Peacock numbers grow for telecast
Spontaneity, star interaction helps kudocast blossom
The kudocast, which has substantially increased its audience in the States over the last five years on NBC, will be watched by an estimated 250 million viewers-plus worldwide this year. A total of 109 countries -- from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe -- will be tuning in, with Denmark and Sweden among the 13 countries granted broadcast licenses for the first time.
What they'll see are some of the top stars of film and television featured in -- if exec producer Barry Adelman has his way -- a "relaxed, spontaneous event that comes across just that way on TV."
Adelman, who with Dick Clark co-exec produces the telecast for Dick Clark Prods., says the big difference between the Golden Globes and the Oscars is that the Globes are known for its moments of spontaneity -- think Ving Rhames' gift to Jack Lemmon three years ago -- something viewers have come to expect.
One of the main reasons for the Globes' impulsiveness is the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn.'s decision to keep the event in the relatively intimate Intl. Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton in BevHills. With only 1,100 seats -- and stars sitting across from each other in a casual setting -- the room invites plenty of frolic and fun.
"Our attitude is that this is one big party, and the setting really helps let it be that," Adelman says. "Where else can you see Robin Williams wave to Jim Carrey at the table next to him?
"I think a lot of viewers also really like the fact that they get to see their favorite film and TV stars laughing and interacting with each other."
The show has come a long way from its days as a little-watched, second-tier kudocast relegated to syndication and cable. Since NBC picked up the event in 1996, it has really taken off to "event" status.
In fact, it ranked as the third-most-watched awards show of 2000 (average of 22.1 million viewers) -- ahead of shows like the Emmys (21.8 million) and American Music Awards (16.7) and trailing only the Academy Awards (46.3) and Grammys (27.8).
Among the signs that the show continues to gain prestige and momentum is that the announcement of nominees is now carried live on all the major nets' morning news shows -- just like the Oscars.
NBC is looking for ways to make it even more of an event, according to Curt Sharp, the net's VP of alternative programming and specials. This year, for example, it is planning to devote one hour of its newsmag "Dateline" (probably on the Friday before the show) to the Golden Globes.
"We are extremely pleased with our relationship with the HFPA and the Golden Globes," says Sharp. "There's no question this is a big event for us and a lot of people... it's really something now that lasts the whole weekend."
Among the cable networks devoting time to the Globes this year are AMC, which over the weekend is running past Globe-winning movies, and E!, which is serving up a total of 10 hours of coverage before and after the ceremony.
The entertainment channel is back on the red carpet this year for a two-hour arrivals spec hosted by Joan Rivers and Melissa Rivers. A year ago, NBC's exclusive rights to the hour prior to the awards ceremony brought howls of protests from competitors, but this time around the Peacock's opening primetime hour on the night has been reserved for pro basketball action through a prior scheduling commitment with the NBA.
NBC's Sharp says the net isn't moving away from the arrivals pre-show, just that the basketball sked had been set in advance.
Shaquille O'Neal may not seem the ideal lead-in for the awards show, but the Golden Globes have risen to "event" status in recent years and figure to do just fine.
Plus, as exec producer Adelman says, no one wants to miss a party.
"It's kind of like the Hollywood senior prom," he says. "You're not obliged to go, but everyone loves to go, and you really feel like you missed out if you don't."
