O'Donnell: NBC won't pick up variety show

Rosie O'Donnell nixed the possibility of NBC doing more variety show specials following Thanksgiving Eve's "Rosie Live" and cited a few reasons why she thought the program flopped. 

Answering fan questions on her blog and writing in her usual poem-stanza fashion, O'Donnell was asked if she will host more variety show episodes next year:

there will b no more
no ratings
bad reviews
yet still - a thrill 4 me

One dismayed O'Donnell fan wrote of the ratings: "5 million is a lot of people!! just wanted to let u know I LOVED it. Liza's entrance was so magical!!"

O'Donnell's reply:

thanks doll
it is a lot of people
but not enough 4 a pick up

One viewer asked why O'Donnell thought the show wasn't more successful. O'Donnell agreed with those who emailed to say her stage lighting was too dark, and added: 

not enough rehearsal
 the live part wasnt a plus
the in theater experience didnt transfer to tv
...
we were going for ed sullivan
and theres only one carol b
and hey
i gave it my best shot 

O'Donnell also posted a few critical emails, including this one: "What sucks worse, you or your crappy variety show? When will you learn that noooobody likes you, hell, your dog probably doesn't even like you."

O'Donnell responded:

woof

"Rosie Live" tied an episode of "Pushing Daisies" as the lowest-rated program Wednesday night in the preliminary ratings (nationals will be released Monday), and suffered harsh reviews from critics. NBC's original plan was to launch the variety show revival as a holiday special, then order a series if the program performed strong enough.

The performer ruled out returning to daytime, saying her syndicated "Rosie O'Donnell Show" was "too much work" and said she now plans to take "a little break." O'Donnell also reassured fans who worried about her following the program's backlash. 

i am ok
everything happens 4 a reason
i believe

There are other broadcast network variety show revivals in the pipeline. Furthest along is Fox's untitled effort hosted by Ozzy Osbourne's family that will air sometime next year. O'Donnell encouraged her fans to watch the other variety shows:

many people r gonna try a variety show
one will work
...
check them out

Comments

[Jay]

One reviewer observed that O'Donnell tried to slip children into the show to give the illusion that the filthy bodyparts jokes and the underlying unhealthy bitterness were really "family entertainment". The abuse of children by O'Donnell in this instance is a window into her personal life. I've long advocated the removal of the poor innocent children who O'Donnell has "purchased" to try to legitimize her dysfunctional lifestyle. They are the true victims of the Rosie persona.

The article is wrong. NBC has yet to determine if they will make "Rosie Live!" a series. Rosie O'Donnell quotes were left out to justify this untrue gossip. Rosie never nixed continuing to do the variety show.

This is the important Rosie O'Donnell quote that was left out of this article:

11.29.2008 at 9:54:55 AM in ask ro

its up to nbc
but
bad ratings and reviews
usually mean no more

[ME]

Well RO...so you had from the timing slot, the deck stacked against you. I know you are a survivor and will go back to the drwing board and come up with a new show that is yours alone. Keep up the great work you do and remember there are many who care....best Holiday Wishes to you and yours

GE

[James]

Does this woman not have any education beyond 4th grade? Apparently not, from her writing style. Television is already dumb enough.

[Frodo]

HAHAHA!!! NBC is so desperate, to give that crazy lady a show, she is an insult to the human race not to mention her gender, just another reason why CBS owns all.

[Robbie]

If anyone happened to catch the Ellen TV Special on Cable Station, TBS on Sat Nov 29 - well that was a REAL variety show - very entertaining throughout and very family friendly. I hope they plan on doing it again very soon!

[Eggbert]

I think the article makes it clear its her saying she doesnt think NBC will pick up more not nbc says they wont pick up more. This article says it too from her blog

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20243381,00.html

[J. Norton]

Oh wow! I hope this article is true!!

This means that NBC isn't so stupid afterall ~ maybe?

I thought the show was initially a "done deal" and we would have to be put in pain each time we saw a preview or ad for the show ('cause I wouldn't watch it)... but *sigh* thank heavens we won't have to be submitted to any previews or ads again.

Rosie needs to find something else.. perhaps writing or directing. She needs to snuff out her need for being the "attention getter" and recede into the background. At least if she writes or directs, we won't be submitted to her "in your face" kind of drama and we could watch..and/or.. read her if we so choose. Perhaps this could be a venue that would work as a career for her. (?) Just a thought.

I am no therapist.. but it seems she isn't realizing that her beligerence is not something we want to have on TV. It seems she has a need to continue to create "situations". Then she has fodder for her spewing out more cantankerous comments.

My sister used to have a saying that she would say whenever anyone got bent out of shape:

"Settle down woman.."

Rosie ~ I think this saying may apply.

[NewOrleans]

Have faith, Rosie.

Ben Silverman, being the smart and visionary executive he thinks he is, might just pick up your show for a full season. It's obvious from NBC's schedule that Ben doesn't have a clue what fans want to see. So, keep the faith.

Ben could schedule you behind that oh-so-original reality/dance competition he's canceling good series to make room for.

[Gino Cappuccino]

Heh, one man to a pair of pants!

[Emily K]

Hey "Jay," What exactly do you mean by "dysfunctional lifestyle?" I know nothing about Rosie's personal life and was wondering if you have a secret inside look.

If you are so concerned, maybe you should file an official complaint.

[Jill]

It was so dark on the stage! Why? Carol Burnett and Ed Sullivan were light. This was like a secret meeting in an alley. Made me sad. I think Rosie could have done an excellent show if she shmaltzed it up a bit, a la Donnie and Marie and Sonny and Cher.

[Jessica]

Rosie is a fat lesbian, we already voted in Cali to male gay marriage unconstitutional, Rosie loses again

[bob]

I thought the jokes seemed so planned and not very original, and the singing was AWFUL. sorry rosie, but you CANNOT sing.

[Rosie Fan]

My family also a fan ! Enjoyed celebs.
Seems NBC gave low $ & support to you.
Thought too dark, not enough props or light.
Games were missed. Execs don't give chance
to show . It would have growing support if
revamped or tweeked a little :-))
Good Luck Rosie !!!!!

[watching]

Just go away Rosie. This country has no use for you. Go live in the middle east maybe they will let you live. Bitch!

[Maureen]

That's how I feel. I wish she'd go away. She revolts me. NBC hoped everyone would be as idiotic as they are.