I might seem completely dense, but for the first 5 minutes of watching this show (I caught it in the middle), I thought it was an improvised sitcom set up to resemble a “reality” program. I thought the fact that this kids mother does his makeup was part of the humor. Like “The Larry Sanders Show”, only a lot creepier. When I realized it was real, I was pretty surprised.
Some opinions?
I can’t believe he’s a sophomore doing this. He goes to my school. Either he has a really lax workload, or he’s a genius. Haven’t decided which yet.
Actually, I haven’t seen the show, except for a few minutes when my Dad called me in to tell me there was someone on tv with a valpo t-shirt on. Had to explain to him who that was.
/Shadez
When I lived In Valparaiso, he got a fair bit of good ink in The Times, they might have something online about him.
I just recently started watching him–and he’s got my vote as one of the best late night talk show hosts. He’s just above John Stewart and just below Conan O’Brian on my list. Numerically, that’s a one-point-three.
I’d hug him if I could find him.
I watch it because I go to Valparaiso University, and I like pointing out stuff. Like–“Ooooh! That’s the mini-golf place Sparkie and I went to last year. I didn’t know they have go-karts…” or “Is that Mueller Hall? I think that’s Mueller…no, it must be Urschel–Mueller doesn’t have a window there.” And one of the people he had to see Tom Green was in one of my classes last year. Or this year. Whatever–he just looked damned familiar.
I also get pissed off when they show the picture of the cow. I’ve never seen a cow in Valparaiso. Or even near it. From what I understand, the area’s mostly corn-oriented.
And, Shadez, he’s a Pol-Sci major. It’s one of the less-time-consuming majors at VU. Though no less noble ::nods::.
Now that this show’s been on a few more times, what does anyone think of it? If they’ve been watching.
I will say, the kid’s got guts, creativity, ingenuity and stick-to-it-iveness. He kept at this for years (local cable access with probably a ten-mile radius) and always strove to be the best he could at it, and now he’s on real cable.
But does that really mean it’s worth watching? I mean, look how many people have gotten their own talk show <cough>Magic Johnson<cough>, and even with proper budgeting, production and promotion, they still flopped <wheeze>Chevy Chase<wheeze>. Apart from the novelty of “Hey, it’s a kid with no other connections or credentials”, is there any other reason to tune in?
Well, I personally liked seeing Tom Green acting (somewhat) normal. I mean, he usually irritates the living crap out of me, but when I saw him on there (behind the scenes), he seemed a lot more…normal. Human.
I think that people relax more on there, because the cameras aren’t necessarily focused on them, and they’re in such a homey atmosphere. It’s interesting, IMHO. Plus, it’s where I go to school…reason enough for anyone, I’m sure ;).
The kid’s got the Johnny Carson moves down pat!
I don’t know, I think he’s sort of creepy, and maybe a little ‘off’.
My husband and I love it! That kid decided that he was going to have his own talk show and just started doing it. Just do the behavior and you can be whomever you want.
His parents are great. Very supportive.
I never thought Frederique was that attractive, at least not relative to the company we usually see her in. I was quite smitten by her on his show. He was such a dork. He seems like a nice guy and all, it is just that he seems to try so hard. Every movement and word is calculated; nothing is genuine. That’s the impression I get.
I hope the guy makes it (if being on E doesn’t count as having made it). He’s talented from what I can tell, though I haven’t watched the show too much. I do suspect that he’d slit your throat just to get ahead…
Hm. Well, I might check it out. I still, think, though, that if it’s on E!, the same channel that hosts Anna Nicole and Howard Stern, along with all those True Hollywood stories, they’re not necessarily endorsing him. Could be just another novelty with no staying power or substance.
If the Michael Essany Show is on, and I’m not doing something of utter, pressing importance, I will tune in. My friends will too, simply for the reason that it’s a good, original show starring a sweet and lovable guy. I admire him for doing what he’s done, and I must say the Joey McIntyre song rendition of the Valparaiso Honor Code was pure genius.
Sorry, but Essany reminds me of a guy who just forced down eight pots of coffee.