Introduction and Current Status
Conan O’Brien is a veteran late-night host, writer, and producer whose career spans more than 30 years in comedy and late-night television. What does Conan O’Brien do now? He remains active in television and digital formats, though he is best known for his tenure on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien (2009–2010) and the eight-year run of Conan on TBS (2010–2021). Since finishing his TBS show, he has focused on production, limited series, and periodic appearances while largely stepping back from nightly late-night hosting. This overview reflects his ongoing professional activities and key recent work.
Background and Career Context
Before his Tonight Show stint, Conan was a writer for Saturday Night Live and host of Late Night with Conan O’Brien on NBC. His short, high-profile run on The Tonight Show in 2009–2010 generated significant media attention and a damaging legal dispute with NBC and then-parent company General Electric. The conflict and public disputes influenced his reputation and led to shifts in how networks approached hosting transitions. After the Tonight Show, his TBS show allowed him to experiment with a more relaxed, interview-driven format.
Post-TBS Work and Projects
Since ending Conan in 2021, Conan has maintained a lower profile but remained professionally active. He has participated in selective interviews, made occasional speaking appearances, and engaged with audiences through social media. Industry reports indicate he has explored digital content and streaming possibilities, though no ongoing nightly or weekly series has been announced. He has also been linked to broader commentary on media consolidation and the economics of late-night hosting.
Key Professional Milestones
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1993–2009 | Late Night with Conan O’Brien (NBC) | Built his comedic voice and loyal fanbase over 16 years. |
| June 2009–January 2010 | The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien (NBC) | High-profile, tumultuous transition that affected his reputation and industry relations. |
| November 2010–June 2021 | Conan (TBS) | Defined his later career with a more intimate, interview-focused format. |
| 2021–present | Reduced hosting; focus on production and select appearances | Signals a shift from nightly television toward selective projects and legacy endeavors. |
Production and Business Activities
Conan’s production company, Conaco (also styled as Conaco Productions), has produced content throughout his career and continues to be active. Conaco has worked on scripted and unscripted projects, and industry sources note ongoing efforts to develop new programming for streaming platforms. The company’s work reflects Conan’s interest in nurturing writers and creators, though specific new series or partnerships are not always publicly disclosed.
Public Appearances and Media Activity
In recent years, Conan has made curated public appearances, including comedy shows, podcast interviews, and occasional television specials. He has granted select interviews to major publications and podcasts, discussing his career, the late-night landscape, and personal reflections. These appearances are infrequent and typically tied to specific projects or promotional efforts rather than a regular media schedule.
Comparison to Other Late-Night Hosts
Unlike hosts who transitioned directly from nightly shows to new long-form contracts, Conan has taken a more intermittent path. Other late-night figures have moved into daily digital formats, talk shows, or full-time network development roles, whereas Conan’s approach has been more selective. This measured pace aligns with his stated preference for focused, quality-driven work over a constant public presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Conan O’Brien still hosting a nightly show? No. He concluded his nightly hosting duties with the end of Conan on TBS in 2021 and has not launched a new nightly series.
- Is Conan working on new television projects? He is exploring digital and streaming possibilities through his production company, but no specific new series has been publicly confirmed.
- Does Conan O’Brien still do stand-up? He makes occasional comedy club appearances and select stand-up dates, though these are infrequent and not a primary focus.
- What is Conan’s role at Conaco today? He remains involved in content development and executive production, shaping projects aligned with his creative interests.
- How does Conan view his Tonight Show experience publicly? He has referenced it in interviews as a high-stress period that reshaped his approach to media and negotiations.
Summary
Today, Conan O’Brien works on select projects, oversees production through Conaco, and makes curated public and digital appearances. He is not hosting a nightly show but remains engaged in developing content and participating in targeted interviews and events. His current activities reflect a transition from nightly television toward a more selective, project-based professional path.