Iyanla

This latest entry in the afternoon talk show field is far from the best, as evidenced by the fact that in many markets it's aired after midnight. The reason for that isn't because of any particularly racy or controversial subjects; it's probably because the host of the show, Iyanla Vanzant, is one of the most self-centered, obnoxious and annoying TV personalities to come by in many a year. She apparently hasn't realized yet that just because the show is called "Iyanla", it isn't about her; she injects herself, her opinions, her "philosophy" into every subject, no matter if they bear any relation to the subject at hand or not. She constantly interrupts guests to make what she believes to be a humorous or insightful comment--which it never is. On several occasions she has actually snapped "oh, shut up" to a guest when Iyanla wanted to go on to a subject other than what the guest was talking about, rather than trying to steer the guest to it, as any competent talk-show host would do. In addition, she has the maddening habit of interrupting the flow of an exchange between guests to make a "wisecrack" and then laughing uproariously at it.

Barbara Walters was the brains behind this show; she found Iyanla and built this show around her. I don't have any idea what the hell Barbara was thinking, but she sure blew it this time. I'm sure Iyanla must have some strong points, but hosting a talk show sure isn't one of them.

This show would make new and retrospective sense if one were to see Iyanla's new show, "Starting Over." It's a real reality show, almost the kind you would've seen on PBS before the reality craze--it's a halfway house where women come and are coached through their problems by Iyanla and other "life coaches." It's a well made show and in its third season. But Iyanla is the star of that show, and while her actions often don't make sense to the audience or the house members, the show displays her talents perfectly.

Again, I don't remember "Iyanla" but I would like to see it after enjoying "Starting Over."