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Conan O'Brien to Host Final ABC Oscars in 2027

5/13/2026

48 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Conan Hosts Oscars

CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor announced Conan O'Brien will host the 99th Oscars on March 14, 2027, airing live on ABC and Hulu at 7 p.m. ET.
Raj Kapoor, Katy Mullan, Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney will return, with Mike Sweeney also serving as a writer.
The 99th Oscars will end ABC’s run, shift to YouTube for 101st ceremony, and move from the Dolby Theatre after 27 years to L.A. Live for 2029.

Summary

Jimmy O'Brien Passes

The 2026 Oscars drew 17.8 million viewers, down from 19.7 million in 2025.
Host Jimmy O’Brien ended the ceremony with a “host for life” sketch that killed his persona and handed the role to YouTuber MrBeast.
Disney Television executive Rob Mills said O’Brien has a standing offer to continue hosting the Oscars.
Commentators note O’Brien’s successful run could make him a leading candidate to host the centennial 100th Oscars in 2028.

Summary

Conan Oscar Roots

O'Brien said his late father, Dr. Thomas O'Brien (d. Dec 2024), gave him a “cosmic” link to the Oscars.
He recalled watching Johnny Carson host the Oscars with his dad, which sparked his comedic ambitions.
O'Brien’s third consecutive hosting makes him join three-time hosts Jerry Lewis, Steve Martin, Conrad Nagel and David Niven.
Executive Producer Raj Kapoor called O'Brien a “true creative partner” who makes the production fun.

History

Historical Context

The Academy first televised its ceremony on March 19 1953, when the 25th Oscars were broadcast simultaneously from Hollywood’s RKO Pantages Theatre and NBC’s International Theatre in New York, after the Academy paid NBC $100,000. Over seven decades later, the 99th Oscars will leave ABC for YouTube and Hulu, echoing that original shift to a new distribution medium.

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Conan Hosts Oscars

CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor announced Conan O'Brien will host the 99th Oscars on March 14, 2027, airing live on ABC and Hulu at 7 p.m. ET.
Raj Kapoor, Katy Mullan, Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney will return, with Mike Sweeney also serving as a writer.
The 99th Oscars will end ABC’s run, shift to YouTube for 101st ceremony, and move from the Dolby Theatre after 27 years to L.A. Live for 2029.

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