George Lopez Promo Tries Political Humor, Fails
14 September 2009, 1:15 PM. By Cindy Casares
Political satire is something networks are trying very hard to get it on since the success of The Daily Show and Real Time with Bill Maher, but George Lopez’s attempt at it in this promo for his new, late-night, talk show, which premieres on TBS in November, is not it. It’s a parody of Town Hall meetings that have been in the news all summer. Seems like a good topic, but in this case, the acting is so bad from the audience members, that it smacks of a network that can’t put any money into its shows. We really, really want the Lopez Tonight, (the name of the upcoming show), to succeed, but this video doesn’t bode well.
The Jay Leno Show also debuts tonight on NBC and alleges to be a news-based, political humor-driven show featuring D.L. Hughley as a Washington-based “political correspondent” and recurring appearances by NBC news anchor Brian Williams. But can guys who are used to talking to your mom and dad compete with the Jon Stewarts and the Weekend Updates of the world? (Weekend Update is being added to NBC’s primetime line-up this fall—more proof that news-based satire is so hot right now.) Or will they find an even bigger audience than their cable counterparts in their watered down versions of comedy, much the way pop stars have done since the beginning of time?
(2) 
Post Your Comment
Did you know you can now share a link, image or video?
Click to submit your own notas.
“the acting is so bad from the audience members, that it smacks of a network that can’t put any money into its shows.”
I couldn’t disagree more. Take Rosie O’Donnell’s failed variety show, for example–a LOT of money was thrown at the project; big name stars even participated in the pilot episode. According to your theory, that show should have succeeded. But it didn’t.
Also, you can create a quality show without a huge budget. When he was first starting, Ben Stiller managed to create a good comedy show (much better than most of the crap on TV at the time) by enlisting Janeane Garofalo & Andy Dick. They helped him generate interesting and smart material. Flight of the Conchords is a recent example of what can be accomplished with TONS of talent and intelligence in spite of a restrictive budget.
I have no idea why you’re so lenient on George Lopez; while you’re quick to criticize others (don’t get me started about that). The truth is, Lopez has always relied on tired stereotypes, and, as a comedic thinker and writer, I’d classify him as quite lazy and unoriginal (but he’s more talented than the Mencia, of course).
Who knows, Lopez may succeed. We Americans love stupid programming. How else can you explain Jay Leno’s success?
I don’t see how anything you’ve said disproves that the acting in this spot is so bad it smacks of a network who wouldn’t put money into it.