The curtain has not only risen on the new Rosie O’Donnell talk show on OWN – it’s disappeared. And now there’s no better source of cheer, community and astounding good will on daytime TV.
On the first show, Rosie came out from behind a curtain and did some standup comedy before taking questions from the audience and interviewing her guests. That format has stayed the same, but the curtain hasn’t been seen since. It’s indicative of the show’s tone and focus. There’s no curtain because, judging by the episodes since, Rosie doesn’t want one. She wants community and transparency. The last thing she wants is any kind of barrier between her and audience. There is nothing she won’t say about her life. The set is open, the show is open, everything is live, and anything can happen.
The proof? Did you hear about the fan who went from audience member to show announcer in a week? It’s an ongoing storyline that deserves national attention because it has something to say about us and our dark times.
Rosie? Meet Hollee.
Hollee was a repeat audience member. Rosie remembered her infectious smile and called out to her one day (she regularly chats with the audience). The conversation went as expected – hi, who are you, what do you do, etc. – when Hollee said she was newly unemployed, Rosie said, “Ohhh, that sucks”. And here was extraordinary moment #1. Hollee replied, “But you know what? This has been the biggest and greatest blessing known to man because the possibilities are endless and I have been thoroughly enjoying myself during the last week.” That made Rosie look up. “What an attitude, Hollee!” Everyone else looked up, too. The next day the show was flooded with emails.
That set up extraordinary moment #2. And my words can’t do it justice. So here’s the link to the video of both moments if you’d like to see for yourself:
In case you didn’t see it — Rosie calls Hollee center stage one day and chides her for missing an announcement (keep in mind, she’s the eager-to-please, temporary show announcer). Hollee looks confused but approaches center stage where Rosie commands her to read it off the teleprompter. So she reads how she, Hollee, is liked so much that she’s been hired through the end of the year!
How’s that for Real TV? From fan to audience member to temporary announcer to full time in under a week? Just goes to show what a big smile and forcefully positive attitude can yield.
Every episode I’ve seen has been a celebration. Games. Prizes. Music. Dancing. Laughter. Tribute. Honesty. Participation. Everyone is welcome. Rosie answers every question with poise, humor, and love. She doesn’t guide guests through the standard publicity questions but encourages them to speak from their heart. They talk about failures and struggles alongside their triumphs. We’re not merely informed and entertained; we’re encouraged and uplifted.
On behalf of Capital One, Jimmy Fallon may currently be asking, ‘Don’t you want more money?’ But Rosie’s asking. ‘Don’t you want more cheer? Energy? Life? Love? Acceptance? Inspiration?’ If you could use any of those things, stop on by The Rosie Show. The curtain is gone and they’re waiting for you. Cheer up, America, Rosie’s back!
Amen!
The invisible wall between stage and audience is often thick and rigid. Sounds like Rosie is tearing down that wall, encouraging people to be who we are in a respectful setting. Bless her.
And hats off to you, RW, for another inspirational post.
Openness and honesty are to be valued, I think. I’m glad you liked it, Watt. I hope this website can be a community for both those things.