Conan O’Brien reveals his favorite guest on Late Night — and explains why
Conan’s naming a fellow comedian underscores that the approval of other performers matters far more than just getting cheers from the audience.
After spending countless hours interviewing guests, Conan O’Brien recently revealed in a podcast who impressed him the most during his time on late-night shows and podcasts. His surprising choice brought back warm memories for many fans who have enjoyed his shows over the years.
Conan O’Brien is a comedy legend, a former writer for The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live, and the longtime host of Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Last year, he even hosted the Oscars, and he is doing it again this year. Recently, he has successfully moved into the online world with his fun and popular podcast, “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend,” where he chats with various celebrities and friends.
What happened
The veteran host recently appeared on the New Heights podcast, hosted by NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce. During the conversation, Jason Kelce asked who O’Brien’s favorite guest has ever been on a late-night show or a podcast. Without much hesitation, O’Brien pointed to the late Norm Macdonald, calling him a “true artist.” Jason revealed that he and Travis had a $50 bet on whether Conan would choose Norm as his favorite guest.
O’Brien acknowledged that while guests like Will Ferrell were incredible for their funny characters, recalling Ferrell appearing as a “leprechaun in a thong”, Macdonald was in a league of his own. O’Brien explained that nobody did what Macdonald did, and no one ever can again. He described Macdonald’s appearances as a form of performance art in which he would tell wild, mostly made-up stories. “I’d say, “Norm, how’s it going?” “Pretty good, Conan. I uh, you know, I’m a I got a farm.” And I’d be thinking, he doesn’t have a [ __ ] farm,” he added.
O’Brien also recounted how Macdonald would walk onto the set and claim to have three daughters, each “prettier than the next,” even though O’Brien knew none of it was true. Macdonald would then launch into jokes that sounded like they were from 1942. He added, “He’s just telling a joke from 1942, and he’s pretending this really happened to him, and it’s performance art.”
According to O’Brien, Macdonald was completely fearless and possessed a unique ability to command the room with his specific delivery. Travis Kelce agreed, noting how smooth Macdonald always remained under pressure. O’Brien concluded that people will still be discussing Macdonald’s work 50 years from now.
Reactions
The internet was filled with nostalgia following the interview, with fans talking about O’Brien’s chemistry with the Kelce brothers and his praise for Macdonald. One listener noted, “I don’t know if Conan expected to have this much fun in an interview, but I think they’re all buddies now!” This friendly atmosphere helps to connect people from different backgrounds, such as sports and comedy, creating a space where they can share personal stories.
Long-time followers of O’Brien also reminisced about their experiences with his show. One fan wrote, “I was one of those teenagers who stayed up to watch Conan!!! Every night!!” Another fan expressed their excitement about the collaboration, saying, “Woke up so grumpy and sleepy and seeing the thumbnail with Conan first thing?! This is my actual Super Bowl.” Seeing someone they’ve respected for years appearing in a fun podcast brings real joy to audiences.
Some commenters discussed O’Brien’s potential in other areas of entertainment. One viewer suggested, “Conan would be a perfect fit for Adam Sandler movies, where he would make a cameo in every movie.” Adam Sandler is well known for his comedic films, and many believe that O’Brien would fit perfectly into these roles.
Of course, many reactions referenced the late Norm Macdonald. A viewer stated, “Conan is absolutely correct. No one will ever be able to copy Macdonald’s style.” Another fan remembered a memorable moment: “Norm Macdonald did one of the funniest bits I’ve ever seen, when he gave Conan a gift basket on his final episode of The Tonight Show.”
People shared their special connections to entertainers, saying things like, “Love Norm. His TV show used my uncle’s band’s song for the theme song. Got such a kick hearing it on TV every time.” These personal stories show how entertainers become part of our lives and of those who work with them.
Why this matters
When people in the entertainment industry recognize one another, it holds great significance. When a veteran like O’Brien singles out a performer, it shows respect that comes from their shared love for storytelling. Performers analyze timing, risk-taking, and stage instincts in ways that might not always be obvious to everyone watching. By mentioning Norm Macdonald, O’Brien shines a light on the skill involved in what might seem like simple, funny stories.
Since Norm Macdonald’s passing in 2021, tributes like this play an important role in recognizing his impact on comedy. These heartfelt conversations often inspire fans to revisit his old interviews, sketches, and performances. A brief conversation on a podcast can spark renewed interest in an artist’s work, helping ensure their legacy continues to be appreciated for years to come. With Norm no longer able to create new material, O’Brien’s comments help connect new fans to a legacy that might otherwise be forgotten.
