Challenges Faced by Conan O'Brien: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Conan O'Brien faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Conan O'Brien is a prominent American television personality renowned for his long-running career as a late-night talk show host. He helmed Late Night and The Tonight Show on NBC, followed by Conan on TBS. Prior to his hosting endeavors, O'Brien honed his comedic writing skills on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons. Since 2018, he has hosted the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend. His latest venture is the travel show Conan O'Brien Must Go.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

September 13, 1993: Premiere of Late Night with Conan O'Brien

On September 13, 1993, Late Night with Conan O'Brien premiered to unfavorable reviews from critics.

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1994: Show at Risk for Cancellation

In 1994, Late Night with Conan O'Brien was constantly at risk for cancellation, with NBC threatening to put Conan on a week-to-week contract.

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September 2006: Stalked by Priest

Starting in September 2006, Conan O'Brien was stalked by Father David Ajemian of the Archdiocese of Boston, who sent letters signed as "your priest stalker" despite warnings to stop.

2007: Writers' Strike

In 2007, a mock feud crossed over between Conan O'Brien, Jon Stewart of The Daily Show and Stephen Colbert of The Colbert Report during the Writers Guild of America strike.

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April 8, 2008: Ajemian Pleads Guilty to Stalking

On April 8, 2008, Father David Ajemian pleaded guilty to stalking Conan O'Brien and was later laicized.

September 25, 2009: Concussion on The Tonight Show

On September 25, 2009, Conan O'Brien suffered a mild concussion after slipping and hitting his head during a comedy sketch with Teri Hatcher on The Tonight Show. He was released from the hospital the same day and returned to work the following Monday.

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November 2009: Decline in Tonight Show Ratings

By November 2009, ratings for Conan O'Brien's The Tonight Show had declined by approximately 2 million viewers compared to the previous year when Jay Leno was the host.

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January 7, 2010: NBC Discusses Leno's Return to Late Night

On January 7, 2010, NBC executive Jeff Zucker met with Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien to discuss moving Leno back to late night and keeping O'Brien on The Tonight Show at 12:05 am.

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January 21, 2010: Agreement to Leave The Tonight Show

On January 21, 2010, Conan O'Brien reached an agreement with NBC to exit The Tonight Show the following day. The deal included a $45 million settlement, with $12 million allocated for his staff.

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