Norm Macdonald’s Legendary Turtle Joke on Late Night with Conan O’Brien
Norm Macdonald was one of the greatest late-night guests of all time, known for his offbeat storytelling and dry, often unpredictable humor. Throughout his many appearances on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Macdonald delivered countless memorable moments, but one of his most beloved bits is the infamous Turtle Joke—a prime example of his mastery of absurdity and comedic timing.
The Setup: Classic Norm
Norm Macdonald had a unique ability to take a simple premise and stretch it into a winding, hilariously meandering joke. On one occasion with Conan O’Brien, he began telling a story about a man and his pet turtle. Right away, the audience could sense something unusual about the setup—it wasn’t your typical late-night joke with a quick punchline. Instead, Norm dove into an elaborate and detailed description, building anticipation with his signature deadpan delivery.
The Joke: A Slow Burn
The joke followed a man who deeply loved his pet turtle but, one day, accidentally dropped it. To his horror, the turtle’s shell cracked open. Determined to save it, he rushed to the veterinarian, hoping for a solution. The vet, after examining the turtle, told the man that he could surgically repair the shell—but he had to use a specific technique that involved putting two tiny pieces of metal on either side and holding them together with a screw. Norm stretched out the details, masterfully controlling the pacing as Conan and the audience waited for the punchline.
The Punchline: Absurdity at Its Finest
After much buildup, the vet finally revealed the reasoning behind this odd procedure: "Because that’s how we fix a broken turtle." The joke wasn’t a traditional punchline—it was a brilliantly anti-climactic ending that leaned into the absurdity of the entire premise. The audience, along with Conan, erupted in laughter, appreciating how Norm had meticulously constructed the joke to be both unexpectedly ridiculous and completely hilarious.
Conan’s Reaction: Genuine Delight
Conan O’Brien, known for his quick wit and love of offbeat humor, absolutely lost it. He burst into laughter, clapping and shaking his head, clearly recognizing the genius of Norm’s ability to stretch a joke to its absolute limits. The audience followed suit, and the moment became an instant classic in Norm’s late-night legacy.
Why It’s a Classic
Norm Macdonald’s Turtle Joke encapsulates everything that made him one of the greatest comedians of all time. His willingness to commit to a premise, his impeccable timing, and his ability to make the audience laugh at something completely nonsensical made him a true master of comedy. While other comedians might rely on quick, sharp punchlines, Norm thrived in the slow build, making the payoff even funnier.
To this day, fans continue to revisit this joke, sharing it as one of the many reasons why Norm Macdonald’s comedic brilliance will never be forgotten.
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