NBC’s Exciting Embrace of Celebrity Culture at Olympics

NBC’s Olympic love for celebrities is a bit cringe-worthy

After several days of sports in Paris, NBC’s coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics is not just about the athletes’ amazing performances, but has also been obsessed with celebrities. Tracy Brown and Greg Braxton from The Times recently discussed whether this focus on famous faces has been helpful for casual viewers or a distraction from the athletes’ incredible efforts.

Tracy Brown feels that the athletes have been impressive so far, with inspirational wins and emotional moments. She enjoys celebrating athletes who were previously unknown, like Stephen Nedoroscik and Ilona Maher. However, she has noticed that NBC is also trying to highlight the presence of celebrities at the games, such as Natalie Portman, Tom Cruise, Ariana Grande, and more. While some celebrities add value to the coverage, others seem out of place.

Greg Braxton shared Tracy’s sentiment, mentioning that some celebrity appearances felt forced and did not add much to the viewing experience. From Kelly Clarkson’s energetic hosting to Leslie Jones and Katie Ledecky’s awkward interaction, there were both highs and lows. The mix of celebrities in attendance, from Hollywood stars to sports enthusiasts, added an interesting dynamic to the games.

Their conversation delved into specific moments, such as Snoop Dogg receiving swim lessons from Michael Phelps, which turned out to be cringe-worthy. The coverage seemed to focus more on irrelevant events, creating a disconnect from the main action. The excessive interruptions and delays frustrated viewers who simply wanted to see the best athletes in the world compete.

In conclusion, while celebrity appearances can add excitement to the Olympics, there needs to be a balance to ensure that the focus remains on the athletes and their achievements. Authentic celebrity support, like Flavor Flav’s backing of the U.S. women’s water polo team, can enhance the viewing experience. Ultimately, the viewers shouldn’t have to pay the price for excessive celebrity coverage at the expense of the sports they love to watch.

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