Busy Philipps finds her new TV home at QVC+
In a bold move after her E! series “Busy Tonight” ended in 2019, Busy Philipps set her sights on an unconventional platform for her next gig. Her relentless spirit and unique brand of humor found their match in QVC+ and HSN+, where she launched “Busy This Week” earlier this year.
A refreshing take on late-night TV
Philipps’s new weekly talk-variety series stands out for its blend of candid humor and vibrant style, perfectly suited for her Instagram followers. The series has struck a chord with audiences, leading to its renewal for Season 2.
But why QVC? As Philipps explained at a recent industry event, “Unfortunately it doesn’t seem that there are too many chairs at the table for women in late-night. So we went to the place that sold the chairs and the table.” This innovative approach is not just about finding a seat at the table—it’s about creating it.
Behind the scenes: crafting a unique show
“Busy This Week” mirrors the traditional talk-variety format, featuring celebrity interviews and dynamic conversations. Philipps, alongside her co-host Caissie St. Onge, launched the show inspired by a successful holiday special they hosted on the shopping platform.
“What began as a one-off special evolved into a show,” says Philipps. She recounts how they proposed the idea to the network after an overwhelmingly positive experience, leading to the show’s creation. “So that was sort of the impetus,” she adds.
Blending commerce with entertainment
Philipps underscores the timeless fusion of commerce and entertainment, highlighting the synergy between content and sponsored messages. “The idea of blending commerce and entertainment is as old as the industry itself. We’re all selling soap,” she quips.
This blend has proven to be a winning formula, especially for QVC, which has seen significant ROI from the show. Since its debut, “Busy This Week” has garnered about 1 million users, with over half being new to QVC.
Reaching the right audience
Stacie Tedesco, VP of streaming for QVC and HSN parent company, highlights that Philipps’s vibrant personality resonates with the younger generation of women QVC aims to attract. “It’s about having a casual conversation and talking about things they’re authentically passionate about,” she says. This authenticity has made the show a hit, with episodes featuring big names like Tina Fey and Bette Midler drawing in millions of views.
The perfect partnership
Philipps attributes much of the show’s success to the creative freedom QVC grants her and St. Onge. “The reason this partnership has been so successful is truly their ability to trust that they picked the right people and to let us do our jobs without nitpicking,” she explains. This trust has empowered them to create content that genuinely connects with viewers.
And it’s not just about entertainment. Philipps’s influence extends to shifting consumer behavior, with fans eager to buy the products featured on her show. “They’re gonna wanna buy this stuff,” she notes, proving the power of authentic engagement.
Expanding horizons
Looking ahead, QVC plans to continue leveraging its unique blend of entertainment and commerce. The network’s recent investment in sports rights, including a pact with USA Pickleball, signifies a broader strategy to capture attention across different interests.
“We’re making a very declarative statement that this is a time to refocus on yourself,” Tedesco remarks. Whether you’re a busy professional finding more time for yourself or looking for engaging content that feels personal, QVC’s approach is resonating deeply.
A new era in late-night TV
Busy Philipps’s venture into QVC+ is not just a personal triumph; it’s a step forward in diversifying late-night TV. By blending her authentic personality with a platform traditionally seen as niche, she’s redefining what talk-variety shows can be.
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