OWN, the Oprah Winfrey network, hit the airwaves this weekend. So far, the reviews are mostly positive, with some complaints that the programming seems a little soft-focus at times.
The Wall Street Journal‘s staff complied what people are saying so far.
–”Thought its programming so far has been more infomercial than innovative, early reviews have been warm for the Oprah Winfrey Network, which debuted over the weekend. Just check your cynicism at the door, please.” [Laurie T. Conrad, Philadelphia Daily News]
–”[T]here are two Oprahs: the emotional, empathetic one who will share somebody’s story of triumph over tragedy, weep with you, and possibly give you a new car; and Power Oprah, filled with resolve and glorious indignation, who can anoint a president, snub a foe, expose the wretched wrongness of the wrong. Judged from a few hours’ worth of sample fare, OWN is the work of Oprah A: Soft-focus tales of people becoming the best possible versions of themselves, with the goal of encouraging viewers to become the best possible versions of themselves.” [Joanna Weiss, The Boston Globe]
–”With OWN, Oprah has set herself up to be America’s life coach, so it’s worth asking: exactly what values is she training us in? They are ultimately as benign as her motto, “live your best life,” but much more complicated. OWN (the channel launched on New Year’s Day) displays a whiff of spirituality, a huge amount of life-style fluff, and a surprising layer of substance.” [Caryn James, IndieWire]
What did you think of OWN? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
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