Brooklyn bar owner Debbie Shields improvises with Conan O'Brien on subway

Debbie Shields, who runs a bar in Brooklyn, became an internet sensation after she shared a comedic exchange with Conan O'Brien on the New York City subway. The interaction aired on the show SubwayTakes, where regular commuters and celebrities discuss controversial topics in a humorous format. Shields was not cast for the segment. She was a passenger who happened to be on the train that day.

Shields told CBC Radio host Nil Köksal that she was heading to see her accountant when she noticed a camera crew. A friend identified the group as O'Brien's team. Shields found a seat and approached the comedian to say hello. The two quickly began a scene where O'Brien joked that they were previously married. Shields responded that they had two children, noting that one was in medical school and the other was in jail.

The clip circulated widely after airing. Shields said she received calls from SXM radio, 1010 radio, and news outlets in Japan, Australia, and England. She was featured in the New York Times. By Wednesday morning, she had five million hits on the internet. O'Brien told New York Magazine that he is open to working with Shields again. He said, "I'll do a sitcom with her. Or we can just hit the road, do a two-person show."

Shields said she was not nervous during the encounter. She described herself as having a quick-witted style, saying, "If you give it to me, I give it right back to you." She runs Friday night comedy events at her establishment, the Confessions Bar. She often introduces the headliners and engages directly with the audience to keep them laughing.

The bar has already capitalized on the attention. Staff created a new cocktail called the Baby Daddy O'Brien. The drink contains whiskey, Triple Sec, lemon, lime, and blood orange. Shields said she would love to collaborate with O'Brien again. Her dream appearance would be on Saturday Night Live.

Kareem Rahma's team has contacted Shields about appearing on another episode of SubwayTakes. Shields said she is interested in a future collaboration. She also expressed interest in bringing her show to Toronto. She has visited Canada many times and enjoys the city.

The initial meeting occurred while Shields was on an errand. She did not know about the show before she boarded the train. The spontaneous nature of the bit led to the viral moment. The exchange ended with O'Brien shaking her hand as he left the train.