Television News: March 23, 2008

One of my favorite shows has been cancelled…again. “Jericho” was cancelled by CBS after its first season due to viewer decline. Of course, the fact that CBS put the show on hiatus during the Christmas holidays didn’t help much. But rabid fans weren’t going to just let “Jericho” go peacefully. They sent over 40,000 pounds of nuts to CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler’s door. The nuts were a tribute to the line “Nuts” uttered by lead character Jake Green (Skeet Ulrich) in the season finale. After the overwhelming response from fans, CBS decided to give the show a second, shorter … Continue reading

When Good Writers Go Bad

As you have probably heard, another writer was nabbed for making up the story of her latest non-fiction book. Margaret B. Jones was getting rave reviews for her book “Love and Consequences.” It was the story of how the half-white, half Native American girl grew up on the mean streets of South-Central Los Angeles. A foster child, she was forced by the Bloods to run drugs when her foster brothers, Terrell and Taye joined the gang. There was only one problem…none of it was true. Margaret, whose real name is Margaret Seltzer, was ratted out by her older sister, Cyndi, … Continue reading

Pop Culture Updates: New Name, New Show, and a New Life

You waited, you wondered, you might have even ventured a guess or two. Well, now the wait is finally over. Oscar-winner Halle Berry just revealed the name of her newborn daughter… Nahla Ariela Aubry. Nahla… say it with me… GNAW-lah. Yes, it’s pronounced very similar to the name of Simba’s gal pal, Nala, in Disney’s popular 1994 animated feature film The Lion King. Nala means, “gift” in Swahili. But Nahla means honeybee in Arabic. The infant was born Sunday morning and is the first child for the actress and her model boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry. The Academy Award-winner told TV’s “Access … Continue reading

See Who’s Getting Oprah’s “Favorite Things”

I have always dreamed of being in the audience during Oprah Winfrey’s annual “Favorite Things” show. After all, who wouldn’t want to be the recipient of tens of thousands of dollars worth of luxurious goodies that the divine Miss O personally owns? Once the gift-giving extravaganza became an annual event, tickets to that particular show became the most sought after passes in daytime TV. Even Winfrey herself admitted that her own family members would call asking for the coveted tickets to her “Favorite Things” show. A couple of years ago, Winfrey wised up and began hand-selecting audience members for her … Continue reading

TV Update—-What You Will and Won’t Be Seeing This Fall

You know you’ve hit the big time when you are asked to make a cameo on Fox network’s “The Simpsons.” At least that’s the general consensus among most of Hollywood’s elite. But, apparently, some outside the industry do not share the sentiment. Namely, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. According to news reports, the political powerhouse has turned down an invitation to visit Bart, Homer and Lisa in Springfield. Critics say the TV appearance would have helped shake the prime minister’s dour image, but alas, Brown decided against following in his predecessor Tony Blair’s footsteps and will not share a donut … Continue reading

Oxygen Gets New Owners

I wonder what Tori Spelling thinks about getting a new boss? Today NBC Universal announced it plans to buy Oxygen Media, the cable TV network that broadcasts programming specifically for women, including Spelling’s new reality show “Tori & Dean: Inn Love.” According to news reports, for an estimated $925 million, NBC Universal will acquire the network that broadcasts syndicated sitcoms such as “Mad About You” and “Roseanne,” as well as movies geared to women. Insiders call the buyout a move to attract more advertisers targeting female viewers. Basically, NBC Universal wants to create a “virtual women’s network” by adding Oxygen … Continue reading

Ro Says No—Again

Days after turning down a seat next to the one woman who would single handily thrust new book “Celebrity Detox” into literary stardom, Rosie O’Donnell has come to her senses. No, she didn’t profusely apologize to Oprah Winfrey and beg for another chance to appear on her show; rather the former “View” co-host has decided not to appear hypocritical and has now cancelled all of her interviews related to the revealing new book. You’ll recall the comedian granted “Good Morning America’s” Diane Sawyer a sit down interview to promote her new book even though she refused Winfrey’s invitation. Now, word … Continue reading

Celebrity Updates: Halle Opens Up To Oprah About Becoming A Mom

When Halle Berry called to tell gal pal Oprah Winfrey she was finally pregnant I would suspect there were screams of delight and a fair share of air kissing going on. When that was over I wouldn’t doubt that the legendary Miss O told the gorgeous ingénue to pack her bags and get to Chicago ASAP. I can hear it now: Oprah: “You better get on my plane and get on my show girl.” Halle: “Don’t forget to stock it with deep-dish pizza. The baby loves pizza…” Okay, maybe that’s not exactly how the conversation went… Regardless, the rumors are … Continue reading

More Familiar Faces Return For New TV Season

The countdown to the new fall TV season is on… much to the relief of those suffering from rerun overload. The new fall season brings with it a slew of new shows, while other returning favorites are getting a shot of fresh talent from familiar faces. Take a look: JASON ALEXANDER “Seinfeld” fans rejoice—George and Elaine are reuniting! Well, sort of. Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Jason Alexander will be sharing scenes in an upcoming episode of CBS’ “The New Adventures of Old Christine.” The reunion between the former “Seinfeld” co-stars should be hilarious to say the least. According to show producers, … Continue reading

Oprah and Madonna Making Headlines… Again

She may be hosting one of the largest fundraising efforts for his wife’s No. 1 rival, but former President Bill Clinton isn’t holding that against Oprah Winfrey. The former politician turned author will appear on the talk show queen’s show next Tuesday to promote his new book about philanthropy and civic action. Clinton’s new book, titled “Giving,” will be released on the same day his interview with Winfrey airs. In fact, according to Oprah’s website, the daytime diva scored the first sit down interview with the former president about his new endeavor. Which is not to say that Winfrey has … Continue reading