NEW YORK (AP) – “Fashion Police” isn’t working, isn’t funny and isn’t condoned (at least, by some) for one simple reason: Joan Rivers isn’t there.
Rivers was the host in whose time-honored image “Fashion Police” was forged. Until her death at age 81 last summer, she made it required viewing for anyone looking to keep up with celebrities’ kooky couture while the accompanying potshots took those stars down a peg.
As host, Rivers was resolutely who she was throughout her long career: fearless, unapologetic and hilarious. She dished it out – and she took it. And her panel of “Joan Rangers” followed her lead.
With her death came the inevitable question: Could “Fashion Police” continue in her absence?
In January, E! Entertainment brought it back as a series of specials with Kathy Griffin as the new host, joined by the returning Kelly Osbourne and Giuliana Rancic, with Brad Goreski replacing George Kotsiopoulos, and Melissa Rivers, Joan’s daughter, remaining its executive producer.