Conan O’Brien Reflects on Life-Changing Experience Writing for The Simpsons
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Comedian Conan O’Brien has opened up about the significant impact his time as a writer for The Simpsons has had on both his life and career. Speaking to the show’s creator, Matt Groening, on his podcast, “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” the 63-year-old revealed how his role in the iconic animated series transformed his trajectory following his departure from Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1991.
O’Brien admitted that he left SNL feeling a sense of confusion and uncertainty. Despite his fondness for the show and his colleagues, he recognised that he was in a difficult period of his life and knew it was time for a change. “I thought, ‘I need to go. I’m just in a bad place in my life,” he recounted during their conversation.
Before joining The Simpsons, O’Brien had been a writer on SNL since 1988. His exit from the sketch comedy show left him without a job, but he quickly found an opportunity. It was through the recommendation of fellow writers Mike Reiss and Al Jean that O’Brien was introduced to Groening and subsequently secured a position on The Simpsons.
The transition was not without its challenges, as O’Brien was initially intimidated by the demands of writing for a sitcom format. He noted, “I had never written that form before… I had only written sketch, and suddenly they’re saying, ‘This has to happen in this act, but then in that act…’ I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’” Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude for the experience, calling it “magical” and a pivotal moment in his career.
While on The Simpsons, O’Brien penned the beloved episode “Marge vs. the Monorail,” which remains a fan favourite even more than three decades later. His writing contributions during this period helped solidify the show’s status as a cultural touchstone and provided O’Brien with invaluable experience in the world of television comedy.
Reflecting on his past, O’Brien has described his time with The Simpsons as a “blessing” that offered direction when he desperately needed it. He reminisced about the remarkable talent of the writers he collaborated with, saying that they created an inspiring environment that fostered creativity and innovation.
As their conversation drew to a close, O’Brien took the opportunity to formally express his gratitude to Groening. He said, “God, do I thank you. I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t gone there.” This heartfelt acknowledgment serves as a testament to the influence that Groening and The Simpsons have had on O’Brien’s life.
Following his stint on the animated series, O’Brien went on to host “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” which aired from 1993 until 2009, followed by “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien.” His journey through late-night television showcased his unique comedic style and creativity, further solidifying his status in the industry.
The dialogue between O’Brien and Groening encapsulates the deep bond that was formed during a crucial phase in O’Brien’s career. As he continues to look back on those experiences, it is evident that his time writing for The Simpsons played an essential role in shaping the comedian he has become today.