Over the next week, you’re going to see a lot of specials, memorials, and news stories on the tenth anniversary of 9/11. One of the first out of the gate, though, is Bio’s “When Pop Culture Saved America: A 9/11 Story,” which airs September 5th at 8PM ET… And we’re on it.
Actually, there’s a lot of people on it, but first, here’s the official description:
“In the aftermath of 9/11, getting back to normal would not be a simple task. For those in the world of pop culture and entertainment, the challenge was how to help America achieve that goal--to cheer the country up during its darkest days. This documentary takes a comprehensive look at the days and months following the attack--to show how the non-news media pitched in to bring the nation together. Comedians, singers, actors, entertainers all did their part with concerts, telethons and specials. Television, movies, Broadway, music and even sports helped bring us back to the new normal. We'll also review the impact of the events of 9/11 on pop culture and how TV and films were changed forever. Featuring exclusive interviews with Kristen Chenoweth, Denis Leary, Dan Rather, Regis Philbin and Ray Romano amongst others.”
What they’re not listing there is the intense focus on comics. The Producer of the show is a big comic book fan, and was highly aware of the role comic books like Amazing Spider-Man #36, and In The Shadow of No Towers played in helping the comic book industry come to grips with the events of September 11th. So beyond the celebs listed there, they chatted with everybody from Paul Levitz, to Dan Didio, to Joe Quesada, to John Romita Jr.
And this guy!
Not to be glib – I realize this is a pretty serious subject – but it really is an honor to be on the same program as everybody else on that list. The subject is treated with deftness, and also a dash of humor… Something that the entire world looked to the entertainment industry for in the weeks and months afterwards.
So while most TV will give the focus to government officials, the rubble, and the horror, it’s nice to have at least one memorial turning the focus to the life affirming magic that is laughter and entertainment. I know I’ll be watching (but then, I’m in it, so there is that).
Related Posts:
Nathan Fillion and More Guest Star On The New Episode of 'The Guild'
AMC Wants You To Hang Out At Kevin's Smith's Comic Shop For An Hour
--
Discuss this story in our Movies/TV forums! Follow @MTVGeek on Twitter and be sure to "like" us on Facebook for the best geek news about comics, toys, gaming and more!