Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend

Come along for the making of the cold open.

March 19, 2026

tv production oscars comedy behind the scenes filming cold open

Come along for the making of the #Oscars cold open.

Episode Summary

AI-generated · Apr 2026

AI-generated summary — may contain inaccuracies. Not a substitute for the full episode or professional advice.

Conan O'Brien takes listeners behind the scenes of creating the cold open for the Academy Awards. Narrating from a sound stage in Glendale, California, in the early morning, O'Brien describes the initial setup for what promises to be a long day of shooting. The segment involves a specific comedic bit for the Oscars, with O'Brien hoping to capture some strong material.

The brief glimpse into the production reveals an energetic, if somewhat chaotic, on-set atmosphere. Sounds of laughter, music, and specific directives like "AND ACTION" punctuate the recording. Interactions among the crew hint at the playful and perhaps unusual nature of the bit, with one person exclaiming, "Oh my god. That is so creepy," and another declaring, "I'M NOT DOING IT." The snippet concludes with directions to "Get a good grip on it" and O'Brien's resolve to try one more take, underscoring the iterative process of live television production.

👤 Who Should Listen

Fans of Conan O'Brien and his comedic style
Anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes process of major TV productions
Aspiring comedy writers and TV producers
Viewers interested in how the Academy Awards' comedic segments are made

🔑 Key Takeaways

1.Conan O'Brien recorded a behind-the-scenes look at the production of an Oscars cold open from a sound stage in Glendale, California.
2.The shoot began early in the morning, indicating the demanding schedule of television production.
3.The on-set environment was characterized by laughter, music, and playful, yet sometimes 'creepy,' creative directives.
4.The segment being filmed required specific physical actions, as evidenced by instructions like 'Get a good grip on it.'