This story is from last week’s National Enquirer (at least the one that’s about to be replaced today on the newsstands. I love it when the tabloids come out!) but it’s still worth repeating. The Enquirer has run several stories about how Oprah protege Nate Berkus is pissing off her media highness by deigning to make his own as-of-yet unproven decisions for his upcoming show. Oprah has set the interior designer up with a new show, and he’s trying to go in his own direction with it. Somehow it’s not working out quite yet, which of course annoys Oprah. I bet she was hoping to have finally found an apprentice who would accept her guidance across the board.
Oprah Winfrey is fuming at her protege Nate Berkus for bungling the opportunity she’s handed him to become an instant TV talk-show star.
Oprah has tapped the engaging 38-year-old interior designer to be a key player in her empire, and his daily syndicated series is set to debut in the fall.
But sources say the show is already falling apart!
Oprah, who’s launched the careers of Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz, had high hopes for Nate because of his great sense of style and his “bighearted way” with people, continued the insider.
“But his show is a mess – and Oprah is livid.”
As the Enquirer recently reported, the talk-show queen was already upset at Nate for opting to shoot his series in New York instead of at her Harpo Studios in Chicago. Nate, who is openly gay, wanted to be in the Big Apple to be closer to his boyfriend, according to sources.
And now Nate is in more hot water with Oprah. Test shows have been a flop with focus group audiences, leading to the firing of one executive producer before the program has even aired.
“The show is an absolute disaster at this point,” maintained the insider. “Oprah is steaming, and as far as she’s concerned, if there are any more problems, Nate’s out.”
[From The National Enquirer, print edition, July 19, 2010]
I tried to watch an Oprah episode this week, with that Women, Food and God author that Oprah loves so much, Geneen Roth. It really struck me how much Oprah is pushing her approach to spirituality and personal fulfillment without much room for dissent. In fact I found Oprah so damn smug and full of her own self righteous new age bullsh*t that I couldn’t watch the whole thing.
I do appreciate the way that Oprah introduces and covers important health, wellness and psychology topics. Her show can be rather interesting and educational. She definitely has her own agenda, though, and you can see that she dictates the way that subjects are presented to make sure they adhere to her belief system. It’s her show and she can do what she wants with it, but I would like to see more balanced and complete coverage. Anyway she’s retiring and moving on to her OWN network where she can continue to try and OWN our hearts and minds.
It doesn’t surprise me that she’s not pleased with Berkus. Oprah may seem all caring, but she’s not concerned about us as much as she wants to make sure we’re following her damn advice and orders. Any minions that step out of line must be prepared to deal with her disapproval. I wonder how long it will be before Jenny McCarthy does something to piss her off.
On a side note, Nate Berkus is so gorgeous! I could stare at this man for hours. Surely that’s got to do something for ratings.
Oh Nate, duck and cover sweetie, duck and cover!
I taped that same episode but haven’t watched it yet. I generally can’t stand Oprah for the reasons outlined by CB. But again, her show, so she can push whatever agenda she wishes. I wish she would be more like she used to be, back in the day…
its too bad nate bats for the other team, that man is so beautiful and looks great for his age… can’t wait for show to start this fall and good for him… standing up to Queen O takes a lot of balls
Oh Christ, Oprah’s just a big old overfed bully. I lost all respect for her when she started lecturing us on the environment, (how many homes and airplanes do YOU own Oprah?) and who we should vote for as President. (not even going there-) Then, she was all about “The Secret” as her new religion, so I guess her control issues are what she feels good about “putting out into the universe”. Sorry about that, Nate.
she has such a god-complex. cannot stand her ass for that very reason.
So sick of Oprah.
I think Nate and Anderson Cooper would be hot together. Not as hot as Nate and I, but that’s not going to happen. =(
It’s Reverand Oprah. This is a religion and people like Oprah are absolutely convinced they know the right way for everybody to think, live, even eat.
This really is a religion and there is an army of new evangelicals. Like all true believers, they are determined to create their utopean version of heaven on earth….and we all know where that inevitably leads: to disaster. More hellish than heavenly.
But the true believers cannot abide differences of opinion.
That said, it’s her company and Nate can either tow the company line or leave.
I stopped watching Oprah several years ago for the very reasons you cite. She is oppressively self-righteous and I got really tired of someone telling me how I ought to live.
I actually really enjoy whenever Oprah does investigative reporting on her show, like when she interviews real people with fascinating and/or messed up stories to tell, because her biggest strength is getting people to open up to her. Also, because she’s such a media force, she can pretty much cover whatever topic she wants, and she can get whatever guests she wants (I’m thinking of that woman who got attacked my the chimp… no one else would’ve stood a chance at getting that interview, and Oprah did a tremendous job with her). She genuinely seems interested in the topics she presents and asks the types of questions of her guests that I , and I’m sure others, want to know the answers to. Unfortunately, those types of episodes are few and far between. Whenever she’s talking about spirituality, decorating, other fluffy garbage, or as soon as I see Dr. Oz’s stupid smug face, I change the channel.
Oprah has contributed more to television than anyone I can think of. Having said that, I’m glad she “retired” and I hope Nate continues to stand his ground.
“oppressively self-righteous” — tee, hee, now that’s an apt description of the Almighty O.
I’m so over this Nate queen…his nose is permanently brown from being inside Oprah’s ass for so long. He is completely overrated. Also, Oprah isn’t God and I’m sick of people taking her words and opinions and thinking that if Oprah says it then it has to be right. I could barely get through an Oprah show now a days. Ugh.
I’m sorry, but that haircut in the pics above is doing nothing for him.
How long does it take the dude to do his hair in the morning? and Oprah reeks of Scientology.
@Marjalane – yup, when Oprah jumped on the whole ‘The Secret’ bandwagon it totally creeped me out. That stuff is right out of an Amway sales pitch.
Not that the ‘like attracts like’ philosophy is all wrong, but ‘The Secret’ books and dvds seem cult-like.
I do like Oprah for the most part though – I just hope Scientology isn’t her next stop! 🙂
Does Nate Berkus have what it takes to have his own show? He is good enough designer, I suppose, but does he have the personality to be engaging? He is good enough, but too Oprah-ized. But then, I guess, to be in her inner circle and to get your own show, once has to act like a cult member. If he is showing some independence, then good for him! Dr Oz and Dr Phil, act like Oprah’s lap dogs. Rachel Ray, seems not to be afflicted by Oprahitis. I have to confess, I have caught a handful of shows here and there and I couldn’t bear to watch more than 10 minutes of Dr Oz. His science, is solid. But his delivery is too creepy for me – his body language, his touchy-feely-standing too close to women etc
Just my pre-caffinated, sleep deprived rant of the day.
I don’t like
Oprah. I never have.
The show that Nate did with the little boy whose brother died made me sob. Nate does have what it takes….he is a very genuine person who survived a trauma and then Oprah really did help him too. Paula Dean was on that show, and she too was a former agoraphobe who became so due to the tragic death of her parents. I can relate to both Nate Birkus and Paula Dean as trauma survivors. This is really what Oprah does respect in a person; and that is why Oprah has been so good for telling human stories on television.
I’m not gonna get on the bash O bandwagon, although she’s not my cup of tea but oh that Geneen Roth character, rolls eyes, couldn’t agree more. I didn’t view the show but that chick has been peddling the same new-agey B-sh@t for years. Wrapped up and repackaged many times over. Listen to what you body truly wants. Well it truly wants the double chunk chocolate chip cookies, all the dayum time. That’s the issue! Anyway, O needs to realize that everyone who’s good in one arena of their lives, isn’t necessarily cut out for their own T.V. show. Personally, I don’t know why/how the Drs Phil & Oz shows are hits. Phil is bloated awe-shucks windbag of platitudes. And Oz most of the time grosses me out and his audience chocked full of fawning middle aged biddies get on my last nerve.
He is cute!
Sometimes I think her stuff is good (book club, strong interviews) and other times its ridiculous – the Secret? Really? The woman has built an empire all on her own, and feels the need to believe that BS?
I remember ages ago, Dr. Phil was only on once in a while and often gave decent advice. Then he turned into some sort of uber-creepy, annoying, self important walrus, and I can’t stand him. Dr. Oz seems knowledgeable, but I get a creepy vibe from him too. Rachel Ray makes my ears bleed, and the one episode I watched of her show (one of my fave restaurants had a brief cameo) was so incredibly stupid.
Not an Oprah fan. It seems that after the Rielle Hunter “interview” her likability and credibility took a major hit. America has broken up with Oprah.
She made over $300m last year and does more than most of you will ever do for others in your lifetimes. I hope your hate and jealousy keeps you warm and cozy at night.
Still don’t see how Nate’s show could ever be a success. Interior design for an hour, every day?
The whole point of rising to the top, is to get to do things however you want. Oprah can do what she wants, how she wants and if anyone dosn’t like it, they can go to another network.
Why should she have to do anything but how she wants it done…that’s the point of getting that far ahead of everyone else. She gets to push her agenda, as it should be when you gain that level of success. It’s why anyone goes into business for themselves, so they can call the shots. She has more than earned that right.
Lucy 2: You crack me up (self-important walrus….lol) I agree with everything in your post. Dr. Phil was decent for about a half a minute in the 90s, and then his head swelled up the size of Cincinatti. I don’t watch Oprah much anymore. She really annoyed me with The Secret—and I am/was/have been someone who studies all kinds of theology. Lots of her shows that skirt religious issues are insulting.
First of all, Oprah is not even qualified to be described as ‘almighty’. she is just a very wealthy and well-known human.
I stopped watching Oprah when she started interrupting her guests to tell what she went through, rather than letting the interesting guests have their say. Certainly, Oprah is a success story – even if her rags to riches life is a lie – but when I tune in to see a guest, I want to hear what the guest has to say – not her!
The fact that she’s no longer doing the Angel network or whatever that charity was speaks volumes to me about where her heart really is. She’s rich enough to help so many people, and she doesn’t even deign to keep her charity open? Yeah, not an Oprah fan for some time now.
As for Nate, I hope he gets things straightened out with his new show. He seems like a nice guy and it might be fun to watch.
Don’t the twits from the E! show “Pretty Wild” follow “the secret”? I only saw a few minutes of it, and I thought they said they practice it too.
Stopped watching O along time ago and have no plans on watching yet another of her brands (do we REALLY need another?)
Oprah is an excellent example – of everything you don’t want to aspire to once you make it. Arrogant, self-centered, selfish, hypocrite, totally unconscious, and condescending to top it all off.
I remember three different times when I was sitting on the edge of my seat because the guest was saying something fascinating(for a change), and as they were about to get to the heart of their point, OPRAH INTERRUPTED! I was stunned. She is so arrogant she really doesn’t listen to or learn from anyone else. She does think she is GOD. Tiresome.
Why is there not an “I hate Nate” site. I sure hope his show ends soon (canceled). He does the same old thing every day and his decorating is horrific! I sure hope he did a better job for Oprah than his “talent” on Television. Boring! He has no class or style. I have many gay friends and most have just wonderful homes, city and lake side, and have had some do work for me. They usually have a true talent in decor.
Oh, while I am venting, have you seen his things on HSN? Again boring.
Had Oprah not opened up the web to find him he would be unknown. I think that the worst thing is when his partner (lover) died in the suname’ he capitalized on it, thru Oprah. It should be interesting to see just how much money Oprah will continue to throw at him and if she carries him on OWN on January 1st.
One last thing, if he says “I love it!” one more time I will just scream!
I really don’t hate Nate, he has no talent. Hate is a very strong word. There surly are far better decoraters out there that he could take tips from. Have real designers come on his show and it not be about him all the time. Time will tell how long he last. Don’t always be the authority. I agree with jag #25, stop interupting and let other have their say!
I AM PISSED OFF AS WELL!
I GOT A EMAIL STATING THAT I HAD TICKETS TO THE SHOW, THEN HE CANCELLED DUE TO AN UNEXPECTED ILLNESS(WHICH IS UNDERSTANDABLE) HOWEVER,THEY EMAILED ALOT OF US BACK STATING”DUE TO THE CANCELLATIONS WE COULD ALL REQUEST MORE TICKETS. WHEN I GOT THERE AT HIS SHOW WE ALL HAD TO STAND IN LINE AND ONE OF HIS STAFF MEMBERS CAME OUT AND SAID THAT TICKETS TO THE SHOW HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO TOO MANY PEOPLE. THE LADY WAS VERY RUDE AND TO BLOW SMOKE UP OUR ASS SHE SAID I’LL TAKE YOUR NAME AND GIVE YOU ALL VIP TICKETS TO HIS NEXT SHOW. WHAT REALLY PISSES ME OFF IS THAT EVERYONE BROUGHT TOYS FOR TOTS PRESENTS AND THEY ASKED US TO LEAVE THEM(I KNOW IT’S FOR THE KIDS) BUT ALOT OF US SPENT MONEY AND TIME TO GET TO HIS SHOW THAT DAY AND HE DOES’NT EVEN GIVE A CRAP ABOUT THAT. OPRAH WAS WRONG WRONG ABOUT BRINGING HIM ON. WE WERE SUPPOSED TO DRESS FESTIVE FOR THE SHOW WHICH SHOULD AIR ON DEC.24TH2010 LET’S SEE IF IT WAS HIS GIVE AWAY SHOW FOR CHRISTMAS. THAT WAY IT WOULD BE UNDERSTANDABLE ABOUT SCREWING US OVER FOR HIS STAFF/FAMILY MEMBERS
Nate needs a lesson in HOSTING presence, he is not at all natural and seems out of his element.
The segments on home decor aren’t even on par with what I would consider great DYI tips much less NATE doing an actual makeover that WOOs the watcher. The set is totally boring, nothing eye catching and even some of the ‘props’ they use for decorating example (how to’s or how not to) are worn, old and horribly mismatched.
I agree with many of the Oprah comments here. She’s arrogant and phoney. But its her show and I imagine she’s frustrated seeing how bad the Nate Berkus show is really doing.
I just can’t stand Nate his dumb commercials where everyone is laughing. Also where you can design a useless white chair for fifty dollars and he says decorating is extremely cheap while all I see is a carpet and a bed oh and don’t forget that if he makes a joke and everyone laughs he has to take one whole minute to add a whole story regarding how he felt and what happened before that, its so annoying.
I am so relieved to read the anti-love comments on Oprah and Nate. I thought I was the only one that felt this way. She is a self serving, arrogant know-it-all and Nate can’t design his way out of a bag. My husband has him as a client and tells me horror stories of how unorganized and nasty the people at his firm are…everyone is on an ego trip there. Give me a break.
P.S. I LOVE the Dr. Phil is a bloated walrus comment…that was the best!