Conan O’Brien and Greg Daniels Recall Their Time at SNL, Including the Infamous Firing by Lorne Michaels

Conan O’Brien and Greg Daniels, two renowned comedians and writers, recently sat down to discuss their time at Saturday Night Live (SNL). The conversation took a nostalgic turn as they reminisced about their experiences working on the iconic show. O’Brien and Daniels were both part of the SNL team in the late 1980s, with O’Brien serving as a writer and Daniels as a writer and cast member. During their tenure, they worked under the guidance of Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator and executive producer. Michaels, known for his exacting standards, played a significant role in shaping the show’s content and tone. O’Brien and Daniels recalled the intense pressure to deliver high-quality material, with Michaels often pushing them to be more innovative and daring in their writing. Despite the challenges, both comedians acknowledged the invaluable experience they gained while working at SNL. They credited Michaels with teaching them the importance of discipline and attention to detail in comedy writing. However, their time at SNL was not without controversy. O’Brien and Daniels both recalled the infamous incident in which they were fired by Michaels, along with several other writers and cast members. The firings were reportedly due to creative differences and the show’s declining ratings at the time. The incident has become a notable footnote in SNL history, with many regarding it as a turning point in the show’s evolution. O’Brien and Daniels reflected on the experience, noting that while it was difficult at the time, it ultimately proved to be a valuable learning experience. They both went on to achieve significant success in their careers, with O’Brien becoming a prominent late-night talk show host and Daniels creating several acclaimed TV shows, including The Office and Parks and Recreation. In addition to their work in television, O’Brien and Daniels have also made notable contributions to the world of comedy, with O’Brien hosting several comedy specials and Daniels writing for various comedic outlets. The conversation also touched on the topic of costume design, with O’Brien and Daniels sharing their thoughts on the importance of costumes in enhancing the comedic effect of a sketch. They praised the work of SNL’s costume designers, who often had to create elaborate and humorous costumes on tight deadlines. The discussion highlighted the collaborative nature of the SNL team, with writers, cast members, and crew working together to create a cohesive and entertaining show. O’Brien and Daniels’ recollections offered a unique glimpse into the inner workings of SNL, showcasing the dedication and creativity that goes into producing a live comedy show. As they looked back on their time at SNL, both comedians expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have worked on such an iconic show. They acknowledged the significant impact that SNL has had on the world of comedy, with many regarding it as a launching pad for some of the most talented comedians and writers of their generation. The conversation concluded with O’Brien and Daniels reflecting on the current state of comedy, noting that while the landscape has changed significantly since their time at SNL, the core principles of good comedy remain the same. They emphasized the importance of taking risks and pushing boundaries in comedy, citing their own experiences as examples of the rewards that can come from embracing uncertainty and creativity. Overall, the discussion provided a fascinating insight into the world of SNL, highlighting the show’s enduring influence on the world of comedy and the lasting impact it has had on the careers of O’Brien and Daniels.

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