Why Cheech & Chong Quashed Reality Show http://www.arcamax.com/entertainmenttoday/s-448193-938923
Cheech & Chong's reunion tour could have become a reality TV show -- but the '70s comedy icons quashed that plan fast. "Our managers thought it would be a good idea, but Cheech and I know what it's like having a camera in your face. It's no fun. They were looking to do a reality show about the tour, but it turned into the Weinstein movie we're doing, and that's much better," notes Tommy Chong, referring to their in-the-making concert flick. "You want to know the truth?" he adds. "Without getting too mean -- reality shows are about losers, basically. And you wouldn't want to see a couple of guys like us. It would ruin the image if they showed how straight we really are, when they find out that I really am an old man and go to bed at 9:30." Whatever their bedtimes, the duo is certainly riding high, pardon the expression, with their roasting at the Comedy Festival in Las Vegas scheduled to air as a TBS special Sunday (11/30). Brad Garrett hosts the hour-long proceedings, with roasters including Penn & Teller, Wilmer Valderrama, Al Sharpton, Tom Arnold, and special appearances by Andy Dick and Steve Carell. They've been playing to crowds who know their old routines "better than we do," according to Cheech Marin -- though he figures 80 percent are too young to have heard them during their heyday three decades back. In fact, as we speak, a group of fans in the parking lot below have gathered to serenade Cheech & Chong with their signature "Born in East L.A." Their stoner humor was taboo for years, but now, not only are they being welcomed with open arms, funny potheads are showing up elsewhere, like the big-screen hit "Pineapple Express." How do they account for that? "Republicans," says Chong. "Whenever Republicans were in power, like Nixon and Reagan, there was a war on drugs, and whenever Democrats are in, like Clinton, Carter and now Obama, then there is no war on drugs." But the movie and their reunion preceded the election. "We were the advance," says Cheech. "The signs were everywhere." --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Like TV only smarter. You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "TV or Not TV" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/tvornottv?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
