| Hosts | |
| Rick Aviles (1987–1988) Sinbad (1989–1991, 2006) Steve Harvey (1993–2000, 2016–2018) Rudy Rush (2000–2002) Mo'Nique (2002–2006) Whoopi Goldberg (2006) Anthony Anderson (2006–2007) | |
| Co-Hosts | |
| Kiki Shepard (1987–2002) Adrienne Houghton (2017–2018) | |
| Announcers | |
| Booker Bradshaw (1987–1995) Joe Gray (1995) Bill Andrew Quinn (1995–2002) Dave Fennoy (2002–2008) | |
| Featuring | |
| Howard "Sandman" Sims (1987–2000) C.P. Sandman Lacey (2000–2002) | |
| Broadcast | |
    FOX: 3/1/2018 – 5/24/2018 | |
| Packagers | |
| Apollo Theatre Productions Bob Banner Associates (1987–1996) Inner City Theater Group (1987–2002) De Passe Entertainment (2002–2008) Inner City Theater Group Telepictures (2004–2008) The Heritage Networks (2002–2003) IMG (2016–2018) Roush-Wagner Company (2016–2018) | |
| Distributors | |
| Raymond Horn Television (1987–1989) Western International Syndication (1989–2002) The Heritage Networks (2002–2003) Warner Bros. Television (2003–2008) | |
(It's) Showtime at the Apollo was a formerly popular long-running variety television show that featured live performances for both professional and up-and-coming artists and also featured the infamous Amateur Night competition made popular at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY.
Amateur Night Competition[]
The highlight of the show was the Amateur Night competition, a singing contest. Upon entering the stage, contestants would rub a log made from the "Tree of Hope" which formerly stood outside the Lafayette Theatre, placed on a pedestal for good luck. Contestants' singing (or occasionally comic) ability was immediately judged by the audience. Talented singers or comedians were rewarded by vigorous applause, but those perceived as lacking were harshly booed. If it was clear that the audience disapproved, a siren was sounded and the stage lights dimmed. This prompted a hobo known as "Sandman" to remove the contestant from the stage with a cane.[1] The act that fared the best would return the following week to compete again.
Shows in later years had a similar competition for kids called "Apollo Kids".
Hosts[]
In addition to having many, many, many guest performers on the show, Showtime also had a slew of permanent hosts and guest hosts, including Raven, Sherman Hemsley, TLC, Mark Curry, The Beastie Boys, and more.
See Also[]
Showtime in Harlem
Live in Hollywood
Apollo Live