Conan O’Brien Says NBC Tried to Ban Norm Macdonald From His Late-Night Show
podcast this week.O’Brien, in conversation with Andy Richter and “Late Night” and “Conan” producer Frank Smiley, said NBC once tried to bar Macdonald from appearing on “Late Night With Conan O’Brien.” The host said the directive came from former NBC executive Don Ohlmeyer, whose friendship with Simpson was said to be the reason for Macdonald’s earlier removal as “Weekend Update” anchor.“The word came down. ‘You can’t book Norm Macdonald,'” O’Brien said.