Conan O’Brien Must Go is a new show on Max. What’s it about?
There’s a perfect comedy moment that doubles as a perfect Conan O’Brien moment in the (appropriately named) Conan O’Brien Must Go trailer.
The set-up for Conan’s new TV show is that he travels the globe to interact with fans who hail from different countries, lands, and cultures (“This is a travel show that I’m doing where I visit my fans from around the world,” he tells us) – with some wacky Conan-style bits and shticks thrown in for good measure.
Via voiceover, Conan says, “We must embrace the way people do in this country, which is I’m supposed to kiss you, right?” and we see a quick montage of Conan kissing several people hello on the cheek.
Then cut to Conan sitting at an outdoor pub. A young woman is standing next to him, and we see Conan awkwardly and slowly patting her on the shoulder. She blurts back, “You’re making it SO weird.”
And Conan then places a hand gently on her shoulder and says, “That’s what I do. That is my gift.”
It truly is a gift, and it’s absolutely hilarious.
If this kind of thing appeals to you, then you’re off and… going with Conan O’Brien Must Go.
Max’s press release also tells us: “Making stops in Norway, Thailand, Argentina, and Ireland, O’Brien surprises some of his most memorable fans while also taking in local culture, cuisine, and sights.”
While I’ve been a huge fan of Conan O’Brien for decades, I haven’t watched any “late night” talk show of the Tonight Show-style ilk since I was a kid. Therefore, when Conan started producing his Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend podcast back in 2018, I was delighted to be able to listen to his funny, engaging longform interviews – which are far superior to the seven-minute segment scripted promotion-fests you tend to get via the late night talk show format on television.
Fun side note that both O’Brien and Jeff Ross are listed as the show’s executive producers. Jeff Ross is also known as the “Roastmaster General” for his legendary comedic* roasting skills. The genius in Ross’ roasting skills – much like the iconic Don Rickles – is that there’s real warmth and kindness behind his barbs. This comedic sensibility meshes perfectly with Conan’s self-deprecating awkward/oddball persona.
* Side note to this side note: I love stand-up comedy but tend not to enjoy it nearly as much when watching it at home versus going to a live show. That being said, the comedy special called Bumping Mics with Jeff Ross & Dave Attell is one of the greatest comedy achievements I’ve ever witnessed. Attell is one of the very best stand-ups of all time in my view, his chemistry with Ross is fabulous, and as enormous bonus: the late, great Gilbert Gottfried tells what might be the single funniest (and FILTHIEST) jokes I’ve ever heard.
Conan O’Brien Must Go: where and when can I watch it?
Conant O’Brien premieres on Max on Thursday, April 18th, 2024. The first season is scheduled to have four episodes.