Thirty-two years ago today, on April 26, 1993, NBC made a bold and unexpected announcement that would shape the landscape of late-night television: Conan O’Brien, a relatively unknown writer and producer, was chosen to replace David Letterman as the host of Late Night. The decision marked a pivotal moment in TV history, introducing a fresh voice to the storied franchise and cementing O’Brien’s place as a comedic icon.
The announcement came as Letterman prepared to depart Late Night for CBS, where he would launch Late Show with David Letterman to compete directly with NBC’s The Tonight Show, then hosted by Jay Leno. Letterman’s exit followed a high-profile succession battle for The Tonight Show after Johnny Carson’s retirement in 1992. When Leno was selected over Letterman, NBC faced the challenge of filling the 12:30 a.m. slot with a new host who could carry the Late Night legacy. Enter Conan O’Brien, a 30-year-old Harvard graduate with a background in comedy writing for The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live, but no on-camera hosting experience.
O’Brien’s selection was a gamble. Critics and audiences were skeptical, with many questioning whether the lanky, red-haired writer could follow in Letterman’s footsteps. His early episodes in 1993 were met with mixed reviews, but O’Brien’s irreverent humor, self-deprecating style, and innovative sketches—like “In the Year 2000” and the beloved Masturbating Bear—gradually won over viewers. Over his 16-year tenure on Late Night, O’Brien transformed the show into a cult favorite, appealing to a younger demographic with his offbeat sensibility.
A Brief History of Late Night
The Late Night franchise began in 1982 when NBC tapped David Letterman to host Late Night with David Letterman, airing after The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Letterman, a former weatherman and stand-up comedian, brought a subversive edge to late-night TV, introducing segments like “Stupid Pet Tricks” and his iconic Top Ten Lists. His cerebral humor and willingness to push boundaries made Late Night a hit, particularly among younger viewers.
Before Letterman, the 12:30 a.m. slot was home to The Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder (1973–1982), a more serious interview program. Letterman’s arrival marked a shift toward comedy-driven content, setting the tone for the modern late-night format. After O’Brien took over in 1993, he continued the tradition of innovation, paving the way for future hosts like Jimmy Fallon (2009–2014) and Seth Meyers (2014–present).
O’Brien’s journey didn’t end with Late Night. In 2009, he briefly hosted The Tonight Show before a controversial exit, later finding a new home on TBS with Conan (2010–2021). His influence endures, with his podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend and travel specials keeping him in the spotlight.
Today, as we reflect on April 26, 1993, we celebrate Conan O’Brien’s unlikely rise and the enduring legacy of Late Night, a proving ground for some of TV’s most distinctive voices. From Letterman’s groundbreaking run to O’Brien’s quirky brilliance, the show remains a cornerstone of late-night comedy.
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