The Bottom Line
The Bonnie Hunt Show is good – it’s just not great. As a huge fan of the show’s host, I’m a bit disappointed to see Bonnie in the afternoon talk show space. Her sweet humor can be a bit tart, and that style is best served at 11:30 p.m.. Here, the charming comedian is asked to assume an Ellen-like role in daytime television, but it leaves the show feeling like just another entry in the talk show universe. Bottom line: I like it, but I want to love it. Check it out one weekday afternoon. It’s syndicated, so check your local listings.
Pros
- Likable host
- Midwest sensibilities
- Relatable
Cons
- Among a glut of daytime options
- May not be “cutting edge” enough
- Bonnie not as well known as Ellen, Oprah, Rachael or Tyra
Description
- The Bonnie Hunt Show is produced by the same professionals that deliver The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Tyra Banks Show.
- An hour-long, the show airs weekday afternoons in syndication - so check your local listings.
- Bonnie asked David Letterman if she should take the job, and he asked her if she was ready for all the work. She was.
- Letterman originally invited Bonnie to host the Late Late Show, before Craig Ferguson.
Guide Review - Review of 'The Bonnie Hunt Show'
Here’s my problem with The Bonnie Hunt Show. I really like it. The problem is, I want to love it.
I’m a huge fan of Bonnie Hunt. She has a quality about her – and everywoman quality – that draws you in and makes you instantly attracted to Hunt’s warm, conversational style. But some of that doesn’t translate to the talk show format.
Hunt’s program has a bit of a retro feel. It is a style of show Megan Mullally did well last year. One part Dinah Shore. One part Ellen DeGeneres. The set is elaborate, coaxing an in-my-home atmosphere, and much of its trappings capture the essence of Mike Douglas or Merv Griffin.
Where it stumbles – and this could be because the show is still finding its voice – is in Hunt’s interviews. Mastering the art is a tough task, and only those that have been on a long time seem to know how to do it: David Letterman and Jay Leno, primarily.
The show debuted on Sept 8, 2008, and Hunt is developing her style. But early interviews with her guests, even with friends like Robin Williams, have felt out of control and rambling. I trust she will get it in sync, and the show will be better for it.
Where it shines, however, is in the small skits and segments where Hunt gets to exercise her comedy chops. There is little doubt Hunt is funny. She’s quick-witted (a recent guest mentioned that Bonnie had “a nice set” – Bonnie replied, “Thanks, it’s a new bra.”) and sweet as can be.
Still, I only like The Bonnie Hunt Show. I don’t love it. And I think that’s because Hunt would do better in the late night space. Her sweet humor can be a bit tart, and that style is best served at 11:30.
Besides, it’s about time we had a female late night host.
- If You Like The Bonnie Hunt Show, You Might Like:
- The Ellen DeGeneres Show
- The Rachael Ray Show
- The Martha Stewart Show
