REVIEW: ‘Conan O'Brien Must Go’ Season 2 - Absurdity, Heart, And Global Mayhem

Conan O'Brien Must Go Season 2 once again proves that when comedy collides with culture, magic happens—especially when Conan is leading the way. Somehow managing to merge global exploration with his signature vaudevillian absurdity and deadpan humor, this season feels less like a travel show and more like an accidental diplomacy mission led by a red-headed, very tall, and very pale court jester.

Season 2 is a first-class ticket across borders with an aisle seat reserved for chaos. Following the surprise success of Season 1, this round doubles down on its winning formula: real people, real places, and really unhinged encounters. But what sets Season 2 apart is confidence. Conan now knows he doesn’t belong, and he leans into that fish-out-of-water energy with open arms and an even more unfiltered sense of glee.

Armed with a fistful of jokes and a suitcase full of awkward moments, Conan gallivants across Spain, New Zealand, and Austria—a trio of destinations that seem designed to clash spectacularly with his brand of cultural immersion. Conan doesn’t visit countries so much as infiltrate them. He doesn’t participate in traditions, but barrels into them, often leaving a trail of bemused locals and belly laughs in his wake, and as chaotic as his presence may seem, it’s never mean-spirited. In fact, it’s that very chaos that opens the doors and hearts.

One of the show's greatest strengths is its ability to balance chaos with connection. The cinematography is deceptively beautiful, framing rolling hills, historic cathedrals, and bustling marketplaces like a prestige documentary before cutting to Conan doing something asinine and absurd. And yet, despite the absurdity, the show manages to convey a deep affection for the places it visits.

Each episode may begin with a laugh, but it often ends with something far more meaningful. Conan’s real superpower isn’t his improv or timing, it’s his willingness to look completely ridiculous so that others can shine. Whether it’s picking olives, or getting lovingly roasted by a local guide, Conan never makes himself the hero. He makes himself the punchline, and in doing so, lifts up everyone around him.

This season also features some A-list assistance, including appearances from Javier Bardem and Taika Waititi, who lean into the absurdity with impressive ease. Their cameos never feel forced, it folds organically into the unscripted nature of the show, enhancing the already unpredictable energy Conan brings. But it’s the non-famous faces who steal the spotlight.

© Max

Conan’s ability to bounce off strangers, build rapport in seconds, and find the comedy in even the smallest exchanges is what elevates this show beyond gimmick. There’s a moment in one episode that perfectly captivates this. Even in absurdity, with Conan it becomes a moment of genuine cross-cultural connection that leaves both the subject, and the viewer touched.

What makes Conan O'Brien Must Go Season 2 stand out in a crowded travel doc space is that it knows it’s stupid but it’s also smart enough to realize that “stupid” doesn’t mean “shallow.” The humor might not be for everyone, but the show’s emotional intelligence is underrated. It understands that travel is more than sightseeing. It’s about vulnerability, discomfort and cultural exchange. Season 2 lets those elements breathe, it embraces the organic rhythms of real travel and real relationships. There’s a kind of honesty here that makes it all work. If Season 1 was a love letter to Team Coco fans, Season 2 is the delightfully awkward second date that somehow ends in karaoke, drinks, and pizza. It’s weird. It’s refreshing. And it works.

In an era when so much feels curated and hollow, Conan reminds us that there’s still value in being genuinely, gloriously off-script. And honestly? That might be the most human thing of all. You’ll laugh at Conan’s dance moves. You’ll cringe at his attempts to communicate. But you might also find yourself surprisingly moved. In a landscape saturated with polished wanderlust, Conan O’Brien Must Go offers something radical: sincerity.

Rating: ★★★½

---

Conan O’Brien Must Go Season 2 debuts Thursday, May 8 on Max. The three-episode season will debut new episodes weekly, concluding with the season finale on May 22. 

About Conan O’Brien Must Go Season 2

© Max

Premiere Date: May 8, 2025

Episode Count: 3

Executive Producer/Showrunner: Conan O'Brien, Jeff Ross

Writers: Conan O'Brien, Mike Sweeney, Jose Arroyo, Jessie Gaskell

Director: Jason A. Cohn

Production: Conaco

Distribution: Warner Bros. Discovery

Cast: Conan O'Brien, Jordan Schlansky, Javier Bardem, Taika Waititi

Synopsis: In this riotously funny travel series, Conan O'Brien experiences local cultures and connects with fans he previously met on his podcast.