Conan O’Brien: Mark Twain Award Recipient in New Netflix Special

Back in March, a group of comic luminaries gathered at the Kennedy Center to honor Conan O’Brien as the recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The event was filmed by Netflix and recently aired as a TV special titled “Conan O’Brien: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize For American Humor.”

The ceremony was not without tension, as there had been controversy surrounding the restructuring of the Kennedy Center’s management prior to the event. However, the night was filled with laughter and heartfelt tributes to Conan. From Triumph the Insult Comic Dog’s opening act to John Mulaney’s witty remarks, the evening was a celebration of Conan’s comedic genius.

The Max Weinberg 7, Conan’s former band from his late-night shows, provided the music for the evening. Many of Conan’s former colleagues and friends, including Andy Richter and Reggie Watts, took the stage to honor him. Additionally, previous recipients of the Mark Twain Prize, such as Will Ferrell, David Letterman, and Adam Sandler, shared their thoughts on Conan’s impact on comedy.

Other comedians, like Sarah Silverman, Stephen Colbert, and Bill Burr, also paid tribute to Conan with their own unique comedic styles. Kumail Nanjiani even presented a humorous breakdown of Conan’s contributions to “The Simpsons,” showcasing Conan’s modest percentage of episodes written for the iconic show.

The night was filled with laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments, showcasing the wide-reaching influence and impact of Conan O’Brien in the world of comedy. The Netflix special captures the essence of the evening and is a must-watch for any fan of Conan or comedy in general.