What What Happens Live is delightful! Inspired by Andy Cohen's experiences in the green room as a producer at CBS, and with a set inspired by his own home den, this show is unlike any other late night talk show. WWHL is fun, spontaneous, and engaging. The eclectic pairings ensure that you see guests in a brand new light. For example, one episode pairs John Mayer with Dan Rather. You would expect these guys to be like oil and water, but the show was the most endearing appearance I've seen from either guest, and the unexpected chemistry was thoroughly entertaining.
Watching new guests Plead the Fifth, a game where they are asked three difficult questions and can abstain from answering only one, never gets old. Seeing Scott Baio reluctantly participate in a game called "Andy Loves Crotchy" (and then enjoying the ensuing twitter fallout with Baio's angry wife after the photo of a formal girlfriend was included) is pure gold. Some guests, like Baio, do not embrace the vibe of the show and these episodes are fun in an "I cannot look away from this tension" way. When you have guests embracing the show, like when Jenny McCarthy let Donnie Wahlberg draw a mustache on her face in permanent marker, it's a real riot. Expect the unexpected.
A previous reviewer, sylviastel@aol.com, referred to Andy as a misogynist, and this label could not be further from the truth. Bravo has been built on the Real Housewives franchises (grabbing the baton from the Queer Eye success, running with it, and never stopping for a breath). If you are familiar with the Real Housewives, you know these shows to be real life soap operas. The divas allegedly exploited by Andy Cohen love the spotlight and use it as a platform to further their own personal endeavors. Andy asks proactive questions at reunion shows and on the set of WWHL, never to hurt, always to peel back the layers and dig deeper into what we have seen. Be skeptical if you cannot help it, but Andy's career in journalism is the key to what makes him an amazing host, interviewer, and behind the scenes producer. It's also important to note that Andy is in Bravo's EVP, Original Programming and Development.
The show is very interactive. Andy takes live calls for questions from viewers, asks questions tweeted to the show, and conducts online live polls. When done watching WWHL on your TV, be sure to watch the WWHL After Show at bravotv.com for more must-see moments.
Admittedly, this show is even better if you watch Bravo regularly because the guests are often "Bravolebrities," but it's not absolutely necessary. Some nights you may not like the guests, so watch a few episodes before forming to your final opinion. If you give WWHL a chance, you'll love it. Walk away after just one episode and you're right up there with tonight's jackhole.
Watch What Happens Live is late night by Bravo, and it's a truly unique experience.
