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You'd think after enduring the big ol' mess that was Margaret Cho's first television show, 1994's All American Girl, she would have stayed far, far away from the small screen. Not only did the sitcom's producers demand that she starve herself after deeming her face "too round," they also declared her not "Asian enough" and hired a coach to school her in the not-so-subtle ways of appearing stereotypically Far Eastern (think Korea -- not Burlington, Vermont).
But, as we've learned, there isn't much that can keep Cho down. After overcoming an eating disorder, a drug problem, and the incessant nagging of her mother (the inspiration for the much loved "Mommy" routines in her sold out shows), Cho has become one of the most revered and popular comics working in the industry today. Much of that success is owed to her thriving symbiotic relationship with her gay audience -- we buy tickets to her shows and she makes us laugh. And often times, howl.
Tonight, Cho heads back to television with her first foray into reality programming. VH1's The Cho Show promises a behind-the-scenes look at the comedienne's madcap life including playing dress-up with her "glam squad," producing a pop song, and crafting a sex tape -- while still managing to snag the Korean of the Year award. The first season of the show will also feature appearances by a bevy of gay performers and/or gay icons including Sandra Bernhard, Wanda Sykes, Michelle Rodriguez, Kat Von D, Nina Hartley, and Joan Rivers.
Even though VH1 is cable TV, we can't promise Cho will be permitted to riff on the antiseptic flavor of Laura Bush's intimate region, but we're willing to bet there'll be plenty of other hilarious fare to tide us over until the next time we see her x-rated as ever on stage.
-- NOAH MICHELSON
Note: Just can't wait until tonight to see the premiere episode of The Cho Show? You can download it now -- for free! -- at iTunes.
Previously > Margaret Cho wants to bed Linds, Sam, and John Edwards > Can I be blunt?
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