by Variety shows, once a staple of television and stage entertainment, have made a noticeable comeback in recent years. From comedy skits and musical performances to magic acts and celebrity appearances, the classic format that entertained millions in the mid-20th century is finding new life. As audiences crave a break from formulaic programming, these modern variety shows are breathing fresh air into the entertainment industry, offering something for everyone while paying homage to the past.
Let’s explore how variety shows are making a resurgence and how groups like Postmodern Jukebox are part of this revival.
What Were Classic Variety Shows?
In their heyday, variety shows were a prominent feature on television and in live performances. The format offered a diverse range of entertainment within a single episode or event, featuring musical numbers, stand-up comedy, magic tricks, dance performances, and guest appearances from popular celebrities. Shows like The Ed Sullivan Show, The Carol Burnett Show, and Saturday Night Live (which continues to this day) set the bar high for entertainment that could appeal to wide audiences by blending humor, music, and performance art into one captivating package.
These programs were especially popular in the 1950s and 60s, when family entertainment was key, and sitting together in front of the TV to watch a variety show became a shared household activity. Over time, however, the format began to fade as television programming became more specialized, with specific genres like drama, reality TV, and sitcoms taking over the airwaves.
Why Are Variety Shows Making a Comeback?
The resurgence of variety shows speaks to the modern audience’s desire for something different. In an age where streaming services and endless content options have led to binge-watching and genre fatigue, viewers are once again seeking the excitement and unpredictability that variety shows offer. Unlike traditional programming, variety shows provide a mix of entertainment in every episode or performance, allowing audiences to enjoy comedy, music, and drama all in one sitting.
This variety not only keeps viewers engaged but also appeals to different tastes within the same audience. Families, for instance, can watch together, knowing that each member will find something to enjoy—whether it’s a comedy skit, a high-energy dance routine, or a heartfelt musical performance.
The Role of Live Performances
One of the most exciting aspects of modern variety shows is their return to live performances. Just as in the early days of television, where live shows were a major draw, today’s performances are bringing that same energy and spontaneity to the stage. This is especially true with touring acts like The Masked Singer Live and America’s Got Talent: The Champions, which bring together a mix of talent for audiences to enjoy in person.
The unpredictability of live variety shows is part of their appeal. You never know exactly what will happen next, and there’s a certain magic to seeing an act unfold in real time. For performers, live shows offer the chance to directly connect with the audience, creating an immersive experience that’s hard to replicate with scripted or pre-recorded content.
The Influence of Postmodern Jukebox
A key player in reviving the variety show format is Postmodern Jukebox, a musical collective known for taking contemporary pop hits and reimagining them in vintage styles. Their performances, which blend the sounds of jazz, swing, and Motown with modern hits, offer a unique mix of nostalgia and innovation that taps into the spirit of classic variety shows.
Postmodern Jukebox, in many ways, mirrors the variety format with their rotating cast of musicians, vocalists, and dancers. Each performance brings a new twist on familiar songs, making every show feel fresh and unpredictable. Whether they’re performing on YouTube or touring worldwide, their commitment to blending genres and styles keeps audiences on their toes, much like the variety shows of the past.
Variety Shows in the Digital Age
The digital revolution has also played a major role in the return of variety shows. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have given performers a new space to experiment with the variety format. Short-form content allows for snippets of different performances to go viral, from stand-up comedy bits to impressive dance routines. This bite-sized version of the variety show format is tailored to modern viewing habits, making it easy for audiences to consume diverse entertainment in small, digestible segments.
Furthermore, digital platforms allow a wider range of talent to break into the industry. While classic variety shows were often limited to big-name stars and well-established acts, today’s online platforms allow new performers to build their audiences from the ground up. This democratization of entertainment means that variety shows can feature a broader mix of talent, making them more diverse and inclusive than ever before.
Why Audiences Love the Variety Format
There’s something about the variety show format that continues to resonate with audiences, both young and old. For older viewers, it offers a sense of nostalgia, bringing back memories of gathering around the television with family to watch The Ed Sullivan Show or The Dean Martin Show. For younger viewers, it’s the novelty of seeing multiple styles of entertainment all in one show.
Another appeal is the element of surprise. Variety shows thrive on unpredictability, and in an era where much of entertainment is scripted and edited to perfection, the thrill of live or unpredictable performances is a breath of fresh air.
The Future of Variety Shows
As more performers and producers experiment with the variety show format, it’s clear that this classic form of entertainment is here to stay. Artists, live touring acts, and digital creators are proving that there’s still a demand for this kind of diverse, multifaceted entertainment.
In a world of endless entertainment options, variety shows offer something that’s both familiar and fresh, blending the best of old and new. Whether you’re tuning in for a laugh, a song, or an awe-inspiring performance, variety shows promise to deliver an experience that keeps audiences coming back for more.
