Turn Ben Stein On

This is a wonderful show, especially as late-nite format talk shows go. The show has a very interesting premise. It's a good thing it's on Comedy Central. Why? Four words: The Whoopi Goldberg Show. Whoopi's show had the exact same format: just take a half hour and interview one guest. It had promise, but it was syndicated and therefore put in an asinine timeslot.

Anyway, Ben corrects the Whoopster's mistakes. Besides talking politics with the least likely of guests (Henry Rollins and Bill Goldberg come to mind...oddly enough they kept up some pretty good conversation), Ben went so far as to write and perform his own theme song. Shut up and talk!

From the success of "Win Ben Stein's Money" comes "Turn Ben Stein". "Turn Ben Stein On" is a talk show starring Ben Stein in which he interviews two stars. (so far mostly former-stars) When I heard about this show, I didn't really think it would be successful. Ben Stein, although a hip cool happening guy, is not what makes "Win Ben Stein's Money" so funny. Though his brains are credible, Jimmy Kimmel and the writers who come up with the hilarious question categories make the show. This show lacks both Jimmy and these writers, leaving only Ben Stein and his not-so-funny jokes. Don't get me wrong, Ben Stein is a cool guy, but this show doesn't have enough comedy to be on Comedy Central.

Earlier, I had voiced an opinion of Turn Ben Stein On and after reviewing what I had written, I realized I hadn't given it near the credit it deserves. I greatly underestimated the total number of viewers. After conferring with someone who is very close to the show, it was brought to my attention that instead of tens of thousands of viewers (which I had originally estimated), there are actually millions. I can definitely understand why so many would tune into Turn Ben Stein On. As stated before, it is a very witty, intelligent and entertaining show and has the most amazing guests, not to mention the Host, "Mr. Genius" Ben Stein himself. He has attracted quite a following. With his charm, wit, and complete openness. He is easily becoming the cult figure of the coming millennium.

Contrary to the previous critique, I and over 12,600 Ben Stein Fan Club members, as well as the estimated tens of thousands who have seen the show, believe this talk show "Turn Ben Stein On," is the example of how talk shows should be done. It is very relaxed. Ben Stein is sitting in an overstuffed chair, instead of hiding behind a desk. He has, in the short time it has been on, had some major talent, such as Carl Reiner, Fred Willard, Bob Sagat, Carl Bernstein, Kate Wagner, etc. He has had funny, entertaining guests, as well as intelligent informative guests and he, himself has proven to add a lot of intelligent, outrageous humor also.

His beloved dog, Puppy-Wuppy, who many believe was the star, met her untimely demise after the first seven episodes were taped, devastating Ben and his fans. It will be a sad time, indeed when taping does resume.

Ben's fans already miss the show and we are all eagerly waiting for it's return.

What adds to the flavor of this show, other than the sweetness of poor Puppy-Wuppy, is the relaxed, unrehearsed atmosphere. You can tell that the guests are very much at ease and not having to play second banana to the Host, such as the case with David Letterman, Jay Leno, etc. Usually, the celebrity guest winds up having to defend himself against barbs poked at them by the Host. Ben asks such interesting questions and gives the guest plenty of time to answer. His one reference to Carl Reiner (briefer) should go down in history as one of the funniest misunderstandings in TV history. Not to mention the near "accident" Puppy-Wuppy was going to "expose" right in front of everyone. It's usually scenes like those, that wind up on the cutting room floor, but my hat's off to Comedy Central for keeping such as that in for us all to enjoy and not just the studio audience. These are just two small samples of the vast change of pace this show has to offer, that puts it way above the rest with style and - grace? Well, maybe not so much "grace" but that is what gives "Turn Ben Stein On" it's charm.

Ben's fans are waiting on the edge of our seats for the regular season to begin. It will definitely be interesting to see how Ben will fill the void left by the "Star," Puppy-Wuppy. Nobody will be able to come close to matching the impromptu, joyful air she gave Ben and the guests alike.

I do believe that, given the chance it deserves, Turn Ben Stein On, will be the turning point, needed to get back the quality entertainment TV has been bypassing, opting instead to show programming not fit for television.