Conan O'Brien Must Go (2024– ) User Reviews

Very funny, great effort. But can be even better.

[danielzhai · 9/10 · 20 April 2024]

Long time Conan fan here. Religious podcast listener and have watched tons of clips of him on YouTube. Watched basically all his remotes and loved them all.

I believe like myself, many people have anticipated Conan O'Brien Must Go ever since the TBS nightly show went off the air. Well, the new show definitely has the old Conan recipe: traveling, interacting with locals, funny improvs, etc etc. Definitely worth watching.

But I really believe that this format still has a lot of potential. A lot of things that I miss about the old travel shows are unfortunately absent. Real laugh track from a live audience (definitely a conscious decision from the production team), not too much multi-cam setup and fancy editing (which makes the new show feel a bit contrived), and just more organic interactions (either with locals or someone on the team like Sona or Jordan). Like some comments said, I feel the new show is trying too hard in some sense, making the jokes feel contrived. I don't think there are a lot of clips that I will be watching over and over again like those from Conan's travels in Armenia, Japan, Isreal, Australia, etc. I believe that Conan really shines when there isn't a lot of budget, post-production, planning, and scripting. Maybe the expectation from HBO and even himself is too high, but I think it surprisingly hurts the show. Let him take it easy and relax, and actually enjoy the travel and bantering with whoever is on the show with him. It really doesn't need to be "polished" to be a good and funny show.

Nevertheless, I would recommend everyone to watch it still. I'm just having high hopes for the next season.

Lots of fun, but too long in some places...

[jaredd · 7/10 · 21 April 2024]

As others have mentioned, some portions felt like they went on too long. Were they trying to pad the episode to meet the length requirement? Or was it a conscious decision in order to make things seem awkward? Well, either way, it didn't always quite come out right in my opinion.

Beyond that, no argument from me that some stuff was funny and seeing various locations and meeting people is interesting. You can tell some of the fans didn't work out so well as their screen time was cut drastically. Which I suppose is bound to happen.

In some portions the only plan seems to be to try to offend people or be outlandish, but Conan is a seasoned comedian and shouldn't have to always do that in order to make humor. So that seemed like the biggest negative. But comedy is subjective and can be difficult, so it's also understandable.

Barely worth the wait

[Qurean · 7/10 · 23 April 2024]

I'm just gonna cut to the chase here without any detailed spoilers. Overall I think it's a bit of a 'cheap' concept for a travel show. A lot of scenes felt wayyyy too long, others too short. When someone has an interesting story, Conan tries too hard to make a joke. You're traveling to interesting places, Conan! Let us hear people's stories also! You did so magnificently in the past, and knew when to joke/not joke. He's overstepping his shtick here sometimes (in my opinion), and that's a shame.

I'm still giving it a 7, because when it wasn't so forced, it was absolutely HILARIOUS. The imagery was also breathtaking.

Enjoy it for what it is, but don't expect a masterpiece. Maybe season 2 will be better! I really hope so.

One of the holy trinity of Late Night hosts returns!

[daniebu-48702 · 10/10 · 18 April 2024]

Conan, Craig Ferguson and Graham Norton. The holy trinity of modern Late Night hosts. When I saw Conan was releasing a new show, I couldn't be happier. Genius is a word that is often thrown around nonchalantly, but Conan is a true comedic genius. To have just turned 61 years old and still be making top quality programmes is a testament to this, with his comedy still feeling fresh to this day. He has a very sharp wit and can find comedy in a barren wasteland, behind the laughter you start to appreciate how clever this man is.

He's a fantastic person and comic, thank you for making our lives filled with laughter!

The legend is finally come back!!!

[felipesampaiocarvalho · 10/10 · 18 April 2024]

Everything on the episodes is perfect, and when the show starts recording again for the part 2, put Jordan in every episode, for the love of god.

Is a brilliant and hilarious travel series. Conan's comedic humanity shines as he interacts with people in Norway, Thailand, Argentina, and Ireland. The show combines wit, absurdity, and heart, making it a must-watch for comedy fans and continues to deliver uproarious laughs and unexpected moments. Conan's irreverent humor and genuine curiosity make this travel series a standout. Whether he's sampling exotic foods or attempting local customs, Conan's antics keep viewers entertained. A must-binge for comedy enthusiasts.

It's a Conan O'Brien show. Enough said.

[evolangel206 · 10/10 · 18 April 2024]

This man is a TRUE legend! 👑 Anything he touches is comedy gold. Me and my kids will be watching and I look forward to the memories & tons of laughs we will share. Thank you Conan 🙏 for all the joy you bring to the world 🌎💫 His contributions to The Simpsons is what has made that show so unique & has stood the test of time, when it comes to the classics, you know those first seasons are so good because of Conan's masterful touch. Watching his Conan O'Brien (late night) talk shows, on network then cable television, provided me great comfort during some of the most difficult times of my life! Please keep giving us any varieties of your art as long as you can & know you are adored worldwide.

Behold the Defiler

[murphysplaw · 10/10 · 18 April 2024]

Conan O'Brien once described the gasoline for his comedic engine as the relentless pursuit of the strange phantom intersection between smart and stupid. In this new series, Conan puts HBO Max's money, or is it just Max now? Who the heck knows? Point is Conan puts someone's money to good use while bringing us a hearty dose of bottled throttled mad genius. As the great philosopher William Q. Wonka once opined, "Conan is the music maker. Conan is the dreamer of dreams."

As a long time O'Brien-o-phile (podcast host, late night host, and . . . Well . . . I guess that's about it) and fellow inbred melanin deficient Irishman, it's no surprise that I loved Conan O'Brien Must Go. Even if you're not, and even if somehow you've been living in a cave and have never heard of Conan, watch the show. His brilliant stupidity and stupid brilliance will win you over. And who knows? Maybe your next houseguest (cave guest?) will be the Red Tornado himself.

One gripe: There was talk of gerbils, but I didn't see any. What gives?

Worth every second.

[harisroman-34717 · 10/10 · 20 April 2024]

If you are a Conan fan you know that the best part about him is to explore new places let it be Israel, Finland, etc. He brings his child-like energy and comedian charm to every speck of the show. He needs to do more of this content. Jordan Schlansky steals the show as always. The chemistry is as good as the late-night show days. This is an excuse to reminisce about travel bits in the late-night days of Conan.

Worth every penny on HBO Max. In a world where it is getting harder and harder to watch shows and movies with your kids and family, this show is a delight. Highly recommend watching it with your family you will have a blast and learn a thing or two about the world.

Lifelong fan of Conan

[jenishome · 10/10 · 28 April 2024]

He can pretty much do no wrong with us and we were so excited to watch his new show - another gem by Conan! Very entertaining to see him in Norway. It's a nice way to see the culture with his usual brand of humor. Several times we laughed out loud. So nice to see him out of the studio and exploring with his funny observations. Love him in his podcasts but his remotes have always been our favorite. What a nice way to tie in meeting his fans with a new show! Very nice views of Norway, the fjords are beautiful!

He's hilarious per usual as he takes us on his travels. We love it! Please continue making these.

Extremely cringe acting and not funny !!

[RaysunThapa · 6/10 · 22 April 2024]

Recently watched all episodes of Conan Must Go and i have to be honest here, I laughed for like just 2 mins cumulatively. While i love everything he does, but in this TV Show it appeared he was trying sooooo hard to be funny. Extremely forced acting !! And, I also realized that he is really funny when he is talking to someone. In other words, it's the conversations that create funny moments. However, in this case, he is mostly trying to act or do some bit in a really weird and cringe way. At one point, I felt one of his casts didn't find his acting funny and almost kinda felt a bit embarrassed. Disappointed !!

Only available in select countries so Ahoy! Aaaarrrrgggghhhh

[z-mgebrishvili · 10/10 · 19 April 2024]

Absolutely phenomenal! The king of late night has reclaimed his throne with this show, delivering laughter and entertainment in abundance. Its clever wit and fan-packed lineup make it an absolute delight for fans. However, it's a shame that it's only accessible for streaming in select countries. For those outside the lucky zone, let's just say there are alternative ways to enjoy this gem, even if it means sailing the high seas of the internet. Nevertheless, supporting the creators through legal means is always encouraged. Don't miss out on this comedic masterpiece! Conan remotes dialed up to 110% is amazing!

Unexpected

[pavilion-72801 · 5/10 · 20 April 2024]

I am a huge Conan fan and have been for years. His prior travel show, Conan without Borders, was beyond funny. It was so good in fact I thought he was the obvious replacement for Anthony Bourdain on CNN. I was so looking forward to Conan O'Brien Must Go and just finished all 4 episodes. I'm not sure what happened. It wasn't really funny. Mildly amusing in spots but nowhere near the gut-holding hilarity of Conan without Borders. There were a lot of cringe-worthy, poor chemistry moments that went on way too long. Conan seemed to be trying too hard. Some of the parodies weren't at all funny. I'm not sure whether it was poor editing or a different vision for the show. Even the background music seemed off. It wasn't something I would recommend to any of my friends. I hope he can recapture the authenticity of Conan without Borders again.

My favourite comedian of all time knocks it out the park

[joshnoon · 10/10 · 1 May 2024]

"Conan O'Brien Must Go" on HBO Max is a sidesplitting, heartwarming, and hilarious masterpiece! This series is a triumphant showcase of Conan's unparalleled wit, clever writing, and effortless charm. With its seamless editing and candid moments, the show takes you on a wild ride, delivering non-stop laughs and unforgettable moments. Conan's genius shines brighter than ever as he navigates the ups and downs of life, always finding the humor and humanity in every situation. The supporting cast is equally impressive, adding depth and heart to the show. Don't miss this must-see series - it's a comedy goldmine!

Never gets old

[ysjiang18 · 10/10 · 20 April 2024]

Conan O'Brien's approach to travel shows is a breath of fresh air, offering viewers a perspective that's both captivating and culturally insightful. His ability to showcase different cultures from unique angles is truly commendable, making each episode a delightful exploration. What sets Conan apart is his unparalleled wit, which not only entertains but also adds depth to even the most mundane conversations, keeping audiences hooked and laughing throughout. Personally, I found myself wishing for longer episodes, as the four provided barely scratched the surface of Conan's talent and the richness of the content he presents. It's clear that Conan O'Brien's work deserves a more extensive platform to shine, allowing viewers to fully appreciate his exceptional storytelling and comedic prowess in exploring the world.

Finally could watch it 😁 4 hours of non stop laughter

[ivanarciniegas-93145 · 10/10 · 19 April 2024]

I laughed so much, even the people recording, the guests, everyone laughs so much with conan.

This is just like the amazing remotes of team coco but with better production thanks to HBO.

I loved all the episodes, I think I will watch them again.

I'm sad people don't know him as much as he deserves, you can see why the Simpsons were so funny, it's because of him!

Can't wait to see more! It paid the max subscription with profits!

Let's make conan more famous around the world! But Ive had to use a vpn because the show is not available in so many countries that love Conan.

Only depressed people won't laugh with this show or are too dumb to understand but they are the minority, conan is universally funny.

One for the Podcast Fans

[andrewpelechaty · 8/10 · 23 April 2024]

Based on his "Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan" podcast (a spin-off from "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend"), "Conan O'Brien Must Go" sees the veteran comedian meet his fans in Norway, Thailand, Argentina, and Ireland.

If you love Conan, you'll know what to expect: lots of silliness and lots of Conan happily acting like a clown for various people.

Full credit to Conan though, he's up for anything: singing multiple times (including singing on a Thailand reality/talent show), going indoor rock climbing, trying spicy street food, making a cameo on an Irish soap opera, starring in an animated short film, learning how to be a viking, learning to knit, playing soccer in Argentina, and learning Muay Thai boxing. He fully immerses himself in every stunt.

While some of his fans are overwhelmed when they see him, Conan manages to bond with them (and their families) and find a connection: he genuinely cares about his fans.

There's also a guest appearance from Conan's long-time co-worker Jordan Schlansky. Jordan is so straight-laced and 'cultured' that it's hard to tell if he's a genuine snob or if it's all act to wind up Conan. In the Argentina episode, Conan and Jordan (jokingly) argue about the correct pronunciation of 'tango'.

The Irish episode is the best, as Conan not only visits his fans, but tries to learn the language and learn his family tree from a genealogist. Watching Conan discover more about his great-grandfather is the closest the series gets to a serious moment, as you can tell Conan's heritage means a lot to him.

If you're familiar with Conan's podcasts, then you'll love these specials. There's lots of cameos from co-hosts Sona Movsesian and Matt Gourley in the podcast interview segments and a special opening titles narrator that "Needs a Friend" fans will love.

Not what I expected, but still worth it

[thePopcornExplorer · 8/10 · 4 May 2024]

I've been a Conan fan for quite some time, I do feel that he goes a bit far on the cringe jokes here and there but then again that's his style and both the sketches with Jordan as well as the Conan Without Borders remotes were some of his best work!

Naturally I was highly expectant of this show, it didn't start great, a mix of the Nordic cold and blend culture and humor on the Norway episode with strange editing and the lack of a live audience that somehow validates the jokes made for a whole strange and cringe first episode.

It was okay but far from the highly amusing episodes in foreign lands that Conan got us used to.

Once I've seen the remaining episodes my opinion changed, Thailand, Argentina and specially Irish people made for a way better chemistry and the jokes landed way better since the people seemed more eager to go along with Conan foolishness.

The last episode was almost emotional to an extent, seeing Conan acknowledge his past relatives who migrated to the US years ago.

The fact that we got to see Jordan and Conan again together in Argentina, seeing Jordan breaking character again made up for the initial impact.

It seemed forced at times and with some strange editing but it still managed to be fun thanks to the people on the last three episodes of this first season!

Conan and his crew are a riot. This show is just zany and heartwarming!

[jmoorethomas · 9/10 · 22 April 2024]

Conan is taking us on another zany ride where he plays the crazy, energetic, self-deprecating fool who connects organically with others during his travels. Conan travels to Norway, Argentina, Thailand and Ireland to meet fans he spoke with virtually on his Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend Podcast. Conan plainly stated that he wanted his audience to "know less about a country" after viewing his show. The ability to connect with people and mutually help them come out of their comfort zone is incredible. He's charismatic, over the top and can draw you back in because he seems comfortable with his skin on-screen. There are heartfelt moments that truly connect you with Conan as a comedian and human being.

The pace of the episodes is mostly on point. Most of the time, my sides hurt from all the funny bits and editing of Conan's crazy travels. I think you will enjoy the series if this is your first time watching Conan. If you are a seasoned Conan fan, you will find his shenanigans on par with his past material. Conan is genuine on the screen and entertaining as usual. He also embodies the positive, creepy, awkward brand that separates him from the travel comedy genre. The Conan Without Borders show had a better pace, but Conan Must Go still had me engaged and on the edge of my seat.

There is some constructive criticism where some bits went a little too long, or there was dead space with jokes that didn't land. It seemed like Conan was milking a comedic bit excessively compared to what it's worth when, as a team, they could've inserted something more conducive to the comedic journey or plot of the show. I honestly think the Argentina and Thailand episodes shouldn't have been placed consecutively in the series lineup. I would've put the Thailand episode first, then Norway, Argentina, and Ireland.

Overall, Conan Must Go is some of his best work. In particular, they somehow added a story arc in the Argentina episode. That episode is in the top 10 of Conan O'Brien's career. Conan is still relevant and continues to break the mold of his comedic journey. I would suggest watching this, and if you enjoy it, give it another view because there are hidden gems and subtleties that you may miss on the first watch. I can tell that Conan, Mike Sweeney (head writer and director), Jeff Ross (executive producers)and the Conanco planned and produced the show meticulously, mixing in Conan's brilliant improv.

Thank you, Conan and the Chill Chums of Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend. I hope you have more episodes next year because I will watch them.

funny travel show

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 6 May 2024]

Conan O'Brien is doing another travel show. In his podcast "Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan", he interviews regular folks and often claims that he would like to visit them. For this series, that's exactly what he does. He arrives at their doorsteps unannounced. He also travels around the individual country with his comedic touch. It is always done with tongue firmly in cheek. Each episode starts with legendary documentary director Werner Herzog trashing Conan in every which way. The self-deprecating humor continues as Conan performs as the clown in his own circus. The regular folks are all fun. They are first fans and try their best to get in on the joke. That's especially true for the rock climber in Bangkok who casually throws every insult at Conan. The best comedy comes from Jordan Schlansky who is unable to hold it together in Argentina. The other best bit comes from the Larry David impersonator. In a world full of travel shows, this is being deliberately funny and it's a good one. It's only four episodes and unknown whether we're getting any more.

Not for everyone

[lucianct · 4/10 · 3 May 2024]

The first episode was more than enough to watch to get an understanding of how this show is going to go. The next two are identical, maybe slightly more boring than the first one.

I think that the main issue is that the show focuses on nothing else besides Conan's grandpa humor, so the target audience are rather the boomers than anyone else (probably the reason why he only got to host the late night show). It doesn't show anything about the countries he is visiting, but at least it's honest about that.

What I do appreciate is the dry humor (e.g. The narration in the opening credits), at least when it's not taken to a level of stupidity. I wish we'd had more of that than seeing Conan clowning around and people constantly being put into uncomfortable situations.

Need more seasons!!!!

[thegreatgoddessjackie · 10/10 · 6 May 2024]

1 season and 4 episodes just wasn't enough! Conan is the GOAT!

The quality of the show is amazing! If anyone listens/watches his podcast, they know what effort went into the cinematography and why the show looks so good.

Conan Obrien himself is amazing. Seeing him leave the late night format and actually switch to the long format he's wanted to actually do quality interviews made me stoked for what else he'd do. I've been hoping he'd pick up another travel show that I loved during his late night days... err.. nights. So this is a great start. I really hope HBO sees how much his fans love and support him and offer to have him make more!!!

Just not what I was expecting

[edfox-44818 · 5/10 · 19 April 2024]

A few laughs here and there but mostly Conan going way past the point of funny with a bunch of confused locals. Some scenes have Conan going on forever and ever trying to milk a joke. He's literally on the floor for what seemed like a dozen times. Instead of witty it comes off as lazy. He seems to enjoy making people extremely uncomfortable to the point where you just want to move on. The fans he visits seem taken aback and embarrassed that he just showed up and Conan comes off as rude in a lot of scenes. The best episode is Ireland but even that was pretty lame. What could have been an interesting section about his family history turns into an abuse of an uncomfortable genealogist. Just nowhere near his past outings.