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Stand-ups have been doing sets on talk shows since the Eisenhower administration.
If you watched them all with the sound off, 95 percent would look essentially the same.
Ten years ago, however,Rory ScovelandJon Doregave us something that had truly never been done before.
It seems impossible that something like this would get past the suits.
This isnt always true.
Growing up, I didnt know there was such thing as a comedy booker, says Buck.
I thought Steven Wright just happened to show up backstage at theTonight Showand Johnny just put him on.
To Buck, OBrien was the most original voice in late night.
Unfortunately, his first job for Conan was atTheTonightShowin 2010, with orders from NBC to play it safe.
When he received only positive feedback, Buck felt empowered to push the envelope.
The result made comedy history.
I had never seen people laugh that hard, says Buck.
With OBriens instructions in mind, Buck decided to prove himself wrong.
Dore was in immediately.
He suggested comedian Rory Scovel for his partner.
We just trust each other instinctively onstage, Dore said onThe Set Up.
A studio audience has different expectations than hardcore comedy fans at an alternative showcase at midnight.
Buck couldnt count on theConanaudience to be familiar enough with stand-up tropes to recognize when they were being subverted.
Unlike the ten-minute freewheeling Montreal version, Buck and the performers agreed this incarnation needed to be short.
Ultimately, said Scovel, its just one joke.
Dore and Scovel agreed.
With the format set, there was little left to do but wait for the date.
Not everyone shared Bucks confidence.
But Buck was optimistic after the hosts introduction.
Conan absolutely sold it, says Buck.
No one in that audience had a clue this was a bit.
Dore and Scovels plan worked perfectly.
Once you stop to listen to the other person, said Scovel, youre dead.
Dore was the first to go loud, screaming, TALKING ZEBRA!
he repeated, and the audience erupted.
Scovel went low just in time for Dore to bellow, I got anal warts!
Thanks to his eye for comedic innovation, we all got to be there.
