Victoria's Secret on CBS
America had never seen anything quite like this: models, wearing skimpy lingerie, strutting down the runway on primetime TV. When ABC ran the Victoria's Secret special last November, it created a firestorm of protest, especially from the National Organization for Women. So despite solid ratings, ABC passed on an encore.
In a surprise move, CBS, the network of "Touched by an Angel" and "60 Minutes," has decided to air the world's sexiest special. CBS president Les Moonves said in a statement:
"This is not your grandmother's CBS."
Michael Starr of the New York Post says CBS is willing to take the heat for the special, and the reason is not ratings. Last year's special attracted good, but not great numbers. Instead, CBS is looking to continue its image shakeup that began with hip, young shows like "Survivor" and "CSI." Starr says, "So by airing Victoria's Secret, they can sort of make yet another inroad into attracting younger viewers and hope to change people's perception of them as this old lady sitting in a rocking chair network, and more of a young hip, let's go get 'em network."
There's no word yet on whether the second special will be any tamer than the first. But last week, "Extra" got an exclusive look at the shoot for Victoria's Secret’s Christmas catalogue. And if this photo shoot is any indication, the new TV special is sure to spark another round of ratings and debate.
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