Does anything really die?

Does anything really die?

Yesterday I had a minor surgical procedure that had me under anethesia for the first time since my major health scare Christmas 2019.  And NBC brought LAW AND ORDER back from the dead.  In Leblanguage, these events are indeed connected. The revival of LAW AND ORDER, scheduled for NBC and Peacock next year 13 years … Read more

The Curse of the Mask?

The Curse of the Mask?

I fucking LOVE football.  I’ve purchased a LOT of face masks.  And recently I’ve begun to build out my collection of jerseys and outerwear as well, Naturally I think there’s a connection to these passions. As we head out of September and into the heart of the NFL season let’s do a quick recap of … Read more

Who Are We?

Who Are We?

Peter Bart: As U.S. Demographics Evolve, The Question Isn’t Where Is Hollywood’s Audience, But Who Peter Bart wrote a fascinating column for Deadline yesterday that brings to light some recent U.S. demographic tweaks that reveal some fascinating trends and could go a long way to answering recent questions about why media audiences continue to be … Read more

Farewell, Partner

Farewell, Partner

You’ll find why I’m shedding more than a few tears tonight. Willie Garson was a versatile actor, best known for his ambitious portrayal of Stanford on the original SEX IN THE CITY, as well as several memorable co-starring roles in movies like FEVER PITCH and other TV series like USA’s WHITE COLLAR.  He was a … Read more

Might-See TV?

Might-See TV?

UPDATED with revised preliminary Emmy audience estimates (CBS only) Last night I watched the Emmy Awards, or at least the portion I stayed awake for.  It was an aesthetic improvement over last year, which was a glorified Zoom call, and there were some genuinely sweet and relevant moments.  But a lot of it went completely … Read more

Welcome Back

Welcome Back

My best friend is named Bob Boden. He has been since a fateful September 9, 1974 when your author was stumped on a tough mixed-up word in the daily newspaper Jumble game that to this day occupies several minutes of my time to solve every morning. A few weeks ago I couldn’t honestly write those … Read more

Who Shall Live and Who Shall Die?

Who Shall Live and Who Shall Die?

Today is Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.  I will spend the majority of it at my newly chosen temple, praying for the opportunity to maximize what bodes to be the most challenging year of my life to date. One of the most powerful prayers on today’s docket is the Unataneh Tokef, which … Read more

The Death of The Mogul?

The Death of The Mogul?

I was fortunate enough to know Jim Gianopulos while he was a top film executive at Fox.  Jim was a throwback even then to the golden age of Hollywood, where movie executives had a commanding physical presence, with an obvious passion for fine art, fine wine and fine women, implicit ability to steer a negotiation … Read more

The Price Is Still Right

The Price Is Still Right

In a media landscape where change is the norm, a remarkable milestone of stability is achieved today  The CBS daytime version of THE PRICE IS RIGHT begins its 50th season. There are numerous examples of Leblanguage that can be invoked to describe exactly how incredible that statement is.  Try this one out: The first half-hour … Read more

Never forget

Never forget

As I write this, there are memorial services ongoing in New York, Washington, Pennsylvania and elsewhere commemorating the somber 20th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center.  As a native New Yorker, I took these attacks emotionally and personally.  While I did not personally lose anyone close to me in the buildings or … Read more