Sean Spicer is developing a talk show to have 'respectful' conversation on 'issues of the day'
Sean Spicer isn’t letting go of his 15 minutes of fame without a fight. With his book, The Briefing: Politics, the Press, and the President due in July, the former White House press secretary, whose six-month stint working for President Trump ended last summer, is eyeing daytime television.
The New York Times obtained a pitch sheet for the show’s pilot, tentatively titled Sean Spicer’s Common Ground. The proposed format has Spicer hosting “some of the most interesting and thoughtful public figures for a drink and some lite conversation at a local pub or cafe.”
“The relaxed atmosphere is an ideal setting for Sean to get to know his guests as they discuss everything from the media to marriage,” the pitch reads. “They might even tangle over the merits of making your bed or the value of a great point guard.”
Spicer confirmed to the Times that a show is in the works: “In this current environment, I think it’s important to have a platform where we can have civil, respectful, and informative discussions on the issues of the day.”
The Times pointed out to Spicer a talk show “emphasizing civility could be a tough sell for a spokesman whose role made him a symbol of the fractiousness and division of Mr. Trump’s time in office.”
Spicer replied, “Maybe if I can be part of having productive conversations with people, we can show a better way.” He also admitted that there were times he could have answered reporters’ questions “in a more effective way.”
We already know one person who will not be a guest on Spicer’s show: Stormy Daniels’s lawyer, Michael Avenatti. The production team invited Avenatti to appear on the pilot, an invitation he has already declined.
“It is pretty funny that while some on the right criticize me for being on television too much, others are soliciting me to appear with them to help sell their shows,” Avenatti told the Times on Monday.
A chunk of celebrities will also likely RSVP no, if asked. Spicer’s surprise cameo at the 2017 Emmy Awards was not well received by many in the entertainment industry.
Sean Spicer’s Common Ground is set to film in July. Although no network is attached, it is backed by two production companies. Debmar-Mercury, the syndicator of series like The Wendy Williams Show and Family Feud, is co-producing with Pilgrim Media Group, which developed shows like Wicked Tuna and American Chopper.
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