Behind the Curtain: The Near-Firing of Conan O’Brien and Greg Daniels from Saturday Night Live

As an iconic pillar of American comedy, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has long been synonymous with both hilarious sketches and the backstage drama that often overshadows its sketches. This dynamic was vividly highlighted in a recent discussion between comedian Conan O’Brien and Greg Daniels, who reminisced about a precarious moment in the late 1980s that could have drastically altered their careers.

Close Call: The Potential Exit of O’Brien and Daniels

In the late ’80s, O’Brien and Daniels were part of the writing team at SNL, contributing to the show’s evolving humor. However, a minor misunderstanding involving the show’s costume designer almost led to their dismissal. During a podcast appearance, Daniels recounted the incident where the costume designer felt their involvement in wardrobe decisions overstepped professional boundaries. In a bid to resolve the issue, she insisted on O’Brien and Daniels’ firing or threatened to leave herself.

Lorne Michaels, SNL’s long-time executive producer and showrunner, intervened to prevent the premature exit. Instead of reprimanding them, Michaels cleverly manipulated the situation, allowing the two writers to believe they were in trouble. After maintaining an appearance of scolding for about 20 minutes, he ultimately assured them of his support.

O’Brien clarified their intentions, explaining that their effort to check on costume production was an attempt to be proactive team players. “We wrote a sketch, and it had these elaborate costumes, and we went to the place where they were manufactured," O’Brien stated, indicating their ignorance rather than malice in the situation.

O’Brien and Daniels’ Impact on SNL

Both O’Brien and Daniels would go on to enjoy illustrious careers in comedy following their time at SNL. O’Brien’s rapid ascension as a writer—first for SNL and then for The Simpsons—and eventually as a late-night host began with this early experience. O’Brien penned notable sketches during his tenure, including “Mr. Short-Term Memory” and “The Girl Watchers,” performed by Tom Hanks.

During the time shortly after Michaels’ return to SNL in 1985, the show was experiencing a resurgence, discovering new talent that would shape its future. Alongside O’Brien, writers like Dana Carvey, Mike Myers, and Phil Hartman came to prominence, contributing to a rich comedic environment.

O’Brien’s Legacy Beyond SNL

Following SNL, Conan O’Brien’s career skyrocketed. He joined the writing team of The Simpsons, which further solidified his comedic credentials. His leap to hosting Late Night in 1993 showcased his unique talent, despite being relatively unknown at the time. However, it was his brief but tumultuous tenure as the host of The Tonight Show that would later define the complexity of his career.

The anecdote of his almost-firing serves as a reminder of the intricate power dynamics that characterize the entertainment industry. Michaels’ support for O’Brien in the face of an esteemed designer’s disapproval reveals the delicate balance between creative freedom and established authority.

Conclusion: The Significance of a Career Nearly Derailed

The implications of O’Brien and Daniels’ near-exit from SNL are profound. Their sustained influence over comedy can be traced back to that pivotal moment, where the leadership of Lorne Michaels played a crucial role in shaping future comedic landscapes. Their experiences underscore the significance of mentorship and the unpredictable nature of success in Hollywood.

Without Michaels’ support, the trajectory of O’Brien’s career might have looked drastically different. Today, as O’Brien reflects on his journey, it becomes evident how intricate relationships and timing can alter the fate of emerging talents in the competitive world of television. This incident highlights not only the continuity of talent but also the sometimes complicated paths that lead to success in the entertainment industry.