Michelle Davidson and Michael Mackie have been the new hosts of a locally produced morning show called “Kansas City Live” that began airing two weeks ago on KSHB 41 Action News from 10-11 a.m.
The show is similar to one the NBC affiliate launched in September 2005 with the same name that was cancelled in early 2008.
KSHB took the unusual step of bringing in a pair of local newcomers to handle the hosting duties. So far the response has been mixed, to be nice about it. In fact, fans have not been afraid to let Bottom Line know their strong feelings about the show.
In all fairness, it is still early and might take some time for the show to come together. Also, being pre-empted by the Olympics for a period did not help with the continuity of the show.
“How long did it take you to change the channel? Where did they find the hosts? Never heard of either of them,” was a post on a local blog site.
KSHB’s Facebook page is also being blitzed by viewers who say they miss the fourth hour of the “Today Show.”
“Love your station so much but the 10:00 am team has to go……they are trying too hard to interact with one another and their enthusiam is annoying because it is so fake!” was a typical response.
Davidson was an anchor/reporter at KOMU in Columbia for nearly two years after graduation from the University of Missouri. She also was at KY3 in Springfield, MO, as a weekend anchor and consumer reporter from 2001-2006.
Mackie, who most recently worked as a senior writer/director at KC-based PlattForm Advertising, has worked for local television affiliates in Des Moines, Orlando and KC and has won five local Emmy awards. He received a degree in broadcasting from the University of Iowa. The Pitch recently profiled the flamboyant host.
“We’re really excited about bringing this new show to our viewers. 41 Action News is continuing to develop local programming that is relevant to our community, and we’re thrilled that we were able to recruit the talents of Michelle and Michael,” Mike Vrabac, vice president and general manager of KSHB/KMCI-TV told Bottom Line last month.
Since then Vrabac has announced his retirement.
KCTV will be countering with its own local show this fall. Former morning co-anchor Kelly Jones has been announced as the new on-air personality for the CBS affiliate’s “Better KC” show.
The new KC Live on KSHB? It’s absolutely brutal. The “guy” host must have said “girlfriend” about 10 times in the 20 minutes I watched.
Just awful.
Completely agree with the above poster and EVERY SINGLE person that has commented on KSHB’s facebook page. It is horrible, it looks low budget, the guests are boring, it lacks energy and the hosts are not good.
In KSHB’s press release they called the hosts “familiar faces”. Familiar to who??? I’ve never heard of them or seen them anywhere. They don’t have chemistry, they are awkward, they are not genuine, they seem forced, he is way too hyper and she is phony. It. Is. Terrible.
And John, be honest in your reporting. The reviews are not “mixed”, I have yet to read one positive thing about the show anywhere. (except for on KC Live’s facebook page which are clearly the hosts friends trying to “cheer them on”) There isn’t a SINGLE positive post on KSHB’s facebook page… NOT ONE
You caught me. The show has been pretty thoroughly trashed. I still think it is early…
John…..KSHB needs to admit it is a major mistake and pull the plug….as previous post said…reviews aren’t mixed about hosts or show content…it can only be described as atrocious ….
They do extended interviews with advertisers that they have to identify via crawl that that interview was a “client sponsored segment”. Just a long commercial that have tried to sneak in….
Michelle and Michael make Kathy Lee and Hoda look like they gravitas…
Hey John: you’ve got three guys with their panties in a bunch commenting about a mid-morning TV show. My question: why are they watching television at 10 a.m.? No jobs? Too hot to mow? Strip clubs closed? Mark Emmert should suspend them for violating the Man Code.
I doubt Kansas City Live will go anywhere anytime soon. Those two “hosts” probably have AT LEAST a year long contract…so we gotta put up with it for that long at the VERY least.
But their graphics are a mess too. Not even HD Friendly in the almighty glorious “safe zone” that’s so often talked about sometimes. It’s in a letterbox HD format for some odd reason…
First time poster here but oh so worthy! Good Lord what have you done Channel 41? Working from home today, I stumbled upon the program by accident and I will make every effort to never do it again. WHOOO are these people with no charisma or star quality. NOT a Hoda and KL fan but these two make them look Emmy material. The gay is not funny with his jokes about alcohol . And the plain Jane next to him is so forced and boring. Do I need to say anything about the guests? Seriously, is that all KC has to offer? Last but not least — that is the more horrible set I think I have ever seen. The white owl next to the white lamp and the huge white vase and the wrinkled white curtains. OMG. Heaven help you 41.
I didn’t see the show, but maybe they could move Jack Harry and Frank Boal in as co-hosts.
Please cancel this and bring back Today show! KL HK show is much more entertaining. How much can we talk about on a local show??
Words can’t describe the way I feel about this new dog and pony flop of a show. Who in the world would interview people about swearing and what kind of hosts would readily admit to swearing in front of their kids and think it’s cute and acceptable? Everything about this is obnoxious. I decided the 10 oclock hour is my reading time until they get this show off or remove these dull irritating hosts.
PEOPLE WITH RESPECT & CHARACTER DON’T CURSEI am a Christian, a retired public school teacher; my husband is a retired USAF A-10 pilot who owns a small software development company, and he is a pastor of a Baptist church — And everything that we value in life and have tried to teach our own kids, kids in my classrooms, and kids in my Sunday school classes IS people with respect and character DO NOT curse, nor do we think it is a flippant,funny matter, the way the two clowns on this new show portrayed the matter to be!
This treatment of the matter of cursing shows the direction our society views important matters — “if it feels good, do it.” So sorry this LIBERAL show was allowed on public TV! Please bring back the Today Show! Better change what you are doing ’cause good Christian people won’t watch this kind of garbage!
DON’T BLAME CURSINGREally.. people cursing in America is the problem?
Why do you blame it on cursing? Isn’t their a million other things that show “if it feels good do it!”
- McDonalds Fries.. hell Fast Food in general
- Drinking?
- SMoking Cigarettes
- Staying up late to watch tv
- Couch sitting
all of things are bad for us, but I don’t think any of them are liberal, are they? cursing is now a liberal thing? See both the left and right curse… http://www.politico.com/click/stories/1006/great_swears_in_history.html
And by the way “Good christian” doesn’t mean you hold the exclusive right to good people. As I’m sure your ex-AF pilot husband can tell you, he probably met some very respectable people who weren’t “good and christian”
If you want to say the show sucks, then you are correct, but don’t blame in on cursing.
IF you’re worried about the direction of our country, do the math on what we invest in education vs military? That will tell you all you need.
Dear KSHB,
I had SO hoped that with the unlamented passing of WDAF’s “NBC affiliation”, during which they wiped out every Ralph Andrews game show to air on NBC between 1969 and 1977, they were the second-to-last station in America to clear “Days Of Our Lives”, and unapologetically refused to air virtually the entire NBC daytime schedule in 1982-83 (and then years wailed “what are we going to air in the daytime without NBC?” when they had to go to Fox), your station would be a far superior home to the network. But with this sad blunder, it’s no longer to be. You have let me down HARD by taking away one of the VERY FEW NBC shows I watch regularly. Nip this in the bud NOW and bring back Kathie Lee and Hoda. Thank God I can still watch them in Omaha and haven’t had KC as my local market since 1972. Put “KC Live” on 38 The Spot instead…an INDEPENDENT is where something like this belongs!!!!!
“YOU KNOW”…and if I hear “you know” from “professional broadcaster/hosts” 100 more times, I’m going to scream.
…much less the frequent “I mean…”
I’m out of there - and will probably forget to come back for the news at 11:00. I hope KSHB’s advertisers are listening.
MOTHERLY EXAMPLE?What kind of mother actually brags on television that she taught her son to have a “potty mouth” and by example at that ?!!!!!
NOTHING FUNNY, INTERESTING, ENTERTAININGThere is nothing funny, interesting or entertaining about this show. It is a terrible trainwreck, and words cannot describe how bad the flaming male host is. I’m still a 41 Action News fan, but this show is one of the worst things I’ve seen on TV EVER. Are you listening KSHB and Scripps?
RIDICULOUSThis show is ridiculous!!!! Bring back the fourth hour of the Today show
EMBARRASSING
Not a fan of Kathy Lee, but she is way better than these 2 hosts on KC Live! I don’t care what you put on at 10am, just take this show off!!! It is embarrassing! People are now “briefly” tuning in just to see what all the commotion is about. Mind you, they are quickly changing the channel. That girl is so phony and forced with her fake laugh and smile. She fake laughs after almost every comment she makes. Gag!
PLEASE STOP THIS VIRAL TV FODDER!!!
Terrible hosts! Bring back Meredith and Brent from the original show. They were OUTSTANDING AND TALENTED, unlike the current two hosts!
Forget Kathy Lee and Hoda, they were just drunk bores!
Get new hosts a.s.a.p.!!!
Produce a better Kansas City program that reflects your high quality news casts. Beth Vaughn and Curtis or Brent would be great choices.
TURNING OFF TV
Bring back Hoda and Kathie Lee. I do not like this new show and do not like their format. I believe a trial show should come on after the 11:00. I am turning off my t.v.
LOW BUDGET GARBAGE
You have got to be kidding! No Kathie Lee and Hoda and they have been replaced with this low budget local garbage! Give us back the 4th hour!! Without a doubt you have lost me as a viewer until they return!
So bad - just bring back the 4th hour of Today!!
AWFUL
AWFUL show!!!! I am offically switching to KMBC. Please bring back Kathie Lee and Hoda!!!
ABSOLUTELY EMBARRASSING
so disappointed not to see Kathy Lee and Hoda -
this show is absolutely embarrassing for the people of Kansas City - boring!!! Bring back, quick, the 4th hour of Today!!!
ANNOYING…
Hoda and Kathie Lee are soo much better than this! These two are annoying! I loved the local talk show with Brett Anthony that used to be on. This is atrocious! PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!
DUMP IT
Bring back Kathie Lee and Hoda! I made the switch to The Price is Right…wish you would get it right and dump this show.
REFRESHING AND HILARIOUS!!
I thought it was refreshing and hilarious! Young and energetic, these hosts have some kinks to work out but it will come together. Kansas City has a lot to offer, I’m glad to see 41 highlighting those things.
Thank goodness the duo have at least one friend willing to say something nice about the show. The topic came up at today’s KC Media Legends lunch and the legends are still shaking their heads over the show.
Not only the LEGENDS. Us little folk feel the same.
ENTIRE SHOW A COMMERCIALThis show regardless of the ratings will not go away. It is sales driven - the entire show is a commercial. Not to mention horrible. Those of us as KSHB are embarrassed and apologize for the selection of these obnoxious amateurs who were selected because they convinced JN they had connections and fans out the wazoo. The only fans they have are family and a few real and fake friends (their alias ie Shawn from above post) and as this show continues, their fan base will lessen but they will always be out of touch with reality and make themselves look as though they are worthy to take over for Robin and George. Doesn’t hurt to dream I guess but their lies need to be put to rest. And stop trying to chat with us - we are busy!
JEN FROM KIA PERMANENT GUEST?I attended the 435 Magazine auction. Was only there for less than an hour and was driven away by the presense of these two new hosts. Not the only one irritated either! And now for even worse news ——— Jen from KIA will be a permanent gueat starting in August. The 3 are perfect for each other. Sickening. Enough said.
GAG ME NOW…
Just when I thought this horrible show couldn’t get any worse, please tell me this isn’t factual. That woman from the KIA commercials is going to be on this show? Hopefully it will be canceled before that happens.
TWINS?
If I didn’t know better I would think Plaus and Davidson were the same person. They look exactly alike and are equally repulsive.
“SIBILIANT, STEREOTYPE-FULFILLING MALE CO-HOST…”
During my lifetime I have seen a bit of locally produced programs in various markets. As a rule, the production value never lives up to the expectations of viewers.
But this show is somehow different.
One morning, while hoping to get a quick laugh from KL and HK, I was instead greeted by yet another derivative, locally produced showed hosted by as dull and ill-suited duo as could be pulled together. There is no need to write more except to add that the sibilant, stereotype-fulfilling male co-host is almost certain to go too far with his “comedic” comments. If I were a Kansas City resident, I would be embarrassed by this representation of my city.
MAKENNA RESPONDS
Makenna was in the commercial with Michelle for Al’s Heating Cooling and Air. Since then she has also appeared in the Kansas City Designer Runway show and a short film ‘trees are people too’. Her agency is voicesand.com. she would love to work with Michelle again.
BRETT AND MEREDITH
I had hoped this would be hosted again by Brett Anthony and Meredith Hoenes. What a disappolntment. Can’t even watch this new one.
NO MEREDITH
Are you even kidding me? To bring back Meredith would be even worse if you can imagine anything being worse. She was inappropriate in public and trouble. She was FIRED by Scripps and is unable to get any other job other than reporting. Brett, however is a nice guy.
HORRIBLE
Wow! This show is horrible. I miss the 4th hour of the Today Show. Bring it back! I turn off my t.v. or change the station the second this show comes on.
Does anyone know if I can get Hoda and KL on another channel?
CHEESY
BRING BACK KATHIE LEE and HODA!! This show sucks!! It lacks charisma and is totally cheesy. ugh, i cant stand it. I miss KL&H sooooo much!! They made my day! BOOOOO NBC!!! what the hell would make you change to KC Live??? It’s CRAP.
TURNING CHANNEL
I agree with so many folks above. The new show is terrible. I turn the channel at 10am. I miss Kathie Lee and Hoda! Is it shown somewhere else?
STINKS
BRING BACK KLG AND HODA!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! THIS STINKS!
MAJOR DIFFERENCES
Chemistry, great timing, good stories, interesting comments, natural friendship, flow. That’s what Hoda and Kathie Lee have that your new show KCLive , the hosts, writers, producers do not. I propose you move them to 1:00 and get the TODAY show back on at 10:00!
PAINFUL TO WATCH
The “Fourth Hour” of the Today Show - logically - should follow the first three! Kathie Lee and Hoda are smart, funny, timely and talented. I hate getting FB updates from them when the show doesn’t air here for hours. I don’t think anyone is going to complain about moving the trash to 1:00. And that’s what it is.
Those poor hosts have zero talent. The poor “guy” can’t interview anyone without notes and looking up at the producer for guidance. It’s painful to watch. Neither one of them are prepared for their segments. Neither of them listen to each other or their guests. My sister and I would be better hosts - we’re funny, interesting and professional. Unlike the hacks you’ve found for this show. If you’re not going to get rid of them, please move them to 1:00 and give us the Today Show back!
ECHO
I echo the sentiments already stated. This show is an inferior show in every way to the KLG and Hoda Show. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE move this show to a different timeslot (or cancel it alltogether) and bring back the fourth hour of the Today Show!
AWFUL
Please bring back the fourth hour of Today! The KC Live show is awful. Move it to another time slot at least please.
BRING BACK KLG
Please please please bring back KLG show. I wish I could get an NBC feed from another city!
TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE…
Please, please put Kathie Lee and Hoda back on at 10:00am. Their show is enjoyable fluff. This new one is terrible, horrible, boring. All of the comments want Kathie and Hoda back. Please listen to your viewers. i agree with above. At least move the KC Live people to another time slot and give us 4th hour of Today in the 4th hour.
HODA
BRING BACK HODA & KATHIE LEE PLEASE!!! THEY ARE HILARIOUS!!
WORSE THAN ORIGINAL
AWFUL! I’m a loyal nbc watcher and cannot continue watching after 10. Why would they bring back a previously failed show? This version is worse than the last.
GONE MAD
Absolutely HATE this new show…I no longer. watch your station from 10am - 11am. Bring back KL & HK. Have you all gone mad??? Your ratings have to be horrible, because KC Live SUCKS!!!!!!
KILL IT NOW
Kill this KC Live show immediately, it’s horrible!!! Bring back Kathie Lee and Hoda right now!!
NOT ENJOYING SHOW
I am not enjoying the new show and miss seeing Hoda and Kathie Lee, will need to find another station to watch in the morning.
NOT GOOD PROGRAMMING
Please bring back the 4th hour of the today show!!! I miss it so much and the KC Live is just not good programming. It is BAD!
WASTE OF TIME
This show needs to GO!! It is poorly scripted and is a waste of time to watch. Bring back the 4th hour of the today Show!!
SHOW IS HORRIBLE
This show lacks charm and charisma, it’s horrible! Yesterday they were talking about Zoo’s. The St. Louis Zoo is fantastic and oh yeah the Omaha Zoo is great too…….. HELLO, the name of your show is Kansas City Live!!! Nothing said about the Kansas City Zoo. That show so needs to GO!!!! Please bring back the last hour of the Today Show!!!!!
JUST AWFUL
I rarely complain but this is an awful show
HORRIBLE
This show is horrible, I cannot stand to watch even one minute of that trash. Get it off the air NOW