In a recent interview with the StarTribune’s CJ, Nate Berkus reflected on what went wrong with The Nate Berkus Show. The series was cancelled after two seasons on the air and the last episode aired on May 24th.
I think that for me it probably wasn’t the best decision to do a daytime, hourly talk show every single day. Design is something I think is elective. It’s something a lot of people feel is a luxury. It’s not must-see TV. For me, design is really important, but in order to do a show every day you have to talk about a lot of other things. You have to talk about cooking, fashion, style.
The truth is I’m very grateful that I had two full seasons — the show is on until September. It takes a long time for a show to gain traction and to find its viewership. I had a very loyal audience on Facebook, on Twitter, posting and tweeting about how they loved this recipe or the talented people my producers and I found and made a part of the show. The audience was very loyal from the beginning but the audience didn’t grow by leaps and bounds. That’s the goal with a daily syndicated show. The ratings for my show were decent. We had a lot of viewers, a lot of people who had seen my work on “Oprah” and I think they expected the same from a daily show.
Truthfully, I was on “Oprah” about every six weeks for 10 years. The production that went into every single time I was there took weeks and weeks and weeks to do. You can’t replicate that magnitude when you are doing something every day. Would I do it again? Probably not. I learned a lot from that experience. I think the most important thing that I took away were the relationships that I have now; the producers [with whom] I worked. It’s almost like being in summer camp together. You’re in sort of the trenches every single day and as soon as you finish a show you’ve got another one coming right up the pipeline. It’s like a column. It was definitely a wonderful experience for me, but I learned it’s probably not what I was meant to do and that’s OK.
What do you think? Do you agree with Berkus’ assessment? What do you think worked? What didn’t? Are you missing the program?
I loved, loved the show. However, since I work 9 to 5 and the show aired in the morning, I could only watch it if I took a day off. I feel the show would have better viewership/ratings if it aired in prime time. I hope you can work something out with the OWN network and do guest appearances. You are such a great talent.
I loved Nate’s show. It was shocking that it disappeared and nothing was said. My sister used to watch it too and has been similarly missing Nate. I wish he was on instead of the show that they have on now.
Missing the Nate Berkus show alot. Didn’t care as much about the fashion etc. parts. Loved the interior decorating.
Ireally miss hie smile and the great show every day. sorry it know longer be on. miss you.
I still think about Nate’s show everyday. I so miss it and hate that it won’t be available. Like another person said, there are so many shows that are a waste of time, it’s sad to see one cancelled that I believe so many people enjoyed and actually learned something. We’ll all miss you Nate.
I hate that your show was cancelled. I loved everything about it and tried so many of the recipes.
Stayed home from work one day and accidentally caught your show. Never watched a decorating or other home show, and was kind of mesmerized by the concept, and by your calming reassuring presence. Plus, I agreed with most of your ideas. I’m sure you’ll be missed, but you should do what’s right for you, and your comments about your show sound right on. Simply you seem like a great guy and I will definitely be at one of your signings to get a couple of your books.
I really miss Nate’s show. It was always uplifting and informative. There are so many shows, talk and otherwise, that are just depressing and nothing except what’s wrong with the world. Nate was cheerful and always positive and kept me going and inspired to make my life, home, food, friendships more and more beautiful. I miss the show and his Light. I’ll keep looking for segments and other ways to enjoy his charm and grace. I’m grateful to Oprah for being so inspired to introduce him to us. Thanks.
I so enjoyed the show, so many bad ones are still on, and this jewel is off.
MiSS you BIG TIME
Miss him greatly great personality great show great smile
Loved Nate and his show!!!!! Miss him greatly,!!!!!!! Leaves a void no one can fill!!
I recorded nate’s show every day. I loved the creativity, the tapes people sent of their own projects, the guest hosts, the cooking segments, the new trend segments, the new retailers and bloggers he exposed me too. I am looking forward to his next project. Thanks, Nate, for spreading the love and beauty on a budget!!
I really enjoyed your program and miss it a lot. It was always informative and lots of fun to watch. Good luck in all your future plans.
I miss you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much and am hoping that you will find your niche SOON and return to TV. Your decorating helped so many NORMAL, ORDINARY people–not a celebrity-based show. Hate reality TV! Did not need all the cooking segments though. Wish you had worked on more aspects of decorating and maybe coming to antique areas of the country (our town is dubbed the “Antique Capital of the World”) and shop with us. Another area that is needed so much is those of us who live in retirement communities and downsizing/making do with a little space, but still lead very… Read more »