Peering “Into the Future” of Comedy
In the ever-evolving landscape of late-night television, few recurring comedy sketches have left as indelible a mark as Conan O’Brien’s “In the Year 2000.” More than a quarter-century after it first beamed into homes across America, the segment remains a cherished fixture in the collective memory of comedy fans — a blend of playful absurdity, deadpan delivery, and a distinctly oddball take on the hopes, fears, and foibles of approaching the new millennium. It’s a bit that has withstood generations, technology booms, polaroid-level fashion shifts, and even a rebranding into the next millennium. This article warmly revisits the iconic segment: celebrating its humor, format, and cultural legacy, unpacking the comedic minds behind it, sharing how it adapted for family-friendliness, and collecting the best of its “prophecies” — both gleefully wrong and, against the odds, sometimes right.
This article is intended for all ages, so we’ve intentionally omitted any prophecies that don’t meet a family‑friendly standard. Or, as Conan might put it — in the spirit of the bit — “In the year 3000… I’m more of a dad‑jokes kind of guy.”
Jump to: Prophecies That Have Since Come True | Prophecies That Have Not Yet Come True
The Birth and Rise of “In the Year 2000”
Origins: From Backroom Sketch to Televised Classic
The roots of “In the Year 2000” dig back to the late 1980s, arising from comedic brainstorming sessions in Chicago. As described by Robert Smigel, a veteran comedy writer who partnered with Conan O’Brien during this era, the idea was sparked amid talk of launching a sketch show tentatively named “Sketch-com ‘90.” O’Brien and Smigel, drawing inspiration from the utopian and often wildly optimistic visions of the future celebrated in retro pop culture, began parodying these predictions in comedic sketches. “It was all based on this ‘Jetsons’ concept in the ’60s that ’60s kids grew up with—which was the idea that, like, the space age is coming by the year 2000,” Smigel recalled. As the year itself approached and then arrived without jetpacks or moon colonies, the concept only grew more ripe with irony and comedic potential.
The sketch was first performed in 1988, but it was on Late Night with Conan O’Brien (debuting in 1993) that “In the Year 2000” truly found its home. This was a show where O’Brien, a former writer for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons, was taking creative risks to find his voice amid the titans of late night. “In the Year 2000” quickly became a staple, its title lampooning both the media’s perennial obsession with the coming millennium and the often silly seriousness with which technological and social advances were predicted.
The Format: Simple, Surreal, and Weirdly Timeless
The format of “In the Year 2000” was as distinct as it was simple. O’Brien, sidekick Andy Richter, and the band’s trombonist Richie “LaBamba” Rosenberg would don black robes and shimmering, futuristic collars. They each brandished a flashlight shining upward onto their faces — a nod to sci-fi melodrama, but also a touch of spookiness reminiscent of telling ghost stories with a flashlight under the chin. Between every punchline, the falsetto refrain “In the year two thousaaaaaaaaaaand…!” would soar thanks to LaBamba, his voice now as iconic an element as the jokes themselves.
A typical exchange would begin with O’Brien intoning, “It’s time, once again, to look into the future.” Richter would then query, “The future, Conan?” — to which O’Brien would reply, “That’s right, Andy. Let’s look to the future… all the way to the year 2000!” The two would then alternate, each delivering an absurd or topical (and often deeply silly) “prophecy” of what life would supposedly be like in the new millennium.
The segment’s structure evolved over time. When Richter left the show in 2000, celebrity guests often joined in, with the segment sometimes retitled as “The [Guest’s Surname] Edition.” The audience relished seeing guests struggle not to break character or giggle at the jokes, and the sketch became a rite of passage for those lucky enough to appear.
The Comedic Style: Satire Wrapped in Silly and Surrealist Wrapping
What set “In the Year 2000” apart was its blend of absurdist, surreal humor and sharp, topical satire. Predictions ranged from biting political jokes to offbeat, almost Monty Python-esque wordplay and non sequiturs. Some focused on pop culture icons (“Taylor Swift will adopt a pet rhinoceros”), while others drifted into sheer childhood-goofy exaggeration (“All cars will be powered by cheese”).
A signature of the segment was ending on a joke at Conan’s own expense, followed by a final joke delivered by the guest, lampooning Conan himself — reinforcing O’Brien’s penchant for self-deprecating comedy.
The Key Contributors: Bringing the Future to Life
Conan O’Brien: The Ringmaster of Retro-Futurism
Conan O’Brien’s fingerprints are everywhere on the segment, from conceptualization to delivery. His quick wit and willingness to turn himself into the punchline imbued the segment with a playful, welcoming energy. Throughout the years, O’Brien’s tall, gangly frame, auburn hair, and exaggerated reactions became as much a part of the fun as the actual jokes. The rhythm of “In the Year 2000” — with its alternating solemnity and sudden, farcical pivots — suited his comedic style perfectly.
Andy Richter: The Ever-Game Sidekick
Andy Richter’s chemistry with O’Brien has been widely recognized as a cornerstone of the sketch’s appeal. His straight-faced read of the most ludicrous prophecies, punctuated by spontaneous genuine laughter, made the routine feel organic and unpredictable. Richter’s stints, stepping aside and later returning, contributed to the segment’s longevity and continually evolving flavor.
Richie “LaBamba” Rosenberg: The Falsetto Time Traveler
Rosenberg’s haunting, high-pitched “In the year two-thousaaaaaaaaand!” is instantly recognizable to fans and often cited as the “glue” holding the skit’s aura of goofy solemnity together. His struggle not to break character, especially during particularly ridiculous predictions, became a running gag in itself and a fan favorite moment upon revisits and reruns.
Writers and Guests: A Collaborative Tapestry
O’Brien’s team of writers, many of whom have gone on to notable careers in comedy (including Robert Smigel, the creative force behind Triumph the Insult Comic Dog), contributed to the steady stream of clever gags. The involvement of guests, from comedians like Jim Carrey to musicians and actors, gave each edition a slightly different flavor and opened the door to friendly on-air one-upmanship and improvisation.
The “In the Year 3000” Evolution: Embracing Ironic Futurism
The Great Renaming: Enter the Year 3000
A delicious irony developed as the segment continued well past the arrival of the actual year 2000. Rather than updating the name or retiring it, O’Brien and Richter intentionally kept the title, even as the segment ventured into now-present territory. “We did it as late as 2008, and, after a brief discussion, we said, ‘Screw it, we won’t [change the title],’” O’Brien once recounted.
It was only upon O’Brien’s move to The Tonight Show in 2009 that the segment was officially retitled “In the Year 3000,” with Richter returning to a prominent role and both lampooning and celebrating the timeworn bit. The production values received a tongue-in-cheek upgrade, with new metallic “futuristic” costumes featuring blinking lights (mocked playfully as “very expensive” and “kind of smelly”), and the segment received a new theme with the help of William Shatner and occasionally George Takei as narrators. “In the Year 3000” thus marked one of the rare late-night sketches to transition intact between networks and generations, signaling the enduring appeal of the format.
The Bit Lives On: References and Tributes
For fans, the “In the Year 3000” version is less about literal futurism and more a loving wink at the sketch comedy that ages like fine cheese — sometimes a little off, but always satisfying. It’s become shorthand for the spirit of O’Brien’s brand of comedy: self-aware, delightfully nerdy, and impervious to the passage of time. As Andy Richter joked, the future was always just out of reach — and that’s where the best punchlines live.
Prophecies and Predictions: The Weird, the Wonderful, and the Occasionally Accurate
The Complete Catalogue: From Print to Memory
Such was the popularity of “In the Year 2000” that it transcended television, spawning a book in 1999 that collected many of the segment’s best (and most outlandish) predictions. Over the years, dedicated fans and archivists have exhaustively catalogued the hundreds of prophecies delivered by O’Brien, Richter, and guests — from predictions about celebrities’ love lives and political absurdities to forecasts of technological wonders or culinary catastrophes. Many of the original jokes have endured thanks to fan-recorded video clips, transcribed archives, and even Reddit threads where nostalgia runs high and punchlines are quoted decades later.
Prophecies That Have Come True
| Category | Prophecy (paraphrased) | Date Became True | How Prophecy Became True | Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity | A former professional wrestler will become a U.S. state governor. | 1999‑11‑03 | Jesse Ventura elected Governor of Minnesota. | Conan |
| Celebrity | A member of a boy band will become a respected solo artist. | 2002‑11‑05 | Justin Timberlake releases Justified. | Conan |
| Science | Scientists will successfully map the entire human genome. | 2003‑04‑14 | Human Genome Project completion announced. | Conan |
| Sports | Boston will finally win a World Series after decades of heartbreak. | 2004‑10‑27 | Red Sox win first title since 1918. | Andy |
| Celebrity | A famous pop star will have a public breakdown, shave their head, and make global headlines. | 2007‑02‑16 | Britney Spears shaves head. | Andy |
| Technology | People will carry small devices in their pockets that can instantly take photos and send them worldwide. | 2007‑06‑29 | iPhone release. | Conan |
| Media | A major TV network will launch a streaming service to compete with cable. | 2007‑01‑16 | Netflix streaming launches. | Andy |
| Politics | A Black man will be elected President of the United States. | 2008‑11‑04 | Barack Obama elected. | Conan |
| Celebrity/Business | A billionaire tech mogul will launch a private space company and send rockets into orbit. | 2008‑09‑28 | SpaceX Falcon 1 reaches orbit. | Conan |
| Sports | An underdog NFL team will win the Super Bowl against all odds. | 2008‑02‑03 | Giants beat undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. | Conan |
| Entertainment | A beloved science-fiction franchise will be rebooted with massive box office success. | 2009‑05‑08 | Star Trek reboot premieres. | Conan |
| Politics | A U.S. President will appear on a late-night comedy sketch show. | 2009‑09‑26 | Obama appears on SNL. | Conan |
| Technology/Media | A major late-night host will leave his network and move to cable, reinventing his show for a new audience. | 2010‑11‑08 | Conan’s TBS debut. | Conan |
| Technology | Cars will have dashboard screens for maps and entertainment. | 2010‑12‑15 | Infotainment systems become standard. | Andy |
| Celebrity | A major actor will become a UN Messenger of Peace. | 2011‑04‑29 | Michael Douglas appointed. | Conan |
| Science | Scientists will create meat in a lab without killing animals. | 2013‑08‑05 | First lab-grown burger cooked and tasted. | Conan |
| Celebrity | A major pop star will release an album exclusively online. | 2013‑12‑13 | Beyoncé surprise album drop. | Conan |
| Celebrity | A former SNL cast member will become a major late-night host. | 2014‑02‑24 | Seth Meyers takes over Late Night. | Conan |
| Science | Water will be found on Mars. | 2015‑09‑28 | NASA confirms liquid water flows on Mars. | Andy |
| Politics | A U.S. President will appear on a late-night show to slow-jam the news. | 2012‑04‑24 | Obama on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. | Conan |
| Politics | A reality TV star will become President of the United States. | 2016‑11‑08 | Donald Trump elected. | Andy |
| Sports | The Chicago Cubs will win the World Series after more than a century. | 2016‑11‑02 | Cubs win first title since 1908. | Conan |
| Sports | An NBA team will come back from a 3–1 deficit to win the Finals. | 2016‑06‑19 | Cleveland Cavaliers win Finals. | Andy |
| Sports | An NFL team will win the Super Bowl in overtime. | 2017‑02‑05 | Patriots beat Falcons in first OT Super Bowl. | Andy |
| Celebrity | A major actor will win an Oscar for portraying a historical political leader. | 2018‑03‑04 | Gary Oldman wins for Darkest Hour. | Conan |
| Celebrity | A major actor will win an Oscar for portraying a famous singer. | 2019‑02‑24 | Rami Malek wins for Bohemian Rhapsody. | Conan |
| Science | Scientists will create a vaccine for a global pandemic in under a year. | 2020‑12‑14 | First COVID-19 vaccinations begin in U.S. | Andy |
| Celebrity | William Shatner will travel to space. | 2021‑10‑13 | Blue Origin flight with Shatner aboard. | Conan |
| Celebrity | A former stand-up comedian will host a major political awards event. | 2022‑04‑30 | Trevor Noah hosts White House Correspondents’ Dinner. | Conan |
| Celebrity | A former child actor will win an Academy Award decades later. | 2023‑03‑12 | Ke Huy Quan wins for Everything Everywhere All at Once. | Conan |
When scrutinized for accuracy, the bulk of “In the Year 2000” predictions remain joyfully fanciful or wholly invented — but there are a few rare gems that strike close to reality. Notably, the sketch’s playful suggestion that “YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook will merge to form one super time-wasting website called YouTwitFace” has become a recurring internet meme as the digital world continues to consolidate in unpredictable ways. Similarly, tongue-in-cheek quips about celebrity reinvention, recurring political scandals, or the relentless advance of pointless gadgets have found echoes in real events, cementing the segment’s satirical edge.
Prophecies That Have Not Yet Come True
| Category | Prophecy (paraphrased) | Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Celebrity | Madonna will marry a man named “Madonna.” | Conan |
| Celebrity | Tom Cruise will legally change his name to “Tom Mapquest.” | Andy |
| Celebrity | Mr. T will legally change his name to “Mr. Period.” | Guest (Mr. T) |
| Celebrity | Oprah Winfrey will buy the state of Idaho and rename it “Oprahho.” | Conan |
| Celebrity | Brad Pitt will star in a remake of Gilligan’s Island as “The Skipper.” | Andy |
| Celebrity | Keanu Reeves will be elected President of the United States. | Andy |
| Celebrity | Mel Gibson will open a chain of kosher delis. | Andy |
| Celebrity | Meryl Streep will star in a one‑woman show as all the members of KISS. | Andy |
| Celebrity | Nicolas Cage will open a chain of pet grooming salons. | Andy |
| Celebrity | Sean Connery will open a chain of golf‑themed coffee shops. | Andy |
| Celebrity | Sylvester Stallone will open a chain of libraries called “Rambo Reads.” | Andy |
| Celebrity | Taylor Swift will open a chain of cat cafés. | Andy |
| Celebrity | Taylor Swift will adopt a pet rhinoceros. | Andy |
| Celebrity | Snoop Dogg will open a chain of retirement homes called “Fo’ Shizzle Senior Living.” | Conan |
| Celebrity | Jeff Goldblum will be cloned so he can star in every movie. | Guest (Jeff Goldblum) |
| Celebrity | William Shatner will be elected Prime Minister of Canada. | Conan |
| Celebrity | Jack Nicholson will open optometry clinics called “Here’s Looking at You.” | Andy |
| Celebrity | Jack Nicholson will open movie‑themed diners. | Andy |
| Celebrity | Jack Black will open a chain of pancake houses called “School of Flapjacks.” | Andy |
| Celebrity | Jack Black will open a chain of yoga studios. | Andy |
| Celebrity | Jack Black will open a bakery called “Tenacious Buns.” | Andy |
| Celebrity | Harrison Ford will open archaeology‑themed diners. | Andy |
| Celebrity | Harrison Ford will open senior adventure parks. | Andy |
| Celebrity | Harrison Ford will open adventure‑themed laundromats. | Conan |
| Celebrity | Arnold Schwarzenegger will open a chain of vegan steakhouses. | Andy |
| Celebrity | George Clooney will open laundromats called “Clooney Clean.” | Andy |
| Celebrity | Lady Gaga will adopt a pet giraffe and name it “Steve.” | Conan |
| Celebrity | Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will open bakeries called “Rock Rolls.” | Andy |
| Celebrity | Rihanna will open a chain of laundromats called “Rih‑Wash.” | Andy |
| Celebrity | Beyoncé will open hair salons called “Beyoncé’s Braids.” | Conan |
| Celebrity | Oprah Winfrey will open theme parks called “OprahLand.” | Conan |
| Celebrity | Will Smith will open motivational businesses (gyms, smoothie bars, theaters, dance clubs). | Andy |
| Culture | The world’s most popular sport will be competitive ironing. | Conan |
| Culture | The Academy Awards will add a category for “Best On‑Screen Use of a Ferret.” | Conan |
| Culture | All public libraries will be replaced by giant vending machines. | Conan |
| Culture | All restaurants will be legally required to serve dessert before the main course. | Andy |
| Culture | All public schools will replace gym class with competitive video gaming. | Conan |
| Culture | All public schools will replace history class with karaoke. | Conan |
| Culture | All public schools will replace lunch with competitive cooking. | Conan |
| Culture | All restaurants will replace chairs with pogo sticks. | Conan |
| Culture | All movie theaters will replace seats with hammocks. | Conan |
| Culture | All movie theaters will replace popcorn with kale chips. | Conan |
| Culture | All movie theaters will replace screens with giant aquariums. | Conan |
| Culture | All public benches will be replaced by beanbag chairs. | Conan |
| Culture | The dictionary will replace the word “the” with “yo.” | Conan |
| Culture | The most popular sport will be competitive balloon animals/shadow puppetry/origami/sock folding/yo‑yo tricks/pillow fighting/humming/hopscotch/paper airplanes/napping/staring contests/sandcastle building. | Andy |
| Culture | The most popular holiday will be “National Nap Day,” weekly. | Andy |
| Culture | The most popular holiday will be “National Pajama Day,” daily. | Andy |
| Culture | The most popular baby name will be “Chair.” | Andy |
| Culture | The most popular TV show will be a live feed of a squirrel’s nest. | Andy |
| Culture | The most popular vacation will be inside a giant shoe/hamster ball. | Andy |
| Fashion | Everyone will be wearing futuristic jumpsuits; Mark Pender will wear only silver spandex. | Conan |
| Fashion | The fashion trend will be denim tuxedos for all. | Conan |
| Food/Health | Taco Bell will sell the Fortune Tostada; the common fortune: “you will have crippling diarrhea tonight.” | Conan |
| Language | The onomatopoeia for “diarrhea” will be “bliggity‑blag‑blag kersplash.” | Conan |
| Medicine | People won’t need to eat real food; capsule meals will replace breakfast, lunch, and dinner. | Conan |
| Politics | The President will deliver the State of the Union entirely in Pig Latin. | Andy |
| Politics | Congress will require all Americans to wear capes on Thursdays. | Andy |
| Politics | The United Nations will relocate to Dollywood. | Andy |
| Politics | The Supreme Court will rule that pants are optional in public. | Andy |
| Politics | The President will deliver the State of the Union wearing a clown suit/superhero costume/wizard hat/tutu/pirate costume/space suit/crown/rollerblades; while skydiving/bungee jumping/riding a unicycle/Segway/mechanical bull/on a pogo stick/scuba diving/on a surfboard. | Conan |
| Politics | The Lincoln Memorial will become a waterslide/climbing wall/giant slide/karaoke bar. | Conan |
| Politics | The Washington Monument will become a rocket ship/giant glow stick. | Conan |
| Politics | The White House will be a Starbucks/petting zoo/giant bouncy castle/relocated to Las Vegas/relocated to Disney World. | Conan |
| Politics | The Pentagon will be converted into the world’s largest trampoline park/Bed Bath & Beyond. | Conan |
| Politics | The Vice President will be replaced by a talking parrot/hologram of Elvis Presley. | Andy |
| Science | Dinosaurs will be cloned but will only eat Cool Ranch Doritos. | Conan |
| Science | Scientists will discover that the Loch Ness Monster is just a very shy manatee. | Conan |
| Science | Antarctica will be converted into the world’s largest water park. | Andy |
| Science | Scientists will discover clouds are made of marshmallow fluff; the Amazon is artificial turf; the Sahara is a giant cat litter box; the Milky Way is a giant donut; the Great Wall is a giant zipper. | Andy |
| Science | The sun will be fitted with a dimmer switch/sunglasses; or powered by hamsters. | Andy |
| Science | A wealthy Texan will buy the moon and turn it into a giant IHOP. | Conan |
| Science | The North Pole is a giant ice cream cone; Mount Everest is inflatable; the Grand Canyon will be filled with pudding; the Eiffel Tower will be a giant slinky. | Andy |
| Science | The Great Barrier Reef will become a giant aquarium. | Andy |
| Science | The moon is made of cheesecake/tiramisu/crème brûlée/cotton candy/pudding/ice cream/sponge cake/banana pudding; or filled with helium balloons; or made of frozen yogurt/gluten‑free bread. | Andy |
| Science | The Pacific Ocean will be replaced with a swimming pool/lazy river/aquarium/wave pool/hot tub/koi pond/water park/giant slip‑and‑slide. | Andy |
| Science | The Atlantic Ocean will be replaced with a lazy river/ice skating rink/wave pool; or drained to a parking lot; or dyed pink for charity. | Andy |
| Space/Technology | Everyone will be living on the Moon. | Conan |
| Sports | The Cubs and Red Sox will “meet” at the World Series — in the bleachers, watching the Yankees and Braves. | Conan |
| Technology | We’ll all have flying cars. | Conan |
| Technology | We will have personal jetpacks for everyday zipping around town. | Conan |
| Technology | Books will be obsolete; e‑books will replace everything. | Conan |
| Technology | Time travel will be possible; we’ll hop back to the Renaissance for fun. | Conan |
| Technology | Microsoft will release Windows 3000 requiring a nuclear power plant. | Andy |
| Technology | All computers will be voice‑activated but only respond to Gilbert Gottfried. | Andy |
| Technology | All televisions/laptops will be edible. | Conan |
| Technology | All smartphones/houses will be powered by hamster wheels. | Conan |
| Technology | All shoes will come with built‑in GPS. | Conan |
| Technology | All ATMs will dispense hugs/cupcakes instead of cash. | Conan |
| Technology | All airplanes will be replaced by giant trampolines. | Conan |
| Technology | All light bulbs will be replaced with glow sticks. | Conan |
| Technology | All street signs will be replaced with holograms. | Conan |
| Technology | All public transportation will be replaced by giant slingshots. | Conan |
| Technology | All buses will be powered by bubble wrap; all bicycles by helium balloons. | Conan |
| Technology | All alarm clocks will be replaced by live roosters. | Conan |
| Technology | All microwaves/refrigerators will have karaoke machines. | Conan |
| Technology | All streetlights will be replaced with giant glow sticks/candles/chandeliers/disco balls/neon flamingos/fiber‑optic flowers/paper lanterns/glow‑in‑the‑dark balloons/jellyfish tanks/cats. | Conan |
| Transportation/Traffic | Everyone will have hovercrafts, and everyone will still be stuck in traffic. | Conan |
Classic Examples: The Art of Bizarre Prophecy
Here are a few of the most enduring and memorable predictions, highlighted for their creativity, their comedic timing, or their surprising prescience:
- “In the year 2000, Meatloaf will become a spokesman for a company that makes meat loaf. Vanilla Ice will become a spokesman for a company that makes vanilla ice. And MC Hammer will be arrested for stealing a bike.” This joke works as both wordplay and as a parody of the endless churn of celebrity endorsements and legal troubles.
- “A retired President Clinton will write his memoirs and be sued for plagiarism by Wilt Chamberlain.” Another running gag, lampooning both presidential memoirs and infamous celebrity escapades, becomes funnier in light of subsequent literary and political scandals.
- “In the year 2000, Starbucks will open… inside another Starbucks.” — An ad absurdum prediction that, with the proliferation of coffee shops and “businesses within businesses,” almost feels possible in some city centers.
The Cultural Impact: Legacy, Influence, and Community
Embedding Itself in Late-Night Lore
“In the Year 2000” is more than just a recurring comedy sketch — it is emblematic of Late Night with Conan O’Brien’s wild and experimental spirit. It arrived at a crucial era in late-night history, as O’Brien worked to distinguish himself from the titans of the genre, such as Letterman and Leno, by doubling down on quirky, unpredictable comedy. The bit’s endurance (over a decade on-air, a book adaptation, and multiple reboots) speaks to its resonance with viewers who craved more than the standard interview-music-standup format.
The segment also pioneered a form of interactive, meta-comedy by keeping a running in-joke about its own obsolescence, poking fun at aging television conceits and the persistent optimism (sometimes naiveté) of scientific and social forecasts. In this way, it belongs in a long comedy tradition of lampooning the idea of progress — reminiscent of old postcards and pulp magazines boasting about “Cities of the Future,” now quaint relics for modern readers.
Relatable Ritual: How “In the Year 2000” Became Family Lore
Unlike some of late night’s edgier bits, “In the Year 2000” struck a balance, mixing occasional PG-13 jabs with humor suitable for all but the youngest viewers. Fans have reported making it a household tradition, with families gleefully trying to outdo each other in delivering imaginary “future” predictions, flashlight under the chin, in their own living rooms. As one Reddit user shares, “To this very day, I still sing this song to myself. It’s also hilarious when LaBamba is trying to keep it together and not laugh when singing ‘In the year 2000!’”
The sketch’s familial appeal demonstrates late night’s vital role as an incubator for the kinds of comedic moments that bridge generations — both in shared laughter and in the sense of belonging to an “in-group” that gets the joke.
Interactivity and Fandom
The enduring fondness for the segment’s falsetto theme is evident from online communities, where “In the year two-thousaaaaaaaand” is quoted and sung to this day, serving as a nostalgic trigger for those who grew up watching Conan. The sketch is regularly referenced in Reddit threads, YouTube comments, and Twitter posts, with fans recalling favorite jokes and the infectious joy of seeing a performer break character from laughter at a particularly silly punchline.
The Enduring Influence: “In the Year 2000” and the Shape of Modern Comedy
The Sketch’s Place in Comedy History
“In the Year 2000” is now recognized as a late-night institution, regularly cited as one of the genre’s most beloved bits. It cemented O’Brien and Richter’s reputation as a peerless comedy duo, influenced the structure of comedic prediction segments that followed, and proved that even the most “one-note” jokes — if delivered with creativity and heart — can withstand the test of time. The segment’s legacy is celebrated in retrospectives, blog posts, and podcast discussions, with fans and comedians alike recalling not just the hilarity, but also the warmth and camaraderie that defined the bit.
Its Legacy in Subsequent Generations
With the re-emergence of late-night comedy as bite-sized internet content, many of “In the Year 2000’s” routines now live on YouTube, in memes, or as audio drops in podcasts and party games. The segment’s influence echoes in the visual language and tone of contemporary comedy: the flashlight under the chin; the “faux-solemn” pose; the gently mocking look at technology, trends, and celebrities.
Perhaps most importantly, the segment underscores a lesson central to successful comedy: the future will always be a little bit silly — and a lot unexpected. The willingness to poke fun at predictions, present or past, ensures that every generation will have its own version of “In the Year 2000” to look back on and enjoy.
The Future Is Funniest When You Don’t Take It Seriously
Reflecting on the legacy of Conan O’Brien’s “In the Year 2000,” one thing becomes clear: the enduring magic of the segment lies not in the accuracy of its prophecies, but in the spectacular audacity of making them in the first place. By lampooning the culture’s obsession with predicting the future — using nothing more than robes, flashlights, and a flair for the surreal — Conan and his collaborators crafted a comedic time capsule that remains as delightful today as ever.
For viewers old and new, the segment is more than a parade of gags; it is an invitation to enjoy comedy for comedy’s sake, to celebrate the absurdity of our biggest dreams and smallest worries, and to laugh together — in the year 2000, 3000, or whatever distant tomorrow we imagine next.
As Conan himself might put it, in his signature falsetto — with one more flashlight raised to the future: “In the year 3000, I’m more of a dad-jokes kind of guy.”
References
- Chang, Tom. “Conan O’Brien & Robert Smigel Discuss ‘In the Year 2000’ Origins.” Bleeding Cool, 11 Dec. 2023.
- “Conan & Andy – In the Year 2000 #1 (1997-01-01).” YouTube, uploaded by Late Night With Conan O’Brien, 1 Jan. 1997.
- Taylor, Bridgett. “‘In the Year 2000!’ and Conan O’Brien.” Media Magpies, 2 Jan. 2019.
- “In the Year 2000… .” Angelfire, fan site archive.
- “In the Year 2000” predictions (Late Night with Conan O’Brien). Reddit, accessed 3 Sept. 2025.
- “List of Late Night with Conan O’Brien Sketches.” Wikipedia, last modified 2 Sept. 2025.
- “List of The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien Sketches.” Wikipedia, last modified 2 Sept. 2025.
- “In the Year 2000.” Internet Archive, by O’Brien, Conan. New York: Riverhead Books, 1999.
- “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien In The Year 3000 June 3, 2009.” Dailymotion, uploaded 21 Oct. 2024.
- Nannestad, Chloë. “100 Hilarious Clean Jokes for the Whole Family to Enjoy.” Reader’s Digest, 29 Aug. 2025.
- Stewart, Jessica. “Funny Future Predictions of the Year 2000 Created in 1900.” My Modern Met, 6 Nov. 2017.
- “Year of the Month: Persia on ‘In the Year 2000!’ and Conan O’Brien.” The-Solute, 2 Jan. 2019.
- “Andy Richter.” Wikipedia, last edited 2 Sept. 2025.
- Roe-Owen, Kristi. “Whatever Happened to Andy Richter?” Looper, 4 Dec. 2023.
- Smith, Ryan. “Andy Richter reveals plans to work with Conan O’Brien again.” Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2022.
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