Conan O’Brien, the beloved American comedian, television host, and writer, has amassed an impressive net worth of $200 million.
Over his career, Conan has hosted various late-night talk shows, written for iconic shows, and more recently, achieved tremendous success as a podcaster.
His comedic genius and unique hosting style have earned him both critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
Conan’s wealth primarily comes from his years hosting late-night television shows. He hosted “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” on NBC from 1993 to 2009, and later “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” for a brief period in 2009–2010.
After leaving NBC, Conan continued to host his late-night show “Conan” on TBS from 2010 to 2020, earning an annual salary of $12 million during that time.
Conan also earned income from his production company, Team Coco, which produced his shows and content.
In addition to his television career, Conan has become a major force in podcasting. In 2018, he launched “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend”, a podcast that quickly became one of the most popular comedy podcasts in the world.
The success of this podcast network was a huge financial boon for Conan. In May 2022, he sold his podcasting business, Team Coco, to SiriusXM for a staggering $150 million, securing his financial future for years to come.
As part of the deal, Conan retained ownership of the podcast’s intellectual property while SiriusXM obtained the rights to the associated revenue streams, including YouTube and podcast content.
Conan’s career has spanned almost three decades, and his ability to adapt to different formats—from television to podcasting—has been key to his continued success.
He continues to host “Conan O’Brien Must Go”, a travel show on Max (formerly HBO Max), which further expands his reach and appeal.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on April 18, 1963, in Brookline, Massachusetts, Conan O’Brien was raised in a highly academic environment.
His father was a physician and professor at Harvard Medical School, and his mother was a retired attorney.
Conan excelled in school, graduating as valedictorian from Brookline High School in 1981.
He later attended Harvard University, where he studied History and Literature and became a writer for the college humor magazine Harvard Lampoon.
After graduating in 1985, Conan moved to Los Angeles to begin his career in television.
He first worked for HBO’s Not Necessarily the News before joining the writing staff of Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1988.
During his time on SNL, Conan earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series. He worked on the show until 1991, when he transitioned to writing for The Simpsons, contributing to some of the most memorable episodes of the series.
“Late Night” and “The Tonight Show”
Conan’s big break came in 1993 when NBC selected him to host Late Night with Conan O’Brien, replacing David Letterman. While the early years were rocky and the show faced criticism, Conan’s unique comedic style eventually won over a dedicated audience.
In 2005, the show began attracting millions of viewers, and by 2009, it was one of the most highly regarded late-night programs.
In 2009, Conan was given the opportunity to host The Tonight Show following Jay Leno’s retirement, but the transition was tumultuous.
Low ratings and scheduling conflicts led to a dramatic showdown with NBC, and Conan left the network in 2010. The network ultimately paid him a $32.5 million settlement, including a $12 million payout to his staff.
After his departure from NBC, Conan embarked on a 30-city comedy tour, which proved to be highly successful.
In November 2010, he began hosting “Conan” on TBS, where he continued to deliver his signature humor until the show’s conclusion in 2020.
Podcasting and New Ventures
Conan’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch Team Coco, a production company that managed his late-night shows and created content for various platforms.
In 2018, he launched his podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend”, where he engages in humorous and insightful conversations with celebrities and friends.
The podcast has been wildly successful, earning awards such as the iHeartRadio Podcast Award for Best Comedy Podcast.
The success of the podcast and his team’s digital efforts culminated in the sale of Team Coco to SiriusXM for $150 million in 2022.
This deal also secured Conan a multi-year talent contract, which ensures his continued involvement in podcasting and SiriusXM’s content offerings.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Conan married Elizabeth Ann “Liza” Powel in 2002. They have two children together, a daughter named Neve and a son named Beckett.
Conan has long been a fan of real estate, and his property dealings have contributed to his wealth.
When Conan lived in New York while hosting Late Night, he and his family resided in a luxurious 7-bedroom duplex overlooking Central Park, which they sold for $25 million in 2010.
After moving to Los Angeles for The Tonight Show, Conan bought a $10.75 million house in Brentwood, which he sold in 2012 at a loss. In 2011, he and Liza purchased a $19.4 million mansion in Pacific Palisades, a property that remains a significant part of his real estate portfolio.
Additionally, Conan purchased a beachfront property in Carpinteria, California, which he sold in 2022 for $16.5 million, showing his knack for profitable investments.
