“Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2011″, Airing Wednesday, December 14, 9:30 – 11:00 PM on ABC
Email“Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2011″ will air as a 90 minute ABC News special highlighting some of the year’s most prominent names in entertainment, sports and popular culture on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 (9:30-11:00 pm, ET), on the ABC Television Network.
Hosted by Barbara Walters, the special includes: American Reality Royalty the Kardashian family, the always provocative Simon Cowell, breakout stars from television’s hit comedy “Modern Family” Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet, MLB star and New York Yankees Captain Derek Jeter, American business tycoon/author/television personality Donald Trump, pop singing sensation Katy Perry, and quite possibly the most famous sister in the world — Pippa Middleton. The Number One Most Fascinating Person of 2011 will be announced on the program.
Now in its 19th season, “Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People” has consistently been one of the highest rated specials of the year.
“Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2011″ is executive produced by Barbara Walters and Bill Geddie. Bill Geddie also directs the program.
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American Reality Royalty the Kardashian family
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You’ve got to be freaking kidding me. What an utter abomination. Barbara Walters’ reputation takes a hit with this one. The Kardashian’s as “royalty”?!? Pathetic. Disgusting. There’s not ONE THING that’s remotely fascinating about this trainwreck of a family. If I may correct the text of your story: the Kardashian’s are “American Reality TRASH”. ABC – what an unfortunate choice for you to make, nothing on earth could possibly make me watch this farce.
Posted by: Madtown | November 30, 2011, 3:01 pm 3:01 pm
Not one of these people is even interesting, let alone fascinating.
Posted by: Keith | November 30, 2011, 6:22 pm 6:22 pm
Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Irrelevant People of 2011!
Posted by: terribletink | November 30, 2011, 6:33 pm 6:33 pm
Seriously, could this list be any more insipid? “Let them watch E!” is the new let them eat cake.
Posted by: AP | November 30, 2011, 7:02 pm 7:02 pm
Derek Jeter is definitely fascinating- not sure about the rest of them!
Posted by: Erinn Tucker | November 30, 2011, 7:14 pm 7:14 pm
Wow, it must have been a slow news year — I mean, it couldn’t have been a year of major social upheavals and revolutions; and it couldn’t have been a year of major political and economic crises in the US, Europe and elsewhere; and it couldn’t have been a year with the emergence of a potentially major new social movement in Occupy Wall Street and the solidification of influence and power by another major new social movement in the Tea Party.
Nope, nothing important could have possibly happened in a year that includes the Kardasians, Trump and Jeter (who’s great, but that’s not the point) as the most fascinating people.
Really boggles the mind…
Posted by: James D. | November 30, 2011, 8:14 pm 8:14 pm
My dogs have left piles in the yard that are more fascinating than the Kardashians.
Posted by: Shawn | December 1, 2011, 12:36 am 12:36 am
What a snoozefest. The Kardashians are selfish, greedy people who have contributed nothing to our Society except helping dumb it down even more.
Pippa is the boring, unattractive sister of the Royals most AMERICANS di not care about.
Katy Perry is a talentless hack, who is famous because she has big boobs. It certainly is not because of her music.
Posted by: Clarence Beeks | December 1, 2011, 12:46 am 12:46 am
What a useless bunch of D-list tabloid cover-hogs.
Posted by: Dr. Rang | December 1, 2011, 8:43 am 8:43 am
Dear Barbara,
I think it is time to retire. Your fascination with the most banal of people is absolutely despicable. i know you have always like celebrities, but this is just too much.
You perpetuate the myth that people who have money and get noticed are important. Nothing is further from the truth.
Why not do something like write about the ten most fascinating people that no one has heard of. There are so many great people doing amazing things, who are rather ordinary. And if you want to stick to celebrities, how about those that really put their money to good use, like Angeline and Brad, or Bill Gates.
Why would any legitimate journalist want to further sensationalize people who do nothing worthwhile, say nothing worthwhile, and are utterly consumed with their own egos. Shame on you!
Posted by: ron slack | December 1, 2011, 2:39 pm 2:39 pm
These people are rubbish, and now of course Barbara Walters has shown again how out of touch with reality she is. The Kardashians ARE NOT fascinating, they are idiots! I will be boycotting Barbara’s petty little show.
Posted by: Sue | December 1, 2011, 5:35 pm 5:35 pm
Im very dissapointed in Barbara Walters for her choices. I have lost all respect for her. Here’s an idea how about chose people who actually make a difference in this world! People that actually do good and are worth watching.
Posted by: Gabby | December 1, 2011, 7:01 pm 7:01 pm
How is Demi Lovato not on here? After all she went through last year, the huge comback she made this year, and the even huger inspiration she’s become to millions, she belongs on this list unlike… basically everyone on it. Hell, Rebecca Black is more fascinating than these people! This list is terrible. Hopefully, Barbara Walters will see that NO ONE agrees with this list and make adjustments (although, that is not likely to happen at all).
Posted by: Lauren | December 1, 2011, 8:11 pm 8:11 pm
I think Walters and Geddie are on drugs, Geritol maybe. My grandson at 4 years old is infinitely more fascinating.
Posted by: Judith | December 1, 2011, 10:04 pm 10:04 pm
So very sad to say this will be the first “10 Most Fascinating People” special I will boycott.
I have always looked forward to this end-of-the-year treat, but the thought of such
a formerly prestigious broadcast spotlighting the infamous Kardashian Klan is perplexing
and disappointing. Barbara and Bill, I thought you had more respect for your audience.
There are so many other personalities you could have featured who represent the best
in our society not only for being famous, but for being individuals of substance. I can only
hope that Snooki won’t be at the top of the list.
Posted by: C Garcia | December 2, 2011, 12:22 am 12:22 am
I am dumber for having read this. The only thing fascinating is that BWs and the shows producers can let that title apply here. You all have the integrity of snails. What happened?
Posted by: Captain Fun | December 2, 2011, 1:17 am 1:17 am
I do not care to see the Kardashians. Just because the one brother did well on Dancing with the Stars, there is no reason to get carried away.
Haven’t we all seen enough interviews with Trump?
Overall, not a great list… either a weak choice or the person has been very frequently interviewed or both.. there may be a couple of interesting people. Maybe the show should be renamed: a couple of interesting people and several others who were willing to talk to Walters.
Posted by: will not watch | December 2, 2011, 2:06 am 2:06 am
The Kardashian clan? What an embarrassment to the American point of view and lifestyle. Spend 10 million on a fake wedding, register for over the top gifts while people are suffering this holiday season with no jobs and housing. PATHETIC.
How are Simon Cowell, Donald Trump, Katy Perry or Pippa Middleton fascinating?
The most ridiculous list I’ve sen so far this year. I will not be watching
Posted by: Annie | December 2, 2011, 12:53 pm 12:53 pm
Gabrielle Gifford- overcame the worst obstacle
Tim Tebow- Controversy, but stands up for his religious views…
Demi Lavto- Mental Illness awareness fro young teens
Harry Potter Trio- End of an era, cast grew up nicely w/ no drugs or rehab
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge- The “it” couple of 2011
Adele- Talented Grammy winner faces vocal chord surgery
Ryan Gosling- Dude was in like 6 or 7 movies this year (2 could be Oscar Nominees)
Natalie Portman- New Oscar winner and mother
Peter Vesterbacka- Come on. This was the year of the Angry Birds
Sara Burton for Alexander McQueen- Designed the most famous dress of 2011
Just an example of a few who are a lot more fascinating than Trump, Cowell or the trashy Kardashians!
Posted by: Sara | December 2, 2011, 1:21 pm 1:21 pm
Hey Barbara. Tell Kim Kardashian to give the money she was paid for her fake wedding to cancer research. $17 million would certainly get us closer to finding cures for some of these cancers. She doesn’t need it and it certainly wasn’t earned.
Posted by: brea | December 3, 2011, 6:57 am 6:57 am
Baba Wawa is back! What and assinating list.
Posted by: simon | December 3, 2011, 9:26 am 9:26 am
People, people, people…..this is all about ratings…..PERIOD!!!
Posted by: Miranda | December 3, 2011, 9:37 am 9:37 am
Daniel Craig said it all !!!!
Posted by: trish | December 3, 2011, 10:10 am 10:10 am
This is really disgraceful. These dolts are found interesting by Ms. Walters ? How low can a culture sink to praise these characters ? No scientists ? How about an economist who predicted the financial meltdown ? That would be John Allison (former CEO of BBT bank).
Posted by: Jkenny | December 4, 2011, 7:08 am 7:08 am
I can possibly agree with Pippa Middleton because whether you like it or not people did become obsessed with her post-royal wedding, but everyone else is a snore. I am hoping Gabriel Giffords will be number one to lend at least a little credence to this list. I would have like to see J.R. Martinez, a war hero who captured hearts on Dancing With the Stars, included on this list. I don’t think Simon Cowell or Donald Trump are even relevant this year let alone fascinating.
Posted by: MissMel | December 4, 2011, 11:19 am 11:19 am
Have to agree with Sara ^ .. so many more interesting and fascinating choices. Babs is officially out of touch.
Posted by: NYCgirlie | December 4, 2011, 5:57 pm 5:57 pm
This is not about who is the most fascinating, its about the biggest fame wh0res and who can bring the biggest ratings. It is a sad state of affairs that this list is considered to be the most fascinating people. What does that say about our society. I certainly will not be watching trash like the Kardashians. I encourage others to send a message by not watching!
Posted by: Kristee | December 4, 2011, 6:12 pm 6:12 pm
Hopefully Steve Jobs is the number one spot!
Posted by: Haley | December 5, 2011, 10:32 pm 10:32 pm
It’s funny because none of these people are fascinating or have anything fascinating to say. Tyler, the Creator should be on this list.
Posted by: James | December 9, 2011, 7:20 pm 7:20 pm
this list is a joke. only person who’s worth anything is Jeter, but only b/c of what he accomplished in his career this year.
Posted by: Brandy Tubbs | December 9, 2011, 7:43 pm 7:43 pm
These choices are stupid. Number one is going to be Gabby Giffords, no doubt.
Posted by: Austin | December 9, 2011, 11:11 pm 11:11 pm
So sad that Barbara Walters has fallen so low in her career.From Anwar Sadat to the Kardashians,and Donald Trump.So many more,she could have chosenand what the heck is wrong with Bill,just in it for the money and ratings I guess.Should of just put a new episode of Revenge on I would of tuned in then,not now.
Posted by: Judi | December 10, 2011, 1:28 pm 1:28 pm
Wow! Barbara, what has happened to you? The Kardashians? Cowell? WTH?
Posted by: Pete in MS | December 11, 2011, 9:53 am 9:53 am
I am so completely disgusted that Barbara Walters would name the Kardashian family as interesting. I have completely lost all respect for Ms. Walters.
Posted by: Mike | December 11, 2011, 10:12 am 10:12 am
Barbara Walters in person is an arrogant, superficial woman, She has never been a good interviewer and most good journalists do not consider her to be one. Her list of fascinating people tells it all. It is a shameful list of worthless names. Her desire to stay in the public eye does not lend itself to credence in her display of stupidity and nonsense. Age has nothing to do with credibility. There are wonderful and knowledgeable people who are older than Ms. Walters, however, Ms. Walters is not one of them.
Posted by: Samantha | December 11, 2011, 10:42 am 10:42 am
Are you KIDDING ME! The Kardashians! LMAO! THE WHOLE SOCIETY IS IN THE TOILET IF THIS IS WHAT IS CONSIDERED ROYALTY LOL BARBARA….STICK TO YOUR DAY JOB PLEASEEEEEEE
Posted by: Cyndy | December 11, 2011, 11:36 am 11:36 am
Almost none of these people are even interesting, let along “fascinating.”
I supposed the Kardashians could be viewed as fascinating but only because it’s fascinating and bewildering that people watch them.
How about this top 10?
Gabby Giffords (may be the hidden MOST fascinating person)
Steve Jobs, posthumously
Prince William and Kate
Seal Team Six
Pat Summitt
Tim Tebow
Lady Gaga
Jonah Hill
Anderson Cooper
Dave Bing
Posted by: Micky | December 12, 2011, 11:33 am 11:33 am
#1 should either be Steve Jobs or Sgt. Dakota Meyer IMO.
Posted by: Debbie | December 12, 2011, 8:59 pm 8:59 pm
Actually; the most fascinating person of 2011 – is and has been for the past few years. She invokes a ton more energy than any other person on this planet. She’s idolized by millions for the right reason: Her candid realness. She also elicits a fascinating negative energy as well – and what makes this incredibly interesting is the “hate” has no intellectual merit. She’s an incredible young actress; but more importantly; she’s an incredible role model without even intending to be. The most fascinating person by far is the lovely, beautiful, Kristen Stewart. For she is the real deal.
Posted by: JR | December 13, 2011, 9:04 am 9:04 am
LOL, ABC finds the Kardashians so fascinating yet they wont let you say P#RN………..ummmmmmmmmmmm ABC did you do your homework?? She is known for PO#N ABC…..LOL Only in America,,,,,
Posted by: clowns scare me | December 13, 2011, 9:38 am 9:38 am
I hear that Amanda Knox will be on the list as well.
Posted by: Joe | December 13, 2011, 5:45 pm 5:45 pm
I used to admire Barbara Walters, but her featuring the Kardashians as most fascinating people (who don’t deserve it even a bit to be on the list) reversed how I feel about her.
I’m so disappointed at Ms. Walters. I won’t surely watch Barbara Walters’ show tomorrow nor any of her shows from now on.
Posted by: Pagpalain Po | December 13, 2011, 10:39 pm 10:39 pm
What a joke!!! Just as bad as the last few years when she considered Palin and the Jersey Shore cast for her list. Have never watched it and not going to start this year.
Posted by: Early Bird | December 14, 2011, 6:15 am 6:15 am
Barbara Walters is supposed to be a respected interviewer so why in the world would these people be on her list???? Especially the Kardashians! Will definitely NOT be watching! She needs to stick to her day job which, by the way, is getting boring with all the Behar & Goldberg bashing! She needs to make some changes!
Posted by: Dora | December 14, 2011, 10:35 am 10:35 am
It is Steve Jobs. Watch David Letterman from last night, with Barbara. He had a guess, wrote it down, and she confirmed. If you watch him write, you can clearly tell he guessed “Steve Jobs”
Posted by: Beth | December 14, 2011, 10:52 am 10:52 am
I agree w/everyone who says this list is a joke. Shame on ABC News to pander to the lowest of popular culture! What about the really ‘fascinating’ people who also don’t just take up space and have a purpose greater than showing off their cleavage, cheating and cheating on their wives and lying about it (while running for Prez), who have better hair cuts than Donald Trump, and do more than are just the sister of the wife of 1 of the UK princes? I guess this list is just one of the reasons I never watch this show, or channel, very much, truth be told.
Again–shame, shame, shame. The Kardishians and Herman Cain? OMG!
Posted by: Barbara | December 14, 2011, 2:59 pm 2:59 pm
I think that because the Kardashian wedding had big ratings that somehow Barb thinks that’s going to happen this time. I usually record 20/20…however, this is one I have unrecorded and will never watch it again because of these idiotic choices. Barb, you need to retire. I think you’ve lost your mind.
Posted by: TerriB | December 14, 2011, 5:27 pm 5:27 pm
Questions left unanswered on Katy Perry. Did she finish highschool? What about the relationship between her parents?
Posted by: JM | December 14, 2011, 10:27 pm 10:27 pm
I think Pippa Middleton is the least Fascinating Person on Earth. She has not done anything interesting except going to the club and drinking. She opportunist, doing nothing and using her sister’s
fame. She is not pretty or inteligent. She should not be compared with Steve Job at all.
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 15, 2011, 2:34 am 2:34 am
Fed up of these Kardashians. They have nothing to offer anyone; they’re just a wild bunch. No idea how they ever got into the limelight. Poor Bruce Jenner; I used to think he was cute in the 76 Olympics, now he looks like hell.
Posted by: Cyndy Macdonald | December 15, 2011, 11:14 am 11:14 am
Barbara Walter herself is truly pathetic. So why would her choices be any better than herself. What an old hag.
Posted by: erika | December 15, 2011, 7:53 pm 7:53 pm
ABC & Barbara screwup…
This is the most stupid event and selection in years and they know it….
The Kardashians & Pippa Middleton, What a morronic and idiotic selection …..Shame on you ABC and you Barbara for playing along !!!!
Posted by: joe | December 16, 2011, 12:08 am 12:08 am
EPIC FAIL Barbara!!! The Kardashians are nothing but trash. Those kids have done NOTHING to earn ANY of the money or publicity thrown upon them because their daddy is rich. Are you freaking kidding me. There are 10 more worthy people who ride the train to work with me every day than this ridiculous list. What about some worthy people of being considered interesting or fascinating even if you don’t agree with their politics/religion/vision – Gabrielle Gifford; Steve Jobs; Michelle Obama; Tim Tebow; Taylor Swift – there are hundreds more worthy than the Kardashian trash
Posted by: Shelly | December 16, 2011, 9:54 am 9:54 am
Fascinating? More like egotistical and boring! Really, Simon Cowell, Herman Cain, and the Donald? Oh yes, what about the Kartrashians? I saw that spelling the other day and it really fits. I used to be a huge fan, but no more. They are phoney and fake!
What about
Mike Kelly and Gabby Giffords
Sean Pean – he’s been working tirelessly in Haiti all year – does anyone know about that?
Angelina and Brad with all their foundations
Elizabeth Smart started two foundations
Lady Gaga and her campaign to end bullying in schools
Steve Jobs was a good one – the only one that was good
Seal Team Six
Michelle Obama for all her work on ending obesity
Jon Bon Jovi for all he does
Bono for all his work
I don’t think Barbara Walters will read this, but what a shame she picked the least liked people on the planet!
Posted by: Jan | December 21, 2011, 11:32 am 11:32 am
This list confirms it: Barbara Walters is the least fascinating person in the world.
Posted by: Otis | January 2, 2012, 2:57 pm 2:57 pm