Host of KDOC’s Chaotic New Year’s Special: ‘It was totally supposed to be like that’

By Merrill Knox 

We’re now hearing from the host of that chaotic New Year’s Eve special last week on an independent TV station in LA. Actor/comedian Jamie Kennedy talks with the New York Times about the special on KDOC, which was once part-owned by Pat Boone and once included shows hosted by televangelists.

Last Monday, KDOC viewers were treated to poorly produced TV at its best, including profanities, innuendos and a fight. By nearly all accounts, the special went horribly awry. But Kennedy says it was supposed to be that way. (Watch the highlights above, if YouTube hasn’t already yanked this version too).

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Kennedy tells the New York TimesDave Itzkoff the special “was totally supposed to be like that.”

Q: So, did the special turn out the way you wanted?

A: We wanted to make almost an anti-New Year’s Eve show, and the recipe calls for unexpected. We had an open bar for our guests, we were unrehearsed. It was not glamorous. We shot at the apex of craziness on Hollywood Boulevard on New Year’s Eve, in front of one of the most highly visible places, the Chinese Theater, and it was more like a block party type of feel.

Q: The online reaction to the special has been very polarized and in many cases extremely negative. Does that bother you?

A: The more stuff I do, the more polarizing I become. Sometimes I’m like the Kardashian of comedy. People seem to hate me but they can’t stop watching. I’m fine. We wanted to make a stink. Did we know it was going to make this much of a stink? No. But if I had done this correctly, would I be talking to you right now? No. How many people are talking about a New Year’s special on the 4th? Carson Daly, Ryan Seacrest – no. They’re talking about me. Some people really go after you, and I don’t know where the hate comes from. Here’s what I say: I didn’t stab nobody, I didn’t shoot nobody. I just made a  New Year’s Eve special. Is that so bad?

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