Debbie Shields Reflects on Viral Conan Improv Moment

WHO:

CBS News Entertainment - Debbie Shields is a Brooklyn bar owner and a star of “Subway Takes.”

NBC News - Debbie Shields spoke with NBC News’ Yasmin Vossoughian.

CBS News Entertainment; NBC News - Conan O’Brien appears in the “Subway Takes” conversation with Shields.

WHAT:

CBS News Entertainment - Shields had a quick-witted exchange with Conan O’Brien on “Subway Takes.”

NBC News - Shields stood out during an improvised conversation with O’Brien on the internet talk show “Subway Takes.”

CBS News Entertainment - The exchange won Shields the love of the internet.

NBC News - The video of the conversation went viral.

CBS News Entertainment - Shields shared her thoughts on possible next steps.

CBS News Entertainment - Shields said she had “never thought about” comedy before the improv riff with O’Brien.

WHERE:

CBS News Entertainment - Shields is a bar owner in Brooklyn.

NBC News - The conversation took place on “Subway Takes,” described as a popular internet talk show.

HOW:

CBS News Entertainment; NBC News - Shields became an internet sensation after an improvised exchange with O’Brien on “Subway Takes.”

(UPDATED October 23, 2026 17:26 UTC)

Brooklyn bar owner Debbie Shields has become an internet sensation after a quick-witted exchange with Conan O’Brien on the online talk show “Subway Takes.” Their conversation was improvised, and Shields stood out with a sharp riff that quickly went viral. The exchange has brought her a wave of attention and affection online. Shields later spoke with NBC News’ Yasmin Vossoughian about the moment and what might come next. She said she had never thought about comedy before her spontaneous back-and-forth with O’Brien. Now, she has shared some thoughts about possible next steps, following the unexpected response to the clip. Shields is best known as a Brooklyn bar owner, but her appearance on the popular internet show has introduced her to a much wider audience.