Valerie Bertinelli is taking a trip down memory lane as she celebrates the beloved sitcom “Hot in Cleveland” with a new podcast titled “Still Hot in Cleveland.” This nostalgic venture, co-hosted by Bertinelli and Todd Milliner, the show’s former executive producer, aims to reconnect fans and cast members through heartwarming experiences shared during the show’s run.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/hot-in-cleveland-white-bertinelli-7726-5f2c3fe9e0104b83ba1f6552098363f5.jpg)
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Bertinelli, 66, reflected on the immense joy of making her late co-star Betty White laugh. The memories of their time together on set bring an unmistakable smile to Bertinelli’s face. “Anytime that we could make Betty giggle, it was the epitome of our time together,” she said, highlighting the cheerful environment that surrounded the production team and cast.
The sitcom, which aired from 2010 to 2015 on TV Land, followed three best friends, played by Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, and Wendie Malick, who relocate from Los Angeles to Cleveland after an emergency landing on their way to Paris. The trio soon finds themselves living together in a new city, befriending the witty caretaker, played by White. This charming premise provided the perfect backdrop for comical moments and heartfelt interactions.
One particularly memorable incident involved a blooper that has since become iconic: a scene where White’s character creates a comical screen name, “Bender Over,” referencing a drinking binge. Bertinelli recalls how the cast struggled to maintain their composure during the filming, frequently breaking into laughter, which only added to the charm of the show.
“To make Betty laugh for all of us was everything,” Bertinelli added, mentioning the shared joy in creating humour together. The chemistry among the cast was palpable, contributing to the success of the show and the fond memories they created.
The podcast “Still Hot in Cleveland” will not simply revisit each episode in sequence. Instead, Bertinelli and Milliner plan to engage with fans and share the show’s legacy through conversations with former cast members, writers, and crew. Their discussions are enriched by personal anecdotes and insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of the series.
Recorded in Bertinelli’s wine cave, episodes of the podcast will first be released to members of her new fan community, “Valerie’s Place,” before being made available to a wider audience. For Bertinelli, this podcast is an opportunity to rekindle connections with those she enjoyed working with during the show’s five-year run. She expressed her excitement about collaborating with Milliner, reminiscing about their time together and the various projects they explored post-“Hot in Cleveland.”
Reflecting on the enduring impact of White, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 99, Bertinelli acknowledged that the beloved actress’s spirit continues to resonate. She imagines how White would have added to the podcast, potentially surrounded by animals, a nod to White’s well-known commitment to animal rescue. Bertinelli fondly recalled how White had named two of her pets, showcasing the deep bond they shared.
Despite not yet rewatching many episodes of “Hot in Cleveland,” Bertinelli cherishes the physical comedy and silly antics that defined the show. “I always remember all of the physical comedy that these writers entrusted us with,” she stated, reminiscing about the thrill of engaging in whimsical situations week after week.
As she looks back on her experiences and friendships formed during the production, Bertinelli expresses a grateful sentiment. “Every morning when I would wake up, I’d think, ‘I get to go to work. I get to hang with Betty, Jane, Wendie, and everyone else on the crew,’” she reflected, underscoring the lasting friendships that emerged from their shared journey.
“Still Hot in Cleveland” promises to be an engaging trip into nostalgia, honouring the memories of a show that continues to resonate with fans and celebrates the cherished moments spent with an extraordinary cast created under the late Betty White’s light-hearted influence.