July 31, 2025 —
Conan O’Brien praises Adam Sandler’s attitude towards ‘SNL’ .Conan O’Brien, former Saturday Night Live (SNL) writer and beloved talk show host, is giving credit where it’s due—to Adam Sandler, for bringing a burst of joy and lightness to an otherwise high-stress environment behind the scenes at SNL in the late 1980s and early ’90s.
In a recent episode of his hit podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Conan sat down with fellow comedian Andy Samberg to reminisce about his emotionally charged time at the legendary sketch show—and how Sandler’s arrival in 1991 helped change the tone of the writers’ room and beyond.
The High-Pressure World of SNL in the ’80s
O’Brien worked as a writer at SNL from 1988 to 1991, during a time when the show was known for its relentless creative demands and intense behind-the-scenes dynamics. Surrounded by comedy legends like Robert Smigel, Bob Odenkirk, and Greg Daniels, O’Brien recalled that the stakes felt incredibly high.
“It felt like life or death every single week,” O’Brien admitted. “We were constantly under pressure to come up with sketches that would land, and if you failed, it hit you hard.”
This intensity, while fueling creative brilliance, often came at the cost of mental well-being. Conan described himself as someone who took the job too seriously, and in hindsight, he realized he may have missed out on the joy of the experience.
Enter Adam Sandler: A Different Kind of Energy
As Conan’s tenure was winding down, Adam Sandler joined the cast, bringing with him a refreshingly upbeat attitude. O’Brien vividly remembers Sandler’s infectious enthusiasm.
“He was like, ‘This is so much fun! I love it here! I’m going to do Opera Man, and it’s going to be awesome!’” O’Brien laughed. “And I thought—wait, you’re allowed to actually enjoy being here?”
For O’Brien, Sandler’s energy was a revelation. It challenged his own perspective and made him realize that the job could be done with joy and humor, not just grit and stress.
The Cost of Burnout and an Exit with Grace
Despite the successes, O’Brien shared that burnout was the main reason behind his departure from SNL in 1991. “I burnt out. I was done,” he admitted. “And honestly, Lorne [Michaels] could not have been nicer about it.”
Instead of parting on bad terms, O’Brien’s relationship with SNL creator Lorne Michaels stayed intact—a relationship that would prove pivotal in Conan’s career. It was Michaels who later tapped O’Brien to host Late Night, launching his multi-decade journey as one of television’s most iconic late-night hosts.
Sandler’s Positivity Left a Lasting Legacy
Adam Sandler went on to become one of the most beloved and bankable comedy stars in Hollywood. But for Conan and many others at SNL, his legacy began in those early years—not just through memorable characters like Opera Man, but through the joy he brought to the process.
Sandler showed that even in one of the most pressure-filled environments in comedy, a light-hearted, positive attitude could make all the difference. And years later, O’Brien continues to reflect on that, not with regret, but with gratitude.
“I had fun, sure,” Conan said. “But I could’ve had more fun. And that’s something I try to carry with me now—especially when I work with younger talent.”
✅ SNL Flashback Recap Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Conan’s SNL Tenure | 1988–1991, writer alongside Smigel, Odenkirk, Daniels |
| SNL Environment | High-pressure, emotionally taxing, creatively intense |
| Burnout Factor | Main reason for Conan’s exit |
| Lorne Michaels’ Support | Supported O’Brien during exit; later offered Late Night opportunity |
| Sandler’s Entry Year | 1991 |
| Sandler’s Energy | Joyful, playful, passionate about comedy |
| Famous Character | Opera Man |
| Lasting Impact | Changed the mood at SNL, inspired Conan to reflect on his own approach |
| Podcast Episode | Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend (guest: Andy Samberg) |
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✅ Final Word
Conan O’Brien’s candid reflection offers a rare, heartfelt glimpse into the high-stakes world of early-’90s SNL—and the surprising power of positivity in a pressure-cooker environment. Adam Sandler’s approach, full of laughter and light, didn’t just earn laughs from audiences—it lifted spirits behind the scenes, too.
As Conan continues his journey as a storyteller and entertainer, moments like these remind us that even the most intense jobs can be joyful—if you let them be.
