Conan O’Brien Remembers the Competition at “SNL” Feeling ‘Grimy’ Until Adam Sandler Brought the ‘Fun’ Back 

Conan O’Brien Credits Adam Sandler for Bringing Fun Back to Saturday Night Live

Conan O’Brien, well-known talk show host and comedian, recently reflected on his time at Saturday Night Live (SNL), highlighting the significant impact Adam Sandler had on the show. O’Brien, who worked as a writer on the series from 1988 to 1991, shared his thoughts on how Sandler’s presence revitalised the atmosphere at SNL.

During an episode of his podcast, “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” O’Brien delved into the pressures and challenges of working on SNL, alongside fellow SNL alum, Andy Samberg. Samberg, who was part of the show from 2005 to 2012, discussed the fast-paced nature of creating digital shorts with The Lonely Island. O’Brien expressed how the anxiety of meeting the show’s demands was a constant pressure, likening it to having “a gun against my head all the time.”

Samberg acknowledged that O’Brien’s era at SNL was known for being more competitive and gritty, reflecting the intense environment that existed during that time. O’Brien credited Adam Sandler for shifting the dynamics at the show when he joined in 1990. He mentioned that Sandler’s cheerful presence and quirky sense of humour brought a sense of joy and light-heartedness, transforming the energy within the SNL team.

O’Brien candidly shared his personal struggles, recalling moments of self-doubt and creative blocks he faced while working on the show. He described how Sandler’s arrival and his carefree attitude towards comedy provided a refreshing perspective, making the experience of being at SNL more enjoyable and inspiring for everyone involved.

Adam Sandler’s contributions to SNL, including iconic sketches like Opera Man and humorous segments such as “The Thanksgiving Song” and “The Chanukah Song,” added a unique and entertaining element to the show. Despite Sandler’s eventual departure from SNL in 1995, his impact on the comedy world and the legacy he left behind continued to resonate within the entertainment industry.

Samberg acknowledged Sandler’s influence on his own comedic journey, emphasising how Sandler and other comedy legends paved the way for aspiring comedians to embrace silliness and creativity in their craft. O’Brien echoed this sentiment, expressing how working with Sandler helped him recognise the value of embracing lighthearted and playful humour in a competitive industry.

Reflecting on his time at SNL and the invaluable lessons he learned from Sandler, O’Brien emphasised the importance of finding joy and laughter in one’s work. The camaraderie and fun-loving spirit that Sandler brought to SNL served as a reminder that comedy is not just about delivering jokes but also about creating an environment that celebrates creativity and camaraderie.

In conclusion, Conan O’Brien’s heartfelt tribute to Adam Sandler sheds light on the transformative impact of Sandler’s comedic talent and infectious personality on the storied history of Saturday Night Live. Sandler’s ability to infuse fun and spontaneity into the show not only elevated the comedic prowess of SNL but also inspired a new generation of comedians to embrace the joy of laughter in their craft.

(Victoria Edel, Staff Writer – PEOPLE)

**Note: The above article reflects Conan O’Brien’s reflections on Adam Sandler’s influence on Saturday Night Live, highlighting the shift towards a more light-hearted and enjoyable atmosphere on the iconic comedy show. The legacy of Sandler’s contributions to SNL continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.**