Watch Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Late Night with Conan O'Brien was a late-night talk show that aired on NBC from 1993 to 2009, hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien. The show was known for its off-beat humor, original comedy skits, and memorable interviews. Andy Richter served as O'Brien's sidekick and announcer during the show's entire run. Richter and O'Brien had previously worked together on the sketch comedy series, The Kids in the Hall, where Richter served as a writer and performer. The two had great chemistry together, and their on-screen banter was a highlight of the show.

Each night, the show would open with O'Brien making his way from backstage to the host's desk, backed by the house band, The Max Weinberg 7. O'Brien's opening monologue would then commence, where he would riff on current events, pop culture, and anything else that he found amusing. O'Brien's wit and delivery were a big part of his appeal, and his monologues were often cited as one of the show's strongest segments.

The show was known for its skits and comedy bits, which often featured O'Brien and Richter performing in front of a live studio audience. These skits ranged from the absurd to the obscure, with recurring characters like the Masturbating Bear and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog becoming fan favorites. Other popular sketches included "If They Mated," where O'Brien and Richter looked at composite photos of famous couples to predict what their children would look like, and "In the Year 2000," a recurring segment that imagined what life would be like in the future.

One of the show's longest-running bits, however, was "Clutch Cargo," a recurring sketch where O'Brien's lips were superimposed onto animated footage taken from the 1959 TV series of the same name. The resulting effect was both hilarious and surreal, with O'Brien often delivering rapid-fire jokes and commentary over the animated footage.

While the show was known for its irreverent humor and absurdist sensibilities, it was also a platform for celebrity interviews. Many A-list celebrities sat down with O'Brien and Richter to discuss their latest projects, share personal anecdotes, and engage in playful banter. Some of the most memorable interviews over the years included Will Ferrell, who made numerous appearances as his character, "Ron Burgundy," and a particularly memorable interview with Tom Hanks, where the actor surprised the audience by starting his own dance party on set.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien was successful in its own right, but it is perhaps most notable for the cultural impact it had on late-night television. The show was a launching pad for numerous comedy writers and performers, including some of today's most celebrated comedians. In particular, The Daily Show's Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert both got their start on the show, working as writers and guest correspondents.

Overall, Late Night with Conan O'Brien was a unique and groundbreaking late-night talk show that left its mark on the comedy world. Its humor, creativity, and willingness to take risks helped to redefine the late-night format and paved the way for a new generation of comedians.