Spread the ysga* here.

Saw my first real commericial for it this weekend. She was screaming at me that she wants to know how to change a tire. This and other inane topics apparently are her raison d'etre. Helpful? I guess so. Riveting television? Not so much.

Maybe I'll be surprised when the show premiers on Sept. 18.


*Yummo snarky goodness action

I didn't see the changing tire promo. I keep seeing the one where she likes to shop and hates posing for pictures.

Can't wait til the 18th, this is going to be one heck of a trainwreck.

I saw the one where Rachael proudly declares that she is going to ask the interesting questions that we all want to know, like what is in a guest's refrigerator. Um, I'm sorry but that is not interesting at all. Who gives a fuck?

Here is what is in my fridge: Yogurt, water, Diet Coke, plums, lettuce (aka "salad in a sack, girl's best friend"), eggs, baking soda, sliced ham.

Okay, so how is this information going to sustain even 30 seconds on a televised talk show? Does that information sound interesting to you? At least on Cribs, you actually have the visuals. Just hearing people verbalize it?

It's not like anyone is going to have a dead body in their fridge.

Me too - can't wait and will schedule the dvr so I can have a good laugh each night when I come home.

For pure comedy, check out her talk show website: RayRay Show. My favorite is the caption under one pic: "My husband John and I have a groovy time cruising around on our Vespa. (I'm the driver; he just hangs on for the ride.)" You think?

Hint: Click on the "What's Your Story" button for show topics and let the amusement begin.

Speaking of the "sweetie"...my $$$ says he makes an appearance on the very first show. What else does he have to do these days after quitting his job? Oh yeah - fetch RayRay's wine at appearances.

This woman is so unbelievably awkward on camera. How does she have three ... four ... whatever shows? Clearly, she has sold her soul to the devil in exchange for her success.

I just really hope that the people who actually like Rachael are able to talk about the show here without people trying to make us feel stupid for liking her (you know who you are),because that happens in the other thread.

The subtitle of this thread should be "Bigmouth Strikes Again".

I hate the promo I've been seeing where some moron says, "She's like your best friend!" Yeah, if your best friend is a fucking motormouth who wears terrible clothing and has a mouth big enough to eat several babies, then yeah, I can see how RR is like your best friend.

I said this in the RR thread, but I can't wait for this show to start because The Soup really needs a replacement for Tony Danza's show.

Me too but I'm not holding my breath.

I'm looking forward to the show. I like Rachael and the premise reminds me of that morning show that was on FX years ago called "Breakfast Time", before it was moved to Fox and it's soul ripped out by the evil Rupert Murdoch. I miss that show.

I'm going to give it a chance, and I figure this: it will either be entertaining to watch, or I'll watch just to be entertained. Either way, it's a win.

Oooh, zippergirl, that's fascinating! Tomorrow I'm going to catalog the contents of my medicine cabinet for the delight of all in the thread. <hee!>

You know, I've seen her other show (what is it .. meals in 30 minutes, or something?) and liked her in that. Quick meals that look tasty and were fast and easy to make? I'm there. She seemed perky and friendly and harmless enough.

However... my lukewarm 'like' has turned to the dark side because of her promos. The line that finally made me snap: "I'm not a chef, I'm a cook." Well...la-di-freaking-dah! "I'm down down-to-earth and homey! I'm just RayRay from the Block! Love me...LOVE! ME!"

Shut up, Rachel. May your show be cancelled by Christmas.

PS Thanks for starting the thread, Midge!

A Mandolin and LadyJane, no one can make you feel stupid without your permission, try as s/he might. Just understand that this is Television WITHOUT Pity, and the unwritten rule is "snark uber alles" (and the written rule is "spare the snark, spoil the network," I believe).

At the same time, you stick to your guns, and defend what and who you like with all the ammunition in your opinion pistols. You can expect a lot of disagreement when you voice your views, but don't you dare stop voicing them...

...and I say this as someone who pretty much can't stand Rachael*, but defends to the death the rights of those who like her.

*As for the spelling of her name-- it may be "Rachel" on her birth certificate, but "Rachael" has been a name in my family for six generations (and maybe more), and I will not tolerate anyone being snotty, calling the "a" an "affectation." It might well be for Ms. Ray, but it's a completely legitimate spelling, and anyone who sez otherwise can either kiss my ass or taste my knuckles.

Thank you, but I am well aware of the name of the site. If you notice I said "trying" to make us feel stupid for liking her. I have no problem with snarking on Rachael, my problem is snarking on the people here who like her. Thanks again.

Oh my Gravy!!! Stay tuned for today's riveting topic is 'the innards of my friend Gloria Estefan's purse!"


From your keyboard to God's eyes, Quiddler!
And hopefully, once the dominos of talk show failure are set into motion, it won't be long til the whole Ray-Cusimano empire tumbles into oblivion. Can it be long before the "What Ever Happened to Raychel Ray?' special airs on E!?

See I'm actually rooting for the opposite. Long live the Ray Ray Talk so that she no longer has time to do anything cooking related. For some reason the idea of her on a talk show doesn't bother me nearly as much as her other shows. Possibly because I'll be able to regulate her talk show to the bin with the other daytime gems (Tyra et. al) I never watch whereas I find her cooking shows downright insulting. I'm not an idiot so why is she talking to me like that? Don't get me wrong - I get why people like her. In fact I love the idea of her - someone who is not classically trained (in cooking or talk) but is bright and bubbly and fun and has a different view of the world. I just don't think the execution is there. But we shall see.

I loved the early episodes of 30-Minute Meals (I found that she gave interesting tips to make daily cooking easier), but something seriously wrong happened somewhere along the way. She became so screechy and hyperactive. I guess I find her annoying nowadays, but more in a "change the channel" than "fun to mock" way. It's a shame.

I don't like Rachael Ray and never have but I don't know why people think this show is going to be cancelled. I mean, if the Tyra Banks Show can live on for another season, I think just about any show can. Unless it's fronted by Tony Danza.

I hope it does. She doesn't have interview skills at all (Inside Dish anyone), her topics are silly and did I mention she doesn't have interview skills at all?

And just because Okrahoma backs it, doesn't mean it's going to be a hit either. She did one with her best friend Gayle and some other woman and those shows failed miserably.

I assume that for RayRay's talk show to succeed, she's going to have to bring in new viewers. That's really what will be interesting - hearing the response to her from someone who has never seen her cooking shows.

I am still not clear how much of the show will involve guests. I agree that I've never seen her display an ability to shut up while someone else is talking so that could pose a problem.

I really want her mother to be featured on the show. The "Mommy & Me" episode of 30 Minute Meals was so very very snarktastic.

OMG, with all the snarking I've done, and I've done quite a lot, this never even entered my mind! Yes yes yes! Mahm Mom Mommie must be a guest!! I can see it now. She'll be elbowing her Mom just like she did on 3Omm and saying Mommie every 3 minutes!
And I'd bet my 'gravy' that the Elfin Sweetie will either 'front' the house band, or will eventually wind up on the couch with her. Her own personal Regis.


Yes that's right! Gayle's talk show dove head first into the toilet. The other women was Iyanyla Van Sant, I think. And let's face it, how great is Dr Phil really doing?? I live in a big city and he used to be on right after Oprah, around dinner time, and he's now relegated to the "UHF" type channels and he's on in the middle of the night. Certainly not prime viewing time.


While I don't like Tyra's show, I don't despise Tyra. She doesn't irritate me the way Rachel does. Rachel is taking Tony Danza's time slot in a lot of markets, so maybe this will be the 'kiss of death' for her. I really hope she's around long enough for Joel McHale to really harpoon her on Talk Soup! And you know he will!

Carife, don't mean to be critical of you or nothin', but shouldn't that be "The Stoup"?

Actually, Iyanla Van Sant's talk show wasn't produced by Oprah. I think they had a falling-out because she struck out on her own.

Good one!



I think she has said he's going to do the legal advice. But I wouldn't be surprised to see him with the band.



They are going to play foosball. She also mentions in the article that they would cook with her. Earlier, she said she wouldn't do much cooking on her show.

http://people.aol.com/people/article/0,26334,1227236,00.html

That's right - Iyanla's show was produced by Barbara Walters.

As for how Dr. Phil's show is going (someone questioned that in a post above), I don't know his ratings, but judging by how he keeps getting renewed, I'd say he's doing OK.

That said, I went on the RR website for her new show and the list of topics they plan to cover is plain out dreadful...things that I cannot imagine anyone wanting to watch.

Good one! And I stand corrected.

I stand corrected again. However, since Iyanyala was prominently featured on Oprah, I'll still put her in the Oprah Failure column.
As far as Dr Phil, yes he does keep getting renewed, however I live in a major market, one of the 5 biggest cities in the US, and he's on at 2AM, on the UHF channels. So, I wouldn't mind Rachel following in his footsteps!
So, I really wish we would hear something about the guests on this show. I'll be brave and be the first one to put out there that Morgan Freeman will def. NOT be a guest. Any other suggestions??
And do her Mahmmy, the Elf, and any of Okra's 'family' count as guests?? I'm sure Gayle King and Nate Berkus are quasi-celebrities in their own right, but I should think it wouldn't count if they went on Rachel's show. After all, I'm sure Mama Oprah laid down the law.

I think much like Danza, she's going to get B-list celebs, with the occasional A lister thrown in. I mean, she couldn't even get A listers for Inside Dish. And her thing of "You have to be able to tell stories" on her show. The only reason people will be on her show is to plug their new movie/tv show/reality show/book/album, not to hang out with her.

I know one of the topics was "Do you look like Rachael Ray?" WHAT? Who cares if you look like her? And if you do AND dress like her? Then the show you need to be applying for is "What Not to Wear" or "How Do I Look?" not RR's show.

I'm sure Morgan Freeman will be pleased to hear he's not an A-lister.



Isn't that why most movie stars/tv stars/authors/singers go on a talk show? To plug their movie/tv show/book/album?

Morgan Freeman and perhaps Joe Perry from Aerosmith were the two biggest names. And Morgan Freeman looked as though he were merely tolerating her and her moronic questions and just wanted to get a plug in for his restaurant. The same for Joe Perry's hot sauce.

I remember the one with Aisha Tyler. Aisha was so calm and poised and the crazy howler monkey was just embarrassing herself.



Yes. That's what talk shows have turned into. But other talk show hosts don't say they want them to play foosball or have a story or cook with them. The only reason a big star will go on her show will be because their publicist instructed them to.

Thanks for clearing that up.

Anyone see the first commercial for the show, where she yells "Come down, we have snacks!"

Because, you know, there really isn't any place to get snacks in New York City.

I haven't seen any commercials for the new show yet...but I'm looking!

Exactly. Poor Morgan. Same for Rick Nielson from Cheap Trick - he was plugging his pizza restaurant in Chicago. I felt so bad for him as she was a blithering idiot the entire interview saying things like "too cool for school". She even said in the intro that Cheap Trick was known for their hits, including "Survivor"...hello, RayRay's research/editing team need to let her know (although she claimed to be such a fan) the hit was "Surrender." Idiots. Her Inside Dish series was such an embarrassment. I'm surprised Oprah's talent team didn't run like the devil as soon as they saw the shows. Just like Inside Dish, I'm soooo watching this show for the snark.

Isn't that list the most horrid list of ideas you could ever imagine? A few of my favorites: "Hey you...what's on your mind?" and "You start driving, you start bickering?"...WTF!!!!

Based on the topics, sure doesn't sound like a celebrity-based show at all. Seems more like a show based on strange viewers. Although they only came up with a true explanation of the show recently so who knows what we'll end up with for the premiere. They're probably still grasping for a true concept.

Someone who lives near NYC needs to get tickets to the show and let us all know the scoop.

Don't you worry jalapeno I'm only about an hour away by train. And I will make the sacrifice for the team. The only problem, I really want to go up there with another fellow TWoPer, only I'm afraid the two of us will get thrown out for disorderly conduct! Or in other words, for acting like the screeching howler money herself.


I get this vibe too. Only fitting that the strangest one of all should be the show host.

I was visiting a friend in the East 40's last weekend and as I walked past a very non-descript building, I saw the Ray-Ray posters (on the Vespa) inside the lobby....and wondered if this was where her show is being taped....well, when I checked out her website, it gave the address of the studio and sure enough, it's the place I walked past. Odd thing (IMO), though, because the studio is near the UN, not the typical location of most studios for TV shows in NYC.

I would try to go but since I work full-time, I can't get the time off...hopefully someone else will go and report back.

As for the show content, I have this vision of RR acting like a five-year-old with dozens of guests on simply because they don't have enough structure -- or enough talent from RR in terms of real interviewing skills -- to carry the show in a solid manner. I still cannot believe Oprah is producing this. Say what you want about Dr. Phil, he (IMO) was good back when he was on her show (before he got the swollen head with his own show) so I could see why she thought he had the makings of a good show. But RR? Sure she can handle the cooking show and travel/eating show, but to host an hour long show where you have to interview people? That's beyond me, and that's why I think each show will be jam-packed with a ton of guests since (IMO) her interviewing skills are so weak that she'll have to ask a few questions of each guest and then keep moving on...

But, but, but - who's going to tune in to watch Rachael play foosball???

Sorry but I wouldn't even tune in to watch Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn play foosball... naked.

Aw, come on, sandia; a Heidi vs. Tim Naked Foosball Smackdown would be PLENTY entertaining... even better if they do it on RR's show. You can watch it at my house-- "we have snacks!"

I'm tired of The View and Regis and don't like Oprah, Ellen, or Martha, so I'm looking forward to this. The format should at least be different than the standard celebrities coming on to hawk their movies. I don't genrally watch cooking shows but I like Rachael's cute personality when I've seen her as a guest on other things, and I think she'll do well as a talk show host.

The qualities that make a good guest are often worlds apart from makes a great host...as evidenced by the long list of cancelled talk shows that made it only a season or two (who had folks who were 'good guests', but who made poor hosts). IMO, Racheal might be entertaining as a guest for a 3-5 minute segment, but from what I've seen, her interviewing skills aren't that great and her constant giggling and 'gee whiz' approach don't bode well (JMO) for long-term success, not when one has to interview for a daily talk show that goes for an hour (40 minutes minus commercials).

I haven't seen anything to indicate that she won't be having celebs on the show who, of course, will be there to hawk movies, books, product launches, etc. This is a staple of most talk and morning shows, so I doubt RayRay's will be any different.

If you look in the new TV Guide (Emmy cover), there's a blurb about her in the Friday's listing section that says something about her having the "occasional" celebrity on. It seems like it's going to be a mostly lifestyle show, like those boring home shows that used to be on in the early 90's. But then, I've heard so many different things about what her show is supposed to be. Does RR even know what it's supposed to be?

I just have this fear that it's going to be really boring. Not snarkworthy or a trainwreck--just dull and boring. And that would be the worst crime ever!

I'd watch Tim Gunn playing foosball naked. I'd even watch Kayne and Robert playing naked foosball as they bitched about Laura! But I have a feeling they'd want to be on Tyra or Oprah, not Rachael Ray's show, queen of the unflattering clothing.

Okay then the naked PR foosball tournament is on Aunt Jenny and ordinaryangel!

On the show RayRay is going to change tires and give dating tips for senior citizens. Does RayRay have the background to give us relationship or automotive advice? Some of the pre-show stuff I've read says "experts" are forbidden on the show (along with crying and makeovers of 20 year olds) so it appears the advice will all be hers.

We'll see...

No doubt received when she was a tiny girl at Grandpa Emmanuel's knee.

Nope. She seems to change her mind depending on what interview you read.



If you saw that terrible NASCAR episode of 30 Minute Meals, she told a story about a driving experience she had. Guess that counts as her automotive advice.

Well maybe there is a slight chance that ole RayRay will pull it off. Because every time I have seen her as a guest I find myself hoping animal control will come crashing onto the set and put her down.

Who am I kidding! She is going to blow. Everything will be a giggle, shriek or an inappropriate utterance of some incredibly dated slang.

I'm hoping it stays on long enough and is bad, bad and not just boring bad so I can see highlights on The Soup!

Even if her show is remotely good, I could easily see RR having a breakdown in the future...

I mean, how many shows/books can one person do/write? I'm quite serious when I say this; unless she's taking something (and I'm not saying she is), it is really amazing to me that a late 30's person (even one filled with loads of natural energy) can do so many things all the time with little to no downtown. And she's married now so she has a marriage to pay attention to (or not). I could see how someone could keep up this pace for a short time, but over the longhaul? Not so likely, IMO.

So I wonder if doing this show is the thing that pushes her to the edge...maybe not a real breakdown, but some type of meltdown. She's already become far more manic and 'wacky' (hyper talking, hand motions, etc.) than before what with her increased shows/books.

If some type of meltdown happens, I won't be surprised.

We saw it coming! Looks like RayRay's show might wheel in the ratings (well at least for the first week) The Big O herself pays a visit to RayRay. Oprah can only help so much RayRay! she won't be there every day to hold your hand. Looks like big momma is making sure the show doesn't go directly in the crapper, maybe it will circle the seat/rim for a bit ;) A bit more.

Okay, those pictures on her website make me want to punch her in the face. Hard. And the show topics? Yawn. Though this one: Have an unusual use for a gadget or appliance? might be interesting. Though I'm sure the show has to be PG, so they won't get all dirty with that. But wouldn't it be hilarous if some guest came on with their rolling pin and told Rachael about the night she got drunk with her husband and just had to try it out?

Good topic Averett! Then RayRay can discuss some new and unusual uses for zucchini her hubby came up with one wild and crazy night.

No really this show sounds boring, boring, boring. RayRay giving us advice on traveling with children? Is she going to give us stock market tips and medical diagnoses as well?

One good thing - I was looking for advance info on the show and saw that Michael Bolton's scheduled appearance to sing on her show was cancelled. So at least we all have that to be thankful for.

ETA: Making sense is a good thing.

Interesting...the Big O makes an appearance during the 1st week huh? Can't wait to see RayRay bow at her feet.

I found the following article (Snore) with this part interesting:

Can they not site another "guest" in press releases to, I don't know, gain a little interest in the show?

Probably because hubby is the only 'celebrity' she knows will show up. Oprah doesn't count, because she pretty much has to show up on the show.

Thanks for that link jalapeno, but I can't believe y'all missed the best part:
,

Say what? bitch is already shaving years off her age! According to various sources she's turning 38 tomorrow. Hmm...wonder how she'll celebrate. Happy 38th! RayRay.

Maybe it was just a magazine typo, but I can't imagine her minions calling in to correct that.

Not sure if this is an apt comparison ("old creative versus young"), but here in NYC, RayRay will be on against Martha Stewart's show...interesting because Martha has always aired here at 11 a.m. against The View. And quite frankly, with the trainwreck that the View is, I would think Martha would do better against them. But then maybe TPTB think Martha will show RayRay's creative talents for being far less than the Diva of Domesticity...whatever, it will be interesting to see how the ratings fall out. (and in moving Martha to 10 a.m., the local affiliate moved Ellen to 4 p.m. against Oprah).

for what it's worth, the publishers of RayRay's magazine were recently written up in the local paper b/c they gave their top execs huge bonuses despite the company losing $117 million last year. one of the reasons they cited for the bonuses was the success of .... you got it RayRay's magazine. she better start thinking up more stoups and sammies for reader's digest to make up that shortfall!