Some day, my gal Kimra and I will star in our own sitcom, maybe something called “Buzzsugar, South Dakota,” where a gruff but lovable simple country lawyer helps a spunky and cute celebrity blogger solve crimes while reviewing their favorite–and least favorite TV shows–in a small South Dakota community. When they aren’t reviewing TV shows or solving crimes, they go pheasant hunting, ice fishing, and practice saying, “yah, you betcha” and “uffda” while staring at the tops of their hunting boots.

Until that time, you get more epistles like this from the lovely and talented Kimra. And anyway, what would Mrs. Epp think? As long as a big check was attached to it, I doubt she would mind.

But I digress.

Hey Todd,

Since you wrote about Stop One Show, I thought you might be interested in seeing the results. Once CSI: Miami got the lead, it never let go — http://buzzsugar.com/233368

Thanks for linking to the Kenneth interview! Much appreciated, as always.

All best,
Kimra

I actually kind of enjoy CSI: Miami, largely because I like to count how many times an episode that David Caruso speaks then exits the scene. I also count how many times Emily Proctor blinks in an episode. I think her record is five. That’s five times in one hour. That girl can sure stare!

But I have to say, I am extremely disappointed in all of you. I rail and rail against NBC’s Heroes nerdfest and you don’t vote it TV’s most stoppable?! I feel all that I have done for you is in vain.

And I would be remiss to remind you that if you can’t get enough nerdification from watching Heroes, you can read even more about it on our 451 Press sister publication, Watching Heroes.

But if you go there and read what Keith has to say, I’ll have to stuff you in a locker and give you a major wedgie. My guess is this single mention on my blog, aka, “The Cool Kids’ Table,” will make Keith’s pocket protector shatter and smear all the numbers on his slide ruler.

Above: David Caruso as Horatio Caine in CSI: Miami from a CBS publicity still. One other thing I like to do is count the number of times Caruso puts his sunglasses on and off during the episode.

[tags] David Caruso, CSI: Miami, Buzz Sugar, buzzsugar, buzzsugar.com, Kimra, Heroes, CBS, NBC, Stop One Show [/tags]

With apologies to the great rock group Chicago, does anybody really know why Rosie O’Donnell is leaving The View? Does anybody really care?

I don’t but some of you–and The Hollywood Reporter--do care.

One hint: It’s always about money.

A blurb from THR:

TV Reporter
“I don’t buy for one minute that Rosie O’Donnell is leaving ‘View’ due to stalled contract negotiations. I think the network dumped her,” writes Andrew Wallenstein. “Hear me out.”

And of course, you can always learn more about The View by reading our 451 Press sister publication, Watching the View.

[tags] Rosie O’Donnell, The View, ABC, windbags, The Hollywood Reporter [/tags]

CBS appears to have scored the sweep of the May sweeps, which began last Thursday, 29th, according to Media Week.

The breakdown:

Friday 4/27/07 Fast National Ratings
NETWORK	HH RATING/SHARE
	6.2/12
	4.2/8
	4.1/8
	3.1/6
	2.7/5

Saturday 4/28/07 Fast National Ratings NETWORK HH RATING/SHARE 4.2/8 3.9/8 3.5/7 2.7/5

Sunday 4/29/07 Metered Market Ratings
NETWORK	HH RATING/SHARE
	8.2/14
	7.7/13
	4.7/8
	4.3/7
	1.5/2

However, Media Week expects ABC to win last night’s battle in the all important 18-49 age group, on the strength of the strong but sliding Desparate Housewives and the confoundingly popular Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. For more information, see Media Week’s PIFeedback.com.[tags] ratings, Nielsens, overnights, Desparate Housewives, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, ABC, CBS [/tags]

The History Channel, one of my favorite “what else is on channels,” is looking to developing a number of online delivered projects.

It’s another exhibit in the convergence of broadcasting, cable, and online delivery.

An excerpt from a recent press release:

NEW YORK, April 30 /PRNewswire/ — History.com, the definitive online historical resource, is bringing history into the digital age with the launch of five original digital brands. They include exclusive short-form original series, featuring rarely seen historical footage and a military blog that will enable users to experience soldiers’ stories directly from the front-lines.

The History Channel has acquired the rights to a collection of 94 never- before-seen documentaries that are a companion to the critically lauded The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones television movies. Created and executive produced by George Lucas, the documentaries will premiere on History.com in late 2007. The television movies will air on The History Channel and History International.

The announcement was made today by Nancy Dubuc, Executive Vice President and General Manager of The History Channel.

“There is no question that the industry has reached a new level in terms of what digital multi-media can provide,” said Dubuc. “Just as The History Channel is where television audiences go when they want the best in insightful and thought provoking programming, History.com is the number one online destination for the history enthusiast. Technology is enabling us to bridge the gap in how we interact with our audiences and is changing where content is born. No matter what the platform, it is about enabling history fans to experience great content any way they want it.”

[tags] The History Channel, History Channel, The Adventures of the Young Indiana Jones, blogging, documentaries, George Lucas [/tags]

First the good news: NBC’s Studio 60 will be back in late May.

Next the bad news: The show is probably not coming back in the fall.

Studio 60 will replace ER for a time to burn up its remaining episodes, according to Media Week. However, the publication does not expect it to be picked up for fall when the upfronts are announced in May.

An excerpt:

Highly touted but low rated drama Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, which has been on hiatus since mid-February, will return on NBC Thursday in place of ER on May 24 at 10 p.m. ET. . . .

Boo!

Above: Cast photo of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip from NBC.

[tags] Studio 60, Media Week, ER, ratings, NBC [/tags]

Ted Koppel continues his post-ABC career at the Discovery Channel with an upcoming special on Living with Cancer.

And excerpt from a recent release:

SILVER SPRING, Md., April 20 /PRNewswire/ — More than 10 million Americans are living with cancer. As early detection has become more prevalent, and as treatments have become more effective, many cancer survivors are finding that they can treat their cancer as a chronic
disease. On Sunday, May 6, at 8PM E/P, Discovery Channel will present a special 3-hour broadcast of “Koppel on Discovery” dedicated to the discussion of living with cancer. In a live town hall meeting at Discovery Communications headquarters in Silver Spring, MD, Ted Koppel
will be joined by Elizabeth Edwards, wife of presidential candidate John Edwards; Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France champion; and Leroy Sievers, Koppel’s longtime executive producer and friend - each of whom will discuss their experience with coping with a cancer
diagnosis. The panel will interact with an audience comprised entirely of people living with cancer, their loved ones, and the professionals who care for them. Immediately prior to the town meeting, Discovery Channel will broadcast a series of Koppel’s conversations with Sievers
and Armstrong.

Related websites:

http://www.discovery.com/

http://www.npr.org/mycancer

Above: Ted Koppel at An Evening With Ted Koppel.
[tags] cancer, Discovery Channel, The Discovery Channel, Living with Cancer, Ted Koppel [/tags]

My gal Kimra at Buzz Sugar suggests you check out their recent interview with 30 Rock’s Kenneth the Intern, everyone’s favorite nerd (outside of NBC’s Heroes).

Here’s Kimra’s mashnote to me:

Not sure if you’re a “30 Rock” fan, but I wanted to pass along an interview we have today with Jack McBrayer, who plays Kenneth. It covers everything from why his character seduced Will Arnett’s character with chapstick to Googling himself to calling Alec Baldwin “Al” to his face (or, uh, not).

Enjoy!

http://buzzsugar.com/227271

All best,
Kimra

BTW, yes, I’m a huge 30 Rock fan. Apparently Jack is a lot like Kenneth and vice versa. Now that’s disturbing!

Above: Jack McBrayer as Kenneth the Intern on the comedy hit 30 Rock from an NBC publicity still.

[tags] Jack McBrayer, Kenneth, interns, 30 Rock, NBC, Buzz Sugar, buzzsugar, buzzsugar.com [/tags]

Rachael Ray dances at the prom for Enterprise High School in Alabama with Rylee Zalanka, a senior who was injured in a deadly tornado that destroyed the high school and killed eight students. An entire hour show dedicated to the students of Enterprise High School airs on “Rachael Ray” Monday April 30. (PRNewsFoto/Rachael Ray, David M. Russell)
[tags] Rachel Ray, Alabama, food, tornadoes, prom, proms, high school, older women younger men [/tags]

You had to love a TV show where a couple of good looking guys in tight fitting jodhspurs rode around all day on high powered motorcyles in the SoCal sun, solving crimes and getting the babes.

Yes, NBC’s ChiPs was a male fantasy and Erik “Ponch” Estrada was a huge star.

And now he’s got his own star to go with that million watt smile.

Above: Erik Estrada Honored with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 7021 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, California, April 19, 2007.

[tags] Erik Estrada, CHiPs, NBC, Ponch, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood [/tags]

My twelve year old son, who knows about as much about the NFL draft as Mel Kiper, Jr., and I sat and watched several hours of the NFL draft Saturday on ESPN.

Why?

Because, as Chris “Boomer” Berman said at the top of the broadcast, “The 2007 season begins now.”

That and ESPN pulls out all the technological toys to tell what is essentially a story about big strong guys sitting around waiting for the phone to ring.

Much like All My Children or the Young and the Restless, not much really happens over the course of the many hours, but ESPN makes the most of the drama. Things like

*Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn falling from a top three pick to the 22nd pick. Poor Brady, he’ll still get millions in guaranteed money and a big fat contract. On the other hand, he has to play in Cleveland.

*Ohio State QB and Heisman Trophy winner (which supposedly means you were the best college player in your year) remains undrafted going into Sunday’s day two.

Overall, ESPN treats this like a Super Bowl, with all hands on deck. Their production values are top notch, their talent are well informed, and draft expert Mel Kiper, Jr. has some major hair going on.

While not much happens, if you love NFL football, you are compelled to watch.

On the other hand, remember that the draft is an imprecise science. Super Bowl MVP and three time Super Bowl winner QB Tom Brady was taken in the sixth round, which meant there were nearly players picked before him. And remember QB Ryan Leaf? He was a first rounder who flamed out.

As Suzy Kolber just noted on ESPN, 60% of all NFL players were drafted on Day Two or were free agents.

So, go figure. But yet we watch.

Above top: Former Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn breathes a sigh of relief after being selected wth the 22nd pick overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns at the Radio City Music Hall, April 28, 2007. 2007 NFL Draft - April 28, 2007.

Above bottom: Why do we watch the football equivalent of watching paint dry? Because we are all crazy NFL fans. New York Jets fans celebrate their team’s selection in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft at the Radio City Music Hall, New York, New York, April 28, 2007. 2007 NFL Draft - April 28, 2007.

I read this blurb from the SciFi Channel and thought it came from NBC’s Heroes.

The nerds continue their invasion of Hollywood!

[tags] Stargate Atlantis, SciFi Channel, The SciFi Channel, Heroes, NBC [/tags]

I haven’t dogged on NBC’s Heroes for a while. I mean, I do have a life and why watch things that suck.

But my wife of 25 plus years, Donna, is a much more open-minded person than I am, as well as compassionate (a clinical social worker) and smarter (Ph.D. in sociology).

As I’ve learned in these years of marriage, if some or something doesn’t pass “The Donna Test,” that’s a pretty indication to watch out for the person or thing. She has an excellent sense about people, things, and events. She’s intuitive. I’m logical. So, “The Donna Test” is what I trust when considering who to back for politicians, who my friends should be, and what groups or organizations to join.

Last week, she decided to give Heroes a chance after seeing about the one millionth promo on NBC about the hit show and listing to my rants about what a stupid, nerdy show it is.

Here’s her review, in a nutshell–stupid, impossible to follow, bad TV.

Heroes, you have failed “The Donna Test.” I know for sure I will continue to not watch this nerdfest wet dream.

Above: Big Nerdy Brother is Watching You! Cast of “Heroes”, The Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences Presents An Evening With Heroes - Inside.

[tags] Heroes, NBC, nerds, nerdy, wet dreams, bad TV [/tags]

Sometimes good things come out of really bad events.

The rape of Debbie Smith fits in that category.

Saturday, Lifetime shows how Debbie Smith overcame her ordeal and has helped countless rape victims get justice.

Excerpts from a recent release:

NEW YORK, April 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Saturday, April 28th, at 9:00 pm, Lifetime Television will air “A Life Interrupted,” a movie based on the life of Debbie Smith, rape survivor and namesake of the Debbie Smith Act, which Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) authored and helped
usher into law. . .

The act directs the Attorney General to account for untested DNA evidence kits, authorizes funding to eliminate backlog of DNA kits, establish and maintain sexual assault nurse examiner programs and train law enforcement and prosecutors to handle DNA evidence and use it in
courtrooms.

In 1989, Debbie Smith was raped near her home. For six and a half years, she lived in fear of her attacker returning to kill her. Only when Debbie’s husband told her that her rapist, identified by DNA, was already in prison, could Debbie live without fear.

“Debbie Smith overcame a terrible act of violence and found the courage to help change the law of our land for the better,” said Maloney. . .

Lea Thompson, who portrays Debbie in the film, said “it was a very powerful and emotional experience to speak the words that Debbie Smith actually spoke in front of Congress. I hope this movie will continue to raise support for her cause.”

H.R. 2874, the Debbie Smith Act, garnered 160 bipartisan cosponsors and authorized $410,000,000, over three years, for processing backlogged DNA evidence and training Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. H.R. 1046 expanded upon the original legislation, authorizing funding
for the issuance of “John Doe” indictments in federal sexual assault cases and training law enforcement and prosecutors in handling DNA evidence. This legislation passed the House in October 2004 by a vote of 393-14. The Senate unanimously passed the legislation three days
later, and President Bush signed the bill into law on November 1, 2004.

Above: Lea Thompson portrays rape survivor and activist Debbie Smith in an upcoming Lifetime made for TV movie. Lea Thompson, “Year of the Dog” Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.

[tags] Debbie Smith, Debbie Smith Act, rape, DNA, Lifetime, Lifetime TV [/tags]

There was a time, about six years ago, when I had considerable respect for Dr. Phil McGraw. He wasn’t yet simply “Dr. Phil.”

I saw him speak on jury selection at a Kansas Bar Convention meeting in Colorado. It was the best continuing legal education program I have ever attended. At the time, Dr. Phil was just starting to get famous as Oprah Winfrey’s jury consultant in her beef defamation case in Texas.

Dr. Phil gave practical advice, like “Jury selection begins the moment you step out of your house and into your car. Everyone you meet that day could be on your jury.” And “How you treat your secretary, your legal assistant, your associate, opposing counsel, everyone in that courtroom will be taken into account by the jury. Will they like you or will they dislike you?”

I thought he was great and I was a fan.

But now, however, I think he’s a big blowhard. Success has gone to his head.

And its episodes like this–like the Pat O’Brien drunken phone sex deal–that just make me cringe. Dr. Phil has squandered his once great credibility for money and celebrity.

Dr. Phil is going to “help” 30 Rock’s Alec Baldwin, who probably won’t get a “Parent of the Year” award for his nasty phone message to his eleven year old daughter.

Here’s an excerpt from TV Guide:

On Tuesday’s Larry King Live, Dr. Phil explored the point-of-view of the child involved in a heated custody case such as the one Alec Baldwin is currently fighting with Kim Basinger — and ultimately offered on-air his counseling services to the highly combatant exes. Now he’s had that offer accepted — by at least one of them.

Not long after the program aired, Baldwin (who likely had tuned in because his brother Stephen was also a guest) reached out to Dr. Phil, and engaged in a long first talk with the iconic psychologist, TV Guide has learned.

Above: Yea! Dr. Phil to the rescue of Alec Baldwin! “It’s not about youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!” Ok, maybe it is. Ever what did troubled celebrities do before Dr. Phil?

[tags] Dr. Phil, Dr. Phil McGraw, Alec Baldwin, counseling, TV shrinks, 30 Rock [/tags]

Sorry for the bad pun.

Congratulations, Andrea!

An excerpt from the Hollywood Reporter:

Wong gets nod as Lifetime chief
Andrea Wong, executive vp alternative programming, specials and late-night at ABC Entertainment, has been named president and CEO of Lifetime Entertainment Services, replacing Betty Cohen, who resigned Wednesday.

Above: Looks like there’s nothing wrong with Andrea Wong, a new head honcho at Lifetime!

[tags] Andrea Wong, Lifetime, Lifetime TV, TV [/tags]

Got to love those folks at Nickelodeon. They must buy slime by the barrel. Latest target? The very untalented but darling of the moment, American Idol’s Sanjaya.

Enjoy the photo and take hope that there may yet be a God.

Above: Is this worse than being snarked at by Simon Cowell? American Idol’s Sanjaya Makalar visits Nickelodeon’s ME:TV set for the highest Nickelodeon honor, a sliming, in New York, April 23. (PRNewsFoto/Nickelodeon)

[tags] Sanjaya, Sanjaya Makalar, American Idol, slime, slimed, slimey, Nickelodeon [/tags]