Throwback Thursday-Fashion Police (2010-2017)

Some might argue that Hollywood fashion is nothing but a waste of time. There are more important things to deal with than critiquing the clothing of Hollywood celebrities. But for others, it was appointment television.

Fashion Police aired on E! from 2010 to 2017. This weekly television program was hosted by a number of on air commentators (among them the late Joan Rivers) who discussed and critiqued the clothing worn by celebrities.

What made this show fun was not just the fashion being discussed, but how irreverent and funny the show was. Not taking themselves too seriously, the hosts had fun, as did the audience.

Do I recommend it? I am leaning toward yes.

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Throwback Thursday-Fashion Emergency (1997-1999)

A makeover is more than changing your physical appearance. If done right, the makeover could change your life.

Fashion Emergency aired on E! from 1997-1999. Hosted by Emme, the late Leon Hall, and Brenda Cooper, the premise of the show was to do makeovers on the ordinary John and Jane Does.

At the time, Fashion Emergency was the only show of its kind on the air. It was almost captivating to see the transformation of each episode’s subjects. Looking back, I can see how rote the show became, but nevertheless, it was still interesting.

Do I recommend it? I am leaning toward yes.

Flashback Friday-Mysteries and Scandals (1998-2001)

When one thinks of Hollywood, one normally thinks of glitz and glamour. But behind the screen is another story.

Mysteries and Scandals aired on E! from 1998-2001. Hosted by A.J. Benza, the series told the story of various celebrities who either died in a suspicious manner or were scandalized in some manner. Included in the program were experts in the case, reenactments, and photographs.

As I recall, I enjoyed this program. The noir-ish format of the program added to the mystery. Benza, as a host, came off as a grizzled detective, which worked perfectly within the context of the series.

I recommend it.

Throwback Thursday-E! True Hollywood Story (1996-2002)

There is two sides to fame: the name recognition, the extravagant salaries, the clothing that most of will never wear, etc. But there is also a darker side to fame.

E! True Hollywood Story (1996-2002) introduced the viewer to the less than glamorous side of fame. There were stories of scandal, mysteries, secrets and other sordid tales of Hollywood that create headlines for the wrong reasons.

This show is like a car wreck on the highway. As a viewer, you would prefer to watch something else. But this show is addicting and no matter how salacious it is, it’s hard to turn away. It’s no wonder this program was rebooted this year.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.

Throwback Thursday-Giuliana and Bill (2009-2014)

Reality television, whether we like it or not, has become part and parcel of our television viewing schedule.

Giuliana and Bill was on the air from 2009-2014. The show followed the lives of two married TV personalities: E! News anchor Giuliana Rancic and season one The Apprentice winner Bill Rancic. As with every reality show in which the focus is a celebrity, this program told the story of the daily lives of their subjects.

If the point of this show and the sub-genre of celebrity based reality shows is to prove how normal they are, this show succeeds. However, it seems to be self-serving with a “look at me” attitude. I do recall watching this program, but looking back, I wish I had spent my precious TV time watching another program.

Do I recommend it? Not really.

Throwback Thursday-Talk Soup (1991-2002)

Satire is to my mind, one of the finest forms of comedy.

Talk Soup (1991-2002) perfected the art of satire. Airing on the E! network, the show had four hosts during it’s lifetime: Greg Kinnear (1991-1995), John Henson (1995-1999), Hal Sparks (1999-2000) and Aisha Tyler (2001-2002), the show satirized moments from the previous days talk shows.

As I recall, I did not get the humor initially because it was a little over my head. Then I understood the humor and I laughed. I laughed because of the ridiculousness of the clips and how self serious the shows made themselves out to be.

I recommend it.

Flashback Friday-The Girls Next Door (2005-2010)

Sometimes, when watching a reality show, the viewer may feel like a peeping tom. Especially when the show they are watching delves into the lives of the rich and famous.

The Girls Next Door (2005-2010) was one of these shows, airing on the E! network.

The focus of the show was the late Playboy Magazine founder/editor Hugh Hefner and his decades younger blonde girlfriends. For most of the series, the girlfriends were Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson. The show basically followed their lives as they lived in Playboy mansion and shared their mutual boyfriend.

While there is something to be said about the camaraderie between the women, the show didn’t sit right with me. I don’t know if it was the fact that they all shared him or that Hugh Hefner was old enough their father and/or grandfather. Either way, it was not the way I wanted to spend my precious television watching time.

Do I recommend it? Not really.