When it comes to navigating life after late-night television, few people are better equipped to give advice than Conan O'Brien. And according to Stephen Colbert, O’Brien has been quietly preparing him for life after The Late Show.
In a recent profile on O'Brien from The Hollywood Reporter, Colbert recalled the surprisingly candid advice he once received from the late-night TV legend who became a household name thanks to Late Night with Conan O'Brien. And just like O'Brien's instincts on late-night, he was right on the money when it came to Colbert's career.
“Conan is the patron saint of ex-talk show hosts,” Colbert said. “He’d actually been telling me to quit for years. We were out, a few Emmys ago, and he kept saying, ‘I want you to know there’s a lot of fun to be had when this is over, so don’t feel like you need to stay.’ It almost hurt my feelings, but he was just being kind."
At the time, the advice may have seemed premature. Colbert became the biggest name in late-night TV, thanks in part to his biting political commentary and his relentless attacks on all things Trump. It's not exactly O'Brien's style, but it clearly worked in the modern iteration of late-night television.
But with CBS preparing to end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2026, O’Brien’s perspective now seems ahead of its time. That could stem from the comedian's ability to see the writing on the wall and pivot away from late-night on his own terms. Rather than trying to replicate the nightly desk-and-monologue formula elsewhere after ending Conan, he expanded into podcasting, streaming, live touring, and travel television.
If anyone understands the creative freedom that exists beyond the grind of producing late-night, it's O'Brien. Perhaps he gave the career advice to Stephen Colbert because he knew the Late Show host possesses many of the same tools that helped O’Brien thrive in his second act. O’Brien proved that the late-night skill set of a quick wit, creativity, and an ability to connect with guests can flourish in entirely new formats.
Both have strong improvisational skills and can carry a conversation with anyone. And both are known for their intellect, blending it with their comedy in different yet equally effective ways. Those talents could translate into everything from long-form interviews to documentary-style storytelling. Colbert will have plenty of options for his next move once The Late Show turns off the lights.