Fourteen years after being ousted from NBC's 'The Tonight Show,' Conan O'Brien is set to make a return appearance on the show on April 9. O'Brien will be promoting his new travel series 'Conan O'Brien Must Go' for Max in a conversation with Jimmy Fallon, who took over hosting duties from Jay Leno in 2014.
O'Brien's journey in late-night television began with 'Late Night with Conan O'Brien' on NBC, where he spent over 15 years before being promoted to host 'The Tonight Show' in 2009. However, after facing declining ratings and pressure from affiliates due to Leno's new prime-time show, NBC made the decision to move 'The Tonight Show' to a later timeslot, leading to O'Brien's departure in 2010.
Despite the public fallout with NBC, O'Brien quickly returned to television on TBS with his show 'Conan,' which ran for nearly 11 years. Throughout the years, O'Brien has expressed mixed feelings about his past experiences, acknowledging both resentment and gratitude for his time at NBC.
O'Brien's upcoming appearance on 'The Tonight Show' marks a significant moment in late-night television, showcasing a shift from past rivalries to a more congenial atmosphere among hosts. The camaraderie among late-night hosts was further highlighted when Fallon welcomed Joan Rivers on his first night as host, extending an olive branch to mend past conflicts.
Aside from his television ventures, O'Brien now hosts a popular podcast titled 'Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend' and has embarked on a new travel series where he explores countries like Ireland, Thailand, Argentina, and Norway.
The landscape of late-night talk shows continues to evolve, with hosts like Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, and Jimmy Kimmel coming together to support their staff during challenging times, showcasing a sense of unity and friendship in the industry.
