JUMA Entertainment is known for feel-good programming like The Singing Bee, Pool Kings, and upcoming CBS specials Secret Celebrity Renovation (September 20) and The Greatest @Home Videos with host Cedric the Entertainer (seen at left, September 27). Bob Horowitz, founder and president of JUMA Entertainment, shares his thoughts on connecting with viewers.
How are the preferences of audiences shifting?
Viewers are increasingly seeking out shows that offer a mental break from the constant barrage of negative and stressful news. They’re gravitating toward content that reflects real-life experiences, evokes genuine emotion, and fosters a sense of community. Since the pandemic, the demand for uplifting and feel-good programming has become even more pronounced. Both of our CBS offerings, Greatest @Home Videos and Secret Celebrity Renovation, which launched in 2020, owe much of their success to this shift in audience preferences.
What are effective strategies for creating feel-good programming that engages audiences?
Creating feel-good shows requires a careful blend of authenticity, relatability, and creativity. As producers, our main goal is to tell stories that resonate deeply with viewers. For example, in our upcoming CBS episode of Secret Celebrity Renovation featuring baseball superstar Mookie Betts, we strive to connect with the audience by taking them on a heartfelt journey back to Mookie’s roots. This allows viewers to reflect on their own lives through the emotions Mookie experiences as he reconnects with his past.
While audiences may not directly relate to the fame and wealth of a celebrity, they can connect with the authentic relationships these individuals share with family, friends, and mentors. The bonds that Mookie revisits—whether it’s with his parents, a beloved coach, or childhood friends—are universal. These connections are what truly resonate with viewers, creating a deeper emotional engagement that makes the viewing experience not just enjoyable, but meaningful.
Another key element is consistency. Securing the Fridays at 8pm time slot for both of our feel-good shows has been crucial. After a long week, viewers know they can tune in for a reliable dose of laughter, smiles, and perhaps a tear or two. It’s a perfect recipe for successful feel-good TV.
What do you look for in hosts of feel-good programming?
Using Secret Celebrity Renovation as an example, since the series centers around celebrities returning home to surprise someone special from their past, we needed a host who could accompany them on this emotional journey and bring out the genuine emotions and stories involved. That personal connection is the heartbeat of the show, and Nischelle Turner was the perfect choice to guide these meaningful moments.
A successful feel-good host also needs to connect with the audience on a personal level, making viewers feel like they’re part of the experience. For example, with Cedric the Entertainer on Greatest @Home Videos, the set is designed to look like his living room. It’s important that viewers feel as though Cedric is genuinely inviting them into his home, and that the videos he’s curated for the night are ones he’s personally excited to share—just like you would with a friend, co-worker, or family member.
