Cool News
Andy Richter To Serve As TONIGHT SHOW Sidekick!!
I am – Hercules!!
Andy Richter, longtime sidekick on "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" before he fled to Los Angeles, will now be sitting in the Ed McMahon chain on the L.A.-headquartered "Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien."
Press release!
NBC ANNOUNCES THAT ANDY RICHTER WILL REUNITE WITH CONAN O'BRIEN WHEN HE RETURNS FOR NEW 'THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH CONAN O’BRIEN'
O'Brien and Richter to Work Together for First Time on a Daily Basis in Almost Nine Years as He Rejoins Late-Night Television as The Announcer on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” Beginning June 1 in Los Angeles
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA. – February 24, 2009 – Conan O'Brien will have a familiar face when he begins his new "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" on NBC where he will reunite with Andy Richter ("Late Night with Conan O'Brien") -- for the first time on a daily basis in almost nine years -- as the network announced that Richter will return to its late-night lineup as the announcer for the new show that begins June 1. In addition to his announcing duties, Richter will participate in comedic pieces.
Few performers enjoy the chemistry that Richter and O'Brien developed over their seven years together on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." Richter will join O'Brien for the first time on a daily basis since May 26, 2000.
"Andy is one of the funniest people I know and we've maintained a close friendship since he left "Late Night," said O'Brien. "We have a proven chemistry that will be an incredible asset to "The Tonight Show." I'm looking forward to working with Andy on a daily basis again, particularly since he owes me $300."
Actor and writer Andy Richter rose to fame while having the best seat in the house on NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" as O'Brien's sidekick since its premiere on September 13, 1993. Since his departure from the show in 2000, Richter starred in the Emmy nominated "Andy Richter Controls the Universe" for the Fox network, and most recently starred in the series "Andy Barker, P.I." for NBC. Richter has been very active in the feature film world as well. His many appearances include such films as Robert Altman's "Dr. T and the Women" and "Scary Movie 2", "Elf" and "Madagascar: (both 1 and 2), "Talladega Nights", "Blades of Glory" and "Semi-Pro". This summer, he can be seen in the Fox feature "They Came From Upstairs". Richter attended the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign and Columbia College, where he studied film and video.
"The Tonight Show" continues to be the most dominant late-night institution in television history. Since it first premiered on September 27, 1954 with Steve Allen, "The Tonight Show" has had just four permanent hosts, including Leno. Allen, host of the then titled "Tonight," eventually left late night to start his own primetime variety series on NBC. Jack Paar premiered on July 29, 1957. On October 1, 1962, Johnny Carson stepped on stage for day one of his tenure as host of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." Leno, who began guest-hosting "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in September 1987, became host of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on May 25, 1992. O'Brien joined NBC as a writer on "Saturday Night Live" in 1988 and premiered as host of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on September 13, 1993. O'Brien becomes the fifth host of "The Tonight Show" on June 1, 2009.
"The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" will originate from Stage 1 at Universal Studios and will be produced by Universal Media Studios. Jeff Ross is the executive producer.
Arriving One Month From Today!!
The Watchmen Film Companion!!
O'Brien and Richter to Work Together for First Time on a Daily Basis in Almost Nine Years as He Rejoins Late-Night Television as The Announcer on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” Beginning June 1 in Los Angeles
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA. – February 24, 2009 – Conan O'Brien will have a familiar face when he begins his new "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" on NBC where he will reunite with Andy Richter ("Late Night with Conan O'Brien") -- for the first time on a daily basis in almost nine years -- as the network announced that Richter will return to its late-night lineup as the announcer for the new show that begins June 1. In addition to his announcing duties, Richter will participate in comedic pieces.
Few performers enjoy the chemistry that Richter and O'Brien developed over their seven years together on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." Richter will join O'Brien for the first time on a daily basis since May 26, 2000.
"Andy is one of the funniest people I know and we've maintained a close friendship since he left "Late Night," said O'Brien. "We have a proven chemistry that will be an incredible asset to "The Tonight Show." I'm looking forward to working with Andy on a daily basis again, particularly since he owes me $300."
Actor and writer Andy Richter rose to fame while having the best seat in the house on NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" as O'Brien's sidekick since its premiere on September 13, 1993. Since his departure from the show in 2000, Richter starred in the Emmy nominated "Andy Richter Controls the Universe" for the Fox network, and most recently starred in the series "Andy Barker, P.I." for NBC. Richter has been very active in the feature film world as well. His many appearances include such films as Robert Altman's "Dr. T and the Women" and "Scary Movie 2", "Elf" and "Madagascar: (both 1 and 2), "Talladega Nights", "Blades of Glory" and "Semi-Pro". This summer, he can be seen in the Fox feature "They Came From Upstairs". Richter attended the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign and Columbia College, where he studied film and video.
"The Tonight Show" continues to be the most dominant late-night institution in television history. Since it first premiered on September 27, 1954 with Steve Allen, "The Tonight Show" has had just four permanent hosts, including Leno. Allen, host of the then titled "Tonight," eventually left late night to start his own primetime variety series on NBC. Jack Paar premiered on July 29, 1957. On October 1, 1962, Johnny Carson stepped on stage for day one of his tenure as host of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." Leno, who began guest-hosting "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in September 1987, became host of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on May 25, 1992. O'Brien joined NBC as a writer on "Saturday Night Live" in 1988 and premiered as host of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on September 13, 1993. O'Brien becomes the fifth host of "The Tonight Show" on June 1, 2009.
"The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" will originate from Stage 1 at Universal Studios and will be produced by Universal Media Studios. Jeff Ross is the executive producer.
Arriving One Month From Today!!
The Watchmen Film Companion!!
-
+ Expand All
-
THIS is cool news!
-
Not that I'm complaining about the return of Andy.
-
Hell yeah! I was wondering if that was going to happen.
-
yeah he is gone and so is Max Weinberg he did not want to move to LA.
-
Looks like he decided to come after all.
-
What's John's job other than to sit in the back and laugh at Jay's jokes? Why is this show number 1? Good riddance to Jay Leno.
-
SOME!
-
This is the BEST news I've heard all year! FINALLY!
-
this was announced on-air.
-
For hardcore Conan fans like myself this is GREAT fucking news! You rule Andy!
-
But Andy and Conan had a chemistry unmatched! The Late Night Show was never the same without Andy!
www.youtube.com/wearemaladjusted
Are YOU Maladjusted? -
That's FANTASTIC.
-
Go read the talkback from last Friday.
-
As soon as they announced that they were giving Conan The Tonight Show I knew Richter was gonna come back. I mean that was the whole point of Conan and Andy was to pay homage to Johnny and Ed. Richter's had his shot solo and after a few failed sitcoms I'm sure he'd rather be back with Conan than only having to look forward to creepy guest villain roles on "Chuck".
That means all the classic old bits are back. The Staring Contest, The REAL "In the year 2000". This news is awesome. Conan's OK on his own but they're sooooo much better together.
-
Some good news for a change. Let the staring contests begin!!!
-
I don't like Andy as a guest and didn't watch / fall in love with Conan until long after he left so ... eeeeeeh. Don't really care for him professionally, either, but I'm sure he'll win me over.
-
It's a shame Andy's awesome TV shows didn't pan out, but it's to the Tonight Show's benefit.
-
Although I think that losing Andy probably did make Conan have to grow, I think it's undeniable that they had a great chemistry together. And I think Andy Richter is funnier/better than the various bit characters/etc. that Conan played off of instead.
I'm sort of sorry that Andy's solo career didn't work out like I am sure he hoped, but it seems pretty clear people weren't really able to accept him as someone to carry as how. This is great to see him coming back and forming a great comedy pairing with Conan again. -
This IS cool news!
-
I was wondering how they would deal with his taste for young Filipino men on the Tonight Show.
-
He's gonna announce for Fallon. Which would be a really smart move in NBC's part to build on Conan's audience. They could even do a funny sketch where Fallon finds Joel in the janitor's closet.
-
so this was an absolute necessity for them. This is a little weird though because I'm pretty sure Conan said Joel was going with them. Maybe he'll be their new Abe Vigoda, showing up occasionally for bit parts.
-
Lincoln Money-shot Channel.
-
SO awesome!
-
But he's getting up there in years, maybe he was ready to retire and not uproot his entire life this late in the game. I just hope the show doesn't become too tame now that it's on earlier. I know Conan stated that it wouldn't be less childish, but I still worry NBC execs may dick around with his formula.
-
Even if it's been random parts and appearances, he's not exactly starving. But it'll be good to see him back on being the deadpan snarker to Conan's occasional goofiness.
-
Feb 24, 2009 4:32:46 PM CST
Wow... I actually said "Yippee" outloud...
by spifftacular squirrel girl
I'm no better than Jake Lloyd now. For shame.
Seriously, that is some really great news. I so cannot wait for their first Tonight Show together. -
HELL YES!!!!!
-
Andy was always such a huge part of the show in those beginning years. Great news!
-
to "ANDY RICHTER On the Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien and his inseparable pal, ANDY RICHTER"?
Did he get fired from "According to Jim (WITH ANDY RICHTER)"? -
Doesn't he seem like an odd announcer? He doesn't have an announcerey voice, really. He's a great foil for Conando, though, so - like I said, I'm totally happy that he'll be around.
-
I will be watching this show every night.
-
Oh well, we still got Dave and Big Red.
-
and now a message from Alpo......
-
To Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon. As long as Andy doesn't say heeeeeeeere's Conan. Then they're trying too hard.
-
I know Conan probably can show that character on The Tonight Show, but it would be hilarious if Conan decided to stick it to NBC on occasion by bringing him out.
Also since Al Roker is stuck in New York, who would make a good back-up guest?
It would also be funny if Conan started sending Andy to other NBC shows naked like when made Andy think a door leading to the Today Show was a turkish bath. -
he'll probably just find interesting ways of presenting conan. Like the first show will be andy just saying: "ok everybody.....it's conan o'brien"
-
Feb 24, 2009 4:54:08 PM CST
Oh, and Andy Richter Controls the Universe was fantastic!
by bass ackwards
Andy PI was alright too.
-
I was sad to see Late Night (or at least, Late Night with Conan) end, but I cannot wait for this!
-
He got shafted on the last episode.
-
Feb 24, 2009 4:59:01 PM CST
Good timing, it`s all about 90s nostalgia right now.
by flim springfield
-
I was hoping this would happen.
-
Love O Brien, but Letterman is still the man.
-
I love Andy & this is great news, but Alan Kalter is the funniest character on TV right now.
-
This is fantastic news. I was heartbroken that Conan was leaving NY (being a long time NY native and only watching him live once), but if Conan taking over the Tonight Show means the return of Andy Richter, then I'm perfectly satisfied.
Although I'm kind of saddened that Richter's solo career never panned out. Andy Barker, PI was actually a pretty solid show. If only NBC had given it more leeway. *sigh* -
It makes sense, given the fact that Hollywood types are lazy and prefer to do the show in-between bowel movements. Andy made that show an extra level of brilliant back in the day- I've had a hard time stomaching solo Conan- this is a great move.
-
Congrats!
-
...and have my eyeballs fucked even further by this!!!
-
oh wait, we're already over ftw? why doesn't anyone tell me these things?
-
...to make sure this wasn't some cruel April Fool's joke. Kudos to you, Andy, for having the good sense to come back. You were sorely missed!
-
all the time on UNIVERSAL HD. All SIX episodes.
-
I'm looking forward to seeing this a lot more now.
-
It was such a great moment to have them back together for the Late Night finale...I was slightly disappointed at the time because Andy just kind of sat there while they showed the clips, that there was no bit or even much of a conversation between them aside from the moment he was introduced. Better than not having him on at all of course, but naturally I was left wanting more, wishing Conan might have had him on for the whole week.
BUT THIS REDEEMS EVERYTHINGGGGGGGGG -
It could be the one who's a stuntman for all we know.
-
Happy just for the fact that Andy will have a steady job again. I've missed him.
-
This is some good TV news
-
As papawapa says, Joel's getting up in years. Why would he want to uproot himself in this, what is likely the last decade of his life, just to announce a show and make a bunch of gay jokes?
And may I say, this is beyond great news. Curious they didn't announce it last Friday; perhaps it wasn't a done deal then? At any rate, if this isn't the perfect antidote to an LA-centric, watered-down Conan, I don't know what is. Man, never thought I'd see the day. Consider me sold, NBC.
And Mr. Idioteque, what is this you say about Max not showing up for the first 3 months? -
I was there i concurred with your assesment...cant help but wonder why they didnt announce on air.....i cant frickin wait for conan to take over now.
-
It had too. Conan's good all on his own, but with Andy it's pure genius. And with Jeff Ross still producing I'm pretty sure this will just be like Late Night, only in LA. Also I might be out of the loop, but is Conan bringing the Green Ford Taurus SHO? I know Leno has a good car collection, but nothing compares to the Green Taurus.
-
now i reallly can't wait for june.
-
Either this, or a new spin off about the identical brothers he played on Arrested.
-
Good to see the little guy will have years of employment to come on the new Tonight Show... Go get 'em guys, I will tune in now, for certain...
-
so happy
-
that is awesome fucking news! i have always looked back on andy's period on the show as the golden age of conan. i've been a fan of conan's from early on, and missed the hell out of him for the past 9 years. it was great to see him back next to conan on the finale friday. can't wait to watch conan in LA. love jay, but it's just not my style of show
-
this is the coolest news in late night tv ever.
-
Reason alone for Conan to take over the Tonight Show. BRINGING ANDY RICHTER BACK! FUCK YEAH! I got a reason to watch late night again.
-
YAY!I bet he got sick of playing canasta with TV's Frank and Torgo.
-
Andy went to the same college as me. I never knew this.
-
I would have preferred the kept Joel on and made Andy the sidekick again but I'll take what I can get. I have to admit, I was hoping that the move to LA and Andy's failed attempts to get his own show going would reunite the two of them.
-
Conan and Andy were good for each other. Andy didn't fare too well on his own, though. (I don't blame him for the cancellations, but I suspect a lot of Hollywood types are now sure he can't carry a show on his own.)
What with Conan's move to the big show, Andy can return to sidekick and feel like it's an historical gig rather than feel like he's crawling back, plus he gets a base in LA where he can do occasional film and TV roles on the side. -
The talk show shuffle is a way for the network to keep up with aging audiences without changing formulas. Leno's core audience can go to bed even earlier, Conan's core fans get to trim an hour off their bed time by tuning it at 11:30, Fallon supposedly will appeal to a younger group at 12:30, and Carson Daly stays at 1:30 because that slot must not be attractive enough to draw infomercials. At least that's the way it looks to me.
-
This is the BEST fucking news.
For the love of god, I want him sitting on that couch next to Conan. That needs to happen. -
He promised on Friday to not grow up, he better keep his promise.
-
He wasn't on Late Night, so who cares?
-
But of course AICN only runs stories that skip that part.
-
But it will all be meaningless without Abe Vigoda. There's just something about him that has always brought a smile to my face. Hey, after Late Night with Jimmy Fallon how about........Insomnia with Abe Vigoda! Or at least how about a DVD release of Fish? I can't get enough Abe......he just always makes me laugh. What a great actor!
-
parallel: compare the Andy/Conan reunion with SCTV's William B. (John Candy)/Sammy Maudlin. William B. exiled himself from Sammy's talk show ("I'm bringin' down the ratings") but had no choice other than to replay his role as Sammy's second banana.
-
Get back on the couch, Andy, give Joel his rightful place back. (Conan called him "Da da comedy" on his final show which was fantastic.)
-
Bet the farm on Horatio Sanz (recurrent rumor: High Pitch Eric will play the equivalent of Larry "Bud" Melman. Completely Unconfirmed).
-
but I don't like the idea of losing Joel the demented announcer...
-
Although there are some that think abe vigoda is a cyborg, I'm pretty sure he just wants to retire... And not move to L.A. Also i think he works for NBC not specifically for conan.
-
As long as Kimmel isn't on at the same time- you may have my eyes on this show
-
This just went from me watching a few times a week to every night. I love Andy!
-
... wouldn't it be cool if conan did some skit work with UCB LA? I know when ucb only had the theater in New York, they showed up all the time. It'd be even cooler to have Amy Poehler revive her character as Andy's little sister who has a massive crush on conan. Geekgasm
-
Seriously as much as I wish that "Andy Richter Controls The Universe" had been successful I'm glad to see him back with Conan just to do the "Staring Contest" bits again. That bit was fucking hilarious.
-
but during the last few shows, every time they showed him it looked like he was always on the verge of tears. I want him on the new show, but I knew he wouldn't be coming along. I'll definitely miss him, but I'm very glad Andy is back.
-
...now I can switch over full time to Craig Ferguson at 12:30, right after I watch Conan! Fuck Fallon.
-
sketch those were funny as hell.
-
...guy hasn't been doing much besides being in a contest with Nathan Fillion for "Most Failed Series" for the last 8 years. Good for him!
-
Feb 26, 2009 4:59:44 PM CST
They should make him the "Ed McMahon" instead of the announcer
by herbwestaustin
That's a step down. Did Conan also make Andy his new gardener?
Readers Talkback
User Login
Top Talkbacks
- To Commemorate The 3D Release Of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, George Lucas Wants You To Know...Greedo Shoots First!! -- 425 total posts 425 posts
- Quint travels to Barsoom and visits the John Carter set!!! -- 125 total posts 94 posts
- SPACE 2099!! -- 155 total posts 79 posts
- Rest In Peace Bethesda’s Adam Adamowicz -- 70 total posts 70 posts
- There's a STAR TREK video game that is going to lead into JJ's STAR TREK 2 apparently... -- 67 total posts 67 posts
- Friday Brings SWEEPS DAY NINE!! Gab Here About Tonight’s FRINGE!! Plus Einstein on TIM, Wiig On PORTLANDIA, MAHER, CLONE, GIFTED, GRIMM, SPARTACUS, SUPERNATURAL, GOLD RUSH And More!! -- 86 total posts 66 posts
- The Sensorties Revisit The Friday Docback (And Still Smell)!! DOCTOR WHO Story #7 Again, The Coming Of Season/Series 7, And More!! -- 65 total posts 65 posts
- AVENGERS enemy revealed as pink boardgame pieces... You might suffer some form of elation... SPOILERS!!! -- 57 total posts 52 posts
- Ridley Scott's Next Will Be Cormac McCarthy's THE COUNSELOR! -- 48 total posts 48 posts
- Wanna smell like the Hulk? What about Cap? Consider yourself a Thunder God or a unisex God of Mischief? -- 45 total posts 44 posts