Here’s a little schadenfreude for your Friday. NBC’s head-scratching decision to hire Megyn Kelly continues to disappoint as her hour on the Today show remains unpopular. Not only are the ratings dismal, the show has gotten such a bad rap that publicists are refusing to book their clients to appear on the show. Variety reports:
A number of publicists who spoke to Variety expressed discomfort with the idea of booking their clients in the third hour of “Today,” which has now been retitled “Megyn Kelly Today.” These publicists, however, said they are still eager to take their talent to other blocs of the morning show. “I’m not booking anyone on her show,” says a high-powered publicist, with a roster of big names, who asked for anonymity due to her overall relationship with “Today.” “I literally haven’t pitched anyone even from right out the gate. The buzz that is out there is so bad.”
Another well-known publicist, who represents one of the celebrities who has appeared on Kelly’s show, wasn’t pleased with the interview. “I won’t plan to have others go on,” the publicist said. “None specifically have been offered or asked to, but it’ll be my preference not to.”
Of course, NBC officials deny that getting celebrities on the show is a problem. However, the Washington Post points out:
Still, on many days, Kelly doesn’t have celebrities on her show at all, which is unusual for the “Today” franchise. Instead, she often relies on lifestyle stories and pretaped features. One recent nearly five-and-a-half-minute segment, for example, followed Kelly and her real-life family as they went camping.
“Sadly, I haven’t spent a lot of time outdoors since I moved to New York,” Kelly said. “I feel the disconnect — and I miss it.”
I wouldn’t be surprised if NBC is truly struggling with getting guests. One of Kelly’s early snafus involved “jokingly” asking an audience member if watching Will & Grace made him gay. One cast member of the show present later said she regretted the decision to make the appearance.
Look how desperate it’s getting. I dare you to watch the whole thing without grimacing.