MONTEL WILLIAMS CANCELLED!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
After 17 years on the air, The Montel Williams Show will end production at the end of this season. A mix of new and old episodes will air through May. Some markets will air repeats of the show during the 2008-09 season, as CBS is offering 260 "Best of Montel" episodes.Montel was cancelled after Fox stations, which carried his show in the country's top two markets, declined to renew the show. Montel has averaged a 1.5 rating this season, down 12% from last season. The show peaked at a 4.4 rating in its best season, 1996-1997. Montel has not commented on what he'll do next.
Judge Hatchett is following a similar path as Montel. The court show was cancelled after 8 years in December, but repeats will be offered to stations next season.
Labels: daytime tv
posted by jc @ 12:43 PM,
,
MARIE OSMOND GETS NEW TALK SHOW
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
NOTES FROM NATPE
The annual National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) show is on in Las Vegas is on all week. This is where syndicated shows shop themselves around. Today, independent syndicator Program Partners announced its launching a talk show with Marie Osmond in fall 2009. Osmond is just off a run on Dancing With The Stars and co-hosted the daytime talker Donny & Marie with her brother, Donnie Osmond, for several seasons.
In other NATPE news, Judge Judy has been renewed for two more seasons, taking it through 2012. Merv Griffin's Crosswords has been renewed for a second season in 40 of the top 50 markets. And, the classic beach series Baywatch is making a comeback of sorts. Repeats of the original will air on ION television starting on March 3.
Labels: daytime tv
posted by jc @ 6:38 PM,
,
DEATH OF HEATH LEDGER: FAMILY RESPONDS
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The people closest to Heath Ledger are responding to his death. Ledger's rep calls his death an "accident" and has asked for privacy for his family. Ledger's father, Kim, confirmed his son's death in Australia:
We, Heath's family, confirm the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda. He was found peacefully asleep in his New York apartment by his housekeeper at 3:30 p.m. U.S. time.
We would like to thank our friends and everyone around the world for their well wishes and kind thoughts at this time. Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him.
He was a down to earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and selfless individual who was extremely inspirational to many. Please now respect our family's need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately.
A source close to Ledger's ex, Michelle Williams, tells People magazine that the actress is devasted by his death.
posted by jc @ 9:21 AM,
,
ACTOR HEATH LEDGER DEAD!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his New York City apartment this afternoon of an apparent drug overdose. He was 28. WNBC reports the "Brokeback Mountain" star was found with two bottles of prescription sleep aids near his body. Ledger has a two-year-old daughter with his now ex-wife, actress Michelle Williams. Ledger's body was found by his housekeeper and a masseuse. When they couldn't awake him, they called 911. TMZ reports that paramedics found him in full cardiac arrest and could not revive him.
Labels: obits
posted by jc @ 5:18 PM,
,
SLEEPING CLINTON
MUST SEE VIDEO
Bill Clinton having a dream at a Martin Luther King Day service in New York yesterday. Bubba fell asleep in the middle of the speech as you can see in this video from the New York Post. Clinton has napped in public before, most notable at Ronald Reagan's funeral.
Labels: must see video
posted by jc @ 11:27 AM,
,
CLOVERFIELD
PLOT: A group of friends gather to say goodbye to one of their buddies who's about to leave NYC for Japan. During the celebration, a gigantic monster attacks the city. People panic in the streets as buildings are leveled by the beast.REVIEW: The entire movie is shot by one of the partygoers with a camcorder, so the shots are all over the place. Very annoying. Instead of dropping the camera when the monster hits, he keeps on rolling to catch all the chaos on tape. Very far-fetched. The action scenes and the special effects in Cloverfield are excellent, especially when the Statue of Liberty's head lands in the middle of Manhattan. The images of buildings being blown to bits in NYC are tough to take just seven years after Nine-Eleven. You also leave with more questions than answers. Who is this monster and why was it attacking NYC? Why is it named Cloverfield? Obviously, they're leaving these questions unanswered for a sequel. I think I'll sit out the next Cloverfield.
RATING: C
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 9:51 AM,
,
WEEKENDER: JANAURY 13-19
Saturday, January 19, 2008
DIANE KEATON DROPS AN F-BOMB ON GMA
Actress Diane Keaton stopped by Good Morning America to promote her new movie this week. As Diane Sawyer interviewed her, she dropped an f-bomb on live television. It made the broadcast on the east coast, but was editted out for the rest of the country.
QUICK HITS
- On Sunday, a toned down Golden Globes aired on NBC because of the writers strike. No celebrities meant no ratings.
- A snobbier Katie Holmes made the rounds on the morning talk shows to promote her new movie. None of the interviews had any substance. By the way Katie, the short hair doesn't work.
- Oprah continues her quest for world domination. She's launching her own cable TV Network. OWN, Oprah Winfrey Network, will replace Discovery Health next year.
- A coroner's report revealed that Ike Turner died of a cocaine overdose.
- American Idol returned on Tuesday. Ratings for the premiere were down 15 percent from last year. Looks like the show has peaked.
- A Florida woman claims Patriots receiver Randy Moss abused her and refused to allow her to seek medical attention.
- Legendary chess player Bobby Fischer dies at 64.
- On Friday, President Bush proposed tax refunds for everyone in effort to jump-start the economy.
Labels: weekender
posted by jc @ 12:07 PM,
,
THE BUCKET LIST
Friday, January 18, 2008
STARRING: Jack Nickolson, Morgan FreemanPLOT: Jack Nickolson plays Edward Cole, a rich hospital owner who's forced to deal with his own mortality when he's diagnosed with terminal cancer. Edward's roommate, Carter Thomas, played by Morgan Freeman, is a devoted husband who's been a mechanic all of his life. Thomas is also diagnosed with terminal cancer. As roommates, Edward and Carter become friends and are there for each other when they find out that they only have months to live. With death staring him in the face, Carter writes a bucket list -- the things he wants to do before he kicks the bucket. Carter never thought he'd do anything on the list, until Edward stumbles upon it and convinces him that they should spend their final days fulfilling their dreams. So, the two venture out on an international journey -- racing cars, skydiving and visiting the pyramids of Egypt -- all before it's too late.
REVIEW: Many critics have panned "The Bucket List," saying it's not realistic, cliche and predictable. Sure, Carter's wife was awfully nice to let her husband spend his last moments with a complete stranger. And, the idea of two older men running around the world despite having a deadly disease is a bit far-fetched. But in the end, this is a wonderful story about the human spirit. That can't be overlooked. The acting by Nickelson and Freeman is incredible. You really feel for both of these men and root for them as they go out on their journey. There are some very raw, emotional moments in this movie and it's hard to leave the theater without feeling touched by "The Bucket List."
RATING: A-
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 11:04 AM,
,
ELLEN DEGENERES NAMED TOP TV PERSONALITY
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Ellen Degeneres beat out Oprah Winfrey to be named the America's favorite TV personality in an annual Harris Poll. Oprah was number one last year and Ellen was number eight. Here's a look at the top 10:
10. Homer Simpson
9. Ray Romano
8. Bill O'Reilly
7. Stephen Colbert
6. David Letterman
5. Jon Stewart
4. Hugh Laurie
3. Jay Leno
2. Oprah Winfrey
1. Ellen Degeneres
Labels: television
posted by jc @ 12:19 PM,
,
RAPPERS USING ROIDS?
Monday, January 14, 2008
Several entertainers are being named in connection with a steroid investigation. The Times Union of Albany, New York cited unidentified law enforcement officials to report that Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Timbaland, Wyclef Jean and producer Tyler Perry may have used or obtained perfromance-enhancing drugs. Cops say the evidence does not indicate that any of the celebs broke the law and are not part of any criminal investigation. A spokesperson for Mary J. Blige denies that the singer ever used steroids. So far, the other entertainers have not commented.
Labels: star scandals
posted by jc @ 12:50 PM,
,
HOWARD STERN CELEBRATES TWO YEARS ON SIRIUS
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Howard Stern is celebrating two years at Sirius Satellite Radio. In the 730 days since he's been at Sirius, the number of subscribers has jumped to 8.3 million. Stern is offering more content than ever to his fans with his two channels, Howard 100 and Howard 101. He still has three years left in his contract and may sign on even longer."Howard Stern revolutionized broadcasting, and at SIRIUS he has redefined radio," said Scott Greenstein, SIRIUS' President, Entertainment and Sports. "Howard and his team continue to build the future of radio."
Howard is still the best interviewer around, which was proven today when he spoke with Drew Carey. The comedian and game show host opened up up his two suicide attempts. He said he tried to overdose on sleeping pills when he was 18 and tried to kill himself again years later when he was living in Las Vegas. Carey told Stern that he's in a much happier place now. He also confessed to having the easiest gig in television as host of the "Price is Right." He says he tapes three days a week from 11:30AM to 5:30PM.
Labels: howard stern, sirius satellite radio
posted by jc @ 3:12 PM,
,
MR. BLACKWELL'S WORST DRESSED LIST
Victoria Beckham aka "Posh Spice" tops Mr. Blackwell's 48th annual list of the worst-dressed celebrities. "Forget the fashion spice, wearing a skirt would suffice! In one skinny-mini monstrosity after another, pouty Posh can really wreck-em," he said in a statement. Blackwell listed the Spice Girls as number one in his 1998 worst-dressed list.
Amy Winehouse came in at number two, followed by Mary-Kate Olsen, Fergie, Kelly Clarkson, Eva Green, Avril Lavigne, Jessica Simpson and Lindsay Lohan.
Britney Spears, who has made the list many times before, did not make this year's list. Blackwell said it was inappropriate to comment on her since her life is such a mess.
Mr. Blackwell named Reese Witherspoon, Katie Holmes, Angelina Jolie, Helen Mirren, Katherine Heigl among the best dressed.
posted by jc @ 12:10 PM,
,
BRITNEY SPEARS HOSPITALIZED!
Friday, January 04, 2008
BRITNEY'S BREAKDOWN
An intoxicated Britney Spears was loaded into an ambulance last night and rushed to the hospital for evaluation. Cops were called to Spears' house in Beverly Hills in a custodial dispute involving Kevin Federline. They found her under the influence of an unknown substance. What's worse, Britney was seen smiling after she out into the ambulance.
Labels: britneys breakdown
posted by jc @ 9:13 AM,
,
LATE NIGHT SHOWS RETURN
Thursday, January 03, 2008
WRITERS STRIKE
All of the late night talk shows returned last night after two months away because of the writer's strike. David Letterman, who's now sporting a beard, has all of his writers because he was able to strike a deal with their union. Leno, Kimmel and Conan O'Brien (who also has a beard) don't have any of their writers. Letterman had the best guest last night, Robin Williams, most likely because stars aren't afraid to come on since he made a deal with the union. Leno had a very boring interview with presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, while Kimmel, who didn't have a monologue, had Andy Dick as a guest. Leno did have a monologue last night, which he admitted he wrote. This could be a problem since it violates strike rules of one of his unions, the Writers Guild of America. Needless to say, things could get interesting in late night as the strike looms on. Look for Letterman to get all the good guests and the others to struggle.
Labels: television
posted by jc @ 11:42 AM,
,
WATCH THIS
CATFISHMTV, Mondays 10pm/ET
Based on a popular documentary film, this weekly series follows people who are in online relationships. They meet their longtime loves with the help of the show, but things aren't always what they seem.
FAST FOOD MANIA
DESTINATION AMERICA, Sundays 10pm/ET
If you listen to the Howard Stern show, the you already know that Jon Hein is the biggest fan of fast food around. Join Jon as he checks out the best places to chow down for cheap on this new show on the new network, Destination America. If you're not craving something greasing after watch this show, then something is wrong with you.
TRISHA
Syndicated, Weekdays/ET
Trisha Goddard hosted talk shows overseas for years. Now, she's the star of her own show, a spin-off of Maury, here in the states. Topics have included a man with 5 wives and women who eat strange objects like drywall and dirt.
About THE DAILY EDITION
The Daily Edition blog brings you the stories you'll be talking about at the water cooler. Follow The Daily Edition on Twitter: @JCers.
