It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time: The Worst TV Shows in History and Other Things I Wrote

by Bruce Vilanch

"Bruce Vilanch, a storyteller without peer, has written a tell-all . . . on himself! And it's hilarious! He's finally coming clean and owning up to his part in creating some of the worst television of the twentieth century, and that's saying a lot. There's no one like him. As they've been saying since I discovered him as a cub reporter at the Chicago Tribune, when you're in a pinch . . . Get Bruce!" —BETTE MIDLER

Bruce Vilanch is known as a go-to comedy writer for award shows, sitcoms, and over-the-top variety specials, but he has also been responsible for quite a few of the most legendary disasters ever made.

Some of his work lives in infamy—The Star Wars Holiday Special, The Paul Lynde Halloween Special, Rob Lowe dancing with Snow White at the Oscars, and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour. How did these ever seem like a good idea?

Well, everyone has screwed up a few times, or had their work screwed up by others. It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time is a lifetime reflection of what Vilanch has experienced, learned, and forgotten in decades of working in show business, specifically the south forty acres known as comedy. It involves very famous people and people who were not very famous but should have been.

It explains to the people in the audience who say to themselves, once they have gotten their jaw off the floor, "'How did this ever get made?"
Don't we all want to know?

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Memoir, Audiobook, Biography, Tv, Comedy

208 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2025

About the author

Bruce Vilanch is an actor (occasionally an actress), writer (occasionally a rewriter), and comedian (occasionally for money, often for causes). He has coauthored 25 Academy Award spectacles, winning two writing Emmys in the process, and has been nominated for seven more. In addition to the Oscars, he has cowritten many Tonys, Emmys, Grammys, People’s Choice, American Comedy Awards, TV Land Awards, SAG Awards, and a ton of other pageants, roasts, tributes, and various trumped-up reasons for people to strut a red carpet. He has coauthored dozens of variety television shows and actually put words in the mouth of Cher. He’s also a lyricist, scoring gold and platinum records for disco songs he wrote for Eartha Kitt and the Village People. And musical theatre geeks will remember him as the coauthor of the Broadway misfire called Platinum, which was revived off-Broadway for reasons that continue to mystify Bruce.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Bruce Vilanch (b. 1947) is an award-winning American comedy writer, songwriter, and actor.


Bruce Vilanch

Vilanch is perhaps best known for his four year stretch on Hollywood Squares, but his career encompasses much more. Vilanch wrote for the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys; starred as Emma Turnblad in the national tour of 'Hairspray'; wrote for celebrities like Bette Midler, Billy Crystal, Bob Hope, Cher, Paul Reiser, Robin Williams, Roseanne Barr, Shirley MacLaine, and Whoopi Goldberg; had a short-lived talk show; and much much more. Bruce has met/worked with myriad people in the entertainment industry, and seems to have a good word for everyone (or maybe he's just a nice guy 😊).


Bruce Vilanch and Niki Metcalf as Edna and Tracy Turnblad in 'Hairspray'


Bruce Vilanch with Better Midler

This isn't a memoir, however, but rather a fun book about what Vilanch considers some clunkers he's been involved with. Bruce writes, "[This is] a book about how I helped create the worst shows in television....Creating the worst shows in television of course spilled over into helping create the worst shows in other media as well, and I have not spared you the details. Movies, Broadway musicals, revues....sooner or later I wound up getting involved in more turkeys than the Osmonds at Thanksgiving."

Bruce's tales of the turkeys are interspersed with anecdotes about his life, career, and people he's met. These stories are related with a wink and acknowledgment that, back in the day, all Hollywood writers were 'chemically enhanced.'


Bruce Vilanch had a small part in "Mahogany' with Diana Ross


Bruce Vilanch with Robin Williams

Reading this book inspired me to watch some of Vilanch's 'bad shows' on YouTube and nostalgia channels, and - despite being 'terrible ideas' - they're quite entertaining!! In fact, Vilanch's 'confessions' will probably ignite a cult following for some of what Bruce is calling 'dreck'.

Bruce's tales cover every aspect of the programs he discusses, including creators, producers, directors, writers, casting problems, actors, actresses, musical talent, supporters, critics, and so on. I'll just give a brief peek at some of Bruce's stories, to provide a feel for the book.

*****

The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)

The first 'Stars Wars' film came out in 1977 and did well at the box office. Since George Lucas planned a series, he wanted to keep 'Star Wars' in the public eye, thus the holiday special.



In a nutshell: The story is about Wookiees, specifically Chewbacca's family (wife Malla, son Lumpy, father Itchy), who are getting ready to celebrate 'Life Day' on their home planet Kashyyyk. Han Solo and Chewbacca are flying to Kashyyyk in the Millenium Falcon, but are forced to take detours to evade Empire warships. Thus, Chewbacca is late getting home.


Chewbacca and Han Solo in the Millenium Falcon

Chewbacca's relatives get worried, and they contact members of the rebel alliance - Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker - to see if they know Chebacca's whereabouts. Meanwhile, Empire soldiers invade the Wookiees home to search for Chewbacca.

Since this special is a musical comedy, there are guest stars: Art Carney, Bea Arthur, Diahann Carroll, and Harvey Korman.

Art Carney plays a shop owner bringing gifts to the Wookiees' house; Harvey Korman has several parts, one of which is a kind of 7-armed alien Julia Child, who has a cooking show on television; Bea Arthur owns a bar on the planet Tatooine, where an assortment of aliens hang out; and Diahann Carroll croons a sexy song to Itchy in one of his fantasies.


Harvey Korman as an alien television chef


Diahann Carroll as a fantasy singer


Bea Arthur as a barkeeper on Tatooine

One big problem with the show is that Wookiees speak no known language, so humans have to 'translate' everything they say. Vilanch observes, "The next few hours of the show - OK, minutes, but they seem like hours - involve lots of plot, which means more of the grunting, growling, shrieking, and translating."

The Star Wars Holiday Special was a flop, and faded from public consciousness UNTIL the 'Star Wars' franchise became a cult phenomenon. Fans looking for every scrap of information about 'Star Wars' unearthed the special on YouTube and brought it into the light. Some enthusiasts think the program is good fun while other find it sacrilegious and send George Lucas death threats.

Bruce concludes, "It will be my lightsaber to bear."

*****

The Paul Lynde Halloween Special' (1976)



In this musical comedy show, Paul plays an eccentric homeowner who's whisked away by good witches who want Paul to debunk their evil image.


Paul Lynde with two witches

The guest stars include Betty White, Billy Barty, Donny and Marie, Florence Henderson, Margaret Hamilton, Tim Conway, the band Kiss, and others.


Kiss performing on the Paul Lynde Halloween Special

Among skits and songs performed by the guest stars, Paul is given three wishes. These segue to sketches in which Paul is a rhinestone cowboy truck driver competing with Tim Conway for a pretty waitress; and a rich sheik romancing Florence Henderson in his tent.


Paul Lynde as a Rhinestone Cowboy Truck Driver


Paul Lynde as a Sheik romancing Florence Henderson

Paul gives his last wish to the witches, who want to dance at a disco. This provides an opportunity to showcase a sea of dancers in elegant Halloween wear, with lots of shaking of everyone's groove thing. It also features more singing by Florence Henderson and Kiss.

Vilanch thinks the Halloween special was over the top, but I think it's glitzy, kitschy and fun.

*****

Some of Vilanch's other (self-described) duds include:

'The Brady Bunch Hour' (1976 -1977) - This variety program was a spin-off from The Brady Bunch comedy show. In the variety hour, the whole Brady clan sings and dances; there are underwater 'mermaids' doing synchronized swimming; and guest stars are featured in the storylines.


The Brady Bunch on their variety hour show

The Brady Bunch Hour might not be great television, but it's typical of 1970s programming, and it's colorful and entertaining.

*****

'The Ice Pirates' (1984 movie)



In this sci-fi comedy thriller, the galaxy is short of water, and the existing supply is controlled by a greedy cabal. The cabal sells ice to inhabited planets, and are determined to protect their monopoly.

A group of ice pirates led by Jason (Robert Urich) steal a shipment of ice, but they're captured. The pirates are about to be castrated and made into slaves when a princess rescues them. The princess needs help finding her father, who knows the location of a water planet.


A scene from The Ice Pirates

This film, which I find hilarious, unabashedly stole elements from other science fiction films, like cute little robots (Star Wars); and a creepy creature called a space herpes (Alien); and more.

There's a great cast, including Anjelica Huston, Bruce Vilanch (who plays a head without a body), John Carradine, John Matuszak, Mary Crosby, Michael D. Roberts, Ron Perlman, and more.

Vilanch might consider this a bomb, but I think it's fun.

*****

'Can't Stop The Music' (1980 movie) - This comedy features a struggling young New York music composer called Jack (Steve Guttenberg) who's trying to launch a new music group (The Village People). Jack's friend Samantha (Valerie Perrine), a singer/dancer/model has connections in the music industry, and is helping him.



The film is chock full of singing and dancing, and Bruce Jenner (now Caitlyn Jenner) plays Samantha's boyfriend, a lawyer named Ron White.


Bruce Jenner and Valerie Perrine in Can't Stop the Music

The show features a great cast, including Altovise Davis, Barbara Rush, Jack Weston, Paul Sand, Tammy Grimes, and more.

Vilanch might call this a clunker, but I liked it.

*****

The Charo Show (1976)



This comedy, which lasted only through the pilot, features Charo as herself - an entertainer who has a home life and welcomes guest stars. Charo sings, tells jokes, plays the classical Spanish-style guitar (she's a trained guitarist), and does a George and Martha Washington skit with guest star Mike Connors.


Charo plays the classical guitar

The pilot has a few laughs, but I can see why it didn't get picked up.

*****

There's plenty more in the book as Vilanch tells stories about his Broadway flop 'Platinum'; Rob Lowe singing and dancing with Snow White in the introduction to the 1989 Oscars; the time Bruce and other comedy writers sequestered themselves at a weight loss spa that served only rice; Bruce's mom Henne being the sidekick on his very short-lived talk show; gay actors in old Hollywood; and on and on.


Rob Lowe and Snow White at the 1989 Acadamy Awards

If you're curious, and want a preview, look up some of Bruce's interviews online, where he talks about 'It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time'.

I like chit-chat about the entertainment industry, and I enjoyed the book. Highly recommended to readers interested in the subject.

Thanks to Netgalley, Bruce Vilanch, and Chicago Review Press for a copy of the book.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published March 4, 2025.

4.5 stars. (I bumped up the rating. I so enjoyed this and I was thinking about the fun I had after.)

Hollywood’s go to awards show writer tells tales of some of the worst projects he has written for, including a Brady Bunch variety show which I vaguely remember watching (it had synchronized swimmers!). There was also a Paul Lynde show which, I’m not going to lie to you, now sounds like one of the most FANTABULOUS TV shows ever produced. First, it stars the great Paul Lynde. And as if that weren’t enough, Tim Conway! Harvey Korman! Florence Henderson! A Halloween disco scene! KISS! _KISS_, people! Just the description alone made me fall in love with this show and I must find it on You Tube, or somewhere, please, little baby Jesus, make my dreams come true!

What else? “Can’t Stop the Music” a.k.a. the Village People movie. And loads more. Fun for those of a certain age who don’t need the footnotes to know exactly who all these people are. As Vilanch says, “If you don’t know MOMMIE DEAREST, the memoir of Joan Crawford’s daughter, Christina, I can’t believe you’re reading this book!” And you and I probably can’t be friends. I loved it!

**** Edited to add: how could I leave out that he worked on two of what are widely known as the greatest TV fiascos of ALL TIME?!?! I’m not going to tell you what they are, no spoilers, but you’ll know it when you read about them. Just another reason to get hold of this book!

[Martin Maenza · Rating 4 out of 5]

IPG/Chicago Review Press provided an early galley for review.

As a child of the 70's, I grew up in the twilight of the variety show era. Back when we only had three networks, if something special was airing I would know about it (and not just because I had a subscription to TV Guide). So, I remember watching so many of these productions on which Vilanch worked as they aired for the very first time. Were they cheesy? Sure. But then again, I have always been a a fan of cheesy goodness and fun in my entertainment.

Vilanch is great at his comedy craft with a very comfortable, conversational approach to telling the reader about the making of these "masterpieces" (I found them all enjoyable). I found myself laughing out loud so many times as I read this book. His turn-of-the-phrase and colorful analogies are so good. I also too like the footnotes about famous people and shows that will be very useful for younger fans who discovered his productions online and very entertaining for those of us old enough to know exactly who or what he is referring to. There is something for everyone here.

[Bill · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

I debated whether to even review this, since I never DNF a book and this is not my usual type of reading material. But after reading new, more thoughtful, biographies of Al Jolson, Johnny Carson and Lorne Michaels, I seemed to be on an old Hollywood/showbiz kick and downloaded this on a lark after seeing a review copy was available. I’ve heard interviews with Vilanch about some of his lesser works, so this is a fine idea for a book, going over some of the more infamous train wrecks he was a part of.

But the book to me kind of fell flat. It seems aimed at a much younger audience who 1) have never seen any of the shows he writes about, and 2) have never heard of any Hollywood star who was born before they were. On the latter point, he feels the need to explain, in the text and in frequent footnotes, who the people are he’s referring to. And if you don’t know who Harvey Korman, Paul Lynde or Eartha Kitt are, then what are you doing reading this book? On the former point, most of what he does in the book is merely summarize the shows. I’ve seen a lot of the shows he writes about - and anyone who hasn’t, can easily find them on YouTube - so plot summaries don’t add much to our understanding of “what were they thinking?” and “how did this ever get made?”

For these infamous misfires, Vilanch offers few excuses, few explanations, and few behind-the-scenes insights other than “(shrug) it was the 70’s (or 80’s).” With only three networks and a much less-discerning audience, there was a lot of schlock on TV at the time. I remember watching a lot of schlock growing up simply because that’s what was on.

The book opens with The Star Wars Holiday Special, which I’ve seen, and have read a bit about, so I didn’t really learn anything from the origin story or the plot summary. From there, it’s on to the Paul Lynde Halloween Special and the Brady Bunch Variety Hour, both of which I almost hate to admit I’ve also seen, and also didn’t really learn anything new by reading Vilanch’s take. At this point, I skimmed or skipped past everything else until the 1989 Oscars and the infamous Rob Lowe/Snow White opening, which I’ve also seen, and have read about, so once again there wasn’t much new here. Whenever there are different explanations about what happened and why, Vilanch doesn’t seem to research to find the truth, he just offers his own understanding of what happened from his perspective.

So the book feels a little dashed-off, like he simply re-watched his most infamous shows and then dictated a summary of each. It’s an easy, breezy read (at least the parts I read), but if you’re familiar with the shows he writes about, I don’t think there’s much new here for you, and if you’re not familiar with any of the shows (or the people) he writes about, then I’m not sure why you’d even read this? Another reviewer said it best - when it comes to this book, it’s a lot like the shows themselves: “goofy, silly, quirky…” but “not particularly entertaining.”

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Chicago Review Press for providing an advance copy of this book for review, ahead of its March 4th release.

[Ammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you were a fan of Hollywood Squares during its 1998–2002 run, you probably remember Bruce Villanch. He was usually in the square adjacent to Whoopi Goldberg, and resembled a large Muppet or a real-life, bearded H.R. Pufnstuff (fitting, given his work with Pufnstuf creators Sid & Marty Krofft). Even if you don’t recall him—or weren’t around then—you’ve likely encountered his comedy writing in countless TV specials, award shows, and beyond.

Over his decades-long career, Villanch has become a go-to comedy writer, earning numerous accolades for his work. His book, It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time (which I’ll refer to as Bad Idea), offers an entertaining behind-the-scenes look at some of the most notoriously ill-conceived projects he worked on.

As a fan of Steve Kozak’s A Disturbance in the Force (both the book and documentary), I was particularly eager to read Villanch’s take on the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. He did not disappoint. Villanch openly acknowledges how bad some of these shows were and even expresses surprise that they were greenlit. Yet, his tone is never mean-spirited or snarky. Instead, he conveys a sense of fondness and nostalgia for even the most misguided productions—a sentiment that’s contagious for readers.

The book is peppered with photos of Villanch alongside fellow writers and celebrities from his career. While I enjoyed these glimpses into his world, I found myself wishing there were more.

Bad Idea is a delightful read. Villanch’s storytelling shines, and his voice is so distinct that I could almost hear him narrating as I read on my Kindle (the inevitable audiobook version of Bad Idea would be great assuming Villanch narrates). The book delivers exactly what I hoped for: plenty of humor, witty anecdotes, and name-dropping of A-list to D-list celebrities. If you enjoy celebrity memoirs, humorist essays, or behind-the-scenes tales from Hollywood, this book will not disappoint.

One note: the version I read contained formatting errors that I assume will be corrected before publication. Thankfully, these did not detract from my enjoyment of Bad Idea.

Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. This review reflects my personal and independent opinion

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely essential reading it you love old Hollywood and old schlock. Bruce Vilanch was present for a lot of notorious bombs and has really great stories to tell about them, filled with good sidebars into movie history and funny bits regarding them. A very entertaining read and I’d love for him to write more about his time writing various shows.

[Richard Propes · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's no denying that two-time Emmy Award-winner Bruce Vilanch is a funny man. Known to many for his four-year stint on Hollywood Squares and to others for the documentary "Get Bruce!" that chronicled his unique life, Vilanch is a go-to writer who has written material for the Emmy Awards, Tony Awards, Grammy Awards, and the Academy Awards in addition to songs for the likes of the Village People and Eartha Kitt among others.

And there's a whole lot more.

"It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time" isn't really about any of that.

Instead, this is a book about the other writing he's done. We're talking about icons of awfulness like "The Star Wars Holiday Special," The Paul Lynde Halloween Special," The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, and a certain infamous Academy Awards ceremony that found Rob Lowe dancing with Snow White not long before a certain sex tape came out.

A memoir of sorts, "It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time" is Vilanch's journey through his decades of working in show business and those well-publicized, impossible to forget mistakes he's made along the way.

Each chapter here serves up cringe-worthy memories from shows that have made us all ask "How did this get made?" Vilanch tells us how.

The now 77-year-old Vilanch is occasionally funny, occasionally insightful, occasionally a little poignant, and pretty much always self-deprecating here. I will admit I didn't laugh nearly as much as I'd hoped for here - an experience not far removed from that Brady Bunch Variety Hour that was goofy, silly, quirky, and not particularly entertaining.

However, for those who appreciate inside views of the inner workings of Hollywood, "It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time" may very well be worth checking out with one of the industry's most beloved comedy writers laying it all out and choosing to laugh about it.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Omg, Bruce. Land your plane already.

I was looking forward to his behind-the-scenes perspective and hilarious, maybe scathing insight. Instead, it was mostly summaries. Long summaries. More like a pastiche of Wikipedia entries. Ouch, right? The concept of the book seems like a “great idea” in fact. But for me, the delivery fell flat and the pace dragged. I know BV has the smart and clever takes in him, but I didn’t get them here.

[Natalie]

DNF — not rated 1 star bc it’s not bc it was bad, I just forgot that I literally couldn’t care less about Star Wars and also I don’t even know this comedian

[Jonno · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a real mixed bag. I bought it because I wanted behind-the-scenes stories, but the first chapter is almost entirely in-the-scenes; it's a detailed recap of a special, not how the special was made. But the special isn't good--that's why it's in the book--so why would I want to know all the details of its plot?

There are interesting insights that come later. One of the most interesting stories is about a comic actress who knew her material wasn't working but was too afraid of bombing to try anything new. This is a relatable human failing, and I was rooting for her to succeed.

It's also interesting, though a little depressing, to learn that the answer to, "How did this get made?" is often, "A rich and powerful executive thought it would be a good idea," or, "We were trying to appeal to as broad a swath of people as possible." Not every TV show and movie is the work of an artist with a point of view or a story to tell.

I think I wanted the book to have more of Vilanch's point of view. He doesn't share much about what he hoped to get out of these gigs, or what he thought of them, at least not in any deep way. His strongest opinions seem to be about "keyboard warriors", whom he brings up at every available opportunity. On page 55 he says that "conflating" politics with art is mostly "anti-art", but the whole point of this book is that none of these projects were art. They were commercial schlock. (Also, some of the greatest art has been informed by or about politics.) Why is he so angry at "woke" people, and why does he keep brining that anger into this book?

I also wish this book were funny.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Wars Holiday Special
Paul Lynde Halloween Special
Snow White Oscar telecast
The Brady Bunch
The Village People
Carol Channing
Charo

If any of those shows and/or celebrities mean anything to you, then you should definitely pick up this book.
A fun, witty and gossipy behind-the-scenes memoir of what went into the making of some of the worst TV specials ever made during an era in Hollywood that is no longer.
This book is guaranteed to send you down a YouTube rabbit hole!

[Martin Mintman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up thinking it would be akin to the Golden Turkey Awards from a man who helped them happen in the first place but found it dull and meandering instead. For example, reading about his part in the Brady Bunch Hour has some cute anecdotes, but short on explanation. I read this expecting how the song "Car Wash" was incorporated into a retelling of The Wizard of Oz. Instead, we get explanatory footnotes of who Esther Williams and Rudolph Valentino (and other stars of Hollywood's Golden Age) were. Maybe this would've been better as an audio book, but reading it was a slog.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Nothing ever happens if you don't say 'yes,' even if it seems like a bad idea at the time."

The last line of the book was the best part of it. I liked this book, but i didn't know very many of the people or shows mentioned in it. I only picked it up bc i wanted to know more about the Star Wars Holiday Special. Which, now I do know more about it.

[Peter Karlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn’t have related more to working on god awful television. Super funny tales of shows so bad they became legends.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Very funny!!!

[Mediaman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Probably the worst book ever written by a professional television/movie writer. Bruce Vilanch has no idea how to put together a book or tell a simple story. If you are expecting a well-told history of his career, you will be extremely disappointed--instead it's a jumbled bloated mess (much like the author) that looks back only at the bombs that he was involved with. While that may sound intriguing, he admits up front that he barely recalls any details from any of the shows and there are no historical notes, so we're left with him giving incoherent pilot plot summaries he must have gleaned from watching the videos, spread out over a dozen pages, interrupted by dozens of asides that have nothing to do with the production and are not humorous.

It's not worth spending any of my energy on writing a full review. This guy, in one paragraph, can cover four different topics, none of which have anything to do with the show that the chapter is about. He gives completely unnecessary Wikipedia-like summaries of performers and then feels the need to call a stop to many pages with a tangential footnote for those youngsters that he thinks may be reading this crap.

Sorry, Bruce, no one younger than 65 will care about this nor have any idea what you're talking about, with worthless references to Esther Williams, Mommie Dearest, and even Rudolph Valentino. He packs the pages with inappropriate pop culture mentions that are 50 to 100 years old; for those of us that care we don't need his lengthy explanations that feel like filler and often have errors.

One of my favorite mistakes is his claim that when the Star Wars Holiday Special was made in 1978, "cable television had appeared only a few years before and basically begun to put the variety show format out of business." He then references the rise of HBO forcing networks to come up with more quality shows that had less censorship. Um, Bruce, cable actually started by 1950. In 1978 only 7.5% of American homes had it because it simply carried broadcast TV to rural areas, and HBO (which had only gone national in 1975) was only in about one million homes. There were no original nationwide cable entertainment networks yet and pay channel HBO had almost no original shows while R-rated movies forced to air later at night. Cable television's impact on the business was a few years away and none of this aside has anything to do with the eventual downfall of the variety show (nor anything to do with the Star Wars variety special), but he tries to make it look that way.

I counted four things I learned from the book that were original, including the fiasco at the 1989 Oscars (strange that it's the only well-told story since he had nothing to do with the actual bad ideas mentioned like the infamous Snow White dance). But that's only a few thin pages worth reading out of 200.

What a waste. I'd say a waste of talent, but I think it has been firmly established that Vilanch may not have much of that. If he would have done a true memoir filled with taut well-edited stories about his successful works we might have been able to discern if he was decent at his job. Instead, this book didn't just seem like a bad idea at the time, it truly became one.

[Jason Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want more. I want to have an 8 hour dinner with Bruce Vilanch. I want to turn back time and go back to the 70s.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bruce Vilanch has been a writer and sometime personality (center square on revised Hollywood Squares) since the mid 1970s. This book brings up shows I don't remember watching (The Brady Bunch Variety Hour) but do recognize the names of the people he worked with such as Paul Lynde and Carol Channing.
I just think it's always fun to see what happens behind the scenes.

[Brian McCann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very good, but I did enjoy the chapters about Broadway’s PLATINUM and THREE/COMEDY TONIGHT. Sone good dish on Alexis Smith and Dorothy Loudin.

The book is very slow at the beginning. It picks up steam with the shorter chapters in the last half.

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time by Bruce Vilanch

In “It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time,” Bruce Vilanch attempts to unveil the flawed yet fascinating world of television’s most notorious misfires. As a seasoned writer and performer with extensive experience in Hollywood, Vilanch offers a unique perspective on the industry. However, this reviewer found the book disappointing, particularly for readers well-versed in classic television history.

Initially, I hesitated to review Vilanch’s work, feeling that his lighthearted approach might not align with my usual literary endeavors. Yet, as I delved into the pages, my trepidation grew, revealing a book that, despite its entertaining premise, ultimately lacks the depth and insight necessary to engage truly knowledgeable audiences.

One major aspect that stands out is the book’s target demographic: a younger audience that may not have a comprehensive understanding of older Hollywood shows and stars. While Vilanch attempts to bridge this gap, the frequent need for explanations and footnotes becomes a disservice to both the narrative and the reader’s experience. Instead of immersing oneself in the stories, one often finds oneself pausing to consult footnotes, detracting from the flow of the text and the enjoyment of the anecdotes recounted.

Moreover, the content predominantly comprises summaries of various shows, with little emphasis on the context or significance of these infamous misfires. The reader is treated to a parade of television failures, yet the examination remains superficial. Vilanch often attributes these failures to the cultural and social climate of the era without providing the deeper analysis that would enhance our understanding of these moments in television history. What could have been an opportunity for exploration and critique is instead transformed into a mere listicle of sorts, devoid of the critical engagement many would expect from a work of this sort.

For those familiar with the shows discussed, the book offers little in the way of new insights or revelations. The recycling of already-known stories leads to potential skimming or skipping of sections, diminishing the book’s overall value. Those who seek a deeper understanding of the trials and tribulations of television production will find themselves wanting, as the work feels rushed and underdeveloped.

In conclusion, “It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time” presents an interesting premise fueled by Bruce Vilanch’s undeniable charisma and industry experience. However, it ultimately fails to deliver the depth and insight that discerning audiences might hope for. As a result, this book may resonate more with casual readers or those unfamiliar with the topics at hand, while leaving seasoned television aficionados seeking a more substantial exploration of Hollywood’s missteps sorely disappointed.

[RebL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this book mentioned in a magazine somewhere so I put it on hold at the library before the release date. While I was waiting, I listened to the episode of You're Wrong About concerning the 1989 Oscars debacle (as a 20-year-old with no TV I hadn't watched the Oscars in 1989, so it was news to me), which mentioned Bruce Vilanch as having been on the writing team, so I also put Michael Shulman's book on hold. This one arrived first.

It's was thinner than I imagined it would be when I requested it; only 190 pages not counting the index. It's not a memoir per se, but exactly what it says it is: Bruce talking about the backstories of the very worst flops on which he worked, with each chapter dedicated to a different flop. Of course his memories are worked into the story, but he doesn't ever go far off track with them.

It's a quick read and quite entertaining. The tone is very casual, as if the stories were dictated with speech-to-text, but once you get used to being talked through text it's lots of fun. I bet the audiobook is enjoyable.

I'm afraid that if you are much younger than elder Gen X then you might have to read this with the book in one hand and the Wikipedia app open on your phone in the other. I had to look things up several times. The Brady Bunch was canceled when I was only 5, after all, and I am JUST barely old enough (10 years old in 1979) to remember the heyday of the network variety special, about which much of this book centers. People who were already alive in the early 1960s are probably the target reader, because they will remember Paul Lynde. But no matter: read it anyway, because reading about flops is fun, and many of them (including that 1989 Oscars opening act and the 1976 Paul Lynde Halloween Special and the infamous 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special and 1984's The Ice Pirates) are findable on YouTube or Tubi, so you can see just what you missed by being either not yet born or too young to pay attention.

4 fun stars.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the good old days long gone, television viewers had entertainment choices limited to three commercial networks.  Recently I found on YouTube a compilation of those network shows from the sixties and seventies that expired early due to poor ratings.  Most I could only vaguely recall, but each segment showed a title sequence from each show, smiling actors full of promise that their show would be the next big hit.  Though many concepts were so poor, you have to wonder, “what were they thinking?”  Bruce Vilanch, comedy writer emeritus, pulls back the curtain on some of those shows (and specials), specifically those he worked on, in his memoir "It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time."  He answers questions that have puzzled viewers for years…Why would anyone think that the unique talents of Paul Lynde or Charo could support a weekly situation comedy?  Or that the Brady Bunch kids could support a comedy-variety show?  Or that talents as diverse as Bea Arthur and Harvey Korman would somehow fit in a Star Wars themed holiday special?  It’s all recaptured here in his gloriously funny hindsight. (A favorite line about "The Brady Bunch Hour": "Every number was like talent night at the Moose Lodge." Or remembering Paul Lynde's reaction to Gene Simmon's long tongue: "Paul was transfixed. He grabbed my arm and said, in a classic line reading, 'I would like to meeeeet him.' It was classic, because like so many of Paul's lines, it said nothing but also said everything." Vilanch is not out to lay blame, but to marvel at the bad choices that otherwise very talented people made in creating these shows and specials.  This was a time when the public had little entertainment news outlets (unlike today’s daily Internet feed) so these insider views of embarrassing productions are a real treat.  I look forward to Vilanch’s next memoir devoted to his (many more) successful television shows.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Thanks to NetGalley and IPG/Chicago Review Press for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book is such a Boomer/Gen X flashback, it’s not funny. But it is funny. Bruce Vilanch has been part of some of the worst TV specials of the last half of the 20th century. However, the way he wrote this book seems like he’s trying to hit a younger audience. He does lots of name dropping of celebrities, then has footnotes explaining who they are, like Jack Benny, The Smothers Brothers, Frank Sinatra and more. My generation and older already know who these people were.

Bruce’s pedigree is impressive: writing for 25 Academy Awards telecasts, the Tonys, Emmys, Grammys, People’s Choice, American Comedy Awards, TV Land Awards, SAG Awards, and more. Yet, he chose to write about his greatest professional failures, which I have to give him credit for. I’ve never seen the Star Wars Holiday Special, but it has gone down in infamy as one of the worst things on television. Or, do you remember Rob Lowe and Snow White parading around during the 1989 Oscars? Vilanch was a part of those broadcasts and more.

The book is written like a stream of consciousness fever dream, with asides and footnotes along the way. There are mentions of so many celebrities and so many weird shows that were put on the air, like Battle for the Network Stars (which I loved at the time). I really appreciated the self-deprecating humor that Vilanch offers, fully owning up to his involvement in some absolute horrible television.

If you loved 1970s and 1980s television in the United States, I highly suggest you check out this book.

[BRANDEN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diverting, though honestly not as quick a read as I expected (for a 200-page book). Bruce frontloads the book with The Star Wars Holiday Special, the most notorious bomb he was involved with, and there are moments in that chapter that are truly, truly funny. Because of the success of Star Wars across multiple generations, and the availability of this stinker on YouTube, it's the one thing he's done that really will live in infamy. I actual saw The Ice Pirates back in the day, but don't remember a single thing about it, including Vilanch's appearance as a bodyless head and a space herpe that apparently roams the ship. The chapter on Can't Stop the Music, the Village People film, is kind of a dud because he was fired midway through, so most of the chapter is about his time at a "fat farm" (his words). It's the same situation with the final chapter, on the 1989 Oscars telecast that featured Rob Lowe dancing with Snow White to "Proud Mary"... a number that he was not involved in (which explains how he came back to write for 24 more Oscars telecasts). Some of the later chapters are a dozen pages or less, which kinda shows how little meat there is to them, and the whole book requires a lot of footnoting to tell readers younger than age 75 who famous personalities are. (Notably, Vilanch was once-upon-a-time the weird gay hippie brought in to give crusty Hollywood and TV stars edgier material.) Still, despite my quibbles, Bruce does have a wicked turn of phrase and a man-purse full of entertaining anecdotes. If he write another tell-all, I'd probably be in for it.

[Douglas Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could have easily finished this book in one sitting, so that’s why I would only allow myself one or two chapters a day so I could savor every word. And that is my major complaint with this book- it’s too short! Bruce should have added some more chapters or at least give us even more juicy details in the few chapters that he does offer to us.
My favorite chapters are the ones giving details about the Star Wars Holiday Special, which I just re-viewed a few years ago and found it to be unwatchable, the Paul Lynde Halloween Special which I am forced to watch nearly every year and find almost everything except the musical numbers (which include KISS and Florence Henderson) unwatchable, and the Brady Bunch Variety Hour, which I unironically like, enjoy, and find immensely watchable. There is also a great chapter on the Village People vehicle musical, “Can’t Stop the Music,” which again, I thoroughly enjoy. You ever attended the Show Tunes I used to DJ, I played clips and songs from all four of the above mentioned shows.
Bruce also discusses two Broadway shows he was involved with, neither of which had I ever heard of, and being a Broadway fan I found both of those fascinating as well.
Of course this book would be for everyone. You will have to be a fan of 70’s and 80’s camp and outrageousness and enjoy stories that take you through digressions that will include Jack Benny, Charo, Allan Carr, Marcia Wallace, Carol Channing, Dorothy Loudon, and Snow White- to name a small few. If this list peaks your interest- check this one out.
5 out of 5 stars.

[Peter Ackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hilarious Trip Down Memory Lane with Bruce Vilanch

What a delightful read! It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time by writer, performer, and all-around humorist Bruce Vilanch is a laugh-out-loud journey through the more infamous moments of showbiz history.

Vilanch, a truly funny and gifted storyteller, revisits projects that became legendary for all the wrong reasons. From the Star Wars Holiday Special to the Paul Lynde Halloween Special—and even a film starring the Village People—he shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes with wit and self-awareness, embracing the chaos that made these productions both notorious and beloved.

Peppered with autobiographical details, the book allows readers to see these memories through Vilanch’s sharp and comedic lens. He also provides helpful context for those unfamiliar with the stars and events of the era, ensuring that readers of all generations can appreciate the absurdity and charm of his tales.

Now that I’ve seen what a fantastic storyteller Vilanch is, I can only hope this book is the first of many. In a world where anger and cynicism often dominate, It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time is a much-needed antidote—delivering pure joy and plenty of laughs.

I received an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I’m happy to say it exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended!

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Nothing ever happens if you don’t say yes, even if it seems like a bad idea at the time.” It seems like Bruce Vilanch never met an idea that he didn’t say “no” to and I am here for those stories! It helps that I generally enjoyed his “bad” ideas over the years (The Star Wars Holiday Special is a childhood favorite and the spectacle of Can’t Stop the Music—not to be confused with Xanadu—is unforgettable). This was a quick but fun listen and is probably best enjoyed as a listen—not all authors are good narrators but it works here. Although I really enjoyed this, I wish that the author had revealed more about himself in the telling. He gets close to showing some personal investment in the stories when discussing his mother in the last chapter but falls short of really letting us in to how he really felt about some of the absolutely bonkers situations he describes. Regardless, this is a fun and breezy book if you are of a certain age and enjoy a bit of insider tea on how entertainment gets to the big and small screen.

[Julie Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember watching the documentary, "Get Bruce!" about the year-long process of writing the show known as the Oscars telecast. So, when I saw that this book came out, I immediately ordered it. What an incredible talent! I took on this book kind of like a college class: read the chapter, then watch everything you can find on that subject on You Tube. ( He even hints for you to do this.) But there is no final or term paper, and the instructor's evaluation is optional. Yay! What an intelligent series of essays. I very much appreciated the effort it took to include footnotes, which younger audiences will not understand at all. But I was raised on variety television, old Hollywood, and musicals, so I am fluent in Vilanch. I love him. He is wonderful. Watch the documentary, and take this course! (I look forward to the promised sequel about all the things that he has done that were remarkably successful.)

I gave it a 4-star rating because it wasn't long enough, and didn't have enough wonderful pictures interspersed. Our time together was too short.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruce Vilanch has been bringing laughs for many years. This book continues his record of making me burst with laughter.

"It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time" is a collection of behind-the-scenes stories from some of the less fantastic projects he's been involved in, but that doesn't stop the very funny moments that made me stop reading this at night in bed, for fear of waking my spouse! Needless to say, he has a great sense of humor and a way with words.

If you're into movies, television and stage, stories of the people and work who make them a reality, and, more to the point, stories of some of the ideas what may have made you scratch your head when they showed up years ago, you'll enjoy this book. Also, if you like to laugh!

This was a fun book, an easy read, and one I'm glad I took the time to enjoy!

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review the ARC of this book.

[Janet Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while I come across a book that is so much fun, so delicious an experience, I hate to see it come to an end.

This is one of those books.

I admit I am a fan of the Hollywood Behind The Scenes scene. I love the stories about the things that go on that most folks have no clue about (even with social media) and I love it when I learn about stories that go back decades to a time when I remember either the show or the performer from days gone by.

This is one of those books.

For some readers (or listeners like me) the names might not connect but for others, we know who those folks are/were and had seen the shows or performances.

Memory lane!

For good or bad, every person has one of those folders in their heads labelled "It Was A Good Idea At The Time". This is just a collection of items in a differently labelled folder.

Fun? Yeah.

Interesting? If you like the material.

Worth a listen or a read? Yep!