First Up, Rosie: Live, Here Comes the Variety Show, As I Have Been Predicting

Feature today in the NY Times on the format and the attempt to bring big tent shows back to TV. The thought is that in rough times, the all-demo-inclusive format could be exactly what brings families back to the TV in rough economic times.

We've been discussing this format in posts along the way, usually concentrating on this Rosie O'Donnell backdoor pilot that airs tomorrow night and the announced Osbourne Family show that's ramping up at Fox.

The thing with the Fox project is that not one of the Osbournes does anything that would be appropriate for the variety format. I can't imagine that Fox would be planning on having Ozzy sing, for example. And Sharon? She seems nice enough, but what can she do? Kelly? I was impressed with her on the ABC's Life As We Know It, but let's be honest about her singing. She can't.

Jack, I guess could climb the face of a cliff or kickbox. Hey, it's variety, just not the variety you wanna see.

I know the Rosie haters are in overdrive (my Dad is one of them) and probably curse the TV when they see the promos, but the fact remains that she's perfect for the job.

More perfect? Leno.

My idea for a prime time Leno variety hour after the jump.

Remember what I said about a Leno prime time variety hour? You don't? I've updated the pitch. Since I'll never get any of these guys in a room I'm pitching here ...

It's called Jay Leno's Sunday Night Number Ones, one hour, variety format. Of course, it won't be called that unless it airs on ... yeah, that's right.

Starts with the musical artist that's number one on the pop, country, or R & B charts doing their hit life, short interview segment after.

Commercial. 

Scripted nine-minute sitcom-like segment featuring Jay "at home" (think HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm or even Dick Van Dyke) with a "wife," a talent manager/agent type and Jay's mom, played by Cheri Oteri to the wacky hilt.

Commercial.

Interview with someone from the number one movie of the week.

Commercial.

Jay on set with the stars of some top network show (will probably be limited to shows that are on that network).

Commercial.

Second and final of the two sitcom "Jay at Home" segments.

Commercial.

Band from show opening does another song, and we're out.

It's good, right? Jay, call me! I see it on CBS or ABC on Sundays at 8 eastern.