Reader Carolyn Moore of Valparaiso wrote me a letter last week, sharing some of her own family farm memories and asking for help with finding out what time actress Bonnie Hunt's new talk show "taped in Chicago" airs and on what network.

"Dear Phil: Could you alert your faithful readers as to when and on which channel Bonnie Hunt's talk show airs?

I like the roles she has portrayed and it doesn't hurt that she's a great Cubs fan and her show is taped in Chicago.

I read your column every day and your Wednesday farm food column too. I also have your two cookbooks and enjoy your farm stories. I was raised in Pittsburgh but spent many happy summers at my maternal grandparents' farm outside of Ford City, which is about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh along the Allegheny River.

I even spent a couple of years living with my grandparents and my mom's two younger sisters during World War II for summers and holidays, and this time spent at the farm provides some of my most precious memories, including dying Easter eggs by kerosene lamps when the electricity would go out.

Anyway, I'll be waiting to read about this information about Bonnie's new show."

Thank you for your letter Carolyn.

Hunt, a Chicago native who just celebrated her 47th birthday Monday, has indeed returned to the airwaves and can be seen as the host of a new daytime television talk show "The Bonnie Hunt Show" airing at 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays on WMAQ-NBC Channel 5.

However, I have to correct the fact that this show does NOT tape from Chicago.

What might have added to this confusion is the ill-fated talk show that was canceled last spring to make way for Hunt's show. That show DID tape and air live from downtown Chicago and was based in the Chicago NBC Tower.

That series "In the Loop with iVillage," was hosted by "The Apprentice" winner Bill Rancic, along with "In Living Color" comedian Kim Coles and Ereka Vetrini, who was previously part of the also ill-fated talk show hosted by Tony Danza, which was also previously part of the NBC daytime syndicated lineup.

With the exception of Martha Stewart's daytime talk show (which is VERY financially successful/lucrative because it attracts advertisers who underwrite segments and are eager to have products featured on the show), NBC has not been very successful finding a good fit for talk show formulas linked to hosts that connect with audiences and score ratings.

Prior to Danza and Hunt, NBC also tried out actress Megan Mullally of "Will & Grace" as the host of her own talk show two seasons ago, and it lasted just a few months.

Another reason some readers might be confused about the geographic base for Hunt's show is because her last series was a weekly sitcom series called "Life with Bonnie" which was shot and produced in Chicago and featured her playing a host of a local morning television talk show in the Windy City.

So far, judging from online-generated buzz and reports by critics in media circles, it sounds as though Hunt's new talk show hasn't had a strong debut. Some of her first guests on the show, which is taped in Hollywood, have been Cloris Leachman, Swoosie Kurtz and Robin Williams.

Much of the criticism (although viewers do really seem to like her blue and white coffee mug) seems to be directed at the lack of talent, personality and charisma of Hunt's on-air show staff.

However, NBC Universal Television has said it is committed to a minimum of two seasons of Hunt's new talk show.

As for being a Cubs fan, Hunt has not missed attending the season opening day of the Chicago Cubs since 1977.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

celebBirthdays

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