Rosie's Variety Show Canceled

Posted on November 30, 2008

NBC's attempt to bring back the variety show format failed dismally. Rosie O'Donnell's Rosie Live show drew less than the expected number of viewers with her Thanksgiving eve show called Rosie Live. The reviews were terrible, as well. So NBC canceled it, pretty much immediately.

Variety reports that preliminary numbers from Nielsen indicate the show had about 5 million viewers. The ratings were bad in the 18-49 demographic.

Variety says Rosie seemed to understand that the show had failed. Rosie blogged, "There will be no more. No ratings. Bad reviews."

This was not the fault of the host or the guests, which included Harry Connick Jr., Liza Minnelli and Alec Baldwin. They are all great live performers but it was not enough to make the show a hit.

We just don't think audiences are in the mood for a variety show revival. It's all reality, drama and science fiction such as Heroes, Fringe and Lost. Five million viewers would be a huge hit on cable. But for NBC during primetime it was considered a flop.

The Wikipedia entry says plans for Rosie Live included a series of new episodes starting in January 2009.