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Showing posts from February, 2015

R.I.P Leonard Nimoy 'Mr. Spock'

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Actor Leonard Nimoy , known to many fans of Star Trek as " Mr. Spock " died today at 83. Not just an actor, Nimoy also pursued art, photography and music. The memories Nimoy leaves us with, and the impact he had on our culture, will be felt for many years. We, as many, spent our youth watching Mr. Spock and he never ceased to amaze us.

'House Of Cards' Season 3 Released

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Netflix's " House of Cards " was released, according to media reports, early this morning. Pick your time zone as to what time that was! Anyway there's live blogging on The Verge if you're interested: Related:  House of Cards 'White House Portrait' Teaser House of Cards season 3 is now on Netflix — and we're live blogging all night! http://t.co/G7rWsfBu3h via @verge — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) February 27, 2015

Keith Olbermann Off the Air, Again!

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We're just going to come out and say it, we like ESPN's   Keith Olbermann . We can't understand (actually we can) why he seems to attract or create controversy. When we heard of Olbermann's latest suspension (4-days) we collectively exclaimed "What have you done now!"  Well it seems Olbermann had an "exchange of tweets " he later admitted "were wrong". However, fans of Olbermann know, we have been down this road before, which is why we whole-heartedly agree with " an open letter to ESPN's Keith Olbermann ".  We just hope it doesn't come down to watching Olbermann on Podcasts ! Related:  Keith Olbermann Returns to ESPN

Will New 'Executive in Charge' Help 'Morning Joe'

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Recent media reports announced Michael Weisman , who was an executive producer at NBC Sports along other positions in cable and syndication, has joined MSNBC 's " Morning Joe"  as Executive in Charge. With some program tinkering announced last week, ( Mika Brzezinski will host a female-focused segment during Morning Joe's final half-hour), it seems doubtful MSNBC will attempt an overhaul of Morning Joe that will address the elephant in the room. Perhaps continuing a 3-hour block, with the same hosts that seem to have lost viewers, should be revisited. The one-on-one interviews at a table rather than a desk, (these moves from desks, to chairs, to tables is a little disconcerting) seems to have done little to create interest in the show or what is being said. (Especially since the hosts have a habit of frequently interrupting their guests mid-sentence!)  As it stands now, based on ratings , a number of viewers have decided Morning Joe is not worthy of th

Lady Gaga The Crown on Oscar's Head

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Much as we love "moving pictures" and Academy Awards each year, for the second year in a row, we were captivated, actually gaga, for Lady Gaga's performance. Last year Pink rocked   Somewhere Over The Rainbow  in a tribute to " The Wizard of Oz ", and this year in a tribute to the 50th Anniversary of " The Sound of Music " Lady Gaga sang a melody of songs from the film that gave us chills. (Check it out below.) There is no doubt, not that there has ever been, and if there was, it was dispelled last night, that Lady Gaga can sing! Lady Gaga's over the top costumes, brilliantly used to market her, often hid or made us forget she is a classically trained singer.  In some media accounts it was noted that she "hit every high note". Why would she? Related :  Pink Rocked Wizard of Oz Tribute At Oscars 2014

Oscars 2015 Opening Ceremony

Final Looks At NYFW Shows

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What's a Saturday during winter (possibly a winter storm in your case) good for? Fun and fantasy! So kick back, get your tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and check out " The Cut's"   last installment of looks from New York Fashion Week . It was a week of fun and fashion and the street styles seemed to win. For good measure here's Bill Cunningham's take on NYFW Coats on Display  (not to be missed).   Related: 2015 Fall Collections from NYFW

The 'Odd Couple' a Hot Mess?

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Wow, we just read Dominic Van Patten's review  (posted 2/19) of CBS' " The   Odd Couple " in which he calls the show a "mess".  "The Daily Beast" ran a headline yesterday that proclaimed The Odd Couple was "... the laziest  TV show ..." We have to admit, none of us caught the premiere. However we are huge fans of Neil Simon and had high hopes for the show. Oddly, the show premiered at a 3.1 rating, which was up from  "The McCarthys'" 1.7 premiere.  Guess we'll have to tune in and see what we think. Related: CBS Orders New 'Odd Couple' Pilot ,  Wendell Pierce Joins 'The Odd Couple' Reboot

Thomas Roberts Benefits From Changes at MSNBC

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It looks like MSNBC is serious about getting its ratings back in the winning column (or at least in front of CNN) by canceling " The Reid Repor t" (which had higher ratings than its lead-in " Ronan Farrow Daily",  also canceled). However rather than radical changes it seems MSNBC is tinkering around the edges. In place of both programs MSNBC will move the popular anchor Thomas Roberts to daytime.  Roberts' talent and professionalism did seem wasted as anchor of " Way Too Early ". Roberts will now anchor the news 1-3 as MSNBC's programming returns to a " more traditional news day ." Perhaps NBCNews sees Roberts the next generation and a viable replacement for Brian Williams in the near future. Related:  Tom Colicchio Joining MSNBC  ,  Mika Brzezinski Expanding Female Focus ,  Can Change Come To MSNBC Too Late? 

John Oliver on Replacing Jon Stewart

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John Oliver , who launched his HBO show " Last Week Tonight with John Oliver " last year, put to rest talk of replacing Jon Stewart during an appearance on " The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon ". Oliver's new deal extends his HBO contract through 2017. Related:  'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver' Debut

Tom Colicchio Joining MSNBC

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Tom Colicchio,  chef and restauranteur, who is probably best known (at least for us) for his judging on " Top Chef " will be joining MSNBC as a food correspondent. Adding Colicchio to MSNBC is seen as a move to broaden the types of stories the cable network will air going forward. (Apparently MSNBC has more changes on the way.) Colicchio will produce programs, as well as a series called " Everyone Eats" , for Morning Joe the other dayparts. Much as CNN has attempted to rebrand itself (with some success), MSNBC appears to be doing the same, perhaps prompted by a ratings drop that has persisted since last year. Related:  Mika Brzezinski Expanding Female Focus ,  Can Change Come To MSNBC Too Late? 

'Better Call Saul' More than Breaking Records

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" Better Call Saul " is breaking records and "shattering cable demos". Looks like the hit " Breaking Bad"  spinoff is living up to its high expectations. Related:  'Better Call Saul' Breaking Records ‘Better Call Saul’ Ratings Shatter Cable Demo Records In Live+3 http://t.co/kyIzuMdqNP via @deadline — ConversationCircle (@ConversationCir) February 18, 2015

2015 Fall Collections from NYFW

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Banana Republic RTW If you missed any part of NYFW, The Cut has a rundown of the Fall 2015 Collections . Related: The Fall 2014 New York Fashion Week Calendar

Mika Brzezinski Expanding Female Focus

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MSNBC's Mika Brzezinski , co-host of " Morning Joe ", is " expanding her brand " with a new female-focused segment during Morning Joe's final half-hour. Morning Joe has been suffering from declining ratings, and overtaken by CNN in the key adult demo, at least since the beginning of the year. Morning Joe producers may be trying to leverage Brzezinski's popularity with females (she has 3 best-selling books) who are stay-at-home or looking to get back in the workforce. The question will be, will that audience be broad enough to move the numbers, and will that viewer begin to tune in for the earlier broadcast. Related: Can Change Come To MSNBC Too Late? ,  January Another Down Month for 'MSNBC' 

'Saturday Night Live' 40th Anniversary Special Ratings Hit

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NBC's " Saturday Night Live" 40th Anniversary Special was star studded and drew ratings the network has not seen, for an entertainment telecast, in years. The primetime special aired from 8-11, and in early Nielsen reporting, averaged a 7.8 rating in the key demo with 23 million viewers. From what we've seen in social media Bill Murray's performance was the highlight of the evening. Other reporting served up mixed reviews. The New York Times declared the SNL Special " very funny, except when it wasn't ." Here's Bill :

House of Cards 'White House Portrait' Teaser

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Season 3 of HOC airs February 27 on Netflix . We can't wait. Related:  'House of Cards of Cards' Renewed For Third Season

Happy Presidents Day!

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We're not sure who our best dressed presidents were, but we do know there is always a " Presidents' Day " sale. So in honor of     NYFW, and  shopping  (a favorite American pastime especially on a holiday), we decided to focus on fashion.  New York Times fashion journalist, Cathy Horyn , has a great piece today on designers that are rising stars and their curious educational background. Let's just say, it's not private school.  Speaking of education, Horyn also penned a piece after seeing the Adidas show, " Kanye West hasn't graduated ...." Did he ever enroll?

'60 Minutes' Airing Bob Simon's Final Report

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When " 60 Minutes" correspondent Bob Simon was tragically killed in a car accident last week, he was working an Ebola story. Well it appears Simon was able to finish his final report , " Z Mapp " and it will be broadcast on tonight's 60 Minutes. What a fitting memory Simon left us, one last story! Related:  R.I.P Bob Simon

Sweeps, What Sweeps?

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A few years ago it would have been difficult to miss the fact that February is a " Sweeps " month. It's the time of year, or should we say quarter (February, May, July and November), when networks set their advertising rates. The goal during sweeps is to put on the most spectacular shows, features, and special guest (not a rerun in sight) all in order to get the largest audience. That bump in viewers equalled revenue for the next quarter. So what happened? Clearly awards shows and the Oscars will be airing this month, but for the most part television viewing has changed. With HBO , Netflix and VOD some are predicting " sweeps could be history ."

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Schedule

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If you're planning to attend New York Fashion Week, or watch it online live,  here's the what-and-when for Fall 2015:  Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2015 Schedule . However, not only are the  designers  getting ink,  fashion publications seem to be enamored with the " Street Style " as well.

R.I.P David Carr

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We are shocked and saddened by the death of New York Times columnist David Carr , at 58, who collapsed and died Thursday evening at his NYT office. On Wednesday we read a great piece by Carr on the " divergent paths " of Brian Williams and Jon Stewart. In 2008 Carr reported on himself when he wrote a memoir that detailed his addiction struggles and recovery .

Brian Williams' Name Removed from 'Nightly News'

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NBC and " NBC Nightly News " is moving quickly to scrub references to Brian Williams . After more than 10 years, NBC's evening news opened with "From NBC News world headquarters in New York, this is NBC Nightly News. Reporting tonight, Lester Holt." The NBC News website, graphics and social media sites have been edited to remove all references to Brian Williams. The six month suspension without pay appears to have been an exit strategy for Williams to leave without being fired, as all signs point to Williams not returning. Some in the entertainment industry have called for an " Anchor Idol " to find Williams' replacement. NBC must move quickly as "Nightly News" has taken a " ratings hit " in the form of " ABC World News Tonight with David Muir ". Related:   Brian Williams Suspended for Six Months ,   Brian Williams Calls Off 'Late Show' Appearance ,  Lester Holt Reads Brian Williams Statement on NBC '

R.I.P Bob Simon

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Remembering CBS veteran news and war correspondent Bob Simon . We were enlightened by his reporting and our lives were enriched. At the time of his death, Simon was working on an Ebola story.

Brian Williams Suspended for Six Months

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Looks like the brass at NBC, rather NBC News President, Deborah Turness , has  suspended Brian Williams , NBC's " Nightly News " anchor since 2004, for six months without pay. Last week NBC announced it was "investigating" Williams' reporting while he was in Iraq and in other hot spots (to check for additional evidence of embellishing). It seemed Williams had the support of NBC higher-ups while he's been under scrutiny,   however Williams' suspension is "effective immediately".   Lester Holt , anchor of Dateline, co-anchor of NBC's weekend edition of "Today" and NBC Nightly News, will continue to anchor in Williams' place for now. We hope Brian Williams can recover from this seemingly fall from grace.  Perhaps, while NBC is holding people accountable, the network should turn their attention to MSNBC, (the cable network is not under Turness) which is suffering from low ratings and needs a major shake-up! Related:  Br

Jon Stewart Leaving 'The Daily Show'

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It looks like late-night television is in for another shake-up as Jon Stewart , host of " The Daily Show " on Comedy Central , has announced he will leave the show after 16 years. Stewart took a hiatus from the show in 2013 to direct the movie "Rosewater" released in 2014. Perhaps Stewart now prefers moviemaking rather than the daily grind of television.   For many young viewers, Stewart's show is their source for "news" and opinions. Stewart is expected to make an announcement regarding his departure on tonight's show.  Stay tuned! 

'Better Call Saul' Breaking Records

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AMC's " Better Call Saul ", the prequel to " Breaking Bad ", premiered the first night in a 2 part opener to impressive ratings and reviews. Better Call Saul did benefit from a " Walking Dead " lead-in, however the show pulled in a total of 6.9 million viewers and a record 4.4 million viewers in the key demo 18-49. If ratings are any indication, Better Call Saul can look forward to a long run.  The second episode of the premiere will air tonight at 10pm, the show's regular slot. An encore of the premiere will air at 9pm. "DUI? Dealing Drugs? Better Call Saul "! Related:Trailer:   Trailer: Better Call Saul  Is Scripted Programming In Again?  Prequel Series for Jonathan Banks

Brian Williams Calls Off 'Late Show' Appearance

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In addition to taking a break from NBC's "Nightly News", Brian Williams , has canceled an appearance on the " Late Show with David Letterman ". Ironically, it was on the Late Show that Williams recounted one of his stories (he now acknowledges was "misremembered") of being in a Chinook that was hit by an RGB. Williams' absence from the anchor chair, now being referred to as a "hiatus" by some in the media, may be longer than originally planned. On Sunday's broadcast Lester Holt, who will he anchoring the Nightly News while Williams is away, asked viewers to ..."join us back here again tomorrow". Related: Lester Holt Reads Brian Williams Statement on NBC 'Nightly News' Saturday Edition ,  NBC's Brian Williams, Under Fire, Takes A Few Days Off

Lester Holt Reads Brian Williams Statement on NBC 'Nightly News' Saturday Edition

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At the end of NBC "Nightly News" Saturday edition's first block, Lester Holt  read Brian Williams' statement which explained Williams' decision to take several days off. Holt made no mention of filling in for Williams. Related:  NBC's Brian Williams, Under Fire, Takes A Few Days Off

NBC's Brian Williams, Under Fire, Takes A Few Days Off

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Brian Williams , NBC's " Nightly News" anchor since 2004, has recently been under fire for making "false claims" regarding his time in and reporting on Iraq in 2003. While the allegations of "false claims" by Williams were circulated for years, Williams only recently publicly apologized for "misremembering" events that took place during a ride he took in a Chinook helicopter while reporting in Iraq. As NBC News announced an investigation into the "false claims" made by the anchor, Williams has decided to take several days off , stating he was "too much a part of the news." Lester Holt , anchor of Dateline, co-anchor of NBC's weekend edition of "Today" and NBC Nightly News, will step in for Williams.  NBC News has continued to support Williams while he has been under scrutiny.   
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Pilot Actress and writer Issa Rae , whose online content has garnered more than 20 million views along with thousands of subscribers, has a pilot order from  HBO . Rae, who created and co-wote  "Insecure",  a comedy that focuses on a modern day African American woman, along with Larry Wilmore (who now has a late-night show on Comedy Central) is attached as an executive producer. Rae's book, " MisAdventures of Awkward Black Girl " is being released February10.

Gannett Moving Closer to Broadcasting Programming

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Looks like Gannett , best known for its publishing operations, is looking to move into broadcasting programming. With "43 stations covering 30% of the country," Gannett is in a prime position to develop and produce programs. Although, it has been reported that Gannett Broadcasting would also look for opportunities to partner with "other broadcasters", the category or kind of programming has not been specified.

Pilot Orders For 2015/16 Coming In

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CW has started the 2015/16 pilot cycle by ordering 3 pilots . From CBS TV Studios , "Tales From the Darkside", a reboot of the 1980s anthology,   Warner Bros' "Dead People" a show about an alcoholic cab driver, and "Cordon" based on a Belgian series. FOX ordered a single-camera comedy from 20th Century Fox TV, " Copper Barrett's Guide to Surviving Life ", a show that centers on life after college. Related: Fox Opting Out of Pilot Season

January Another Down Month for 'MSNBC'

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Ratings January saw another downturn in the ratings fortunes of  MSNBC , as the network lost 23% of their primetime viewership. The network was down 39% compared to January 2014. " The Rachel Maddow Show ", ranked #27, saw a ratings drop of 50% compared to last year, but remains MSNBC's' most watched show. " Morning Joe ", ranked #47 (last year's ranking was #28) in all cable news shows, faired no better and is now in fourth place behind " Fox and Friends" , " New Day " and " Morning Express ". So it would seem CNN's  New Day is now in second place and own the rights to brag about a winning streak ! Related:  Can Change Come To MSNBC Too Late? 

Super Bowl XLIX Delivers on Ratings

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UPDATE:  Super Bowl XLIX 2015, the most watch television program in history.  Super Bowl XLIX 2015 delivered the highest overnight ratings in history. For those of us still suffering from what seemed like a one yard line scene from " Poltergeist ", ratings are small comfort to our sense of bewilderment. Overnight metered-ratings at 49.7, the highest overnight ratings in Super Bowl history, were up 4% over Super Bowl 2014. Thrilling Patriots’ 28-24 win over Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX on NBC delivers highest overnight rating in Super Bowl history with 49.7/72. — NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) February 2, 2015

2015 Oscar-Nominated Documentaries to Watch

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You still have time to stream the 2015 Oscar-Nominated Documentaries . You just need to know what they are and were to find them. Well, Vulture created a handy binge-watch list for us. Thanks. That makes it easy! The 87th Academy Awards  will air on February 22 on ABC.

'Today' Show Super Bowl Ad

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The " Today " show anchor team shot their first-ever SuperBowl   promo . (We're not sure if it has anything to do with ratings and wooing back viewers). The commercial was shot in mid-January and "modeled" after a ColdPlay music video. The commercial was directed by Mat Whitecross who has sat at the helm of numerous Coldplay music videos. Related: Orange for Today

2015 Television Pilots

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The Hollywood Reporter will have a complete guide  for the 2015 pilot season. The page will be updated regularly with the latest updates.  Miniseries and other projects will not be included.

No Normcore at Haute Couture Spring/Summer Fashion Week 2015

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Brand Talk Chanel Chanel It looks like some of our favorite designers were criticized this season as " Couture Left Reality ..."  Chief among them Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer with 73 looks that included "flip-flops", "sneakers"(price available upon request) and flower power. We're digging the tweed, but the flowers not so much!  Dior  showed "biker tights", but the designs were surprisingly " wearable clothes ". InStyle  also gave us a recap of the " Coolest and Weirdest Shoes.   However, there was no  normcore  in Haute Couture Spring/ Summer Fashion Week 2015!

Famed Shoe Designer Vince Camuto

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We missed the passing of famed shoe designer Vince Camuto who died of cancer in late January. Camuto and his former business partner,   Jerome Fisher , founded Nine West , which they sold in 1999.  In 2001 Camuto founded, the now multi-billion dollar company, Camuto Group . What a life!