YTT - Close your eyes little kiddies

Growing up in the 70's and 80's was an amazing time for being an Australian kid. I could play cricket with the cool kids and ride my BMX bike till at least 8. All this without the relative fear of being abducted or flashed at. With the exception of Mr Baldy our lives were fairly risk free. Why was this? Was it that we were sheltered from fear due to not having the Internet? I suggest that every Saturday night till 1988, the weird uncle we all had spent the majority of their time watching Young Talent Time, and the reruns on worn out VHS tapes. YTT was an amazing show, launching the careers of Dannii Minogue and Tina Arena and creating a family friendly Saturday night. Sure we have all seen the dodgy videos of Tina Arena in leather singing 'you cant stop the music' while gyrating suggestively to the camera. The question on most peoples lips is "Will it work again in 2012?"

Lets not forget that late 1988 Johnny young launched an American version of the show simply called "The New Generation" 13 half hour episodes were made and screened on network 10. It starred the senior members of YTT as well as some of the younger ones. All were known by their first names only( a la the mickey mouse club). It was a ratings disaster and was not renewed for a 2nd season. but back to the question at hand, Yes i do believe it will work. We are used to seeing kids entertain in "Glee" and "High school musical" but the original YTT kids still went to usual schools and were not protected by a more celebrity savvy public. Hey, my brother played cricket with original member Bevan Addinsal and although he bowled pretty badly, his release arm swing turn was a ballet teachers wet dream. Let us hope the kids are not too saccharine and the public can relate to them,

Part of the reason YTT was so successful was they seemed so accessible, the cast were always appearing at a Westfield near you. fan cards, lunch boxes and other memorabilia were always on sale, lets hope channel 10 go back to traditional promotions and creates a buzz with Young Talent time. Ratings will be massive for the opening show but with the right marketing will hopefully maintain a strong continued audience.

While i love the promotional ad channel 10 are playing, the current one with newest team member Tyler Wilford singing leaves a lot to be desired. His singing makes the Normie Rowe and Curtis stone Coles commercial sound like caramel down Susan Boyle's sexy tonsils.

Former Australian Idol contestant Rob 'Millsy' Mills is an inspired choice as host, he appears to be a descent and likable guy. The big question being asked is whether Rob will close the show with traditional swan song "All my loving", my prediction is yes and it will feel less creepy than a late 40's guy singing it surrounded by kids wearing pastels, but hey hasn't the world changed in 25 years.

It may even keep the streets a little safer for another 25 years

Young Talent time starts Sunday January 22nd on Channel 10 at 6.30 pm