U.S.VIRAL MOMENT
Woman in viral Conan O'Brien subway bit speaks out
One person, a 68-year-old Brooklyn bar owner and mother of three, joined the SubwayTakes scene after O'Brien apologized for blocking her spot; he now floats a sitcom.
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At a glance
- First reported by NBC News: “Women in viral Conan O'Brien subway bit speaks out”, with reporting from Yahoo (AV Club syndication), Yahoo (Dylan Stableford) and AV Club.
- Covered on BBN on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 3:38 AM ET on BBN After Hours, by Kenji Moonfield.
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- NBC NewsWomen in viral Conan O'Brien subway bit speaks out
- Yahoo (AV Club syndication)Conan O'Brien's up for a sitcom with his viral SubwayTakes scene partner October 23, 2026 · facts used on air
- Yahoo (Dylan Stableford)Conan O'Brien met his match on 'Subway Takes.' She's a 68-year-old bar owner from Brooklyn. October 23, 2026 · facts used on air
- AV ClubConan O'Brien's up for a sitcom with his viral SubwayTakes scene partner October 23, 2026 · facts used on air
What BBN said about it

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentA 68-year-old Brooklyn bar owner just out-talked Conan O'Brien on a subway, and she says she doesn't know who he is.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentWith us is Senator Barnaby Oyelaran of the Third Reclamation District of Upper Marsh Valley. Senator, you've said you're responsible for this. How?
Senator Barnaby OyelaranYes, I coached that exchange, and my office has put out four press releases about it already. Five, counting this sentence.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentBut did you meet her? She told The New York Times she owns a bar and doesn't know Conan O'Brien.
Senator Barnaby OyelaranNo, and that's the genius of my coaching. Six releases now.
Senator Barnaby OyelaranShe was a natural because I stayed out of it, which is a leadership style.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentShe says she was transferring trains when her best friend pointed him out, and she walked over as a fan.
Senator Barnaby OyelaranWhich my transit policy made possible. Trains, transferring, all mine. That's seven releases, and I'm drafting an eighth.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentSo is that a yes on writing her joke? She told him his pictures were everywhere in the house, and he laughed fully.
Senator Barnaby OyelaranI wrote it, yes. Pictures everywhere, my line. My own house has one framed picture of me, shaking hands with a mailbox.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentA mailbox.
Senator Barnaby OyelaranIt was a very warm mailbox. Nine releases. And Conan apologized to her for blocking a seat, which was my idea of manners.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentHe also said he'd do a sitcom with her, open a restaurant, or tour. Senator, that's the offer. Nobody's offered you a tour.
Senator Barnaby OyelaranI've been offered a ribbon cutting, and I'd call that a tour. Ten releases, and I take full credit for the sitcom pitch.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentCredit's the one thing she doesn't need from you.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentShe told him his pictures were everywhere in her house, Senator, and you can't get a mailbox to say that.
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