Conan O’Brien’s recent appearance on Hot Ones caused quite a stir on the internet. Unlike most guests on the show who dab their chicken wings in hot sauce, O’Brien submerged them to the point of drowning. He devoured every piece of meat, even licking a wing covered in the infamous Da’Bomb Beyond Insanity sauce. Throughout the episode, milk, mucus, and other unidentifiable fluids streamed down his face as he enthusiastically promoted his new travel series, Conan O’Brien Must Go.
This extreme eating display is just one example of O’Brien’s unique ability to take well-established media formats and inject them with his own brand of postmodern absurdity. From his time as a writer on The Simpsons to his late-night talk show and celebrity-interview podcast, O’Brien has consistently blown up traditional formats with his comedic flair.
In his new show, Conan O’Brien Must Go, a docuseries on Max, O’Brien takes on the travel-show genre. Inspired by his podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan, the series follows O’Brien as he visits fans from around the world, surprising them with his presence. Along the way, he also explores different countries and cultures, injecting his trademark silliness into each episode.
What sets O’Brien apart from other travel-show hosts is his willingness to make everything about himself. He revels in being the butt of the joke and the obvious jester, never mocking other people’s traditions. Whether he’s singing in falsetto with a Norwegian hip-hop musician or commissioning a mural of himself with the pope and Lionel Messi in Buenos Aires, O’Brien’s goal is to entertain and bring laughter.
Conan O’Brien Must Go even playfully highlights the mechanics of making a travel show. O’Brien proudly points out that he can afford drones for the series, but instead of using them artistically, he uses them for the least inspired reasons possible. The show’s relentless silliness permeates every moment, creating a comedy experience that leaves viewers laughing.
One of the key elements that distinguishes O’Brien’s approach to travel shows is his disregard for the typical rules. Rather than keeping the focus on the places and people he visits, O’Brien puts himself in the spotlight. This refusal to conform to expectations adds an extra layer of entertainment and unpredictability to the show.
Looking beyond O’Brien’s specific show, there are potential future trends in the travel-show genre that may be influenced by his unique style. The success of Conan O’Brien Must Go could open the doors for more comedians and entertainers to inject their own comedic twist into traditional travel shows. Audiences are increasingly seeking out content that breaks the mold and offers a fresh perspective, and incorporating humor into the genre could be a winning formula.
In addition, the rise of digital platforms like Max and the continued growth of streaming services provide more opportunities for unconventional travel shows. As viewers crave more entertainment options, networks and platforms may be more inclined to take risks and experiment with different formats and comedic approaches.
One recommendation for the industry would be to encourage more diversity in travel-show hosts. While O’Brien brings a unique perspective, having a broader range of voices and experiences would provide a richer and more inclusive representation of different cultures and destinations. This could also help attract a wider audience and open up new opportunities for collaborations and partnerships.
In conclusion, Conan O’Brien’s latest venture into the travel-show genre with Conan O’Brien Must Go showcases his ability to inject his own brand of comedic absurdity into well-established formats. The show’s success highlights the audience’s appetite for fresh and entertaining content that breaks the mold. This could lead to future trends in the travel-show industry, including more comedians and entertainers putting their own comedic twist on traditional formats. With the rise of digital platforms, there are ample opportunities for experimentation and a broader range of voices in the genre. By embracing diversity and pushing creative boundaries, the travel-show industry can continue to captivate and entertain audiences.