A Triumphant Return to NBC Late Night
Conan O’Brien made a highly anticipated return to NBC’s late-night lineup on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, marking his first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon since he hosted the iconic late-night program a decade ago. The 60-year-old comedian, who had a 16-year run as the host of Late Night with Conan O’Brien before briefly taking over The Tonight Show from 2009 to 2010, brought an emotional and nostalgic energy to his return. His appearance stirred up memories of his influential time on NBC and signified a significant moment for both him and his fans.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
For O’Brien, the return to the Tonight Show set was especially meaningful. He hadn’t been back to the studio since his abrupt and controversial exit in 2010, when Jay Leno reclaimed his spot as host after O’Brien’s brief tenure. The emotions were palpable as O’Brien reflected on the significance of walking back onto the set. “It’s weird to come back,” O’Brien admitted. “I haven’t been in this building for such a long time, and I haven’t been on this floor in forever.” The nostalgia and the weight of his history at NBC were evident in his words and demeanor.
The Controversial Exit from ‘The Tonight Show’
O’Brien’s time as host of The Tonight Show was marked by dramatic changes and a publicized departure that still resonates with fans. After only seven months as the host, NBC decided to return Jay Leno to the position, sparking a highly publicized dispute that made headlines around the world. Although O’Brien faced the emotional strain of losing his job, he has mostly kept a lighthearted approach when discussing the incident. In a 2017 interview with Andy Cohen, O’Brien joked about the awkwardness of running into Leno, quipping, “I’m watching a movie and my headphones are on and I don’t think we ever actually talk.”
Opening Up About His Struggles
While O’Brien rarely dwells on the controversy, he has been open about the emotional toll the Tonight Show departure took on him. In a candid 2010 interview with 60 Minutes, O’Brien reflected on the emotional turmoil he went through, stating, “I got very depressed at times. It was like a marriage breaking up suddenly, violently, quickly. And I was just trying to figure out what happened.” This vulnerability helped humanize O’Brien during one of the most difficult periods in his career.
A New Chapter: The ‘Conan’ Era
After his departure from NBC, O’Brien quickly transitioned into a new era with Conan on TBS, where he remained until 2021. This show allowed him to explore new creative avenues and build a stronger connection with his audience, allowing him the freedom to push boundaries and experiment with his comedic style. “When we started putting this tour together, I started to feel better almost immediately,” O’Brien said, referencing his nationwide comedy tour after leaving TBS. For O’Brien, comedy became a therapeutic outlet for the emotional struggles he had endured, giving him a sense of renewal.
Conan’s Lasting Impact on Late-Night Television
In recent years, the late-night landscape has shifted with new hosts and a changing cultural climate, but O’Brien’s legacy in late-night television remains significant. His return to The Tonight Show has sparked excitement and curiosity about how it fits into his broader career journey. For many fans, his return represents a fresh chapter for the beloved comedian, while also serving as a reminder of how much late-night television has evolved over the years—and how O’Brien’s unique voice has had an enduring impact on the genre.
Despite the ups and downs of his career, Conan O’Brien’s return to the Tonight Show is a testament to his resilience and his lasting influence on late-night television. Whether or not it marks the start of a new era for O’Brien, it’s clear that his contributions to the world of comedy and late-night television are far from forgotten.
