'AL'S OPEN HOUSE"

Pictured above...This outstanding staff, crew and cast who were the team that put their 'all' into the pilot "Al's Open House".. it was an hour long venture that featured Al Roker in all kinds of fun situations, including looking for a 'Taper' at the zoo.  The gag was of course nobody knew what a Taper was and we had a fun reveal at the end of the segment.
Our set was a replica of a 'home' living room (above), hallway,  kitchen, etc. and guests would ring the bell and come in and out of the doors, etc. This was back in  1988... a technique that was not common then. Our primary  Director Steve Grymes, Al and I  (serving as EP & Producer on this one).. broke all the talk/variety show production rules. 
NBC O&O's did not pick up the show.. but we all know the success that Al has had (and is having) in the news and talk show genre among other genres like movies (Hallmark), web series and Broadway!  It was a delight working with him and this WNBC-TV team!  Thanks Michael Drucker (pictured seated behind me) for saving and sending me this picture!