The Executive Dance
When the TV Critics press tour schedule came out without an executive session from CBS, some reporters howled. How could a major network diss them by refusing to face them?…
Here Comes ‘Chelsea’
Chelsea Handler, who already is making her mark on the E! network with the nightly talkshow “Chelsea Lately“ and her comedy about the making of that show “After Lately,” expands…
Battle of the Former Hartford Anchors
The cast of “Morning Joe” was flown all the way out to California for a morning TV critics winter press tour panel to tout their MSNBC success. Though it was…
‘Idol’ Dismisses, Disses ‘X Factor,’ ‘The Voice’
As season 11 approaches for “American Idol,” its stars and producers are finding themselves doing something different: Defending itself from the crush of other, popular singing competitions – both “The…
Face to Face with Charlie Sheen
When Charlie Sheen turned around with a big gold-toothy smile, my first instinct was to seek an apology for the two (!) live appearances I was assigned to cover last…
J.J. Abrams Says ‘Alcatraz’ A Different Island Than ‘Lost’
J.J. Abrams’ new series has an island, a time-traveling intrigue and Jorge Garcia. But the new “Alcatraz,” his new show starting next week about prisoners from that fabled prison who…
Kiefer Sutherland a ‘Touch’ Away from ’24’
Kiefer Sutherland wasn’t keen to return to TV after eight seasons and 200 episodes of the iconic series “24.” Then someone handed him a script while he was on Broadway…
Monday TV: BCS Bowl, CBS Morning Retool
The college football season, and the parade of bowl games, finally culminates in the BCS Championship Game (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.) in New Orleans, with No.1 LSU vs. No.2 Alabama. The…
‘Watch What Happens Live’ Goes Five Nights a Week
When it came time to expand the late night Bravo talk show “Watch What Happens Live,” the first thing host Andy Cohen had done was expanding the liquor options. “We…
Coping with Failure at NBC
In his short time as NBC enertainment chief, Robert Greenblatt has gotten used to the pattern of its network’s executive sessions : They start with confessions, admitting failure and apology.…