March 31, 2008
Bravo’s highly anticipated new competition reality series Step It Up and Dance premiers Thursday, April 3 at 11PM. To pump you up for the high kicks and back flips in store, here’s a look at the ten greatest dance moments in television history.
10. Elvis performs on The Ed Sullivan Show
Let’s begin the countdown with the undisputed King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Presley’s hip-swinging, leg kicking dance moves to his version of Little Richard’s ‘Ready Teddy’ was too hot for TV -- the cameras only shot him from the waist up. Elvis, you hound dog!
9. Carlton Banks dances to Tom Jones, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
It is a little bit unusual, Tom. Carlton was American’s favorite nerd of the early 90’s. The simplistic arm swinging with an elated smile on his face, it’s a surprise this dance craze didn’t proceed the Macarena.
8. Spartan Cheerleaders, Saturday Night Live
Arianna and Craig took their cheering dance moves to a new level. Always in search of ‘the perfect cheer’, the squad rejects would instead use their skills resulting in embarrassment from fellow classmates. Will Ferrell’s awkward movements combined with Cheri Oteri’s quick wit provided for some of the greatest uncomfortable dance moments on television -- so check them out!
7. The Ellen Degeneres Show
Do the Ellen, Do the Ellen! Who says you can’t just dance for fun? This fan-favorite talk show ends every monologue with a dance through the audience to pep them up for the rest of the show. You know your heads bobbing when you’re watching from home.
6. Janet Jackson's Wardrobe Malfunction at Superbowl 38
"Gonna have you naked by the end of this song". Let’s not take these lyrics literally, Justin. The infamous Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction during the Superbowl was the climax of a sexually induced halftime show featuring performers including Diddy, Nelly and Kid Rock.
5. So You Think You Can Dance, Emmy Award Winning Mia Michaels Routine
Mia Michaels is a world-renown choreographer working with the likes of Madonna and Prince. Oh, and that little Celine Dion show in Vegas? Yeah, she choreographed that too. Her talent shines on the hit dance show So You Think You Can Dance and the grace and elegance found in her contemporary routines is a gift to the American public. She was nominated for an Emmy in 2006 for Best Choreography on television for her routine "Calling You".
4. Elaine Benes, "The Little Kicks" on Seinfeld
So You Think You Dance, Elaine? Her moves aren’t as sexual as Elvis’ or emotionally charged as Mia Michael’s, but you can’t get mad at her for lack of effort. In the infamous "Little Kicks Episode", George described her dancing as a “full bodied dry heave set to music”. Ouch.
3. MTV Video Music Awards Performances Madonna Like A Virgin/Britney Spears' Oops!...I Did It Again
These two pop superstars exude sexuality in everything they do. Give them a stage to dance on and millions of viewers and you have a tie for the third most memorable dance moment. Get past Madonna rolling around on the stage, and Britney stripping to the cover of Satisfaction and one thing is clear -- these ladies can dance. The style, power and intricacy of their moves make each Video Music Award performance one for the history books.
2. Gap Dance-Themed Ads
Whoever created the campaign for the dance-themed ads is a genius. Using Broadway, Swing, and Holiday themes and throw a Audrey Hepburn cameo you can’t help but tap your toes for each 30 second ad. Showcasing the clothes through dance provided some of the greatest 30 seconds of advertising ever broadcasted.
1. Michael Jackson's Thriller
One word: Thriller. Need I say more? Michael Jackson’s music video revolutionized the way the industry look, thought, and cared about music videos. The distinctive and unique choreography featured throughout the video introduced a new style dance to the popular culture...and made young teen girls afraid to go out during a full moon.
The list is filled with classic moments, shocking reveals and intense creativity. I know you’re about to head to YouTube to check out these and other memorable dance moments. After you’ve gotten your fill, head over to BravoTv.com and check out the cast and preview for Step It Up and Dance!
March 10, 2008
The majority of TV's classic shows take place in major cities...but there's nothing quite like a show set in The Big Apple. As Bravo welcomes a new group of Real Housewives to the block, let's take a look back at our all-time favorite shows set in New York City. From seven strangers to a show about nothing, The Real Housewives of New York City are giving these classic New York programs a run for their money, with the designer labels to prove it.
20. Ugly Betty (2006-Present)
She may be from Queens, NY, but Betty Suarez (America Ferrara) is all over Manhattan as Daniel’s loveable and doting assistant. The tents of Bryant Park during fashion week? Check. The glitzy Gershwin Theater for a viewing of Wicked? She was there too. The show, set in the fast-paced, size-zero world of fashion magazines, regularly features the best of New York City, from SoHo to Fifth Avenue and, of course, the occasional late night burial in Central Park.
19. Katie & Allie (1984-1989)
Lifelong friends Katie McArdle and Allie Lowell get a fresh start after each had divorced their husbands. Moving to a brownstone in New York City’s eccentric Greenwich Village, the two women dated, worked and took care of their children. Katie and Allie’s successful leap into city life acted as a launching pad for the portrayal of strong, independent women on television.
18. The Jeffersons (1975-1985)
The theme song says it all. A spin-off from the hit sitcom All in the Family, this was a New York mobility tale that lasted for 11 seasons – making it the longest running comedy on television. Married couple Louise and George Jefferson said goodbye to a middle-class Queens neighborhood and hello to a ‘deluxe apartment in the sky’ on the East side of Manhattan.
17. NYPD Blue (1993-2005)
This New York series created by Steven Bochco and David Milch has courted a lot of controversy. Since its first season, this Emmy-winning show depicted a dark and gritty Manhattan as it explored the inner workings of the fictional 15th precinct. The series would eventually influence several similar themed crime dramas including the Law and Order and CSI franchises, The Wire, and The Shield.
16. Saturday Night Live (1975-Present)
Broadcast from mid-town Manhattan, the heart and pulse of New York City, this variety/comedy show has been filmed in the famous 8H studio for thirty-three seasons. Ever since the first ‘Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night’ was screamed into the camera, legendary comedic performers have been making America laugh. Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner Jim Belushi, Will Ferrell and Tina Fey to name a few.
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15. Rhoda (1974-1978)
Returning home to New York City from Minneapolis where she was best friends and neighbor to one Mary Tyler Moore, Rhoda Morgenstern balanced life with a work, a new husband and her family. For a short time, Rhoda lived with her Jewish parents in the Bronx until she was married to Joe Gerard. One of the shows most memorable moments is Rhoda in her wedding gown running through the streets of New York City, after being forced to take the subway to her own wedding.
14. Felicity (1998-2002)
When Felicity Porter ditched her plans of going to Stanford in order to follow her high school crush across the country, thousands of teenage girls similarly made their dream to go to the University of New York (supposed to be NYU, but they couldn’t legally get the rights to name). Although shot primarily in Los Angeles studios, the show still incorporated a definitive NYC vibe that changed the way viewers saw college in the city.
13. Taxi (1978-1983)
Fictional Sunshine Cab Company was the set for this series that ran from 1978-1982. The title itself brings stirs up images of one of the most recognizable images of New York City.
12. The Apprentice (2004-Present)
Referred to as “The Ultimate Job Interview,” Donald Trump gives contestants a run for their money in this New York based reality show. All aspects of the program scream New York; the pressure, the big name corporations, the fighting, even down to taxi that takes fired Apprentices out of Trump Tower. Though the show moved to LA in its sixth season, it has returned to New York and the infamous boardroom where Trump continues to say “You’re Fired.”
11. The Cosby Show (1984-1992)
The show was not only set in Brooklyn Heights New York, it was filmed in New York City as well! The vivacious atmosphere of the city played a great deal into the plot lines for the upper middle class family.
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10. 30 Rock (2006-Present)
"I’m 37. Please don’t make me go to Brooklyn." Oh, Liz Lemon, don’t worry- you’re not the only Manhattanite who rarely, if ever, ventures out of the island. On 30 Rock, most of the scenes take place at the historic NBC building, 30 Rockefeller Plaza. But Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) and Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) aren’t all work and no play. Donaghy’s been spotted moping nearby over at Christie’s Auction House where he goes to when he’s depressed.
9. Law & Order (1990-Present)
This franchise looks deep into the heart of the New York City criminal justice system within triad of hit shows created by Dick Wolf. All three shows, Law & Order as well as Special Victims Unit and Criminal Intent are filmed almost entirely in New York City. The show reaches all five boroughs and the storylines follow all types of New Yorkers, creating a hodgepodge of characters for what the city provides.
8. Friends (1994-2004)
Be honest…even though Central Perk doesn’t exist, don’t you could just go there are grab a cup of coffee with some close friends? Whether it is Joey’s jobs on Broadway or soap opera, Rachel’s venture into corporate America or Chandler's…what’s his job again? The show focuses on the quirky lives of our six favorite friends and the presence of New York City adds to the mix.
7. I Love Lucy (1951-1957)
New York City was the perfect setting for ambitious and eccentric Lucy Ricardo to thrive. Her knack for trying new things and her thirst for fame tend to find Lucy getting herself into trouble. “Vitameatavegamin” and the infamous candy-packaging scene are all brought to fruition due to the possibilities Manhattan provides.
6. Gossip Girl (2007-Present)
This season, The CW’s new O.C-meets-Sex and the City teen soap, Gossip Girl, gave viewers an insider’s look into New York’s posh and glamorous old-money neighborhood that is the Upper East Side. But Serena, Blair, Dan, et al. don’t stay in the comforts of their homes for too long, not with an entire city to paint red.
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5. Will and Grace (1998-2006)
Here we have two roommates, a gay lawyer and his straight interior designing best friend…about as New York as it gets. Throw in a Broadway hopeful gay friend and an alcoholic socialite and you have Will and Grace. There is no other city in the world that provides the kahunas to take these four on. Dinner at Balthazar, Grace’s wedding reception at 30 Rock and a stroll through Central Park kept the series fresh and fun. And always a little mildly inappropriate, of course.
4. The Real World: New York (1992/2001)
Premiering in 1992, The Real World was one of the pioneers in the reality-based television shows. Each season places strong emphasis on its host city – constantly referencing landmarks, restaurants and of course late night hot spots. Where better to begin The Real World phenomenon than in New York City. The Big Apple provided such a great backdrop for the seven strangers, they returned Back to New York for their 10th season in 2001.
3. Seinfeld (1989-1998)
This Upper West Side series following the trials and tribulations of a whiny ragtag group composed of Jerry Seinfeld, his friends George Constanza and Elaine Benes, and neighbor Cosmo Kramer. The gang regularly visited Tom’s Restaurant, located by Columbia University on 112th St. and Elaine was famously kicked out of the Soup Kitchen, located on 55th St. "No soup for you!"
2. Project Runway (2004-Present)
Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, outrageous designers, catfights and New York City’s Fashion Week, what more could you ask for? Bravo’s Hit reality competition series brings all this and more. A stop in New York’s Garment District, field trips with Tim everywhere from Times Square, Brooklyn in the Met. Cap it out with a late night session at Parson’s School of Design and you’re hitting the runway at Bryant Park.
1. Sex and the City (1998-2004)
Based on the bestselling book by Candace Bushnell, this popular HBO series had viewers glued to their screens with the life-changing adventures and escapades of four thirty something women as they juggle their careers, their friendships, and their sex lives in the Big Apple. The show has made such an impact on the New York tourist scene, that there's even a guided bus tour that takes fans to many of the places the fabulous ladies on the show frequented.
So there you have it. Did you find a show missing from the Top 20 or did we leave one out? Let us know what you think. But I'm sure we can all agree on one thing. The Real Housewives of New York City are ready to paint the town - from the Upper East Side all the way to the Hampton's.
February 11, 2008
In conjunction with Valentine's Day, we named some of reality's coolest couples.
1. Suzy Preston & Matt Hoover of The Biggest Loser
Love, as they say, comes in all shapes and sizes. Matt Hoover and Suzy Preston first laid eyes on each other at their absolute worst: Matt, a former wrestling coach, was 339 pounds, while Suzy, a hairstylist, was 227 pounds! The two fell in love during the series and together they lost a combined 252 pounds. On March 28, 2006, Matt popped the question on NBC’s “Today” show and the two had their first child, a baby boy, on June 23, 2007. Still together and still going strong, Suzy and Matt are our Biggest Winners in love.
2. Travis Barker & Shanna Moakler of Meet the Barkers
Shanna Moakler has done what millions of Americans can only dream of: punch Paris Hilton in the face. Love is a battlefield. Moakler, a former Miss USA and Playboy model turned TV actress, married Travis Barker, the mohawked drummer of Blink-182 in October 2004 after he proposed to her at the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland. Together they starred in MTV’s reality series, Meet the Barkers, appeared together in an episode of CSI, and had two children together. Barker eventually filed for divorce in August 2006 and a week later, Barker was allegedly seeing Paris Hilton. This led to a confrontation at an L.A nightclub where Moakler was accused of battery against Paris. No charges came out of the brouhaha, but Barker and Moakler did briefly reconcile before separating for good in July of 2007. Shanna is currently hosting The CW’s Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants.
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February 07, 2008
TV Lover at legendary TV show creator Gary David Goldberg's seminar at the Paley Center tonight. Goldberg was reunited with his Family Ties cast members Michael J. Fox, Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross. Also on the panel were Fox's Spin City co-stars Richard Kind and Michael Boatman. And Marion Ross was there representing Brooklyn Bridge, Goldberg's "brilliant but canceleld" sitcom.
Goldberg was celebrating the release of his autobiography "Sit Ubu Sit." Ubu was the name of his production company AND also his labrador retriever dog's name. The photo of the dog in his production company logo was a reminder of his struggling writer days. Goldberg now lives in Vermont with his author wife. His daughter Shana Goldberg-Meehan was a producer on Family Ties. He doesn't anticipate finding any project in today's tv landscape that would take him away from his wife.
He called his wife and Fox his two great adult relationships.
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Fox, as a dad of four kids, now identifies with his TV father Steven Keaton's fatherhood dilemmas. Michael Gross said fathers have come up to him through the years citing him as their role model.
All of the cast members credit Goldberg with creating a "family feel" on the set.
The show was filmed on the Paramount lot during the era of Cheers, Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley. In fact, early Ties audience tapings were filled up with the spillover crowd from Joannie Loves Chachi.
They all felt today's reality-inundated TV lacks quality situation comedies, especially with families.
Fox said that the essence of Family Ties was everyday moments, and recalled an episode that guest starred then unknown Geena Davis in a classic scene involving pop tarts. The shows often were resolved with a final segment involving Alex apologizing. Goldberg said to writers, he would accept story ideas when writers could vividly describe to him the final scene.
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Goldberg was protective of his cast members, and wasn't fond of most network programmers. In fact, NBC had encouraged him to toughen up the Steven Keaton character. He refused stating Keaton's gentle approach to parenting was part of his character.
The show shifted from focus on a show about liberal parents to a show about a conservative son.
Fox said that his character Alex B. Keaton had inspired a generation of financial hot shots. He recalled one millionaire who said he was inspired to go into finance by Fox's character. Then this person donated millions to Fox's Parkinson's Disease foundation.
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Meredith Baxter recalled her disappointment with the final episode ever of Ties. She expected it to have a big finale. Goldberg interrupted her, and said he wasn't as unhappy with that episode as her. She said it improved when it was remarkably re-written on the day of the taping.
They often overhauled scripts between a Wednesday and the Friday tape day.
Goldberg recalled cast member Courteney Cox, then a newcomer actress, once complained about having too many long words in her script.
After seven seasons, Goldberg and Fox admitted they were offered an eighth season by NBC and turned it down They now think they were crazy.
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Fox said that most Ties storylines wouldn't work now since his conflict on the show was Mallory hogging up the phone, now they would have cell phones. By year seven he felt as though Alex should've figured out how to resolve this problem. He said he was comfortable with the show ending in 1989 since he was getting married and having a baby, and didn't want to still portray the college-age problems of Alex.
Gross thought his positive creative experience with Ties would be the norm in TV, and was saddened to find it to be the exception.
Goldberg and Fox also admitted they only found out about the Family Ties DVD when it was released.
Goldberg's followup ABC sitcom Spin City was a hard show to execute, said co-exec producer and star Fox.
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In an effort to become the fast-paced "ER of sitcoms," he generated three storylines per episode.
Richard Kind was always in the silliest, shortest arc, and fought against becoming "the Skippy" of Spin City, a reference to Marc Price's character Skippy on Family Ties. The show also filmed in difficult location shoots in New York City.
Boatman recalled portraying a gay character, and found that even in Zimbabwe he was honored for being positive gay TV role model.
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Brooklyn Bridge was the most personal of the three Goldberg shows saluted. It was the CBS sitcom about Goldberg's autobiographical childhood in Bensonhurst in the 1950s. The pre-teen who portrayed him was a whitewashed version of his actual self, according to his Grandmother. Ross portrayed his grandmother, a pretty version of herself according to his Grandmother.
Ross said that her touching encounter with a Holocaust survivor from Poland, who connected with her character, made the entire show worthwhile.
Goldberg sold the show without a pilot to then struggling CBS in 1987. The series also had a commitment for a full series order, also a TV rarity.
Actress Jenny Lewis portrayed a young version of Goldberg's non-Jewish wife. Lewis is now a rock star in the alternative rock band Rilo Kiley.
These days, Michael J. Fox is working on his son's college essays. He'd like to work more often.
Ross stars opposite Leslie Nielsen in the upcoming movie comedy Superhero, and occasionally as Sally Field's Mom on Brothers and Sisters.
Baxter is a speaker on breast cancer and menopause awareness.
Boatman and Gross both wrote books. Boatman has a few independent films in the works.
Kind soon appears with a NY Opera, and continues to do Broadway work.
November 05, 2007
1) "The Simpsons," Lisa Simpson-- Lisa’s convictions are strongly leftist. She is a vegetarian and has expressed a desire to become a vegan. Lisa also joined the animal rights group PETA.
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October 31, 2007
Project Runway starts up again this month, and Heidi Klum will have the chance to help no-name designers become overnight stars. Along with hosting the hit Bravo show, and retaining her status as a famous supermodel, Heidi also acts in TV shows and movies such as Ella Enchanted, Blowdry, and Sex and the City. There are a lot of actors in Hollywood that have made it from the runway to the red carpet, but it takes more than just good looks to get great reviews. Here are the top ten models that have become Hollywood stars:
1.Paris Hilton- Most people forget that Paris wasn't always just famous for being ridiculously wealthy. The socialite started out her career strutting down the catwalks and is just at the beginning of what must be a comedy career after her first feature film role in House of Wax.
2.Ashton Kutcher- Ashton seamlessly made the transition from Calvin Klein model to Kelso in That 70's Show. Despite a lack of acting depth, he scored role after role in romantic comedies, and even dabbled in dramatic acting in The Butterfly Effect. He didn't stray too far from his modeling roots, and went on to marry fellow ex-model and good-looking person, Demi Moore.
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The Real Housewives of Orange County is coming back to Bravo this month. The extremely rich group of real woman may provide real drama, but they are hardly the first group of women on TV to fight with their husbands, yell at their kids, and gossip with their friends. From the high school hallways to the Miami grandparent scene, here are the top shows about female friends:
The Hills: Lauren Conrad, of Laguna Beach fame, makes friends and enemies faster than her Laguna co-stars lost their D-List celebrity status. From rooming with Audrina to talking about her daily problems with Whitney, she always has a lot to talk about. While she does not have a large group of girlfriends, she definitely creates enough drama with aspiring singer Heidi Montag and the other girls to make up for it.
Golden Girls: The Golden Girls proved that getting older didn't mean that life got any slower. Only Blanche, Rose, Sophia, and Dorothy could make the embarrassment of buying condoms funny and relatable. The over-50 set showed that being past menopause in the days before botox didn't mean that roommates stopped having friends, fights, or sex.
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October 19, 2007
Before Friday Night Lights premiered last year, the New York Times ran a review of the series that began simply and got straight to the point: “Lord, is Friday Night Lights good.”
The Times wasn’t alone. Almost every television critic in the country fell in love with NBC’s drama about a Texas high-school football coach (Kyle Chandler), his family, and his team.
Yet Friday Night Lights struggled all season to attract an audience, and the finale aired to less than seven million viewers. To put that in perspective, a hit drama averages at least twice as many. After teetering on the brink of cancellation, the series was unexpectedly (and mercifully) renewed. The third episode of season two premieres on NBC tonight, and the series still faces an uphill battle to bring in new viewers.
If you’ve ever loved and lost a TV show, you know that this problem isn’t unique to Friday Night Lights—critical acclaim is rarely a good predictor of a TV show’s success. Why, though, are some shows unable to attract viewers despite critical praise? And, more importantly, what does this mean for Friday Night Lights?
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September 20, 2007
As you join TV Lover and play the exciting new TV Big Shot web game, I decided to reminisce about what I call:
The most intriguing programming battles and scheduling moves ever.
Below is a list of gutsy moves by programmers of taking their new or red hot properties and pitting them against huge hits to counterprogram and win the ratings war. The below list of programming match-ups generated tons of hype and interest during their respective TV seasons.
10: 'Mork and Mindy' vs. 'Archie Bunker's Place'
TV Lover was a TV loving tyke when this shocking move was made by ABC in 1978 to move their biggest Thursday hit sitcom, 'Mork and Mindy' to Sundays at 8pm against legendary leader 'Archie Bunker's Place'. The results were surprising: Old Archie pushed Mork back to Thursday nights after jaw-dropping ratings declines.
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September 10, 2007
Seeing the promos for Bionic Woman is reviving lots of TV Lover flashbacks to the original Bionic Woman that aired on ABC and NBC in 1976-1978.
I'm sure Michele Ryan is a great actress, but can she fill the formidable shoes of the original Bionic Woman, the ubiquitous TV movie queen and beloved TV icon Lindsay Wagner?
Lindsay was on of the rare female leads for a dramatic series on network TV in those days, joining only Police Woman and Wonder Woman.
Ultimately, she paved the way for legions of female dramatic leads in action dramas. From Charlies Angels (which premiered later that year in Fall 1976) to Cagney and Lacey, Xena, Profiler, Dark Angel, V.I.P, Mann and Machine, Witchblade, Charmed, Crossing Jordan, Medium, The Closer, Saving Grace and upcoming FOX mid-season series Sarah Connor Chronicles.
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