It’s pilot season, which used to be a time of year where dozens of contenders would be hurriedly cast, filmed, tested and retested, all in a quest to grab a slot on one of three networks’ fall schedules. These days, with so few even being produced, even fewer by companies without corporate ties to the … Read more
Allow me to preface this with the caveat that I like and respect Bob Bakish for the most part. In a company that has seen more than its share of drama and questionable behavior in recent years under the tumultuously toxic regimes dominated by the libidos and egos of Sumner Redstone and Leslie Moonves, in … Read more
For the record, I love the Los Angeles Times, and have no intention of ever unsubscribing so long as I’m in this city and they continue to print issues. Even if they’re consistently delivered later than any other paper, including ones that have origins in New York and Washington, and they now charge sometimes as … Read more
I’ve never known a world of entertainment without Mel Brooks, and, more than likely, neither have you. I was first exposed to his unique brand of puns and humor with his 60s-era spy spoof GET SMART, one of the few shows I was allowed to stay up late for, and a favorite of my dad. … Read more
Once again, fans of daytime television were shaken with the announcement of yet another long-running series ending original production. On Friday, the 17-year-old RACHAEL RAY SHOW announced that this spring will see its final batch of original hours produced. In a press release issued by CBS Media Ventures, Ray made the following concession and bestowed … Read more
As someone who has been that proverbial old man yelling at cloud when it comes to media caring one iota about ratings, I have been more than a bit bemused by both the level of scrutiny and spin that we’ve seen from the CW, the LIV Golf Tour and its competitors about how successful-or not-the … Read more
My sincerest apologies upfront to anyone who may have been expecting some sort of media insight or astute observation today. As those of you who actually care already know, I’ve been mightily struggling to somehow make an earnest living from those skill sets, honed over decades of unique experiences having made companies billions and other … Read more
In 1976, Sylvester Stallone vaulted from obscurity as a struggling New York actor into international prominence with his portrayal of Rocky Balboa, a journeyman Philadelphia boxer who earns a shot at the heavyweight championship. The stirring Bill Conti soundtrack, the raw emotion that paralleled Stallone’s own personal journey through that of the earnest, family-loyal Balboa, … Read more
Did you know there were actually two animated situation comedies that premiered on broadcast TV networks in January, 1999? One you might have already known about was FAMILY GUY, which joined what was at the time the number one Sunday night TV destination, premiering following Super Bowl XXXIII, and later pairing quite well with a … Read more
You may think I’m a bit compulsive about many things, and there’s probably some very deep issues with roots in my childhood to explain some of them. One particular thing I freely admit to having a biopsychological need for is bonding, something that’s been exceptionally difficult for me to do in the nearly three years … Read more