Conan O’Brien Reflects on Late Night’s Decline as He Discusses Trump’s Greatest Crime

Conan O’Brien on Late Night’s Decline and Trump’s Greatest Crime

A Post-Late Night Era

In a recent interview with journalist Kara Swisher, Conan O’Brien reflects on his decision to leave the world of traditional late-night television behind and transition to new forms of entertainment. O’Brien acknowledges the changes in the TV industry, the decline in late-night viewership, and the overcrowded landscape of late-night shows. Despite this, O’Brien remains hopeful about the future of comedy and believes that talented individuals will continue to find their niche.

Shifting Tides and Changing Styles

Throughout the interview, O’Brien discusses the evolving nature of late-night television and the need for different styles and voices. He reflects on the homogeneity of the late-night landscape in the past, with a primarily white male lineup, and acknowledges the need for more diversity and distinct voices. O’Brien shares his belief in the importance of evolving as a performer and being willing to listen and adapt to the changing cultural landscape.

A Journey Beyond Late Night

O’Brien explains his decision to step away from the “volume business” of late-night television and focus on his podcast, travel shows, and other ventures. While he loved hosting late-night for 28 years, O’Brien shares that he found new passions and interests that he wanted to pursue. He also recognizes that the proliferation of late-night shows and the abundance of entertainment options have made it harder to stand out. Despite his departure from late-night, O’Brien emphasizes that comedy will always have a place in new mediums, and talented individuals will continue to create content.

The Impact of Trump and Current Affairs

O’Brien discusses the role of political humor in late-night and shares his personal aversion to making politics the driving force behind his comedy. He believes that comedy should not simply be a tool to make political points but should offer universal humor and silliness. O’Brien attributes the decline in political comedy to the outlandish behaviors and attitudes of former President Donald Trump, who made it difficult to create parody or satire. He argues that Trump’s impact on comedy has been detrimental and applauds comedians for finding new ways to adapt and entertain.

The Writers’ Strike and O’Brien’s New Show

The interview also touches on the current writers’ strike and its impact on the TV industry. O’Brien reveals that the strike has affected his new travel show, “Conan O’Brien Must Go,” as production has been halted. He expresses his support for the writers and the need to protect their interests, acknowledging the changing landscape of the industry and the unique challenges faced by writers in the era of AI.

The Art of Interviewing

Reflecting on his long career in interviewing, both on late-night TV and his podcast, O’Brien discusses his approach to interviewing and the role of curiosity and connection. He describes himself as a curious person who genuinely wants to connect with his guests, and his goal is to make them feel comfortable and supported during the interview. O’Brien also reflects on some of his most memorable interviews, sharing stories of challenging moments and his pride in connecting with guests from various fields.

The Uncertain Future and Faith in Humanity

O’Brien shares his thoughts on the future of late-night television and expresses his uncertainty regarding the path it will take. He believes that the changing media landscape will likely lead to a shift away from traditional late-night formats and that the term “late-night” itself might become irrelevant. However, O’Brien remains optimistic and believes that talented individuals will continue to create content in different mediums.

The Threat of AI and Human Ingenuity

While discussing the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the entertainment industry, O’Brien shares his belief in the power of human creativity and ingenuity. He recognizes the need to protect writers and performers from the encroachment of AI but maintains faith in the human ability to adapt and innovate. O’Brien argues that, despite the advancements of AI, there will always be something unique and valuable in human-generated content that machines cannot replicate.

In conclusion, Conan O’Brien’s interview with Kara Swisher provides insights into the changing landscape of late-night television, the impact of political events on comedy, and O’Brien’s personal journey beyond traditional late-night formats.