Comedian Conan O’Brien ended his long-running late-night talk show in 2021 after hosting it for 11 years. After all, he also previously led “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” and “Late Night.” In newer years, he’d adapted to a more flexible lifestyle while still delivering his brand of commentary. This features a podcast, a travel show, and returning as host of the 2026 Academy Awards. Now, he’s opening up concerning the end of his show and where he believes the industry goes.
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Conan O’Brien Says He Reaches More People With His Podcast
O’Brien launched his podcast, “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” in 2018 after feeling that the format of his then-running talk show didn’t foster a way of friendship along with his guests. Now, in 2026, the podcast remains to be going strong, having won multiple podcast awards, including Best Interview/Talk Show on the People’s Voice Awards in 2023, per IMDb.
In February 2026, O’Brien spoke to The Recent Yorker about how much his life had modified since ending his show. He said, “I left my late-night show 4 years ago. I’ve had a beautiful time. I believe I reach more people now, either through the podcast or doing the travel show.”
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O’Brien continued, “I actually have all this freedom to be me in other ways, in several formats. There’s loads of really beautiful opportunities, and I have been having a blast and attending to have kinds of interviews I never could have had in that old ‘You are up within the attic’ format.”
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He Says The Talk Show Genre Won’t Last Long
O’Brien continued the interview, discussing where he thinks the talk-show space is headed and his upcoming gig as Oscars host. He said, “I mean, this old format goes away, but they’re being replaced by a mess of other ways to attach with people and be funny, and be satirical, and be probing, and let your talent run wild—that in some ways are more freeing.”
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Regarding preparing to host The Oscars for the second time, O’Brien revealed, “I began writing some time ago. Ideas are like R.A.F. pilots in 1940. You will have to generate loads of them. A whole lot of them fall by the wayside, after which some endure. I am unable to fake enjoyment. I would like to seek out ways to be sure that I’m having loads of fun. I would like to organize—I mean, I’m an enormous preparation person. I work with this sensible team of writers who are only downstairs from where I’m doing this podcast, and so they’re cranking away.”
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O’Brien’s Comments Come Amid Multiple Talk Show Cancellations
As mentioned, “Conan” got here to an end on TBS in 2021 after 11 seasons. It was O’Brien’s decision to finish the show. Nonetheless, within the years since he left the talk show genre, much has modified. Recently, late-night host Stephen Colbert saw his highly rated show canceled, and it’s now set to finish in May 2026. The kicker is, it is not only Colbert’s show being canceled; it is the long-running “Late Show,” which is concluding after 29 years.
Regarding daytime TV, “Sherri,” hosted by Sherri Shepherd, was recently canceled after 4 seasons. “The Kelly Clarkson Show” can be ending; nonetheless, the choice was made by the host herself. For a lot of, O’Brien’s comments come at a time when the long run of talk shows, especially late-night options, could also be bleak.
The Former Late-Night TV Host Will Appear In ‘Toy Story 5’
O’Brien has done quite a little bit of voiceover work throughout his profession. This includes “The LEGO Batman Movie” and “The Mitchells vs The Machines.” Now, in accordance with The Hollywood Reporter, one among his latest projects finds him teaming up with Tim Allen for “Toy Story 5.”
In it, he’ll play the character Smarty Pants, described as a “potty training toy.” He said in a video, “These movies are amazing. I am unable to imagine this. It’s the most effective character of all of them.” The forged for “Toy Story 5” also includes Tom Hanks, Anna Faris, Joan Cusack, Annie Potts, and Greta Lee.
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The Oscars Will Air On March 15
In accordance with NPR, O’Brien was announced because the host of the 98th Academy Awards in March 2026. Regarding having him return to host the ceremony, The Academy said in a press release, “Conan was the right host – skillfully guiding us through the evening with humor, warmth, and reverence. It’s an honor to be working with them again.”
O’Brien then joked about being asked to return, saying, “The one reason I’m hosting the Oscars next 12 months is that I need to listen to Adrien Brody finish his speech.” Notably, Adrien Brody, who won best actor in 2025 for The Brutalist, broke the record for the longest Oscars speech.
The Oscars will air on ABC on March 15 and stream on Hulu.