This American Life is being developed into a TV series on Showtime. It's one thing that they are putting into a visual format, but it's another thing to be putting it on paid television!
I've seen an introductory DVD in which This American Life host, Ira Glass, explains their decision to create a television series. He showed snippets of their pilot episode and explained how much more you can get out of a story with pictures.
I have to disagree...
The one thing I love about the radio show is that not only can you listen to the narration of talented storytellers, but you can let your imagination run wild -- I don't need pictures to make the story more meaningful to me. There's nothing more enjoyable than to sit around the radio with your family and friends and, instead of staring at a picture box, watching their faces fill with laughter or concern.
Showtime approached Glass about making it into a TV series. I can only imagine how soon it will be before we see topless women or men's bottoms prancing across the screen. Of all places, Showtime? Why sell out? Do the series on public television.
In order to tape the six episodes for Showtime, Glass has moved This American Life out of its Midwest home of Chicago to New York City. The move is only "temporary".
The show will air air on Showtime sometime in January 2007. The radio show is here to stay, but during the taping of the television series many of the radio broadcasts will be reruns.
Related articles:
- Showtime Networks Greenlights Pilot Presentation For Chicago Public Radio's 'This American Life'
- A Chicago Radio Hit Moves to New York, and TV
- 'This American Life' on your TV screen
- 'This American Life' Is Ready for Its TV Close-Up
