Variety’s Comedy Impact Report Evaluated: Part II (Television’s Players)
As we mentioned earlier, Variety’s annual Comedy Impact Report released on July 21 –once again sorely lacking comic titans Louie Anderson and Sinbad, who have been entertaining me relentlessly for years without so much as a “thank you” from the industry. Shame on you, Hollywood.
So who made the cut? Who are the television juggernauts? Let’s take a look at who the Tinseltown Trade Leader called the best in the biz:
Stephen Colbert, host (The Colbert Report)
Wendi Trilling, Exec VP of Comedy Development (CBS)
Jim Parsons, actor (Big Bang Theory)
Chuck Lorre, producer (Two and a Half Men, Big Bang Theory)
Conan O’Brien, host (Tonight Show)
Wanda Sykes, host (The Wanda Sykes Show)
Tyler Perry, Writer/Director/Producer/Star (The Tyler Perry Company)
Jane Lynch, actress (Glee)
Craig Ferguson, host (Late Late Show)
Andy Samberg, actor (Saturday Night Live)
Well, looks like if you host a talk show, you’re Mr. or Mrs. Important these days, eh?
I can certainly understand Conan O’Brien making this list — let’s face it, the Tonight Show is the biggest TV gig in the known universe, and it has been since long before you and I were born. I can also fully support the inclusion of Stephen Colbert, who has perhaps elevated himself to a more important position as “Great American Humorist” than he’ll ever rise to as a mere talk show host — he’s made himself into a truly unforgettable figure of the zeitgeist. Craig Ferguson straddles the fence for me — and I know that merely mentioning that last phrase targets me for death from millions of die-hard Ferguson supporters, of which there seems to be no shortage. He’s witty, and very cool, but I can take him or leave him, and he seems like a late night afterthought to me — especially now that the 11:30 players jockey for position.
And hey everyone, let’s name Wanda Sykes a major impactor — even though the Wanda Sykes Show doesn’t bow until November 7! That seems a little early, Variety. Yes, we know she’s quite popular right now…but really?
Tyler Perry is the king of the universe, of course, even though I don’t find anything he does funny in the slightest (that includes dressing up as an old lady, which normally I would find quite hysterical). But talk about a guy who’s found his niche. I gotta give this cat credit, he found his target and hit it. And he’s a super-jillionaire for it.
Andy Samberg I could take or leave on this list. He’s had a year of popularity, with his SNL Digital Shorts, hosting the MTV Movie Awards very adeptly and dropping the Lonely Island CD, which is fantastic. But somehow I think there’s still a contingency that’s not aboard the Samberg wagon, and his 2007 film Hot Rod — though absurdly giggleworthy — pretty much crashed and burned, which tells me that he’s not that much of a draw…yet. But keep your eye on Samberg.
Finally, we reach the contingency where I think Variety shows its major affection: Variety, if you love the CBS prime time comedy schedule so much, why don’t you marry it? Exec VP of Comedy Development Wendy Trilling does score some points for bringing some solid shows to the table (making it the Monday night equivalent of NBC’s Thursday Night), and though I don’t personally watch The Big Bang Theory, I certainly hear great things about Jim Parsons — by all accounts, he’s a big TV breakout star. But Chuck Lorre for Two and a Half Men? I’d rather have my head drilled into than watch that show, and it’s not for lack of giving it a shot — it’s on all the time. Somewhere, someone decided this show was a hit, and it’s dragged on weakly since then, keeping all its accolades.
Missing? How about Tina Fey (who was on the list in 2008, and is having an even better 2009)? Alec Baldwin, the comedy sun for which all revolves around, for 30 Rock as well? I’d also wager to say that if we’re looking at sheer, raw power, Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park continue to wield it mightily, unafraid and ballsy enough to put whatever they want on television — without Viacom so much as blinking. That’s power.
What do you guys think? Good list? Who belongs? Who doesn’t? Did you say Louie Anderson and Sinbad? I agree! It’s like you read my mind!
