Little Big Shots has only been on the air for a few weeks over at NBC, but the show is already taking audiences by storm. The format works both for live television and for viral potential on the internet, thanks to clever segments focusing on unique kids. It also helps that Steve Harvey is the host of the new series. However, the casting of the prolific host almost didn’t happen. Apparently, it was producer Ellen DeGeneres who finally changed Steve Harvey’s mind. Here’s what the Little Big Shots host said in a recent interview:
At first I said no, because I just didn't have time to do another show. They kept telling me the idea and they just kept calling, and calling. I just kept saying no. Finally Ellen called and told me how much it paid, and so here I am.
If there is anyone that it would likely be hard to say no to, that person would probably be Ellen DeGeneres. The likable early morning show host is a producer in her own right and partnering up with Steve Harvey for Little Big Shots made that show a force to be reckoned with before it even aired. Clearly, Steve Harvey has a lot on his plate between doing his own talk show, filming Family Feud and hosting other big events like the Miss Universe pageant. But we’re happy Ellen convinced him to say yes to the variety show gig on NBC, anyway.
If you’ve watched Little Big Shots, you should already know why Steve Harvey is the perfect person to spar with talented little kids. The show is like a combination of Star Search and Kids Say The Darndest Things, thanks to Steve Harvey’s influence on the show. During a recent episode, he was even schooled on how to do traditional Irish dancing by a young dancing crew. Little Big Shots does not have a complicated premise, but it a show that a lot of people want to watch.
Steve Harvey also told ET Online that he does know he is the right fit for the gig, so all is well that ends well.
First of all, the show was so built for me, because I know how to talk to kids, because I've had kids in my life for 33 years. I don't pay any attention to the cue cards. You know they prep the kids: 'Mr. Harvey is going to ask you this and you say this.' I keep trying to tell them you can't prep an 8-year-old.
Clearly, the gig has been a rousing success. Little Big Shots is the highest-rated program of its ilk on Sunday nights on NBC. In fact, it’s the #1 primetime telecast on Sunday nights. The most recent episode brought in more than 12 million total viewers and a 2.0 rating. It has also already been renewed for Season 2. It’s easy to see why when there are adorable segments like this in nearly every episode:
If you haven’t caught an episode of Little Big Shots, you can do so on Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET. In addition, you can find out what other brand new shows are premiering with our summer TV premiere schedule.
