By Ida Mae Astute, Disney/ABC
We're just going to assume the first Katie is not really the show Katie Couric is planning to do.
Or, to be more precise, not the only type of show she's planning to do.
After all, if there's one thing daytime offers a talk host it's time:
She has dozens of shows ahead of her in the next few months alone. That
gives her multiple opportunities to keep her opening promise that her
new syndicated talk show, which premiered Monday, will give viewers a
chance to "meet interesting people, talk about things that matter to all
of us, be inspired, enlightened and of course have some fun."
Which
means, one hopes, bringing us deeper and more interesting topics than
first guest Jessica Simpson's current preference for chocolate over
chips or tips for losing her baby weight -- which seemed to boil down to
taking your baby with you as you walk.
Still, even in a weak segment, you could see Couric's strengths. The long-time co-host of NBC's Today show
and former CBS anchor, Couric retains an ability to connect with the
people she interviews; to seem constantly intrigued and engaged. And to
be fair, the show did pick up when she replaced Simpson with Sheryl
Crow -- though by that time, thousands of brain cells had been destroyed
across America.
Despite her abilities and the
support she may get from famous friends -- including Matt Lauer, who
helped her open the show with a Newhart dream segment spoof --
the road ahead won't be easy for Couric. She enters a crowded
marketplace, and while she has a solid fan base, she is no longer
America's unchallenged sweetheart. Her CBS Evening News interview
with Sarah Palin ensnared her in the partisan wars and ensured that
many on the Palin side of the divide will never view her the same way
again.
Of course, that still leaves a huge
potential audience, just waiting to be inspired, enlightened and
entertained by someone who has proven she can do it.
Maybe tomorrow.
You can watch Katie weekdays at 3 p.m. on WTLV-NBC 12.
USA Today