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Cher... Special

Name: Cher... Special
Director: Art Fisher
Released: 1978
Duration: 60 min

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

1978

Director

Art Fisher

Runtime

60 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Cher's special stands out for its emphasis on female empowerment, showcasing the talents of Cher and Dolly Parton. The technical excellence of the show is recognized by Emmy awards. However, the special remains a product of its time, reflecting the demographic norms of 1970s television. While it includes moments of gender fluidity, it lacks racial and ethnic diversity. Ultimately, the special is a celebration of mainstream entertainment rather than a platform for social critique.

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Category Breakdown

Does Cher... Special have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

In a West Side Story medley, Cher challenges traditional gender roles by playing both male and female characters, which was uncommon for variety shows in 1978.

How does Cher... Special portray gender?

Good

The special emphasizes female empowerment, featuring Cher and Dolly Parton. Cher's performance of male roles subtly questions traditional gender norms and the need for male dominance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cher... Special?

Limited

The production reflects the homogeneous casting typical of mainstream 1978 ABC broadcasts. There is no evidence of significant racial or ethnic diversity among the primary cast or guest stars.

How does Cher... Special represent religion and culture?

Fair

The special focuses on mainstream Western pop culture and high-production glamour, celebrating celebrity status without addressing social issues or critiquing institutions.

Does Cher... Special include disability representation?

Minimal

The production does not include any characters or performers with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Cher's West Side Story medley showcases gender fluidity by playing both male and female roles.
The special highlights female empowerment through the presence of influential figures like Cher and Dolly Parton.
The show demonstrates high technical proficiency, earning Emmy recognition for lighting and art direction.

Limited or Absent

The show lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting the homogeneous standards of 1970s mainstream television.
The program prioritizes mainstream entertainment and celebrity glamour over meaningful social or cultural critique.
There is no representation of individuals with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Cher... Special is a television special starring American singer/actress Cher and featuring guest stars Dolly Parton and Rod Stewart. The show was broadcast on ABC on April 3, 1978 and was a ratings success for ABC, ranking among the Top 10 most watched programs of the week. The Special is best remembered for its first number where over fifteen minutes, Cher sings and dances to a medley of songs from the musical West Side Story, playing both male and female characters. In the fall of 1978, it was honored with a technical Emmy Award for "Best Achievement in Lighting Direction". It also received an Emmy nomination for "Best Art Direction for a Comedy-Variety or Musical Special" and Dolly Parton was also nominated for an Emmy in the category of "Best Supporting Actress in a Variety or Musical Special".

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