Comedian, talk show host, writer, and producer Arsenio Hall has returned to the Hollywood spotlight after a prolonged absence. His reprisal of the iconic role from the 1980s hit movie Coming To America in the Eddie Murphy sequel has generated considerable buzz since its release on December 18.
However, to understand the significance of his comeback, it's essential to delve into the events that led to his initial departure from the limelight and the subsequent attempts to reclaim his status.
One interview, in particular, could be accredited as the fall of The Arsenio Hall Show.
The Rise And Fall Of The Arsenio Hall Show
In the 1990s, Arsenio Hall captured the hearts of Hollywood as the host of the hugely popular late-night talk show, The Arsenio Hall Show. From 1989 to 1994, CBS viewers were treated to a dynamic and vibrant party where A-list celebrities flocked to join Hall.
David Klein, an executive editor of Electronic Media, told a trade newspaper: "It's hard to remember now, but back in the '60s, Carson was kind of daring and hip. Arsenio is the first late-night host since Carson, who clearly has his own personality — warm, friendly, daring, sexy — the perfect TV personality."
Hip-hop icons, revered sports stars, and beloved Hollywood personalities eagerly took the stage to chat with the charismatic host. Yet, the show's unexpected cancelation left fans bewildered, prompting speculation about the factors leading to its demise.
The abrupt end of The Arsenio Hall Show left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape, forever reminding us of the enigmatic rise and fall of one of Hollywood's beloved hosts.
The Controversial Farrakhan Interview Might've Caused CBS To End The Show
Hall's interview with Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan on February 25, 1994, was pivotal in the show's trajectory. During their nearly hour-long conversation, the two delved into racism and anti-Semitism, prompting admiration and criticism.
″Are you a Black Hitler?″ Hall asked Farrakhan during the interview. ″I have never desired to put another human being in an oven. I have never taught that Jews should be exterminated, ″ Farrakhan said. ″If I am righteous, I can never hate another person because of their faith.″
Some accused Hall of fawning over Farrakhan and lacking the necessary interviewing skills to challenge his views effectively. Following the Farrakhan interview, Hall faced sharp criticism regarding his interview style, with detractors claiming he failed to scrutinize Farrakhan's statements adequately.
Critics argued that Hall's performance as an interviewer was lacking, accusing him of being excessively deferential and allowing Farrakhan to express his views without substantial rebuttal.
The Farrakhan interview attracted significant media attention due to the controversial nature of the guest. Farrakhan, already a divisive figure in mainstream media, faced continued scrutiny following his appearance on Hall's show.
While other journalists who interviewed Farrakhan faced minimal backlash, Hall found himself at the center of controversy. The attention surrounding the interview undoubtedly played a role in shaping the perception of Hall's show.
Aresnio Hall's Reaction To His Controversy Farrakhan Interview
In the wake of the controversy, Hall expressed surprise at the level of attention garnered by the Farrakhan interview. He revealed that the controversy began before the interview aired, as the mere announcement of Farrakhan as a guest sparked significant interest.
He told the Vlad radio show:
"Before he (Farrakhan) came on, just the fact that it was booked, I noticed that the day was announced, and it was kind of interesting. My producing partner was a Jewish woman Marla Kel Brown…we were shocked … the attention that it got on the day the booking was announced, but we knew our audience were interested in him and the coming Million-Man March," Hall said.
He added, "I'm not exactly sure why booking him caused people to deal with me differently than Barbara Walters or anybody else that interviewed him."
Hall clarified that he had submitted his resignation letter before the interview, implying that that particular episode did not solely seal the show's fate. "My resignation letter was long before the Farrakhan booking. That's on record. I was still trying to do great shows, but the bottom line is, at the time, I had resigned."
He acknowledged the audience's interest in Farrakhan and the forthcoming Million-Man March, influencing the booking decision.
Despite the setback, Arsenio Hall made an ambitious attempt to revive The Arsenio Hall Show 19 years after its initial cancelation. The show returned to the airwaves on September 9, 2013, hoping to recapture the magic that made it a cultural phenomenon.
During the comeback season, he showcased Hall's commitment to providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives. His guest lineup featured a mix of established celebrities, up-and-coming talents, and influential figures from various fields.
From thought-provoking interviews to lively performances, the show sought to capture the essence of its predecessor while adapting to the changing landscape of late-night television.
However, despite initial excitement and solid viewership numbers, The Arsenio Hall Show faced several challenges that ultimately led to its cancelation after just one season.
Hall is seemingly back in the Hollywood spotlight after reprising his iconic role in the Coming To America sequel, which has reignited the buzz around his career, which experienced some ups and downs.
