Openly lesbian comedienne/actress/chat
show host Rosie O'Donnell has inked a new variety show to be
broadcast on NBC, reports The Hollywood Reporter.
Rosie's Variety Hour is set to
air live in prime time on Thanksgiving eve.
The variety show format was last
attempted with some success by Fox with the Tracy Ullman Show –
a musical act, comedy skit and monologue grab bag with big
celebrity guests. The show also launched the animated series The
Simpsons.
“This is a dream come true for any
performer,” O'Donnell said in a statement. “Old time variety,
live from New York with a nod to Ed Sullivan, Carol Burnett and
memories of Sonny and Cher.”
“This is a genre that everybody is
anticipating is going to come back,” said Executive Producer David
Friedman. “Rosie sort of invented the daytime variety show.
Without question, Rosie is the right person to bring this back.”
NBC has committed to only the
Thanksgiving special, but says it remains open about a full time
series.