The Magic Hour (talk show)

Soon after its debut, the series was panned by critics citing Johnson's apparent nervousness as a host, his overly complimentary tone with his celebrity guests, and lack of chemistry with his sidekick, comedian Craig Shoemaker. Before Shoemaker was chosen, the role was offered to Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel. Both rejected the role as they didn't think the character would work.{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2023/08/late-night-hosts-discuss-strike-kimmel-talks-about-retirement-colberts-mom-dated-nicaraguan-dictator-1235531762/

|title=Late-Night Hosts Discuss Strike; Kimmel Talks About Retirement & Colbert's Mom Dated Nicaraguan Dictator

|last=White|first=Peter|date=August 30, 2023|newspaper=Deadline|accessdate=August 31, 2023}} The series was quickly retooled with Shoemaker being relieved of his 'sidekick' responsibilities and relegated to the supporting cast after the third episode. Comedian Steve White (who had been part of the supporting cast) became the new sidekick for a period of time. Radio personality and UPN Sports host Kenny Sargent was considered for Johnson's new Ed McMahon styled side man, but finally comedian and actor Tommy Davidson was brought in as the new sidekick and Johnson interacted more with the show band leader Sheila E. Jimmy Hodson was the show's announcer and a comedy cast member. The format of the show was also changed to include more interview time with celebrity guests.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jun-26-ca-63617-story.html|title=Embattled 'Magic Hour' to Try Different Strategy|last=Braxton|first=Greg |date=1998-06-26|newspaper=L.A. Times|access-date=2008-08-18}}{{cite magazine|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_n13_v94/ai_21052801|title=Magic Johnson's late night talk show, 'The Magic Hour,' is cancelled|date=1998-08-24|magazine=Jet|accessdate=2008-08-18}}

One vocal critic of The Magic Hour was Howard Stern. Stern would regularly mock Johnson's diction and hosting abilities on his popular morning show. In an attempt to confront Stern (and to boost ratings), Stern was booked to appear on the show as a guest (along with Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0639550/|title=The Magic Hour: Episode dated 2 July 1998|publisher=imdb.com|accessdate=2008-08-19}}). Stern appeared on the July 2 broadcast with the band, the Losers, and played the song "Wipe Out".{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1998/07/17/magic-johnson-no-magic-late-night-show/|title=Remote Patrol|last=Fretts|first=Bruce|date=1998-07-17|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=2008-08-19}} While being interviewed by Johnson, Stern asked Johnson about his lifestyle prior to contracting HIV and if he practiced safe sex with his wife. Stern also asked about "the white guy comedian", referring to Johnson's previous sidekick, Craig Shoemaker, who had been fired shortly before Stern's appearance for publicly calling the show "an absolute nightmare" (Stern mocked Shoemaker's short-lived replacement, Steve White, predicting he wouldn't last long, which came true).{{cite magazine|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/services/motion-pictures/4796144-1.html|title=Stern Makes 'magic' Ratings|date=1998-07-06|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=2008-08-19}}{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1998/07/02/stern-screw/|title=Magic|last=Wolk|first=Josh |date=1998-07-02|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=2008-08-19}}

The highly publicized episode featuring Stern increased viewership for a time, but ratings soon dropped off. The series was canceled after eight weeks.{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9803EFD8103BF93BA3575BC0A96E958260|title= 'Magic Hour' Canceled|date=1998-08-08|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=2008-08-18}}

Johnson later blamed the demise of his talk show on a lack of support from black celebrities who refused or could not appear on his show. Johnson claimed, "Their managers and agents keep them off of the black shows."{{cite magazine|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20126211,00.html|title=Magic Calls Foul |date=1998-09-14|magazine=People|accessdate=2008-08-19}}

In his book What Were They Thinking? The 100 Dumbest Events in Television History, author David Hofstede ranked the show at #26 on the list.{{cite book|author=David Hofstede|title=What Were They Thinking? The 100 Dumbest Events in Television History|publisher=Back Stage Books|year=2004|pages=148–150|isbn=0-8230-8441-8}}

• The Chevy Chase Show
• The New Tom Green Show

{{Reflist}}

• {{IMDb title|id=0159177|title=The Magic Hour}}
• [https://archive.today/19990508185434/http://www.koam.lanminds.net/magic2.html Stern and the Losers Make Magic Happen]
• [https://archive.today/20000818001152/http://www.koam.lanminds.net/female-farter.html Inside Howard's Magic Appearance]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Magic Hour, The (talk show)}}

Category:1998 American television series debuts

Category:1998 American television series endings

Category:1990s American television talk shows

Category:1990s American late-night television series

Category:1990s American variety television series

Category:American English-language television shows

Category:First-run syndicated television programs in the United States

Category:Television series by 20th Century Fox Television

Category:Magic Johnson