Conan O'Brien Reflects on His Post-Late-Night Success: 'I Reach More People Now'
Conan O'Brien, the Emmy-winning comedian, has been off the late-night circuit for nearly five years, but his influence and reach continue to grow. In an interview with The New Yorker, O'Brien discussed his post-late-night career, highlighting the freedom and opportunities he now has outside the traditional talk show format.
Despite leaving his TBS talk show, Conan, in 2021, O'Brien's career has flourished. He now hosts the popular podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend and the HBO Max travel show Conan O'Brien Must Go. O'Brien believes that his current projects allow him to connect with a wider audience.
"I left my late-night show four years ago, and I've had a wonderful time," O'Brien said. "I think I reach more people now, either through the podcast or doing the travel show. I have all this freedom to be me in different ways, in different formats. There are so many beautiful opportunities, and I've been having a blast with the types of interviews I never could have had in the old format."
O'Brien's comments come at an interesting time for late-night television. CBS recently announced the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live. This shift in the industry reflects a broader change in the way audiences consume media, with traditional late-night shows evolving into more diverse and experimental formats.
O'Brien's success post-late-night demonstrates that the comedian has successfully adapted to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry. His ability to connect with audiences through various mediums, including podcasts and travel shows, showcases his versatility and talent. As the late-night era evolves, O'Brien's post-late-night career serves as an example of how to thrive in a rapidly changing media environment.
