Topic Guide
What Is Running gags?
Running gags is a subject covered in depth across 1 podcast episode in our database. Below you'll find key concepts, expert insights, and the top episodes to listen to — all distilled from hours of conversation by leading experts.
Key Concepts in Running gags
The "geppetto bit"
This refers to Conan O'Brien's long-running comedic premise that Sona Movsesian's white-haired, mustachioed father, Gil, strongly resembles the Disney character Geppetto. The episode highlights how an accidental real-life encounter at Disneyland unexpectedly and humorously reinforced this established joke, much to Conan's satisfaction.
What Experts Say About Running gags
- 1.Sona Movsesian encountered the rarely seen Geppetto character at Disneyland, sparking an unexpected reaction.
- 2.Conan O'Brien maintains a long-standing comedic bit comparing Sona's father, Gil, to Geppetto due to his white hair and mustache.
- 3.Sona was so delighted to find Geppetto that she posed for a photo, interlocked arms, and sent it to Conan, proclaiming, "This is me hanging with my dad at Disneyland."
- 4.Conan found the photo hilarious, stating it proved his "riff is actually a pretty good one," despite Sona's protestations that her dad doesn't look like Geppetto.
- 5.Sona later expressed regret for sending the picture, feeling she "threw her dad under the bus" by implicitly agreeing with Conan's joke.
- 6.Conan declared a "win" on "every single level" due to Sona's actions and subsequent regret.
Top Episodes to Learn About Running gags
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Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend