Subway Improv Pairing

Debbie Shields, a Brooklyn bar owner, is planning a potential comedy collaboration with Conan O'Brien following their viral subway interaction.

Shields runs Confessions Bar in Brooklyn, where she hosts Friday night comedy shows. On the day of the recording, she was commuting to meet her accountant. She did not know about the internet series SubwayTakes, hosted by Kareem Rahma. O'Brien was filming an episode with Rahma on the New York City subway.

During the ride, O'Brien moved to sit next to Rahma and apologized to Shields. The two shook hands and began an impromptu scene. O'Brien joked that they were former spouses. Shields responded that they had two children, one in medical school and the other in jail. O'Brien laughed at the reply. The clip aired on the most recent episode of SubwayTakes. Shields learned about the broadcast on Tuesday evening when bar patrons pointed out the video. By Wednesday morning, she reported receiving calls from radio stations and news outlets. The clip gained approximately five million views.

O'Brien told New York Magazine that he is open to working with Shields again. He said, "I'll do a sitcom with her. Or we can just hit the road, do a two-person show." Shields confirmed that Rahma's team has contacted her to produce another show with O'Brien. She stated that she would love to collaborate with him again. The pair discussed the possibility of a future project during an interview with As It Happens host Nil Köksal. Shields added that she would like to appear on Saturday Night Live in the future. The bar has introduced a new cocktail called Baby Daddy O'Brien, which contains whiskey, Triple Sec, lemon, lime, and blood orange.

Shields said she was not nervous during the encounter. She noted that she sees people on the subway regularly and looks for open seats. She saw the camera crew and a friend identified O'Brien. She told O'Brien to hold her seat while she went to say hello. The exchange felt natural to her because she frequently improvises with regulars at her bar. She aims to make people laugh and ensure they leave happy. The viral attention has brought calls from international media, including contacts from Japan, Australia, and England.

Shields described the situation as surreal. She mentioned appearing on SXM radio and in the New York Times. The conversation with O'Brien lasted only a few minutes on the train. He left the car after his interview segment, saying goodbye to her. Shields said the children from their fictional marriage are used to him not being around. The encounter has shifted her daily routine, with media inquiries arriving early in the morning. She remains focused on her regular comedy nights at Confessions Bar.

The next scheduled event is a potential follow-up show with O'Brien. Rahma's team is in the process of arranging the dates and format for the new recording. Shields is available for the project. The bar continues its regular Friday night schedule. No specific date has been announced for the new SubwayTakes episode or any live performance. Shields plans to continue her comedy nights regardless of the outcome of the negotiations.