Conan O’Brien teams with SNL star and more for HBO Max specials

HBO Max announced stand-up specials produced by Conan O’Brien

To help get the new streaming service into the world of stand-up comedy specials, HBO Max is turning to some big names from the world of late night television. Conan O’Brien’s Team Coco announced a hand-picked group of comics set to star in exclusive specials for HBO Max.

The name on the list most familiar to late night television fans is Chris Redd. The Saturday Night Live star will film an hour-long special released on HBO Max. Fans will have to wait until at least the fall to see a set from Redd, who recently joined the cast of Kenan Thompson’s sitcom coming to NBC.

Redd was a recent guest on Conan mutual aid fund. He discussed his that helps individuals who contract COVID-19 while protesting racial discrimination and injustice.

Comedy fans don’t have to wait until Redd’s special goes live. Starting in August, HBO Max subscribers can see stand-up specials produced by Team Coco. Beth Stelling will release “Beth Stelling, Girl Daddy” and James Veitch will release “James Veitch, Straight to VHS.”

According to Team Coco, Stelling’s special will examine the influence of society, family, and past relationships on her life. Stelling got her late night television debut on Conan and has worked on projects with Sarah Silverman, Tracy Morgan, and Seth Rogen.

Veitch’s special will focus on technology, gaming, and his love life. Veitch has been a frequent collaborator with Team Coco since 2017. Most notably, his set on Conan from 2017 ranks among the show’s top 10 most-watched YouTube clips.

But that’s not all. A special from Team Coco friend Moses Storm will be filmed and released in the future. Conan O’Brien himself is planning on getting in on the act, too. He’ll host multi-act performances featuring Naomi Ekperigin, Solomon Georgio, Ismo, and Tommy Johnagin.

Conan O’Brien has a massive influence over HBO Max’s comedy catalog

HBO Max has a long way to go to catch up with Netflix in the comedy department. Stand-up specials from John Mulaney, Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, and others have made it the place to go to see comics at the top of their game. The service’s original comedy series are also no joke.

But in turning to Conan O’Brien and Team Coco, HBO Max is on the right path. The five stand-up specials just announced are the first steps in what should be a long and productive relationship between the streaming service and comedy brand.

Beyond stand-up, fans can also watch the best of Conan Without Borders on HBO Max. O’Brien and his company are also working on scripted comedy series, ensuring that O’Brien’s signature brand of comedy has a platform in the streaming world.

Whose stand-up special are you most looking forward to watching? Let us know in the comment section. Keep checking Last Night On for more news and highlights from Conan and the rest of late night television.