The first family of reality TV is back in action as FOX announced the return of Ozzy, Sharon, Jack and Kelly Osbourne in a new special called Osbournes: Reloaded, airing March 31 on the network, to be followed by more one-hour specials later in the season.
Unlike their previous MTV series, this program is not a “day in the life” look at the Prince of Darkness and his clan, but is more like a bizarre, and certainly better, updating of those Brady Bunch variety specials from the ’70s, complete with comedy bits, music and interaction with a studio audience (although Kelly does say that “we’re not going to be ‘Sonny-and-Chering’ it.” Filmed, off-stage segments include “the Littlest Osbournes” (which does look funny) featuring pint-sized and potty-mouthed versions of Ozzy and Sharon; and pieces where the gang goes to work at unexpected places such as a fast-food drive-through.
The family has certainly gone through changes since we last saw them on a TV series. They talked about it at the recent Television Critics Association tour, where Ozzy — when he could actually hear the questions after needing many of them repeated to him by Sharon — explained how he has changed. “I don’t know … but I put a different suit on this morning.”
It’s probably wise that this is not a weekly variety series. It has a good potential to work in its limited airings because they are a likable and funny family, yet shouldn’t wear out their welcome in this occasional format. And as Sharon says, “Everybody adores Ozzy.”
“Why didn’t everybody adore me when I was pissed-drunk all the time?” the rocker wonders. We did, Ozzy.
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© 2009 Fox Broadcasting. Credit: Frank Micelotta