The Mo'Nique Show, Gone Already?

 It was November 2009 when I first heard that BET was presenting a new talk show featuring Mo'Nique. Now my first reaction was surprised. Number one, how could BET present a credible, yet enjoyable talk show? Number two, what kind of guests will she have? Number three, will Mo'Nique step on any toes in the process. The answers to all of these questions for the past 20 months were seemingly positive until late yesterday when it was revealed that show is on "indefinite hiatus."  I was shocked because the ratings seemed to indicate the show was a success. But there were other factors not known to the viewer that curtailed the project.
 I've watched the show quite a few times and I thought it was a quality program. The guests weren't people you typically see on late night and Mo'Nique's background as a comedian and actress gave her insight to life in the entertainment industry. Now sure, she was loud and outspoken but most late night hosts are. George Lopez pulls no punches and Chelsea Handler is only in it for the laughs. I think that's what give late night it's edge. Hosts who are too friendly or afraid to ask the real questions usually get glossed over. While Jay Leno has lasted this long, he has not had the same impact as David Letterman or his predecessor Johnny Carson. Even Jimmy Fallon who is not necessarily mean, commands a different element by infusing his show with hip-hop culture and having a real recording artist (The Roots) as a band. And I believe that's what's needed.
 I think that's how BET was thinking, but it proved too much in the end. Honestly, The Mo'Nique Show didn't seem to fit the rest of the network. It was mostly catered to an older audience with guests who were famous in the 80's and 90's. Also, it didn't feature music videos or the same kind of cultural references as the network's highest rated show 106 & Park.
 According to several reports, there were also supposed issues with Mo'Nique. But those haven't been confirmed. Mo'Nique has yet to comment and BET is still trying to dodge the bullet. But now with that out of the way, how about we start a petition to get Arsenio a new show?

News Source:http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2011/07/27/atlanta-based-the-monique-show-canceled/