Due to low ratings, it came as no surprise when ABC cancelled the latest revival of Kids Say the Darndest Things in May. Now, CBS has decided to revive the comedic series and has renewed the show for the current 2020-21 television season.
An ABC improv/sketch comedy series, Kids Say the Darndest Things is based on the CBS program that was hosted by comic Bill Cosby (1998-2000). That series was based on a feature of Art Linkletter’s House Party radio show (1945-67) and the television program that followed, Art Linkletter’s House Party (1952-69). In the reimagined format, in-studio segments and taped pieces from across the country are played out in front of a live studio audience. Host Tiffany Haddish interacts with real kids who often have their own innocently entertaining points of view. Each episode includes several different segments with children with diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives.
Here’s CBS’ announcement:
“KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS” RETURNS HOME TO CBS
NETWORK ORDERS FAMILY-FRIENDLY VARIETY SERIES FROM CBS STUDIOS AND ANVIL 1893 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE 2020-2021 BROADCAST SEASON
Emmy(R) Award Winner Tiffany Haddish Will Continue to Serve as Host and Executive Producer
CBS is bringing the classic variety show KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS from CBS Studios and Anvil 1893 Entertainment back home to the Network for the 2020-2021 broadcast season. Emmy(R) Award winner and comedic superstar Tiffany Haddish will continue to host and serve as an executive producer.
The reimagined KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS showcases Tiffany Haddish’s unparalleled comedy talents, using her singular voice, humor and life perspective to interact with real kids from across the country in an honest, unpredictable and hilarious way. These kids are all unrehearsed and have no filters as they share their opinions about the world the way they see it.
“I see my role as giving kids a safe environment where they can say anything they want with complete freedom and no judgement. What I love about this show is that we let kids truly be themselves. I’m the straight man here, and that’s fine with me,” said Haddish.
“Few things have more universal appeal and humor than the unfiltered honesty of a child, and the comedic genius of Tiffany Haddish takes that to the next level. It’s great to have KIDS SAY back on CBS and part of our expanding alternative slate for 2021,” said Mitch Graham, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming, CBS Entertainment.
The family-friendly series is based on a classic segment that originated on CBS Radio in 1945 when famed radio host Art Linkletter interviewed children during his show “House Party.” Beginning in 1952 and running through 1969, “Art Linkletter’s House Party” was broadcast on the Network and included the popular panel with kids. The Network then aired an update of KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS from 1998-2000. The current version with Tiffany Haddish aired on another network last season.
Tiffany Haddish, who was featured in the 2011 CBS Comedy Showcase, has established herself as one of the most sought-after comedic actresses and performers. Her many television credits include “The Last O.G.,” with Tracy Morgan, and the voice of “Tuca” on the Adult Swim animated series “Tuca and Bertie.” Her film credits include “Like a Boss,” “The Kitchen,” “Girls Trip” and “The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part.” She also stars with Billy Crystal and Sharon Stone in the Crystal-directed “Here Today,” currently slated for release in 2021. Her additional projects include “Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready,” and her own one-hour Emmy(R) and GRAMMY(R) nominated stand-up comedy special on Netflix, “Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah.” She won an Emmy(R) Award in 2018 for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series as guest host on “Saturday Night Live.” Follow Tiffany Haddish on Twitter and Instagram @TiffanyHaddish.
A premiere date will be announced at a later date, and casting is currently underway. For casting information go to KidsSayCasting.com or call 818-666-3606.
KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS is produced by CBS Studios in association with Anvil 1893 Entertainment and She Ready Productions. Eric Schotz, Tiffany Haddish, Bellamie Blackstone and Ruth Rivin are executive producers.
What do you think? Did you watch Kids Say the Darndest Things when it aired on ABC? Are you glad that CBS has revived the series for a second season?
I’m so glad they are bringing this show back. It made me and my wife laugh. It was not given enough time originally and I’m so glad somebody realized this and is bringing it back. Tiffany Haddish is a hoot and the perfect person to host this show. Can’t wait for the return!
Why? The networks usually never broadcast castoffs! CBS must be desperate to pick up a failed project. It’s gotta be that it’s cheap programming & they own the studio producing it. I tried the pilot & found it inferior & not that good.
Good. I liked it and I’m glad that it’ll be back.