Conan O’Brien’s Long-Held Advice to Stephen Colbert Reflects Shifting Landscape of Late Night
New York – For years, Stephen Colbert received a consistent message from fellow comedian Conan O’Brien: it was time to leave late night television. That advice, initially perhaps unsettling, now appears prescient as Colbert prepares to sign off The Late Show in May 2026, and as the future of the traditional late-night format faces increasing uncertainty.
Colbert revealed in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter that O’Brien had been urging him to step down “for years,” often during casual encounters at industry events like the Emmys. O’Brien’s motivation wasn’t to diminish Colbert’s success, but to illuminate the potential for fulfillment beyond the demanding constraints of a nightly talk show. He reportedly told Colbert at an awards ceremony a few years ago, “I want you to know there’s a lot of fun to be had when this is over, so don’t feel like you need to stay.”
Colbert now affectionately refers to O’Brien as “the patron saint of ex-talk show hosts,” acknowledging O’Brien’s own experience navigating a public exit from The Tonight Show and subsequently building a thriving career. O’Brien’s post-Tonight Show journey, including a successful run on TBS and now a $150 million deal with SiriusXM for a podcast, as well as the Emmy-winning travel series Conan O’Brien Must Go, demonstrated a viable path forward. He is also set to host the Oscars for a second consecutive year.
O’Brien’s advice wasn’t simply about personal career trajectory; it was rooted in a clear-eyed assessment of the evolving media landscape. He pointed to his 2024 appearance on Hot Ones, which garnered over 15 million views despite its relatively low production cost, as evidence of a shift in audience consumption habits. O’Brien has publicly stated that the traditional late-night model, established in the 1950s, is fading, though he believes talented hosts like Colbert will find success in new formats.
Colbert described O’Brien’s repeated encouragement as surprisingly kind, even “hurtful” at first, but ultimately a compassionate nudge toward a broader range of creative opportunities. He likened O’Brien’s approach to that of a “Dutch uncle” – offering honest, well-intentioned advice without pressure.
The changing fortunes of late-night television have been a topic of increasing discussion. While Colbert’s departure marks a significant moment, O’Brien’s experience suggests that life after the desk can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding. His success serves as a reassuring example for Colbert, and perhaps for others in the industry facing similar transitions.