SNL is still on, isn't it? By all rights, that show should have died decades ago. We may see new ones, but I don't think we'll see them rise to their former popularity.

That would be so much fun..we sure would be watching..shows like The Dean Martin Show, the Carol Burnett Show..Ed Sullivan..shows that had all kinds of different talent so there would be something for everyone. I miss Senor Wences..where is the next Elvis or Beatles..? How about another "Uncle Miltie" or Red Skelton..I'm so sick of the so-called "realty" shows..there are a couple I like..but honestly, aren't they boring as he**? No creativity, no joyful discoveries, nothing thought-provoking or of long-term consequence..it's just same old same old same old.:(

I was going to ask this and found your question from almost a year ago now. Can't say loudly enough "I wish they WOULD". Two functions from a pop culture point of view above and beyond our entertainment: 1) a showcase for "the major talents" of our current times (just as we can now look back at Ed Sullivan and see it as a panarama of "who was big at the time") 2) a showcase for "debuts of someone new" who MIGHT make it (as Johnny Carson was well known to do .. as careers were launched by an appearance on The Tonight Show.) Yes, that was "late night" vs a true "variety show", but they worked together .. the prime time variety and the late night .. Not so today. We have reality shows as you said We have lots of contests ... a la American Idol or dance or talent .. you name it. Audience participation model. Much like the web .. gone to the tube. Social networking magnified by a zillion. But in my mind, there are two types of "variety shows". One type has one host or one ensemble cast .. who do different things (music, dance, sketches, etc) and often add a "guest slot" a la The Carol Burnette Show. The other type has a host who just introduces "acts" a la The Ed Sullivan Show. If television programming comes about because of sponsors, advertising, budgets, creative energy? What's the block? Is it that entertainers are too expensive these days so the format can't sustain itself? Advertisers show up for the SuperBowl and even those reality shows. Why not for big name entertainers of today? Thanks, though, for bringing it up!! :)