I know I bag on NBC’s Heroes, but I thought this was a nice touch by one of the show’s stars.
Read: Heroes‘ Greg Grunberg Proves to Be a Real Superman
Excerpt:
Greg Grunberg, who stars as telepathic Matt Parkman on NBC’s Heroes,
is using his real-life powers for good, not evil, by chairing the upcoming Epilepsy Foundation walk and working on an art auction to
support the worthy cause.
[tags] Greg Grunberg, Heroes, TV Guide, charity, Epilespy Foundation [/tags]
My good friend Audrey keeps me in the loop so you can be in the loop about Acceptable TV. Here’s how you can vote:
Please check out the voting widget we created which the folks at Vh1 constantly upload with your favorite pilots for you to vote on. No downloading necessary, just clip on the link and watch your favorites over and over again:
http://wiredset.com/vh1/atv/widget/
[tags] acceptable tv, acceptable.tv, widgets [/tags]
The geniuses at JibJab have put together another funny animation, this time taking on the nation’s press.
Enjoy.
[tags] jibjab, jib jab, media, press, TV news, humor [/tags]
Cross posted to Media Criticism
NBC’s The Office marathon hosted by Toby, the world’s most depressed H.R. person, was great and full of memorable lines and scenes. Michael kissing Oscar on the lips has to be right up there.
But I think the best line of the night on NBC goes to Andy Barker, P.I. Andy (Andy Richter) is involved with a case concerning an evil chicken processing company. (Aren’t they all evil?) He asks Lew Staziak (the marvelously tough, mean and grumpy Harve Presnell), the old P.I. who had his office, for some advice about the chicken business. (I may not have this quite right, but it’s close.)
Lew: The chicken business? It’s like the pork business with less soul.
And as you think about it, and all the negative stories about the chicken business in America, the line isn’t just oddly funny, but true.
Above: Poultry in motion? Some of the real stars of last night’s episode, “Three Days of the Chicken.”
[tags] poultry, chickens, Harve Presnell, Andy Richter, Andy Barker, P.I., NBC, comedies [/tags]
No, I’m not getting fat.
Ok, well, a little bit fatter.
Actually, I have added another 451 Press to my blog arsenal–Media Criticism.
I will be looking at the media–all forms–but mostly TV–with the critical eye of the former TV broadcaster and journalist that I was, the political operative and lawyer that I am, and the fan of good TV news that I’ve always been.
I currently just have an introductory posting over on “the other blog” that you’re welcome to read, but I’ll keep you posted here of my more substantive posts.
March has been a great month. Thanks again for your loyalty to this site! I hope you’ll also check out “the other blog” as well in the future as it gets rolling.
[tags] mediacritiques.com, media criticism, media, TV news [/tags]
The rumors are true.
Law & Order’s Fred Thompson, better known on TV as New York County District Attorney Arthur Branch, is considering a run for President in 2008, according to the Washington Post.
On Law & Order, all Arthur Branch does is second guess his underlings and go to lunch with important people. Sounds like both Bush Administrations to me.
Anyway, an excerpt from the Post:
“Law & Order” star and former U.S. senator Fred Dalton Thompson is considering a bid for the White House that would test whether Hollywood can once again launch a Republican to the world’s premier political stage.
His interest, confirmed in a brief interview this week, is generating buzz in Washington. He was third among Republican-leaning voters in a recent Gallup-USA Today survey, behind Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) and former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and ahead of former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.
Above: Fred Thompson and Jeri Thompson at the 2006 White House Correspondents Dinner - Bloomberg News After Party.
[tags] 2008 presidential election, Fred Thompson, Law & Order, Law and Order, NBC [/tags]
Thank God Donald Trump can continue the jiggling on NBC. The Donald and the Peacock have re-upped for three more years of large breasts and Trump’s bad hair.
Here’s the news:
NEW YORK and BURBANK, Calif., March 28 /PRNewswire/ — NBC hasrenewed its exclusive agreement with Donald J. Trump and the Miss Universe Organization to broadcast the Miss Universe(R) and Miss USA(R) competitions on the network for three additional years effective in2008. Telemundo will also continue to broadcast the Miss Universe pageant as well as produce a Spanish language simulcast and pre-pageant program.
The announcement was made today by Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment and Donald J. Trump.
“Under the auspices of Donald Trump, NBC and the Miss Universe Organization, there has been renewed interest in these series of beauty pageants, especially among a new generation of younger viewers,” said Reilly. “NBC is proud to maintain this unique American cultural tradition as a viable series of competitive programming specials that continue to be a popular source of family entertainment.”
“Beauty pageants have been redefined by the Miss Universe Organization,” said Donald J. Trump. “With each passing year our ratings continue to get better because of the beautiful and intelligent women who participate in our competitions.”
That Donald Trump, what a funny guy!
Above: Beast, meet Beauty. Donald Trump and Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006.
[tags] Donald Trump, Miss USA, Miss America, Miss Universe, NBC, beauty pageants, beauty queens [/tags]
As a former local TV news executive producer, I found this story about a Tyler, Texas TV station being the setting for a “reality” series on local TV news both intriguing and unsettling.
And guess who the star will be? A model and actress who wants to be a news anchor.
Edward R. Murrow must be very proud.
And one other issue. In my experience in news rooms, there is lots of swearing. There might be more beeping than talking if it is truly “reality.”
Geez.
An excerpt from the Tyler Morning Telegraph:
Tyler citizens and their community could be part of a national television reality show as early as this summer, showcasing a Tyler television news department and the coverage of daily events.
On Tuesday, Phil Hurley, president and general manager of KYTX “CBS 19,” told the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce board the Fox network had ordered six episodes of the comedy, “Anchorwoman,” to be shot at the CBS 19 studios.
The show is 100 percent reality, Hurley and producer Brian Gadinsky said. Gadinsky, owner and president of The G Group in Hollywood and the first “American Idol” producer, is under
contract to produce the six episodes.Cameras will follow model and actress Lauren Jones through the ropes of learning what it takes to cut it in the small- to mid-size town television news business. . . .
God help us all. The local station actually WANTS this all to happen. News and entertainment mate and create one more bastardized offspring from hell.
Top Left: “Anchorwoman” Lauren Jones. How long do you think she’ll be stuck at the producers’ desk?
Top Right: If TV news legend Edward R. Murrow were alive today, the news of “Anchorwoman” would kill him. So, he’d still be dead. But dead and unhappy.
[tags] Fox, local TV news, TV news, Tyler, Texas, CBS 19, reality shows, bad TV, Anchorwoman, Lauren Jones [/tags]
It’s bad enough that I have to keep track of several hundred brodcast, cable, and satellite programming outlets. Now the damn Internet is providing all sorts of TV-like coverage.
Damn broadband, bain of my existence!
By I digress.
Anyway, if you’re a gearhead with a fast Internet connection, you might enjoy this:
SAN CARLOS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MediaZone, a leading global online broadcaster, today announced that it will be providing complete online video coverage of the 2007 FIM Motocross World Championship season on MediaZone Moto, available live and on-demand. Motocross fans can check out the action starting Sunday, April 1 with the first race of the season, the Grand Prix of Benelux in Valkenswaard. MediaZone Moto will also feature complete coverage of the 2007 FIM Motocross of Nations in September, the biggest international motocross event in the world, where Team USA will defend its title with riders such as AMA Supercross star James Stewart. Also featured on MediaZone for 2007 will be the SuperMoto of Nations and every race of the SuperMoto season starting with the SuperMoto Grand Prix of Europe in Castelletto di Branduzzo on Sunday, April 29th.
All the latest action can be viewed at: MediaZone.com/Moto.
Above: Yes, I know this is freestyle motocross and not going around and around and around a track motocross. But it’s a really cool photo that 451 Press has rights to use. Myles Richmond of Cherry Valley, California wows the Huntington Beach crowd with an incredible aerial display during the Freestyle Motocross event at the Bank of the West Beach Games on July 29, 2006. Freestyle MX notables from around the world entertained attendees with aerial tricks performed while launching their dirtbikes over fifty feet above the crowd.
[tags] motocross, motor sports, Media Zone, racing, motorcycle racing, sports, online shows [/tags]
I have not had the opportunity to see the Bob and Tom special on Comedy Central. But if it is half as good as their weekday morning show heard in most of the nation’s medium markets, then it will be time well spent.
[tags] Bob and Tom, The Bob and Tom Show, comedy, Comedy Central [/tags]
My new good friend Audrey Diaz at Wiredset.com wants you to take a look at Human Giant on MTV.
I haven’t seen it yet, but hey, Audrey’s a nice gal, because she sends me so much material, so do her a favor and check it out. If the show sucks, let Audrey know, not me.
Hey,
Besides being totally excited about Acceptable TV, we’re having a great time working the amazingly funny new sketch comedy show “Human Giant� for MTV. It stars Aziz Ansari, Rob Huebel, and Paul Scheer. A lot of people here in the office say it reminds them of The
State so it’s worth checking out.Rob and Paul you may recognize them from Best Week Ever and Aziz has been called best standup from Rolling Stone, so these aren’t like some random kids getting a show. These guys have been doing standup for years and together they seriously produce some of the funniest skits I’ve ever seen.
Clips like “The Illusionators� and “Camping Weekend� have been floating around You Tube and other video channels for a bit, but here are some new clips you can check out.
Rob’s Vagina - http://www.ifilm.com/profile
/wiredset/video/2836355 Corn Maze – http://www.ifilm.com/profile
/wiredset/video/2835620 Shutterbugs - http://www.ifilm.com/profile
/wiredset/video/2835274 Old Fashioned Fun - http://www.ifilm.com/profile
/wiredset/video/2835270 Blood Oath - http://www.ifilm.com/profile
/wiredset/video/2835262 The first one is a hilarious spoof on all of the recent celebrity indiscretions!
You can also see their pervious work on their MySpace – reason why they were given a show:
http://myspace.com/humangiantI promise you’ll enjoy these clips and I’m hoping you like them so much you’ll share with your audience!
Thanks!
Audrey Diaz
audrey@wiredset.comWebsite: Wiredset.com
IP: 67.103.119.69
Above: Paul Scheer, Rob Huebel and Azis Ansari of Human Giant.
I am proud to say that I am a Seasoned TV Executive!
I’ve finally achieved the Monkeyboydom that I’ve always dreamed!
How?
By taking Buzz Sugar’s quiz, “Can you spot the fake TV pilots?”
My new good friend Kimra from Sugar Publishing has all the details below:
Hey Todd,
Just wanted to pass along something fun for the TV junkie in all of us: a “spot the fake pilots” quiz. See how you do, then cry when you see which ones are real …
All best,
KimraWebsite: www.buzzsugar.com
IP: 64.142.49.188
One of the funniest ongoing segment of Lateshow with David Letterman is “Great Moments in Presidential Speeches.”
The crack Letterman staff is able to find the most utterly stupid things that President George W. Bush says. Talk about a full time job.
This one is particularly good, about whether the U.S. should leave the Iraq Civil War. (And there is a another funny twist that I hope you catch towards the beginning to the bit.)
[tags] Lateshow with David Letterman, Lateshow, David Letterman, President George W. Bush, Bush, George Bush, President Bush, Iraq Civil War, Iraq War, YouTube [/tags]
In case you missed it, here’s the very funny Peyton Manning United Way/NFL PSA spoof via YouTube. It’s an instant classic. Enjoy.
[tags] NFL, Saturday Night Live, SNL, PSAs, United Way, spoofs, satire, Peyton Manning, YouTube [/tags]
TV Guide reports that Anna Nicole Smith died of an overdose of prescription drugs, complicated by infection and other health issues.
Excerpt:
Anna Nicole Smith died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs including sedatives, officials said on Monday, ending weeks of uncertainty over the tabloid star’s sudden death.
One would hope this tragic news would be the end of it but this circus is still just pitching its tent.
Above: Anna Nicole Smith shows a photo of her late husband J. Howard Marshall II, as she testifies how much she loved him during the trial over his fortune in Harris County Probate Court in Houston on Monday, Jan. 29, 2001. Although Smith dropped her challenge to the will of J. Howard Marshall II after the California bankruptcy case was finalized Dec. 29, she still faces stepson E. Pierce Marshall’s counterclaim that she interfered with his inheritance rights. In death, she’ll still be a bonanza for lawyers.
[tags] Anna Nicole Smith, Bahamas, Florida, celebrity, tabloids, drug overdoses, drugs, overdoses, TV Guide [/tags]
What’s the bottom line in comedy?
It’s are you funny.
Last night on Saturday Night Live, Indianapolis Colts QB and Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning was funny.
While obviously reading cue cards in some of his skits, Manning is nonetheless comfortable in front of the camera and has that all important “presence.” You are compelled to want to watch him.
Oh, and he’s funny too.
Last night’s program was one of SNL’s best efforts in years. Consistently funny skits, good pacing, a musical act, Carrie Underwood, who didn’t completely suck, and a great host–Peyton Manning.
Let’s recap some of his highlights:
Football’s gain was comedy’s loss. It’s pretty clear that had a young Peyton Manning chose to be a thespian rather than an athlete, he likely would have succeeded at that as well.
For once, SNL was refreshingly funny. Good writing helped. But so did a very sporting Peyton Manning.
Above: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning responds to reporters’ questions during media day for the NFL Super Bowl XLI football game in Miami January 30, 2007. The Colts will face the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI on February 4, 2007. Oh, and if this football thing doesn’t work out, maybe NBC should hire Manning as a cast member for SNL.
[tags] Saturday Night Live, SNL, Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts, comedy, NBC [/tags]
I have to be honest with you: I wasn’t looking forward to watching NBC’s new detective series, Raines, starring Jeff Goldblum.
The previews made him look like yet another detective with a implausible gimmick–while others see ghosts (CBS’s simply awful Ghost Whisperer) or are “psychics” (NBC’s only moderately unwatchable Medium), I figured a detective who could see and talk to the dead would be just as stupid.
But thank God Detective Michael Raines knows that he has a “problem”; i.e., seeing and talking to the murder victims whose cases he tries to solve.
Before his partner was murdered, Raines only had this “power” in his head. After his partner’s death, it manifested itself publicly.
Raines’ boss, Captain Daniel Lewis, played by the always excellent Matt Craven, knows something is wrong with Raines and order him to undergo therapy with a psychiatrist, Dr. Samantha Kohl, who used to be no longer helped cops, played by the always wonderful Madeleine Stowe.
So, the premise is actually not so crazy.
I’m not a great Jeff Goldblum fan. But he’s a movie star. He’s acting chops are a couple notches above the typical TV actor–and it shows in this series. He doesn’t play Raines as a caricature, larger than life. He is complex–bitter, cynical, and bitingly funny to police colleagues he thinks are dumber than him (which is about everyone) and compassionate and understanding to witnesses, and, in Thursday’s episode, “Inner Child,” to a city councilman who murders by mistake.
It is not your typical one-note TV performance–it is layered and subtle–and effective.
With Crave and Stowe and some excellent supporting characters, Raines is something a little different than your typical “defective detective” network crime whodunit.
Above: Jeff Goldblum portrays a detective who realizes he doesn’t have special “powers” but has a problem.