Anchorman’s dramatic 'descent into madness' during a snowstorm is straight out of 'Bruce Almighty'

When a snowstorm brings a city to a halt, reporters often deliver somber updates about road conditions and weather safety. But for Cincinnati’s Local 12 news anchor Bob Herzog, snowstorm coverage turned into an unforgettable performance. A compilation of his witty on-air comments during a record snowstorm, humorously dubbed “an anchorman’s slow descent into madness while covering morning snow,” was shared by Herzog on Instagram (@bob_herzog) with the caption, "It’s possible I was outside for too long. #cincinnati #snow." The reel has since gone viral, amassing over 7 million views in less than 24 hours. 

The Instagram reel features Herzog seamlessly blending professional reporting with off-the-cuff remarks. “I assume that guy is probably in a ditch. I don’t know what it is. All I know is it’s hit me in the face,” Herzog quipped early on. Herzog didn’t shy away from poking fun at himself. “I’m having trouble breathing right now. Because it’s both cold and I’m out of shape,” he admitted with a laugh before adding, “And I’ll throw in a third thing. Also, I’m old.” He further said, “If you happen to have a rubber chicken and you walk outside and, with great force, throw the rubber chicken into the snow and it disappears—that means it’s a lot of snow. That’s how my people used to do it. I’m just kidding. That’s not what my people used to do. I don’t even know who my people are.”

Herzog’s creativity didn’t stop there. He lightheartedly suggested the station explore new business ventures: “The station is always looking for non-traditional revenue sources, so I think TR and Bob Snow Shovel Removal Service is probably next on the agenda." Even his commentary on physical exertion was comedic gold. “You’re either going to give yourself cardiac arrest or you’re going to throw out your back,” he warned, before lamenting, “This fence right here—this fence didn’t exist. I think my insurance company paid for this fence."

He continued to riff on his surroundings, noting, “If you’ve been playing a drinking game this morning based on how many times we told you not to go out, you are completely wasted at this point.” Herzog's bizarre yet hilarious commentary left viewers in stitches. @xvictoriakayx commented, "His colleagues in the studio watching him speechless as he makes a snow angel." @brooke.m.bunney added, "Bob will forever be my favorite anchorman of all time and I love KC MO." @warriormamamandy compared him to Jim Carrey, saying, "It’s giving Jim Carrey in 'Bruce Almighty' when he’s the news anchor that has to do all the random stuff the other anchors don’t want to do."

@nstgla.jpeg remarked, "'Don't look at her license plate she revealed she committed some type of crime' Bros trying his best to keep her safe and that's respectable." @afiainthecity praised the local news channel, "I’m about to start watching Cincinnati news. This is the kind of carrying-on that I like from my news programming!" According to Cincinati.com, Herzog’s bio on Local 12’s website reveals that this isn’t the first time he’s turned snowstorm coverage into an opportunity for levity. In 2014, he performed “Just Don’t Go,” a parody of the song “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen, which he described as an anthem for traffic reporters dealing with harsh winter conditions.

You can follow Bob Herzog on Instagram for more hilarious content.