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'Sesame Street' Returns to Israel and Palestine

April 30, 2007

As avid fans of “Sesame Street’ (well, pretty much any muppet), this is great news.

New episodes of ''Rechov Sumsum,'' the Israeli version of ''Sesame Street'' are going on TV in Israel and the Palestinian territories, producers said Sunday, years after the original versions signed off because of a lack of funds.

As with the popular U.S. program -- designed to enhance basic educational content for youngsters -- producers tailored the Mideast casts and story lines to the fit the audiences. The show features a Muppet of Arab origin for the first time. Arab puppets have been used in other versions of the show elsewhere around the world.

New human actors on the Israeli version include Jewish immigrants from Russia and Ethiopia, communities that have faced ill treatment from some veteran Israelis. The Palestinian counterpart, ''Shara'a Simsim,'' seeks to offer positive role models to boys in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

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Alec Baldwin: Leaving 30 Rock?

April 26, 2007

We’re huge “30 Rock” fans. And we’ll be clear as to why. We work down the hall from where the show is supposed to take place. NBC Universal is our parent company, and we’re Tina Fey/Alec Baldwin/ SNL fans from way back. So…full disclosure there. Big fans. Huge. Ridiculous huge fans.

This is why we’re a little freaked out at a report that Alec Baldwin has asked NBC to let him out of his ''30 Rock'' contract so he can devote his time to the issue of ''parental alienation.''

''If I never acted again I couldn't care less,'' Baldwin said in a pre-taped appearance for ABC's ''The View,'' scheduled to air Friday. The actor, in a transcript provided to The Associated Press by ''The View,'' said that he also wanted to quit ''30 Rock'' so the sitcom and the hundreds who work on it wouldn't ''be hurt by the situation.''

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The FCC: No More Drama

We were following this story a few months ago, but there hasn’t been much to report as the FCC went into deep cover to prepare their report to Congress on violence in television. Yesterday, the report was released. And it’s a doozy -- freaking out lawmakers, TV Execs, and the ACLU.

Congress could regulate violence on cable, satellite and broadcast television without violating the First Amendment, the Federal Communications Commission said.

The report, which had been requested by Congress, contains suggestions for action by lawmakers, but it stops short of making specific recommendations.

A correlation exists between bloodshed on television and violence in real life, the commission said.

Concluding that ''exposure to violent programming can be harmful to children,'' FCC Chairman Kevin Martin wrote in a statement accompanying the report that ''Congress could provide parents more tools to limit their children's exposure to violent programming in a constitutional way.''

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Rosie O'Donnell Leaving “The View”

April 25, 2007

Well, that lasted, actually, longer than even we expected. Just at her one-year anniversary mark, Rosie O'Donnell will be leaving Barbara Walter's gabfest, "The View."

There are, of course, the official reasons, which have been listed as “contract trouble.” But O’Donnell’s statement paints a different picture: ''My needs for the future just didn't dovetail with what ABC was able to offer me.'' Which is, apparantly, the right to say any damn thing she pleases.

By the time the show aired this morning, things had calmed down considerably, when O'Donnell said that she wanted to stay for one more year, and ABC wanted three. So she decided to leave, although she said she will appear occasionally next season for things like a planned one-hour special on autism.

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YouTube for Famous People

One of the nicest things about online-comedy was that it was almost always made by amateurs. Auteurs be warned -- the big kids have arrived.

We all saw it here at the office, and we actually did laugh ourselves senseless over it. Last week, a video starring Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and McKay's toddler daughter was one of the most popular on the Web.

You can watch the video by following the link to Funnyordie.com

In ''The Landlord,'' little Pearl plays Ferrell's insistent landlord. Standing outside Ferrell's door in a light blue dress, she demands her rent money so that she can ''get my drink on.''

The road was paved for professional online-comedians by Dane Cook, who was early to embrace MySpace and the Web in the general. Since then, the online world has changed considerably. Now, Stephen Colbert facilitates interplay between his Comedy Central show and Web site, and clips from NBC's ''Late Night with Conan O'Brien'' and CBS' ''Late Show with David Letterman'' are commonplace on YouTube.

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News from ABC

April 24, 2007

We've been keeping our eye on ABC for the past few months. Viewers have been writing in with questions about whether or not "Men In Trees" had been cancelled, and here we sat, feeling helpless to answer. The short answer is yes and no.

Yes, The Anne Heche-led comedy will return next season, but the odds of it returning before this season is up are very slim. Rather than return the show to it's time slot (just after "Grey's Anatomy") the network will be airing "Traveler" -- the freshman drama they'd previously shelved.

This is a show we're excited about -- based on the concept. Two guys (played by "The O.C."s Logan Marshall Green and "Tru Calling"'s Matthew Bomer), get a phone call just after they finish their roller-blading-through-the-art-museum prank. On the phone is their third friend, who says..."I had to do it, guys." And the museum explodes. They're all labeled terrorists and have to unravel the mystery.

We'd totally watch that show. "Traveler" will air a special "sneak preview" of the pilot episode on May 10th, and will fully premiere at 10pm on Wednesday, May 30th.

In other ABC news, the network will air a special two-hour "Grey's Anatomy" on May 3, and has sceduled the "Lost" finale for Wednesday, May 23.

Bill Moyers: Out of Retirement

April 23, 2007

Television journalism has been difficult to talk about lately. Integrity has been called into question, there are various bloggers able to scoop news organizations, and frankly, it all seems like news has been focused on mayhem and explosions more than it should.

Which is why it's refreshing to hear that self-proclaimed ''citizen journalist'' Bill Moyers, who tore himself away from the TV grind a little more than two years ago, is returning to weekly television.

''Bill Moyers Journal'' premieres Friday at 9 p.m. EDT (check local listings) with the first of a scheduled 99 hours airing through February 2009, by which time Moyers will be within sight of his 75th birthday.

So what? He's long since journeyed past retirement age with no sign of slowing down.

He's been working ''round-the-clock scripting, narrating and editing sessions against implacable deadlines'' (as Moyers outlined it in a hasty e-mail to the Associated Press), but he stole a few moments to text them some musings on what lies ahead.

He turns out to be as fascinating an individual as he is a journalist. Check out the AP's article, after the jump.

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Isaiah Washington Says ‘No Thanks’ to Emmys

Isaiah Washington has decided this is not a good year to try for an Emmy Award.

The ''Grey's Anatomy'' star, who came under fire after using an anti-gay slur, didn't submit his name for nominations consideration, Washington's publicist, Howard Bragman, said Friday.

''It's all about the acting, not the awards,'' Bragman said.

Washington ran into trouble at another awards show in January, the Golden Globes. He used the epithet during a
backstage interview while denying he'd used it previously against castmate T.R. Knight.

After being criticized by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and the ABC network, Washington issued an apology and sought counseling.

The actor has not been previously nominated for the hit medical drama series, which is in its third season. The deadline for putting names into contention was Friday. The awards are set for Sept. 16.

May Sweeps Mayhem

April 20, 2007

You know what’s fun about sweeps? Just about everything.

As we head into May Sweeps and all of your favorite shows return to the line-up to finish up their seasons, it’s one stunt after another for a few.

The one we love the best is the upcoming “laugh and sniff” episode of “My Name is Earl” on NBC. During the May 3rd episode, viewers will be prompted to scratch and sniff the cards (which are available in that week’s TV Guide…).

There’s something hilariously campy and 1950’s about the whole thing.

Other sweeps stunts to watch out for: The Bob Barker Tribute Special on CBS, some serious guest stars (Rita Moreno and Rebecca Gayheart on “Ugly Betty” (ABC), Elaine Stritch on “30 Rock”) And the questionably “in-very-poor-taste” Anna Nicole Smith-themed episode of “Criminal Intent.”

Fire up your DVRs folks.

Erik Estrada: Finally Famous

Erik Estrada has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Estrada, best known for playing California Highway Patrol Officer Frank ''Ponch'' Poncherello in ''CHiPs'' was accompanied by family members, comedian Paul Rodriguez and highway patrol officials during a Thursday afternoon ceremony.

The 58-year-old (really? He's 58?) said his appearance on ''CHiPs' satisfied two of his dreams.

''One, of course, a certain amount of success in the entertainment business, for which I really am extremely grateful and I'm very proud,'' Estrada said. ''But equally important, it represents my childhood dream of becoming a police officer.''

Estrada recently became a reserve officer for the Muncie, Ind., police department as part of his participation in the CBS reality television series ''Armed & Famous.'' The show was canceled in January.

Joan Rivers: Brilliant But Cancelled

April 19, 2007

Joan Rivers, The TV Guide Channel’s leading red-carpet host is being replaced by Lisa Rinna. The actress will make her debut at the Emmy Awards on Sept. 16, the network said Wednesday.

Rivers, 73, and her daughter, Melissa, 37, launched TV Guide Channel's red-carpet programming in January 2005.

The President of the TV Guide Channel had this to say: ''TV Guide Channel is very appreciative of Joan and Melissa Rivers' contributions to the success of our red-carpet programming over the past three years. We wish them the best in their future endeavors.''

Seriously?! They canned Joan Rivers? Who gets rid of Joan Rivers? She’s a television legend, she subbed for Carson, it isn’t a red carpet without her! And they replaced her with... Who?

Lisa Rinna, 43, who recently appeared on ABC's dance competition, ''Dancing With the Stars.'' She starred on ''Melrose Place'' and ''Days of Our Lives.''

Rivers, meanwhile, is staying mum.

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Sanjaya: Brilliant but Cancelled

It was a nice dream while it lasted. This was the year that the audience of “American Idol” wised up, as viewers and websites (including votefortheworst.com) began championing an odd looking kid named Sanjaya Malakar. If the show wasn’t going to get any better, they reasoned, they might as well prove it.

The stringbean teen with the megawatt smile worked his strange magic on the show's stage week after week, captivating millions and horrifying Simon Cowell, his loudest critic. Did Malakar lack talent? For sure. Was he boring? Not by a long shot.

His reign of goofy charm finally ended Wednesday night, when he was voted of the top-rated Fox sing-off. When the result was announced, Malakar wiped away tears and got a big hug from LaKisha Jones, the next lowest vote-getter.

''I'm fine,'' he told Ryan Seacrest. ''It was an amazing experience.''

''I can promise you: We won't soon forget you,'' Seacrest replied.

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BET Launches First Original Scripted Series

BET will be launching its first scripted series in its 28-year history, a sitcom about a group of black slackers.

''Somebodies'' is expected to premiere in October, Reginald Hudlin, BET's entertainment president, said Wednesday. As the first cable channel geared to blacks, BET featured a lot of music programming, syndicated fare and reality shows, but it was criticized for not spending money to produce original programs.

Hudlin's announcement of ''Somebodies'' was timed to coincide with the network's presentation of its fall plans to advertisers Wednesday night.

''Somebodies'' is based on a 2006 film that was in the Sundance Film Festival. It will be produced by Pete Aronson and Warren Hutcherson, executive producers of ''The Bernie Mac Show,'' and it'll be set, and filmed, in Athens, Ga.

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Dave Chappelle Breaks Record

April 18, 2007

Six hours of telling jokes – that’s no small task. Dave Chappelle has never been one to back away from a challenge.

Oh. Wait.

The comic, who walked out on a $50 million deal to continue his TV show and briefly took a respite in South Africa, shattered the Laugh Factory's endurance record by taking to the comedy club's stage for six hours and seven minutes on Sunday.

''He was absolutely amazing, for six hours making people laugh,'' the club's owner, Jamie Masada, said Tuesday.

Masada said the previous record of three hours and 50 minutes was accomplished earlier this month by Dane Cook. But until then the mark had stood at two hours and 41 minutes since Richard Pryor set it in 1980.

Chappelle walked out on the third season of his hit Comedy Central show last May, leaving fans and industry observers to question his motives and even his sanity.

He has said since that he didn't feel he could be himself on the show.

''The bottom line was, white people own everything, and where can a black person go and be himself or say something that's familiar to him and not have to explain or apologize?'' he told Esquire magazine.

He has since returned to the standup circuit and released the documentary ''Dave Chappelle's Block Party.''

'The Bachelor' Has Staying Power

When the reality television craze really took off, a handful of shows made all of our grandmothers go insane.

They’d turn to each other an say things like, “what will they think of next?” And ''The Bachelor'' was at the top of the list. “Those ladies go on that show and get in a hot tub and compete for that…man?”

And this year is no different..

Andy Baldwin -- a 30-year-old doctor, Navy lieutenant, humanitarian and triathlete -- is the perfect guy with perfect teeth, and a houseful of wide-eyed, marriage-minded women competing to be his one and only.

But it's not Baldwin or his predecessors who capture the show's overwhelmingly female audience. Rather, it's the catfights, blatant scheming, tears and rejection. Those irresistible dramatic elements have managed to keep the series afloat, observers say, despite declining ratings, an embarrassing track record of failed romances and the indisputably sexist premise.

''This is voyeuristic viewing,'' said TV historian Tim Brooks. ''You can just sort of sit and watch, 'Oh, I don't like her' and 'Boy, I hope she gets hers' and that kind of thing. And root for your favorites, too.''

The bachelor, Brooks said, is ''just there to give them something to root about.''

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Graceland is Cool! Seriously!

April 17, 2007

We can’t wait for the commercials. Memphis-based Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. announced a new ad campaign on Monday as part of its effort to make the rock legend's former home Graceland a tourist destination on par with larger theme parks.

(They should just put in rides.)

The effort marks the first time the company is advertising nationally with a campaign crossing over television, radio, print, outdoor, travel guides and online, the company said.

''The Discover Your Inner Elvis campaign will be used ... to support our worldwide branding strategy,'' said Paul Jankowski, EPE's chief marketing officer.

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Keith Olbermann to Host Football

One of the nicest parts of having a hit TV show is that you’re asked to do even more of them.

Keith Olbermann will add a fifth voice to the studio on NBC's Sunday-night football highlights show in the fall, the network said Monday.

(NBC is our parent company. There. We said it.)

Bob Costas anchors the show, with Cris Collingsworth and now Olbermann as co-hosts. With Jerome Bettis and Tiki Barber as analysts, the former NFL players will outnumber Costas and Olbermann by 3-to-2.

Olbermann, who first became known as a host on ESPN's ''Sportscenter,'' has shuffled between news and sports during his career. His ''Countdown'' show on MSNBC has been hot lately, with Olbermann drawing attention for commentaries taking on the Bush administration.

He talks sports regularly each weekday afternoon on former ESPN partner Dan Patrick's radio show.

Olbermann, who will keep his weekday work, said he expects the Sunday job to be rewarding and challenging.
''I hope I can hold up my end of the bargain,'' he said.

Carrie Underwood Wins Big

The fans voted, the masses have spoken – and Carrie Underwood's dark hit ''Before He Cheats'' won video of the year, female video and best video director at CMT Music Awards.

''It was at the CMT awards last year that I gave my first acceptance speech ever,'' Underwood said. ''It's been such an amazing and blessed two years.''

Kenny Chesney won male video for ''You Save Me'' and Rascal Flatts won group video for ''What Hurts the Most.'' Jack Ingram received the Wide Open Country award, a new category intended to honor artists outside the mainstream.

Viewers chose Ingram's video over Johnny Cash's ''God's Gonna Cut You Down,'' rockers Sheryl Crow and Sting for their duet ''Always on Your Side'' and Jimmy Buffett's ''Bama Breeze.''

''Right now I'm flying on the mainstream radar, but for a long time I wasn't,'' Ingram said. Teen newcomer Taylor Swift captured breakthrough video of the year honors with her hit ''Tim McGraw.''

Later, the 11th grader said she was taking her final exams Tuesday. She attended the show with her mother. ''This is my first award show ever. I wanted my mom right next to me,'' Swift said.

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Donkeys Vs. Fox News

April 16, 2007

This fascinated us. And we’re certain to hear more about it in the coming months.

It turns out that democrats running for President are targeting more than President Bush and each other – they’re going after Fox News. And as the situation developments, it’s occurring to everyone that both sides face difficult challenges.

Fox has tried twice, without success, to set up a debate with the major Democratic contenders. Both times they failed because of pressure applied by online liberal activists, who consider Fox biased toward Republicans and conservatives.

The first debate, which was to be co-sponsored by Fox and the Nevada Democratic party, had been set for this August but was canceled. Fox then teamed with the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute for a Sept. 23 debate that is still scheduled, even though John Edwards, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton all said they won't attend.

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McDreamy: Race Car Driver

Patrick Dempsey was at Homestead-Miami Speedway over the weekend, racing in the timed 2.5-hour Grand-Am Koni Challenge GS sports car race on Sunday. Dempsey, 41, of ABC's hit show "Grey's Anatomy" is a driver and part-owner in the pro-Am sports car series.

Dempsey and co-driver Charles Espenlaub of Tampa finished sixth of 39 cars. It marked Dempsey's best finish in five Koni Challenge races.

Maneuvering a sports car and going as fast as 170 mph give him more of a rush than filming dramatic scenes for his television show, Dempsey said.

''I really enjoy racing much more than I enjoy doing the show,'' Dempsey said. ''I mean I enjoy the show, but it's a different thing because it's like a long distance race.''

The Tudors Renewed

April 13, 2007

So soon?

According to a few reports, including our friends over at Broadcasting and Cable – Showtime has taken the unusual step of already renewing the freshman drama “The Tudors.” We’re a little baffled by the news, because you, our readers have
written in with conflicting opinions about the show.

One reader, “Shereen,” wrote in to say that “Obviously it helps to know a little of the history of Henry VIII in order to watch this show.” While “David” wrote: “I am sorry. I sat through the hour. And waited. And waited. and waited..”

Which is where we sort of agree. We’re still watching the show because we're kind of history buffs -- (though we like our history in broader strokes) -- and also because it reminds us of staying up late to watch soft-core porn on Cinemax in high school. We'll stick with it, but something had better happen soon – something besides treaties being ratified. (snore...)

Broadcasting and Cable is also reporting that Showtime has announced a new show from Tracey Ullman entitled “State of the Union” (working title). In it, Ms. Ullman will be satirizing American culture and will play up to 200 characters per episode.

Can’t wait to hear what the pundits will say about that.

Do You Trust Tucker Carlson?

This is the question CBS is hoping that people will tune in to watch as they line up their new game-show pilots. The conservative MSNBC pundit with the adorable little bow-tie has been asked to host a show called "Who Do You Trust?"

The game is pretty simple. Folks who’ve never met bet on how much they trust each other as they play the game together.

According to TVWeek.com, the show is reportedly based on a game-theory experiment called “prisoner’s dilemma,” in which players “weigh cooperation vs. betrayal for differing levels of reward and punishment.”

Carlson will not only act as host, but will also put his interview skills to the test as he helps players gain information about each other.

Psychological experiments and Tucker Carlson? We’d watch that!

CBS Fires Imus

Well, that was bound to happen, and there really isn't all that much to say that hasn't been said already.

Following the lead set by MSNBC and various corporate sponsors of his syndicated talk-show, CBS pulled the plug on Don Imus' talk-radio show late Thursday, just as he was airing his special charity fundraising show.

His wife filled in for the rest of the fundraiser.

Don Imus: It’s Over at MSNBC

April 12, 2007

Let’s get these out of the way: we’re owned by Bravo, which is owned by NBCUniversal, which also owns MSNBC. That said, wow -- big happenings over here yesterday.

Don Imus raised nearly $1 million in the first five hours of his annual radio charity fundraiser Thursday, but it was only by voice -- MSNBC pulled the plug on his talk show's television simulcast amid the uproar over his racial slur.

''This may be our last Radiothon, so we need to raise about $100 million,'' Imus said at the start of the event, which
has raised more than $40 million since 1990.

Imus acknowledged again that his remarks a week ago about the Rutgers women's basketball team had been ''really stupid.''

''There's a difference between premeditated murder and the gun going off,'' but the end result is the same, he said: ''Somebody's still dead.''

Several major advertisers dropped the show, and pressure from politicians and the public has mounted since the radio host referred to the Rutgers basketball players as ''nappy-headed hos'' shortly after they lost the NCAA women's national championship game.

MSNBC dropped its simulcast of the ''Imus in the Morning'' radio program and aired news instead on Thursday, though Imus still broadcast the show from an MSNBC studio.

Imus' ultimate fate depends on the CBS Corp., which owns both the radio station WFAN-AM that is the host's broadcast home, and the syndicator Westwood One, which distributes ''Imus in the Morning'' to stations across the country.

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Jackson Siblings Back at Work

Another TV talent contest is on the horizon, this one featuring members of the Jackson family.

''Pop Dynasty'' is the working title for a contest aimed at finding a family of singers a la the Jacksons, a CBS spokesman said Wednesday.

Jermaine, Tito and LaToya Jackson -- but not Michael or Janet, the most famous Jacksons -- will serve as judges.

LaToya Jackson, who's had a solo singing career, was featured on the CBS reality show ''Armed and Famous.''
Jermaine Jackson is one of the principal partners for ''Pop Dynasty.'' Jamie Foxx (''Ray,'' ''Dreamgirls'') also is involved with the project, CBS said.

Details of the show are being worked out and the network hasn't settled on an air date.

The success of ''American Idol'' on Fox has generated a flurry of contest shows, including ''America's Got
Talent,'' ''Dancing with the Stars'' and ''Skating With Celebrities.''

Starting in the 1960s, Jermaine and Tito performed with brothers Jackie, Marlon and Michael as the Jackson Five, producing hit songs including ''ABC'' and ''I Want You Back.''

Friday Night Lights: Saved?

April 11, 2007

When NBC executives announced that they’d be giving a second season to “30 Rock” last week, they gave cryptic hints that “Friday Night Lights” would be back for a second season. Our own “TV Lover” was all atwitter at the news and worried about it in his blog.

It won a Peabody award, for heaven’s sake – everyone calm down.

Today, news was handed down that six new episodes have been ordered for next season. This doesn’t make the show completely safe, but it helps a lot. And you want to see writers trying to save their hides – tune in for those six episodes – they promise to be incredible.

NBC also announced that it has ordered six more episodes of veteran drama “Medium.”

CBS News Producer: CopyCat

Poor Katie Couric. Trying to help out a news organization that's been plagued for a while.

This week, one of her CBS News producer was fired and the network apologized after a Katie Couric video essay on libraries was found to be plagiarized from The Wall Street Journal.

The essay was removed from the CBS Web site and an editor's note was posted saying the item should have credited Jeffrey Zaslow of the Journal, the network said Tuesday.

CBS would not identify the producer fired for the transgression.

The essays are carried regularly on ''Couric & Co.,'' the anchor's blog on the CBS News Web site. Couric and producers meet once a week to decide on topics and the producers write them for Couric to read on camera.

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Jason Wahler: More Trouble

April 10, 2007

We do hope you’ll weigh in on this in our comment section, because it seems like we’ve been hearing a lot of these stories lately.

Television actor Jason Wahler hurled racial and homophobic invectives at a police officer when he was arrested over the weekend after punching a hotel security guard and passing out drunk in a hallway, a Seattle Police Department report said.

Wahler, 20, a star of MTV's ''The Hills'' and ''Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County,'' was arrested early Sunday for investigation of assault and criminal trespass. He posted bail and was released from the King County Jail nine hours later.

Now, let’s be clear, Wahler isn’t known for his calm temperament. This was his third arrest since September, when he punched a city worker and tow-truck driver in Los Angeles. Last month, the judge in that case sentenced him to 60 days in jail -- a sentence he was scheduled to serve beginning in May -- and ordered him to attend Alcoholics Anonymous classes and a one-day program at the Museum of Tolerance for using racial slurs.

The police report said that shortly after midnight on Sunday, officers responded to the Waterfront Marriott hotel. A security guard told them there had been an altercation in the lobby, and that someone wrestled with Wahler to restrain him.

When the guard asked the pair to settle down or leave, Wahler shoved him in the chest and then punched him in the mouth, the police report said. Another person restrained Wahler and removed him from the building, but he came back a short time later.

Two police officers found him passed out on the third floor, reeking of alcohol, and woke him up.

Wahler then ''repeatedly'' called Officer C. DePina, who is not black, a ''n-----'' and a ''f-----,'' DePina wrote in the report. ''Wahler stated he was rich and would have my ass. Wahler made vague threats to assault officers.''

It was not immediately known if Wahler, of Laguna Beach, Calif., had obtained a lawyer or if he had a publicist. The city attorney's office has 20 days to file charges, said spokeswoman Ruth Bowman.

Wahler was also arrested in March in Greenville, N.C., for investigation of underage drinking and resisting a public officer.

Don Imus Suspended

In our continuing coverage of celebrity racism today, we turn now to Don Imus. After referring to members of the Rutgers women’s basketball team team as “nappy-headed hos,” both CBS Radio and MSNBC have suspended him from the airwaves for two weeks.

MSNBC, which telecasts the radio show, said Imus' expressions of regret and embarrassment, coupled with his stated dedication to changing the show's discourse, made it believe suspension was the appropriate response.

''Our future relationship with Imus is contingent on his ability to live up to his word,'' the network said.
The suspension begins next Monday.

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Jackie Chan: TV Star

April 09, 2007

Call it “Chinese Idol’ for anyone who wants to be an action-movie star.

On Saturday, Jackie Chan launched a TV competition aimed at scouting out new action movie talent, saying more than 100,000 people have already signed up for a shot at kung fu stardom.

Check out the show’s website here.

''A lot of actors are good at fighting but (their style) is not beautiful,'' said the Chinese star and stunt man, who turned 53 Saturday.

''If you can incorporate dance with an ability to perform kung fu, that would be better,'' Chan told an audience that included a selected 20 of the show's contestants and some Chinese celebrities.

The TV show, whose English title is ''The Disciple,'' is jointly produced by Chan and Beijing TV Station, known as
BTV.

The show will run from March to October, with 10 winners appearing in a movie to be produced by Chan, organizers said. The movie will be released before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Chan said.

Bill O'Reilly and Geraldo Rivera: Friends?

For a guy who prides himself on “the no-spin zone,” Bill O’Reilly certainly seems to be spinning his latest on-air verbal brawl as fast as he can.

We heard rumblings about this incident between Bill O’Reilly and Geraldo Rivera on Friday afternoon, and we’ve been watching it on YouTube all day. We especially love the part where O'Reilly looks like he's going to punch him (also when he conjures Rivera's "teenage daughters.")

So here’s what happened: Bill and Geraldo were chatting about drunk driving, when they launched into a shouting match that was weird by even O’Reilly’s standards.

The two men were discussing the case of Alfredo Ramos, a man charged with manslaughter and suspected of being drunk when his car crashed into another in Virginia Beach last Friday. Two teen-aged girls were killed. Ramos, a Mexican who has been in the United States seven years, is allegedly in the country illegally.

''He doesn't have a right to be in this country,'' O'Reilly said. He said he wanted immigration laws enforced while Rivera favored ''open-border anarchy.''

Rivera said O'Reilly shouldn't be turning a drunken driving case into an illegal immigration issue.

''Don't obscure a tragedy to make a cheap political point,'' Rivera told him.

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Even More Samantha Brown

April 06, 2007

We have a collective nerd crush on Samantha Brown. She makes clean jokes about uncomfortable moments in travel, she's a trained musical theatre actress who brings a large degree of joy to her work. And let's face it, she has the best job in the world.

Which is why we were thrilled to read about the Discovery Networks upfront plans. After carting Miss Brown all over Europe and sending her to the greatest hotels in the world, the Travel Channel will premiere “One Weekend In . . . With Samantha Brown” (it’s a working title), in which Samantha will spend 48 hours in the cities of the world – foreign and domestic.

What else does the travel channel have in store? Well, these are mostly working titles, but the channel would like to serve up:

“Culture Shock” – a look at the most bizarre cultural rituals in the world.

“On the Wright Bus with Ian Wright” – will feature host Ian Wright as he rides a tour bus through various sites.

“Life's a Trip with Andrew Anthony” – which is basically a list of things he wants to see before he dies (like smelling a lion’s breath…or eating a $700 Kobe steak).

The channel will also be bringing back “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations,” “Bizarre Foods,” “Made in America” and “1,000 Places to See Before You Die.”

The Travel Channel…what’s your take?

Rachael Ray: Prom Queen

She’s kind of a chipmunk, and she wears mom-jeans, and we have a hard time understanding who thought it was a good idea to put her on tv. But say what you want – she throws a mean prom.

Rachael Ray made sure that the students who lost eight classmates and their school in a tornado got a senior prom, her publicist confirmed Thursday.

The celebrity chef planned the menu and helped prepare dinner at Enterprise High School's prom, according to a statement from Ray's publicist, Georgianna Dente. The star of the syndicated ''The Rachael Ray Show'' paid for the dance and filmed it for an episode to air this month.

''The students of Enterprise High are so courageous, given all that they've gone through,'' Ray said in the statement. ''When I heard about what happened to their school and classmates, we wanted to help."

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'Girls Gone Wild' Creator Goes Kinda Wild

Nobody really expected Joe Francis to take the whole thing lying down. But Spring Break ’07 is definitely going to be a different experience.

The founder of the ''Girls Gone Wild'' videos has defied a federal judge, calling him a ''judge gone wild'' and refusing to surrender to U.S. marshals on a contempt citation.

U.S. District Judge Richard Smoak ordered Joe Francis into custody after settlement negotiations soured in a lawsuit brought by seven women who were minors when Francis' company filmed them on Panama City Beach.

The 34-year-old Francis, who makes an estimated $29 million a year through the videos of girls exposing their breasts, drew the contempt order Wednesday after lawyers for the women said Francis threatened them during negotiations.

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"30 Rock" Sticking Around

April 05, 2007

We’re going to start with full disclosure on this one and say that we’re owned by Bravo, which belongs to NBC/Universal, and we share a bathroom with the kids at Saturday Night Live (the crew, not the cast – they have fancier bathrooms…). We really love "30 Rock."

And so we’ve been slapping each other five (really) that it’s been picked up for a second season. It didn’t look good. So far, the show has earned rave reviews but low ratings, will get a second chance to prove it can win over viewers.

In a statement, NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly said the network expects the show to ''continue to build its increasingly loyal audience and become another of NBC's classic comedy series.''

NBC has been home to other slow-starting sitcoms, including ''Seinfeld'' and ''Cheers,'' that went on to become TV hits. ''30 Rock'' has its work cut out: it's averaging 5.8 million viewers compared to top-rated CBS comedy ''Two and a Half Men,'' which draws more than 15 million.

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"The Tudors" A Hit for Showtime

April 04, 2007

Broadcasting and Cable is reporting that the April 1st premiere of The Tudors drew 1.28 million viewers to it’s 10pm premiere and 11pm repeat. The network then confirmed this by saying that it was their best night in three years.

The show was watched by an estimated 869,000 for its 10 p.m. premiere – which is a 44% increase in viewership over the Michael-Hall led slasher-comedy “Dexter.” The viewership is also 78% better than the premiere for “Weeds.”

Showtime’s subscribers are said to be about 14.5 million strong, and thus, the company (in association with “Reveille” and “Working Title” films) has been able to pump an estimated $2 million dollars into each episode.

Here’s our take:

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“7th Heaven” Ending -- Seriously

We know, we know.

It’s the guiltiest of pleasures, but it is really difficult to find a family drama on television anymore. That's why we're a little frustrated that after an 11-year run, including at least one prior “final” episode, the end really is here for ''7th Heaven.''

CW's drama about the Rev. Eric Camden and his family will air its final episode on May 13, network officials said Tuesday, A host of other changes were announced at NBC and ABC. For more on that, check out the DeathWatch Watch blog here.

The 2006-2007 season of ''7th Heaven'' was a bonus for viewers. The series, which started on the WB, was initially pink-slipped when the CW launched this year with elements from the now-defunct WB and UPN networks.

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“Knight Rider” Car Up for Sale

April 03, 2007

It shot flames, it could jump rivers, it was all our friends talked about on the playground in the sixth grade, and now it’s being sold for 150 thousand dollars.

KITT, the talking muscle car from the '80s TV show ''Knight Rider,'' is up for sale.

Restored to its debut-season glory, the modified black 1982 Pontiac Trans Am is offered at $149,995 at a Dublin auto dealership. Johnny ''Vette'' Verhoek of Kassabian Motors has had the car, officially called Knight Industries
Two Thousand, on display for about a month.

It is one of four documented ''camera cars'' used for close-up shots and scenes where David Hasselhoff, who played Michael Knight in the series, was behind the wheel.

Although it cannot achieve the 300 mph speeds that KITT reached, soar 50 feet in the air or throw smoke bombs, key features of the star car are intact. Perhaps most important, the red scanner light on the nose glows and makes a humming noise.

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Kids Choose Winners

April 02, 2007

It’s actually not a terrible way to spend an evening if you have a nine-year-old handy to explain to you what’s happening, but more than anything, Nickelodeon’s “Kid’s Choice Awards” is one of those reminders that children in large groups make terrifying choices.

Favorite Male Movie Star – Adam Sandler.
Favorite Female Movie Star – Dakota Fanning.
And who is the celebrity that kids most want to be like? Ben Stiller.

The Kids' Choice Awards are Hollywood's messiest, most raucous celebration honoring kid viewers' personal picks for best movies, music and TV shows. Timberlake, this year's host, delivered on a pre-show promise to make this year's version the slimiest ever.

The show's hallmark is the drenching of a celebrity in green slime, but this year hundreds of celebrities and audience members got the treatment.

The show began with Timberlake descending from the ceiling on a large orange Nickelodeon blimp, and breaking into a Broadway show tune in which he taunted the audience, saying he was too famous to be slimed.

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Jed Bartlett Cited

It’s hard to be a former beloved TV President. Martin Sheen was among a group of peace activists cited during an anti-nuclear protest Sunday at the Nevada Test Site, authorities said.

A total of 39 protesters, including Sheen, were released after being cited by sheriff's deputies for crossing onto test site property following the rally, test site spokesman Darwin Morgan said.
Organizers said about 150 people attended the demonstration, but Nye County Sheriff Tony DeMeo said it was only 75.

''We are asking for nuclear disarmament and peace,'' organizer Ming Lai said. ''We are asking for the Nevada Test Site to stop doing the testing they're doing. The only reason they're doing it is to make bombs.''

Sheen, who spent seven seasons playing President Josiah Bartlet on the TV drama series ''The West Wing,'' has received similar citations at the test site in the past.

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Maytag Stunt Comes to an End

Whirlpool Corp. announced Monday that it has selected Clay Jackson of Richmond, Va., as the character promoting the reliability of its Maytag brand of large appliances. He will be replacing Hardy Rawls – the actor whose current contract will not be renewed.

Come to think of it…has anyone heard a reason why?

The Benton Harbor-based company conducted a nationwide search for the ''new face of Maytag.'' Whirlpool bought Maytag of Newton, Iowa, last year.

''The new Maytag Repairman will help revitalize the Maytag brand and its heritage by keeping one foot in our past while putting the other in our future,'' Maytag Vice President Jeff Davidoff said in a news release.

The company said that at least 1,500 people participated in the two months of auditions.

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Trump Still Has Terrible Hair

Told you so. Still, we held out the ever-so-slightest hope of seeing him bald. Turns out, after this weekend’s big “hairmatch” -- Donald Trump didn't have to shave his head after his "wrestler" beat out WWF's Vince McMahon's.

The whole April Fool's day event played out on Sunday when "The Battle of the Billionaires" match featuring Bobby Lashley (Trump's man) beat out UMAGA (McMahon's Man) at Ford Field in Detroit Michigan.

As promised Trump took a razor to McMahon's extremely hairy head, and ultimately, the whole thing was pure Trump: big splashy build up, absolutely no pay-off. Also, a boy cried wolf, and there wasn’t one. So eventually, we all stopped listening.