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Rosie’s Variety Show Fails to Impress
29-Nov-2008
Written by: Mic Mell
Rosie’s prime-time variety had a little of everything, and only a little bit of quality.
Holiday variety shows are becoming popular again. Stephen Colbert did one, and now Rosie O'Donnell has thrown her hat in the ring. Unfortunately, it seems that her hat should have been thrown back out. In an attempt to revive the classic ideas of programs like The Carol Burnett Show, Rosie's holiday special only held the format in that there were lots of people passing through.
While performances by Alanis Morissette and Ne-Yo did bring in a great vibe, there was a steady and brief stream of star power that seemed rushed. Liza Minelli sang a duet with Rosie, and Harry Connick, Jr. brought in some classic Christmas flavor. A few of the guests came out in what seemed to be a talk show format, pushing their personal endeavors and TV projects. Hollywood Reporter said the show "looked as if it was inspired by the circus act in which clowns keep emerging from a tiny car."
O'Donnell's edgy jokes detracted from the hokey feel-good nature of the program. While she is usually dead-on with her jokes, her delivery and subject matter seemed a bit off.
The critics have almost universally panned the show, with the L.A. Times saying, "Disappointment does not even begin to describe it," and TV Guide lamenting, "The entire hour landed with a sickening, sad, ill-conceived thud."
While the variety show format was slated for a comeback, the massive collapse of "Rosie Live" may alter network plans to roll out more programs like this.
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