Conan O’Brien’s Early Career in Television Writing and Production

Conan obrien net worth 2020 – Conan O’Brien’s journey in television writing and production began in the late 1980s, as a young and aspiring writer looking to make a name for himself in the industry. This period marked the beginning of a successful career that would span decades, with a multitude of award-winning shows and movies under his belt.From 1988 to 1991, Conan O’Brien served as a writer on Saturday Night Live (SNL), one of the most influential and iconic television programs in history.
At the time, SNL was experiencing a resurgence in popularity, thanks to the talents of Lorne Michaels, who returned to the show in 1985 after a four-year hiatus. O’Brien’s arrival on the scene marked a significant turning point in the show’s history, as he brought a fresh perspective and a knack for crafting memorable sketches that resonated with audiences.O’Brien’s early work on SNL included some notable sketches and characters.
One notable example is the character of ‘Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey’, a recurring segment in which O’Brien wrote hilarious and thought-provoking one-liners delivered by Handey. This segment became a fan favorite and a staple of the show’s format. Another notable example is the sketch ‘Wild and Crazy Guys’, a parody of Eastern European spies that starred Mike Myers and Dana Carvey as two bumbling agents.
This sketch showcased O’Brien’s ability to craft hilarious and memorable characters that captured the essence of a particular era and cultural context.
Not Necessarily the News
Conan O’Brien’s work on Not Necessarily the News, which aired from 1988 to 1990, provided him with another opportunity to hone his writing skills and develop his own unique voice. As a writer on the show, O’Brien was responsible for crafting humorous and satirical pieces that often tackled complex social issues. Not Necessarily the News was a pioneering show that blurred the lines between comedy and news, creating a genre that would eventually become known as ‘fake news’.
O’Brien’s contributions to the show helped shape this genre, paving the way for future satirical programs like The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.O’Brien’s time on Not Necessarily the News was marked by some notable successes, including a segment called ‘The News Room’, where he and other writers would create mock news broadcasts that poked fun at current events. Another notable example is the ‘Commentaries’ segment, where O’Brien and other writers would offer humorous and irreverent takes on current events.
These segments showcased O’Brien’s ability to craft witty and insightful commentary that was both humorous and thought-provoking.
| Example of Not Necessarily the News Segments | Description |
|---|---|
| ‘The News Room’ | A mock news broadcast that poked fun at current events, often featuring O’Brien and other writers as news anchors. |
| ‘Commentaries’ | A segment where O’Brien and other writers offered humorous and irreverent takes on current events. |
Conan’s Rise to Prominence with Late Night with Conan O’Brien

Conan O’Brien’s meteoric ascent to stardom began in 1993, as he took on the coveted hosting duties of NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien. This pivotal transition marked a turning point in his career, as he deftly navigated the challenges of transitioning from a behind-the-scenes writing role to a highly visible, on-camera persona. With his signature wit, irreverence, and boundless enthusiasm, Conan brought a fresh, youthful energy to the program, captivated audiences, and rapidly established himself as a comedic force to be reckoned with.
Establishing a Unique Style
Conan’s innovative approach to Late Night with Conan O’Brien was characterized by his unique blend of humor, satire, and irreverence. He skillfully integrated clever writing, clever sketches, and an array of memorable characters, including Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, into the show’s format. This distinctive tone, coupled with Conan’s infectious enthusiasm and engaging interactions with guests, helped him to build a loyal following and earn widespread critical acclaim.
His fearless approach to tackling contentious topics, often incorporating satire and irony, showcased Conan’s ability to navigate complex social issues with nuance and wit.
Key Milestones and Notable Guests, Conan obrien net worth 2020
Some of the most notable milestones in the history of Late Night with Conan O’Brien include:
- Notable guests: Conan frequently hosted a wide range of high-profile celebrities, from musicians and actors to politicians and newsmakers. Some notable guests included Will Ferrell, Bill Murray, Adam Sandler, and Sinead O’Connor.
- Sketches and Parodies: Late Night was renowned for its hilarious sketches and parodies, which poked fun at everything from pop culture to politics. Some of the show’s most memorable sketches featured Andy Richter as a sidekick and a recurring segment called “Desk Depth with Andy Richter.”
- Interviews and Conversations: Conan showcased his impressive interviewing skills, engaging in thought-provoking and often humorous conversations with a diverse range of guests, from the likes of Steve Martin and Will Smith to presidential candidates like Al Gore and John Kerry.
- The Return of Triumph: Triumph, a wisecracking, foul-mouthed dog, became a fan favorite and symbol of the show’s irreverent humor. His return to the show was often marked by epic, hilarious, and sometimes confrontational sketches.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
Late Night with Conan O’Brien broke numerous barriers and set records during its 16-year run, including:
- Cable ratings: In a surprising upset, the show’s 1998 switch from NBC to NBC’s cable affiliate, CNBC, resulted in a ratings bump, establishing the program as a cable mainstay for nearly a decade.
- Guest Appearances: Conan hosted notable guests such as David Copperfield, Jay Leno, Tom Hanks, and Johnny Carson, making him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
- Popularity and Influence: The show became a staple for pop culture aficionados and earned multiple Emmy nominations for writing and producing.
- Conan’s NBC show was more formal and scripted, while his TBS show was more improvisational and spontaneous.
- The NBC show had a more traditional talk show format, with interviews and comedy sketches. The TBS show, on the other hand, was more focused on stand-up and sketch comedy.
- Conan’s TBS show had a more relaxed and casual tone, with a focus on entertainment and fun.
- Conan’s TBS show featured a number of memorable sketches and characters, including the “Puppy Monkey Baby” and the “Flaming C”.
- The show also featured a number of high-profile celebrity guests, including Will Ferrell, Justin Timberlake, and Taylor Swift.
- Conan’s TBS show was known for its irreverent and often subversive humor, which helped to attract a dedicated and loyal fan base.
By pushing the boundaries of traditional late-night programming and incorporating cutting-edge comedy, innovative characters, and memorable sketches, Conan helped establish himself as a master of the late-night landscape.
TBS’s Conan: The Shift to a New Network and Show Format

Conan O’Brien’s move from NBC’s Late Night to TBS marked a significant shift in his career, offering him the opportunity to create a new brand of humor and entertainment that resonated with his audience.
Differences in Show Formats: Conan’s NBC Days vs. TBS Era
The Conan O’Brien show that aired on NBC from 1993 to 2009 had a different tone and style compared to the TBS version that premiered in 2010. Conan’s NBC days were characterized by a mix of comedy, music, and interviews, while his TBS show focused more on comedy and entertainment.
One of the key differences between the two shows was Conan’s use of the “Tonight Show” format. On NBC, he was a part of the long-standing “Tonight Show” franchise, which had a well-established format and tone. When Conan moved to TBS, he was given the freedom to create a show that was more in line with his own style and vision.
Conan took advantage of this opportunity by creating a show that was more experimental and edgy than his earlier work. He incorporated more sketch comedy, stand-up, and musical performances into his show, which helped to attract a younger audience.
This shift in format and tone was intentional and reflective of Conan’s desire to create a show that was more authentic and true to his artistic vision.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories and Personal Anecdotes from Conan’s TBS Era
During his TBS era, Conan was known for his willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on television. One of the most notable examples of this was his decision to have celebrity guests participate in ridiculous and often absurd challenges.
This approach was not without its challenges, however. Conan has spoken publicly about the difficulties of balancing creative freedom with the pressures of working within a network structure.
In an interview with The New York Times, Conan discussed the challenges of adapting to the TBS format, saying “I think the biggest difference was that we were no longer part of the NBC system, which was a huge burden for me… But it also gave us a chance to be more experimental and take more risks.”
Overall, Conan’s move to TBS marked a significant shift in his career, offering him the opportunity to create a new brand of humor and entertainment that resonated with his audience.
Last Word
In conclusion, Conan O’Brien’s net worth stands as a testament to his hard work, creativity, and perseverance in the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry. As we’ve explored his remarkable journey, from his early days in television writing to his rise as a host and beyond, we’ve seen the various factors that have contributed to his estimated $200 million net worth.
From his influential work in late-night television to his entrepreneurial spirit in launching the Conan Without Borders podcast and Team Coco, Conan’s impact on comedy and pop culture is undeniable. As we continue to celebrate his success, we should also acknowledge his philanthropic efforts, highlighting his commitment to making a positive difference in society.
Popular Questions: Conan Obrien Net Worth 2020
How much is Conan O’Brien’s net worth in 2020?
Conan O’Brien’s estimated net worth in 2020 stands at around $200 million.
What are some of Conan’s major business ventures?
Conan has launched several successful business ventures, including Team Coco, the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast, and Conan Without Borders.
What are some notable philanthropic efforts made by Conan O’Brien?
Conan has contributed to several charitable organizations, including the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Entertainment Industry Foundation.
How does Conan O’Brien compare to other late-night hosts?
Conan’s unique approach to interviewing celebrities and his dedication to his craft have set him apart from other late-night hosts.