Two Long Runs Closing The Curtain: Oprah And Jerry

One long television run ended just this past week. Another will end on September 4. It doesn't seem possible, but television will be going on about its ways without two longtime stalwarts, Oprah Winfrey and Jerry Lewis.

Winfrey was on the tube decorating people's afternoons for 25 years, and back in the day, it didn't take long for her to resonate with the American public. Her popularity soared to the point where her weekday talk show (which originally began at Chicago's WLS-TV) was number one in the ratings on many stations (including my hometown of Dallas) for a number of years. The Oprah Winfrey Show had many guest stars and many things to give away. She introduced Dr Phil McGraw to audiences everywhere, and he would end up having his own show. Despite the successes, her run was not without controversy. You may remember the incident in Amarillo, Texas, where she was critical of the city's meat-packing, gathering, and producing practices that it ruffled the feathers of those in the city. Also, she held political views that I certainly disagree with (She leans too far to the left) and seemed more inclined to fight for liberal social causes. But I do applaud loudly when she once refused to have two rappers on her show after she gave Ludacris a bad time about his lyrics. Believe me, that was well-deserved, as the American public did not need more from those guys when there's more than enough of that garbage on the radio and on people's boom boxes. All in all, Oprah had a great run, and with the bad always comes the good. I'd rather she be remembered for the good things about her show. Daytime won't be the same again.

Come Labor Day, another venerable TV force will be saying goodbye to us. Mr Jerry Lewis, comedian, actor, and longtime advocate for helping children with muscular dystrophy, is stepping down after the 2011 MDA Telethon, now in its 45th year on the air. Hard to believe, but Lewis believes it is time, especially when the telethon needs fresh air and fresh faces. Oh, the telethon will continue; it'll just be without Jerry. Through the years, they've had many great guest stars from comedians to singers, and, in addition, many organizations giving sizable contributions to what really is a worthy cause. And who can ever forget Jerry's renditions of the Rodgers-Hammerstein tune, "You'll Never Walk Alone" to end every one of his telethons? He's going to do it one last time on this year's show, and I'll bet you that the folks who want to put it on YouTube will have a field day when that time rolls around. Jerry, Labor Day will never be the same without you. Thanks for your contributions to television and to the lives of children who deserve a chance at a happy life.

Oprah and Jerry. .... They are closing the curtain on many years of bringing memories to the American airwaves. Viewers will have some voids to fill in this next year.