If you thought the end of Conan meant the end of a delightful long-running gag, you’re poorly mistaken. Paul Rudd joined Conan O’Brien on his podcast Conan Needs a Friend. And you probably know where this is going. The Ant-Man star appeared on the podcast and started to promote a passion project he’s been working on. For Audible, no less. So when he mentions he has a clip, O’Brien is more than game to listen. Until the clip starts playing.
Yep, it’s the return of the Mac (and Me). And it’s made even sweeter by O’Brien’s genuine shock. “You can’t do that on a podcast. That’s why I didn’t see it coming,” the baffled host said. “You can’t do that on a podcast! It’s a visual joke.”
While Rudd agreed that it absolutely doesn’t work in podcast form, he wanted to test it out. After two decades with the same Mac and Me gag, what’s better than shaking things up and presenting it in audio form? Luckily, the Team Coco crew recorded the whole bit so we get to see it in video form anyway. For what it’s worth, we think it absolutely works in podcast form. If only to hear O’Brien say, “You can’t do that on a podcast” a dozen times.
What’s beautiful is how much effort Rudd goes into the set-up. For two whole minutes, he drums up enthusiasm for this really exciting “new project.” From a plot to a cast—which consisted of himself, Adam Scott, Ken Marino, and Celia Weston—to the home on Audible, Rudd pitched it hard.
Interestingly, I don’t think Rudd ever mentions a name for the Audible show. Which maybe should’ve been the tell. But the enthusiasm plus the many, many details, it’s easy to see how O’Brien didn’t even notice. It certainly took me a few listens to realize this particular omission.
After two decades of the same joke, it’s nice to see some things never change. Now, will Paul Rudd ever return to Conan Needs a Friend? And if so, is he allowed to bring a clip? Only time–and Conan’s producers—will tell. Listen to the entire charming episode of Conan Needs a Friend here.