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Critics dub Rosie a turkey

Awww, Rosie O'Donnell's star-studded Thanksgiving variety show flopped in the US.

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An American return to old-fashioned variety television during times of woe isn’t too likely after Rosie O’Donnell’s Rosie Live failed to impress both critics and audiences this week.

Just 5 million viewers tuned in, matching ABC’s recently cancelled Pushing Daisies as the night’s lowest-rated program.

She had a star-studded line-up including Alannis Morrisette, Rachael Ray, Harry Connick Jr. (pictured), Clay Aiken Gloria Estefan, Kathy Griffin, Alec Baldwin hitting Conan O’Brian with a pie, O’Donnell singing “City Lights” with Liza Minnelli and Jane Krakowski.

The NY Times described it as “hokey comedy with an enemies list.” TV Guide called it a “ghastly ego trip.” And the LA Times asked, “Rosie, what on earth were you thinking?”

Variety said of her variety, it bore an uncanny resemblance to a particularly awful Vegas revue. “Rosie Live awkwardly trotted out one celebrity after another before culminating with a big number featuring dancers dressed as food. Too sincere to work as kitsch, NBC’s misguided special/series-trial-balloon doubtless tested the loyalty of even O’Donnell’s most ardent fans and had anyone outside that category praying for the commercials.”

All eyes on her blog to see her post-show reaction….

Source: Hollywood Reporter, Variety

5 Responses

  1. True Zambora..feuding with Trump is one thing but Babs is a well loved american institution. I like Rosie and agree with her politically but this show did seem a little..schlocky..though the guests seem great especially Harry,Alec & Conan.

  4. That’s too bad – I’m a fan of Rosie and was hoping this would be a good vehicle for her talents. I wonder if Elisabeth Hasselbeck or Barbara Walters will be making a snide comment on The View about this.

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