Conan O’Brien, an American television host, writer, producer, and comedian, has built an illustrious career spanning multiple decades. Best known for his late-night talk shows, O’Brien has successfully transitioned from television to podcasting, securing his place as one of the most versatile entertainers in the industry. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be $200 million, largely attributed to his television success, lucrative podcast deals, and real estate investments.
Early Life and Education
Conan Christopher O’Brien was born on April 18, 1963, in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was raised in an academically accomplished family—his father, Thomas O’Brien, was a physician and professor at Harvard Medical School, while his mother, Ruth O’Brien, was an attorney at the prestigious law firm Ropes & Gray. Growing up alongside three brothers and two sisters, Conan excelled academically and was named valedictorian of his class at Brookline High School in 1981.
He continued his education at Harvard University, where he studied History and Literature. At Harvard, he became an integral part of The Harvard Lampoon, the university’s famed humor magazine. He graduated in 1985, setting the stage for a career in comedy and television writing.
Early Career: Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons
O’Brien began his professional writing career in Los Angeles, joining HBO’s Not Necessarily the News. During this time, he also honed his improvisational skills with the comedy troupe The Groundlings. His breakthrough came in 1988 when he was hired as a writer for Saturday Night Live (SNL). His tenure at SNL was highly successful, earning him an Emmy Award in 1989 for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy or Variety Series. He also co-wrote Lookwell, a television pilot starring Adam West, which was not picked up but gained a cult following.
In 1991, O’Brien was offered a writing position on The Simpsons, a dream job for many comedy writers. He worked as both a writer and producer, penning some of the show’s most iconic episodes, including Marge vs. the Monorail and Homer Goes to College.
Late-Night Legacy: Late Night, The Tonight Show, and Conan
Late Night with Conan O’Brien (1993-2009)
O’Brien’s career took a major turn in 1993 when he was chosen to succeed David Letterman as the host of NBC’s Late Night. Initially met with skepticism and poor ratings, Late Night with Conan O’Brien eventually became a fan favorite, known for its absurdist humor, self-deprecating comedy, and memorable sketches. O’Brien’s distinctive style earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated audience, and by the mid-2000s, the show was attracting millions of viewers nightly.
The Tonight Show Controversy (2009-2010)
In 2009, O’Brien fulfilled what many considered a lifelong dream—becoming the host of The Tonight Show. However, due to declining ratings and network pressure, NBC controversially reinstated Jay Leno in the time slot, pushing O’Brien out after only seven months. The much-publicized “Tonight Show Conflict” resulted in O’Brien receiving a $32.5 million settlement from NBC, with an additional $12 million going to his staff.
Conan on TBS (2010-2021)
Following his departure from NBC, O’Brien embarked on The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour before signing a deal with TBS to host Conan starting in November 2010. The show allowed O’Brien more creative freedom, and he became the first American talk show host to film in Cuba in over 50 years. Despite its success, Conan ended in June 2021 as O’Brien shifted his focus to digital media and podcasting.
Podcasting Success and Team Coco
In 2018, O’Brien launched Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, a podcast produced under his media company, Team Coco. The podcast quickly became a hit, winning multiple awards and attracting millions of listeners worldwide. By mid-2022, Team Coco’s podcast network was generating 200 million downloads annually.
SiriusXM Acquisition
In May 2022, O’Brien sold Team Coco to SiriusXM for $150 million. As part of the deal, he retained a five-year talent contract and continued producing content for the platform. This acquisition further solidified O’Brien’s success beyond traditional television.
Personal Life and Family
O’Brien met his wife, Elizabeth Ann “Liza” Powel, in 2000 while she was working as a senior copywriter at an advertising firm featured on Late Night. The couple married in 2002 and have two children, daughter Neve (born 2003) and son Beckett (born 2005). O’Brien is known for his strong family values and frequently incorporates humorous anecdotes about his home life into his work.
Real Estate Investments
O’Brien has made several notable real estate transactions:
- New York City Apartment: While hosting Late Night, he lived in a seven-bedroom duplex overlooking Central Park, which he sold in 2010 for $25 million.
- Brentwood Home: In 2008, he purchased a home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, for $10.75 million, selling it in 2012 for $9.25 million.
- Pacific Palisades Mansion: In 2011, O’Brien and his wife bought a mansion in Pacific Palisades for $19.4 million.
- Carpinteria Beach House: In 2015, he acquired a beachfront property in Carpinteria, California, for $7.9 million. The home was sold in October 2022 for $16.5 million, nearly doubling his investment.
Recent Projects and Conan O’Brien Must Go
In 2024, O’Brien returned to television with Conan O’Brien Must Go, a travel show on Max. This project allowed him to showcase his comedic brilliance in a global setting, reinforcing his ability to adapt and thrive in changing media landscapes.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
Conan O’Brien’s journey from a Harvard humorist to a late-night legend and digital media mogul is nothing short of extraordinary. With a net worth of $200 million, he remains one of the most successful figures in entertainment. Whether through television, podcasting, or digital content, O’Brien continues to evolve, proving that his comedic genius and adaptability keep him relevant in an ever-changing media world.