January 27, 2016
Aldo Chacón/Fuse
L-R: Jesse Stearn, DeAnna Marie, Rogelio Gonzalez, Tina DeCara, Marissa Rivera, Ian Eagle Ashanti, Casey Reed. © 2015 Fuse, LLC. All Rights Reserved
As some may fondly remember it, "Dancin' on Air" was Philly's neon-tinged, 80s version of "American Bandstand." A live dance TV show, it broadcast from 1981 to 1987, mostly from WPHL-TV studios, and featured everyone from Madonna to Stevie Wonder. Jersey girl Kelly Ripa even got her big break on the show as a house dancer.
Unfortunately for the show's legacy, "Dancin' on Air" was revived in 2012 and now airs on PhillyCAM at 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. As one might imagine, it's premise has not aged well. It describes itself online as a show "where the areas [sic] most talented and attractive people get to dance, sing and show their stuff." If only that were the case.
Fortunately for audiences, Fuse, the TV channel known for off-beat reality programs and countdown shows, has decided to point its discerning lens at the "Dancin' On Air" crew. They're now getting their own reality series called "Saturday Morning Fever." It premieres Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 11 p.m.
Lucky as I was to stumble upon Molly Eichel's interview with "Dancin' On Air" host Casey Reed of Q102 over at Philly.com, I've watched all of the preview clips of "Saturday Morning Fever" that Fuse has published online. Trust me, you're going to want to see this:
The show follows the very, very enthusiastic "Dancin' on Air" cast as they hit the big time, dancing on public access television. There's lots of hair dye. There's obviously feigned romantic plots. There's some "dancing."
Frankly, at times, it's hard to watch. But you just can't look away. You won't know whether to laugh or cry or laugh-cry in one horrible sob, wondering what you're doing with your life. You're welcome.
