TV Chatting

Oscar winner Holly Hunter, star and executive producer of TNT’s acclaimed hit series SAVING GRACE, poses with her new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. TNT’s SAVING GRACE returns for its second season Monday, July 14, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT).

Technorati Tags: Saving Grace, TNT, Holly Hunter, Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Huffington Post reports that CBS news personality Katie Couric’s CBS Evening News ratings have hit a historic low:

Last week, the CBS Evening News marked a new low in the ratings, recording just 5.39 million total viewers for the previous week.

This week, the Katie Couric-led broadcast sunk even lower than that, reaching a new new low of 5.34 million total viewers for last week…

Ouch, Katie, ouch!

Meredith Viera.

Everything Katie Couric is not. Attractive. Smart. Tough. Likeable. Credible. Accomplished.

Perhaps CBS could get her to anchor the nightly news when Couric gets pushed out in January.

But I digress.

My Gal Jennifer has some news about Meredith.

Meredith Vieira Sings Karaoke for the Children
Today show co-host goes a little bit country to help end violence against kids.

(Los Angeles – April 7, 2008) – The Today show co-host woke up early on her day off to show her support for Love Our Children USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening families and breaking the cycle of violence against children.

The newswoman and mother of three let her hair down, donned a pair of jeans, and hit the stage at SpotLight Live in New York City for a little karaoke. Click on the link below to view the footage!

Web Link: http://www.momlogic.com/2008/04/meredith_vieira_sings_for_the.php

Photo: TV personality Meredith Vieira poses for a photo at the NLGJA’s 13th Annual New York benefit at the Times Center on March 12, 2008 in New York City.

Technorati Tags: Katie Couric, Meredith Vieira, The Today Show, NBC, CBS, CBS Evening News, karaoke, Karaoke for the Children

The Wall Street Journal reports that CBS news “anchor” Katie Couric could be bye-bye from the Eye as early as President Barack Obama’s inauguration in January 2009.

CBS News executives and people close to Katie Couric say that the “CBS Evening News” anchor is likely to leave the network well before her contract expires in 2011 — possibly soon after the presidential inauguration early next year. Ms. Couric isn’t even halfway through her five-year contract with CBS, which began in June 2006 and pays an annual salary of around $15 million.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120778369100203247.html?mod=djemalertNEWS

I knew this would happen the day they hired her. She lacked and lacks the skills and abilities to be a convincing journalist, let alone what once was the nightly TV news program of record.

Her fluffy approach on the Today show and cutesy-pie perkiness worked at 7 a.m. but not at 6 p.m. on an actual news program.

God only know what her next gig might be. Perhaps she can host a kids show or be a host selling cosmetics on the Home Shopping Network. You know, something more to her ability level.

If I were a CBS suit, I’d pull the plug on her now, bring back Bob Schieffer, and start looking to poach someone decent from MSNBC or CNN who has actually reported on real news prior to being plunked down as a news reader in Uncle Walter’s hallowed seat.

Photo: Come January 2009, news personality Katie Couric may have a lot more time to work on her bowling game. Katie Couric, Katie Couric & Friends Bowl to “Strike Out Colon Cancer� for EIF’s NCCRA, May 9, 2007.

Technorati Tags: Katie Couric, CBS, news, media, flops

From my buddy Seto at Warner Brothers.

Not my cup of tea but might be yours on MTV.

Technorati Tags: Randy Jackson, America’s Best Dance Crew, Hip Hop, dance, MTV

As you’ve probably read a million other places, Oscar-winning actor Charlton Heston died this weekend at the age of 83.

I wasn’t exactly a fan of Chuck’s rightwing politics (though he was a supporter of civil rights in the 1960s) or his bombastic style in the Biblical “sandal epics” of the 1950s and 1960s.

But Chuck had a pretty good sense of humor–even about himself–and that in my book goes a long ways.

In 1993, he hosted that bastion of liberalism, Saturday Night Live, and was frankly funny as hell, making fun about himself along the way.

He even took on his “greatest” role and line from Planet of the Apes–“Get your filthy paws off me you damn dirty ape!” In his monologue, he wakes up surrounded by an audience of, well, apes, who proceed to ask him questions.

Female Ape Audience Member: Yeah, are you some kind of talking mutant?

Charlton Heston: Nooo! I just said I’m not a mutant! I’m a human being! From your past, when human beings spoke! [ male ape audience member stands ] Yes.. yes?

Male Ape Audience Member #1: Uh.. are there.. are there other talking mutants?

Charlton Heston: I told you I am not a mutant! You don’t understand! [ points to another ape in the audience ] Yes.. over here.

Male Ape Audience Member #2: Where do you keep your tribe of talking mutants?

Charlton Heston: [ exasperated ] I don’t think you’re paying attention to what I’m telling you! [ points to another ape ] Yes? Yes?

Male Ape Audience Member #3: Yeah, uhh.. am I crazy, or are you a, uh.. [ extended pause ] ..are you a human?

Charlton Heston: Yes! Yes, I am!

Male Ape Audience Member #3: Then, where the hell did you learn to talk like an ape, you damn mutant?!

Charlton Heston: This is insane! [ pushes the apes away ] Let go off me! [ looks around ] Lorne? Lorne! Is Lorne here?

[ two other member of the ape army drag a shackled, yet highball-holding, Lorne Michaels before Heston ]

Lorne Michaels: There you are. Just play along - the apes are a great audience! They’re crazy about humans!

He also suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease and no one deserves that. Rest in peace, Chuck. And tell death to take its damn dirty paws off you.

Photo: May 5, 1986 file photo of Charlton Heston at home in Los Angeles, California. Heston announced that he may have Alzheimer’s disease in a taped statement, August 9, 2002.

Technorati Tags: Charlton Heston, NRA, rightwinger, SNL, Saturday Night Live, Planet of the Apes, good humor, civil rights

More stuff coming to your really small screen.

Verizon makes a TMZ channel available as of today.

You’ll never be far away from all the spooge and gossip that only TMZ can bring you about Hollywood.

I’m sure Alexander Graham Bell must be thrilled about this new use of his invention.

More from this excerpt from a Verizon press release:

‘TMZ’ TV Makes Its Mobile Debut on V CAST Video From Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless and “TMZ” Team Up to Offer “TMZ” TV on V CAST Video, Featuring Video Clips from Number One New First-Run Syndicated Television Series

LAS VEGAS, BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and BURBANK, Calif., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — From CTIA WIRELESS 2008, Verizon Wireless, the nation’s leading wireless service provider, and “TMZ,” the number one new first-run syndicated television program of the 2007-2008 season, are teaming up to bring “TMZ” TV to mobile phones for the first time via a new “TMZ” branded channel on Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Video service. The “TMZ” television program is based upon the entertainment news Web site TMZ.com, a joint venture of Warner Bros. Television Group’s Telepictures Productions and AOL.

Beginning today, commercial-free video segments from the “TMZ” television program will be available to mobile users for the first time as Verizon Wireless debuts a “TMZ” channel on V CAST Video. The channel features clips from the hottest segments on “TMZ,” 24 hours after their daily broadcast in the television program. “TMZ” TV will be available on Verizon Wireless V CAST Video-enabled handsets in the Entertainment section under the Flix & Gossip category. Verizon Wireless is the inaugural on-deck distribution partner for the launch of “TMZ” TV…

Photo: Thanks TMZ and Verizon, you’ll never again be far away from Paris Hilton and her apparently newly enlarged boobies. Socialite Paris Hilton arrives at the opening of DCMA Collective’s flagship store on March 14, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Technorati Tags: TMZ, Paris Hilton, Verizon, mobile viewing, cell phones

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Wow.

Tyra Banks, the former super model and now host of The Tyra Banks Show, is now, well, sort of plus sized.

Frankly, I prefer her with some meat on her bones rather than those skinny, underfed, sticks that populate the catwalk.

And Tyra strikes me as a WOMAN rather than a GIRL.

But damn, girl, you are now in the very budilicious zip code. Still, you’re beautiful.

*From “Airplane.”

Photo: TV personality Tyra Banks arrives atthe 1st Annual Fiercee Awards honoring the women of “America’s Next Top Modelâ€?on “The Tyra Banks Showâ€? airing on April 30, 2008 at Chelsea Studios New York on
March 28,2008.

Technorati Tags: Tyra Banks, The Tyra Banks Show, American’s Next Top Model, Warner Brothers TV

Perhaps the National Lampoon’s Vacation series has grown long in tooth.

WAY long in tooth.

My buddy Izzy at Starz has a disturbing revelation about everyone’s favorite movie mom, Mrs. Clark W. Griswold.

I just wanted to quickly pass along these clips from  tomorrow’s season finales of the Starz original comedy series’ Head Case and Hollywood Residential.

On Head Case ((3/12 10pm EST/PST) Rosanna Arquette is dumped by her fiance. Dr. Goode shows her typical sensitivity:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sumAnBtp5os

On Hollywood Residential, (3/12 at 10:30p ET/PT), Beverly D’Angelo wants to lick Tony’s wounds. Um…yeah. Check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83_ndpDODes

I kind of can’t handle seeing the woman I always imagined was married to Chevy Chase in real life in such a compromising position. It’s kind of creepy, right?

All the best,

Izzy

Photo: Mrs. Ellen Griswold looking very cougarific!  Beverly D’Angelo at Dole Sparklers, HBO Luxury Lounge - Day 1, August 26, 2006.

Technorati Tags: Hollywood Residential, Head Case, Starz, Beverly D’Angelo, HBO, National Lampoon’s Vacation

With the writers’ strike over, new episodes of programs will trickle onto the screen.

In the meantime, here are some other new programs to help you through the long winter’s night.

My Pal Izzy has more:

Just wanted to send over the scoop on tonight’s episodes of Starz’ original comedy shows, Head Case and Hollywood Residential.

Head Case, airing tonight, 2/13 at 10:00 p ET/PT, features Nicole Richie’s babydaddy Joel Madden. The Good Charlotte star’s trip to therapy brings his innermost hopes and dreams out into the open. Who knew such periodontal passion burned within the rocker’s heart? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zztkzNZnKxA

On “Hollywood Residential,� (tonight at 10:30p ET/PT) Jamie Kennedy seems a tad hungover as he plays a little trick on the crew coming to renovate his house: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX4Z21hs-Es

All the best,

Izzy

Photo: Musician Joel Madden and TV personality Nicole Richie during the Sony/BMG Grammy After Party at the Beverly Hills Hotel on February 10, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.

Technorati Tags: Nicole Richie, babydaddies, Joel Madden, Good Charlotte, Head Case, Hollywood Residential, Jamie Kennedy

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This just in from the Late Show with David Letterman: Dave welcomes America’s most famous pantsuit wearer, Democratic Presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton, on the eve of Super Tuesday.

Photo: Presidential Candidate Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton departs a taping of “The Late Show with David Letterman” at The Ed Sullivan Theater on August 30, 2007 in New York City.

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Remember the beginning of the NFL season when former New York Giant turned NBC “correspondent”/hack accused former teammate Eli Manning a poor leader who seemed confused?

 Well, while Tiki has been blabbing on TV, QB Eli has just completed the most improbable run to and through the playoffs, capped off by a brilliant performance in the Super Bowl, beating what some commentators thought was the greatest team in league history.

Do you think Tiki (and what the hell kind of name is “Tiki” for a grown man?), who is now reportedly hated by former teammates and New York fans alike, will eat crow and change his tune about Eli?

I doubt it.

Perhaps the loss of big ego Tiki from the Giants’ lockerroom was another reason the Giants were able to make their great run.

I can’t tell you how much pleasure it gave me to watch the playoffs and the Super Bowl and watch Eli Manning give the virtual finger to Barber.

Congratulations, Eli, Mr. Super Bowl MVP and to the rest of the coaches, staff, players, and owners of the New York Giants.  While you showed grit and class, Tiki tried to get ratings by ratting out his former teammates.

Perhaps there really is justice in this world.

Photo: QB Eli Manning (10) of the New York Giants before the NFC Wildcard game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA on January 7, 2007.

Ok, I’ll admit my bona fides are a little light football-wise.

• Last organized football played—Freshman year of high school.
• Soccer coach and ref.
• NFL games attended in person—2.

But I have loved the NFL (and before the merger, the AFL even more) since I was a first grader—over 40 years. And God knows how many thousands of hours of NFL games and analysis on ESPN I’ve watched.

So, I am no more or less an expert than most people.

But I predict and upset today—the New York Giants 27, the New England Patriots 24.

Here are my reasons:

• The Patriots will once again need a good kicker to win the game. They let go one of our favorite South Dakotans—Kicker Adam Vinatieri—and now have a rookie. Adam is only the most clutch kicker in the history of the game.
• Giants QB Eli Manning will not throw any interceptions and continue his near perfect play.
• The Giants pass rush will get to QB Tom Brady and disrupt his timing.
• The Patriots’ pursuit of going 19-0 finally catches up with them.
• NE QB Tom Brady’s ankle really is bothering him. (See photo above.)
• The Patriots weren’t able to cheat and tape the Giants’ run-through like they did the St. Louis Rams’ in Super Bowl 36.

And speaking of the Rams. In Super Bowl 36, they were the prohibitive favorite, had the tremendous passing attack, and were the “Greatest Show on Turf.� The Patriots were given no chance.

Well, the tables are turned. The Patriots will be smug, the Giants will be hungry.

And if I’m wrong, at least their’s Tom Petty at half time.

Regardless of the score, enjoy the game!

Photo above: Tom Brady sighting on January 23, 2008 in New York City. Tom Brady Sighting in New York - January 23, 2008.

Photo below: Actor Michael Chiklis attends the Official Super Bowl XLII Talent and Player Gift Lounge produced by the NFL and ON 3 Productions held at the Phoenix Convention Center on February 2, 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Technorati Tags: Greatest Show on Turf, St. Louis Rams, Adam Vinatieri, famous South Dakotans, Tom Brady, kickers, QBs, Eli Manning, Super Bowl, Tom Petty

Don’t we need yet more of “Neon” Deion Sanders on TV?

Yes, we do.

And according to My Gal Audrey, we’re going to get more of the mouthy ex-NFL great on the Oxygen Network, as well as a get a taste of the flashy Sanders on Super Bowl Sunday!

Isn’t it great to be an American?!

Here’s Audrey!

This Sunday during the half time show, the Oxygen Network will be offering a special sneak peek of their new reality series DEION & PILAR: PRIME TIME LOVE, which follows the home life of NFL superstar Deion Sanders with his model wife Pilar and kids.

Deion Sanders is the man! Not only was he an amazing athlete, but now he’s got a hot wife and he spends his time riding around on a scooter through his huge house!

Check it out here:

http://www.dailymotion.com/wiredset/video/x48jhd_deionpilarprime-time-love-starring_sport

Below is the press release for the Deion & Pilar sneak peak clip.

For more information, please visit: www.oxygen.com/supersneak

Best,

Audrey

Photo: NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders seen on the sidelines during action at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio on November 30, 2006. Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals.

Technorati Tags: Deion Sanders, Oxygen Network, Pilar Sanders, NFL, reality shows

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