Conan O'Brien Leaves SNL Due to Burnout

In 1991, Conan O'Brien made the pivotal decision to leave Saturday Night Live (SNL) due to overwhelming burnout. This period in his life was marked by significant personal and professional challenges, including the failure of his sitcom and a broken engagement. Feeling the weight of these experiences, O'Brien approached SNL's creator, Lorne Michaels, to express his inability to return to work. This decision was not made lightly; it represented a crucial turning point for O'Brien as he sought to regain his creative energy and direction. Following his departure, he took time to explore New York City, hoping to find inspiration and new ideas. Despite stepping away from SNL, O'Brien's journey did not end there. He returned to the show as a host in 2001 and made a cameo appearance in 2022, showcasing his enduring connection to the iconic program. O'Brien's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and the need for self-care in the demanding entertainment industry.