The Magic Hour (talk show)

Infobox Television
show_name = The Magic Hour


caption =
genre = Talk show
writer = Bart Jennett
Colin Quashie
director = Michael Dimich
presenter = Earvin "Magic" Johnson
narrated = Peter Michael
Craig Shoemaker
composer = Alan Ari Lazar
James Leach
Lexy Shroyer
country = USA
language = English
num_seasons = 1
executive_producer = Giovanni Brewer
Jeffrey Fischgrund
Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Lon Rosen
producer = Joe Revello
Lora Wiley
sup_producer = Todd Yasui
asst_producer = Tim Ryder
runtime = 60 mins.
channel = Syndication
first_aired = June 8, 1998
last_aired = September 4, 1998

"The Magic Hour" is a syndicated talk show hosted by basketball player Earvin "Magic" Johnson that debuted on June 8, 1998.

ynopsis

Soon after its debut, the series was panned by critics citing Johnson's apparent nervousness as a host, his overly complimentary tone with his celebrity guests, and lack of chemistry with his sidekick, comedian Craig Shoemaker. The series was quickly retooled with Shoemaker being relegated to the supporting cast which included comedian Steve White. Comedian and actor Tommy Davidson was brought in as Johnson's new sidekick and Johnson interacted more with the show band leader Sheila E. The format of the show was also changed to include more interview time with celebrity guests.cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1998/jun/26/entertainment/ca-63617|title=Embattled ‘Magic Hour’ to Try Different Strategy|last=Braxton|first=Greg |date=1998-06-26|publisher="L.A. Times"|accessdate=2008-08-18] [cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_n13_v94/ai_21052801|title=Magic Johnson's late night talk show, 'The Magic Hour,' is cancelled|date=1998-08-24|publisher="Jet"|accessdate=2008-08-18]

Howard Stern appearance

One vocal critic of "The Magic Show" was radio shock jock Howard Stern. Stern would regularly mock Johnson's diction and hosting abilities on his popular morning show. In an attempt confront Stern (and to boost ratings), Stern was booked to appear on the show as a guest (along with Drew Carey and Playmate Karen McDougal [cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0639550/|title="The Magic Hour": Episode dated 2 July 1998|publisher=imdb.com|accessdate=2008-08-19] ). Stern appeared on the July 2 broadcast with the band, the Losers, and played the song "Wipe Out. [cite news|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,283991,00.html|title=Remote Patrol|last=Fretts|first=Bruce|date=1998-07-17|publisher="Entertainment Weekly"|accessdate=2008-08-19] While being interviewed by Johnson, Stern asked Johnson about his lifestyle prior to contracting HIV and if he practiced safe sex with his wife. Stern also asked about "the white guy comedian", referring to Johnson's previous sidekick, Craig Shoemaker, who had been fired shortly before Stern's appearance for publicly calling the show "an absolute nightmare".cite news|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/services/motion-pictures/4796144-1.html|title=Stern Makes 'magic' Ratings|date=1998-07-06|publisher="The Hollywood Reporter"|accessdate=2008-08-19] [cite news|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,83577,00.html|title=Magic|last=Wolk|first=Josh |date=1998-07-02|publisher="Entertainment Weekly"|accessdate=2008-08-19]

Cancellation

The highly publicized episode featuring Stern increased viewership for a time, but ratings soon dropped off. The series was canceled after eight weeks. [cite news|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9803EFD8103BF93BA3575BC0A96E958260|title= 'Magic Hour' Canceled|date=1998-08-08|publisher="The New York Times"|accessdate=2008-08-18]

Johnson later blamed the demise of his talk show on a lack of support from African American celebrities who refused or could not appear on his show. Johnson claimed, "Their managers and agents keep them off of the black shows." [cite news|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20126211,00.html|title=Magic Calls Foul |date=1998-09-14|publisher="People"|accessdate=2008-08-19]

In popular culture

"The Magic Hour" was lampooned on the sketch comedy show "MADtv". The show began to parody the idea of Magic Johnson having other types of jobs, including that of a game show host and judge. Each sketch consisted of Magic Johnson (portrayed by Aries Spears) struggling to read. For example, in the game show sketch which parodied "Jeopardy!", Johnson stumbled over the clues. In another sketch, he struggles to read "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" to children and resorts to having one of the children read the book to him. However, the closing of the sketch would always consist of two words Johnson could understand: "You're Cancelled!".

The sitcom "Unhappily Ever After" also made fun of the show in a fall-1998 episode. Ryan (Kevin Connolly) makes a pass at a girl, who turns him down, saying she's watching a magic show. However, she's referring to the short-lived talk show, and the producers superimpose an on-screen graphic lampooning the show. At the end of the episode, another graphic appears on the screen: "RIP 'Magic Hour', 1998-1998."

In an appearance on the "Bob and Tom" radio program, Johnson's former sidekick Craig Shoemaker said Johnson was earnest, but ridiculed him for taking little interest in the program. According to Shoemaker, Johnson usually showed up at the studio shortly before the taping was set to begin, asking the staff, "So, what are we going to do today?".

ee also

List of late night network TV programs

References

External links

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* [http://www.jumptheshark.com/topic/Magic-Hour/Magic-Hour-General-Comments/1229 "The Magic Hour" at Jump The Shark]
* [http://www.koam.lanminds.net/magic2.html Stern and the Losers Make Magic Happen]
* [http://www.koam.lanminds.net/female-farter.html Inside Howard's Magic Appearance]