Conan O'Brien Films Late Night Show Episode in Cuba
Conan O'Brien has taken a cue from President Barack Obama's efforts to warm ties with Cuba and, over the past weekend, filmed the March 4 episode of his TBS show in Havana, CNN reported.
The late-night host's crew spent "multiple days taking in the sights, sounds and culture of the country," according to a "Conan" news release. It marks the first time a U.S. late-night show has filmed in the Cuba since the United States imposed an embargo on the Communist nation in 1962.
"The trip gives the 'Conan' audience a rare glimpse into the daily life of a country not often seen by American viewers," TBS producers noted.
The comedian's show is known for its road trips, and O'Brien has filmed in various U.S. cities -- including New York, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta -- and a number of foreign countries, such as Ireland and Finland, Deadline Hollywood detailed. The farthest he has taken 'Conan' may have been when he and Steven Yuen visited a Korean spa last week.
The 51-year-old had mentioned a possible trip to Cuba for a couple of months. The timing of the stunt was ultimately decided by the holiday calendar: Because his show does not do a live episode on President's Day, the production had an extra day to wrap things up in the island nation's capital.
The last time an American entertainment show visited the island was in 1959, when Jack Paar of the "Tonight Show" interviewed Communist leader Fidel Castro, TIME recalled. Paar died in 2004, but Castro remains active in Cuban politics, though the 88-year-old handed his country's presidency over to his brother, Raúl, 83, in 2008.
In December, Obama and Raúl Castro announced that the United States and Cuba were working to reestablish diplomatic relations and planned to open embassies in Havana and Washington, CNN noted. The Obama administration has also loosen some travel restrictions that remain in place due to the 1962 embargo, the news channel added.
The episode, which promises to offer a glimpse into Cubans' daily life, will air on March 4 at 11 p.m. Eastern Time, USA Today detailed.
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