Overview of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend (guest: Dan Levy)
This episode features comedian/actor/writer Dan Levy (David Rose, Schitt’s Creek) chatting with Conan O’Brien, Sona Mavessian, and the regular team. The conversation ranges from pop-culture riffs (an extended, joking takedown of Grey’s Anatomy) to heartfelt reflections on Catherine O’Hara, the making and legacy of Schitt’s Creek, Levy’s creative choices after that show, and his new Netflix series Big Mistakes. The episode also runs a recurring comic bit about Dan’s eccentric collectibles and whether they can be claimed as podcast business expenses.
Key topics discussed
- Grey’s Anatomy: Conan’s bewildered, humorous reaction to the show’s longevity and absurd plotlines (plane crashes, bombs, musical episodes).
- Catherine O’Hara: tribute and personal anecdotes—her brilliance, generosity, creative rewrites, and the deep personal loss felt by Levy and others.
- Canadian comedy lineage: discussion of the SCTV era (John Candy, Andrea Martin, Eugene Levy, etc.), why so many prominent comedians come from Canada, and the cultural traits Levy sees as contributing (self-awareness, lack of hubris).
- Schitt’s Creek behind-the-scenes:
- Early mixed reviews (notably negative press) and the long, low-profile build to a beloved show.
- Costume/wardrobe’s crucial role—how the clothes informed character and storytelling; logistics of complicated costumes (e.g., latex dress).
- Financial realities: low-budget production and selling wardrobe after the series to cover costs.
- Collaborating with Catherine O’Hara: how her rewrites and instincts elevated the material.
- Dan Levy’s career choices post-Schitt’s Creek:
- Intentionally avoiding “momentum” pressure; prioritizing projects he believes in rather than taking every opportunity.
- Made a smaller, more serious film (Good Grief) to explore a different side; returned to comedy with crime-comedy blend Big Mistakes (co-created with Rachel Sennett).
- Casting and mentorship: excitement about introducing relatively new actors (Taylor Ortega) and working with veterans (Laurie Metcalf).
- Personal themes: anxiety and family dynamics—“yelly” families, inherited patterns, and how those inform his storytelling.
- Comic recurring bit: Dan’s collection of eccentric objects (swords, dinosaur egg, meteorites, etc.) and a humorous debate about writing such purchases off as podcast or business expenses—featuring on-air legal banter about IRS rules.
Notable quotes & lines
- On career pressure: “I cannot hear the word momentum ever again.” —Dan Levy
- On Catherine O’Hara’s process: her emails often began “Gentlemen, some thoughts,” and contained extensive rewrites that were embraced by collaborators.
- On family inheritance: “If you come from a yelly family, this show in particular celebrates yelly families.”
- Conan on fandom/ridicule of Grey’s Anatomy: a long, joking riff illustrating the show’s absurd longevity and plot choices.
Guest background & current projects
- Dan Levy: Emmy-winning actor/writer/director best known for Schitt’s Creek (co-created with father Eugene Levy). He’s made the Netflix series Big Mistakes (a comedy-crime hybrid) and the film Good Grief. He discussed co-writing with Rachel Sennett and casting Taylor Ortega and Laurie Metcalf in Big Mistakes.
- Recommended viewing/listening from the episode:
- Schitt’s Creek (for context on Levy’s breakout work)
- Big Mistakes (new Netflix series; Levy emphasizes it’s intentionally different from David Rose)
- Good Grief (small Netflix film by Levy exploring grief)
Takeaways & insights
- Success can arrive slowly; Levy values being able to make the work he wants without early audience pressure (Schitt’s Creek benefited from a quiet build).
- Creative collaborators (like Catherine O’Hara) can transform material—Levy’s role was often to “set the table” and be prepared for their creative contributions.
- Levy deliberately resists industry pressure to constantly capitalize on momentum; he prefers to wait for projects that genuinely excite him.
- Personal history (family dynamics, anxiety) is a sustained source of material and authenticity in Levy’s writing.
Memorable comedic/production bits
- Extended Grey’s Anatomy send-up (Conan’s recurring bit).
- Catherine O’Hara anecdotes (SNL50, Aspen) — both warm and funny.
- Wardrobe logistics: funny behind-the-scenes of dressing Catherine O’Hara in elaborate costumes.
- The “collectibles tax” bit: a running comedic segment where Dan’s purchases (brontosaurus egg, swords, meteorites) are debated as business deductions—bringing in an on-show legal perspective for laughs.
Episode logistics & credits (brief)
- Hosts: Conan O’Brien, Sona Mavessian, David Hopping (and production team)
- Episode features off-script humor, tributes, and promotion for Dan Levy’s Big Mistakes.
- Production credits and ad reads/advertisements are interspersed throughout the episode.
Action items for listeners
- Watch: Big Mistakes (Netflix) and revisit Schitt’s Creek if you haven’t seen it.
- If you enjoyed the episode: subscribe to Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend and consider leaving a rating/review (the show often reads listener reviews).