Conan O'Brien on 60 Minutes in 2010

TL;DR

Conan O'Brien discusses his departure from "The Tonight Show," his comedy tour, and finding success on cable television.

Transcript

60 minutes rewind very few things in this country galvanize public opinion like someone trying to mess around with people's preferences in the bedroom i'm talking of course about what they watch on late night television and nbc found that out a few months ago when conan o'brien the newly installed host of the tonight show quit after the network ann... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛫 Conan O'Brien's departure from "The Tonight Show" caused a significant backlash and public support for him.
• ❓ O'Brien used his comedy tour as therapy to overcome depression and regain confidence.
• 💄 O'Brien had a non-disparagement agreement with NBC, prohibiting him from making false or disparaging remarks about the network.
• 🎟️ O'Brien's wife believed that NBC did not fully support him and missed the opportunity to see his potential.
• 👻 NPR's Jeff Zucker claimed that viewers voted against O'Brien as the host of "The Tonight Show," but O'Brien disagrees.
• 🤑 O'Brien acknowledges that leaving "The Tonight Show" was a business decision for NBC, motivated by money.
• 📺 O'Brien signed a deal with TBS for a new show, acknowledging that cable television is increasingly relevant in changing television landscape.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did Conan O'Brien decide to grow a beard after leaving "The Tonight Show"?

O'Brien decided to stop shaving as a small victory after losing the show, demonstrating his determination to show NBC that he would not be defeated.

Q: How did Conan O'Brien feel about his nationwide comedy tour?

O'Brien found the comedy tour to be a milestone in his life, providing him with confidence and an outlet to express his anger, disappointment, and anxiety through self-deprecating humor.

Q: How did Conan O'Brien feel about the way NBC treated him?

O'Brien's wife, Liza O'Brien, believed that NBC never fully supported him and lost the opportunity to see what he could have accomplished with their full backing. O'Brien himself felt that NBC did not treat him as promised.

Q: Does Conan O'Brien believe he got screwed in the late-night fiasco?

While many people, including Jay Leno, believe O'Brien got screwed, O'Brien himself does not feel that way. He acknowledges that it didn't work out but emphasizes that he is fine and still able to make people laugh.

Q: Did NBC honor their agreement with Conan O'Brien?

Despite O'Brien signing a non-disparagement agreement with NBC, he still receives comments from people expressing that he got screwed. However, O'Brien maintains that he is happy with his decision and wishes everyone involved well.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Conan O'Brien left "The Tonight Show" after NBC announced plans to move Jay Leno back to his original time slot, triggering a public backlash and resulting in a $32 million settlement for O'Brien.

• After leaving, O'Brien assembled his old staff, went on a comedy tour, and found therapy in making people laugh.

• O'Brien reflects on the difficult time he went through, the lack of support from NBC, and the non-disparagement agreement he signed.