Austin360 blogs > TV Blog > Archives > 2008 > April
April 2008
‘Boston Legal’ moves, ‘Idol’ and ‘Dancing’ get weird
As Denny and Alan mentioned in last Tuesday’s “Boston Legal,” the ABC show is moving to Wednesdays, effective tonight at 9 p.m.
Creator David E. Kelley loves to pop little insider, behind-the-fourth wall quips into his scripts.
In a show last season the story line focused on other characters in the law firm, with the two main guys seen in separate scenes. When they met up for their customary Scotch-and-cigars conclusion, Denny piped up, “Alan, where have you been? I haven’t seen you all episode.”
Love those little winks from Kelley. Anyway, to the point, “Boston Legal,” which alternately produces tears and guffaws, has been evicted from its regular time slot, which isn’t the best thing that could have happened.
The show’s ratings in this strike-crippled season have been less that swell, and the series is now one of the “on-the-bubble” shows that might not make the cut when ABC announces its fall schedule on May 13.
If you’re a fan, don’t forget to catch “Boston Legal” in its new berth tonight.
‘Twas a weird night for reality competitions
“American Idol” trotted out as if it were on fast-forward last night, squeezing in two performances from each of the remaining contestants.
Neil Diamond’s songs got butchered more than once, and Paula Abdul once again fell victim to her own, uh, confusion. Poor thing.
As always, check out my colleague Gary Dinges’ Idol Chatter blog for the whole story, but I just had to weigh in briefly, too.
Jason Castro, he of the dreamy blue eyes white-boy dreads, once again appeared to be in an alternate universe. Maybe that’s why after the first of his two performances, Paula thought she’d heard two songs and proceeded to offer her judging comments.
Dead silence, scattered laughter, total shock among the contestants. Eventually Randy Jackson informed her that Jason had only sung one song. Who knows what poor Paula was thinking.
Jason obviously has a strong fan base, but he’s got to go. Seriously. Elimination is tonight at 8 p.m. on Fox.
Meanwhile, “Dancing with the Stars” wasted a spot in its competition when the injured Cristian de la Fuente received enough votes to keep him in, while Shannon Elizabeth got the boot.
After rupturing a tendon in his bicep Monday night Cristian is NOT going to make it beyond another week, especially since the dancers are now allowed to do lifts. Is he going to twirl around, catch his partner and do all those athletic moves with one arm in a brace? Maybe … but not for long. And I wouldn’t want to be his partner, Cheryl Burke.
Cristian should have bowed out and let Shannon stay. It would have been the fair and gentlemanly thing to do.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment
Another ‘Dancing’ dancer crumples
Another dance, another crumpled dancer.
“Dancing with the Stars” is proving that dance is more contact sport than performance artistry. In case you missed last night’s competition, Chilean TV star Cristian de la Fuente pulled a muscle in his bulging arm during a samba with pro partner Cheryl Burke.
It was obvious something was wrong when de la Fuente’s swiveling hips stopped swiveling — and, finally, when he dropped Burke on the floor in a big, feathery poof.
Host Tom Bergeron wasn’t quite sure what to do, so he went to commercial as the super-hunky (can teeth actually be that white?) Chilean grimaced and gripped his arm. After the break, the wounded bird, with an ice pack strapped to his arm, received his not-so-good scores: three sevens. Bummer. And possibly unfair.
We werer told that EMS had swooped in during the ad and diagnosed de la Fuente’s injury as a “severe muscle cramp,” but today more people are saying it’s a pulled muscle, which is different and worse. We’ll find out in tonight’s results show (8 p.m. on ABC) whether the actor will be able to twirl farther in the competition.
Last season Marie Osmond fainted and plopped to the floor. This year, pro dancer Derek Hough injured his neck during rehearsal and then later came down with food poisoning.
It’s surprising there aren’t more injuries on the live telecasts. The dances (Latin, ballroom, whatever) are difficult and highly athletic to begin with, and to show off on TV, the pros always load ‘em up with even more daring moves. Presumably the threat of bodily harm simplys adds to the drama.
Entertainment Weekly’s super-snarky take on the current “Dancing” season claims this is the worst of the show’s six seasons. I beg to differ. I think the celebrity contestants, especially bubbly Marissa Jaret Winokur, are an especially entertaining group — folks you really want to root for in the competition.
And, really, isn’t Cockney-accented judge Len Goodman a major hoot? Half the time you can’t figure out exactly what he’s saying, but it’s fun trying.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment Categories: Reality TV
KVUE News going HD soon!
Christine Haas and Tyler Sieswerda are about to get new makeup and a spiffy new look to their anchor perch on KVUE’s local newscasts.
Why? The Belo-owned station is switching its newscasts to HD. We’ve noticed for several weeks that the anchors aren’t in their usual set, and the lighting looks a bit harsh sometimes. Turns out that’s because KVUE is building a new deck for their old set to accommodate the transition.
We found this out, by the way, not from the station but from an article in Broadcast Engineering.
This morning we called for confirmation from KVUE’s long-time chief engineer Mike Wenglar. The specific date for the HD debut has not been released, but late May or early June look probable.
Look for a big promotional extravaganza closer to the premiere, when news, weather, sports and field reports all will be telecast in HD.
KEYE’s newscasts, you might remember, went HD last November — just in time for the important sweeps period. Ron Oliveira and Judy Maggio sailed through their ready-for-their-closeup makeovers.
KXAN and KTBC both have HD-ready news sets but no launch time for the high-def switch. Presumably, however, all local Austin news will be in HD by the end of this year.
J.Lo and the twins on reality TV
TLC has landed a deal with Jennifer Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony for a reality series that will focus on the glam life of J.Lo and the more down-and-dirty job of taking care of twins Emme and Max, born Feb. 22.
The series will be produced by Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, another celebrity couple. No air date has been set — and no title either.
Suggestions? “Hot Mama?” “J.Lo & The Babes?”
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment Categories: Local news
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 TV viewing week.
Sunday
“Carrier,” 8 p.m. on KLRU — A total immersion in the high- stakes world of a nuclear aircraft carrier. The documentary (which continues Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m.) tracks sailors and officers aboard the USS Nimitz as they navigate their private lives and the war on terror.
Monday
“House,” 8 p.m. on Fox — Back with new episodes, the grumpy doc suspects there’s something wrong with an emergency room patient who seems way too happy. Only Dr. House would diagnose a sunny disposition as an illness.
“The Paper,” 9:30 p.m. on MTV — If you haven’t discovered this little gem, check it out. When was the last time you saw a reality show about teens who are smart, ambitious and passionate about journalism? Never, right? Here’s your chance.
Tuesday
“Women’s Murder Club,” 9 p.m. on ABC — Angie Harmon’s freshman crime drama takes another shot at finding an audience. Based on James Patterson’s crime novels, this series, set in San Francisco, seemed promising in its fall debut but fell victim to bad scheduling and the writers’ strike. It’s worth checking.
“Law & Order: SVU,” 9 p.m. on NBC — Robin Williams guest stars in the show’s 200th episode. Not surprisingly, he plays a creepy guy who gets even creepier after he’s arrested and put on trial for a creepy crime.
Wednesday
“American Idol,” 8 p.m. on Fox — After last week’s elimination of Carly Smithson, with Syesha Mercado in the bottom two (and bumbling Brooke White and yawning Jason Castro safe), the suspense is chilling.
“Farmer Wants a Wife,” 8 p.m. on CW — I’m not necessarily recommending. I’m just sayin’ … Here’s a new reality series that’s basically “The Bachelor on a Farm.” Take it or leave it.
Thursday
“Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. on ABC — Dr. Addison Montgomery returns tonight, but it’s just temporary. Kate Walsh’s spinoff, “Private Practice,” has been renewed for next season. Friday:
“20/20,” 7 p.m. on ABC — Brit reporter Martin Bashir tends to focus on tabloid stories, but tonight he takes us on a lovely tour of the Sistine Chapel.
Saturday
“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” 7 p.m. on ABC — The perfect family movie. This 2005 adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ novel follows four adventurous youths on a magical trek from World War II era London into a world of mythical creatures.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment Categories: TV tips
Diagnosis: ‘Grey’s’ recovers from earlier malaise
Seattle Grace re-opened for business last night (Thursday) in a whirl of blood, romance, cockroaches, silliness and fun.
In other words, “Grey’s Anatomy,” which has been known to wallow in tragedy, self-indulgence and whining, has returned to its bright, irreverent, quirky temperament.
If you haven’t seen it yet, consider this your SPOILER ALERT. If you forgot to DVR it, you can get recaps, character updates and full episodes on ABC’s “Grey’s” Web site.
The entire plot danced around a contest the surgeons concocted, accruing points by the number and seriousness of procedures and thus living at the hospital for two weeks to be on call for any and all surgical work. Not surprisingly, Cristina is hysterical about this, and even Izzie gets in competitive mode.
As luck would have it, two brothers and a brother’s new wife arrive at the hospital with hideous wounds inflicted by a bear. One guy’s intestines are falling out, the woman has a huge chunk of her scalp hanging off the side of her head and the other guy has minor injuries but still seems “not right.”
The good news: After essentially getting dumped by Derek (who’s now nuzzling but not having actual sex with Rose), Meredith is in therapy. Boy, that’s a relief. All that moaning, whining and pining was like fingernails on a blackboard. But last night I actually felt a tiny bit of affection for Meredith and even laughed out loud when, hopped up on contest energy, she joyfully screamed to a patient, “It’s a brain tumor!!
More good news: Izzie and George are toast. Did anybody ever believe that romance? Not for a second. Now George and Meredith’s half-sister Lexie are roommates in a roach-ridden apartment, and that friendship has great potential.
Even more good news: With Callie and hard-nosed Dr. Erica Hahn becoming fast friends, Cristina’s frantic attempts to suck up to Hahn achieved major comic level — and deftly turns slightly sad at the end.
The bad news: Not nearly enough of the story line featured my favorite “Grey’s” character, Dr. Bailey. We want more of her.
On balance, the return of “Grey’s” was a triumph, a badly needed transfusion of fun in a show that had become way too dull and mopey.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment
‘Lost’ returns, actors union procrastinates
Ticked off readers keep asking me why I never mention “Lost” any more. This week’s TV column mentioned, with considerable joy, the return tonight of “Ugly Betty” (7 p.m.) and “Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m.).
“Lost” returns tonight, too, at 9 p.m. on ABC, for six new episodes leading up to the May 29 season finale.
There. Satisfied?
The reason I don’t write about “Lost” very much any more is that I’m totally over it. I loved the show the first two seasons, and then the producers seemed to get lost in their own serpentine stories. Were they making things up from week to week, or did they have answers to all the questions posed on the ultimate castaway saga?
I felt the same way about “The X-Files” at one point, although that show managed to find itself and wind up with some satisfying resolutions.
When last we saw our island plane crash survivors, Rousseau and Karl had just been shot. Are they dead? Is anyone really ever dead on “Lost?” Probably not, because they’re too busy dancing through past, present and future stories. Sayid and Michael had had yet another set-to, and bug-eyed Ben (does that man ever blink?) was stranger and dirtier than ever.
Tonight executive producers promise meatier, definitive stories heading toward the two-hour finale. At some point, we are told, the philosophical and physical conflicts between Jack and Locke will reach some sort of dramatic culmination on the magical-mystery-tour-of-an-island.
“Lost” is supposed to wander along with two more shortened seasons. We’ll see. If ratings collapse (and they’ve been saggin), the end could come sooner.
Ominous stirring among actors
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists announced Wednesday that it will not begin its contract negotiations with producers on April 28, as planned.
Instead, the talks are now scheduled to begin May 5. The postponement was requested by major studios in the hope of wrapping up separate negotiations with the Screen Actors Guild before meeting with American Federation group.
Both of those actors’ unions are hoping for increased revenues from new media. Existing contracts expire June 30, and the actors, in separate union negotiations, are hoping to squeeze more out of producers than the writers guild received after its three-month strike.
If actors do strike, the TV season would be imperiled, as would the entire TV industry. Keep fingers crossed.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment
‘Tudors’ renewed, Lucy Liu in demand, reality hosts OK for Emmys
Here’s a big surprise: “The Tudors” has been renewed for a third season on Showtime, probably to begin early in 2009.
The sexy saga of British royalty has generated enormous buzz and ratings for the premium cable channel. The fact that the real Henry VIII looked more like an obese slob than the gorgeous TV hunk interpreted by Jonathan Rhys Meyers apparently doesn’t faze viewers. Whatever … history as fantasy is better than no history at all.
All Lucy Liu all the time
The former “Ally McBeal” and “Charlie’s Angels” co-star has so enamored the suits at ABC that she just might wind up starring in two prime-time series next season.
“Dirty Sexy Money,” the soap opera about a filthy-rich New York family (headed by Donald Sutherland and kept in check by Peter Krause as the family attorney), has been courting Liu to join the ensemble cast as a regular. “Dirty” already has been picked up for a sophomore season (starting in the fall), along with “Pushing Daisies” and the “Grey’s Anatomy” spinoff, “Private Practice.”
Liu also starred in the midseason series “Cashmere Mafia,” which has not yet been renewed. It’s “on the bubble,” as they say, due to not-so-swell ratings.
If both shows wind up on the fall schedule, Liu might wind up in two series — or she might be asked to choose one. If so, look for her to pick “Dirty,” which has a better cast and much better prospects for audience growth.
Outstanding Reality-competition Program
Reality TV shows already compete for Emmys in two categories: reality competition and plain old reality. Now the hosts of reality shows will be eligible for Emmys.
And why not? Can you imagine “American Idol” without sweet-but-sometimes-snarky Ryan Seacrest? Of course not. He keeps the contestants sane and pokes the judges back in their cages. He’s indispensible to “Idol.”
Howie Mandel might not perform the same function on “Deal or No Deal,” but he’ll likely be up for an Emmy come fall anyway. So will Ty Pennington, Tom Bergeron and (gulp) maybe even Jeff Foxworthy. I’m pretty sure this category won’t include any of the really angry chefs who now populate prime time.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment
‘Sarah Connor Chronicles’ will return, two leave ‘SVU’
Good news for fans of “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.”
Fox is giving it a second season, ordering 13 new episodes to begin in the fall. The midseason sci-fi show premiered in January, after an NFL playoff game, with mostly rave reviews and a big audience (18 million viewers). Even with the expected dropoff after the debut, “Sarah Connor” was the top-rated new scripted series among the coveted 18-to-49 demo.
Lena Headey will reprise her role as Sarah, and Thomas Dekker will return as her future-leader son John. Brian Austin Green, who guest starred in five episodes earlier this year, will be a regular cast member in the fall.
“Sarah Connor” won’t be the only sci-fi offering on Fox next season. Joss Whedon’s eagerly anticipated newcomer “Dollhouse” likely will be on the schedule.
‘SVU’ loses two
The revolving door at Dick Wolf’s “Law & Order” franchise is spinning again. This time, “SVU” is losing a couple of regulars — Adam Beach, who played a cop, and Diane Neal, who played a prosecutor.
No biggie. Beach always seemed stiff and unsure in the role, and Neal became increasingly expressionless as her lips puffed up. (Why do these actresses do this to themselves?)
Moyers lands first chat with Jeremiah Wright
Bill Moyers has landed the first interview with Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the controversial pastor of Barack Obama.
Wright retired earlier this year from Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, but his videotaped sermons have resurfaced on YouTube.
The interview will air on “Bill Moyers Journal” this Friday at 8 p.m. on PBS (KLRU).
Tony Snow on CNN
Former Bush White House press secretary Tony Snow, who stepped down more than a year ago to wage his second battle against cancer, is joining CNN on Monday as a conservative commentator.
Before serving W. Bush, Snow hosted “Fox News Sunday” and before that, he appeared on CNN’s “Crossfire.” The always busy Snow also has been a newspaper writer, radio host and speechwriter for George H.W. Bush.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment
Austin stations win Texas AP Awards
Austin stations, not surprisingly, hit the motherlode in the just-announced Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Awards.
Competing in Division 2 (against San Antonio but not Dallas or Houston), Austin’s ABC affiliate KVUE raked in the most, winning 14 awards and 5 honorable mentions.
But every local news station in town won AP Awards.
Kudos to all. Here’s the list, as posted by Texas AP:
Best Newscast
KXAN, Austin. Staff. News at 6 p.m.
KENS, San Antonio. Kara Gennett & Ray Silva. 6 p.m. News.
Honorable Mention: KXAN, Austin. Staff. News at 10 p.m.
Best Sportscast
WOAI, San Antonio. Don Harris & Mike Klein.
KVUE, Austin. Mike Barnes. KVUE Sports at 6 p.m.
Honorable Mention: KEYE, Austin. Bob Ballou. 10 p.m.
Best Weathercast
KVUE, Austin. Mark Murray. 10 p.m.
KXAN, Austin. Jim Spencer. 10 p.m. Weathercast.
Honorable Mention: News 8 Austin, Austin. Burton Fitzsimmons. 8 a.m. Weather.
Best News Anchor/Team
KVUE, Austin. Christine Haas.
WOAI, San Antonio. Randy Beamer.
Honorable Mention: KTBC, Austin. Jenni Lee.
Best Spot Coverage-Station
KVUE, Austin. Georgetown Drowning.
KENS, San Antonio. Eagle Pass Tornado.
Best Spot Story/Individual
KVUE, Austin. Kevin Peters and Robert McMurrey. Georgetown Drowning.
KENS, San Antonio. James Munoz and Larry Burns. Corn Collapse.
Honorable Mention: News 8 Austin, Austin. Amy Hadley and Ed Keiner. Ice Storm.
Best Feature/Serious
KVUE, Austin. Shelton Green and Woody Harrison. Ghost Bikes.
WOAI, San Antonio. Delaine Mathieu and Ben Cruz. Babies Saving Their Own Lives.
Honorable Mention: KEYE, Austin. Judy Maggio and Dennis Bateman. Champion for Kids.
Best Feature/Light
KENS, San Antonio. Marvin Hurst and Patricia Norman. Selling the Moon.
KVUE, Austin. Amy Johnston and Doug Naugle. Cedar Park Quints.
Honorable Mention: News 8 Austin, Austin. Crestina Chavez and Ed Keiner. Fidographer.
Best Investigative
KVUE, Austin. Rudy Koski and Dathan Hull. Justice Denied.
WOAI, San Antonio. Brian Collister and Steve Kline. VA Medical Mistakes.
Honorable Mention: KVUE, Austin. Christine Haas and Todd Rogenthien. Maravilla Troubles.
Best Photojournalism/Station
KVUE, Austin.
KXAN, Austin.
Hon Men: KENS, San Antonio.
Best Photojournalism/Individual
KXAN, Austin. Jonathan Uhl.
KVUE, Austin. Todd Rogenthien.
Honorable Mention: KENS, San Antonio. Michael Humphries.
Best Sports Story
WOAI, San Antonio. Don Harris, Keith Van Prooyen, Mike Klein. Daddy is on God’s Team.
News 8 Austin, Austin. Shane McAuliffe. Deaf Football Team.
Best Series
KEYE, Austin. Ron Oliveira, John Salazar and Benjamin Pollchik. Manopause.
KABB, San Antonio. Staff. S.A. 360.
Honorable Mention: KVUE, Austin. Clara Tuma and Todd Rogenthien. Looking for Love.
Best Specialty/Beat Reporting
1.KTBC, Austin. Chris Coffey, John Craven and Shane Gordon. 7 On Your Side.
- KVUE, Austin. Elise Hu. Political Reporting.
Best Reporter
KEYE, Austin. Jason Wheeler
KABB, San Antonio. James Keith
Best General Assignment
WOAI, San Antonio. Jaie Avila and Joey Mendoza. Car Wash Theft.
KABB, San Antonio. Stephanie Rivas and Jack Greene. Amber Jones Memorial.
Honorable Mention: KVUE, Austin. Clara Tuma and Todd Rogenthien. Intel Implosion.
Best Continuing Coverage
WOAI, San Antonio. Brian Collister and Steve Kline. Failed Principal.
KENS, San Antonio. Staff. Mount Helotes Burning.
Honorable Mention: KVUE, Austin. Staff. Goodbye Lady Bird.
Best Website
KEYE, Austin.
KVUE, Austin.
Honorable Mention: KTBC, Austin.
Best Feature Editing
KENS, San Antonio. Patricia Norman. Taking on Taggers
KVUE, Austin. Todd Rogenthien. Canine Chaos.
Honorable Mention (tie): KVUE, Austin. Todd Rogenthien. Seaholm Swan Song.
KENS, San Antonio. Wes Sewell. S.A. Street Racers.
Best TV Magazine/Special
KVUE, Austin. Kathy Hadlock. KVUE Close-Up.
News 8 Austin, Austin. Rachel Elsberry, Drew Moses and Chris Rodriguez. ACL Music Festival.
Honorable Mention: WOAI, San Antonio. Don Harris, David Chancellor and Mike Klein. Race for the Rings Spurs Special.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment Categories: Local news
Huh? President Bush on ‘Deal or No Deal’
While John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are on the campaign trail trying to convince Americans they are just plain folks, President Bush pops up tonight on a give-away reality show, thus making himself the ultimate “regular guy.”
On “Deal or No Deal” (7 p.m. on NBC), Bush appears in a pre-taped message from the White House, thanking contestant Joseph Kobes for his service in the Iraq War. Kobe is an Army captain who received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star during three tours of duty in Iraq.
The game show is taped and in the can, but NBC is keeping mum on Kobe’s quest for the $1 million prize. Did the presidential kudo and good-luck message help? We don’t know, but because Kobe says he wants to win the money to pay off his parents’ home, well, surely luck will be on his side.
‘Gossip Girl’ returns to TV but not Web
The CW is hoping to drive viewers to its teen saga “Gossip Girl” on TV, which is sort of an odd concept in this digital multimedia age.
The show returns tonight at 7 with new episodes, and for the next five weeks, the show will be available only on TV. Online streaming will not be available for these new episodes, but viewers can stream the previous 12 episodes on cwtv.com.
Why the focus on regular old broadcast TV? Network execs are probably thrilled with the pre-return buzz for “Gossip Girl” and hope to squeeze big bucks out of TV advertisers with the notion of an “exclusive showing.” Web ads, as we all know, don’t pull in the revenue that on-air ads do.
The CW will have post-episode interviews with creator Josh Schwartz, behind-the-scenes video of the case and contests for fans hosting viewing parties.
Cindy McCain co-hosts ‘The View’ today
So, now that Barbara Walters has had John McCain’s wife Cindy co-host “The View” (she’s on today at 10 a.m. on KVUE), won’t she have to invite Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton to co-host sometime in the near future, too?
Seems only fair. The stunning Miss Cindy isn’t/wasn’t simply a guest on the show; she is/was co-hosting with Walters. That’s a different level of exposure.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment Categories: Reality TV
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
“Masterpiece Theatre: ‘My Boy Jack,’ ” 8 p.m. on PBS — Daniel Radcliffe, best-known as “Harry Potter,” stars as Rudyard Kipling’s teenage son, who goes missing in action during World War I.
“Sweet Nothing in My Ear,” 8 p.m. on CBS — Marlee Matlin, who is profoundly deaf and has stunned viewers with her graceful twirls on “Dancing with the Stars,” stars in this “Hallmark Hall of Fame” movie about a couple who disagree about the merits of a cochlear implant for their deaf son. Jeff Daniels plays the dad.
“Brothers & Sisters,” 9 p.m. on ABC — Back after the writers’ strike, the show picks up in the heat of Robert’s presidential campaign and the growing heat of Nora’s romance with Isaac. Look for surprises on both fronts.
Monday
“Gossip Girl,” 7 p.m. on CW — Blair tries to adjust to being un-cool (LOL!), and Serena tries to hide the mysteries of her life.
“Dirty Jobs,” 8 p.m. on Discovery — Mike Rowe, who loves to get his hands (and body) filthy, heads to Alaska to wallow in the goo of a fish processing ship. Smell-o-Vision.
Tuesday
Pennsylvania primary coverage, 5 p.m. on MSNBC, 6 p.m. on CNN, 7 p.m. on Fox News — The broadcast networks are ceding this bout between Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to the cable networks. Fine by me.
Wednesday
“Law & Order,” 9 p.m. on NBC — Jesse L. Martin bows out as Detective Greene, and Anthony Anderson (“K-ville”) joins the squad. (Martin wasn’t fired; he’s returning to stage and big screen.)
Thursday
“Ugly Betty,” 7 p.m. on ABC — All new, at last! Betty’s plan to spend a romantic 24th birthday with Henry go awry, and Wilhelmina tries to spoil sister Renee’s romance with Daniel. We missed this sweet, campy show.
“Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. on ABC — Also back from the dead, the sexy surgeons of Seattle Grace are hooking up and splitting up again. For now, Meredith and Derek are split; Derek and Rose are together.
Friday
“Moonlight,” 8 p.m. on CBS — Mmmm … vampires are back. Mick wants to give up blood-sucking to become human, but love gets in the way.
Saturday
“Letters From Iwo Jima,” 7 p.m. on AMC — Clint Eastwood directed this deeply moving 2006 film about the Battle of Iwo Jima, told from the perspective of Japanese soldiers.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment Categories: TV tips
TV Turnoff Week? Not me.
We’re coming up on TV Turnoff Week (starts Monday), and it should not surprise you that I’m not participating. Again. Never have and possibly never will.
Besides the fact that I watch TV for a living (insert snide, condescending comments here), turning off TV is like fasting to lose weight, when what you really need to do is eat less, eat healthy and exercise every now and then. Turning off TV is like throwing out the baby with the bathwater — an expression so bizarre that I just had to use it.
The TV Turnoff folks would have us believe that TV is addictive and unhealthy, that everything on the small screen is stupid and culturally empty. I don’t happen to believe that. I love television, and I think it makes me smarter and certainly happier.
But here’s the key to healthy TV consumption: Plan what you’re going to watch, make wise decisions and don’t just keep the box turned on if there’s nothing you particularly want to watch. Don’t wade through clumsy sitcoms and greedy give-away shows just to get to an episode of “Boston Legal” you’ve been dying to see. Catch up on reading or take a power walk through your neighborhood instead.
Indulging in chips and chocolate is not lethal for your well-being if done in moderation, and TV is not bad for you if you exercise proper selection. Give yourself an hour a night — maybe two on Thursdays — and take off Fridays and Saturdays entirely. Check out channels like Discovery and BBC America to broaden your horizons.
I don’t know this for a fact, but my guess is that people who campaign for TV Turnoff Week are the same people who tell me, on a regular basis and in the most inappropriate settings (like weddings and funerals) that they never watch anything but news, PBS and sports. And then after a drink or two, they ask me, in a whisper, who finally won “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” and complain loudly about some weird plot twist on “Desperate Housewives.”
Certainly life can be lived without TV, but, seriously, wouldn’t we be better off just making better choices?
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment
Gay ‘Bro & Sis’ guy not just acting
Turns out Luke Macfarlane, who plays gay brother Kevin’s lover on “Brothers & Sisters,” isn’t just acting.
The Canadian actor came out Wednesday in Toronto’s Globe and Mail. Although a lot of actors in Hollywood are gay, few of them are open about their sexuality. Macfarlane told the newspaper that he does worry that his honesty will affect his career.
“I don’t know what will happen professionally,” the 28-year-old Canadian said.
In the May 11 season finale of “Brothers & Sisters,” Macfarlane’s character, Scotty Wandell, will marry partner Kevin Walker (Matthew Rhys). No doubt a Walker family meltdown will take place — but not because anyone’s gay. That’s just what the Walkers do. All the time.
Bye Bye Kristy Lee and Priscilla!
Yes, she’s gotten better over time, but Kristy Lee Cook still deserved to get bumped last night on “American Idol.” She’s just not worthy.
Now we’re down to six, and this time around, all the good ones are guys. Next week smiley folk singer Brooke White, who wound up in the bottom three AGAIN, is likely to get the hook.
And now that Priscilla Presley is gone from “Dancing with the Stars,” all’s right in the world of reality TV — at least on the shows that I actually enjoy watching. Cheers!
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment
Democratic debate tonight: another chapter in our political reality show!
Our red-hot political reality show continues tonight with another bout between Democratic contenders Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
Could this Philadelphia bout, refereed by Charles Gibson with George Stephanopoulos standing by as his corner man, be the title match? Maybe but probably not. Never mind that Clinton has already compared herself to the city’s most famous (and fictional) prizefighter, Rocky Balboa.
The 90-minute debate, starting at 7 tonight on ABC, has been anticipated for weeks, and the hissing between the two candidates’ camps has only heightened the pre-debate frenzy. Political reporters are licking their chops, and bloggers are ready for a big blast in cyberspace.
The April 22 Pennsylvania primary has been shaping up to be a major smackdown between Obama and Clinton. Not too long ago, Clinton was more than 20 points ahead of her rival in the opinion polls there; now a slender 4 points separates the two. The tightening of the race — yet again — should serve to tighten the tensions as well.
Gibson is one of TV’s most laid-back anchors, but he’s also one of the most steeped in politics. He grew up in the Washington, D.C., area and has been covering politics for most of his journalistic career. He’s not likely to get caught in either an unmanageable diatribe by one of the candidates or a determined skirting of the issues.
Snuffleupagus, uh, Stephanopoulos, is an interesting choice for the debate … he was Bill Clinton’s senior political adviser and communications director before the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke.
New blood coming to ‘L&O’
“Law & Order,” the Energizer Bunny of TV dramas, is prepping for another transformation next Wednesday.
That’s when Jesse L. Martin, the dependably sane Detective Green, bows out, and Anthony Anderson, so superb as a villain in “The Shield” and a hero in the recently axed “K-ville,” makes his debut.
Now in its 18th season (and renewed for a 19th), “L&O” has changed principal cast more often than Elton John changes shoes. But with rare exceptions (hello, Elizabeth Rohm!), change has been good.
In next week’s episode, Detective Green gets in trouble because of a past life of gambling, and Anderson’s Detective Bernard barges into the precinct to sort things out. Green leaves; Bernard stays.
“L&O” will have five episodes with the cast change before the end of the season but will return next season — and maybe with even more changes. You never know with this show.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment Categories: News coverage
Who shrunk the most on ‘Biggest Loser?’ And other hot stuff.
Who’s gonna be the big winner on “Biggest Loser?” We’ll find out tonight in the live finale at 7 p.m. on NBC.
This grueling competition among fat people desperate to shrink remains one of NBC’s biggest reality hits, and the big hype this time is that the show might finally have a female winner after five seasons of male triumphs.
If the promos are any indication, the crown tonight will go to the now-tiny and very muscular Ali, who has dropped almost 99 pounds and picked up the most amazingly ripped abs I’ve ever seen. Did they surgically tighten her skin after all those pounds disappeared? Maybe. Whatever. She looks fantastic now.
The other gal in the running is the beautiful blonde Kelly, who has lost lots of weight but still carries a slightly zaftig shape. Will viewers go for curves or washboards? We’ll see.
The two-hour finale, if tradition holds, will be rife with giggling, sobbing and other extreme forms of human emotion.
Cross your fingers today!
The Screen Actors Guild, minus former partner union AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), has begun contract negotiations with producers in hopes of avoiding a strike come June.
On the heels of the industry-crippling writers strike, an actors strike could prove doubly devastating to the entertainment industry — and especially television.
AFTRA broke away from SAG earlier this month, which was seen as a big negative for a peaceful settlement. But if SAG is successful, AFTRA, which begins its negotiations April 28, will feel strong pressure to follow suit.
Hillary and Colbert
Sounds like painful viewing, but Hillary Clinton has decided to risk a potentially embarrassing visit to Comedy Central’s “Colbert Report” on Thursday night (at 10:30). Just days before the Pennsylvania primary, the senator from New York will take on the fake right-wing political pundit Stephen Colbert.
Barack Obama declined the invitation, so the Illinois senator’s wife Michelle will joust with Colbert on tonight’s “Report.” Maybe Barack will pop in for a surprise visit.
John McCain and Mike Huckabee have fared well with Colbert, but there’s always a risk of leaving with egg splattered all over your face.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Reality TV
Teen angst at MTV’s ‘The Paper’
MTV is moving from ambition among spoiled twentysomethings (“The Hills”) to ambition among teens. Talk about raw emotion!
In the new series “The Paper”, which debuts tonight at 9:30, a gaggle of wannabe journalists compete for top dog at The Circuit, the campus newspaper at Cypress Bay High School in Florida.
Like “The Hills,” “The Paper” is a reality show, and like “The Hills,” it’s amped up and feels a tad scripted. Then again, all reality shows seem that way to me these days, but maybe the real people are just more attuned to what viewers want to see these days. Or at least what they think we want to see.
“The Paper” gives us hordes of way-too-busy teens scrambling to overachieve. They have scads of activities, college-level courses and a burning desire to rule the world the minute they graduate from the Ivy League schools they’re certain they’ll get in. The paper’s new editor announces that she plans to be elected President of the United States someday. Hello, Hillary!
On the newspaper side of things, “The Paper” does a good job of showing columnists and reporters haggling over headlines and layouts with the staff. Painfully funny.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment
This week’s TV picks
Hundreds of channels, hours of programming. So much to watch, so little time. Here are some highlights to get you started on your week of viewing.
Sunday
“Masterpiece Theatre,” 7 pm. on PBS — Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” airs both parts of this two-part adaptation starring Hattie Morahan and Charity Wakefield as two sisters weighing their options among three ardent suitors.
“Desperate Housewives,” 8 p.m. on ABC — At long last, the ladies of Wisteria Lane return with new complications and silly scenarios. Looks like this batch of episodes will be considerably lighter and campier than the cancer and tornado plot lines featured previously.
“Viva Hollywood!,” 9:30 p.m. on VH1 — A dozen desperately ambitious Latina wannabe stars share a house and compete for a role on a Telemundo telenovela. Possibly tacky enough to be fun, or possibly offensive. We’ll see. Host Maria Conchita Alonso moderates the backstabbing.
Monday
“2008 CMT Music Awards,” 7 p.m. on CMT — Billy Ray Cyrus and his wildly popular daughter Miley co-host the live telecast that anticipates performances by dozens of country crooners, including Tim McGraw and LeAnn Rimes.
“American Experience,” 9 p.m. on PBS — All-American writer Walt Whitman takes center stage in this two-hour profile.
Tuesday
“The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. on NBC — After weeks and weeks of diet and public torture (physical and emotional), the show staggers to its final episode. Is this a title you’d want on your resume, Biggest Loser?
“The Riches,” 9 p.m. on FX — The travelers continue to get into highly amusing hot water, so check ‘em out. Minnie Driver and Eddie Izzard have never been better.
Wednesday
“Presidential Debate,” 7 p.m. on ABC — Will there be fireworks or schmoozing between the two Democratic contenders? Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama lock horns once again (isn’t this their 200th such set-to?) in anticipation of the Pennsylvania primary on Apr. 22.
Thursday
NBC comedies, 7 to 9 p.m. — It may have lost its must-see luster, but NBC’s Thursday night sitcoms still produce the chuckles … and sometimes the bellylaughs. “My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m.), “30 Rock” (7:30 p.m.), “The Office” (8 p.m.) and “Scrubs” (8:30 p.m.) contrast nicely with all the gooey procedurals these days.
“Great Performances,” 8 p.m. on PBS — For great family fare, check out Prokofiev’s fanciful musical tale “Peter and the Wolf,” the animated version that won an Oscar not too long ago.
Friday
“Numb3rs,” 9 p.m. on CBS — Mostly this drama is just a crime saga with a pretty good cast, but for those who like complicated math and nerdy undertones, this is your show.
Saturday
“Spy Kids,” 8 pm. on Disney — Austin filmmaker Robert Rodriguez’s 2001 adventure is a terrific choice for family viewing on a Saturday night. USA Pageant,” 8 p.m. on NBC — Donny and Marie Osmond host the beauty contest in Las Vegas. And former Beatle bride Heather Mills will be one of the judges. Sounds campy.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: TV tips
KVUE rakes in six Regional Murrow Awards
Austin stations fared well in the Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, announced Friday afternoon.
Competing in Region 6 (which includes Texas and Oklahoma), KVUE raked in six prestigious Murrows, including one for overall excellence. KVUE, an ABC affiliate owned by Belo Corp., also won for its 10 p.m. newscast, investigative reporting, sports reporting, spot news coverage and videography.
CBS affiliate KEYE received a Murrow for its Web site (KEYETV.com), Time Warner’s 24-hour local news channel News 8 won for (what else?) continuous coverage and NBC station KXAN picked up an award for news writing.
In the radio category, KUT won three Murrows: overall excellence, feature reporting and news documentary.
The Murrow awards are bestowed each year by the Radio-Television News Directors Association.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment Categories: Local news
‘Secret Talents’ prove nonexistent, CBS dumps ‘Stars’
Sometimes, but not very often, those wacky TV programmers do the right thing.
CBS canned the odious “Secret Talents of the Stars” after only one airing. The vile reality contest, featuring sad has-beens like “Star Trek” alum George Takei crooning “On the Road Again,” wasn’t even bad enough to be campy. Oy.
As if the sorry “talent” weren’t bad enough, the show featured Debbie Reynolds, Brian McKnight and Gavin Polone as judges. Double oy.
“Secret Talents” arrived on Tuesday and was gone by Thursday, leaving CBS with a hole to fill. The network announced that, temporarily, endless installments of “48 Hours Mystery” will be plugged in, followed April 29 by new episodes of “Shark,” which has been gone so long even fans probably forgot about it.
The big question, however, is: Why did anyone at CBS think this turkey was gonna fly? Gotta wonder.
‘Idol’ dumps the Aussie
Now that “American Idol” fans have voted Australian Michael Johns off the stage, does that mean viewers are dismissing foreign-born contenders?
Maybe. Irish crooner Carly Smithson has been in the bottom three a couple of times now (including this week), and maybe “Idol” fans figure they really ought to pick an American for “American Idol.”
For the full assessment of this week’s performances and results, check out colleague Gary Dinges’ Idol Chatter blog.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment
WSJ: Katie Couric leaving CBS News?
Rupert Murdoch’s version of the Wall Street Journal loves poking CBS News in the eye, and the latest assault claims that “Evening News” anchor Katie Couric will leave after serving only two years of her five-year contract.
CBS issued a statement today insisting the WSJ story is untrue.
“We are very proud of the ‘CBS Evening News,’ particularly our political coverage, and we have no plans for any changes regarding Katie or the broadcast,” said CBS spokeswoman Sandy Genelius.
So, who’s right?
Well, if CBS News plans to lift its sagging ratings any time soon, Couric might well be leaving the anchor desk. The newscast has been abandoned by loyal viewers who were initially put off by Couric’s desk-perching chats and long-winded, “Today”-style interviews.
Most of those alleged innovations are long-gone, replaced by Couric helming the type of traditional newscast that has served broadcast networks well for more than 50 years.
The once hallowed “Evening News” has been fading since Dan Rather’s tenure. When Couric was lured away from NBC’s “Today” in 2006, for a reported $15 million annual salary, the hope was that change — of style and gender — would be good.
But after an initial sampling, CBS fell back behind NBC’s Brian Williams and ABC’s Charles Gibson — both traditional anchors who weren’t trying to spice up an old format.
WSJ claims Couric will depart in January, after the presidential inauguration. Nobody would be surprised, however, if she left sooner.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: News coverage
Ax drops early on some TV shows
NBC jumped out early with its fall schedule announcement, but the rest of the broadcast networks are planning to present their new prime-time lineups to advertisers in May.
Some shows already have early renewals, which means those producers and casts can rest easy. But most of TV land is on pins and needles this month, waiting to hear if they’ll be back for another season … or heading to that great oblivion called cancellation.
NBC axed “Bionic Woman,” “Las Vegas” and the webisode-based “quarterlife” — which virtually nobody watched anyway.
“Scrubs” wasn’t officially canceled, but the network and production team had both agreed to end the show this season — until ABC expressed interest in picking it up. Now NBC is having second thoughts about letting it go.
ABC already has put the totally idiotic sitcom “Cavemen,” based on a Geico commercial, out of our misery. “Carpoolers” and “Big Shots” also are officially dead. Several series from the current strike-interrupted season are on the ropes, including “Women’s Murder Club,” “Cashmere Mafia” and “Men in Trees.” No news probably isn’t good news.
CBS recently yanked the revived “Jericho,” so that one is gone — and this time, gone for good. Sadly, CBS also has cut “Cane,” the Jimmy Smits drama about a family of wealthy Cuban Americans in South Florida who wafted between good and evil but always had fabulous music in the background.
Two of Fox’s best new series, “Canterbury’s Law” and “K-Ville,” got whacked early. Too bad. But “Prison Break” received an early renewal, along with “King of the Hill,” so I guess we have something to be grateful for with a network that increasingly relies on reality shows.
If we don’t find out sooner, we’ll know all the pickups, cancellations and new additions the week of May 12.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment
‘Idol’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars’ dial 911!
Can all this health drama on reality shows be real?
It all started with Marie Osmond passing out on “Dancing with the Stars” last season. Thump! She hit the floor on live television. A quick commercial break covered the sprawling contestant, and by the time the show came back from the break, Marie was on her feet, batting those enormous false eyelashes and smiling.
This season professional dancer Derek Hough, who is paired with the increasingly fabulous (and amazingly long-legged) Shannon Elizabeth, snapped something in his neck during rehearsal and was sidelined with a neckbrace for a week. Heightened tension accompanied Hough’s performance last night, but the guy appeared to be miraculously healed after his ambulance trip to the hospital.
For tonight’s elimination (8 p.m. on ABC), look for a re-hash of the trials and tribulations suffered by the dancers. Cue the violins.
Meanwhile, over on “American Idol” (7 tonight on Fox), the season started with at least half the cast coming down with the flu, bronchitis and other voice-threatening viruses. Then last week, rocker David Cook made his very own ambulance trip after his already high blood pressure spiked and set off a wave of panic among the production crew.
It’s understandable that contestants on “Survivor” would suffer injuries and health woes, but you’d think song-and-dance competitions could avoid such emergencies. If hosts Ryan Seacrest (“Idol”) and Tom Bergeron (“Dancing”) collapse, we’ll know something’s fishy.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment Categories: Reality TV
Hank Hill back for another season!
Dang, that’s good news!
Fox has renewed Austinite Mike Judge’s dependably hilarious “King of the Hill” for a 13th season.
The Sunday-night comedy won’t be back until midseason — probably January ’09 — and Fox has ordered only a limited run of 13 episodes. But given the strike-delayed development season and football over-runs in the fall, the renewal is a pretty sweet deal. And it’s great news for us.
The show’s principal voice actors — Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, Brittany Murphy, Johnny Hardwick and Stephen Root — are all expected to sign on for the new season.
The miracle of animation allows time to stand still in Arlen, Texas, where Bobby is still a kid (who “ain’t right”), and Hank and Peggy haven’t aged a bit. Heck, beer-swilling pals Dale, Boomhauer and Bill haven’t even changed clothes over the years!
“King of the Hill” might not be appointment viewing for millions of Americans, but it’s one of those shows that you invariably bellylaugh through and then wonder why it’s NOT on your regular schedule.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment
This week’s TV highlights
Hundreds of channels, hours of programming. So much to watch, so little time. Here are some highlights to get you started on your week of viewing.
Sunday
“Monk,” 7 p.m., “Psych,” 8 p.m. on NBC — From their placement on NBC, you’d think these two shows were brand new and red-hot. They’re both entertaining shows, but they’ve been around for a long time, and these episodes on NBC are reruns from USA.
“Egypt’s Ten Greatest Discoveries,” 7 p.m. on Discovery — Dr. Zahi Hawass, guardian of Egypt’s antiquities, and a team of leading archaeologists have selected the discoveries that help form our impression of ancient civilizaation, major battles to major construction to religion and magic.
Monday
March Madness, 8 p.m. on CBS — This is it: The final contest of the NCAA college basketball tournament.
“Emma,” 8 p.m. on KLRU2 — It’s not new, but this 1996 drama based on Jane Austen’s classic remains one of the best of “Masterpiece Theatre.” Kate Beckinsale stars as Emma Woodhouse, and Samantha Morton plays Harriet Smith. For those who either don’t care or are sick of college basketball.
Tuesday
“NCIS,” 7 p.m. on CBS — The Mark Harmon whodunit returns with new episodes.
“Boston Legal,” 9 p.m. on ABC — Alan Shore and Denny Crane renew their manly love affair after a strike-induced absence.
“Deadliest Catch,” 8 p.m. on Discovery — For reasons that remain mysterious, this docu-saga about the horrors of commercial fishing is one of the most riveting shows on cable. Go figure … and take a look.
Wednesday
“American Masters,” 9 p.m. on PBS — The compelling story of Zora Neale Hurston, one of the most successful and controversial writers of the Harlem Renaissance. This quintessential American folklorist is best-known for the 1937 novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”
Thursday
“30 Rock,” 7:30 p.m.; “The Offfce,” 8 p.m., “Scrubs,” 8:30 p.m. and “ER,” 9 p.m. on NBC — Finally, all of NBC’s lineup returns with new episodes tonight.
“The Masters,” 6 p.m. on Golf Channel (live) and 7 p.m. on ESPN (tape) — First-round action and highlights from August National that are sure to feature Tiger Woods on the hunt for yet another green jacket.
Friday
“Miss USA Pageant,” 8 p.m. on NBC — Donny and Marie Osmond host the beauty contest in Las Vegas. And former Beatle bride Heather Mills will be one of the judges. Sounds campy.
Saturday
“The Masters,” 2:30 p.m. on CBS — The granddaddy of all golf tournaments gets serious, gearing up for the Sunday crowning.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment Categories: TV tips
UT’s Ransom Center posts old Mike Wallace interviews online
Mike Wallace is gone from “60 Minutes,” but some of his earliest work is now available online through an acquisition by the University of Texas’ Harry Ransom Center. Wallace donated kinescopes of the shows to UT back in the 1960s, which the Ransom Center has transferred to a digital format for online distribution.
These are not the “gotcha” grabs for which Wallace became famous on “60 Minutes.” Rather, these are 63 interviews conducted by the newsman during the 1957 and 1958 seasons of his nationally syndicated documentary series “The Mike Wallace Interview.” Four of the sit-downs are audio-only, but the rest are on film and haven’t been seen since their original airdate.
Among the historically significant newsmakers Wallace interviewed are architect Frank Lloyd Wright, artist Salvador Dali, actor Kirk Douglas, diplomat Henry Kissinger, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and birth-control activist Margaret Sanger.
Copyright of the interviews is held by Mike Wallace, who agreed to allow the Ransom Center to present them online in their entirety. (Any further use of this material requires the permission of both Mike Wallace and the Ransom Center.)
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: News coverage
NBC pops off early fall lineup
We became so hysterical about the renewal of “Friday Night Lights” Wednesday that we totally overlooked the fact that NBC also released its fall and winter schedules for next season. Duh.
Among the semi-surprising renewals were “Chuck,” “Heroes,” “Lipstick Jungle” and “Life.” None of those shows exactly exploded in the ratings, but apparently NBC sees promise for growth in another season. Ditto “FNL,” which will return in February, long after high-school football season is over. Double-duh.
The fall lineup also includes the 15th and NBC says final season for “ER,” along with the return of all the Thursday night comedies (“My Names Is Earl,” “30 Rock” and “The Office”). “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” will be back in the fall, the original “Law & Order” will return in the winter, but “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” appears to be gone — unless NBC decides to move it back to USA Network on cable.
New shows include the revamped and updated “Knight Rider,” a drama called “Crusoe” and a spinoff of “The Office,” for which we have zero details.
When we get closer to May, the traditional time for networks to present their new schedules to advertisers, more info will be available. For now, here is NBC’s fall lineup:
*New programs in UPPER CASE (with the exception of “ER”)
SUNDAY
“NBC Sunday Night Football”
MONDAY:
“Chuck,”
“Heroes”
“MY OWN WORST ENEMY”
TUESDAY
“The Biggest Loser: Families”
“KATH & KIM”
“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”
WEDNESDAY
“KNIGHT RIDER”
“Deal or No Deal”
“Lipstick Jungle”
THURSDAY
“My Name Is Earl”
“30 Rock”
“The Office”
“The Office” SPINOFF
“ER”
FRIDAY
“CRUSOE”
“Deal or No Deal”
“Life”
SATURDAY
“Dateline NBC”
“KNIGHT RIDER” (Encores)
“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (Encores)
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment
‘FNL’ renewed for Season 3
The good news, according to NBC entertainment chief Ben Silverman, is that the Austin-based drama series “Friday Night Lights” has been renewed for a third season.
But NBC is holding the show until midseason, adding it to the schedule in February, following the Super Bowl. It will air 8 p.m. Fridays.
Subscribers to DirectTV, however, can see the 13 new episodes sooner, four months sooner to be exact. Thanks to a production deal that includes exclusive first-run on the satellite service, DirectTV will debut “FNL” on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
That means nonsatellite folks will have to go all summer and fall without our Dillon Panthers — an especially difficult task in the fall, when Texan minds turn to football.
But late is better than not at all, so we can look forward to seeing all our favorite “FNL” cast members lined up for coffee at Jo’s on South Congress Avenue in a couple of months when they return … just in time for blazing heat to accompany filming those grueling football scenes.
MORE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
- ‘Beyond the Lights’ benefit
- Set visits: 03.29.07 | 02.23.07 | 10.01.06
- Who’s who on ‘Friday Night Lights’
- Share your pics of the cast | Readers’ pics
- Greetings from the cast
Permalink | Comments (17) | Post your comment
Peabody’s celebrate good TV, layoffs hit CBS
The prestigious Peabody Awards were announced today, and, as usual, the 35 recipients represented a wildly diverse array of “the best in electronic media.” The 67th annual awards will be handed out June 16 in New York at a ceremony hosted by Peacock anchor Brian Williams.
Winners include NBC’s “30 Rock,” Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report,” AMC’s “Mad Men,” Bravo’s “Project Runway,” The Texas Heritage Music Foundation’s public radio series “Whole Lotta Shakin” and Discovery’s glorious HD documentary series “Planet Earth.”
Also in the winning mix were two news specials by correspondents injured in the Iraq War: ABC reporter Bob Woodruff’s “Wounds of War — The Long Road Home” and CBS reporter Kimberly Dozier’s “Sunday Morning: The Way Home.”
Last time I checked the Peabody site, the complete list of winners hadn’t been posted yet, but it will be at some point today so click in a couple of hours.
Among local TV stations, WFAA in Dallas earned four Peabodys for investigative reporting, including one special on the state’s oversight (or lack thereof) of the gas pipeline industry, sloppy lending practices of the U.S. Export-Import Bank and a Homeland Security prison near Austin holding immigrant families.
CBS layoffs hit network-owned TV stations
Major layoffs have struck CBS-owned stations around the country, including those in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, San Francisco, Boston, Sacramento, Denver and Dallas.
CBS owns 29 stations around the country and, until last year, owned Austin’s KEYE Channel 42. But, lucky for KEYE, CBS sold the station to the private equity firm of Cerberus Capital Management in February 2007.
CBS News has been sinking in the ratings since Katie Couric became anchor 18 months ago for $15 million a year. The “Evening News” has fallen far behind ABC and NBC in the ratings, and “The Early Show” has been unable to get any traction with viewers.
In spite of the network’s losses, KEYE has held steady in most of its news programs and seen growth in the 10 o’clock news, anchored by long-time favorites Ron Oliveira and Judy Maggio.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment
Kathie Lee and ‘Today’ ….. zzzzzzzzzz
It has taken me a full 24 hours to rev up an ounce of concern about Kathie Lee Gifford joining “Today” next week.
OK. I’m still not exactly concerned, but at least I can form a thought. Sort of …
Kathie Lee (she prefers we use her first two names rather than her last) will be co-anchoring the fourth hour of “Today,” starting Monday. The flighty, one-line-tossing hostess will be paired with the more serious NBC newsie Hoda Kotb, previously a contributor on “Dateline.”
You remember Kathie Lee, don’t you? She’s the perky singing celebrity who bolted from “Live With Regis & Kathie Lee” eight years ago because (she actually said at the time) the media had become too intrusive in her life. This after she regaled viewers just about every day with stories about her adorable kids (Cody was a particular favorite) and her super-sexy hubby Frank Gifford.
Kathie Lee bathed herself in the limelight during her run on the popular syndicated daytime talk show, chronicling her personal life and business accomplishments. But when former pro football player Frank was caught on camera having a fling with a flight attendant — and her clothing line was revealed to be churned out by foreign sweat shops — Kathie Lee decided celebrity was no longer working for her.
But that was then and this is now. Kathie Lee is 54 years old, Cody is heading off to college and Frank, now 77 and publicly “forgiven” by his wife, nevertheless might not be as spunky as he was in the days of their “perfect marriage.”
Matt Lauer and the rest of the “Today” gang made the announcement Monday, heralding Kathie Lee’s pending arrival in grand style. The whole gang perched on one very long couch. Kathie Lee responded by telling the world she has had “cosmetic surgery on my feet.” We desperately needed to know that, didn’t we? Here we go again.
The fourth hour of “Today” — a show that, like Jack’s bean stalk, just keeps growing — has struggled to find an audience since it arrived last summer. Can Kathie Lee and her well-publicized family save it? Do we care? Probably not, on both counts.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: News coverage
