- O’Brien spent years telling Colbert there was fun to be had after leaving late night.
- Colbert now calls his friend the patron saint of ex talk show hosts.
- O’Brien proved his point by building a $150 million podcast and Emmy winning travel show.
- The traditional late night format is declining due to low cost digital alternatives like Hot Ones.
Conan O’Brien consistently advised Stephen Colbert to leave late night television long before CBS announced the conclusion of The Late Show. In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Colbert disclosed that O’Brien had been suggesting he resign “for years” during informal meetings at industry gatherings such as the Emmys.
With Colbert’s final show set for May 2026 and O’Brien once again hosting the Oscars this Sunday, the veteran comedian’s insights appear remarkably insightful in light of the significant changes affecting network television.
What Conan O’Brien Actually Communicated to Stephen Colbert About Leaving
O’Brien’s message was consistently clear and comforting. A few years ago, at an awards ceremony, he took Colbert aside and remarked, “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.”
He aimed to convey to his fellow host that stepping away didn’t signify the end of a career but rather the start of a new phase filled with diverse creative opportunities.
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Why Stephen Colbert Considers Conan the Patron Saint of Ex Talk Show Hosts
Stephen Colbert now refers to O’Brien as “the patron saint of ex talk show hosts” due to his experience with a public exit and his successful reestablishment on his own terms.
After leaving The Tonight Show under difficult circumstances and subsequently ending his TBS show, O’Brien demonstrated that there is life after leaving the desk. His journey provided him the authority to advise others undergoing similar transitions.
How Colbert Interpreted Conan’s Advice as Kind Rather Than Intimidating
Despite the repeated encouragement potentially coming off as overbearing, Colbert recognized it stemmed from a sincere place. “It almost hurt my feelings, but he was just being kind,” Colbert recounted.
He characterized O’Brien’s mentorship as a “Dutch uncle” approach, meaning he offered steady and compassionate advice without pressure, merely wishing to reassure his friend that happiness lay in a future beyond.
Life Following Late Night: The Enjoyment Conan Promised Stephen Colbert
Since concluding his show in 2021, O’Brien has demonstrated the enjoyment he pledged. He secured a lucrative $150 million deal with SiriusXM for his podcast, created the Emmy-winning travel series Conan O’Brien Must Go, and is set to host the Oscars for a second consecutive year.
He assured Colbert that new ventures would bring joy and that audiences would embrace him in surprising ways.
The Decline of Late Night TV That Influenced Conan’s Persistent Advising
O’Brien’s advice was grounded in solid evidence regarding shifts in viewing preferences. He highlighted his 2024 appearance on Hot Ones, which garnered over 15 million views at a low production cost, as evidence that the traditional model is deteriorating.
He has stated straightforwardly that late night television, as it has been since the 1950s, is fading away, although gifted individuals like Colbert will likely transition into new formats.
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Last Updated on March 10, 2026 by 247 News Around The World
