Review: 'Harry'

I think it's fair to say that the gentle, broad-based syndicated daytime talk show genre is in trouble.

While every season brings a few failures, it's been a decade since the last successful launch of a traditional syndicated daytime talk show ("Rachael Ray.") Sure, some newer shows like "The Wendy Williams Show" and "Steve Harvey" do well enough in the ratings, but there isn't this sense that there are any new Oprah-like talk sensations coming down the pipeline.

Part of the problem is that there are two competing factors that help determine whether a new syndicated daytime talk show gets on the air and becomes a success. To clear enough stations nationwide to get on the air, the host needs to have some name recognition and enough of a fan base to get viewers to sample the new show. But to stay on the air, the host and the show need to have some point-of-view and purpose. It's not enough to be Meredith Viera and Jeff Probst. It's not the name recognition that will keep you on the air. If you can't answer the question of WHY you're on the air, you won't be able to put together a consistent show worth watching every day. That's a tough challenge for anyone and answering with "Well, I like to talk," isn't really the optimal response.

"Harry," the new daytime talk show from singer/actor Harry Connick Jr. premiered on Monday. And while it's impossible to divine the future of the show from one episode, it's clear that Connick hasn't quite answered the question of what he wants the show to look like and why. And it's early in the process, so that's to be expected. But whether or not he parses out that problem will really determine whether or not there is a second season.

Connick is a likeable guy and based on the almost entirely female studio audience for his first show, women love him. He's personable and his stint as an "American Idol" judge has served him well. He knows a lot about a conversation's pacing and how to make good television.

But the first episode of "Harry" was pretty choppy and much of that is due to what seems to be nerves from Connick. He looked a bit overwhelmed at times, and his interview with longtime friend Sandra Bullock devolved into a jumpy combination of pre-planned conversation starters and repeated complements. I love Bullock, but her segments were disposable and that was really the consequence of Connick's nerves.

On the other hand, the first installment of the regular segment "I've Got This" was much smoother. In the segment, Connick visits someone who is overwhelmed with their daily responsibilities and offers to take over for their duties for the day. Since the segment was -, Connick was much more relaxed as he tried to run an Atlanta woman's nail salon while he sent her shopping. He was even a bit more relaxed during the follow-up live segment, as he interviewed her and then presented her with the chance to display her products at a huge trade show. But even in this live segment, Connick was scattered and jumpy.

Daytime television could use another successful daytime talker, particularly since reigning champ "Ellen" now more resembles QVC than an interview show. Harry Connick Jr. has the talent needed to helm a hit talk show. It now just gets down to him taking some deep breathes while he and producers work out the awkwardness of the format.

Let's wait and see seems like a lame excuse for a TV critic to wheel out in a review. But that's really the fairest strategy after only one episode.

I'll revisit the show in a couple of weeks, but until then I'd recommend just checking out the show for yourself. If you're already a Connick fan, "Harry" will make you happy. If you need to be convinced, then "Harry" still has some hard work to do.