Tavis Smiles On PBS

When Tavis Smiley was unceremoniously cut from BET I knew that wasn’t the last time we’d see him. I enjoy listening to his NPR show…

by j. brotherlove

When Tavis Smiley was unceremoniously cut from BET I knew that wasn’t the last time we’d see him. I enjoy listening to his NPR show when I remember to tune in. Last night, I caught the first episode of his new show on PBS.

So far, so good.

The goal:

“This show will introduce Americans to each other. It will make a difference because it is different. It will bring you the stories under the radar … a different set of ideas … a new conversation in America that just doesn’t exist anywhere else on television.”

The format last night was a bit different and relaxed. Tavis sat on a bar stool (looking pretty tasty I might add) speaking to friend and mentor Bill Cosby via plasma screen. Cosby is a great guest as he burns up the clock with his anecdotes (so much so, featured musical guest Al Jarreau had to start his performance in the middle of the song - oops).

My favorite part of the show occurred at the beginning when Dr. Cosby congratulated Tavis on a show with a network that would appreciate him and that had real “integrity”. Hehe. I’m thinking black folk need to be more honest (in a construstuctive way) of each other’s endeavors in 2004. Let’s face it, although Tavis enjoyed five years hosting BET Tonight, BET’s circle of influence is anemic. How many hip hop countdowns and Comic View episodes can one person watch? Don’t answer that. The point is, on PBS, Smiley has an opportunity to broaden his reach and legitimize his skills.

And that’s a good thing.

Kudos for Mr. Smiley and for PBS.

-> hops up on soap box jumps down from soap box

you haven’t enough room in your comments for me to offer my shpill on BET so i’ll refrain. but tavis. oh sweet tavis. he has earned a great deal of respect from me. he’s a legitimate contender when it comes to 21st century thought leaders and i’m anxious to see his show unfold.

the old lady in me had to tape it last night thought. i was fast asleep by the time the show aired here.

I’m with you Raven on the time slot: 11:00pm EST? That’s pushing it. But everyone has to start somewhere.

And Tavis’ weight loss does him good I must say. Nothing wrong with having something delicious to look at while you’re gettin’ your current events on.

Tavis? Tasty? Delicious? Whaaat? Nah, homie. Not in the least. I’m looking and it’s still not working for me. There’s something about him that’s vaguely annoying. But OK. *lol*

I caught this last night and enjoyed it very much. I’ve really liked him ever since his NPR show started airing (eventually) in Louisville so I’m pleased that he’s doing so well.

I’ve listened to his show on NPR for a while now, but I didn’t know he looked like such a snack. I’ll have to turn on the TV more often. And if you consult the bio on his site, he’s single….