If you enjoy comedy and late-night TV, you’ve probably seen an episode or two of Conan. Conan O’Brien hosted the program, which debuted on TBS in 2010 and ended in June 2021. Conan O’Brien is well-known for his comedy sketches, but did the bit at the 73rd Emmy Awards go too far for him?
Here’s how Conan performed at the Emmys.
So what did Conan O’Brien accomplish at the Emmys, then?
Conan’s heckling began when Frank Scherma (CEO of the Television Academy) took to the stage to talk about diversity on TV and present the Governor’s Award. Frank was exaggeratingly praising Frank as a reference to the fact he has been nominated for more Emmys than he has won. It was a stick-it-to-the-man gesture that not all people interpreted positively.
While some people found Conan’s antics amusing, others were less amused that the bit distracted from the important message Frank had to deliver, especially as part of his introduction for presenting the Governor’s Award to the legendary Debbie Allen. While it was difficult to discern what Conan was saying, he reportedly referred to Scherma as “Chairman of the B-O-R-E-D” in jest.
The internet has conflicting opinions about Conan’s mischief-making.
Twitter users would not be able to have their own opinions about the awards show. Conan’s jokes were an obvious topic of conversation during the 73rd Emmy Awards. One user wrote, “So Conan O’Brien being a goofy distraction while the Television Academy president tries to give a speech about diversity and representation right before Debbie Allen’s moment is the vibe of this night.”
Another chimed in, “Conan O’Brien trying to steal the spotlight during a hollow tribute to diversity is peak whiteness at this year’s Emmy’s.” Other users felt that Conan was hilarious, and that he’d clearly had a few too many drinks before deciding to interrupt the ceremony. “Conan O’Brien is freakin funny. It’s not right. Conan belongs on TV. Conan must be drinking. Lol.”
Some users even felt that Conan’s heckling was a sign he should host future awards shows, especially since his late-night television show recently concluded in June 2021. His fans feel that Conan’s show will be broadcast via HBO Max. However, they don’t appreciate his ten years of comedy.
“Conan is the best part of the show, and he hasn’t even been on stage,” one user quips. John Oliver even said during his win, “Like many of us in this room, I was kind of rooting for Conan so this is bittersweet.”
Who knows? Perhaps Conan might get the opportunity to host the Emmys one day, while others mock him.