Conan O’Brien Makes Triumphant Return to ‘The Tonight Show’ 14 Years After Controversial Exit
In a highly anticipated television moment, comedian Conan O’Brien returned to ‘The Tonight Show’ on Tuesday night, marking his first appearance on the iconic late-night program since his tumultuous departure in 2010.
O’Brien, who hosted the show for a brief seven-month stint before being replaced by Jay Leno, sat down with current host Jimmy Fallon to reminisce about his time at NBC and promote his upcoming Max series, ‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
During the interview, O’Brien, 60, reflected on the surreal experience of being back in the building where he spent much of his career. “It’s strange to be here,” he told Fallon.
“I haven’t set foot in this place for a long time, and I haven’t been on this floor for ages“.
The former ‘Late Night’ host, who spent 16 years at the helm of that program before his short-lived ‘Tonight Show’ run, shared that “all these memories came rushing back“ to him as he walked through the halls of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
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Reuniting with Fallon
O’Brien and Fallon, who have a long history together, took a moment to reminisce about their first encounter. Fallon revealed that his initial appearance on a talk show was as a guest on O’Brien’s ‘Late Night’ in 1999.
The two comedians also discussed the challenges and joys of hosting a late-night program, with O’Brien offering his thoughts on the current state of the format and expressing confidence that the talented hosts, including Fallon, will thrive even if the landscape continues to evolve.
Looking Ahead
The conversation shifted to O’Brien’s upcoming project, ‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’, which is set to premiere on Max on April 18. The travel series, inspired by his popular ‘Conan Without Borders’ segments, will follow the comedian as he visits fans around the world whom he initially connected with through his podcast, ‘Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend’. O’Brien expressed his excitement for the new show and joked that he “needed the work” after ending his long-running TBS program ‘Conan’ in 2021.
A Gracious Return
Despite the controversial circumstances surrounding his ‘Tonight Show’ departure in 2010, O’Brien appeared to harbor no ill will toward NBC or the late-night institution. He praised Fallon’s work as the current host and emphasized the significant role the show has played in his life and career.
As he prepared to step back onto the stage that once bore his name, O’Brien remarked, “There’s no bad blood, and I’m excited to be back“.
Conan O’Brien’s return to ‘The Tonight Show’ served as a heartfelt reminder of his indelible impact on late-night television and a celebration of his enduring comedic legacy. As he embarks on his latest adventure with ‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’, fans can look forward to more of the wit, charm, and irreverence that have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment world for nearly three decades.
