Joan Rivers: Campy Host of How'd You Get So Rich?

Comedienne, Joan Rivers is well into her second season as the campy and outrageous host of TV Land's "How'd You Get So Rich." In Season One, she interviewed millionaires. This time around, Joan is checking in on all the billionaires. Even if you don't like this type of show, it's worth a look-see just to listen to Joan carry on. Joan goes to see people who have made vast fortunes, starting out with very little. Let's face it, darlings, everyone loves a good rags to riches story and the bonus is that these stories are true.

You may have even bought some of the products that these self-made billionaires made their fortunes with, like a Chia Pet, the Clapper or Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen and tanning lotions. I've had some imitation crabmeat myself. Just about everyone's had a Mrs. Fields cookie. The most charming thing about Debbi Fields' appearance on "How'd You Get So Rich?" was when she gave Joan Rivers a freshly baked cookie and asked her if it was really good. I think anyone who has ever put heart and soul into creating a culinary masterpiece would appreciate watching this lady, who has made a fortune off her recipes, honestly caring if it's "really good." I sure did.

Never at a loss for a zinger, Joan uses free association to compare some of the sights she is treated to with well-known faults and foibles of various tabloid celebrities. As she walks around the mansion of ultra-rich Larry Dean, she tells him that there is more grass on his estate than there is in Snoop Dogg's glove compartment.

In the opener, Joan visited the 100-acre ranch in Austin owned by John Paul DeJoria. He owns 10 other homes, some of which he keeps just so the caretakers can have a job. He began his John Paul Mitchell professional hair care business with his friend Paul Mitchell and $700. John Paul also owns Patron Tequila. His beautiful wife, Eloise Broady (an ex-Playboy model) wasn't born with a silver spoon in her mouth either. When Joan saw Eloise's dinnerware, she quipped: "You're like Martha Stewart, only you've never been to jail." (And Martha's never been in Playboy, has she?)

Mr. DeJoria took Joan on a tour of his estate, which features a fabulous wildlife preserve where exotic animals roam freely. He breeds some of the animals and even ships some of them back to replenish the stock in their native lands.

A very generous fellow who provides his staff in Mexico with lunch or dinner (depending on which shift they work in the tequila factory), DeJoria is only too happy to share the secret of his success: a lot of hard work. Yes, it is possible to make billions of pesos starting with only $700, but you have to work hard to grow and maintain your fortune. He also reveals the secret of creating a great brand - use only the best ingredients and you will become not just a seller, but a reseller. Repeat business is the key.

Joan visited real estate mogul, Donald Trump and spoke to various people she brazenly accosted to find out how they got so rich. Joan Rivers has 'rich people' radar -- she can spot someone who's loaded by the expensive duds and accessories they have. When Joan showed up with her mike on a New York City street, one well-heeled member of the upper crust told Joan it was "none of her business" in response to the mantra: "How'd you get so rich?" Another trendy lady recognized Joan and happily obliged by providing the cost of each item of apparel she was wearing, but laughingly said "You have to promise me no one will see this!" Joan assured her no one would: "It's on TV Land," she deadpanned.

Joan also met Wee Wee Pads tycoon, Allen Simon. He came up with the idea of selling pads to help people housebreak their puppies so they would stop getting newsprint on the floor. This goes to show you what a convenience-oriented society we really live in. Mr. Simon is raking in over $100 million a year. He not only shows Joan his Florida mansion but his $28 million Fifth Avenue apartment in New York City. I forget which one had an $84,000 painting in the bathroom. Joan took viewers on a tour of her own home in Connecticut in the second half of the show.

Why am I telling you all about episodes that have already aired? Even though you may miss an episode of "How'd You Get So Rich," you can still keep up with all the fun online. Every Thursday, TV Land puts each new episode of "How'd You Get So Rich" online, in full, after its first showing on Wednesday at 10 p.m. Eastern and 9 p.m. Central.

The story that I liked the best so far was the Cake Lady, a wonderful gal who doesn't really care about money. She puts the real value on her family, friends and health. Sylvia Weinstock started out as a $60 a week teacher, then parlayed her talent for baking into making over-the-top wedding cakes. Some of her artistic creations are escorted to their destinations by airplane! Wedding cakes with bodyguards. Sylvia made the wedding cake for Joan Rivers' daughter, Melissa.

You can also visit "How'd You Get So Rich" on Facebook and find out when the next episode is coming your way. Watch it to find out how to get rich or watch it for the laughs. Just watch it. You'll love it!

Source: TV Land: How'd You Get So Rich? Season 2