Robert N EmersonThe Big Gig remake has a name and a host - but does it have a chance?
April 5th 2007 07:37
The pieces in the puzzle of the ABC's Big Gig remake are falling into place. It has been confirmed that this new show, entitled The Sideshow, will premiere Saturday April 21.
Contrary to the earlier reports that Paul McDermott would be a writer for the programme, it has now come to light that he will actually host it.
This news will bring chagrin to many, and elation to many more. McDermott is quite a polarising figure, but I for one fall in the latter category. I loved his hosting of Good News Week, and I felt that his many talents were wasted on Strictly Dancing. It's been hinted at, but not expressly said, that the former DAAS member will sing a la his GNW days. I really hope that is true - it will be nice change to have a host singing that actually has a great voice (I'm looking at you, Daryl Somers).
The real question is whether the variety format will be embraced by audiences. News articles that reference Hey Hey It's Saturday aren't likely to win over the younger crowd. If the show were on commercial television, I would give it two weeks maximum. However, since it is appearing on the ABC, its chances at succeeding are a lot higher. Provided the show is clever, scathing and consistently has good guests, it will gain a following. The biggest obstacle that it will face is convincing people that it is in the now, not stuck in the past. I do like the name as well - it conveys a sense of being on the periphery; the fringe of society looking back at the mainstream and laughing at so called normalcy. Hopefully the show will try to tap into this outsider vibe, rather than catering to the lowest common denominator, as variety is wont to do.
*Image courtesy of the ABC, and used under Fair Dealing for identification and critical commentary.
Contrary to the earlier reports that Paul McDermott would be a writer for the programme, it has now come to light that he will actually host it.
Paul McDermott will be the ringmaster*
The real question is whether the variety format will be embraced by audiences. News articles that reference Hey Hey It's Saturday aren't likely to win over the younger crowd. If the show were on commercial television, I would give it two weeks maximum. However, since it is appearing on the ABC, its chances at succeeding are a lot higher. Provided the show is clever, scathing and consistently has good guests, it will gain a following. The biggest obstacle that it will face is convincing people that it is in the now, not stuck in the past. I do like the name as well - it conveys a sense of being on the periphery; the fringe of society looking back at the mainstream and laughing at so called normalcy. Hopefully the show will try to tap into this outsider vibe, rather than catering to the lowest common denominator, as variety is wont to do.
*Image courtesy of the ABC, and used under Fair Dealing for identification and critical commentary.
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Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
....giggle...
Hope you have a great and relaxing (or not) weekend!
Dusk
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
So.. as long as it's "The Glass House", we'll be right...
;o)
Comment by Nina
yoda, in a sense, yes - though I would prefer to see the Glass House of the early years, rather than the later ones. As I have said on here before, I thought that the show had lost its way, and that Wil and Corinne in particular had become quite unlikeable. I'll be happy if the show doesn't become fixated on its own sense of self-importance.
Sorry for the long winded response! Have a great Easter!
Nina