VH1 cancels Liza show - before it starts

lobeck · 10-30-2002, 04:00 PM

NEW YORK (AP) -- Liza Minnelli won't become another Ozzy Osbourne.

VH1 has pulled the plug on the singer's planned reality TV show, complaining that her husband, David Gest, was impossible to work with.

"We weren't given the kind of access and cooperation we needed to make the show work," VH1 spokeswoman Laura Nelson said Wednesday.

It was a blow to the struggling cable network, which watched corporate partner MTV hit the jackpot with "The Osbournes" and had high hopes for the Minnelli show. But VH1 apparently didn't need the aggravation.

Gest would repeatedly cancel production meetings and shooting schedules, and restricted VH1's access to his wife, according to an official at VH1 who spoke on condition of anonymity.

He was also a "neat freak" who ordered a VH1 staff member to stand duty with a portable vacuum cleaner while a hole was drilled in a wall, the source said. The New York Post said Gest required VH1 crew members to wear surgical booties while in their apartment.

When plans were announced this summer, the show was supposed to start in October. But it got pushed back to December and then January.

Finally, with only one episode filmed, VH1 backed away entirely.

Through it all, Minnelli was terrific, according to VH1.

"We're disappointed that our viewers aren't going to be able to see the Liza that we saw," Nelson said.

A spokesman for Minnelli declined comment Wednesday.

The series was designed to give viewers a peek into Minnelli's private life and also show her as the host of parties where she would sing duets with younger musicians.

Meanwhile, MTV announced this week that "The Osbournes" was beginning its second season on November 26. E! Entertainment network's reality show with Anna Nicole Smith had mediocre ratings but was renewed for a second season.

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holly71 · 10-30-2002, 04:53 PM

Thank God! I can only think of one demographic that might be *remotely* interested in it...

lobeck · 10-30-2002, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by holly71
Thank God! I can only think of one demographic that might be *remotely* interested in it...

...and which one would that be, holly?...*raised eyebrow*...

cali · 10-30-2002, 05:04 PM

do tell.......

***John*** · 10-30-2002, 05:12 PM

Young men who live in New Mexico, and are also AbFab fans, lobeck.

Not that there's anything wrong with that...

holly71 · 10-30-2002, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by John
Young men who live in New Mexico, and are also AbFab fans, lobeck.

Not that there's anything wrong with that...

You got it! I see we are all on the same page here...

lobeck · 10-30-2002, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by holly71
You got it! I see we are all on the same page here...

Ah...nothing like perpetuating stereotypes, Holly...:rolleyes:

lobeck · 10-30-2002, 05:54 PM

holly71 · 10-30-2002, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lobeck
Ah...nothing like perpetuating stereotypes, Holly...:rolleyes:

Hey, you thought the same thing!

It's called a stereotype for a reason...

lobeck · 10-30-2002, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by holly71
Hey, you thought the same thing!
It's called a stereotype for a reason...

*biting tongue*...

10-30-2002, 04:00 PM	#1
lobeck For Your Entertainment Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Right here, right now Age: 45 Posts: 14,773	VH1 cancels Liza show - before it starts NEW YORK (AP) -- Liza Minnelli won't become another Ozzy Osbourne. VH1 has pulled the plug on the singer's planned reality TV show, complaining that her husband, David Gest, was impossible to work with. "We weren't given the kind of access and cooperation we needed to make the show work," VH1 spokeswoman Laura Nelson said Wednesday. It was a blow to the struggling cable network, which watched corporate partner MTV hit the jackpot with "The Osbournes" and had high hopes for the Minnelli show. But VH1 apparently didn't need the aggravation. Gest would repeatedly cancel production meetings and shooting schedules, and restricted VH1's access to his wife, according to an official at VH1 who spoke on condition of anonymity. He was also a "neat freak" who ordered a VH1 staff member to stand duty with a portable vacuum cleaner while a hole was drilled in a wall, the source said. The New York Post said Gest required VH1 crew members to wear surgical booties while in their apartment. When plans were announced this summer, the show was supposed to start in October. But it got pushed back to December and then January. Finally, with only one episode filmed, VH1 backed away entirely. Through it all, Minnelli was terrific, according to VH1. "We're disappointed that our viewers aren't going to be able to see the Liza that we saw," Nelson said. A spokesman for Minnelli declined comment Wednesday. The series was designed to give viewers a peek into Minnelli's private life and also show her as the host of parties where she would sing duets with younger musicians. Meanwhile, MTV announced this week that "The Osbournes" was beginning its second season on November 26. E! Entertainment network's reality show with Anna Nicole Smith had mediocre ratings but was renewed for a second season.

10-30-2002, 04:53 PM	#2
holly71 everyone's a critic... Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: The Lone Star State Age: 39 Posts: 3,633	Thank God! I can only think of one demographic that might be remotely interested in it... __________________ Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

10-30-2002, 05:04 PM	#4
cali Soccer Kicks Balls Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: right behind you Age: 42 Posts: 15,258	do tell....... __________________ "Rice is great when you're hungry and want 2,000 of something' -- Mitch Hedberg

10-30-2002, 05:12 PM	#5
*John* The race is back! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: On the mat Age: 39 Posts: 40,434	Young men who live in New Mexico, and are also AbFab fans, lobeck. Not that there's anything wrong with that...

10-30-2002, 05:54 PM	#8
lobeck For Your Entertainment Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Right here, right now Age: 45 Posts: 14,773