Okay, this is the funniest Strike-centric story I’ve read yet.

As you’ve probably seen by now, Carson Daly crossed the picket lines and went ahead with production of his late, late night talk show, Last Call with Carson Daly. The heckling he received for being a scab back then wasn’t enough, however, and some writers/mercenaries took it to the next level.

Last night, during a taping with NFL star Jerry Rice, a member of the audience quickly stood up and told Carson that his jokes weren’t funny, and he needed a writer to write better questions. Security quickly swooped in and escorted the villainous writer out. Whew…situation dissolved, right?

Wrong. After Daly restarted the interview with Rice, another member of the audience stood up and said, “I feel so bad for the striking writers! Can I please leave?”, and went on to point out that Carson was using cue cards, and asked who was writing those. He was also escorted out, along with three more.

After this disruption, someone stood up and said that anyone else who interrupted the production would be prosecuted, and that any other striking writers should leave. A whopping twenty or so got up and excused themselves.

I think this infiltration settles it…the writers’ ninja skills are unparalleled.

(Source: Defamer)

Hulu.com is the NBC-News Corp joint venture that makes it easier than ever to watch full length television programs online. The site is currently in private beta. When it launches it will be completely free, and may include YouTube like features allowing you to upload your own content.

Although, I have to say that I hope it doesn’t. We already have YouTube - and we don’t need another one. What Hulu has going for it, is something completely different, and I hope they can be wise enough to stick with what they have, and leave YouTube styled videos of kids crying into their webcams alone.

See, with what Hulu.com has going on right now…it’s, hand down, the best web based television viewing experience on the web right now.
Read the rest of this entry »

The TV Zone reports that CBS has decided to drop the Democratic Debate that was scheduled for December 10th. The reason for the cancellation is blamed on the Writer’s Strike and fear that they will form picket lines around the event that Democrats will not cross.

“CBS News regrets not being able to offer the Democratic presidential debate scheduled for Dec. 10 in Los Angeles. The possibility of picket lines set up by the Writers Guild of America and the unwillingness of many candidates to cross them made it necessary to allow the candidates to make other plans.”

The Writer’s Guide responded by saying “The Writers Guild of America, East and the Writers Guild of America, West regret that the Democratic National Committee has had to cancel the December 10th Presidential Debate hosted by CBS. This was triggered by CBS’ fear that the Democratic candidates would not cross a picket line by WGA-CBS News writers or WGA Film and TV writers to participate in the debate – a concern that could have been avoided entirely if CBS would simply sit down and negotiate a fair contract for its news and entertainment employees. Instead, CBS chose to make a decision that stifles the democratic process.”

While I’m not really sure we need another Debate where all of these primary candidates can stand around avoiding giving real answers to questions (and I think the Republicans do the same thing - so don’t start a red vs. blue debate here, please), it is a shame (in my opinion) that the WGA is flexing muscle by blocking events that Writer’s wouldn’t even be involved with.

Season 6 Episode 5 Lois Kills Stewie (Part 2)

In recent years Family Guy has been hit or miss. Wait…scratch that…the show has always been hit or miss. Usually the plot of the episode is completely irrelevant, and its the one liners that make the show entertaining….at least, that’s my take on it. Still, even with that, there is something unsatisfying about an episode that ends as a “dream”, and I don’t really think it’s a spoiler revealing that.

If you didn’t know that Stewie wasn’t really going to kill Lois, then I’m really not sure I can help you. It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book, and they even went so far as to remind us that they know doing episodes like this suck at the end of the darn thing.

In this episode we start with a quick recap of Lois getting shot, Peter going to trial over it, and Lois showing back up at the end of the episode. Things continue to get out of hand and Stewie eventually takes over the United States after holding Brian hostage.

There were some good one liners in the episodes, and the surprise cameo by “American Dad” was entertaining. When it comes down to it, though, this episode really didn’t stand out, and I really prefer Stewie the way he’s evolved over the years, instead of the “little baby seeking World Domination” angle he started out with. So…I finished watching this episode and felt a resounding “eh”.

Note: This is the last new episode of “Family Guy” until the Writer’s Strike ends.

Grade: C

I find myself in a conundrum when it comes to deciding my late-night viewing.  I love Conan, but my wife prefers Kimmel, so we usually end up watching that.  So unfortunately I missed this little flub that went down on Monday’s show.

J.J. Abrams is hot stuff right now.  He’s got that little Lost show that’s still doing oh so well, he’s got a super-secret Cloverfield movie coming out in January that has fans foaming, and then Star Trek on the horizon beyond that. 

Well, add on to that a couple of pilots that he’s just sold, and you’ve got a very promising time for Mr. Abrams.  It’s been confirmed that FOX has picked up the script for Fringe, a sci-fi drama that follows a young FBI agent as she tries to figure out the cause of “the spread of powerful and unexplained phenomena”.  In doing so, she must enlist the help of an institutionalized scientist whose life’s passion may be closely related to the current crisis.  Few details are being let out about the deal, but it’s said that FOX has dropped $10 million for the pilot, with episode license fees up to $2 million.  Yowzah.

The second is a little less…conventional.  Boundaries, which was picked up by ABC this week, “centers on a psychologist who hosts a cable-access show and is way down on her luck. As a result, she takes a job as a notary public, which helps her get her life back on track.”  So…yeah.  Notary publics are hot stuff right now, too.

Will Ferrell continues his string of sports-themed comedies with the upcoming East Bound and Down for HBO.

The comedy follows a washed-up baseball player who returns to his hometown and the only job that he can find…a substitute gym teacher.  Danny McBride will star in the show, along with John Hawkes, Katy Mixon and Andrew Daly.

HBO picked up six episodes of the show.

The Emmy’s came and went this weekend, and left a few surprises, but nothing I disagree with totally.

Sopranos took Outstanding Drama Series, which didn’t surprise anyone, I don’t think.  30 Rock’s win for Outstanding Comedy Series over The Office did shock me a bit, but I think it’s well deserved.  James Spader took home another award for Alan Shore on Boston Legal…which I’m surprised didn’t go to Gandolfini. 

Hit the jump for a more complete list. Read the rest of this entry »

Next week, we’ll take a day-by-day look at what we’ll be watching this season.  There’s nothing really significant coming on for another few weeks, but while you’re waiting for the new season to kick into gear, take a look at the following couple of resources to plan your television schedule this season. 

First up is from MSN…a programming grid of all the primetime shows coming this season.  It’s a great tool to see what you’ll have to drop and what you can squeeze in. 

Also, courtesty of AICN, here’s a complete list, in chronological order, of premiere dates.  Because of the length, hit the jump for the list. Read the rest of this entry »

At the premiere of his new film “Run Fat Boy Run”, former Friend, David Schwimmer was adamant when asked about a possible “Friends” reunion that he just won’t do it.

“It was ten years ago - and it’s time to move on.” says the former star.

While I don’t think a Friends reunion is ever necessary, I can already tell you that there will come a day when Schwimmer retracts this statement. The only Friend who seems to be doing terribly well at the box office is Jennifer Aniston, and I seriously doubt “Fat Boy” is going to change things for Schwimmer.

Should there be a Friends reunion movie or special? Well…let me ask you this…should there have been TWO Dukes of Hazard Reunion movies?

My point is that it doesn’t matter if it SHOULD happen or not. Chances are it will.

via TV Squad