I just had to post something that I find completely insane...
and I don't know if it feels insanely good or bad just yet, because I'm still in shock.
This American Life is GOING TO BE ON TELEVISION!!!!
On Showtime!!!
I've accused Showtime of making wild stabs at becoming credible before, but this has to be the most blatant cred-grab yet...
(off to lie on the fainting-sofa)
Comments (14)
OHMYGOSH!!! Yikes. Will that be good or bad? I'm not sure, you're right. Is it a one time thing or always. Wow.
I'm going to have to look into this.
pam · March 05, 2007 at 01:19 AM
So funny, I am listening to TAL right now and noticed the new tv show news about 20 minutes ago. Too bad I don't get Showtime--the clip on the website was great!
Melissa · March 05, 2007 at 01:24 AM
hee, when i first heard about this, i was extremely dubious. it was hard to imagine the narrations, moods, and conversational qualities of This American Life as a tv show without cheesy, all-too-literal visuals. but then i heard an Ira Glass interview about the process they went through and became optimistically intrigued. i could have sworn it aired in one of their episodes, but i can't seem to find it in the archives.
here is a recent fresh air interview though:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7600694
i think you are right: it'll either be amazing or awful.
meowgirl · March 05, 2007 at 03:08 AM
Oh my. I would imagine it would be an incredible challenge to retain the intimacy felt by the radio show and translate that to television. I don't even have Showtime, so I will stick to my podcasts.
Although, that article was the first time I have ever seen Ira Glass, and the visual lives up to the voice in every way!
courtney · March 05, 2007 at 09:43 AM
That'll be interesting, I agree Meowgirl. I heard on NPR that they're experiencing a learning curve on substituting interlude music (copyright $$) for other more affordable options.
We shall see (literally)...
Anne · March 05, 2007 at 10:40 AM
When my NPR station was doing its Fall Fund Drive, one of the premiums was the premiere episode. So I got it. How could I not? Its actually kinda cool!
Sarah · March 05, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Miss Emily, Sweet Emily,
I thought you totally new that, which is why I thought you were blogging about it like, forever ago(well maybe just a few days ago?) I told Mr. Lovee, how does Emily know EVERYTHING... hee hee...I adore Ira Glass...When I hear his voice on the weekends coming throught the NPR airwaves, I get coffee and treats and sit and listen...
Oh yes, I thought about you sooo much yesterday. I was at a clients house, and on their cook book shelf was the unopened book I gave their little daughter last year. It was the "Look and Cook,"children's cookbook, by Tina Davis... which I really should have just kept for myself...The recipes are charming. I thought if Emily was near, we could have a week of different fun dishes, I adore the illustrations of the kitchen tools...Sigh, how can people not realize how good that book is? Oh well...(ps: the trailers for "This American Life" are moving...I can't wait)
Vanessa · March 05, 2007 at 11:49 AM
My local NPR station also offered the preview DVD as a pledge gift. I think it's cool, but in many ways a totally different entity from the radio show. I recommend that Fresh Air interview with Ira Glass that meowgirl linked to above - they talk a lot about the difficulties of translating the show to a new medium. Definitely intriguing.
sheryl · March 05, 2007 at 12:51 PM
I love This American Life!
Oh I don't have showtime. I'll just pretend it's not happening. Let me know if it's good.
Sonya
Sonya · March 05, 2007 at 01:52 PM
Hi, Emily
I just saw a preview of the TV show, when I attended the live recording of the radio show here in NYC. It was pretty cool, different, but still great.
I. · March 05, 2007 at 01:58 PM
I need to listen to NPR more, it seems...as I admittedly knew nothing of This American Life. Shameful, no? I watched the trailer and it looks like it might be worth watching, although I don't get Showtime either. :(
Nichole · March 05, 2007 at 02:55 PM
Yeah, I saw that in the N.Y. Times magazine in their one page interview with Ira himself. For once I wish I had Showtime.
ambika · March 05, 2007 at 03:48 PM
I wasn't sure how I felt about that either, but if you can find the trailers for it online, it looks REALLY GOOD!
soren · March 06, 2007 at 05:20 PM
Have you seen it? I watched it today on Showtime OnDemand and I really liked it. At first with the short opener, I was torn, its like the embarrassment of the moment is just too great to see as well as hear, but the stories were wonderful. The first segment on the bull was so moving, I mean I loved every part of it. The second segment was one of the radio's stories brought to life, and I LOVED IT. I enjoyed the whole show, thank you so much for mentioning it here.
pam · March 10, 2007 at 01:45 AM