One of the things that makes American Idol so successful is that it is really two shows in one. One show is the talent show where we witness future pop stars emerge and another where we visit familiar characters.
The familiar characters are Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, and Ryan Seacrest. They are entertaining but I'm not sure that we are ready to spin off a reality sitcom based on these four characters. On the other hand, years ago, I could not believe that the Simpson's cartoon was being made into a show of its own or that the "Jeffersons" were being spun off of "All In the Family" and still both shows have achieved great success. In this first show of familiar characters Simon is clearly a "House" like character: blunt, enjoys seeing people react to his assaults. Paula is the mother/big sister cheerleader character that encourages and tries to protect others from Simon. Randy is the cool dude with the style and catch phrases that become part of our adopted culture. And Seacrest is sometimes moderator, sometimes opponent of Simon. On second thought, I could see this being spun into a full blown show. The show could be a kind of historical fiction that shows us the main characters interact behind the scenes - before and after the show. Wouldn't you love to be in on the discussions about the talent? or Wouldn't you love to hear Seacrest and Cowell exchange playful barbs at dinner out? It would be fun to see them particularly Randy and Paula rehearsing to perform music or see Randy or Simon directing professional musicians in a studio environment. Maybe this will get to a decision maker that wants to hire me for a bunch of money to help develop this show. It is bound to be a big hit and you read about it first here.
The other reason why American Idol is such a wildly popular show is the second show: the Talent show. Part of it is that we are being treated to some really great music by some extremely talented performers and part of it is that we are seeing the human side of these performers when they lay and egg. Still another more compelling aspect is that we are watching a star or in many cases stars in the making. We are there the first time a Carrie Underwood sings on national TV and we get the feeling that we are part of that experience. I can't wait to see what stars emerge this year.
