Conan O'Brien proposes two-person show with Brooklyn bar owner Debbie Shields

Conan O'Brien has offered to perform a two-person show or sitcom with Debbie Shields, a Brooklyn bar owner who became an internet sensation following a subway encounter with the comedian. O'Brien made the offer in an interview with New York Magazine, stating he is open to working with Shields again. "I'll do a sitcom with her," he said. "Or we can just hit the road, do a two-person show."

The pair met on the New York City subway while O'Brien was a guest on SubwayTakes, an internet talk show hosted by Kareem Rahma. The show features regular New Yorkers and celebrities discussing controversial opinions while riding the train. Shields was riding the subway to see her accountant when she noticed O'Brien and a camera crew. She told Nil Köksal, host of CBC's As It Happens, that she saw the camera crew and realized it was O'Brien. A friend confirmed the identity, and Shields asked him to hold her seat while she went to say hello.

The interaction escalated into an improvised scene near the end of the broadcast. O'Brien apologized to Shields as she sat down next to Rahma. The two shook hands and began joking that they were previously married. Shields responded that they had two children, adding that one was in medical school and the other was in jail. The comment caused O'Brien to laugh. The clip from the episode has since garnered millions of views online.

Shields said she had no prior knowledge of SubwayTakes before boarding the train. She described the encounter as a surprise, noting that she was simply trying to find a seat. Shields, who runs comedy nights at her bar, Confessions Bar, in Brooklyn, said she enjoys making people laugh. She told Köksal, "If you give it to me, I give it right back to you." She added that she was not nervous during the exchange and said she was having a ball.

The attention began on the Tuesday evening after the episode aired. Shields was in her bar when patrons showed her the clip. By Wednesday morning, she was receiving calls from radio stations and news outlets. She reported getting calls from Japan, Australia, and England. The viral moment led to appearances on SXM radio and in the New York Times. Shields said the experience was surreal and busy.

The team behind SubwayTakes has contacted Shields to arrange another show with O'Brien. Shields expressed enthusiasm for the potential collaboration. In a dream scenario, she said she would love to appear on Saturday Night Live. The bar has also capitalized on the moment by creating a new drink called Baby Daddy O'Brien. The cocktail contains whiskey, Triple Sec, lemon, lime, and blood orange.

O'Brien is an Emmy-winning comedian and former late night host. He was impressed by Shields' wit during their interaction. Viewers praised her ability to keep up with his rapid-fire humor. Shields described O'Brien as witty, fast, risky, and risque. She said she admires his style of comedy. The exchange has been compared to a spontaneous sketch, with the two engaging in a bit of fictional domestic history during the ride.

Shields plans to continue hosting comedy nights at Confessions Bar. She said she wants people to remember that she made them laugh. The bar features Friday night comedy events where Shields introduces the host and interacts with the audience. She has traveled to Canada multiple times and expressed interest in bringing her show to Toronto. The current buzz around her name has led to increased media inquiries from across the country and internationally. Shields remains focused on her business and her passion for comedy.