You'd think news anchors would know better | May 16, 2008
Fun video of the day: WNBC anchor Sue Simmons yells at a co-worker/crew member/herself (?) on the air. (Thanks to my in-the-know colleague, Grant, for alerting me to this.) She obviously thought she was no longer on the air, but you'd really think a news anchor would wait a little longer to start screaming, wouldn't you? (If you're offended by the f-word or if you're at work, you shouldn't watch; she does say it.)
Anyway, enjoy and happy Friday!
Posted by deann in News| Other Stuff | permalink | Comments (2)
Thank you, ABC, for I Survived a Japanese Game Show | May 15, 2008
We could never have a show like this in the U.S., right?
Yeah, that's what I thought until ABC totally made my day with this crazy press release about the craziest show ever, I Survived a Japanese Game Show:
May 15, 2008
“I SURVIVED A JAPANESE GAME SHOW” HAS BEGUN SHOOTING FOR A HYSTERICAL PREMIERE, JUNE 24 ON ABC
“I Survived a Japanese Game Show” has begun shooting in Japan and will premiere TUESDAY, JUNE 24 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC. This unscripted reality/game show takes an eye-opening, behind-the-scenes look at 10 Americans – many of whom have never traveled outside the United States -- who are whisked away to Japan and compete in the ultimate Japanese game show… with hilarious results. The final winner will take home $250,000.
Guiding the American players through their stay in Japan will be host/interpreter Tony Sano (“Touch Wood,” “Beating Vegas”), an American actor fluent in Japanese; a house mother and resident pot-stirrer, Mamasan; and the witty game show host Rome Kanda (“Pink Panther,” “Saturday Night Live”), who leads the contestants through all of the zany challenges.
Some of the games/challenges will include:
WHY IS THIS FOOD SO HARD TO EAT? -- Why? Because the food is attached to the head of a teammate who must run in place on a fast-moving treadmill, while the first teammate leans over a platform and tries to eat from the moving dish.
CRAZY CRANE FINDS FLUFFY BEAR -- This takes the American arcade game to the next level, as blindfolded teammates must operate a moving crane while another teammate precariously dangles trying to collect as many stuffed animals as he/she can.
CHICKEN BUTT SCRAMBLE -- The contestants create their own version of Japanese scrambled eggs as they attempt to smash goo-filled oversized eggs with only their butts… while wearing chicken suits.
The executive producers are Arthur Smith and Kent Weed (A. Smith & Co., “Kitchen Nightmares,” “Hell’s Kitchen”), David Sidebotham, Karsten Bartholin and Tim Crescenti, from a concept by Babyfoot APS Denmark.
OK, seriously? Those games sound so ridiculously delightful and hilarious. Is it wrong that I sort of can't wait for this? Can you?
Posted by deann in New shows| News | permalink | Comments (1)
My life in TV, movies, and more | May 07, 2008
Lately, since Big Brother ended (to return on July 13!), I've been trying to catch up on some TV (I watched three episodes of Gossip Girl last night and am now all caught up; see commentary below); watch some movies; watch lots of movie trailers; and work on wedding planning details. In addition to that, I have work and somewhat of a life, which explains the lack of blogging over here.
Anyway, TV details:
First, This American Life returned on Sunday. I loved season 1, but I think season 2 is better in almost every way so far. That first episode left me speechless. And madly madly in love with Johnny Depp. I literally started crying when he started speaking for Mike. Because, I mean, that's pretty life-changing stuff right there for Mike (or anyone). Awesome. The episode was just so good. And the good news? You can get it on iTunes if you don't have Showtime. But don't take my word for it: Read this review, which sort of blew me away even before I'd seen the episode. I also went to the live event mentioned in the story, which was all kinds of awesome.
Next up: the aforementioned Gossip Girl. I really don't know whether to love this show for how far it goes or be annoyed. It's hard to find it remotely relatable, but for some reason, I can't peel myself away once I get started. And when I reach the end of a mini-marathon (which is how I always watch it), I'm annoyed that I didn't wait for more episodes because, without fail, it leaves me wanting more. As far as the current story arc with Serena ... it mostly just has me hating Michelle Trachtenberg (and I was one of the few Dawn defenders). Also, SHE KILLED SOMEONE?! Wha.... ? Yes, and that's the episode I decided to end my mini-marathon on, which means I won't even be able to let episodes build up for another mini-marathon, because Monday's episode will be watched immediately. Despite the crazy, I really can't wait to see how this plays out.
I'm behind on almost everything else, except How I Met Your Mother -- Britney's back this week! -- and Thursday night's comedies on NBC (except Earl; I'm behind on that, because I don't find it funny anymore).
And, obviously, I finished out the season of Big Brother. I rooted hard for James to win, and thought I'd stop watching when he left. But then I sort of started liking ... anyone who was not named Natalie Cunial. HATE. The final two were mostly meh, but I was fine with Adam winning.
What's your TV life been like lately?
Posted by deann in Love| News | permalink | Comments (3)
Jericho is canceled — for good this time | March 21, 2008
CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler issued this statement today on Jericho:
The March 25th episode of Jericho will be the series finale. Without question, there are passionate viewers watching this program; we simply wish there were more. We thank an engaged and spirited fan base for keeping the show alive this long, and an outstanding team of producers, cast and crew that went through creative hoops to deliver a compelling, high quality second season. We have no regrets bringing the show back for a second try. We listened to our viewers, gave the series an opportunity to grow, and the producers put a great story on the screen. We're proud of everyone's efforts.
Sounds like you should save your nuts this time, because it's pretty certainly over.
Posted by deann in News | permalink | Comments (5)
Wonder when your favorite scripted show will be back? | March 20, 2008
Use this handy complete list of return dates (compiled by and with witty commentary from yours truly) to figure out when (and if) your favorite show will be back now that the writers are.
Posted by deann in Love| Ratings/Scheduling| News | permalink | Comments (1)
Friday Night Lights to return! | March 07, 2008
Did you hear Friday Night Lights is reportedly returning in an exclusive partnership between NBC and DirecTV. Who would have thought? Sort of makes me proud that I'm a DirecTV subscriber, that they'd get behind something like this.
(Thanks to Kim for brining this to my attention -- decades later than everyone else, I realize. Don't ask me where I've been while this happened, because I have no idea how I missed this for more than two days.)
Elsewhere, is Katherine Heigl completely crazy? You be the judge: Watch TMZ's TR Knight = Katherine Heigl's Bitch
Posted by deann in Love| News | permalink | Comments (6)
Strike's about over, so ... what now? | February 08, 2008
If you're wondering what happens when the strike's over, lucky for you, I blogged about it. Check it out, as always.
Posted by deann in News | permalink | Comments (2)
Late-night talk shows return | January 03, 2008
I blogged about the return of The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, if you're interested.
Posted by deann in News | permalink
Party like a Gossip Girl | December 19, 2007
I tell you how over at the Idiot Box. And it's only ... $150,000.
Posted by deann in News | permalink
More writers strike updates | December 13, 2007
Lots of stuff happening lately, and I blogged about it at Idiot Box. So, head over and read/comment, if you'd like. If you don't want to, you can still watch this latest strike video (I blogged about the series of videos recently):
Posted by deann in News | permalink
Big Brother casting alert! | November 30, 2007
I'm so excited for the return of Big Brother, and even more excited to head to the casting call tomorrow in Hillsboro and see all of the crazies (no offense if you're one of them; I love you!). Anyway, read more about my thoughts on that over at the Idiot Box.
Posted by deann in Love| News | permalink | Comments (1)
Funny strike video from "Everybody Hates Chris" showrunner Ali LeRoi | November 22, 2007
Check out the hilarious video (featuring Todd Bridges) over at Idiot Box.
Posted by deann in Love| News | permalink | Comments (0)
Videos of the strike | November 13, 2007
I posted lots of YouTube videos from the strike. Here's a preview (one of the seven videos I posted over there):
Posted by deann in News | permalink | Comments (0)
How will the strike affect you? | November 12, 2007
I blogged about the strike fallout -- including commenting on how many episodes are left of several shows and that "Big Brother" might make an early return. Read and comment.
Posted by deann in News | permalink | Comments (1)
Crazy and stupid, but which is which? | August 07, 2007
If you have missed the crazy and stupid on "new" of late, read my most recent post for a fun glimpse, thanks to Gawker.
Posted by deann in News | permalink | Comments (0)
Boston Public star in Ashland | August 01, 2007
I blogged, and you should read it. It's not even about Big Brother, surprisingly enough.
Posted by deann in News | permalink | Comments (0)
Veronica Mars and more | June 14, 2007
So, I posted about the latest news on Veronica Mars, Boston Legal, Hidden Palms, Posh Spice's reality (show?) and Isaiah Washington. You'll have to go read all about it.
Posted by deann in Love| New shows| Ratings/Scheduling| News | permalink | Comments (1)
Summer of Big Brother | June 11, 2007
You will want to read about the fun changes. I assure you, you should read it (and if you don't already watch Big Brother -- I didn't until last summer -- now is the time to start).
Posted by deann in Love| News | permalink | Comments (2)
Jericho to return | June 07, 2007
In another sign that being nuts pays off, CBS announced today that Jericho will be back.
So, fans, get to work bringing back Veronica Mars, would you? And while you're at it, could you do something to resurrect Everwood, Joan of Arcadia, Arrested Development, Angel, Farscape, Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared, Kitchen Confidential, and Firefly? Thanks!
Posted by deann in Ratings/Scheduling| News | permalink | Comments (4)
Follow-ups: Sanjaya, Rosie, Friday Night Lights (sort of) | May 29, 2007
So, Sanjaya is not, in fact, Bill Vendall; Rosie left The View and TV Guide's Dream Emmy Ballot included some of my favorites. Read all about it.
Posted by deann in Love| Indifference| Awards| News | permalink | Comments (0)
News, views and reviews | May 25, 2007
For anyone actually online leading into the long weekend, I wrote up a random post about a little of everything TV-related: news, what to watch, what to probably not watch, people who are nuts... Read and enjoy, because that's all you're getting from me for at least a few days.
Posted by deann in Love| Hate| Indifference| TV on DVD| Ratings/Scheduling| News | permalink | Comments (2)
Sanjaya WHO?! | May 23, 2007
So, Sanjaya is now saying he's not really "Sanjaya," but a grad student at RISD named "Bill Vendall"? Really? I don't think so, but this is fun!
Posted by deann in Indifference| News | permalink | Comments (2)
Same old, same old | May 21, 2007
So, did you hear, the Upfronts were last week? I'm sure you couldn't have missed it. Best overall coverage is still available at TV Guide.com. But my colleague over at my other blog wrote a great piece on how it's another year, but it's the same batch of tired TV formulas. Mostly true.
But, I'm not here to judge ... yet. For now, I just want to help you find everything you're looking to find out. So, with that said, I present my magnificent Guide to the Upfronts (or the very, very preliminary fall TV schedule):
Continue reading "Same old, same old"
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Upfront mania -- and MORE | May 15, 2007
So, in case you feel that I'm ignoring all of the Upfront news (the CW has renewed basically everything except no word on Veronica Mars yet; CBS canceled Jericho, probably; ABC renewed October Road but not What About Brian?), I'm not. I'm just reading the TV Guide coverage constantly -- too constantly to blog about it myself, especially since I'm not AT the Upfronts. I'll leave it to them. You should, too.
But don't forget to read my blog post about Heroes. Or to watch tonight's SERIES finale of Gilmore Girls.
And if you missed Stephen Colbert's Korean music video, you must watch it now:
Posted by deann in Ratings/Scheduling| News | permalink | Comments (5)
Lauren Graham answers Gilmore rumor mill | May 07, 2007
Is it true that Alexis was the harder sell?
Graham: I don't think that's true. I did formally say at one point, "I'm not coming back." Then they thought, "Well, can we do it with just Alexis?" I don't want to speak for her, but we both went back and forth. Ultimately, neither of us wanted to do it without the other one.
She also answers questions about the changes she requested to the finale script, her rumored preference for Christopher (David Sutcliffe) because of her rumored dislike of Scott Patterson (Luke), and ending the show without creator Amy Sherman-Palladino. To put those "Lauren-hates-Scott" rumors to rest, though, there was this:
How would you characterize your working relationship with Scott over the years?
Graham: Totally great. It's a working relationship, like most of them are. But he was so great in that part. I really loved my scenes with him and the chemistry we had. Our banter was among the most fun stuff to do.
Anyway, lots more good stuff there. You should definitely read the whole thing if you like the show or even if you just like Hollywood insider-y stuff.
Posted by deann in Love| News | permalink | Comments (3)
Rosie, The View to part ways | April 25, 2007
I don't know how you wouldn't have heard that Rosie O'Donnell's leaving The View. She announced her exit on this morning's show and no one has stopped talking about it since -- myself, included!
Posted by deann in Indifference| News | permalink | Comments (2)
How COULD you, America? | April 19, 2007
I will be the first to admit I am not a regular watcher of American Idol, but Sanjaya fervor had me entranced. And now it's over. I doubt I'll keep watching.
I wrote a little more (with more fun links) about it at my other blog.
And here's his final moment, including a look at his journey on the show:
Posted by deann in Indifference| News | permalink | Comments (4)
Quick (and random) thoughts | April 17, 2007
* How insane is Sanjaya going to be as a COUNTRY SINGER?!
* A show about a cross-country car chase engineered by a mysterious stranger tanked in the ratings?! You've got to be kidding me! That had "Hit" written all over it. Or maybe that was "Hit me, please, for coming up with this concept."
* My other blog post: Clyde Drexler wants out of Dancing With the Stars. Please, America, have mercy: Let him go.
* Do NOT forget that Gilmore Girls is back tonight after far too many weeks away. And we could be counting down to the series' end, so you don't want to tune out now.
Posted by deann in Indifference| News | permalink | Comments (4)
Sanjaya ... so bad he's good? | March 22, 2007
So, I presume you saw the little crying girl watching the horrific singing of Sanjaya Malakar on American Idol (or at least read about it). If not, watch it here:
Now, if that isn't enough, this girl is becoming semifamous. You can watch her here on the Today show, where you'll also find that her appearance on the show was completely manipulated by the producers. Surprise, surprise.
So, my question is this: Why does she get her 15 minutes of fame for CRYING?! I have been a cryer my entire life and the best thing it's ever gotten me is sympathy. And usually it doesn't even get that. NO FAIR!
(Side note: I have Sanjaya in my AI pool, so I'm continuing to hope he sticks around. That said, I have not voted. Yet. But I'm not above it.)
Posted by deann in Indifference| News | permalink | Comments (4)
This and that (Veronica Mars and Gilmore Girls, specifically) | March 19, 2007
Thanks to Donut Shoppe for alerting me to the breaking (OK, so it broke a few days ago, but still...) news about Veronica Mars and Gilmore Girls:
According to Michael Ausiello at TVGuide.com, apparently Veronica could come back next season as an FBI agent four years in the future. Or she might not come back at all. And her fate could very well rest on whether Gilmore Girls returns. At this point, I'm voting Gilmore, but it's looking unlikely. Here's Ausiello's pertinent stuff:
And while we're clearing up false rumors, let me set the record straight about all this Veronica Mars fourth-season flash-forward business. Contrary to reports, Rob Thomas' retooled Mars would not take place at an FBI Academy, with Veronica serving as a trainee. Our favorite snarky sleuth would be an actual agent. Personally, I love the idea — even though it would probably trigger a major cast purge.There's also a rumor floating around that Mars' fate rests in the hands of Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel. Maybe, maybe not. While one insider says, "Clearly, Gilmore Girls not coming back would help Veronica Mars a lot," still another insists, "One has absolutely nothing to do with the other."
Either way, let's hope this whole mess gets resolved sooner rather than later. My faint heart can only take so much.
Posted by deann in Love| News | permalink | Comments (1)
No more Gilmore Girls? | March 15, 2007
I just found out at this post at the donut shoppe (and by "donut," I think she means "TV) that there might not be another season of Gilmore Girls, which makes me want to cry. Don't worry, though: I won't.
(Also, I forgot to mention that October Road starts tonight. Will you be watching? I'm guessing by the lack of publicity for it that not many people will be.)
Posted by deann in Love| News | permalink | Comments (4)
Bravo acquires Television Without Pity | March 14, 2007
Yesterday, Bravo (yes, the network) announced its acquisition of one of the best sites on the whole web, Television Without Pity (affectionately TWoP). It's good news and won't change anything for the worse according to the announcement at TWoP.
That's all I have to say about that, so please return to reading Jay's informative post just below. Right here.
Posted by deann in News | permalink
Zach Braff could get lots of money... | March 06, 2007
If Scrubs comes back again, which I think is likely whether on NBC or ABC, Zach Braff will get $350,000 an episode, putting him in a rare league:
Braff's new deal would put him in the top echelon of highest-paid male actors on television, alongside "Two and a Half Men" star Charlie Sheen, whose paycheck also is in the $350,000-per-episode range for the Warner Bros. TV-produced CBS sitcom.
I'm not sure he deserves to make so much more than his castmates, since I think Donald Faison and John C. McGinley are really the stars, but I don't make these decisions. Yet.
Posted by deann in Love| News | permalink | Comments (3)
Parker Posey's new partner | March 06, 2007
I don't know how many of you have been following Amy Sherman-Palladino's (Gilmore Girls creator, for those who don't know) upcoming show (or at least pilot), The Return of Jezebel James. Well, Parker Posey is the star, which was exciting enough. And now this latest casting news: Lauren Ambrose (aka Claire on Six Feet Under) will play her sister.
I haven't been this excited about a new show in ... well, let's just say a VERY long time. I can't even remember when.
More casting news on lots of shows from TV Guide.
Posted by deann in Love| New shows| News | permalink | Comments (5)
We (and by we I mean ABC) have hit a new low | March 05, 2007
No, seriously, a new low. Lower than anything that's come before: ABC has greenlighted a sitcom pilot based on those Geico Neanderthals. Every TV writer in the world will be scrambling to get their hands on this one.
And all of the people (read: ME) who have been trying to get people to take TV seriously just let out a collective, blood-curdling scream.
Posted by deann in New shows| News | permalink | Comments (2)
Cha-cha-cha-changes | March 02, 2007
So, apparently, Vincent Pastore is out of the next Dancing With the Stars cast, and who will take his place? Why, Cliff Claven from Cheers (John Ratzenberger). This makes me wonder, though: In cases such as these, where they are supposed to have four weeks in advance to prepare, what will Cliff do? I think this is simlar to Master P. taking over for his son a couple of seasons ago, and if he was any indication, John Ratzenberger will be HORRID. Big Pussy, we barely knew ye. Apparently, according to this article, the preparation was just too difficult for Pastore:
The 60-year-old Pastore, who played a tough-guy mobster on HBO's "The Sopranos," said earlier this week he didn't realize how physically demanding the show would be for him."We're sad that Vincent felt he was unable to continue in the competition, as he would have been great on the show," executive producer Conrad Green said in a statement Friday. " 'Dancing With the Stars' is physically demanding, and it pays to know your limits. We respect his decision."
Posted by deann in News | permalink | Comments (2)
Oscars -- my quick (and late) take | February 27, 2007
My quick take on the Oscars:
Best dressed
For me it's a tie between these two lovely ladies:
Worst dressed
Though her face was lovely, I hated this. Why the bow, Anne? WHY?!
I'll let the the fug blog ladies handle the rest of the worst dressed. They're doing such a good job already! As usual. (They also blogged the Oscars, which was great!
And I don't hate Eddie Murphy even though he left early. I think he's anti-social bordering on social anxiety, not pissed. But that might be my deep, abiding love for Bowfinger talking.
Most boring/awkward: Al Gore
Funniest: Jack Black/Will Ferrel/John C. Reilly OR Greg Kinnear/Steve Carrel
Cutest: Jaden Smith and Abigail Breslen
Biggest surprise: "The Lives of Others" for foreign language film, which was a highlight for me because I LOVE that movie. I also loved that the 6-foot-9 director talked about Arnold Schwarzenegger in his speech. How unlikely and hilarious.
Overall, it was a pretty boring awards show. Thank goodness I have a party to make it more fun!
What's YOUR take? (I care, really I do. Despite the boring awards show, I love all of the opinions in the aftermath.)
Posted by deann in Awards| News | permalink | Comments (5)
Say goodbye to The O.C., bitch! | February 22, 2007
As many of you know (thanks for asking, Isabel), tonight is the night our country collectively says goodbye to Seth, Summer, Ryan and the gang of Newport Beach on the once-addictive (but really NOT anymore) silly soap The O.C.
I loved that first season, despite the million over-the-top story lines. But then Oliver came along and shot a hole right through what could have been a beautiful teen drama.
And I think Seth, once the golden geek boy of TV (especially as Dave on Gilmore Girls, by the way), got grating as they made him "cool" instead of geeky. It happened too fast, and was unrealistic and dull.
That said, the show had the guts to kill off Marissa (Mischa Barton), which made me heart it for all of 20 seconds. And it brought us the legendary Chrismukkah, which will be an eternal part of pop culture. And "Welcome to The O.C., bitch!" will never be forgotten.
Anyway, tune in tonight if you are or ever were a fan. And read this article at Rolling Stone.
Posted by deann in News | permalink | Comments (2)
ABC reveals next Dancing cast | February 21, 2007
ABC has unveiled the next cast for Dancing With the Stars. Here's who we'll get to enjoy this season:
Laila Ali (boxer and daughter of Muhammad Ali)
Billy Ray Cyrus ("Achy Breaky" singer and "Doc"/"Hannah Montana" actor)
Clyde Drexler (former NBA player, in PORTLAND)
Joey Fatone (former member of N'Sync)
Shandi Finnessey (2004 Miss USA)
Leeza Gibbons (TV personality)
Heather Mills (the soon to be former Mrs. Sir Paul McCartney)
Apolo Anton Ohno (Olympic champion speedskater)
Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy of "The Sopranos" fame)
Paulina Porizkova (supermodel and Mrs. Ric Ocasek)
Ian Ziering (Steve from 90210)
Posted by deann in News | permalink | Comments (6)
Anna Nicole Smith dies | February 08, 2007
I don't really know what she's famous for -- OK, I do, but I'm not proud of it -- but Anna Nicole Smith's death at 39 is pretty tragic. Her 20-year-old son died just last year and now her. It's all strange and mysterious and sad.
More: A roundup of news stories at the NY Times.
Jay sent me this e-mail earlier today:
This just might be the greatest obit lede ever written. You get everything you need to know right away.Anna Nicole Smith, the voluptuous former Playboy centerfold who married an octogenarian billionaire and waged a legal battle for his fortune all the way to the Supreme Court, died Tuesday after collapsing at a hotel. She was 39.
Posted by deann in News | permalink | Comments (4)
Whedon out as Wonder Woman director | February 06, 2007
So, without Joss Whedon as director, I just lost all interest in the upcoming (maybe?) Wonder Woman movie. Man, how I'd love to know what his ideas were that the studio didn't like. Maybe they missed Buffy, Angel and Firefly, so they don't realize how amazing he is -- especially at making female superheroes NOT cheesy.
Anyway, I like Joss's take on the situation:
"We just saw different movies, and at the price range this kind of movie hangs in, that's never gonna work," Whedon said in his post to his fans. "Non-sympatico. It happens all the time. I don't think any of us expected it to this time, but it did. Everybody knows how long I was taking, what a struggle that script was, and though I felt good about what I was coming up with, it was never gonna be a simple slam-dunk. I like to think it rolled around the rim a little bit, but others may have differing views." ...
"So I'm a free man."
Free to work on Buffy season 8. And Goners. And Runaways.
Posted by deann in News | permalink | Comments (3)
"Joan Collins is a bitch!" | January 23, 2007
Just ask Charlotte Rae (aka Mrs. Garrett from The Facts of Life).
Posted by deann in News| Other Stuff | permalink
Colbert to meet his hero | January 10, 2007
Speaking of Colbert (Jay was in the comments to yesterday's post, in case you forgot), I am SO excited that Bill O'Reilly and Colbert are going to trade appearances. I know some people find this annoying or whatever because they hate O'Reilly. But, HELLO?! He's Papa Bear, the inspiration behind Colbert's satirical awesomeness. He is owed something, and it is this: coming on to the show to be told how awesome he is in the most mocking/satirical way possible. I cannot wait!
(Unfortunately, I will be in Hawaii when it airs, but I will watch when it comes back.)
Posted by deann in Love| News | permalink | Comments (2)
Rosie vs. Trump | January 09, 2007
Honestly, this saga has been cracking me up, but this letter The Donald wrote to Rosie (coming on the heels of Rosie yelling at Barbara) almost feels ... fake. Or at the least like a publicity stunt (which really didn't help, judging by the ratings for the premiere of The Apprentice on Sunday). But, hey, it's sure making The View more popular. I haven't heard this much about the show ... well, ever.
Has anyone been watching it? I've heard Rosie's actually made it a lot more fun to watch.
Posted by deann in Ratings/Scheduling| News | permalink | Comments (5)
Bye-bye O.C. | January 04, 2007
No tears were shed (at least by me) at the news that The O.C. was canceled today (thanks to John for alerting me to this -- and for getting me to sign up for Digg, which I'm already addicted to).
I guess the only thing sad about the cancellation is that, apparently, the show couldn't survive without Marissa. Which is just ... wrong. She was the worst thing about that show. Grrr.
Posted by deann in News | permalink | Comments (6)
Which Office do you love? Both! | December 15, 2006
Are you a fan of The Office (either version)? At this point, who can answer no to that? If you don't like one, you like the other. If you like one, you probably like the other, too. (I know that isn't logical, but it's Friday and my thinking's not perfect.)
Anyway, I have often tried to extrapolate something eloquent from my thoughts about the U.K. versus U.S. versions of The Office, but have never come up with much beyond babbling about how much more like an uncomfortable documentary the U.K. version felt. At any rate, The New Yorker has come up with a brilliant essay comparing the two versions (I found the link via Ricky Gervais' site ... obviously; I was going there to try to buy the CDs of the podcast, but they're not available to those of us in the States yet, apparently. No fair!).
Uh, yeah, back to The New Yorker's piece (it's no wonder I'm never eloquent with all of the digression around here): It's bloody brilliant. Why, you ask?
Well, THIS sums up why I love Gervais and his David Brent:
The show’s lodestar was Ricky Gervais as the regional manager, David Brent. With his dated Vandyke, darting eyes, and shit-eating grin; with his wish to be more of a friend and entertainer than a boss, a wish torpedoed by the coercive feebleness of his patter and his horrifying dance moves; and with his unerring gift for joining conversations and killing them with one unpardonable remark, David was a new figure in sitcoms: the unbearable lead. In the first episode, in a scene that extended for an excruciating two and a half minutes, he sought to impress the new temp by having him sit in as he played a practical joke on the receptionist, Dawn (Lucy Davis). After calling her into his office, he pretended to fire her for stealing. When she began to sob, he winced and shifted and finally murmured, “Good girl, that was a joke we were doing.” With her head still in her hands, she called him a “wanker” and a “sad little man.” “Am I?” he said, attempting nonchalance. “Didn’t know that.” But he does. And our slow discovery of how this self-knowledge eats at David made us, grudgingly, begin to think of him as tragic.
And this sums up my love for the U.S. version:
What distinguishes Dunder-Mifflin from Wernham Hogg is not hope but consolation. In the British “Office,” we never learned most people’s names; the American version lovingly anatomizes everyone and takes advantage of the long-take documentary format to reveal the full complexity of everyone’s feelings (we glean, for instance, that Toby has an unspoken crush on Pam, and therefore resents Jim). Lost is the condemnatory power of the anonymous British chorus; gained are both a standard American melting pot and a commedia-dell’arte stock company, featuring Kelly the Yakker, Meredith the Lush, Kevin the Letch, and Creed the Cantankerous Freak, who is just a possession or two away from being a hobo. When Dwight is hovering uselessly in Michael’s office as Michael tries to deal with the sudden death of his predecessor, who was decapitated in a car accident, Creed (Creed Bratton) suddenly dips in his random oar.CREED: You know, a human can go on living for several hours after being decapitated.
DWIGHT: You’re thinking of a chicken.
CREED: What’d I say?
And I watched last night, thinking of this article the whole time. Last night's episode was fantastic, by the way. I still find Jenna Fischer to be an overactor, and I'm sick of the Jim-Pam thing. But Ed Helms has been such a delightful addition to the cast. And all of the more tertiary characters make me squeal. Angela was hysterical. And even though her moments were brief, so was Kelly. But the real highlight was that Michael couldn't tell his girlfriend apart from the other Benihana waitress. As he said, "All waitresses look alike." So, he MARKS HER. Hilarious. And him telling Jim about doing it was just as hilarious.
What I'm trying to say is that I'm terribly glad The Office and The New Yorker give us such delightful gifts this holiday season.
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Raymond father Peter Boyle dies | December 13, 2006
I never watched Everybody Loves Raymond. (literally. Not one time.) But I sure enjoyed Boyle's performance as a despicable character in Monster's Ball. And I liked him in Where the Buffalo Roam, even though I didn't love that movie.
And, until today, I didn't know he studied to become a monk before turning to acting.
For more, read The New York Times' obituary.
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Preachin... | December 13, 2006
I guess it's time I finally took my friend Jake's advice and read the Preacher comic book series, since it will be coming to HBO. But, the powers behind it aren't people to get too worked up about, according to the TV Guide podcast folks.
But I'll read the comic books, and then I can bet I won't be able to contain my excitement anyway.
Anyone else a fan of Preacher? And, if so, are you excited or worried about the series?
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Kramer's racist rant | November 21, 2006
As someone who is a fan of forgiveness, I want to believe Michael Richards is sorry. But as someone who is NOT a fan of racism, it's not easy.
Is it going to hurt Jerry Seinfeld that he is choosing to back Kramer during this time, by getting him on Letterman to issue an apology?
I have to agree with the lady quoted in the story, who says, "What came out onstage tells me who he is." He, like Mel Gibson, can supress this to the world, but if it comes out in rage/drunkenness, it's somewhere inside already, isn't it?
What do you think? Forgive? Or hold a grudge? (This question pertains to both Gibson and Richards. Do you see a difference between the two situations?)
For those interested, here's the video of Richards' tirade. And here's the apology on Letterman:
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Vanished ... vanishes | November 16, 2006
Further proof that nothing can survive the loss of the beautiful Gale Harold, Fox announced that Vanished (starring Eddie Cibrian) now will be available to watch only online, streaming on MySpace. (Side note: I was wrong about Justice. Sort of. It's being burned off on Fridays.) More:
FOX will make the final four episodes of VANISHED available online on FOX On Demand at MySpace.com (www.myspace.com/fox) and on MyFoxLocal station sites in 24 markets beginning Friday, Nov. 17. Viewers will see the mystery unfold as the remaining clues in the disappearance of Sara Collins (Joanne Kelly) are uncovered in the episodes to be posted on four consecutive Fridays: Nov. 17, Nov. 24, Dec. 1 and the “Warm Springs” series finale on Dec. 8. Streaming begins at 12:01 AM PT each Friday.All-new episodes of JUSTICE will air on four consecutive Fridays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ...
Back-to-back HOUSE episodes will air on two Mondays, Dec. 11 and 18 (8:00-9:00 PM and 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).
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How did I forget? | November 16, 2006
I don't know how I missed this announcement, since I've been all about the news lately (I didn't actually MISS it, because I knew this happened, but I forgot to tell all of you, my loyal subjects:
Veronica Mars will live on! Very exciting news for ... well, everyone. Even One Tree Hill fans get more episodes. It's a win-win.
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Something for everyone | November 12, 2006
So much has been happening in the world of TV that I give you a list of news items. Fun!
* Since I love everything Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant touch (including my favorite thing, the podcast, and even Karl's book), I am thinking I'll love the U.S. version of The Office a little bit more at the end of this month, when Ricky and Steve write an episode. I can hardly wait.
* If you've been waiting patiently to find out which of your favorite shows will finish out their seasons and which ones won't, there have been some recent announcements:
1. The adorable Men in Trees not only has been picked up for a full season, but also has been moved to Thursday nights after Grey's Anatomy. Poor, poor Six Degrees.2. Studio 60 got a full season pickup! Yay! NBC has promised it's going to stick with its quality shows that are struggling, so let's hope that's true for Friday Night Lights, as well. That's become my favorite new show.
3. Justice has been pulled for the rest of sweeps -- never a good sign.
4. Those of you missing Smith or Kidnapped now can watch them on their networks' websites. Kidnapped is here, and Smith is here.
* And because I love them and cannot resist posting another interview with them, David and Mary from The Amazing Race talked to TV Guide.com. Have I mentioned how awesome they are?
(Soon, I'll post about midseason shows, since it's that time. And since it's also time that I admit I've given up on many, many shows, I'll update you soon on what's still worth watching.)
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Britney makes life changes | November 07, 2006
First, she revealed her sleek do and slim figure on "Letterman":
And then, today, she filed for divorce from K-Fed. I don't think anyone saw that coming.
But, hey, at least she was smarter than that whole Britney and Kevin: Chaotic nightmare made her seem: She had a prenup.
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Neil Patrick Harris reveals he's gay | November 06, 2006
I hope this doesn't change a thing about his promiscuous ladies' man, Barney, on How I Met Your Mother. Because, well, it shouldn't.
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Bad news, times two | October 31, 2006
Well, we knew this day would have to come eventually, but it's finally here: Bob Barker is retiring after 35 years on The Price is Right (also, O.C. fans should check out the name of the AP reporter who wrote that story, too).
In other bad news, YouTube's demise begins as it prepares for Google to purchase it. It's a sad, sad day for fans of Colbert. (Thanks to Jay for the link.)
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On with the show... | October 23, 2006
I'm not even going to go into how tired I am of The Office and its very horrible idea to steer so far away from Ricky Gervais' brilliant U.K. version. No, I won't go there. Too many people get angry when you say the U.S. office isn't as good as the original.
But I will talk about a few bits of recent news that, if I were a better TV Goddess, I would have addressed last week:
First, there has been much controversy and infighting at Grey's Anatomy that ended with T.R. Knight coming out to People magazine. Boo to the fighting -- especially if the slurs really were said. And good for Knight for coming out. However, producers better keep his character straight. They are breaking some ground here, and it would be nice for them to keep it that way.
Second, what about NBC's decision to do away with scripted programming in the 8 p.m. hour? Is that the dumbest television decision since Happy Hour got the greenlight? It's certainly dumb to make such a blanket decision about seven hours of programming. Matt Roush and Tim Goodman put it much more eloquently than I do (in other words, they go beyond saying NBC chief Jeff Zucker is a big dummy-head), though, so go read their takes here: Roush and Goodman.
Last, several new shows have gotten full-season pickups. None of the latest announcements are all that exciting to me, though. What show would you most like to see picked up? Or canceled?
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Sara Evans quits Dancing | October 13, 2006
As most of you probably know, Sara Evans is quitting Dancing With the Stars, and with good reason:
Country singer Sara Evans alleges in divorce papers that her husband committed adultery, was verbally and emotionally abusive, drank excessively and frequently watched pornography in their home.Evans, 35, filed for divorce Thursday from Craig Schelske and announced through a spokesman that she was quitting ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" to "to give her family full attention at this difficult time." ...
In the filing in state court in Franklin, a Nashville suburb where the couple has a home, Evans alleges that Schelske watched pornography on the couple's computers and has at least 100 nude photographs of himself in a state of arousal.
The article gets even more explicit, if you're interested in the details.
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Schedule changes | October 10, 2006
Thank you, Matt Roush, for doing what I have been too lazy to get around to. If you are wondering where your favorite show has moved to, TV Guide's Roush tracks all of the schedule changes here.
In related news, CBS's early cancellation of Smith might mean they air their new medical drama 3 Lbs sooner than expected. Really, we need more medical shows, don't we? That's exactly what I was thinking.
Speaking of medical shows, though, Scrubs season 4 is on DVD today. Buy it.
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Confession: I don't watch Grey's Anatomy | September 25, 2006
Judging from those CSI-defeating numbers, I am the only one not watching Grey's Anatomy. Honestly, it seems too complicated to start now, without watching from the beginning. Is it? I have to say, I'd love to watch almost anything that beats CSI.
In other Grey's news, as those of you in Canada already know, Disney sent the wrong episode to CTV and the network ended up airing episode 2 instead of the season premiere in Canada. How mad would that make you? Read more at the Toronto Star. I think that's actually inexcusable, but there is no quality control. It's not like people can go anywhere else to get their Grey's Anatomy in Canada, right?
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Crocodile Hunter killed by stingray | September 04, 2006
I used to say he was crazy, and that doing what he did would kill him, but then I started thinking Steve Irwin was invincible.
Apparently not, since he was killed by a stingray while filming today. His personal Web site announces the news, too.
I hate to be insensitive because I do appreciate that he has two young children and a wife, but it's hard to muster too much sympathy for someone who regularly, intentionally put himself into that much danger. Although the irony of him being killed by a stingray -- among the less dangerous animals he worked/played with -- is not lost on me.
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