Here’s a bold statement: Conan O’Brien’s Emmy-winning late-night legacy just got a new lease on life—and it’s all thanks to Radial Entertainment. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is streaming the right home for a show that thrived on live, in-the-moment comedy? Let’s dive in.
Radial Entertainment has secured the U.S. distribution rights to Conan O’Brien’s beloved TBS late-night talk show, as announced at Mipcom. This deal isn’t just a handshake—it’s a game-changer. Radial now holds exclusive rights to all 11 seasons of Conan (2010–2021) across multiple digital platforms, including subscription and ad-supported streaming, transactional video, and digital networks. Jeff Peisch, speaking for Radial, couldn’t contain his excitement: ‘Conan O’Brien is a comedy titan whose influence spans generations. His work redefined late-night TV, and we’re thrilled to bring his iconic series to streaming platforms for fans old and new.’
For the uninitiated, Conan was more than just a talk show. It was a blend of razor-sharp comedy sketches, celebrity interviews, and international adventures that took O’Brien and his trusty sidekick, Andy Richter, from Hollywood to Havana. And this is the part most people miss: The show’s international remote segments weren’t just funny—they were Emmy-winning, culture-bridging moments that set it apart from the late-night pack. Think of it as comedy diplomacy, one laugh at a time.
The series also birthed spin-offs like Conan Without Borders and Conan O’Brien Must Go, both streaming on HBO Max. Behind the scenes, longtime executive producer Jeff Ross kept the ship sailing smoothly. O’Brien’s induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame earlier this year was the cherry on top of a nearly 30-year late-night career.
Radial Entertainment, backed by Oaktree Capital Management and home to brands like FilmRise and Shout! Studios, isn’t just dipping its toes into the streaming world—it’s diving in headfirst. With a library of over 70,000 movies and episodes spanning genres from true crime to horror, they’re positioning themselves as a major player. Bruce David Eisen of Eisen Law represented Radial in the negotiations, ensuring the deal was as solid as O’Brien’s punchlines.
Here’s the controversial question: As Conan moves to streaming, will it lose the spontaneity that made it so special? Or will it find a new audience hungry for its timeless humor? Let us know what you think in the comments—we’re all ears!
