Conan Season 2020 Episode 53 Shailene Woodley

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, late night talkshows have had to adapt to new ways of producing content, and Conan O'Brien has been no exception. Filmed from his home, the latest season of Conan sees the host interviewing celebrities via video call and showcasing special segments from the safety of his own house. In season 2020, episode 53, Conan sits down (virtually) with actress Shailene Woodley.

Anyone who has followed Woodley's career knows that she is an unconventional and thoughtful actress who is unafraid to take on challenging roles. She first received widespread recognition for her performance in the film The Descendants, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. Since then, she has become known for her lead roles in films such as the Divergent series and The Fault in Our Stars. However, Woodley has also ventured into television, starring in the acclaimed series Big Little Lies alongside Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman.

In the episode, Conan takes the opportunity to ask Woodley about her creative process, mentioning how impressed he was by her dedication to her character's physical transformation in The Mauritanian, a film based on the true story of a man who was detained in Guantanamo Bay for 14 years. Woodley reveals that she went on a diet and slept only three hours a night in order to accurately portray the physical toll the character's situation took on his body. This conversation leads to a more in-depth discussion about the role of physical transformation in acting, as well as Woodley's views on the importance of honoring the real-life person behind the character she portrays.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Conan interview without some laughter and lighthearted moments. The pair joke about how Woodley's first kiss was with fellow actor Ansel Elgort while filming The Fault in Our Stars and how she tends to gravitate towards roles that require her to be in a state of emotional distress. The interview also touches on Woodley's activism, particularly her involvement in the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, which she was arrested for.

Alongside the interview, the episode also features some hilarious segments filmed at Conan's home. In one segment, Conan attempts to teach his assistant Sona Movsesian how to play guitar, despite her lack of musical experience. In another segment, Conan hilariously attempts to make a DIY face mask using items he found around his house, such as a sandwich bag and earplugs.

For fans of Conan and Shailene Woodley alike, this episode is a must-watch. With moments both poignant and humorous, the pair have a great chemistry that makes for an entertaining interview. Though the show may be operating under unusual circumstances, Conan and his guests prove that humor and creativity can thrive even during tough times.