It’s been a while since we’ve caught up with late night talk show host and comedian Conan O’Brien. Many will remember the drama surrounding his 2010 departure from his dream job: The Tonight Show on NBC. The event prompted some serious reflection and wisdom from Conan about hardship and life– wisdom worth remembering for anyone with upward aspirations.

Since then, Coco’s been having a blast on cable TV, and he’ll be hosting his current show Conan on TBS till at least 2015, and one of his recent sketches had me laughing out loud in the office while my heart was strangely warmed:

A small internet-based Chinese talk show has stolen- frame for frame!- the Conan Show’s opening, and it’s a source for comedic gold.  But’s what happened next that makes the sketch Mbird-worthy:

Da Peng, the offending host, apologizes sincerely for ripping off the opening credits, and not only does Team Coco extend forgiveness, but they give Da Peng a spiffy new show opener as a gift. Too cool.

As I’m reflecting on this incident, it seems there were only two ways it could have played out. Either the law gets involved, or there’s grace. It’s either cease and desist letters from lawyers, or it’s comedic gold. Both of these methods solve the fundamental issue of plagiarism, but only one of them allows for comedy, friendship, and relationship to thrive. So kudos to Conan O’Brien for an international act of grace; not just wiping the slate clean, but giving away the candlesticks too!

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