Dan Levy

Mon Apr 20 2026

Actor, director, and writer Dan Levy feels thrilled, titillated, excited, and stimulated about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. Dan sits down with Conan to discuss memories of the great Catherine O’Hara, how Canadian self-awareness creates a unique sense of comedy, producing six seasons of Schitt’s Creek without the pressure of audience expectations, and the bombastic cast of his newest show Big Mistakes. Later, Conan brings in his lawyer David Melmed to consult on Aaron Bleyaert’s questionable tax write-offs. For Conan videos, tour dates and more visit TeamCoco.com. Got a question for Conan? Call our voicemail: (669) 587-2847.

Transcript

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Dan Levy (1:00)

hi, my name is Dan Levy, and I'm feeling thrilled, titillated, excited, stimulated. Jesus to be Conan o' Brien's friend.

Conan O'Brien (1:11)

I think you're thinking of a different Conan o'. Brien.

Dan Levy (1:13)

I'm just feeling really good right now.

Conan O'Brien (1:18)

Fall is here Hear the yell Back to school Ring the bell Brand new

Sona Movsesian (1:24)

shoes Walking loose Climb the fence Books and pens I can tell that we

Conan O'Brien (1:30)

are gonna be friends I can tell that we are gonna be friends hey, everybody. Welcome to Conan o' Brien Needs a Friend. And I sit here quite proudly with my good friend Sonam of session. Hey, Sona.

Sona Movsesian (1:45)

Hi. Hi.

Conan O'Brien (1:46)

And of course, David. Hopping. Hello. We were chatting just before the podcast started about different things that we were excited about. And then, David, you were electrified because you said. And you had a huge smile on your face. You said, they just renewed Grey's Anatomy.

Dan Levy (2:01)

I know.

Conan O'Brien (2:02)

For what?

David Hopping (2:02)

Season 23.

Conan O'Brien (2:04)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend – Dan Levy (April 20, 2026)

Main Theme / Overview

In this episode, Conan O’Brien sits down with Emmy award-winning actor, writer, and director DAN LEVY, best known for "Schitt’s Creek," to discuss comedy, the legacy and chemistry of Canadian humor, the emotional impact of Catherine O’Hara's passing, navigating fame as the child of a comedy legend, the intricacies of television production, and Dan's new project, "Big Mistakes." Throughout, the conversation is punctuated by warmth, humor, spontaneity, and Conan’s trademark playful banter with his co-hosts Sona Movsesian, Matt Gourley, and David Hopping.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Workplace Antics & Banter ([01:00]–[08:12])

The show opens with the team riffing on the longevity and outrageous plotlines of "Grey’s Anatomy," leading to playful finger-pointing between Conan, Sona, and David about workplace laziness.
Memorable digressions about the "Grey’s Anatomy" bomb-in-a-patient plot and the subsequent demise of Kyle Chandler.
- Quote: "You are a cancer that turns everyone into an indolent clown." — Conan ([03:06])
Conan’s skepticism and mockery of long-running TV tropes is met with affectionately exasperated rebuttals from Sona and David.
The segment segues into introducing Dan Levy as the guest.

2. Catherine O’Hara’s Legacy & Canadian Comedy Excellence ([10:32]–[18:41])

The group reflects on Catherine O’Hara’s recent passing and her unique brilliance.
- Quote: "She’s impossible not to watch and she’s impossible not to love." — Dan Levy ([11:28])
Conan shares a personal anecdote about getting punched by Catherine O’Hara after a Paul McCartney joke at SNL 50th.
Discussion explores why so many comedy greats are Canadian, with Dan pointing to "self-awareness" as a core differentiator.
- Quote: "A lack of self-awareness is the most boring... Canadians are very aware of how boring they are, and that’s what makes it funny." — Dan Levy ([18:24])
Conan marvels at the close-knit, supportive world of Canadian comedy — referencing the SCTV and Godspell ensembles.

3. Growing Up Levy & Avoiding the “Leg Up” ([19:47]–[23:22])

Dan speaks frankly about navigating his father Eugene Levy’s fame, wanting to build his own path, and the challenge of being constantly compared.
- Quote: "I would, like, walk 10 steps ahead or 10 steps behind...I wanted to trial and error my own skills without the constant comparison." — Dan Levy ([20:32])
Dan’s desire to carve his own creative identity and do the “torture” of figuring things out independently echoes the value he finds in humility and perseverance.
- Quote: "You want the torture of doing it completely on your own, but also when you do it on your own, there is a greater satisfaction in the success." — Dan Levy ([23:13])

4. Mother’s Day Gifting Tangent ([23:22]–[26:10])

Conan and team briefly detour to discuss gifts for Sona, spotlighting his characteristic mix of self-deprecation and boastfulness.

5. The Difficult Road of "Schitt’s Creek" ([28:17]–[30:26])

Dan discusses the early negative press ("I believe the New York Times called me untalented." — [28:28]), how the show thrived under the radar, and the joy of creative freedom when few are watching.
Importance of perseverance and letting the audience find the show in its own time.
- Quote: "We were able to just make the show we wanted...nobody cared...and then it wasn’t until I had finished writing the last episode...that people started to pay attention." — Dan Levy ([29:49])

6. The Magic of Collaboration with Catherine O’Hara ([31:29]–[34:45])

Catherine O’Hara’s process: rewriting scenes, playing with costumes, and the creative excitement of costuming "Schitt’s Creek."
- Quote: "She would email them the night before being like, 'Gentlemen, some thoughts'...unbelievable rewrite of the scene." — Dan Levy ([31:33])
Costume logistics—how the wild wardrobes became an integral part of the characters, especially Moira Rose.

7. Realities of TV Production—Budgets & Keepsakes ([36:01]–[37:47])

Contrary to myth, the team didn’t get to keep all the designer clothes; most were sold off post-show to balance the budget.
- Quote: "Do you understand how little that show cost? We had to sell every piece of clothing." — Dan Levy ([36:36])

8. Cultural Pressures & Artistic Integrity Post-Success ([37:47]–[40:44])

The relentless industry emphasis on "momentum."
- Quote: "I cannot hear the word 'momentum' ever again. It means nothing to me. Momentum forces people to make bad decisions." — Dan Levy ([38:07])
Dan’s commitment to quality over rushing into new projects, and honest admission of doing commercials to support the artistic work.
Quote: "Did I sell Tostitos chips? Absolutely. Do you regret it? Absolutely not." — Dan Levy / Conan ([39:38]–[39:43])

9. Dan Levy’s New Show “Big Mistakes” ([40:44]–[49:12])

Dan describes branching out beyond his "Schitt’s Creek" persona; his new show is a comedy-crime hybrid about a pastor blackmailed into organized crime.
- Quote: "It almost felt like you throwing down a gauntlet: no, this is not David [Rose]." — Conan ([43:21])
Collaborating with Rachel Sennott and Taylor Ortega is highlighted, as well as the thrill of introducing new talent and working with veterans like Laurie Metcalf.
- Quote: "Taylor is...I'm so excited for people to see her...There's something thrilling about introducing somebody to an audience." — Dan Levy ([48:00])

10. Anxiety, Families, and Comic Inspiration ([49:12]–[52:19])

Both Dan and Conan reflect on anxiety’s central role in their personal and creative lives.
- Quote: "So much of what I write about is how families interact with each other under difficult circumstances...If you come from a yelly family, I think this show in particular celebrates yelly families." — Dan Levy ([50:04])

11. Home, Family, and Roots ([52:19]–[55:14])

Dan discusses living in L.A., shooting in New Jersey, and the bittersweet feeling of his Toronto childhood fading into memory.
Touching story of Conan’s first meeting with Eugene Levy and the kindness he exhibited, highlighting the Levy family’s reputation for warmth.
- Quote: "He’s a very sweet man. Yeah...I did not inherit his goodness." — Dan Levy ([55:14])

12. Parting Thoughts & Generational Legacy ([55:49]–[56:54])

Conan expresses pride and delight in seeing the “next generation” of comedic storytellers succeed.

Notable Quotes

Conan O’Brien [01:13]: "I think you’re thinking of a different Conan O’Brien."
Dan Levy [11:28]: "Every time I see her, even though I wrote the thing, I stop and I watch...she is impossible not to watch."
Dan Levy [18:24]: "Canadians are very aware of how boring they are, and that’s what makes it funny."
Dan Levy [23:13]: "You want the torture of doing it completely on your own, but also when you do it on your own, there is a greater satisfaction in the success."
Dan Levy [29:49]: "We were able to just make the show we wanted...nobody cared...and then it wasn’t until I had finished writing the last episode...that people started to pay attention."
Dan Levy [38:07]: "Momentum forces people to make bad decisions."
Conan O'Brien [43:21]: "It almost felt like you throwing down a gauntlet: no, this is not David."
Dan Levy [48:00]: "Finding somebody who has done the work, found the job, and is ready to go and showing them to the world, that's a thrill."
Dan Levy [50:04]: "If you come from a yelly family, I think this show in particular celebrates yelly families."
Dan Levy [55:14]: "He’s a very sweet man. Yeah...I did not inherit his goodness."

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:00] – Dan’s comedic introduction and “Grey’s Anatomy” banter
[10:32] – Reflection on Catherine O’Hara’s passing and Canadian comedy
[19:47] – Dan on stepping out of his father’s shadow
[28:17] – The tough road and delayed success of "Schitt’s Creek"
[31:29] – Bringing Moira Rose to life & costuming
[36:36] – TV production finances and keepsake realities
[38:07] – On “momentum” and artistic choices after success
[40:44] – Creation and concept of "Big Mistakes"
[43:21] – Dan’s new show and playing against type
[49:12] – Comedy, family dynamics, and anxiety as creative fuel
[52:19] – Where Dan calls home now, and the changing nature of “home”
[55:14] – Conan and Dan on family kindness and legacy

Memorable Moments

Conan’s elaborate lampooning of "Grey’s Anatomy" (and Sona’s patient explanations) ([03:01]–[08:12])
Detailed, affectionate recollections of Catherine O’Hara, including Conan being "punched" over a Paul McCartney joke ([12:09]–[13:43])
Dan’s description of SCTV, Canadian comedy luminaries, and the almost mythical Godspell cast ([16:24]–[17:12])
The creative process around Moira Rose’s wardrobe, culminating in stories about intricate costume fittings ([33:04]–[34:49])
Dan’s candidness about early criticism and struggles with self-worth as Eugene Levy’s son, and how it shaped his career ([28:28], [20:31])
Joyous stories about introducing new talent to the world in "Big Mistakes" ([47:45]–[48:56])
Reflection on "yelly families," anxiety, and intergenerational trauma as both challenge and creative treasure ([50:04]–[51:47])

Episode Tone & Style

The episode is candid, fast-paced, and filled with both affectionate ribbing and genuine vulnerability. Dan Levy and Conan O'Brien mirror each other's wit and humor, but also warmly reflect on tougher topics like grief, impostor syndrome, and the pressures of creative legacy. The tone remains playful throughout—even in serious moments, the humor never leaves the room.

This recap covers all major content and will be valuable for both fans of "Schitt’s Creek" and those interested in comedy, creativity, and family dynamics.