Conan O'Brien made his highly anticipated cameo on the latest episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, season 12, episode eight, titled The Colostomy Bag. The talk show host, a close friend of creator-star Larry David in real life, appeared as a high-profile neighbor that TV Larry felt he needed clearance to approach.
In the episode, Larry sought help from his friend Richard Lewis to get permission to approach Conan O'Brien. However, due to a series of events, clearance didn't come in time, leading Larry to show up unannounced at O'Brien's home in a moment of desperation. O'Brien eventually lends Larry his car, but accidentally hits Larry in the eye with the keys, causing a chain of events that result in both Larry and Jeff Greene wearing eye patches.
Executive producer Jeff Schaffer shared insights into O'Brien's guest appearance, highlighting the comedic dynamic between O'Brien and Larry. The episode also featured guest cameos from Sean Hayes and Steve Buscemi, with O'Brien being the only famous actor playing himself.
The clearance storyline in the episode was inspired by a real-life celebrity encounter shared by Curb alum Alec Berg. The concept of needing clearance to approach a celebrity was born out of Berg's experience with a celebrity neighbor, leading to humorous exchanges about imaginary bureaucratic guidelines.
Schaffer emphasized Larry's adherence to his own set of rules, even when it comes to approaching celebrities. The episode's storyline resonated with many, showcasing the universal desire for a clearance system when interacting with celebrities.
The scene featuring O'Brien marked a significant moment for Schaffer, who reflected on his longstanding career in the entertainment industry. The episode was shot in the house of their former movie agent Marty Bowen, adding a nostalgic touch to the production.
As Curb Your Enthusiasm approaches its conclusion with two more episodes left in the season, fans can catch new episodes on Sundays at 10 p.m. on HBO and Max. Schaffer's behind-the-scenes insights offer a glimpse into the creative process behind the Emmy-winning improv series.
