http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/05/The-Show-Goes-On-Without-THE-SHOWBIZ-SHOW.aspx “This just in: primetime entertainment news show featuring host Joe Dirt takes dirt nap! Snarky hosts everywhere beware!” It seems funny-time has run out on David Spade’s entertainment news satire vehicle, “The Showbiz Show With David Spade”. According to Variety, Comedy Central has opted not to renew the show, which wrapped its third season this past June. “The Showbiz Show” averaged about one million total viewers each season—a dedicated fan base, sure, but by no means a runaway hit. The show both imitated and spoofed the genre of entertainment news—i.e. “Access Hollywood” or “Extra.” But unlike say, “The Daily Show” or “The Colbert Report,” “Showbiz” leaned more toward imitation side of the line (“E!-centric territory,” as Variety put it,) rather than the spoof side of the line. The show’s brand of “comedy” pretty much consisted of Spade’s trademark snark and sarcasm, often providing the winking commentary of a Hollywood insider. As a Hollywood outsider, I often felt the joke as it was whizzing just over my head. Probably why the show got canceled. To add insult to injury, Comedy Central has hinted at plans to replace “Showbiz” with another show of the entertainment news variety, the rumored frontrunner being “David Allen Grier’s Chocolate News”. Notice to Comedy Central: I remember when “Mind of Mencia” came along to try and fill the void left by “Chappelle’s Show.” It’s still trying. en-US Critics Rant info@criticsrant.com Subtext Version 1.9.4.0 http://www.criticsrant.com/images/default_gravatar_bullhorn.png http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/05/The-Show-Goes-On-Without-THE-SHOWBIZ-SHOW.aspx 77 60