Chelsea Lately

Talk about an amateurish operation. I've seen better Middle School productions. The studio is really small and old. The seating is fold out chairs that were really uncomfortable. I'm glad the taping only lasted about an hour as those chairs were really starting to make my back hurt but what do you expect it is just the E Network.. I don't think Chelsea likes the audience. She pretty much ignored everyone even the guys at the round table. The only time she was engaging is when the cameras were rolling. She likes to regurgitate her political views like the political puppet she is. Its OK she is entitled to say what she wants and I think she is a good example of the people in the party she represents. Her whole show is about her being a booze swilling lush with the occasional drug use. While she drives around in her Bentley oblivious to what is really happening in the world.

"Chelsea Lately" is best summarized using a historical analogy (historically inaccurate though it may be; I must oversimplify for the purposes of this review): the Carolingian Empire of Charlemagne may not have been the revival of the Roman Empire in terms of presenting a complex civilization or a glorious new empire, but it was a start in the right direction after the fragmentation of Europe into barbarian kingdoms. "Chelsea Lately" is nowhere near as brilliant or illustrious as the "good ol' days" of late-night basic cable: Comedy Central's "Win Ben Stein's Money", "Mystery Science Theatre 3000", or the Kilborn/Early Stewart-era "Daily Show"; the reruns of "Taxi" on Nick-at-Nite; or the Cartoon Channel's "Space Ghost" (not to mention Fox's "Married With Children" and "Get a Life"). Still, Chelsea Handler hearkens back to the days when basic cable was worth a damn. Her round table panel is amusing enough when they spar with Chelsea over the latest no-talents populating Hollywood. Chelsea's sarcasm, blunt delivery, and earthy wit are a pleasure to watch compared with Conan O'Brien, David Letterman, and even (yes, I mean it) Jon Stewart. Chuy is excellent as the "John Everyman" sidekick who makes funny, mean-spirited comments back at Chelsea. I dare say, Chuy Bravo is a much better sidekick than Ed McMahon or Andy Richter ever were!

TV is a dismal wasteland, polluted with reality programs, left-and-right wing talking heads, UFO-conspiracy programs, and Steven Seagal movies. Chelsea Handler at least offers an amusing alternative. While not a brilliant show (some of the time it's not that funny), it's at least better than most of what's on TV. The interviews with B-list celebrities are sometimes a groan, but I prefer these to Jon Stewart fawning over politicians and pundits. Chelsea's "bad girl" image is a breath of fresh air, and oozes sexiness. I hope E! will continue to run with this show.

I think her comedy is so intelligent. I saw an old stand-up special a few months ago of hers when she was younger (about 5 or 6 years ago I think). It was funny, real funny, but I must say she has gotten funnier over the years. The show is actually done differently than a lot of talk shows. They weren't affected by the recent writers strike because they actually improvise most of their shows and decide what they want to talk about on the show that day. They film the show in the afternoon and air it that night. It does seem like she's exploiting Chuy sometimes, but he definitely gets the joke. And I think she hasn't been so bad lately.

Chelsea is hysterical. She has a witty and sarcastic sense of humor (and I don't normally appreciate sarcasm, but she makes it work... and work quite well). She makes fun of everyone, including herself. I don't even particularly care about celebrity gossip, but Chelsea is just so funny that I love this show. I only wish there were new episodes every night. Ever since I discovered the show, I haven't missed one episode. I strongly encourage anyone who likes to laugh to watch this show. I have told all my friends to watch this show, and everyone who has is now addicted. I can't wait for her to come perform at a comedy club near me!

I have a sense of humour as good as the next person, however jokes against other peoples' misfortunes and racial slurs are getting old.

The first time I watched this poor excuse of a show I was a combination of unimpressed at an unfunny Jewish / money related comment, followed by embarrassed for Chelsea for the silence that followed from the audience. As I flicked through channels the next night I stumbled across her again - and at the exact same moment she made another similar comment...

Maybe it's time to get a new act?? The rest of her delivery isn't great anyway...