Harry Connick Jr. appeared at the Television Critics Association press tour today to preview his new syndicated weekday talk show Harry which premieres Sept. 12. Flanked by his co-executive producers, brothers Justin and Eric Stangel and Jason Kurtz, Connick Jr. said that having done music, sitcoms, feature films and Broadway, the new venture “seems to be most in line with who I am.”
“I’m obsessed with entertainment,” he told reporters. “I felt that this will be an opportunity to do all the things I love to do — all under one roof.”
Justin Stangel said the format of Harry is shaped by how the charismatic crooner conducts his own touring shows, interacting with the audience and letting his personality shine beyond the music.
But music, of course, is key. The Harry house band is Connick’s own touring and recording band — nine members in all. Connick also explained that music will be incorporated in different ways depending on the mood of that day’s show and that, of course, he will sing and play. Just not in every show.
And while Connick Jr. hopes to bring the savvy and energy of nighttime talkers to daytime, he also plans to treat his guests differently than some of his late-night competitors. That means “no games, no dunk tanks.” And a pre-interview only if they want one. As for those ubiquitous viral videos that appear the morning after some talkers, Connick Jr. says that any viral content that springs from the show will be organic.
The devoted family man also hopes his wife Jill and three daughters will appear now and then.
So tell us — are you jazzed for some daily Connick Jr.?
I’d like to watch but you never tell me what channel or time it’s on