Behind the scenes of the MARTHA season five premiere
As many of you know, last Monday was the first show of the fifth season of MARTHA and I want to thank you all for watching. I know how much you like viewing behind-the-scenes, so here's a blog about that. Please enjoy these photos and let me know what you think of this new season. And, by the way, Francesca and Sharkey have also blogged about this same topic on The Daily Wag.
1 Driving to the television studio along the West Side Highway, you pass by many billboards, including one with me on it!
2 Andrea Mason - garden expert/stylist - giving these beautiful ferns a little misting before the show. Andrea keeps all the plants in the TV greenhouse in really good shape.
3 Jackie Blais - audience supervisor - on the move. You may recall her segment last spring when she taught us how to dye Easter eggs using old silk ties.
4 One of the studio teleprompters - I try to follow it, but I also like to speak to the audience directly.
5 The color bars and show stamp - Look at that! Season 5 - Show 1 - We're off and running!
6 Nikki Elkins - TV Chef and Stylist - busy at the prep kitchen computer entering recipes onto my Web site.
7 Nora Singley - TV Chef - prepping 'Everything but the Kitchen Sink' cookies. The recipe is on my Web site.
8 A scene from the control room with only minutes to air time - This is such an intense place.
9 Very colorful heirloom tomatoes and a very colorful audience
10 Anduin Haven - Art Director TV - she's been very busy coming up with great craft ideas for the show.
11 Peter Killeen - Supervising Producer - he looks very relaxed after the summer hiatus.
12 The art Department busy at work - this area of the studio is always so much fun. You may recognize the duck project from yesterday's show.
13 A very cordial audience as I enter for the first show of the season
14 Lights, camera, action!
15 Joey Meade - Stage Manager - excited for the new season
16 After my fun and busy summer, it was a great feeling to be back on set. Sharkey thought so, too.
17 This is my friend, Jim Klinko, from Furniture on Consignment in Westport, CT. www.fine2consign.com Jim comes to the first show of every season and Francesca remembered him.
18 This is called the show rundown. Each segment is carefully timed, but sometimes, things don't go according to plan.
19 A camera-mounted teleprompter - as you can see, I am introducing celebrated Chef Daniel Humm, although his name appears as Hoomm, for correct pronunciation.
20 Joey Kola - my warm up artist - he's as energetic as he was on day one, season one.
21 The audience always goes nuts when Joey hands out the give-aways.
22 Of course, my freshly laid eggs from the chickens.
23 Chef Humm and me after his segment. This chicken is to die for. Unfortunately, we ran out of time while he was demonstrating his delicious beet salad.
24 After the show is over, I try my best to fit in a little question and answer session with the audience.
25 SVP, supervising editorial producer - Lisa Wagner, Sharkey, and Supervising Producer - Christina Deyo
Photos By Eliad Laskin
As your show isn't shown in the UK, I watch it from your website at lunchtime. I can't wait to see the premiere. I'm still checking (all the time) for tickets for December when mum and I are in New York - I hope I get them!
Good luck for the new season.
Pru
Posted by: Pru | September 16th, 2009 at 3:39 am
I loved these behind-the-scenes pictures! The filming of the show looks fun! Wish I could some day visit the show as audience. Im also excited about the new season! but Im also bummed because I live in Finland and have no change of viewing it besides online from my computer screen and the picture is so Small
Posted by: Maija | September 16th, 2009 at 4:42 am
Hello from Cairns Australia, Martha. Congratulations on your 5th season return. I watch your show every day and always get something out of it. Today I loved the tour of your home in Maine. It was fantastic when you showed us the laundry cupboards and those *amazing* antique tablecloths. I also was fascinated by the great care taken with the maintenance of the house and the garden according to the season.
Thank you for the behind the scenes pictures too.
Here's to a great new season!
Posted by: Kathryn Laughton | September 16th, 2009 at 5:04 am
Oh, if only I did not work so darn early and miss the original episodes. But I do catch them in the summer when I am off. Best of Luck and also excited about your teaming up with Home Depot. Can't wait to see the products!!
Posted by: Cathy | September 16th, 2009 at 5:14 am
Hi Martha,
I'm so excited that your new season has begun. I'm always inspired by you! Best wishes for a lovely tv season.
Posted by: Lynn from For Love or Funny | September 16th, 2009 at 6:06 am
Martha, the first show of the new season was a delight, even more so for the peak into your very private world of Skylands. Marvellous fridges! The faux bois furniture was exquisite also. Rather a difficult thing to purchase in Australia I'm afraid. I do hope I can visit one of your shows when we travel through New England in the fall of 2010,finishing up in New York for 2 weeks. I was very excited to see you're planning to highlight gorgeous places to visit in Maine on the show and in the magazine. I'll take thorough notes! Thank you.
Posted by: Ingrid, Melbourne, Australia | September 16th, 2009 at 6:35 am
It's neat to have a peak behind the scenes. I would love to see a Martha show one day if I'm ever in town. Maybe for the big 3-0
Posted by: Kari | September 16th, 2009 at 7:27 am
what tickles me on this week's martha is that while francesca always faces the audience/camera, & might even go for a slight wander, sharkey keeps her back to the camera but her ears state clearly she is listening to all.
Posted by: jonquil | September 16th, 2009 at 7:34 am
Love the behind the scenes shots. I'd like to see what your typical day looks like. You are such an inspiration! Keep up the fabulous work.
Posted by: Cheryl | September 16th, 2009 at 8:01 am
So glad you're back. The first two shows were great. Really enjoyed the blogs of your travels over the summer.
Posted by: Sandy | September 16th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Hi Martha,
I can see there is a lot of work involved with putting a show together but you and your staff make it all look so easy. I keep talking about going to New York and seeing it live so I guess I better hop to it. Hopefully things will come together for me this season.
**
I always enjoy seeing the behind the scenes photos. I think the audience members are going to love #13 and #21 - you got quite a few of them in those shots.
**
The Daily Wag was especially funny today! Sharkey and Franny are quite the little divas and they just make me smile with their comments and poses. How funny to see Sharkey on his Barkberry!
**
I know it’s going to be a great season Martha – like it always is. You are the best! Trish
Posted by: Trish | September 16th, 2009 at 10:23 am
...I had wondered if Joey (Kola) was still your warm-up artiste , as it was quiet from his section the first two days. It IS fun seeing what goes on behind-the-scenes. It's good to see everyone again, just as if we're all family!
~
The Skylands tour on Monday was just wonderful and helped me to actually comprehend the vastness of that property! The grounds and vista views, too, were just captivating, and I just LOVED how you discovered those three pond sites - researching them and 'renovating' them, so to speak. What I r-e-a-l-l-y sensed there at Skylands, too, was nostalgia, with the Ford family being somewhat in the midst. In essence, YOU have become the new caretaker of their property and are now responsible for the stewardship of perpetuity (you're the right person for the job! [giggle] )
~
I enjoyed yesterday's DIY show, too...it was neat to have your very own plumber and electrician on the show, along with Dominick. I'll tell ya'...they're the 'nuts-n-bolts' to having a property running smoothly! To me, the show invoked a family atmosphere, and that, of course, resonated within. I'm excited, too, for your new partnership with The Home Depot!
~
A bittersweet feeling I've experienced as Season 5 begins, is that I no longer have my little Edgar =^..^= to keep my lap warm as we would tirelessly and faithfully view your show each evening. He would send you many mrrrows, if you remember, and he sent love and many wishes throughout last season to have a mrrrowy day... He passed away in late July. I miss my little old boy. As we all know, in life, a little rain must fall.
~
Now tonite (watching the 'recorded version'), I'll be anxious to see what you have in store for us today.
~
Welcome back, my Martha.
=^..^=
~
"The Lord has turned all our sunsets into sunrise."--Clement of Alexandria
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | September 16th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Martha,
I am glad that you are back. However, the affiliates here,Southwest Florida, have decided to ut you on at 4:00am only. So unless I am up cannot see your show. Very disheartenig
Posted by: Carla Michaud | September 16th, 2009 at 10:40 am
I have watched you religiously since the begining.. And turned the TV on Monday with NO MARTHA!!! I live in Lehigh Acres a sub of Ft. Myers, Florida and have watched you on channel 26 WZVN a CBS affillate. Whre are you now and what time!! I can't find you . Dr. Phil is in your spot..:-( Thanks Judy D.
Posted by: Judith Davis | September 16th, 2009 at 11:01 am
I love seeing the new season. I have to DVR it, but this way I can watch any show several times! I quote Martha at work while I do cooking demo classes for Williams-Sonoma. I am a retired teacher in a new career-cooking!
Posted by: Susan Saxon | September 16th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Dear Martha: I live in Union City, GA (Atlanta). I previously viewed your show at 2:00 PM/EST on WXIA-TV / 11Alive. Your show is now broadcast on this same station, but at (Martha Stewart: Weekdays - 3:35 A.M.!!!! on 11Alive). I am devastated! I have written this station to let them know how upset I am about this. Just think, at such a time when bad manners and poor behavior is apparently at an all-time high, The Martha Stewart Show (in my viewing area) is shown at such an abominable viewing hour!
Posted by: Val McKay | September 16th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Your show isn't airing in my market anymore, I've written all the local television stations in disdain that they failed to pick up Martha Stewart but I still try to watch clips on the website, I am so dedicated to watching my Martha show!
Posted by: Mary | September 16th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Finally the new season begins! Sometimes I don't get to catch all the show, because it airs at 8:00 am here in Houston. If I get the dogs walked and get my run in early enough I can watch you!
Posted by: gloria beck | September 16th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Guys, some fans and I are trying very hard to get MARTHA back on proper times in all television markets - please follow us at twitter.com/MarthaStewartTV - her syndicated show doesn't air at all anymore in many major markets or has been pushed into the overnight hours.
Posted by: M. | September 16th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Congratulation on the new season~ Can't wait to see what is in store for all of your fans!
Susannah
Posted by: Susannah @ Art Nest | September 16th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Hi Martha,
I can't even begin to tell how much I love your work. You are a true inspiration to all.
Posted by: Eliza Arevalo | September 16th, 2009 at 11:48 am
I was also wondering why you haven't spoken to Joey, ask about his hiatus, etc. I enjoy him (and the show, of course).
Posted by: Mary Rusche | September 16th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Martha, where are you? I just got out of the hosp & maybe missed announcements of time/station changes. I watched you on ABC out of Nashville TN @ 1100 a.m. central time. How can I find you?
Posted by: barbara spickerman | September 16th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Awwww, in that last picture it looks like Sharkey is smiling! How cute!
Posted by: Alyzabeth | September 16th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I can't believe that I am missing premiere week! No show anymore up here in Canada, I am not happy with the CBC.
I am trying to find where you are broadcasted on other channels through my satellite provider but to no avail. Very sad, you're the reason I get up in the morning. It is a great start to the day!
Posted by: Donna | September 16th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Hey Martha, I live in the Atlanta viewing area and was stunned to find that your new season shows are shown at 3:35 a.m.! I guess I'll be recording for later viewing. I really enjoy your show. Love your crafts and appreciate how much of your life you share with us. I especially enjoy all your animals. They are wonderful. We are personally owned by a cockapoo who is 15 years old and a rescue peke/pug who we don't have any idea how old she is but she is a lovey. We are also grandparents to a 22 lb. Maine Coon cat named Payton who is too smart for his own good! Thanks for your hard work and your show is a joy to watch. Also follow you on Twitter and read your blog. Keep up the good work!!!
Posted by: Judy Spinks | September 16th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Oops, sorry I said 'his Barkberry' when referring to Sharkey. I know very well that both Sharkey and Franny are little girls! Forgive me Sharkey! Trish
Posted by: Trish | September 16th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
loved the show -- loved the tour of skylands (please do more). will have to make the popovers too. loved francesca and sharky (they are just wonderful).
just want to thank you because i've always learned something new from you - thanks!!!
p.s. would like to learn more about the chickens and how we might do this at home
Posted by: elisa | September 16th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Hi Martha...I was wondering if you knew that Canadians cannot view your show this season?? Our national network, CBC, used to run it and we've heard rumours the FineLiving.com not FineLiving.ca is showing it on the weekends. Sadly, we only get the FLN.ca here. You have a substantial fan base in Canada, often invite Canadian guests on the show and you vist Canada. Is there anything you can do or suggest so that your many Canadian fans can see the show??? We thanks you so much for any help or suggestion.
Posted by: Leanne | September 16th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
What a nice glimpse into the show. We cancelled our cable a while back when we started saving for/building our country home Birch Hill. I must admit your show is one of the only things I truly miss on television. I am keeping up with the blog and the magazine but it's not the same as a cup off coffee and the Martha show!
I have also finally posted some new photos of Birch Hill now that we are getting settled. http://www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com
Posted by: kerry | September 16th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
hi Martha, I was sooooo disappointed to turn my tv on at 10 am to abc here in southwest florida, port charlotte to be specific )naples, fort myers, sarasota viewing area and find that you were not on anymore! Watching your show was my "me time" and to get inspired, my son and even 5 month old enjoy your show and we want it back!! Please tell us, does your show reair on another cable tv show, dr. phil is now on, like him sure, a nice guy, but is he going to tell me how to make lovely decor for fall, no, will he dress up in an amazing costume for halloween and inspire me to do the same, probably not, help! We need Martha back in southwest florida!
Posted by: samantha | September 16th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Hi Martha, I've been watching your shows every day for over 15 years.....now nothing. I am unable to find an Ontario channel that has picked up your wonderful show. Not so good for your Canadians fans! We miss you.
Posted by: Bev | September 16th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I love the behind the scenes look! Thanks:-) Can't wait for your Halloween Special! YAY!
Posted by: Amy @ Living Locurto | September 16th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I love the behind the scenes look! Thanks:-) Can't wait for your Halloween Special! YAY! I hear you have a social media show coming up. Can't wait for that either!! I have some Twitter & blog friends who were invited. I'm so jealous.
Posted by: Amy @ Living Locurto | September 16th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
WHY did the Martha Stewart Show get bumped from the 2pm time slot by the Rachel Ray Show?!?!?!?!? This is terrible. In Atlanta Martha is now at 3:30AM!!!! The Martha Show is much more informative and enjoyable than Rachel. Wow what happen?
Dissappointed in Atlanta
Posted by: Gerri | September 16th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Martha 1st Congrats on the season, 2nd to you look at that billboard everyday? Reason I asked is because remember the little studio in CT. Love your growth as a business woman. I'm so excited for your products to be in Home Depot! More exposure! I have 1 Kmart near me and it's 20 miles away. Once again congrats on your continued success. Happy September.
Posted by: kristin svens | September 16th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
HI CANADA ---
.
.
I watch MARTHA on Fox channel 283 10 o'clock a.m.
That's in Ontario thru Bell Sympatico I'm in Huntsville - Muskoka. I think CTV is involved.
.
.
If I couldn't get her I'm sure I'd move to New York!!!
Posted by: celia stock | September 16th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Martha, thanks for these great behind the scenes snapshots! As a guest last year during your blogging season premiere I love getting to see the new season and all the amazing people. Your staff is really phenomenal.
Please tell Greta that I said hello!
Posted by: matt | September 16th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Soooo very disappointed that we can't view the show here in Vancouver, BC. Honestly, how very bad is that? I am about to stage a protest with whoever decided that airing Martha here was not a 'good thing'. It should be unconstitional to deny us.
Posted by: sherey | September 16th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Awesome Martha....
I can't wait to make those popovers...haven't had one in years...first one i eer had was at Anthony's Pier One in Boston...
Your hair looks very pretty love the highlights
Thanks you for having Dr. Weil on...he is wonderful. I started taking turmeric because of him. You mentioned that you take one med...would you share that or is that too personal....and sorry if it is !!!
Oh I am SOOO happy you're back...
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy :) | September 16th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Hi Martha, These fantastic photos make it really seem like I am right there in the studio with the audience watching your wonderful TV show. I can almost hear Joey warming up the audience. I love all of your wonderful crew and they really do a phenomenal job of producing this BEST SHOW ON TV! Hopefully someday I will be in the audience and that will be the best thing that ever happened to me!! Your shows this season are superb and I can hardly wait to see each one. Sure wish FLN would show the replays like they did last year. They are only showing the replays on the weekends starting at 4AM here in the Seattle area. Guess I'll have to move to the east coast so I can watch the replays at 7AM. Loved the 'Squawk Box' and U TUBE videos and will look up the Neal Cavuto one. Great show again today. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | September 16th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Hi Martha, Glad your back. Love watching your shows,look forward to seeing them every day....Loved the show with Dominic Arena on it..Oh by the way, when you see him ask him to call me!!!
Posted by: amber bartlett | September 17th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I'm really excited that Martha is back! We lost our affiliate here in the Pittsburgh area midway through last season, but thankfully WPGH has picked up the show. The unfortunate part is that it's on at 5AM.
What makes me rather sad is the fact that these channels are the same channels that show awful programs like The Jerry Springer Show, Tyra and Maury Povich in prime afternoon spots, while relegating Martha to times when 99% of people are asleep.
No wonder our society has become so debased, when you have to search to find the show that never fails to educate and uplift each and every day, whereas programs that degrade and humiliate people are everywhere and one must make the effort just to avoid them.
Martha, keep up your GREAT work because there are millions of us who appreciate your efforts and the positive impact they have on people's lives.
Posted by: Paul | September 17th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
I am sooooo in withdrawl. I live in Ontario and I can't seem to get the show. I am trying with a digital box to see it on the fine living network but if I'm not home when it's on, I miss it. I haven't seen one show yet this season and it's really, really hard! I guess I'll have to break down and get a PVR or wait for the summer. You lucky folks that have watched all this week! I do envy you!
Posted by: Judy | September 17th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Hello Martha
I am sooooo upset...they have cut your show in ATLANTA! Are they serious. I can't afford DVR right now. Please please tell us what we can do to get you back.
I was so looking forward to the new season and I was flicking the channels like a crazy woman trying to find you. They have moved you to 3am. Don't they know we love you in Atlanta.
Please advice us fans what to do.
Congrats on the new season.
Posted by: Lacarms | September 18th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Martha--you look fantastic--whatever you did over the summer was "a good thing"--just yoga?--I'm sure you were very careful about what you ate as well.
I do remember Jim Klinko from Westport consignment shop--you did a segment with him several years back--love that story.
Thanks to your blog posting about the road trip this summer--hubby & I got to Hallowell. We ate at Slates--yummy & friendly spot. Bought 2 linen "head" towels at Brahms Mount Textiles--their textiles are simplly fabulous.
Just got home from our annual road trip from WNY to the New England states--glad I DVRed your new season--catching up with you this weekend.
Have a great new season.
Catherine Kurczynski
Posted by: Cathybytheriver | September 19th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
I live in the Atlanta viewing area and everyday this week I've tried to find the Martha Stewart Show on TV with no success. The show is no longer on channel 11 at 2 p.m. Tonight I thought I'd check "The Martha Blog" to see if anyone else has mentioned disappointment over the airing time change, and they have. I now find out that the show is being aired at 3:35 a.m. How crazy is that! I watch very little TV as most of it is junk, no evening TV for me. I only watch two shows during the afternoon the Martha Stewart Show for one. I find the show very informative, I've made many of the recipes, the gardening tips have been helpful, and so forth. I am devastated that I can no longer watch the show. I also enjoy The Martha Blog, love viewing the photos, your farm looks amazing. I hope to attend a taping of your show one day to see you in person (it's nice to dream). Good health and much happiness to you Martha.
Posted by: Christine | September 20th, 2009 at 12:53 am
HI Martha! I Love the behind the scenes. I now see you are human just like me!! You make it look sooooooo easy. I get so many great ideas from your show and magazines!! You really are an inspiration to all of us. I now know how you stay so beautiful and young looking. I read in you magazine,Body + Soul, on page 92 that you don't diet, eat healthy organic foods and exercise regularly! You go girl!!! Glad to know you love your coffee as much as I do!, Love that you have a home in Maine. I would love to see it some day and enjoy Lobster with you!!!
Posted by: Carolyn Pratt | September 20th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
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Lovin' it !!
.
Brings back the old days, student writing and set playing at WBZ-TV in Boston!
Do you know Sharon King (Hoge)? She went from the Sharon King show and consumer reporter there, on to Conde Nast and now has her own magazine. You must know......Verdant.
.
Weims and AJS
.
Posted by: http://andyjspencer.blogspot.com/ | September 22nd, 2009 at 8:50 am
Hi Martha: I have been going crazy searching for your show on my satellite guide. I finally got onto this site and realize how many people, like myself are not only disappointed but disgusted as well that your show should be relegated to the middle of the night when so much garbage is on in prime time...things that you have to turn the television off because you would not want your children to see. I am 77 years old and have watched your show for years. I remember the first show I ever saw, you were showing how to glaze a window and set it into your garden shed. I was so impressed that a woman could do such a thing that I have been a huge fan ever since. I do so wish that the powers that be would realize how much you are loved by women everywhere. You are so very special!
Posted by: Joan Edwards | September 23rd, 2009 at 3:27 am
amazing..congratulations martha i love your show it's the best .. can't wait to see it but you know they take a while to play it here in egypt !! until they do wish you all the best and keep up the good work
Posted by: sheero lc | September 24th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
I am very disappointed that Martha is not being shown here in Canada. CBC advertised that the new show would be starting Sept. 14th and I could hardly wait for it to begin. I have been searching in vain for it. That was the only daytime show I watched. Hated to miss it! How can we get it back on as I know that I am not the only one who is disappointed? I am going to find out who to contact to get this show back on the air in Canada. We miss you, Martha!
Posted by: Gayden MacCallum | September 24th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Martha My two best friends from high school and I will be in New York on Wednesday November 18, 2009(we will be celebrating our 50 year high school class reunion in May 2010). Would it be possible to get tickets to come and see our idol?
Posted by: Judy Rassenfoss | September 27th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Martha, I would like to see more crafts on your websight, that are not so difficult, or pricey. I love to do any kinds of crafts, as long as they don't cost alot of money. Your pumpkins that you have are a little extravagant, and time consuming. I need ideas that are less expensive and less time consuming. I guess I like things simple, cheap, and don't take alot of time. Can you help me? I don't mean just for halloween.
Posted by: Laura Stewart | October 9th, 2009 at 12:18 am
Dear Martha, My family and I miss you on TV. Please remember your Canadian fans and we hope you are back soon. Take care of your very special self, Susan
We especially loved re-visiting segments with your amazing Mom! Also both our Marmalade Tuxedo Cat Tigger Travelyn and our Parson Russell Terrier Mickey love to watch you too.
Posted by: Susan Nova | October 11th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
I am also a Canadian fan that misses you dearly, although you are on bright and early on my satellite... thank goodness for PVR
I especially enjoyed your tour of Skylands, it felt incredibly special even on TV. It is very obvious you have a special place in your heart for this amazing property, thanks for the tour
Posted by: Rebecca | October 21st, 2009 at 4:44 pm