Conan O'Brien Admits Joining 'The Simpsons' Saved His Life After Quitting 'SNL' Without a Backup Plan

Conan O'Brien is getting candid about one of the most pivotal crossroad moments in his early comedy career. Speaking on the latest edition of his podcast *Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend*, the veteran comedian revealed that landing a writing gig on *The Simpsons* genuinely pulled him out of a dark period. During a conversation with *Simpsons* creator Matt Groening, the former late-night host looked back on his decision to walk away from *Saturday Night Live* back in 1991. Despite loving the cast and crew at Studio 8H, O'Brien admitted that his mental state had plummeted and he realized he desperately needed a fresh start.

O'Brien explained that he was stuck in a mental rut while on the *SNL* writing staff. Rather than staying in an environment that was taking a toll on his well-wellbeing, he took a massive leap of faith and resigned without any alternative employment lined up. He recalled feeling like he was in a very bad place emotionally at the time. Quitting a high-profile network television job without a safety net was a terrifying gamble, but the writer knew he could not remain where he was.

BUZZBEAT

Fortunately for the young comedy writer, his sudden availability caught the attention of two key comedy heavyweights. *Simpsons* showrunners Mike Reiss and Al Jean caught wind that O'Brien had parted ways with NBC and immediately reached out to see if he was interested in pitching for Springfield. After submitting a collection of sketch material he had previously penned during his time at *Saturday Night Live*, O'Brien received a life-changing phone call. The production team offered him a staff position on the hit animated series, but there was one catch: he was required to report to work in just four days. O'Brien made the quick pivot, relocating his life and plunging headfirst into writing for the wildly popular yellow family. Reflecting on the abrupt career rescue, the host emphasized that the unexpected job offer truly rescued his life during a time when he felt completely adrift. His tenure on the series ultimately paved the way for his iconic run as the host of NBC's *Late Night* in 1993.