Any additional interest in this week’s “60 Minutes” can certainly be traced to Conan O’Brien. His first televised interview since departing NBC and its “Tonight Show” franchise, O’Brien’s comments promised intrigue to any entertainment fan even remotely aware of the year’s most interesting television story.
Ultimately, however, it appears viewers were not blown away by his comments. Devoid of controversy or juicy attacks on his predecessor and successor Jay Leno, Conan’s interview revealed nothing particularly groundbreaking about his soured relationship with NBC. Consequently, internet buzz following O’Brien’s interview was tame–as of 11PM EST, “Conan O’Brien 60 minutes” was only Google’s eleventh most popular search.
Chef Jose Andres, meanwhile, was tracking at number two and had landed in the top spot earlier Sunday evening. Andres’ unique cooking style was profiled during a separate segment on the weekly CBS newsmagazine, and it produced significantly more curiosity from internet searchers.
Ratings, sure to increase over recent “60 Minutes” airings, should nonetheless vindicate O’Brien’s ability to spark viewer interest.