Conan Season 7 Episode 97 Holly Hunter, Natasha Lyonne, Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm

Late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien welcomed a talented mix of guests on the 97th episode of his seventh season. Actress Holly Hunter, known for her acclaimed performances in films like "The Piano" and "Broadcast News," took the stage to discuss her latest project. Also joining Conan was actress Natasha Lyonne, who gained fame on the hit Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black" and has since become a sought-after comedic performer in Hollywood.

In addition to the two actresses, O'Brien welcomed legendary blues guitarist Robert Cray and the Hi Rhythm Section, one of the most renowned backing bands in soul music history. The group has played with some of the biggest names in the genre, including Al Green and Otis Clay, and their appearance on Conan would be a special treat for fans of soul and R&B music.

As the show kicked off, Conan was in top form with his opening monologue, cracking jokes about current affairs and poking fun at himself, as he often does. Holly Hunter was the first guest to join him, and she discussed her role in the new HBO series "Succession." Hunter expressed how much she loves to play the "nasty" character she portrays on the show and talked about why she loves working with a writer like series creator Jesse Armstrong.

Natasha Lyonne was up next, and she discussed her new Netflix series "Russian Doll," an inventive and darkly funny show that she also co-created. Lyonne spoke about the inspiration behind the series and how she wanted to portray a character who was both tough and vulnerable. Of course, Lyonne being Lyonne, the conversation quickly turned humorous and she had the audience laughing throughout.

After a commercial break, Conan welcomed Robert Cray and Hi Rhythm to the stage. The band kicked off their set with a soulful number that got the crowd moving. Cray's guitar skills were on full display, and his playing was complemented beautifully by the earthy, groovy sounds of the Hi Rhythm Section. They played two more songs over the course of the show, each one dripping with soul and showcasing the immense talent of the band.

As always, Conan also included some hilarious comedy sketches throughout the show. One bit involved a fake cooking show called "Conan's Kitchen" in which he attempted to cook a fancy meal while wearing an absurdly tight and uncomfortable outfit. Another sketch saw him visiting a strip club for senior citizens. These bits were a reminder of why Conan has remained one of the funniest and most innovative talk show hosts in the game.

Overall, the 97th episode of season 7 of "Conan" was a great mix of comedy, music, and entertainment. Holly Hunter and Natasha Lyonne were both engaging and fun guests, and Robert Cray and Hi Rhythm blew the audience away with their soulful tunes. With Conan in peak form, it was yet another reminder of why his show remains must-see TV for fans of late-night talk shows.