NBC host Megyn Kelly's controversial interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones that aired Sunday did poorly in the ratings, finishing last among the major networks in the second half-hour.
Early Nielsen Media Research data indicates "Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly" netted an average of 3.5 million viewers, the Hill reported. That put NBC in a distant third in the interview's first half-hour, behind Fox's coverage of the U.S. Open golf tournament and a repeat episode of CBS's "60 Minutes."
The second half-hour also finished behind ABC's "America's Funniest Home Videos."
Kelly's show has struggled in its time slot since its first episode, an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Even the premiere only netted just over six million viewers and finished third in the ratings, also behind a "60 Minutes" re-run.
The Alex Jones interview was widely criticized before it even aired. Critics charged that Kelly was giving airtime to a man who did not deserve it, and worried the NBC host would not be tough enough on Jones, a radio host who runs InfoWars.com. Kelly was even chastised by former NBC journalist Chelsea Clinton.
After the interview aired, assessments were more positive. But many of those who criticized the interview beforehand subsequently credited editors for saving the segment, rather than Kelly's interview skills.