SkimIt
Oprah Winfrey's massive popularity when she hosted her own talk show on ABC hasn't exactly translated over to her own startup cable channel -- Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
Last month, the network canceled The Rosie Show, after Winfrey personally visited host Rosie O'Donnell's home to convince her to return as a talk show host. Shortly after the announcement of the show's cancellation, the network cut 30 staff members. Furthermore, Winfrey said on CBS This Morning earlier this month that had she known how difficult this venture would be, she "might have done something else." To add more salt to the open wound, it's been reported that the network could lose $14.29 million this year.
But not all news is bleak. The network is anchored by two popular shows Oprah's Master Class -- which will return for a third season -- and Welcome to Sweetie Pies -- which will produce 10 more episodes.
OWN continues to look ahead, signing on four new primetime shows. While none of the shows have nailed down a premiere date yet, here's a closer look at the premise of the unscripted shows:
'Elura and Michele Take Staten Island'
Elura and Michele are typical fast-talkers in New York. Not only are they best friends, but they're former prosecutors who like to tell people what to do. Together they offer meditation services where they come across interesting clients. After work, they go back to their crazy families.
On paper, this is the weakest of the bunch because it doesn't sound at all interesting. How does this show expect to differentiate from the plethora of all the other reality shows? I AM intrigued about these meditation services that they offer, and what types of people come see them and whether they work. But other than that, my expectations are not high.
'Iyanla Fix My Life'
Iyanla Vanzant has led a life of overcoming struggles and growing stronger because of them. The author, inspirational speaker, lawyer and talk show host is now about giving back and helping others overcome their own struggles and "fix" their lives for the better.
The title of the show is a turn-off. It sounds preachy, like she's just going to TELL people what to do. You can tell people all they want, but no one wants to hear a lecture, as I'm sure they know their circumstances -- whatever they may be -- are less-than-ideal. But then I saw some YouTube clips that made me connect with her in a way that makes me believe (hope) that she's more of a life coach to nudge people in the right direction and offer perspective from her own personal life instead of just a fixed solution for their problems.
'Married to the Army: Alaska'
Did you know that of the 10,000 active-duty soldiers from Alaska, 7,500 are currently deployed in Afghanistan? That's a LOT of wives, families, kids and friends who are missing their loved ones. This show looks at the tough impact of deployment to those thousands and thousands of miles away as they live their lives. It also shows the bond that military wives have with one other.
This show is a guaranteed tear-jerker that will make you think about the people connected to those deployed anywhere.
'Six LIttle McGhees'
Take a look into the lives of the McGhee family, which includes Columbus, Ohio's first sextuplets. The parents, Mia and Rozonno, not only have their hands full with their six toddlers, but they have a family business and a marriage to keep up with. The couple have a great story as they've risen past their impoverished roots to be where they are today.
But can the show succeed? That depends on the family dynamic. The show, on paper, sounds a lot like that other TLC show with a bunch of a children ... and look how that turned out. Are viewers ready to welcome another big family in their lives?
