The one-hour special, titled Conan Without Borders: Haiti, aired on January 27, 2018, on TBS. It combined comedy, heartfelt moments, and a deep dive into Haiti’s history—from French colonization and the 2010 earthquake to the legacy of resistance and national pride. O'Brien delivered a powerful history lesson, emphasizing that Haiti has been “dealt the worst hand in the Western Hemisphere,” yet its people remain strong and joyful.
The special was praised for humanizing Haiti and offering a nuanced view of a nation often reduced to disaster narratives. It was later made available on Netflix, and clips from the episode—especially the young girl’s sharp critique of U.S. intervention—went viral. O'Brien’s visit was supported by celebrities like Sean Penn, José Andrés, and Anderson Cooper, and it inspired local artists, including one who painted his face on a tap-tap.
While some critics argued the special leaned into political messaging, the overwhelming consensus was that O'Brien succeeded in changing perceptions, celebrating Haitian culture, and giving Haitians a platform to speak directly to the world.
