Tag Archives: tv shows

Good News For “Grey’s” Fans… Maybe

It worked for “Cheers,” “Different Strokes,” and “All in the Family,” but could it work for “Grey’s Anatomy?” ABC’s hit medical drama is toying with the idea of creating a spin-off series. According to news reports, a special two-hour episode, featuring cast members Kate Walsh and Taye Diggs, is being shot as a test run for a possible new series. Network executives say the episode will air sometime this season. By spinning off Walsh’s character, neonatal surgeon Addison Shepherd, the show’s creators would be disassembling the romantic triangle involving Dr. Derek Shepherd (played by Patrick Dempsey) and intern Meredith Grey … Continue reading →

The Year In Review: Television

Oh what a year it’s been… in television that is. Some of your favorite shows may still be on (“Desperate Housewives”) while others may have bit the dust (“Will and Grace”), but look back at 2006 and you’ll see definite trends existed in the world of make believe. More Dramas Taking a cue from hits like “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives,” the networks debuted one drama after another – too many, in fact, according to media analysts, for busy viewers to keep up with. The winners: NBC’s “Heroes” and “Medium.” The losers: Fox’s “Vanished” and the CW’s “Runaway.” Nightly News ABC—-Tragedy … Continue reading →

Television’s Diversity Report Card

When it comes to ethnic diversity in the television industry the marks aren’t that great. Does that surprise you? It doesn’t surprise me (more on that later). The official word from civil-rights groups that monitor ethnic diversity on television is that the major broadcast networks are making improvements, but not enough, and it’s time they made greater progress. “I don’t want to wait 10 years until we’re close on television to the 15% of the population we are in the U.S.,” an official with the National Latino Media Council (NLMC) told reporters at a news conference on the subject yesterday. … Continue reading →

Kids and Reality TV

I’m sure you are familiar with the many hits reality television shows have taken from media critics and from children advocacy groups. Some groups have gone so far as to describe reality TV shows as “Gutter TV.” Which is why I was shocked when I learned that one parents’ watchdog group recently made a “surprising announcement.” The group released a report that says it considers some reality shows to be among the best things for kids to watch. The Parents Television Council recently announced its picks for the “Best of Reality TV.” Topping the list was: “American Idol,” followed by … Continue reading →

To Russia With Love

Have you ever seen versions of American sitcom classics aired in foreign countries? I once saw an episode of NBC’s hit, “Friends” dubbed in German. I practically split my spleen watching Ross yell at Rachel in baritone German (his lips kept flapping long after the German voice stopped). But now, Russia is taking American television sitcoms and doing more than just dubbing over their native tongue. According to news reports Russia is out to find its own Brooke Shields to star in a new, local-language version of the sitcom “Suddenly Susan.” Do you remember the show? It aired on NBC … Continue reading →

Summer Lovin’—Wedding Bells Ring for Reality TV Stars

Ah, Summer—the most popular time of the year for couples to tie the knot. So, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised to see the wedding bug has bitten a number of reality TV stars. An ex-“Apprentice” contestant and a “Survivor” castaway became July brides yesterday. (Fortunately, neither affair was a televised event. Cough, Trista and Ryan, cough, cough.) The wedding of former “Apprentice” contestant Jennifer Murphy (she was the blonde that Donald Trump referred to as “beautiful” in season 4) was infused with more than just a little dose of reality TV. Not only did Murphy celebrate her nuptials in … Continue reading →

Donald Trump Hires A Fired Apprentice Contestant

From “You’re Fired!” to “You’re Hired!” Donald Trump is going Hollywood… and he’s taking a fired contestant from “The Apprentice” with him. Do you remember Andy Litinsky? He got the boot from Trump during the second season of “The Apprentice.” Litinsky, a champion debater and Harvard graduate from Florida, was 23 when he appeared on “The Apprentice 2” as one of 18 corporate wannabes competing for a top job in the Trump organization. During his stint on the show, Litinsky made it to the final six, but ended up being dismissed for making “poor decisions.” I guess “The Donald” doesn’t … Continue reading →

Has “The View” Already Found Star’s Replacement?

What a week it has been on ABC’s “The View.” On Tuesday, co-host Star Jones Reynolds made a surprise on-air announcement that she would not be returning for the show’s 10th season. Within hours PEOPLE magazine reported that Jones-Reynolds was in her words “fired” by ABC. Then, less than 24 hours later show creator, Barbara Walters told a live audience that she felt betrayed by Jones-Reynolds comments and as a result, the co-host of nine years would no longer be appearing on the “The View” effective immediately. Now, word comes that Jones-Reynolds’s seat (which barely had time to get cold) … Continue reading →

How To Get On TV (Maybe) In New York City

This is a follow up to my blog: “A Trip to the Today Show–How to Say Goodbye to Katie Couric In Person.” It dawned on me that some of you may have no desire to bid farewell to Katie Couric, or for that matter, you may have no interest in seeing the Today show live. No problem. There are many other shows that broadcast live or are taped in New York City. If you are planning a trip to the Big Apple and want to experience what it’s like to be a part of the audience of a nationally televised … Continue reading →