Conan O'Brien shocks fans with dramatic hair transformation

Conan O'Brien surprised fans after debuting a slicked-back hairstyle on the latest episode of his Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend podcast, prompting a flood of reactions online over his dramatic new look.

The former late-night host showed off the unexpected hairstyle while interviewing actress Molly Shannon, with viewers quickly taking to YouTube to comment on the change.

Fans react to O'Brien's new look

Many fans joked that the comedian looked completely different, with one writing, "Greaser Conan isn't real. He can't hurt you."

Others compared the look to characters from The Sopranos or joked that O'Brien looked like a used car salesman.

Several viewers also questioned why nobody on the podcast acknowledged the hairstyle, with one commenting, "I'm expecting a dedicated segment about Conan's hair at this point."

No explanation from O'Brien

O'Brien did not explain the hairstyle during the episode or on social media, although he later shared a photo with Shannon on Instagram.

Some fans speculated he had simply recorded the podcast shortly after showering and that his trademark pompadour returned once his hair dried.

A trademark look for decades

O'Brien has worn his signature voluminous pompadour for most of his television career.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he joked that the hairstyle was "crumbling under its own weight" as it grew longer during quarantine.