You’ve seen him in “Independence Day”, the “Dolphin Tale” films and on “Will & Grace”. You may have also seen him in concert performing his chart-topping hits. And he helped carry the final three years of “American Idol” as a member of the judging panel. Now, two-time Emmy winner Harry Connick, Jr. has joined the crowded, competitive world of Daytime TV.
“Harry”, premiering this week, is taped in front of a live audience on a bright white NYC set. Connick, Jr.’s own band will join him in-studio for each show (one of the perks of being a talk show host/musical entertainer – you already have your own band!) The debut episode began with Connick, Jr. formally introducing himself. He acknowledged that, even though he’s been in the entertainment industry for three decades, there may be some viewers at home who aren’t too familiar with him. The crowd, noticeably female-dominant, was very familiar with him, especially his wife, Jill, who he introduced as his inspiration.
Connick, Jr.’s first guest?: good friend, Sandra Bullock. Before she came out, Harry told the story of how he got the part opposite Bullock in “Hope Floats”. The two then reminisced about working on together on that rom-com in a very laid-back interview, complete with a nice surprise appearance by one of Connick, Jr.’s daughters, who Bullock hadn’t seen in several years.
“Harry” quickly established a regular feature segment, “I Got This”, in which Connick, Jr. goes to cities across America and gives women the day off from either their job or being an at-home mom. Following that came a celeb-filled bit with Connick, Jr. seeking advice for his new gig. John Stamos put it best: “You have to kiss ass when you’re a host.” And in the closing segment, Connick, Jr. joined his band to perform the upbeat and colorful, “Smile”, off his most recent album.
To quote Russell Crowe (also a part of the advice segment), Connick, Jr. seems “friendly and welcoming”. He’s highly complementary, with a casual, positive energy and just enough edge. Overall, Day One of “Harry” was solid – and it could grow on me.
“Harry” airs weekdays. For local listings, visit HarryTV.com.