Country singer and former Celebrity Apprentice contestant Clint Black has been tapped to exec produce a new TV anthology series called American Storytellers. According to Variety, the show will turn current and classic country songs into dramatic hourlong episodes. No network or on-screen talent has been announced, but producers will be looking to cast country artists in major roles.
Now, I can see where this sounds like a good idea to someone. Country music tells some hauntingly beautiful/heartbreaking stories (see the clip below). But (a) the genre does have music videos, so we’ve already seen “The Heart Won’t Lie” brought to life and (b) how is this not gonna end up cheesier than a stuffed crust pizza? I don’t think Reba McEntire and Vince Gill can star in every episode — though a girl can dream.
As much as I can imagine myself getting sucked into the “Me and Little Andy” episode on Hallmark (which you know Black and Co. must be pitching), a part of me would really like to see the concept tweaked for an irreverent game show on CMT. Contestants would have to guess the country tearjerkers being reenacted, like a modern take on Name that Tune. Would you know it was Kathy Mattea’s “Where’ve You Been” the moment “Edwin” introduces himself to “Claire”? Or not until Edwin finds Claire, his wife of 60 years, in the hospital, where they’re now in separate beds on different floors, and she asks him the question? You could have a core group of actors live in-studio each week (perhaps borrow Melissa Peterman from The Singing Bee), then a celebrity guest (paging Blake Shelton!).
So, are you in favor of the serious TV anthology or the fun game show? If you vote the former, which songs would you like to see become episodes?
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OK, I admit that often I’ve seen videos and thought, “Oh, this would make a good TV movie.” Like Whiskey Lullaby, or the one with Tim Gibbs and Crystal Chappell (I can “see” so much of the video, but can’t remember the song. Annoying!) However, the fun game show idea is promising, too. Of course, I think that I’ve just demonstrated that I would probably stink at it.
Dixie Chicks “Travelin’ Soldier” would make a great movie!
Sounds like a great idea, a lot of movies/telemovies have already been done this way. Most country songs are great stories, that’s what makes them great. Lots of heartbreakers there. Sunday Morning Coming Down has to be a starter, most Kris songs actually, Alan Jackson’s songs, Reba’s, Randy Travis has some beauties…the list goes on.
Wow… this will be the most depressing tv series EVER.
Exactly.
Okay… okay… Clint, or to whom it may concern… if you’re a part of this production and reading this… please, I beg you… I will write an ode to “He’ll Have To Go” that’s steamy, sentimental, and a fitting tribute to Jim Reeves, too. Oh Lord, I can’t wait to get home to my FinalDraft so I can start! Contact meh. wilcoxgary at that gmail thing.
I’d watch! Especially if anyone connected with the show listens to Mandi and involves Blake Shelton at any and every possible opportunity.
I would love to see Kenny Rogers “Long Arm of the Law” and Loretta Lynn’s “Van Lear Rose” and “One’s on the way”
Does anyone know when and on what channel this will be on? Also, I would like to see Billy Currington’s walk a little straighter turned in to a movie. However, that song makes me sad.
Or better yet, how about skin (Sarabeth) by Rascall flats?
Jolene, Caroll County Accident, Harper Valley PTA, Songs about Me, Your Man….See, I would totally watch this. Yea!
“Love, Me” by Collin Raye. It still melts my heart every time. And “Meet Me in Montana” by Dan Seals and Marie Osmond.
They did make a whole TV movie with Reba based on her song”Is there Life Out There.” I think she went back to college and here hubby was Huey Lewis. This was like 18 years ago.
I guess when you have songs meant to exploit your emotions, then you would get the idea to make them into a tv show.