The #MeToo comeback wave for disgraced men is getting bolder by the second. Last week, we got speculations about how Louis C.K. might stage his return to the comedy world, while in another corner, Matt Lauer was reportedly “testing the waters” for a comeback of his own. And now, according to Page Six, a #MeToo television series starring Charlie Rose is reportedly in the works—in which the former CBS anchor would interview other shunned men like Lauer and C.K. The question here seems obvious: who on earth is making this proposed series, and in what universe do they imagine viewers will tune in?
Rose was fired from CBS This Morning and his eponymous PBS show last fall following allegations of sexual harassment from multiple women; in a statement given at the time, Rose apologized, but denied the accuracy of some allegations. “I always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings,” Rose said, “even though I now realize I was mistaken.” Rose’s agent did not immediately respond to V.F.’s request for comment regarding the new project.
Why would anyone think a series in which Rose interviews other men who have been accused of sexual misconduct is a good or necessary idea? That might remain a mystery—but the report should also be received with skepticism, since as of yet, it’s unclear who is actually trying to make this series happen.
On Wednesday, journalist, women’s advocate, and former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown confirmed to Page Six an anecdote she first told at an event earlier in the week: that she had been approached to produce a Rose-hosted series that would interview high-profile men enveloped in #MeToo scandals. Brown told Page Six that she could not recall who approached her about the series, and there does not appear to be any network, streaming platform, or producer officially attached to the project. A source claimed to Page Six that Brown was approached via e-mail, but it’s unclear by whom. Three guests from the luncheon where Brown first mentioned the project said she’d called it “a Netflix show,” but another source denied Netflix’s involvement; a source told V.F. that Netflix has nothing to do with the series.
Whoever it was who pitched the series, Brown made clear that she wanted nothing to do with it. Per Page Six, she was incredulous when first recounting the ask at the luncheon, exclaiming, “These guys are already planning their comebacks!”
Without knowing who is behind this potential project, it’s hard to know how likely it is to come to fruition. Though one might think toppled Hollywood titans wouldn’t want to draw attention to themselves with TV appearances, such a thing wouldn’t be completely outside the realm of P.R. possibility; Ben Affleck, James Franco, and Billy Bush have all logged late-night appearances to talk about the controversies that have surrounded them in the wake of #MeToo revelations or allegations. And as Roseanne’s massive ratings success has proven over at ABC, Nielsen does not distinguish hate-watches from earnest ones. So while it’s difficult to imagine Charlie Rose’s supposed #MeToo redemption series making it to the screen—and it’s worth regarding the very idea of such a series with a large grain of salt—perhaps it’s best not to write the project off completely just yet.
