Behind the Scenes of QVC: Secrets Behind the ‘Olympics of Live Television’

Each and every day, millions of shoppers turn on QVC hoping to find everything from skincare and jewelry to food and electronics — but what does it really take for the shopping network to pull off “the Olympics of live television?”

While the hosts in front of the camera make everything look easy, guests like fashion designer Stacy London know that there’s a whole group of people who make it all seamless.

“I would like to give credit to every producer on every set that I have ever been on, but QVC is the Olympics of live television,” London exclusively shared with Us Weekly as QVC celebrated the launch of its Q50 “Age Of Possibility” platform in Los Angeles on May 14. “There is nothing I have ever experienced like it, with people talking in your ear while you’re trying to be personable and sell things. It is a ton of work.”

Whether they are a program host, fashion designer or vendor, each QVC star Us chatted with couldn’t help but gush about the place they get to work at.

“The moment I wake up, I turn on QVC,” fashion designer Lawrence Zarian told Us. “Not only am I part of the family, I’m a huge fan. I watch. I listen. I take copious notes. I learn. I shop and buy a lot. I love it.”

Us decided to go straight to QVC’s biggest stars and ask some burning questions about the network.

Keep reading to get plenty of behind-the-scenes scoop about the shopping network that is nothing short of a big deal:

How Does One Prepare for a Jewelry Show?

Jennifer Miller. Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Before presenting her lab-grown diamond and gemstone jewelry to viewers at home, Jennifer Miller makes sure her hands and fingers are camera-ready.

“I’ve discovered Westmore Beauty, which is a cover-up for any little spots on my hands,” she told Us. “Gel manicures help so my nails are always in tip-top shape without a chip. All these tricks and hacks are really important. You’ve got to be ready at any moment.”

According to Melissa Rivers, the team behind the Joan Rivers Classics Collection is always thinking of new looks and designs to keep the brand growing and succeeding after Joan’s death in 2014.

“I think we keep it updated and fresh,” Melissa said. “Same thing with age: You never want to get stale.”

What Is It Like Doing a Show Virtually? 

Alina Villasante Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

During the coronavirus pandemic, many vendors were forced to Zoom into the QVC studios and present their products. While many now come to the studios in Studio Park, Pennsylvania, many see the perks of filming from home.

“I change every time something new is presented,” Peace Love World fashion designer Alina Villasante shared with Us. “I go to the side — away from a camera — switch my clothes and I come back. What I love about [shooting remotely] is that I can show the customer how to wear my clothes or how I wear it and things she can do to make it better for herself or her body.”

For Kim Gravel, she treats remote programs as a one-woman show as she handles tech, lighting and everything else that comes up all by herself.

“I turn on my 5,000 diva ring lights and we stream on an iMac computer,” she said. “I never can find my earbuds, because my kids take everything. It’s so mom and pop in the most professional way. I think that’s the charm of it.”

What Is It Like Having Your Item as Today’s Special Value?

Jennie Garth Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Every day starting at midnight, QVC introduces its best value of the day known as the Today’s Special Value. The person behind the item works around the clock to deliver multiple presentations throughout the day.

“There’s a La-Z-Boy in the green room and you can turn off all the lights and it’s complete darkness,” ME by Jennie Garth fashion designer Jennie Garth shared with Us about breaks in between shows. “You just train yourself. I’ve trained my whole life on sets to rest and go. When it’s showtime, it’s showtime.”

After the TSV wraps, Gravel said she needs a couple of days to rest and recharge before it’s back to business.

“It takes me about two days — and I’m 53, and I got some energy,” she said. “But it takes me about two days to recover.”

How Early Do Fashion Designers Prepare Their Collections?

Stacy London Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

The clothes and fashion accessories viewers see on TV for sale are usually planned months in advance.

“We usually have our collections done a year in advance, and part of that for me is making sure that I am not doing what’s on trend,” London explained about her B Stacy London line. “Because, frankly, I don’t believe in trends. I think that when women are 50 and over, they are quite capable of experimenting with trends or non trends, or what works for them in any way that they want. It doesn’t mean you’re not going to get trendy colors out of me or some silhouettes out of me, but I wanted to do something from QVC that felt specifically for how to dress casually in a more sophisticated way as a middle-aged person who is not a golden girl.”

Villasante confirmed the timeline, adding, “We go into planning and inspiration mode one year before. Three months after that, everything is pretty much designed and goes into the sourcing process.”

Are the QVC Testimonial Phone Calls Live and Unscripted?

Kim Gravel Courtesy of Kim Gravel

From all accounts, nobody knows what will happen when a QVC shopper calls in on live TV. According to Gravel, the host and guest only know the person’s name and the state they are calling from.

“It is truly, authentically the customer calling in,” the Belle by Kim Gravel founder said. “And you never know what they’re gonna say. They never tell you in your ear, ‘She’s gonna ask you about this.’”

For Carla Rockmore — who recently launched her fashion brand, Carla Rockmore Collection — she looks forward to a viewer calling in.

“I love when somebody calls in because I get this interaction outside the studio,” she told Us. “I can hear what they may be interested in or what they want to see or a question I haven’t answered.”

What Is It Really Like to Work With the QVC Hosts?

Lawrence Zarian and Shawn Killinger Courtesy of Lawrence Zarian

Time and time again, QVC stars say they are asked on the street to share what it’s like working with their favorite hosts. Spoiler alert: They always have good things to say.

“[David Vebanable] is reliable. He is dependable. He is honest. He is true,” Sandra Lee told Us. “He is all the things you think he is and more.”

Zarian, who creates pieces for BEAUTIFUL by Lawrence Zarian, said every single host has taken time to “help me, guide me, direct me and pass on their tips/tricks/talents to get me up to speed.”

“The hosts work so hard and are so committed to their craft,” he added. “The extra time they spend with me is truly a gift. Before every one of my shows, I carve out time with the host so that we’re on the same page for the day.”

What Is It Like in the Kitchen?

Tara Tesher and Barbara Costello Courtesy of Tara Tesher / Instagram

If there’s a cooking show, chances are Temp-tations founder Tara Tesher has a product available. “A three-hour show [of just Temp-tations] can be anything from 21 to 24 items and it has no breaks,” Tesher told Us. “I spend a lot of time before the show making sure I know what I’m doing, where I’m going, what kind of demos I’m doing. The rest just flows. You can’t script it. You roll with it.”

As for what happens to all of the food prepared for the shows, it’s always enjoyed by the QVC staff.

“There’s no limit on how much you can eat,” program host Monifa Days said. “I actually eat before the show because what happens is at the top of that four-hour show, if you’re hungry, you go in on that steak and you have three and half hours of eating food? It is very difficult.”

Fellow program host Terri Conn added, “Sometimes we have a table full of the leftovers that we either bring home to our family or we share with the crew.”

What Makes the QVC Models Special? 

Jamie Finkenthal, Brenda Scott and Katia Biassou Courtesy of Jamie Finkenthal / Instagram

Behind every great fashion show are a group of women showcasing the shoes, pants, handbags and outfits available for sale.

“It’s about the attitude. It’s about the walk. It’s how they feel in the clothes, and that’s really what sets it apart,” Villasante shared with Us. “It’s not just the clothes. It’s the feeling and it’s something to make you feel beautiful.”

Zarian added, “Our QVC models are always loved, respected and celebrated. They are truly a big part of the history/tapestry of the company, each collection. When it comes to our one-hour live show, I personally work with our stylists and we bring my BEAUTIFUL pieces to life.”

Who Loves Working Together? 

Shawn Killinger, Alberti Popaj, Dennis Basso Courtesy of Shawn Killinger / Instagram

When QVC program hosts look at their schedule of shows for the week, there are some guests they absolutely know will make a fantastic hour.

Days loves working with Denim & Company’s Gary Goben while host Leah Williams savors a beauty hour with Doris Dalton.

While Conn enjoys time with designer Isaac Mizrahi, host Mary DeAngelis promises every show with Gravel is going to be “fun and off the rails.”

Shawn Killinger said she loves working with Brandis Bradley, Harry Slatkin and Dennis Basso. “The things that man has told me in a 30-second commercial break before we come back live,” she teased. “He’s literally the best.”

Do QVC Hosts Really Shop at the Network?

Terri Conn, Leah Williams, Monifa Days and Mary DeAngelis. Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Absolutely yes! While Williams swears by Supersmile teeth whitening and Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple cleanser, Days loves her Dyson vacuum and Vitamix blender.

Conn said the DynaTrap has saved her family from mosquito bites while DeAngelis can’t get enough of Dr. Denese’s hydroshield for her skin.

Killinger went so far as to list her most recent purchases, including Charles David shoes, Scrub Daddy sponges and Wen by Chaz Dean bronzing mist.

“Skeptics say, ‘Oh, you don’t own everything in your show,’” DeAngelis told Us. “I’ve been here for 17 years. You’d be surprised.”