Last April, word leaked out
that Bravo and producer Michael Hirschorn were developing a TV version of “The Approval Matrix,” New York Magazine’s own popular weekly chart-based dissection of pop culture. Now the project is moving forward, and we completely, objectively support it. Vulture hears (through real reporting, mind you, not just from getting an in-house memo) that Faith Salie, a frequent TV talking head seen on everything from CBS News Sunday Morning to the CW’s Plain Jane, has been tapped to host the first Approval Matrix special. That seems appropriate given Salie is a mix of highbrow (she’s a Rhodes scholar who’s acted on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine!), lowbrow (she’s regularly featured on VH1 specials), and potentially despicable (appearances on Fox News’ Red Eye).
Salie will moderate a discussion of the week’s events with three panelists: New York stand-up and former Comedy Central development exec Jessi Klein (Michael and Michael Have Issues); comic Sherrod Small (Best Week Ever); and actor/reality-show producer John Hill (Hairspray, Tori and Dean). A celebrity guest is also expected to offer commentary. The first half-hour Approval Matrix special will be taped February 15 for broadcast Wednesday, February 16 at 11 p.m. And now Vulture goes back to waiting for the Hallmark Channel to option our interview with Wilford Brimley as a mini-series.
