Steve Harvey’s “Little Big Shots” Wins Over America

Last week, the most watched television show in the country was "Little Big Shots."  Of every show on television last week, it was the most watched, and it was just the FIRST episode!  So, what's the deal?  Is it that great?  Should you be watching "Little Big Shots?"  I watched it, and here's what I thought:

"Little Big Shots" is a brand new show on NBC that is executive-produced by Ellen DeGenerous and Steve Harvey.  While Ellen unfortunately doesn't appear on the show, Steve Harvey is the host of the show and is on screen almost the entire time.  That's a good thing, because Harvey largely is a very dynamic and affable personality.

The perfect was to sum up what this show is to call it half "America's Got Talent," half "Kids Say the Darndest Things."  The show finds kids (they seem to all be under ten-years-old) who all have some amazing special talent or ability.  For example, on the pilot episode there was a kid who could make amazing basketball trick-shots, an amazing speller, a dancer, and maybe one more that I'm forgetting.

While half the show and the "draw" seemingly is the fact that they give the children a venue to display their amazing abilities, watching the show shows the real nectar of the show is Steve Harvey interviewing the kids prior to their performance.  I found myself FAR more interested in the humorous interviews than the acts themselves, and they'll without a doubt remind everybody of Bill Cosby's role on "Kids Say the Darndest Things" from 17 years ago or however long it's been.

If I had a complaint or two, or constructive criticism it would be that, while Steve Harvey does a GREAT job hosting, seeing Ellen DeGenerous' name all over the place makes me long for how her brand of humor would benefit the show.  I wish she were actively involved on screen, even with Steve Harvey.  Also, and it may be a little difficult because everybody is so young, but because it IS a talent show, I wish the show had SOME sort of competitive element about it.  Whether it was a winner for the SEASON or a winner for the episode, I feel like I'd probably be a bit more invested in the kids' performances if there was a vote, elimination, or a winner at the end.

Either way, "Little Big Shots" is a lot of fun, a lot of laughs, and perfect viewing for the entire family.  Look for it Sunday nights (not Mondays when the pilot debuted) on NBC!