Reality shows may soon be taking a backseat to a new wave in television entertainment. With many of today’s reality shows focusing on the lives of the rich and overindulged, TV executives may fear that this type of program will lose its popularity during an economy slump.
A few networks may manage to bring in more viewers over the next few days by hosting variety shows featuring 3 famous comedians. Variety shows have not been on primetime U.S. networks since the 1970’s, but in its time shows like “The Carroll Burnett Show” and “The Ed Sullivan Show” were extremely popular with many age groups.
Rosie O’Donnell is one of the comedians set to air her NBC variety show special called Rosie Live on November 26th. O’Donnell recently told a reporter for Reuters about why she thinks her show will be a success. She said, “The timing is right, I think the economy has made it so people are staying home more and sadly unable to go out. One hour to get around the TV with everyone in your family and laugh, that to me I think is needed now.”
Both Stephen Colbert and Ellen DeGeneres are also slated to host their own variety shows in upcoming days. DeGeneres told Reuters that she wanted to bring back the variety show because she watched it a lot while growing up and felt that it was fun.
Not everyone is as optimistic about the variety show format as the networks and comedians hosting them. A retired talent agent and dean at the school of cinematic arts at the University of Southern California, Larry Auerbach is not so sure viewers will want to tune in. Auerbach said, “Maybe some day it might come back, but I think it’s a different time today. People, if they’re old enough to remember anything, will consider it old fashioned.”
What do you think of the variety show format making a comeback on primetime television?
Will you be tuning in to any of the upcoming variety shows with your friends and family this week?
I think all 3 options would be great - Ellen, Rosie, and Stephen Colbert are some of my favorite comedians. I'm really sick of the reality shows as it is...it is definately time for something new - and something I can hopefully watch with the kids!
haveitoldyoulately::
on Nov 24, 2008
I always loved variety shows, and miss them. I do enjoy Ellen's show...reminds me of the old Mike Douglas or Merv Griffith format.
meowmix::
on Nov 25, 2008
I am sorry, but Rosie just annoys me so much with her big mouth that I cannot get past that to watch her show. Why are all these gay stars doing all the public stuff?
MaurChclt::
on Nov 25, 2008
I'm tired of the reality shows, but think the variey shows have seen their day. I'm not really sure what the next trend will be, but I'm waiting, I watch a lot of TV, probably much more than I should.
meowmix::
on Nov 26, 2008
Carol Burnett can never be outdone! I LOVE her.
am_i_lost::
on Nov 28, 2008
I'm not a fan of Rosie at all but I do like Ellen very much!! I think that if it is approached properly it can happen! In my opinion; all of these "So called REALITTY SHOWS" are so fake & the biggest load of crap I've ever seen!!! I can make myself sit threw an entire program no matter which one it is. TV needs some REAL change for the better!!! It's like CBS will come up with a show that's a hit so then ABC & NBC will try to do the exact same show with a different name; the same goes for some of the cable channels also. All the missbehaving dog and childeren shows programs with the different hosts, titles and channels?? Anyway, I hope that Ellen's show is a big hit she is a very funny & talented women!
meowmix::
on Nov 28, 2008
I AGREE! Reality shows are annoying. I like to watch a show that is complete in one episode and not have to keep coming back to keep up. I don't always remember or have time to keep up. Law shows are also getting annoying. We need different kinds of shows now. No more cops or competitions. I LOVED Art Linkletter and when Bill Cosby did a remake it was awsome. That would be cute to see again!
lmumegan::
on Nov 29, 2008
I love Ellen and would love to see her host a variety show.
Libra981::
on Nov 30, 2008
I would love to watch an Ellen variety show, but I am definitely not a fan of Rosie's so that one won't be watched. I am not sure about Steven Colbert - I might take a glance at it. I liked him when better when he was on Jon Stewart's show.
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