Conan O'Brien proves a worthy recipient of Mark Twain award in a new Netflix special

By David Bianculli

Published May 13, 2025 at 1:32 PM EDT

Back in March, a group of comic luminaries 鈥� from John Mulaney to Nikki Glaser 鈥� gathered at the Kennedy Center to celebrate O'Brien for receiving the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

David Bianculli

David Bianculli is a guest host and TV critic on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross. A contributor to the show since its inception, he has been a TV critic since 1975.

See stories by David Bianculli

Stories From This Author

'The Four Seasons' plays as a rom-com -- with a much wiser perspective than many

David Bianculli

Tina Fey co-created and stars in a Netflix series about three middle-aged couples who meet for four short vacations each year. It's a mature, laid-back show, evoking more smiles than belly laughs.
A new documentary checks out the many ways libraries are a 'Free For All'

David Bianculli

By examining the value of libraries in the distant and recent past, this PBS film makes a compelling case for the importance of the American public library system today.
'The Rehearsal' feels more surprising than ever as it returns for Season 2

David Bianculli

The Max show uses actors and real people to stage elaborate recreations and imaginings of events. It's like a mystery tour, because you aren't given any clues about the final destination.

深夜福利

Conan O'Brien proves a worthy recipient of Mark Twain award in a new Netflix special