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Austinite competing on new season of ‘Amazing Race’
Austin’s ever-growing population of reality show stars will grow yet again when CBS’s “The Amazing Race” returns for a new season on Sept. 28.
Christy Cook (that’s her on the right), described in the CBS announcement as a 26-year-old business developer from Austin, will join her best friend Kelly Crabb, (on the left) a pharmaceutical representative from Houston, in the adventure contest. Both young women also are described as “divorcees.”
Among the 11 teams scheduled to compete on “Amazing Race” are an ex-NFL player (Ken Greene) and his estranged wife (Tina), a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and her actor brother (Starr and Nick Spangler), married sixtysomething beekeepers who call themselves hippies and several best-pals and a few romantic couples.
Starting at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the teams will travel more than 30,000 miles in 23 days to countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Russia, India and Kazakhstan. As usual, $1 million is the prize.
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The old/new WB returns next week
The WB is back, starting Aug. 27, when the Warner Bros. Television Group officially launches TheWB.com, an ad-supported, video-on-demand and interactive program site. Actually it’s switching from a private beta site to a public site.
The online network will feature full episodes of fan-favorites “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Everwood,” “Friends,” “Gilmore Girls,” “The O.C.,” “One Tree Hill,” “Roswell,” “Smallville,” “Veronica Mars,” “Angel,” “Babylon 5,” “Firefly,” “In Living Color,” “The Loop” and “MADtv.”
TheWB.com also will debut original series from creators such as director/producer McG (the upcoming “Terminator Salvation,” “Supernatural,” the “Charlie’s Angels” films) and writer/producer Josh Schwartz (“Gossip Girl,” “Chuck,” “The O.C.”), to name a couple.
Original and acquired series, clearly geared to the 16-to-34 crowd, will include:
“Blue Water High” (Aug. 27): Six Australian teens set forth on a reality show adventure at an exclusive, ultra-competitive surf academy where they live, study, surf and “socialize.” At the end of the 12-month residential athletic and academic program, two surfers - one male and one female - will win the prize they’ve all been fighting for: admission to the professional surfing circuit and a sponsorship contract.
“A Boy Wearing Makeup” (Aug. 27): Mathieu Francis is a boy who wears makeup … and looks fabulous. In a highly personal online video diary, Mathieu dispenses makeup advice and fashion tips while taking viewers along on his own personal journey.
“Whatever Hollywood” (Aug. 27): Suri, Apple and Shiloh are three best friends who are taking Hollywood by storm. They’re starring in their own short films and reality show called “Whatever.” Not sure exactly what this is supposed to be, but it sounds vaguely intriguing.
“Sorority Forever” (Sept. 8): A mystery-drama that goes behind the walls of one of the most intriguing secret societies in the world: the sorority. Publicity material promises that “the show will provide viewers with a sexy, immersive experience that is simultaneously realistic and voyeuristic: Think ‘Prom Queen’ meets ‘The O.C.,’ but set in college.” Yikes!
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Post-Phelps: An Olympic sag?
Now that the Big Fish is gone, will interest in the Beijing Olympics wane?
Maybe. Probably. Michael Phelps has been the major draw throughout the first week. His pursuit of a record eight gold medals was the sharp focus on NBC and, apparently, the viewing audience.
Saturday night, when Phelps and his 100m medley relay team churned up the pool for the final gold, NBC’s prime-time audience swelled to 40 million. That peak came at 10 p.m. For the rest of Saturday’s prime time, an average of 31.1 million viewers tuned in.
Not even women’s gymnastics, usually an enormous draw in summer Olympics, could top Phelps.
We’ve still got a few more individual gymnastics events to go, and diving should heat up soon.
But track and field is the main focus from now on, and it isn’t likely to stir up the same passion as swimming. There’s no Phelps in the mix to make history.
And since most of America has been glued to their TV sets since 8/8/08, I’m expecting some Olympics fatigue to set in this week.
I might even change the channel, for the first time in a long time … but just for a minute.
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This week’s TV highlights
Hundreds of channels, hours and hours of programming. So much to watch, so little time. Here are some highlights to get you started on your week of viewing.
Sunday
“Beijing Olympics,” 6 p.m. on NBC — Heading into the final week of competition, gymnastics, track and field (especially the women’s 100m) and women’s springboard diving highlight the coverage.
“Mad Men,” 9 p.m. on AMC — It’s still on, with spectacular new episodes, so if you’re tired of the Olympics, light up a cig and fantasize about advertising in the 1960s.
“Masterpiece Theatre,” 9:30 p.m. on PBS — On “The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard,” a supermarket manager and mother pokes at the political glass ceiling by running for prime minister.
Monday
“Beijing Olympics,” 7 p.m. on NBC — Here’s what we’ve been waiting for (seriously): the trampoline final. How does one compete in bouncing? Also more individual gymnastics, men’s 400m hurdles and women’s beach volleyball semi-final.
“Documenting the Face of America,” 9 p.m. on PBS — A profile of a group of artists who changed the course of documentary photography in the 1930s and ‘40s.
Tuesday
“Beijing Olympics,” 7 p.m. on NBC —The final night of individual event gymnastics. Boo hoo. Also tonight, the women’s 400m and the men’s 1500m races (Longhorn Leo Manzano should be a contender), men’s springboard diving and, new to the Olympics, BMX cycling.
“Nova,” 7 p.m. on PBS — A minute-by-minute account of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, exploring the human failures that compounded the natural nightmare. Sad and scary.
Wednesday
“Beijing Olympics,” 7 p.m. on NBC — Stars of the completed gymnastics competition perform exhibition routines for our viewing pleasure. Track and field events heat up.
“Greatest American Dog,” 7 p.m. on CBS — We’re getting down to the tail-end of this canine competition, so pick your favorite and bark it up.
“NextWorld,” 7 p.m. on Discovery — Cars of the future may go faster than the speed of sound, morph from a streamlined roadster into a luxury sedan, and cruise over land and under water. But how much gas will they need?
Thursday
“Beijing Olympics,” 7 p.m. on NBC — Track and field are the focus, but we can also look forward to former Longhorn diver Laura Wilkinson’s attempt at another gold on the 10m platform. She’s competing against a couple of Chinese divers half her age, but perfection is perfection. She can do it.
“Burn Notice,” 9 p.m. on USA — New episodes are winding down, but this summer espionage series is still one of the most entertaining shows on TV. Fast-paced, sunny and intriguing.
Friday
“Beijing Olympics,” 7 p.m. on NBC — Men’s 10m platform diving again pits the Americans and the Chinese, and track and field events continue.
“NFL Preseason Football,” 7 p.m. on CBS — The Texas showdown features the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys.
Saturday
“Beijing Olympics,” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 6:30 to 11 p.m. on NBC — It’s the last full day of competition, so immerse yourself and enjoy the women’s basketball gold-medal game, rhythmic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, boxing, the men’s marathon and 800m race and the men’s 10m platform diving final.
“Madagascar,” 7 p.m. on ABC — Sick of sports? Zoo animals learn to survive in the wild after they wash ashore on an exotic island in this 2005 animated comedy featuring the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith and Sacha Baron Cohen.
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Bye-bye Logan, hello transgender model
The new season of “America’s Next Top Model” will once again seek to bust the stereotype of the tall, skinny, blonde human clothes-hanger.
Last season a normal-looking woman, but one in the modeling world dubbed “plus-sized,” won the title.
This season, which begins Sept. 3 on the CW, maybe we’ll see a transgender model take the title.
One of the contenders, according to Us Weekly, started life as a man. Isis, 22, was up-front with casting folks and host Tyra Banks, so she’s not trying to hide her man-past.
Bye-bye, Detective Logan
Sunday night’s episode of “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m. on USA) is the last one for Chris Noth’s character, Det. Mike Logan.
No, Noth wasn’t fired. Like dozens of other regular cast members in the “L&O” franchise, he’s simply moving on to do other things. Maybe his role in this summer’s big-screen “Sex and the City” opened up new possibilities.
Or maybe he’s just tired of playing a depressed New York cop.
And tonight from Beijing
No break for the Olympic-obsessed tonight.
After Thursday night’s exciting but endless gymnastics marathon (seriously, past midnight is past my “school night” bedtime!), we’ve got a full slate of action tonight.
Here’s the lineup: the men’s 100m butterfly and 50m freestyle; women’s 200m backstroke, 800m freestyle and 50m freestyle semifinals; track and field’s first day with highlights from the heptathlon and shot put final; men’s volleyball featuring the USA vs. China.
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Big Olympic night: Swimming and gymnastics front and center
Last night I took an unscheduled break from the Olympics, and now I feel totally out of touch.
According to the Nielsen ratings, a gazillion people are watching the most-watched foreign-based Olympics ever, and I wasn’t among them.
I haven’t missed a single prime-time telecast on NBC since the Opening Ceremony last Friday — until last night. My flow has been seriously interrupted, but I’m jumping back into the swim of things tonight.
For the record, I’m not sick of Bob Costas yet, which surprises me. I had feared that would happen quickly. He really got on my nerves during the Athens Games, but for some reason, he’s a bit more zen now and thus is wearing better. Not as much hyperactivity and excessive bubbling.
Do you wonder what the tone of the coverage will be after the swimming competition is over? When the Michael Phelps phenomenon concludes and all the exciting American swimmers go home, where will the spotlight shine?
Track and field will be the next biggie, but there’s not really a blinding star among the men or women that will come close to the Phelps phenomenon. But that’s next week; this is this week.
Making up for lost time, I’m ready to hunker down for tonight’s entire 4-hour coverage, which mostly will bounce between swimming and women’s gymnastics. Here’s the scoop:
Swimming gold medal finals: Phelps renews his pursuit of Mark Spitz’s individual Olympic record in the 200 individual medley. Also men’s 200m backstroke, women’s 200m breaststroke and 100m freestyle.
Women’s gymnastics, individual all-around gold medal finals: Can the Americans rebound after slipping, falling and stumbling through the team competition? I’m betting wee Shawn Johnson will leap up and grab a gold or two.
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“Friday Night Lights” signs a new QB
“Friday Night Lights” has cast Jeremy Sumpter, who starred in the 2003 film “Peter Pan,” to J.D. McCoy, a gifted freshman quarterback who moves to Dillon and tries to grab the starting quarterback job from Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford).
According to Entertainment Weekly, J.D. is described as a kid groomed to be a football player by his father, who was a big-deal player himself in younger days. J.D. feels overwhelmed by his dad and looks to Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) to be his mentor.
Janine Turner and D.W. Moffett will play J.D.’s parents when the third season of “Lights” begins on DirecTV on Oct. 1 and NBC in February ‘09.
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Final season of ‘Wire’ on DVD today; CNN to open new bureaus
HBO’s much-lauded series “The Wire” ended its brilliant five-season run in March. Today the final episodes of the last season arrive on DVD.
In addition to bringing the stories of Baltimore cops and drug dealers to a conclusion, season five of “The Wire” examined another urban institution currently facing serious challenges, the daily newspaper.
The two worlds of crime and journalism come together as a top cop (Dominic West) desperately tries to secure more funding from the city’s police brass,and a Baltimore Sun reporter (Tom McCarthy) stoops to setting up his own too-perfect crime stories.
The newsroom story line is a particularly personal one for “Wire” creator David Simon, who started his career at the Sun.
The 90-minute finale is followed by special features that includes commentary by cast, directors, writers and producers; a featurette on the show’s previous seasons; and another featurette on the hard times of traditional newspapers as the Internet and alternative media siphons readers and ad revenue.
Fans of “The Wire,” who tend to be endlessly patient and passionate, undoubtedly will be happy to fork over $59.99 for the DVD.
Speaking of cut-backs: Not at CNN
At a time when many newspapers and TV newsrooms are facing buyouts and layoffs, CNN is adding journalists in 10 cities, from Philadelphia to Seattle, to provide broader TV and online news coverage.
The additions, which CNN hopes to have up and running by spring, also will help offset the sky-high cost of flying reporters and TV crews to breaking news all over the country. Fewer flights plus higher airfares equals a good argument for more mini-bureaus.
Besides Philadelphia and Seattle, the new reporters will be based in Columbus, Ohio; Denver; Houston; Las Vegas; Orlando, Fla.; Phoenix; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; and Minneapolis.
Existing bureaus include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
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Old sniping returns to ‘90210’
Even now, a decade later, there’s sniping among the original cast members of “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
The CW, as you might have heard, is coughing up a spinoff called “90210” that’s set to premiere Sept. 2. The focus is on a whole new cast of characters, but it’s still a high-school melodrama and several members of the original Fox cast will have guest starring or recurring roles.
Jason Priestley and Jennie Garth will appear in the first episode and maybe a few more. Joe E. Tata will reprise his role as owner of the Peach Pit cafe.
In July, when TV critics gathered in Los Angeles to mull the fall season, CW executives announced that Shannen Doherty would appear as director of the school’s musical, and Tori Spelling had been cast to reprise her role as Donna, with the character now owner of a teen-fave boutique.
Well, hiss hiss. Spelling, daughter of the late mogul and “Beverly Hills, 90210” creator Aaron Spelling, has pulled out of the spinoff, less than a month away from its premiere.
Alert TV critics smelled trouble in July when CW spokesman Paul McGuire insisted Spelling would be on the show but declined to say if she had signed a contract.
Spelling did not appear at the “90210” press conference, allegedly because she was tired, but somehow still managed to work on her Oxygen Network reality show “Tori & Dean,” which chronicles her life with husband Dean McDermott.
A rep for Spelling has said there are no plans for her to reprise her role “at this time,” but that seems to open the door for a change of heart if she gets a ton more money than originally offered.
Garth and Doherty reportedly negotiated deals to be paid hefty salaries, somewhere between $35,000 and $50,000 per episode. Spelling’s contract, which she declined to sign, would have given her a relatively paltry $10,000 to $20,000 per episode. This according to various trade publications.
If that Tori job is still open, I would gladly pretend to sell clothes to a bunch of spoiled-rotten teens for $10,000 a week. Wouldn’t you? It’s hard to believe Spelling has casting directors beating down her door.
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Olympics start with a bang; Austinite heading for NBC reality
I spent almost the entire weekend watching the Olympics, starting with the most spectacular opening ceremony I’ve ever seen (and I’ve been watching Olympics a long, long time) and concluding with last night’s gold-medal relay by the American male swimmers.
I’m not even a little bit ashamed of this sedentary weekend. Maybe I should be, but I’m not. The opening ceremony left me slack-jawed with wonder. How the heck did they do all that? Where did they keep all those costumes, and where did the performers go after each of their numbers? The whole thing was a logistical miracle.
Was NBC’s coverage perfect the whole time? No. There’s quite possibly too much hype about Michael Phelps, who looks like he’s definitely going to bust Mark Spitz’ gold medal record and bring home the projected eight bling things. But I’m not sure we need to hear about Phelps in the middle of a road race or during Chinese weightlifting.
During last night’s (taped) coverage of women’s gymnastics, the cameras spent waaaaaay too much time lingering on the giggling six pixies after they had had a semi-disastrous round that nonetheless boosted them into contention for the team finals. They were having some sort of circle pep rally, cooing at each other and squeaking positive things. About 10 seconds would have been fine; the camer lingered for well over a minute. The bobbing pony tails made me queasy after that long.
Can we stipulate that President Bush is in Beijing having a fine time? Do we need to focus on him at every event and interview him at every opportunity? Seriously.
And the promised on-screen NBC viewers’ guide, which was supposed to keep us posted on what’s coming up and when (an important perk in 4-hour coverage) rarely appeared.
Otherwise, I’m a happy camper. More swimming and gymanstics tonight. Can’t wait.
Hays High teacher to be on NBC reality show
Look for another Austinite to compete in a prime-time reality show soon.
Sandy Gabriel, 26, an algebra teacher at Hays High School, will be among the competitors on NBC’s new “America’s Toughest Jobs,” which premieres Monday, Aug. 25 at 8 p.m.
NBC describes “Toughest Jobs” as “an extreme competition series” that will shove 13 people out of their comfort zones and into “challenging, dangerous and demanding” jobs — such as logging and oil drilling. The annual salary of each contestant will be thrown into a pot and awarded to the winner in the finale. (Too bad Michael Dell isn’t one of the contestants.)
Gabriel, originally from Winnie, says on her official network bio that she’s looking for a new, more challenging career. If she survives “Toughest Jobs,” maybe she’ll get one in Hollywood. Stay tuned.
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This week’s TV highlights
Hundreds of channels, hours and hours of programming. So much to watch, so little time. Here are some highlights to get you started on your week of viewing.
Sunday
“Beijing Olympics,” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on NBC — Whole lot of basketball (live, in the morning) and swimming (live, in the evening) going on today.
“Masterpiece Mystery,” 8 p.m. on PBS — We’re going to strive to find non-Olympics highlights this week, but it’s not easy. One thing we do know: The seventh season of “The Inspector Lynley Mysteries” begins tonight with Thomas Lynley (Nathaniel Parker) and his trusty partner Barbara Havers (Sharon Small) steeped in murder, abduction and more dark deeds.
Monday
“Beijing Olympics,” 7 p.m. on NBC — The men’s gymnastics final is tonight, and more pool action takes place live. “Muhammad Ali: Made in Miami,” 9 p.m. on PBS — Rare footage and interviews chronicle young Cassius Clay’s rise from humble beginnings to boxing legend.
“The Mole,” 9 p.m. on ABC — For those who care, the season finale is tonight, which means the lying- cheating winner will be revealed.
Tuesday
“Beijing Olympics,” 7 p.m. on NBC — Gymnastics, swimming and beach volleyball are front and center tonight.
“Broken Trail,” 7 p.m. on AMC — This sweeping Western miniseries from 2006 stars Robert Duvall as a wise old cowpoke. It’s not “Lonesome Dove,” but it’s a good fix for those of us who love the genre.
Wednesday
“Beijing Olympics,” 7 p.m. on NBC — Yes, more swimming, gymnastics and beach volleyball.
“Greatest American Dog,” 7 p.m. on CBS — If it weren’t for the clumsy, personality-challenged owners, none of the dogs would have been eliminated. But the poor critters are leashed to their humans and must suffer the consequences. Nevertheless, this is a fun contest.
Thursday
“Beijing Olympics,” 7 p.m. on NBC — Gymnastics and beach volleyball, again. Are we tired of host Bob Costas yet? Maybe, but we’ve got many nights to go, so we’ll be patient with his extreme chipperness.
“NFL Preseason Football,” 7 p.m. on Fox — The hot-weather pigskin parade continues, with the Carolina Panthers and the Philadelphia Eagles sweating on the field.
Friday
“Beijing Olympics,” 7 p.m. on NBC — Back to the pool for live swimming contests, and then off to the beach for more volleyball.
“NFL Preseason Football,” 7 p.m. on Fox — Have you noticed that there’s not a lot on TV this week for non-sports fans? Tonight’s preseason game sends the Oakland Raiders to Tennessee to take on the Titans, so at least we can check on former Longhorn quarterback Vince Young.
Saturday
“Beijing Olympics,” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on NBC — Spain and the USA play basketball in the morning, swimming and the men’s 100m dash final in the evening. Who’s the fastest man alive? We’ll find out.
“Austin City Limits,” 7 p.m. on PBS — Ladysmith Black Mambazo showcases their rousing combination of South African and Christian gospel traditions.
“Men in Black,” 7 p.m. on TBS — Fun special effects and the chance to see Tommy Lee Jones as a comedy-action figure are the main draws to this 1997 movie … and, of course, the always charming Will Smith.
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Mascots of the Beijing Olympics
As we hunker down for tonight’s sure-to-be spectacular Opening Ceremony (6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on NBC), we should get to know the Beijing mascots. They’re bound to be all over the place for the next 17 days, so let’s check ‘em out.
Like the five Olympic rings from which they draw their color and inspiration, the Fuwa will serve as the official mascots of 2008 Olympic Games, “carrying a message of friendship and peace to children all over the world,” according to the official Chinese description.
Designed to express the playful qualities of five little children who are close friends, the Fuwa also embody the characteristics of four of China’s most popular animals (the fish, the panda, the Tibetan antelope, the swallow) and the Olympic flame.
Each of the Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name — a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China. Beibei is the fish, Jingjing is the panda, Huanhuan is the Olympic flame, Yingying is the Tibetan antelope and Nini is the swallow.
When you put their names together — Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni — they say, “Welcome to Beijing.”
The Fuwa also embody both the landscape and aspirations of people from China. In their origins and their headpieces, we see the five elements of nature — the sea, forest, fire, earth and sky — rendered to represent the traditional influences of Chinese folk art.
The Fuwa doesn’t come across as simply as a big old koala from Sydney, but the little quintet is definitely cute.
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Presidential ads join Olympics on NBC
Major sponsors of NBC’s 17-day telecast of the Olympics include soft drinks, cars and … presidential candidates?
Yep, Democrat Barack Obama has snatched up $5 million in advertising during the Beijing Olympics, and Republican John McCain has forked over a cool $6 million in ad time.
According to Advertising Age, the president wannabes have bought spots throughout the day and prime-time coverage on NBC’s broadcast network and its cable siblings CNBC, MSNBC, USA, Oxygen and Telemundo. The magazine says this is the first major ad buy on national TV in a dozen years. Until now, the trend has been to target battleground states such as Ohio and Florida.
So while super-swimmer Michael Phelps is piling in gold medals, I guess we’ll get to see the candidates alternately touting their own personal charms and bashing each other. Can’t wait …
The new ‘CSI’ guy
It’s not John Malkovich or Kurt Russell. It’s almost definitely going to be Laurence Fishburne who replaces William Petersen midway through the upcoming season of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”
CBS entertainment chief Nina Tassler played coy on the topic at the TV critics press tour in Los Angeles last month, but she did tout Fishburne at a social function the network hosted. And she described the character that Fishburne will play:
New guy is going to be a doctor who joins the Las Vegas unit as an outsider and later becomes the boss, after Grissom (Petersen) departs after the 10th episode. As previously reported, the new character has the same genetic profile as the average serial killer and wrestles with the knowledge of his creepy DNA.
Grissom will not be killed off and likely will return for occasional guest appearances. Also returning will be Jorja Fox’s Sara Sidle, who departed last season but apparently had a change of heart.
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So you think you can watch the dancers, China, presidential debates and more?
We’re down to the final four tonight and the actual winners tomorrow night on “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Have you picked your favorites? In case you’ve lost track, the final four are: Courtney G., Katee, Joshua and Twitch. The hoofing, spinning, splitting and cheerleader-style gymnastics begin at 7 tonight and 7 Thursday night on Fox.
And if you need more information than one human being can possibly consume, check out the Fox site.
Fox is so high on this show it has already been renewed it, and creator/executive producer Nigel Lythgoe already has announced he is leaving his behind-the-scenes job on “American Idol” to devote himself to his on-camera (he’s a judge) and off-camera roles on “Dance.”
ABC looks at ‘China Inside Out’
If you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking documentary as you settle in for 17 days of the Beijing Olympics, ABC’s got a winner in “China Inside Out.” The program airs tonight at 9 in place of “Primetime.”
The report by Bob Woodruff looks at predictions that we’re heading into “the Chinese century” and whether that’s a good or bad thing for the rest of the world. Woodruff, by the way, speaks Mandarin and began his journalism career covering the uprisings in Tiananmen Square in 1989.
With the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics coming Friday night, this is an intriguing and timely look at the global impact of China and the impact of the communist revolution.
Woodruff, you might recall, continues to recover from the traumatic brain injury he suffered in January 2006 while covering the Iraq war. The road back has been long, with many frustrations and setbacks, but Woodruff appears to be on top of his game with this special.
Debates could use snappy moderators
The Commission on Presidential Debates has named Jim Lehrer and Gwen Ifill of PBS, Tom Brokaw of NBC News and Bob Schieffer of CBS News as moderators of the three presidential debates and one vice-presidental debate.
For the serious-minded among us, this is good news. It means that neither Fox’s Bill O’Reilly nor MSNBC’s Chris Matthews will embarrass themselves, the candidates and the audience with loud, obnoxious questions.
Lehrer, of course, is the calmer-than-calm anchor of “The NewsHour,” and Ifill is the brainy and smooth moderator of “Washington Week.” Brokaw, of course, is NBC’s former anchor and current fill-in for the late Tim Russert on “Meet the Press.”
But wouldn’t it have been fun to have Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert alternate the four gatherings? Seriously, ratings would soar.
And John McCain and Barack Obama have been honing their comedy skills all through the campaign.
Opportunity lost …
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Are McCain and Obama the ‘Last Comics Standing?’
From “Saturday Night Live” to “The Daily Show,” presidential candidates are weaving humor — or at least attempts at humor — into their campaign strategies.
Intentionally or not, Republican contender John McCain is probably better at this than Democratic contender Barack Obama.
McCain has long prided himself on jousting with late-night hosts and cracking self-deprecating jokes. Obama, new to this harsh spotlight, seems considerably less comfortable poking fun at himself or anyone else.
But both presidential wannabes have taped fake “funny ads” that will appear in Thursday’s 7 p.m. season finale of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” The network grandly announced this on Monday.
Is this a good idea for the candidates … or a humiliating exercise in desperation?
You be the judge:
McCain’s 30-second spot shows him standing at a lectern, peering into the camera. “I’m John McCain, and I approved this message,” he says. “A president has to be funny.”
In a quick series of photos, we see George W. Bush looking silly in a cowboy hat, Bill Clinton blowing his saxophone and Ronald Reagan hanging out with Bonzo the chimpanzee.
“Unfunny presidents only serve one term — if they win an election at all,” McCain says. “I may not be the last comic standing, but I’m definitely the funniest candidate for president.”
Someone off-camera counters, “Yeah, funny-looking,” and McCain responds with fake anger, “Who said that?”
The Obama spot opens with the candidate also standing behind a lectern.
“Hi, I’m Barack Obama, and I’m running for president of the United States,” he says, looking more than a little awkward. “Remember to vote for me in November. If you don’t think I’m funny, you’ve never seen me bowl.”
Cut to the now infamous shot of Obama gutter-balling on a campaign swing through Ohio.
The “ad” then returns to Obama, turning away from the camera and declaring, “I’m not going to deliver this line any better than that,” and then walking off.
Will viewers be gripping their sides laughing? Perhaps more ominously, will they decide whom to vote for based on the comedy skills displayed on reality TV?
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Teen Choice Awards tonight!
Miley Cyrus hosts the “Teen Choice Awards” tonight at 7 on Fox. Plugged in teens and tweens probably already know the winners because the award ceremony actually took place Sunday night in Los Angeles.
But knowing and seeing are two different things, and the fun of any awards show is less who won than what they looked and sounded like when the won — or lost. And like the People’s Choice Awards, the Teen Choice honors tend to attract a full house of nominees.
Here are the nominees:
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This week’s TV highlights
Hundreds of channels, hours and hours of programming. So much to watch, so little time. Here are some highlights to get you started on your week of viewing.
Sunday
“Apollo 13,” 7 p.m. on AMC — This 1995 true-life space saga, starring Tom Hanks as astronaut Jim Lovell, holds up beautifully.
“The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” 7 and 8:30 p.m. on Family — Check out America Ferrera before she became Ugly Betty. Totally adorable, even without the braces.
“NFL Preseason Hall of Fame Game,” 7 p.m. on NBC — It’s not real football season yet, but for pigskin maniacs, it’s an appetizer. The Indianapolis Colts take on the Washington Redskins.
Monday
“Teen Choice Awards,” 7 p.m. on Fox — Miley Cyrus hosts the kid-favorite awards honoring performers in music, TV, movies and sports. Prepare for squealing in your house if the Jonas Brothers show up.
“American Gladiators,” 7 p.m. on NBC — The season finale is tonight, for those who care.
“Nashville Star, 9 p.m. on NBC — Another season finale, as TV continues to wipe the summer reality slate clean.
Tuesday
“Inside the Koran,” 8 p.m. on NGC — This journey into the heart of the Islamic world presents a cross section of Muslims living according to their interpretations of the Quran. It examines the messages of peace and tolerance that seem to conflict with extremist acts of hatred and violence.
“P.O.V.,” 10 p.m. on PBS — The documentary takes a close look at the dark intensity and raw talent of the late country crooner Johnny Cash.
Wednesday
“Project Runway,” 8 p.m. on Bravo — Am I the only one disappointed by the current season? Seems way too rehearsed and camera-ready, but maybe it’ll get sharper as the competition moves along. I’ll keep the faith … for now.
“The Graduate,” 9 p.m. on TCM — If you’ve never seen this 1967 classic (or even if you have), do yourself a favor and enjoy. Dustin Hoffman plays a coming-of-age kid seduced by life and an older woman. It’s terrific.
Thursday
“So You Think You Can Dance,” 7 p.m. on Fox — The winning hoofer is crowned.
“NFL Preseason,” 7 p.m. on ESPN — More teasing for football fans. It doesn’t count, but the New Orleans Saints go up against the Arizona Cardinals. Labor Day weekend seems so far away …
“Hopkins 24/7,” 9 p.m. on ABC — The last installment of this riveting ABC News documentary series is tonight. We say goodbye to the dedicated medical folks and the patients they tended at Baltimore’s famed Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Friday
“The Olympics Opening Ceremony,” 7 p.m. on NBC — Fireworks, 15,000 Chinese performers and 10,000 athletes take center stage as the Beijing Summer Games officially come to order. Bob Costas is our host tonight and for the next 17 nights.
Saturday
“The Beijing Summer Olympics,” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 to 11 p.m. on NBC — Let the sports begin! Time for total immersion.
“Transformers,” 7 p.m. on HBO — For those (poor souls) who can’t take the overdose of Olympics, check out this fabulous action-fantasy from last year starring Shia LaBeouf.
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Wanna be on ‘Friday Night Lights’? Here’s your chance!
Wanna be on a really good TV show, one that doesn’t make you beg for a date or humiliate yourself in any way?
Well, this just arrived via e-mail from our friends at “Friday Night Lights.”
We are back in Austin and ready to start casting PAID EXTRAS for Season 3 of the NBC television series “Friday Night Lights.”
If you have never worked on “Friday Night Lights” and are a NEW FACE — we would like to have you in our talent files for extra work.
We will be hiring extras from 8/1/08 through 11/26/08 and have many different days and types of extra work available. Average extras work day last between 8 and 12 hours.
Specialty types we are seeking for Season 3 include:
Panther Football Players: ages 18-24, must not be now playing or intending to play football in college as this will jeopardize your NCAA eligibility. Football experience strongly preferred but not required. But you should look like a high school football player. Players will need to be available on-call from 8/6/08 through 11/26/08 for multiple days of work. You must not have other work or school conflicts during that time.
Football coaches and football team trainers
Panther Cheerleaders: ages 18-24, must have previous cheerleading experience.
FANS, FANS, FANS!! All ages, all types, willing to sit in the stands and cheer on our Panther team!
If you would like to work as an extra on “Friday Night Lights,” please visit our website at www.onlocationcasting.net and complete a talent application. BE SURE YOU INCLUDE A PHOTO!!!!
ALL extras positions are paid. General extras (fans, etc) are paid $56 for 8 hours plus overtime. Cheerleaders and football players are paid between $75-$125 for 8 hours plus overtime, depending on the scene.
If you have any questions, please email us at: fnl_extras@yahoo.com -or- call our office after 8/1/08 at (512) 707-7934.
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Dillon Panthers back in Austin soon!
Next week — or possibly this weekend — we welcome our “Friday Night Lights” folks back to town.
Filming on the NBC/DirecTV series is set to begin somewhere in our vicinity on Wednesday, but I bet the cast will begin arriving over the weekend to get settled before the long, hot schedule begins. The series debuts in October on the satellite network and then moves to NBC in February.
At NBC’s “star party” in Los Angeles recently, Connie Britton, who plays Tami Taylor, said she was getting ready to load up her car with suitcases and her dog and hit the road to Texas. Like the rest of the cast, Britton says she loves Austin and has missed it mightily for the past eight months.
“What do I miss most? Guacamole and margaritas at Guero’s!” she said excitedly. “Guacamole and margaritas at Guero’s make me real, real happy.”
Britton also enjoys upscale Austin eateries like Uchi, but she’s especially partial to the South Congress Tex-Mex establishment.
And so is Taylor Kitsch, who plays tragic hero Riggins on “FNL.” But the young music lover from Canada also has missed the Saxon Pub on South Lamar Boulevard.
“I just love the vibe there … it’s dark and you can just chill,” Kitsch said at the same NBC gathering.
None of the guys destined to film Dillon Panther football scenes in the raging August heat seemed worried about the weather.
“Aw, we eat that heat up,” Kitsch said.
Jesse Plemons, who plays Landry — a relatively new addition to the Panthers squad — and Zach Gilford, who plays QB Matt Saracen, both agreed. Informed that Austin has been searing under 100-plus degree days, both guys shrugged.
“We’re ready,” they said, almost in unison. “We missed Austin.”
Kitsch was actually looking forward to outdoor activities at Barton Springs and Lake Austin. He has a motorbike he likes to tool around on and insists the breeze, that feels more like the blast of a hair dryer to me, doesn’t bother him one bit.
Welcome back, Panthers! Don’t forget to hydrate … with water.
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Ratings: broadcast=bad, cable=good!
You know we’re in the dry, dull days of summer when the top-rated show of the week is “American’s Got Talent” — followed closely by “Wipeout” and a weary rerun of “Two and a Half Men.”
Check out the full Nielsen Top 20 list.
When 10 million people are tuning in to a show that pokes fun at people trying to leap over big pink balls, you know you’re dealing with terminally bored viewers.
But I lift my spirits somewhat when I check out the Nielsen ratings for cable. Now that list has some good shows that reflect viewers’ good taste.
Last week’s top-rated cable program was TNT’s “The Closer,” which attracted 7 million quality-starved viewers. About 5 million viewers also tuned in for fresh episodes of “Saving Grace,” “Monk,” “Burn Notice” and ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” That’s 5 million for each of those original cable shows.
Whole lot a’ shakin’ at “Big Brother”
Monday’s Los Angeles earthquake shivered the timbers at the “Big Brother” house, which I’m sure we’ll get to see repeatedly on the CBS reality show.
Caught on tape, the quake had the inhabitants wandering outside, trying to figure out what to do next — and possibly trying to figure out if an earthquake was really happening or if they’d gotten hold of a bad mojito.
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‘Eureka,’ it’s back!
It doesn’t get a lot of ink, but Sci Fi Channel’s “Eureka” is surely one of the most imaginative and lush-looking shows on cable.
Check out tonight’s season opener at 8 p.m. when Sheriff Jack Carter (played by Colin Ferguson, seen in photo with Jordan Hinson, who plays his daughter Zoe) continues his effort to keep order in a town filled with wildly eccentric citizens.
The premise, for those of you who’ve never visited “Eureka,” is this: After World War II, the U.S. government herded all the nation’s geniuses and their families into the small town of Eureka in the Pacific Northwest. The high-tech community is secretly working on new advancements, which occasionally go awry.
That’s when the sheriff, who is not a genius but stumbled into the community and was drafted into the job, must step in and maintain order. And while doing so, he must also make sure the town’s overriding secret missions remain secret.
Unlike a lot of sci-fi dramas, “Eureka” is equal parts comedy and drama and has a refreshingly original look and feel.
Austin writer Bill Bishop on tonight’s “Daily Show”
Austin writer Bill Bishop, author of “The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America Is Tearing Us Apart,” is scheduled to be on Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show” tonight at 10 p.m.
AMC’s “Mad Men” scores in second-season debut
Is Don Draper our new prime-time hero? Maybe … he’s certainly more intriguing than the well-coiffed but admittedly gorgeous Dr. McDreamy.
The puffing, drinking, brooding centerpiece of AMC’s critically acclaimed series “Mad Men” opened its second season Sunday night with its biggest audience yet — averaging 2 million viewers, according to Nielsen’s big-city overnight ratings.
The opener, which had the bad fortune of going up against a Yankees-Red Sox game on ESPN, nevertheless doubled its first-season average.
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Her friend is a Pharma Rep... I don't see too many reality programs, unless forced to... but it seems this profession is overly represented in reality programs. I wonder why that is?
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Babylon 5 is back! Woo Hoo!
Even if it is reruns.
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