Shows on the Oprah Winfrey Network

Is Oprah's Network Empowering or Creepy?

January 5, 2011

In case you missed it, Oprah Winfrey's retirement is officially over. Before the "farewell season" of The Oprah Winfrey Show has actually said its farewell, Oprah's new network, OWN, launched over New Year's weekend. The network's lineup in still in flux, but a quick glance at the OWN site reveals a pretty, um, Oprah-heavy schedule.

Along with shows featuring Oprah faves like Dr. Phil and Gayle King, the lineup includes Ask Oprah's All-Stars; Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes; Oprah Presents Master Class; and Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search For the Next TV Star. I understand it's Oprah's network, of course, and I have to acknowledge the media empire she's built is somewhat impressive. But as a woman, is it empowering to watch an entire network filled with Oprah-ness, or does it verge on creepy?

Source: WireImage

14 Comments

amber512 2 years 20 weeks

I have never been a fan, although I do think she is very hardworking. I don't think I'll be tuning in.

Miss Senorita 2 years 20 weeks

I don't like it.

Miss Senorita 2 years 20 weeks

I don't like it.

PontNeuf 2 years 20 weeks

The sheer amount of quacks who couldn't find their own feet with both hands, a GPS and a team of skilled navigators that she has actively promoted (Jenny McCarthy, Dr Oz, Dr Phil, Deepak Chopra...) only empowers the intellectually lazy. Brava to her for shattering the glass ceiling, but stupidity is stupidity regadless of the gender of its source.

Pistil 2 years 20 weeks

Not that Oprah hasn't done some genuine good in her life. I'm more worried about her fan base.

Pistil 2 years 20 weeks

Oprah is obviously an accomplished woman, but honestly I felt a little embarrassed seeing the ads for the new network. It just seems excessive, I guess? Excessively Oprah. Positivity and self-help is very profitable.

Pistil 2 years 20 weeks

spacekatgal 2 years 20 weeks

Oprah is emotional pornography. It plays to our basest instincts as women and panders to them. It's substanceless candy that punishes critical thinking and rewards simplicity. I think the central problem with this network is the deliberate, willingful abrogation of reality for a positive message. It's basically a Fox News but with emotion.

spacekatgal 2 years 20 weeks

kimmieb124 2 years 20 weeks

It may be a lot of Oprah (and I don't even watch a little Oprah, so I'll probably never tune in), but I have to admire her for her hard work over the years that created this empire. She rose from the ashes to become a super power and household name. Regardless of personal feelings about her, I respect what she has done with her life.