Figure Skating TV Commentators thread

[Justathoughtabl]

Aftershocks, I have no idea how much chemistry there is or is not as between Tara and Johnny but he is clearly the money shot of the two. He is the superior commentator and, if anything, his flamboyant style of dress ups the ratings. "How Johnny is dressed today" adds yet another element of interest to the whole thing. It is his signature mark and it garners attention. Attention is what ratings are all about. Whether he dresses as he does because he simply prefers that manner of dress or whether it is because he is gay or whatever. It totally does not matter because it is an asset to his marketability.

Bottom line is that he is the more competent commentator and he is genuinely good at it. She is more window dressing, by comparison. She adds to the picture, for sure, but without him, I don't think she could carry it off on her own. She is quite mediocre as a commentator, in fact, but together they make a nice duo. She adds to the package but she could not pull it off on her own. Probably, he could. In fact, definitely he could. So with that being said, it absolutely DOES make sense to cater to him and faun over him.......and she absolutely does so. Whether it is truly natural and she has genuine "chemistry" with him or whether it is somewhat of an act on her part, it does not much matter. If she likes her job and she likes the money it brings in, it pays to keep him happy. Of the two, she is far more replaceable. She is not skilled nor knowledgeable enough to pull this off without him and any number of persons could easily replace her. She does work very well with him and the two together are fine. Probably they are friends and they do actually like one another. He is in charge of this deal, however, and he is the one bringing in the big bucks that both of them share in terms of payment for services. That being said, she absolutely should keep him happy and if doing so means gushing over him and his wardrobe, so be it.

I absolutely agree with you that he is the more talented commentator of the two, while she really brings nothing special to it. (And in terms of straight up commentary, the quality might increase if he were on his own, or paired with Tanith.) That said, I do think their friendship is genuine, and that's valuable for a lot of viewers. There's no fakery there. The other thing she brings is that she's a gold medalist, and she was a household name. I believe NBC sees value in that, given that they make Terry mention it in every broadcast. How valuable it is, I don't know. But she's also the one who is more palatable to middle America. Maybe they feel there's a balance there. But in terms of commentating, he is by far the best spoken, more thoughtful, deeper one. It's interesting because they always emphasize how hard she works, how she pushes him to study, etc. I think she may put in more preparation effort, but his talent is more natural. Perhaps her value is that behind the scenes, she makes sure they're prepared, but as an on-the-spot analyst, he's much better.

ETA, I think with the "fawning" over him, that's real. I think she adores him. I admit that during Sochi, I wondered how real it could be. Their friendship developed so quickly and was presented as being so deep. But now I truly think it's real. It's very hard to fake the chemistry they show in their videos and on their podcast. So I think when she laughs at his jokes or takes his arm or whatever, that's real. They love each other.

 

[brennele]

The fact is that Johnny does a great job of commentating. If he wants to spend half the day deciding what to wear, so be it. I could do without his garish outfits and most esp his hairdos but the bottom line is that when I listen to him, I get a whole lot out of the experience of watching skating. He is paid to comment and that he does well. Tara, not as much but I like her also. They get along nicely, apparently, and I have no issue with her. I don't think she could pull this whole thing off without him but what does it matter? She does not have to. Together they provide a good product, as far as I am concerned. The two of them are being paid to do a job and they do it well. Clothes are apparently important to this man. He is free to spend his money and his time, however, he sees fit. He returns good value for the money in terms of providing a service.

 

[brennele]

Justathought, if she takes her job seriously and considers it important - which she should, I can see where she would love him. He makes the whole thing happen. He had the superior knowledge base and he takes the lead in this whole thing. He is the means by which she can also shine. It is all a good thing. She is supportive of his role and he allows her to develop and come into her own. People would do well to model their relationships and interactions with others around these two. They are an excellent example of the concept that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. I am in support of this pair 100%.

 

[sk9tingfan]

IMO, Tanith Belbin is the best commentator, period. I've learned so much from her, she is extremely articulate and her voice quality is lovely and easy to listen to

 

[whiteskates]

We normally get local commentators on ESP in the European countries but this year we got the British commentary in Sweden and was I happy? You bet! I love the BESP commentators. They're a joy to listen to.

 

[puglover]

I am so sad to say this as he has always been my all time favorite male skater but I just could not stand Kurt at this year's worlds for CBC and I actually had to turn it off. I have heard the complaints about him in the past, particularly about his weaving himself into the conversation, but I felt he was there because of his experience so I was okay with him sharing what he wants. This time, however, I just could not bear him at all. I wanted more Carol Lane and no Kurt!! I do love PJ but even in their lead up to Worlds show, I just found him silly and irritating. Not sure if I can get over these feelings.
I was in Palm Springs for the Olympics so caught the NBC coverage and I also loved Tanith White. Great, encouraging and informative - just what we need, particularly in dance where the issues are not as obvious. I liked Tara and Johnny fine.

 

[just tuned in]

Steve Schlanger and Ryan Bradley for Worlds was kind of a relief. Not as much as the skaters, but I am worn out from the Olympic season and appreciated Ryan's low-key approach. He has improved, that is, he talks less than he used to.

 

[Sylvia]

Re-posting these comments from the U.S. Men's thread to this relevant thread:

Is it just me or does Ryan Bradley's commentary style annoy anyone else. He's so pedantic!

I like Ryan's commentary as he doesn't disrespect skaters and talk about his own skating like Johnny. Also doesn't over talk.

He kept calling jumps by the wrong name, though.

I rarely hear Johnny talk about his own skating. It’s Tara who frequently mentions her skating career.

I think he over talks. I'm yelling at him to shut up pretty often. I want the Eurosport commentary. Oh well.

Over talks and his tone is very boring..

Ryan has to comment way too much on the landing of every single jump of every single skater. Its tiresome. And Im fairly certain 90% of viewing audience has no idea what "landing outside of the circle" means which he says on 50% of jumps. Other comments like "tight landing," "free leg came down," and "landing forward" I think most people can understand... but he has to comment on every jump landing all the time.

 

[IloveFS]

CBC should replace its figure skating commentators so that it includes Kurt Browing, Carol Lane, David Peltier and Meagen Duhamel.

I found some comments about the skaters to be very repetitive throughout the Olympics.

 

[JasperBoy]

David Pelletier is very knowledgeable and can explain both the rules and the techniques clearly.
Carol Lane's voice must be below my hearing threshold. Most of the time I cannot hear more than a murmur, unless she is expertly miked. That has only happened once, that I can recall.
Kurt is OK, funny and entertaining. He also knows his stuff but I do agree he can get annoying after a few days.
Paul Martini can really ask the hard questions when he wants. His post-skate interviews go beyond the usual drivel.

 

[IloveFS]

David Pelletier is very knowledgeable and can explain both the rules and the techniques clearly.
Carol Lane's voice must be below my hearing threshold. Most of the time I cannot hear more than a murmur, unless she is expertly miked. That has only happened once, that I can recall.
Kurt is OK, funny and entertaining. He also knows his stuff but I do agree he can get annoying after a few days.
Paul Martini can really ask the hard questions when he wants. His post-skate interviews go beyond the usual drivel.

It's Brenda Irving and Andi Petrillo that should be replaced. I love David, Carol, Kurt and Paul.

 

[JasperBoy]

Brenda Irving was quite tolerable this year.

 

[IloveFS]

Brenda Irving was quite tolerable this year.

Her commentary is weak. Like she is reading stats.

 

[Seerek]

It's Brenda Irving and Andi Petrillo that should be replaced. I love David, Carol, Kurt and Paul.

1 "host/anchor" is required for all the CBC telecasts, so I don't see either/or being replaced.

1 thing to keep in mind is that Brenda/Andi juggle several winter sports during the World Cup/Championship season - I cut them some slack in that regard.

 

[IloveFS]

1 "host/anchor" is required for all the CBC telecasts, so I don't see either/or being replaced.

1 thing to keep in mind is that Brenda/Andi juggle several winter sports during the World Cup/Championship season - I cut them some slack in that regard.

It doesn't work for me. Even Brenda/Andi need to do their homework.....

 

[Mad for Skating]

CBC should replace its figure skating commentators so that it includes Kurt Browing, Carol Lane, David Peltier and Meagen Duhamel.

I found some comments about the skaters to be very repetitive throughout the Olympics.

I want Meagan doing a one-woman show. Or Meagan and David Pelletier, I could listen to that.

 

[Seerek]

Even if TSL might consider it "Too Canadian" during their recaps, Meagan finds the right balance of offering (justifiable) compliments for all the competitors (something Dave is seemingly unable to do outside of his personal favourites), but also integrating criticism where appropriate.

 

[puglover]

If someone is going to discuss dance - I want them to be very, very knowledgeable about dance. I loved Tanith (my first time hearing her at the Olympics), Tracy Wilson, Carol Lane, PJ Kwong, and the British guys.

 

[Twilight1]

I loved Tanith's commentary. Can not stand Carol Lane. She just comes off pissy and her comments about P&C are off putting. Kurt had momemts where I loved him amd moments where he bugged me like Carol.

I actually quite liked Robin Cousins.

Through all this I miss Barbara Underhill and Paul Martini as commentators. Showing my age I guess...

 

[screech]

I didn't love Paul doing the interviews at Olympics. I found he spoke as though he was talking to a toddler.

I don't remember Barbara as a commentator, but I will never be fond of her - at the 1996 Canadians, when I was just a pre-teen, I saw her and asked her for an autograph and she (with attitude) replied 'If I sign for you I have to sign for everyone' (there was nobody around) and walked away.

 

[Judy]

I didn't love Paul doing the interviews at Olympics. I found he spoke as though he was talking to a toddler.

I don't remember Barbara as a commentator, but I will never be fond of her - at the 1996 Canadians, when I was just a pre-teen, I saw her and asked her for an autograph and she (with attitude) replied 'If I sign for you I have to sign for everyone' (there was nobody around) and walked away.

Oh wow I always found her super friendly. That is really too bad ... hmm where was the 1996 Cdn’s?

I always like Kurt. I like listening to different commentators. Does Pelletier do commentary? And yes to Duhamel!!!

 

[barbarafan]

I loved Tanith's commentary. Can not stand Carol Lane. She just comes off pissy and her comments about P&C are off putting. Kurt had momemts where I loved him amd moments where he bugged me like Carol.

I actually quite liked Robin Cousins.

Through all this I miss Barbara Underhill and Paul Martini as commentators. Showing my age I guess...

Carol was careful at Worlds to not throw too much shade on G/P competitors so good...However she gave good critical commentary to other teams, ie pointing out any mistakes etc but w/GP she just spoke about them in general. Still not good.

 

[screech]

Oh wow I always found her super friendly. That is really too bad ... hmm where was the 1996 Cdn’s?

Ottawa
And maybe I got her on a bad day, but that moment always overshadowed anything else for me.

I'd be interested to hear Shae Lynn as a commentator. I think she'd be very insightful.

 

[Judy]

Ottawa
And maybe I got her on a bad day, but that moment always overshadowed anything else for me.

I'd be interested to hear Shae Lynn as a commentator. I think she'd be very insightful.

I was there too which is why I asked! Yes I’d love to hear Shae Lynn.

 

[Twilight1]

Ottawa
And maybe I got her on a bad day, but that moment always overshadowed anything else for me.

I'd be interested to hear Shae Lynn as a commentator. I think she'd be very insightful.

Shae-Lynn would be good. But then I will always have a soft spot/ bias for B&K

 

[JasperBoy]

I have never heard Meagan do TV commentary. It would be interesting, but I suspect she would talk during the performance! As for Shae Lynn, I think she is WAY too busy to do commentating. She has an awesome number of choreography clients.

 

[Japanfan]

I didn't love Paul doing the interviews at Olympics. I found he spoke as though he was talking to a toddler.

He did interviews for CBC at Worlds. He was very loud and his words seemed very forced. I got the feeling that he either didn't want to be there or had something wrong with him, like a toothache.

I've never liked Martini, but this was particularly strange.