Conan O’Brien credited The Simpsons with “saving my life” after leaving Saturday Night Live in 1991, according to multiple sources detailing his career pivot. The comedian described the animated series as a lifeline during a personal and professional low point, with the show’s writers offering him a job within days of his departure from SNL.
A Career Lifeline During a Personal Low
O’Brien’s decision to leave SNL in 1991 came amid personal struggles, though he emphasized his love for the show and its team. I was in a funk,
he admitted, describing the moment as a bad place in my life.
The opportunity at The Simpsons, which he joined as a writer and producer, provided a fresh start. I was so intimidated when I showed up. I had never written that form before,
he said, referencing his background in sketch comedy. The writers’ room, he recalled, was just such a fantastic, legendary writer room.
The entertainer’s time on The Simpsons included writing the 1993 episode Marge vs. the Monorail,
a fan-favorite that remains a career highlight. It was a magical part of my life,
he said, reflecting on the experience. His tenure on the show ended in 1993, after which he launched his talk show career with NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien, a role that lasted 16 years before he moved to The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and later Conan on TBS.
A 33-Year-Old Gratitude
More than three decades after his time on The Simpsons, O’Brien took the opportunity to formally thank Matt Groening during a podcast appearance. You are a big part of my life changing in this amazing way,
he told Groening, adding, God, do I thank you. I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t gone there.
Groening responded with a lighthearted jab, noting that O’Brien’s old office had been preserved “for storage.”
The comedian’s remarks align with accounts from the sources, which detailed his gratitude and the circumstances of his career shift. The sources highlight the abrupt nature of his move from SNL to The Simpsons, emphasizing the role of Reiss and Jean in securing his position. 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?’
O’Brien said, underscoring the learning curve he faced.
Legacy and Career Trajectory
O’Brien’s career after The Simpsons included a 16-year run on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, followed by a stint as host of The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien from 2009 until 2010. His show, Conan on TBS, ran from 2010 until 2021. Despite these roles, he repeatedly emphasized the foundational impact of The Simpsons, calling it a magical part of my life
and a turning point during a bad place in my life.
The narrative across sources underscores the significance of this career pivot. The sources agree on the core timeline: leaving SNL in 1991, joining The Simpsons within days, and the lasting influence of the experience. The comedian’s reflection on this period, 33 years later, highlights the enduring impact of the decision.
