They have two children: Neve (born 2003) and Beckett (born 2005). The family lives in Los Angeles, and O’Brien rarely discusses his personal life in detail.
He maintains privacy around his family while sharing work experiences openly. His self-deprecating humor extends to jokes about his appearance, particularly his height (6’4″) and pale complexion.
O’Brien’s work ethic has earned respect throughout the entertainment industry. He famously works long hours and involves himself in all aspects of production. Writers and staff members frequently praise his collaborative approach and loyalty to his team.
His response to the 2010 Tonight Show controversy demonstrated grace under pressure. Rather than attacking NBC executives publicly, he focused on thanking fans and moving forward. This approach strengthened his public image as someone who handles adversity with humor and dignity.
Impact on Modern Comedy
O’Brien influenced a generation of comedians and television hosts. His absurdist style, characterized by self-aware humor and a willingness to fail for a laugh, contrasts with more polished entertainment.
Many current comedy writers cite him as an inspiration. His Harvard Lampoon connection created a pipeline of comedy talent to television. Former Late Night and Conan writers have gone on to create successful shows, including Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Office, and many others.
His embrace of internet culture helped late-night television adapt to changing media consumption. He recognized early that clips and segments would drive viewership more than traditional broadcast ratings. Team Coco’s YouTube channel has accumulated billions of views, extending its content’s reach far beyond television audiences.
O’Brien’s international travel segments demonstrated that American comedy could succeed abroad by respecting local cultures while maintaining its voice. His genuine curiosity about other countries and willingness to be the joke made these segments work across cultural boundaries.
Current Projects and Future Plans
O’Brien continues producing new podcast episodes twice weekly as of October 2025. The format remains consistent: hour-long conversations with celebrities, occasional call-in segments with international fans, and improvised comedy with Sona and Matt.
The third season of “Conan O’Brien Must Go” is in production, with filming locations not yet announced. The show’s success suggests it will continue as long as O’Brien wants to travel and create content.
His return to host the 2026 Oscars indicates renewed interest in high-profile television appearances. After years focusing on digital content and streaming, he’s re-entering broadcast television on his own terms.
O’Brien has expressed interest in writing projects, including a potential memoir. His Harvard thesis advisor suggested he should write more, and O’Brien has mentioned in interviews that long-form writing appeals to him after years of short-form comedy.
Team Coco continues developing new podcast properties under the SiriusXM umbrella. The company’s comedy channel on SiriusXM features exclusive content and classic clips from O’Brien’s television archives.
FAQs
How much did Conan O’Brien sell Team Coco for?
SiriusXM purchased Team Coco for $150 million in May 2022. The deal included all podcasts, YouTube revenue, and a five-year talent contract for O’Brien.
Is Conan O’Brien still doing his podcast?
Yes. “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” releases new episodes twice weekly across all podcast platforms. The show has produced over 600 episodes since launching in 2018.
Why did Conan O’Brien leave late-night TV?
O’Brien ended his TBS show in June 2021 after 11 seasons, choosing to focus on digital content, podcasting, and travel documentaries rather than nightly television production.
What is Conan O’Brien’s educational background?
O’Brien graduated from Harvard University in 1985 with a degree in History and Literature. He served as president of the Harvard Lampoon during his undergraduate years.
How long did Conan host Late Night?
O’Brien hosted Late Night on NBC for 16 years, from September 1993 to February 2009, making him the longest-serving host in the show’s franchise history.
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