• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Venezuela oil minister to U.S. companies: ‘It's an entire world waiting to be discovered’

2

Current price of oil as of August 20, 2026

3

Meta faces a $1.4 trillion threat that could mean ‘turning in the keys and walking away’—but the stakes of the case reach across tech

1

Venezuela oil minister to U.S. companies: ‘It's an entire world waiting to be discovered’

2

Current price of oil as of August 20, 2026

3

Meta faces a $1.4 trillion threat that could mean ‘turning in the keys and walking away’—but the stakes of the case reach across tech

Amy Poehler’s “Smart Girls at the Party”

By
Jessica Shambora
Jessica Shambora
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Jessica Shambora
Jessica Shambora
Down Arrow Button Icon
November 21, 2008, 10:04 PM ET
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

By Jessica Shambora

I have good news for Amy Poehler fans mourning her departure from NBC’s Saturday Night Live, following the birth of son Archie. You may be aware that Poehler is following in Tina Fey’s footsteps, developing a new show for the network from the creators of The Office. But you may not know that Poehler recently made her digital series debut as the co-creator and anchor of Smart Girls at the Party, from ON Networks.

In the weekly series Poehler interviews young girls about their passions, from yoga to gardening to music. The first of eight webisodes launched this week. The series, which “celebrates young girls who bring hope and change to the world by being themselves,” is sponsored by Mattel . This first seven-minute webisode is booked-ended by nostalgic Barbie promos. A branded graphic appears onscreen during the show. Click on it, and you’re whisked away to the Barbie website.

One commenter has already pointed out a disconnect between the show’s message and the unrealistic body image promoted by Barbie dolls. But the majority praised “Smart Girls.” I know I’m not the demo, but I loved the show. It reminded me of the power of being young — free to dream and explore without doubts or self-judgment. Even as Poehler takes her adorable guests quite seriously, her comedic timing shines through. That comedy is what will draw moms along with daughters, sweetening the deal for Mattel and for ON Networks. (With her trademark deadpan delivery, Poehler surveys her guest and the show’s crew: “We save our most serious questions, always, for last. Which do you like better, summer or winter?”)

Austin-based ON Networks produces and distributes an array of shows for kids and grown-ups. The site reveals service-heavy offerings — tips on travel, cooking, and golf. “Lust for Looks,” a series serving up fashion tips for men, still needs a sponsor, as do several of the other programs on the site. Although ON distributes to across the web, mobile and on-demand television, I’m guessing the audience numbers stillaren’t big. But the branding potential for advertisers is a compelling proposition, confirmed by the list of ON’s backers: AT&T , Accel Partners, and Texas-based S3 Ventures and Austin Ventures.

I have just one last question: if Hillary Clinton is indeed appointed Secretary of State, will Poehler bring her Hillary send-up to the Party?

About the Author
By Jessica Shambora
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in


Most Popular

Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • TikTok icon
  • YouTube icon

    Latest in


    Most Popular

    © 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
    FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.