Category Archives: Primetime
It’s a Done Dean! Community Fans Rejoice for a Harmon-ious Return
Last year, fans of Community were heartbroken to hear that showrunner Dan Harmon was fired. NBC realized that they “Britta’d” things up, so they “Chang’d” their minds. Deadline confirmed yesterday that Dan Harmon and co- executive producer Chris McKenna are returning for Community’s fifth season. There are also reports that Dino Stamatopoulos is returning as a writer, but let’s hope that he also comes back as “Starburns.” The show’s renewal comes after a very shaky and lackluster fourth season. Last year, it was placed in the Friday night “death slot”, and then the premiere was pushed back to mid-season.
The Original “12 Angry Men”
Before 12 Angry Men was a play and multiple movies, it aired in 1954 on CBS as a Westinghouse Studio One teleplay starring Robert Cummings. This version was written by Reginald Rose and directed by Franklin Schaffner. All three men received Emmys for their involvement.
Yes, that is Mr. Roper from Three’s Company as the foreman.
“Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Will Return
Variety reports that “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” is returning to American television sets this summer. The new version will air on The CW. Old favorites Colin Mocherie, Ryan Stiles, and Wayne Brady will return. However, Aisha Tyler will replace Drew Carey as host.
Colin Mocherie broke the story on Twitter with this tweet:
In honor of “Whose Line’s” return, here are 3 segments that should make a comeback.
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Cool TV Video of the Day: Rod Serling’s “Patterns”
Rod Serling may be best known for The Twilight Zone, but that doesn’t mean his other work is not worth watching. On January 12, 1955, the NBC anthology series Kraft Television Theatre aired Patterns, which marked Serling’s first major success. Not only would Serling go on to win the first of his 6 Emmys, but Patterns became the first drama repeated because of its popularity. However, television was not yet in the habit of recording live television, so the actors had to perform everything over again on February 9, 1955. Fortunately, the second live performance was captured on kinescope.
Newspapers Want To Be On NBC Reality Show
According to The New York Times, NBC thinks it can help print journalism, which is in dire straights, with a reality show. For some reason, small town newspapers believe it. While small town newspapers are a bastion of quirkiness, the fact that NBC told The New York Times that 150 of them responded to a casting call in 10 days is baffling. Any self-respecting newspaper would never agree to be on a reality show, mainly because someone on the staff has actually sat through an episode of Jersey Shore.
Do We Really Need Jessica Simpson’s Semi-Autobiographical NBC Comedy?
The Hollywood Reporter reports that Jessica Simpson is set to star in a semi-autobiographical comedy for NBC. It also says that the currently unnamed magnum opus will be written by Robin and Nick Bakay, the geniuses behind Paul Blart: Mall Cop and the Fox sitcom ‘Til Death, which magically lasted 4 seasons.
While I like Jessica Simpson, she is best left to designing clothing and her series Fashion Star. The last time Jessica had a show where she played herself, she gave the world Newlyweds, which resulted in her divorce from Nick Lachey. There was also the “chicken or tuna” comment, which either proves she’s really stupid or just acts like it. Let’s give her the benefit of the doubt. It’s an act. She’s secretly a member of Mensa. It still does not excuse Producer Ben Silverman’s comment to The Hollywood Reporter: “We are thrilled to team up with the multitalented Jessica Simpson to bring this new sitcom to life on NBC as she is truly a modern-day Lucy with incredible comedic chops.”
Weekly TV Update: January 7
Each week we bring you stories from around the Internet that you might have missed.
Michael J. Fox returns to television with a new sitcom.
Jimmy Kimmel makes the cover of Rolling Stone. His issue is out on newsstands now.
Do you want to be a contestant on Jeopardy? Entertainment Weekly has some tips for the online test.
Honey Boo Boo’s mom may be the first reality star not to blow their money.
David E. Kelley still thinks people are interested in a Wonder Woman reboot.
Cool TV Video of the Day: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Full Theme Song Opening
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air has one of the most fun theme songs, but most episodes have a some of the verses cut for time. The version of the opening that appears below was only used for the first few episodes.
The lyrics to the full version are after the jump.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Emmy Opening and Monologue
While Jimmy Kimmel’s Emmy open is not the best one ever, Kimmel certainly kept true to himself. The open is clever without being brilliant, so how much you enjoy it depends on how much you like Kimmel and his guests.
Wait! What's A Dial? 