Take Part Live

Take Part Live was an innovative late-night talk show that premiered on Pivot, a digital and television network launched by Participant Media, in August 2013. The show was designed with a primary objective to ignite, encourage, and enable a culture of social action among millennials. More than just traditional entertainment, it sought to make a substantial socio-political impact, aimed at sparking conversations about the most pressing global issues and persuading young viewers to get involved and make a difference.

Hosted by Meghan McCain, Jacob Soboroff, and Eddie Huang initially, the panel was known for its lively discussions. Meghan McCain, a columnist for The Daily Beast and daughter of Senator John McCain, brought a political nuance to the show. Soboroff, a social justice advocate and correspondent, brought his wealth of knowledge and action-oriented perspective. Eddie Huang, a cultivated writer, chef, and entrepreneur, delivered a unique outlook on matters addressed on the show. Later in the series, Huang was replaced by the brilliant Cara Santa Maria - a notable science communicator, journalist, producer, television host, and podcaster.

Take Part Live wasn’t your typical late-night talk show, it strived to break the mold by integrating elements of traditional talk shows with interactive features for live audience participation. It offered daily news, pop culture anecdotes, interviews with newsmakers and celebrities, and topical discussions. It stood apart from its counterparts because it not only reported on the news or provided commentary, it went a step further by connecting audiences with ways to take action on the issues that mattered to them. The show acted as a platform for fostering civic participation by teaming up with thousands of non-profit organizations around the world.

The format was somewhat unconventional, evolving from the traditional talk show format. The live element had great relevance, as the audience was not only watching the show but participating in it. Each episode consisted of hot topic debates, segment 'What’s Trending', bits called 'The Daily Fix', interviews with guests, and commitments to social actions. They didn't shy away from controversial topics either, as they tackled everything from politics, environmental issues, to media criticism, diversity and representation issues, poverty, education, women’s rights, mental health, and beyond.

The show did not run for long and was confronted with the obstacles of lackluster ratings and shifts in Pivot's programming direction, leading to its cancellation in 2014. However, despite its short-lived run, Take Part Live was significant in the landscape of entertainment television because of its unusual approach to viewer interactivity as well as its commitment to social advocacy. Cancellation aside, the show had an enormous heart, and that energy was infectious for many.

To facilitate the social action component, the show was partnered with TakePart.com, a digital news & lifestyle magazine and social action platform for the conscious consumer. Thus, the engagement did not end when the television was turned off. This integration provided the series with an avenue to operate as a year-round activism platform, offering viewers daily opportunities to connect, learn, and take action. In essence, the show served as a powerful example of the potential of television to bring about transformative societal change.

From the smart appropriation of social media to the show's consistent emphasis on audience engagement; from the insightful, touching and often challenging conversations sparked by its hosts, to its targeted engagement with non-profit organizations, Take Part Live did something rarely seen on television—it tried to make a difference.

Take Part Live was fresh, articulate, and fearless. It masterfully blurred the lines of television and activism, serving as a brilliant example of media as a platform for societal betterment. Its earnest attempt to motivate a generation into action is a worthy endeavor, one that will be fondly remembered by viewers touched by its dynamic spirit and tenacious appetite for change. Its distinct perspective on late-night viewing made a lasting impression on a demographic that seeks substance along with entertainment.