QVC has given a second season order to its late-night talk series “Busy This Week” as the home shopping giant expands its content mix to reach new viewers via its QVC+ and HSN+ streaming platforms.
Hosted by actor Busy Philipps, “Busy This Week” has been a high-profile example of efforts within Qurate Retail Group, parent company of QVC and HSN, to embrace a new generation of celebrities and a wider range of programs and genres for its shopping-centric programming. The brands in recent months have pacted with personalities including Jennie Garth and Ana Gasteyer, for recurring appearances on the services. Garth and Gasteyer will serve as judge’s on the second season of QVC+/HSN+ series “The Ultimate Gift Wrapping Challenge,” which bows Nov. 2.
Qurate Retail Group also recently pacted with USA Pickleball to handle coverage of games and tournaments of the fast-rising sport, including a live stream of the USA Pickleball National Championships set to run Nov. 9-17.
“Busy This Week” plays as a traditional talk-variety show with Philipps yakking with Tina Fey, Bette Midler and other notable guests. The series is executive produced by Caissie St. Onge and Michael Gleason. St. Onge, who worked with Philipps on her E! late-night series, is also a regular on-camera with Philipps and guests. Shopping elements are woven into the conversation in an organic way rather than the traditional point-shoot-sell approach of old-school home shopping TV.
“At QVC+ and HSN+, we’ve unlocked a way to incorporate the joy that can come from shopping for yourself and others into a show that’s every bit as entertaining as one that’s meant solely to entertain. People assume ‘selling’ means less entertaining – but ‘Busy This Week’ has proven that notion wrong,” said Stacie Tedesco, VP of streaming for Qurate Retail Group. “The season two renewal of ‘Busy This Week’ is a strong validation around how our innovative and engaging approach to shoppable entertainment is resonating with customers. We’re thrilled to continue experimenting in the streaming space with our creative partner, Busy Philipps, who is always willing to try new things while remaining true to her wonderful self.”
“Busy This Week” plays as a traditional talk-variety show with Philipps conducting interviews with Tina Fey, Bette Midler and other notable guests. Shopping elements are woven into the discussion in a lively but usualy low-key way. The series is executive produced by Caissie St. Onge and Michael Gleason. St. Onge, who previously worked with Philipps on her E! late-night series, is also a regular on-camera with Philipps and guests.
“Busy This Week” premiered May 8 and ran through July 10. The series returns Nov. 6 with its remaining four holiday-themed episodes for Season 1. QVC+ is already making the most out of its “Busy This Week” investment. The streamer also serves up “Busy This Week: The Aftershow,” featuring St. Onge and QVC personality Amy Stran, and its “Best of Busy This Week” highlight reel for each episode zeroing in on the items for sale.
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