Watch It's Showtime At The Apollo

It's Showtime at the Apollo is an American television show that features live performances and competitions from talented artists. The show first debuted in 1987 and was hosted by comedian and actor Steve Harvey, along with Kiki Shepard as the co-host. The show's success eventually led to various spinoffs such as Showtime in Harlem and Apollo Live.

Every episode of the show starts with a lively opening that gets the crowd excited and pumped up for the night's performances. The show often features multiple acts ranging from comedians, singers, dancers, and even magicians. The acts would compete for a chance to win the grand prize of $1,000 and the honor of performing in front of the renowned Apollo audience.

Throughout the show, the audience served as the ultimate judge. If an artist was unable to capture the audience's attention, they would be booed and forced off stage by the show's famous "Executioner" - a character who would come out and pull unsuccessful performers off stage with a hook. On the other hand, if the performers managed to wow the crowd, they would receive a standing ovation and a chance to return.

One of the notable features of the show was the "Amateur Night" segment. During Amateur Night, first-time performers could showcase their talents in front of the notoriously tough audience. The segment provided many aspiring artists with life-changing opportunities, as some of them went on to achieve high levels of success in their respective careers.

In addition to the performances, the show also had guest judges who would provide their thoughts and feedback on the performers' acts. Some of these guest judges included notable names such as James Brown, Isaac Hayes, and Luther Vandross.

As the show progressed, it became well-known for its comedic skits and segments. One of the most popular recurring sketches featured Steve Harvey as a character named "Brother Man from the fifth floor". Brother Man was a quirky and eccentric character that often shared surreal stories about his life, much to the audience's amusement.

The show's success was largely due to the performances of its talented host and co-host. Steve Harvey's humor, charisma, and energy were infectious, while Kiki Shepard brought a sense of glamour and elegance to the show, often wearing elaborate outfits and gowns. The two hosts had great chemistry on stage, and their banter added an extra layer of entertainment to the show.

In 1992, comedian Sinbad took over hosting duties from Steve Harvey. Sinbad's tenure as host saw the show continue to thrive, with many fans praising his laid-back and friendly approach.

Overall, It's Showtime at the Apollo stands as a landmark show in the history of television, showcasing some of the most exciting and memorable live performances in history. The show's legacy continues to live on today, with many aspiring performers still dreaming of gracing the Apollo stage.