Variety reports that the much-hyped 'The Wanda Sykes Show' premiered on Saturday night on Fox with excellent ratings, averaging a 2.2 household/5 share in Nielsen's metered markets from 11PM to midnight. The show enjoyed success alongside the best-rated episode of 'Saturday Night Live' so far this season, which guest-starred Taylor Swift.
'The Wanda Sykes Show' has been heavily publicized as the first late-night talk show hosted by a gay black woman, and Ms. Sykes has certainly proved her comedy skills on shows such as 'The New Adventures of Old Christine.'
But the pilot episode of 'Wanda Sykes' has critics a little mystified. It's been criticized for its bizarre, haphazard structure, odd vignettes and unfocused politics -- Sykes is apparently stirring up emotions and making attacks on various public figures without making clear arguments or establishing a concise point of view. For now, there appears to be slightly more emphasis on experimental flash and chutzpah than on actual substance.
The Hollywood Reporter defends the show's strengths, calling it an "uproarious, biting and insightful look at politics" -- at least for the first half. Entertainment Weekly deems Wanda herself "terrific" but the show "awkward." Variety praises the "goofy humor" of Sykes' opening monologue but calls the rest of the show an "amateurish mess."
Ultimately, personality goes a long way, even if your show (for now) lacks focus, and Wanda Sykes has enough energy and personality for five talk-show hosts. Her manic approach may very well make 'Wanda Sykes' a hit for the rest of the season, even if it's just as a high-profile curiosity piece.
Reader Comments (5)
Terrell E at 12:15AM on Nov 10th 2009
I have heard Wanda do some good comedy in the past, but Saturday night she just came across as a bitter, vindictive, burned-out re-run of a comedian. Nothing more. The monologue was predictable and stale. Sorry, Wanda. Just not funny.
Georgina at 4:59PM on Nov 12th 2009
Wanda made me sick. I couldn't last watching her self serving Obama love fest any longer. I will never watch her show again
Patricia at 1:00AM on Nov 10th 2009
I have to agree. I did not laugh one bit and I'm a huge fan of hers so that's why I tuned in. After 20 mins I went back to my school assignments. I hope she steps it up, I wish her the best because her especial on HBO had me rollin'!! Best night in quite some time.
Todd at 1:13AM on Nov 10th 2009
I just watched this show on accident and it was the funniest thing I have seen in a long time and couldn't stop laughing and thinking WOW... it has been awhile since I have laughed this hard and it was clean fun. A breath of fresh air. Thanks Wanda for bringing some humor and a smile into my life. You have a dedicated fan now! Keep it up! I am cheering for you to bring it on strong as long as you can.
mary at 9:41AM on Nov 10th 2009
I used to love her.Now everything is politics and she is not funny.I find her boring now.What a shame,Wanda.