Season 16 • Episode 98
LatestTonight Conan welcomes musical guest The White Stripes.
Stepping into the late-late slot vacated by David Letterman, Conan O'Brien stars in a show that far outdoes its competition in sheer strangeness. Along with the celebrity interviews and musical numbers typical of late-night talk shows, this program make frequent use of odd walk-on characters and frequent "visits" from celebrity guests.
Writing
Remotes that redefined what TV comedy could be.
Acting
Conan's willingness to look like an absolute fool.
Production
Low-budget chaos that became its whole aesthetic.
Creators
Conan O'Brien, Lorne Michaels
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
NBC gave Conan just two weeks to prepare; his first episode had critics calling for his immediate replacement. He kept those reviews framed.
The show's 'comedy of the uncomfortable' directly influenced The Office, Parks and Rec, and basically every awkward cringe-comedy that followed.
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