The key to understanding Conan O’Brien’s comedy is knowing that it comes from a point of kindness. Yes, I know in this age of comics punching down, this kind of compliment may leave you with a neon “Must Avoid!” sign flashing in your bleary eyes — but stay with me.
Here is an example. Early in the first episode of his new, four-episode Max travel show “Conan O’Brien Must Go,” Conan — who has earned the right to be referred to by his first name. See: Carson, Johnny — travels to Oslo, Norway. There, he pops in on Jarle, a Norwegian waif of a rapper that Conan had originally met on a segment of his “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast. In the podcast video, Jarle’s hair was combed and he seemed coherent. Then Conan surprises him. Jarle comes to the door, and he’s maybe 110 pounds in a long sleeve T-shirt,...
Here is an example. Early in the first episode of his new, four-episode Max travel show “Conan O’Brien Must Go,” Conan — who has earned the right to be referred to by his first name. See: Carson, Johnny — travels to Oslo, Norway. There, he pops in on Jarle, a Norwegian waif of a rapper that Conan had originally met on a segment of his “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast. In the podcast video, Jarle’s hair was combed and he seemed coherent. Then Conan surprises him. Jarle comes to the door, and he’s maybe 110 pounds in a long sleeve T-shirt,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Stephen Rodrick
- Variety Film + TV
“Conan O’Brien Must Go” is finally going. The long-in-the-works project, announced last year during Warner Bros. Discovery’s upfronts presentation, has been given a premiere date: Thursday, April 18 on Max.
O’Brien announced the premiere date of the show’s four episodes on Saturday at SXSW, during an on-stage conversation with comedian Nick Kroll.
The “Conan O’Brien Must Go” open is narrated by filmmaker Werner Herzog. “I can not confirm or deny the identity of who that person is,” O’Brien quipped.
“Conan O’Brien Must Go” is inspired by O’Brien’s podcast, “Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan” (in which he chats with listeners from around the globe), and follows the host as he meets up with fans in Norway, Thailand, Argentina, and Ireland. Conaco produces the show, with O’Brien and Jeff Ross as executive producers.
O’Brien said the production would spend between a week and 10 days shooting in a country.
O’Brien announced the premiere date of the show’s four episodes on Saturday at SXSW, during an on-stage conversation with comedian Nick Kroll.
The “Conan O’Brien Must Go” open is narrated by filmmaker Werner Herzog. “I can not confirm or deny the identity of who that person is,” O’Brien quipped.
“Conan O’Brien Must Go” is inspired by O’Brien’s podcast, “Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan” (in which he chats with listeners from around the globe), and follows the host as he meets up with fans in Norway, Thailand, Argentina, and Ireland. Conaco produces the show, with O’Brien and Jeff Ross as executive producers.
O’Brien said the production would spend between a week and 10 days shooting in a country.
- 3/9/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
From Disney World to Universal Studios, theme parks have captured imaginations around the world. But have you ever wondered what it's like to be the actual people behind the scenes who bring the magic to life? Starting this week, Keys to the Kingdom is an eight-part, weekly docuseries about the real and peculiar backstage life of theme park performers and Disney Cast Members. With insider secrets, stories of absurd guest behavior, and good old “office politics”, this independent production reveals what it's like to not only work for The Mouse... but to be The Mouse.
Co-hosted by former Disney Princess and co-founder of Earios Podcast Network, Amanda Lund, and former Disneyland Cast Member and actor, producer, podcaster, Matt Gourley, listeners will hear from current and former employees from Disney and other beloved theme parks, some of whom have become household names, as they share their personal experiences and provide an unprecedented perspective rarely heard.
Co-hosted by former Disney Princess and co-founder of Earios Podcast Network, Amanda Lund, and former Disneyland Cast Member and actor, producer, podcaster, Matt Gourley, listeners will hear from current and former employees from Disney and other beloved theme parks, some of whom have become household names, as they share their personal experiences and provide an unprecedented perspective rarely heard.
- 10/17/2023
- Podnews.net
Bill Hader’s Emmy-winning HBO series Barry is airing its fourth and final season, but it sounds like Larry David felt that last year would have been a pretty good time to end the show.
During a preview clip from Hader’s appearance on a new episode of the Conan Needs a Friend podcast that is released Monday and includes Barry spoilers (as does this story), the series’ star and co-creator recalls to host Conan O’Brien that David told him season three felt like the right moment to end its run, given that the titular assassin is arrested in the closing moments of the finale.
“I saw Larry, and he goes, ‘I watched Barry — that’s it, right?'” says Hader, doing his best David impression. “And I said, ‘No, we have a whole new season.’ And he went, ‘Why?'”
Hader continues, “I go, ‘Well, I think there’s more story to tell.
During a preview clip from Hader’s appearance on a new episode of the Conan Needs a Friend podcast that is released Monday and includes Barry spoilers (as does this story), the series’ star and co-creator recalls to host Conan O’Brien that David told him season three felt like the right moment to end its run, given that the titular assassin is arrested in the closing moments of the finale.
“I saw Larry, and he goes, ‘I watched Barry — that’s it, right?'” says Hader, doing his best David impression. “And I said, ‘No, we have a whole new season.’ And he went, ‘Why?'”
Hader continues, “I go, ‘Well, I think there’s more story to tell.
- 5/20/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Naked Lunch, the first podcast hosted by Phil Rosenthal (Everybody Loves Raymond) and from SiriusXM’s Stitcher, has lined up its inaugural set of guests. Former Raymond stars Brad Garrett and Ray Romano will join Rosenthal and co-host David Wild, along with Brad Paisley, Elaine May, Jimmy Kimmel, Nancy Silverton, Paul Reiser, Roy Choi, and others.
Episodes of Naked Lunch will be recorded at Rosenthal’s home, where he and Wild, a journalist and best-selling author, will speak to guests about their lives. Naturally, lunch will be served from local restaurants. “With no agenda except the promise of a well-spent afternoon in excellent company, the show will be an informal meeting of wits, minds, and hearts,” according to Stitcher.
The podcast is available on Stitcher, SiriusXM’s mobile app, along with all major podcast platforms. It will drop May 12.
Naked Lunch is executive produced by Chris Bannon (Conan O’Brien...
Episodes of Naked Lunch will be recorded at Rosenthal’s home, where he and Wild, a journalist and best-selling author, will speak to guests about their lives. Naturally, lunch will be served from local restaurants. “With no agenda except the promise of a well-spent afternoon in excellent company, the show will be an informal meeting of wits, minds, and hearts,” according to Stitcher.
The podcast is available on Stitcher, SiriusXM’s mobile app, along with all major podcast platforms. It will drop May 12.
Naked Lunch is executive produced by Chris Bannon (Conan O’Brien...
- 4/21/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Conan O’Brien is taking his award-winning podcast on the road. Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend will hold its first-ever live recording on November 3 at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. O’Brien will be joined by his co-hosts Matt Gourley and Sona Movsesian along with special surprise guests for the event.
Now in its fourth season, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend has featured comedy and cultural icons such as Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, Bill Hader, Tina Fey, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama driving the podcast to reach over 250 million downloads and averaging more than 9 million downloads per month.
Presale tickets will be available exclusively to Team Coco Newsletter subscribers from 10 Am Pt Wednesday – 10 Am Pt Thursday, August 19. There will also be a Live Nation Presale on Thursday, August 19 from 10 Am Pt-10 Pm Pt with the General Onsale starting on Friday,...
Now in its fourth season, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend has featured comedy and cultural icons such as Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, Bill Hader, Tina Fey, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama driving the podcast to reach over 250 million downloads and averaging more than 9 million downloads per month.
Presale tickets will be available exclusively to Team Coco Newsletter subscribers from 10 Am Pt Wednesday – 10 Am Pt Thursday, August 19. There will also be a Live Nation Presale on Thursday, August 19 from 10 Am Pt-10 Pm Pt with the General Onsale starting on Friday,...
- 8/16/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Conan O’Brien is continuing to grow his podcast empire.
The Conan host, who is segueing from his late-night TBS show to a weekly variety show on HBO Max, is launching Conan O’Brien Needs A Fan.
The series, which launches on April 15, is a companion podcast to his Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend podcast, which is his weekly show where he hangs out with celebrity guests such as Bob Odenkirk, Kate Hudson and Dave Grohl.
Releasing every Thursday, Conan O’Brien Needs A Fan will feature Conan and his co-hosts Sona Movsesian and Matt Gourley taking questions directly from fans live via zoom each week. No topic is off limits, as Conan dives deep with listeners from across the country, and the world.
Separately, the company has dated its daily with Curb Your Enthusiasm star Jb Smoove. May I Elaborate? Daily Wisdom From Jb Smoove launches April 26 and...
The Conan host, who is segueing from his late-night TBS show to a weekly variety show on HBO Max, is launching Conan O’Brien Needs A Fan.
The series, which launches on April 15, is a companion podcast to his Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend podcast, which is his weekly show where he hangs out with celebrity guests such as Bob Odenkirk, Kate Hudson and Dave Grohl.
Releasing every Thursday, Conan O’Brien Needs A Fan will feature Conan and his co-hosts Sona Movsesian and Matt Gourley taking questions directly from fans live via zoom each week. No topic is off limits, as Conan dives deep with listeners from across the country, and the world.
Separately, the company has dated its daily with Curb Your Enthusiasm star Jb Smoove. May I Elaborate? Daily Wisdom From Jb Smoove launches April 26 and...
- 4/13/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Last week, the new series Cursed Films premiered on Shudder with its first two episodes on The Omen and The Exorcist, respectively, and the series has quickly garnered attention as a horror hit, becoming the "second most-watched series premiere in Shudder history" (second only to Creepshow). Also in today's Horror Highlights, new puzzles from Mondo and a Q&a with Jamie Kirkpatrick, the lead editor of We Summon the Darkness.
Cursed Films Premiere Details: "The Shudder original series Cursed Films debuted to huge numbers for the streaming service, becoming the second most-watched series premiere in Shudder history behind only breakout hit Creepshow. Cursed Films also stands as the service’s most-watched documentary premiere (series or film) ever. The series, which is part of Shudder’s “Halfway to Halloween Month” programming lineup, released its second and third episodes earlier today, focused on The Omen and Poltergeist.
“Cursed Films became an instant...
Cursed Films Premiere Details: "The Shudder original series Cursed Films debuted to huge numbers for the streaming service, becoming the second most-watched series premiere in Shudder history behind only breakout hit Creepshow. Cursed Films also stands as the service’s most-watched documentary premiere (series or film) ever. The series, which is part of Shudder’s “Halfway to Halloween Month” programming lineup, released its second and third episodes earlier today, focused on The Omen and Poltergeist.
“Cursed Films became an instant...
- 4/9/2020
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
The trailer for Killer Therapy starring Thom Mathews, Pj Soles, Adrienne King, Daeg Faerch, Michael Qeliqi, Elizabeth Keener, and Ivy George is here! Check it out after the synopsis of the film. Also: release details for both You are the Captain and Antrum as well as a Q&a with Krisstian de Lara for Investigation 13.
Killer Therapy Trailer Revealed: "The first trailer for Barry Jay's Killer Therapy has been released.
The follow-up to Jay's well-received Ashes (released in July), Killer Therapy stars Return of the Living Dead alum Thom Mathews, along with Pj Soles (Halloween), Adrienne King (Friday the 13th), Daeg Faerch (Rob Zombie's Halloween), Michael Qeliqi, Elizabeth Keener and Ivy George.
Brian is a disturbed child with sociopathic tendencies dealing with a father who doesn’t love him, a mother unconvinced of his violent nature, and a newly adopted sister he believes is there to replace him. After...
Killer Therapy Trailer Revealed: "The first trailer for Barry Jay's Killer Therapy has been released.
The follow-up to Jay's well-received Ashes (released in July), Killer Therapy stars Return of the Living Dead alum Thom Mathews, along with Pj Soles (Halloween), Adrienne King (Friday the 13th), Daeg Faerch (Rob Zombie's Halloween), Michael Qeliqi, Elizabeth Keener and Ivy George.
Brian is a disturbed child with sociopathic tendencies dealing with a father who doesn’t love him, a mother unconvinced of his violent nature, and a newly adopted sister he believes is there to replace him. After...
- 11/19/2019
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
When Conan O’Brien signed his latest deal with TBS, he didn’t just agree to keep his late-night talk show on the air for another four years. In addition to hosting “Conan,” he promised to create digital content, podcasting, live tours, and other forms of entertainment.
It wasn’t just an attempt to make more money or keep O’Brien creatively fulfilled after more than two decades on the air, although it has proved to be both of those things too. It was also an acknowledgment that late-night television has changed. Instead of tuning into Jay or Dave or Johnny as part of an evening ritual, most Americans prefer to consume their comedy shows in easily digestible bites the next morning on YouTube.
“More and more with late-night TV, it’s going to be rare that someone starts watching and then watches for the entire show unless they fall...
It wasn’t just an attempt to make more money or keep O’Brien creatively fulfilled after more than two decades on the air, although it has proved to be both of those things too. It was also an acknowledgment that late-night television has changed. Instead of tuning into Jay or Dave or Johnny as part of an evening ritual, most Americans prefer to consume their comedy shows in easily digestible bites the next morning on YouTube.
“More and more with late-night TV, it’s going to be rare that someone starts watching and then watches for the entire show unless they fall...
- 8/20/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Taran Killam did not mince words when speaking about that ill-fated 2015 episode hosted by Donald Trump.
Speaking on Matt Gourley’s “I Was There Too” podcast, Killam said that “SNL” boss Lorne Michaels told the cast to go easy on Trump in the early days of the presidential campaign in 2015, in an effort to woo Trump to host. Trump eventually hosted the Nov. 7, 2015 episode.
“Lorne was being so specific about what we could and couldn’t say about him, and he was dictating a lot of the settings,” Killam said on the podcast.
Also Read: 'SNL': Pete Davidson Rips Kanye West in Weekend Update Segment (Video)
He continued: “At that point — the first CNN interview he was doing — and that was sort of looking like what we thought we were going to do, and Lorne’s like, ‘It’ll be too old news by then,...
Speaking on Matt Gourley’s “I Was There Too” podcast, Killam said that “SNL” boss Lorne Michaels told the cast to go easy on Trump in the early days of the presidential campaign in 2015, in an effort to woo Trump to host. Trump eventually hosted the Nov. 7, 2015 episode.
“Lorne was being so specific about what we could and couldn’t say about him, and he was dictating a lot of the settings,” Killam said on the podcast.
Also Read: 'SNL': Pete Davidson Rips Kanye West in Weekend Update Segment (Video)
He continued: “At that point — the first CNN interview he was doing — and that was sort of looking like what we thought we were going to do, and Lorne’s like, ‘It’ll be too old news by then,...
- 10/11/2018
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Saturday Night Live too easy on Donald Trump? Just the suggestion might send Maga hats exploding into the sky, but former cast member Taran Killam says executive producer Lorne Michaels was once intent on making the pre-White House Trump “likable.”
Long before Alec Baldwin puckered up for his orange-faced SNL Trump portrayal, Michaels was trying to get the then-candidate to guest-host the show, recalls Killam on Matt Gourley’s Earwolf podcast I Was There Too.
“Lorne was being so specific about what we could and couldn’t say about [Trump], and he was dictating a lot of the settings.” Killam says (listen below) about a proposed sketch mocking a CNN interview with the candidate.
“Lorne was like, ‘It’ll be too old news by then, and you know, you don’t want to vilify him. He’s like any New York taxi driver. I know him, I’ve seen him around...
Long before Alec Baldwin puckered up for his orange-faced SNL Trump portrayal, Michaels was trying to get the then-candidate to guest-host the show, recalls Killam on Matt Gourley’s Earwolf podcast I Was There Too.
“Lorne was being so specific about what we could and couldn’t say about [Trump], and he was dictating a lot of the settings.” Killam says (listen below) about a proposed sketch mocking a CNN interview with the candidate.
“Lorne was like, ‘It’ll be too old news by then, and you know, you don’t want to vilify him. He’s like any New York taxi driver. I know him, I’ve seen him around...
- 10/10/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The legacy of Albert Einstein cannot be overstated — even when we take the scientist’s accomplishments for granted, he’s one of our planet’s most famous pop culture figures, recognizable across generations. The way he’s been depicted on screen has ranged from well-researched takes on the man’s life, such as Nat Geo Channel’s new anthology series “Genius,” premiering today, to, shall we say, somewhat more out-there fare.
Read More: ‘Genius’: Albert Einstein Undergoes a Heated Interrogation in Exclusive Sneak Peek — Watch
Below are some of the most notable examples we found featuring the great scientist depicted in a less-than-serious state. What’s interesting about looking at all of these examples together is how on the one hand, Einstein as an icon has been utilized for the sake of comedy for decades now. But when film or TV choose to engage with the reality of the man himself,...
Read More: ‘Genius’: Albert Einstein Undergoes a Heated Interrogation in Exclusive Sneak Peek — Watch
Below are some of the most notable examples we found featuring the great scientist depicted in a less-than-serious state. What’s interesting about looking at all of these examples together is how on the one hand, Einstein as an icon has been utilized for the sake of comedy for decades now. But when film or TV choose to engage with the reality of the man himself,...
- 4/25/2017
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Indiewire
Every week, IndieWire asks a select handful of film and TV critics two questions and publishes the results on Monday. (The answer to the second, “What is the best film in theaters right now?”, can be found at the end of this post.)
This week’s question: What is the best film (or film-related) podcast?
Neil Miller (@rejects), Film School Rejects
There are a great many podcasts in my life — from the ones I host to the ones hosted by close friends — so it’s hard to approach this subject without wanting to selfishly yell “One Perfect Pod!” Okay, now that we’ve got that out of the way, here’s a real favorite: “The Mothership,” from the folks at USA Today. More importantly, it involves two of my favorite Twitter pals Brian Truitt and Kelly Lawler. Its mandate is broad, which means there’s video game and comics talk...
This week’s question: What is the best film (or film-related) podcast?
Neil Miller (@rejects), Film School Rejects
There are a great many podcasts in my life — from the ones I host to the ones hosted by close friends — so it’s hard to approach this subject without wanting to selfishly yell “One Perfect Pod!” Okay, now that we’ve got that out of the way, here’s a real favorite: “The Mothership,” from the folks at USA Today. More importantly, it involves two of my favorite Twitter pals Brian Truitt and Kelly Lawler. Its mandate is broad, which means there’s video game and comics talk...
- 4/24/2017
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
One thing that’s easy for podcast fans to forget: There are people who don’t listen to podcasts. For the newly initiated, it’s hard to figure out where to look first. No fear: we’ve gathered a few of our favorite film-related shows. Some are hundreds of episodes deep into their runs, so we’ve also provided some good places to start. Enjoy.
Read More: 13 Must-Listen Podcast Episodes for March 2017
Black List Table Reads
Scripted podcasts come in all kinds; sci-fi, alternate history, period piece, and superhero shows only beginning to crack the list. Franklin Leonard and the team behind the Black List Table Reads have found a way to combine the appeal of those shows with the script-based hook of the site that gives the show its name. Producing feature-length scripts with an impressive roster of actors, the show has evolved to become something more than...
Read More: 13 Must-Listen Podcast Episodes for March 2017
Black List Table Reads
Scripted podcasts come in all kinds; sci-fi, alternate history, period piece, and superhero shows only beginning to crack the list. Franklin Leonard and the team behind the Black List Table Reads have found a way to combine the appeal of those shows with the script-based hook of the site that gives the show its name. Producing feature-length scripts with an impressive roster of actors, the show has evolved to become something more than...
- 4/13/2017
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Dan Harmon began playing Dungeons & Dragons with his pals as a kid. Now he’s turned a life-long affinity for role-playing games into a full-fledged TV show.
“HarmonQuest,” which premieres July 14 on Seeso, features Harmon and pals on stage as they improvise through the Pathfinder Roleplaying World, with much of their interaction and gameplay then set to animation.
Harmon told IndieWire that he was inspired by HBO’s “The Ricky Gervais Show,” which took Gervais’ podcast with Karl Pilkington and animated their conversations. “I was endlessly entertained by impromptu audio coupled with animation, with the animation bringing what was being said to life, especially when what was being said was absurd,” Harmon said.
“In TV or all things creative, it’s your job to follow your own laughter,” he added. “When I was watching that show I’d be laughing so hard my sides would hurt, which is a rare thing.
“HarmonQuest,” which premieres July 14 on Seeso, features Harmon and pals on stage as they improvise through the Pathfinder Roleplaying World, with much of their interaction and gameplay then set to animation.
Harmon told IndieWire that he was inspired by HBO’s “The Ricky Gervais Show,” which took Gervais’ podcast with Karl Pilkington and animated their conversations. “I was endlessly entertained by impromptu audio coupled with animation, with the animation bringing what was being said to life, especially when what was being said was absurd,” Harmon said.
“In TV or all things creative, it’s your job to follow your own laughter,” he added. “When I was watching that show I’d be laughing so hard my sides would hurt, which is a rare thing.
- 7/13/2016
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Living in La is enormous fun. Or at least, the potential for enormous fun is always there, provided you actually pay attention and go to things and get out of the house and actually take advantage of the various amazing opportunities that are around. The Ucb Theater is a place I should spend more time. No two ways about it. There are all sorts of things that happen there that I would love to see. Some of those, I hear later or see later, and thank god they make the effort to record so much of it, because I just listened to two of the funniest hours I've heard this year, and it is well worth your time to seek it out. Here's something from the official website of "The Dead Authors Podcast": 826 National is a nonprofit organization that provides strategic leadership, administration, and other resources to ensure the...
- 7/19/2015
- by Drew McWeeny
- Hitfix
Exclusive: Fox has put in development Wunderland, a workplace comedy written by Amanda Lund and Matt Gourley, with Diablo Cody supervising and Jack Black’s Electric Dynamite producing for 20th Century Fox TV. Co-created by Lund and Gourley, Wunderland explores the minutiae behind the scenes of America’s most beloved (fictional) theme park. The project is inspired by the couple’s years working at multiple theme parks, where Lund played an array of beloved princesses. Cody, a self-professed rabid theme park enthusiast and roller coaster expert, is executive producing with Electric Dynamite’s Black and Priyanka Mattoo. This marks a reunion for Lund and Electric Dynamite, who collaborated on the well-received web series Ghost Ghirls, which Lund co-created and stars in. Lund is repped by Wme and 3 Arts. Writer-performer Gourley created the podcast Superego. Cody, repped by Wme, Mxn Entertainment, and McKuin, Frankel, Whitehead, is currently developing her TBS talk...
- 11/19/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
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