Friday, April 02, 2010

TV Rebels: People and Programs that Shaped the Medium, Volume 1 Review; Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of April 5, 2010)

Today we will be reviewing the book TV Rebels. Sound familiar? We exclusively posted 12 essays from the book over the past year or two and now the book is out! TV Rebels: People and Programs that Shaped the Medium, Volume 1 has been released as the first in a series of chapbooks by The Last Automat Press. Innovators like Norman Lear, Rod Serling, Irwin Allen, and Desi Arnaz, and series such as Star Trek and The Sopranos are honored in this collection of essays as significant contributors to the growth of television.
To achieve "rebel" status is to have presented something new, innovative, and thought provoking. It was to have set a standard that those who followed were inspired by and in turn looked to emulate. The people and programs in this volume and in subsequent TV Rebels collections have done just that. In so doing they have become part of our collective pop culture consciousness. We quote them, we laugh at them, we cry for them, and here, we remember them.
Contributing authors to this volume are Oscar De Los Santos, Brett Glatman, Kelly Goodridge, Mark Misercola, Justin Orfanella, Lou Orfanella, Pasquale Palumbo, and William Suesholtz.
Copies may be ordered for $10 each, plus $1 shipping per order. Orders: The Last Automat Press, P.O. Box 35, Patterson, NY 12563. Mention SitcomsOnline.com and your copies will be signed by at least two of the contributing authors!
Visit http://www.thelastautomat.com/ for more details.

TV Rebels: People and Programs that Shaped the Medium, Volume 1 (The Last Automat Press, $10.00)

TV Rebels: People and Programs that Shaped the Medium was originally conceived as a companion piece to Oscar De Los Santos' 2008 text Reel Rebels: Eleven Directors who Bucked the System and Shot the Flick their Way (Fine Tooth Press). Several of the authors herein also contributed essays to Des Los Santos' book.

The book has a soft red cover and features cover art by Ivana Masic. It's divided into 18 sections and runs 48 pages. Each essay is 1-4 page(s) in length.

Sign On: Felix the Cat: The First TV Star - Lou Orfanella discusses the history of the magic bag toting feline.

Irwin Allen: A Master of Disaster Who Changed the Way We Look at Sci-Fi - Mark Misercola talks about Irwin Allen who brought us shows such as Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost in Spae, The Time Tunnel and Land of the Giants.

The Andy Griffith Show: Mayberry's Sheriff Without a Gun - Oscar De Los Santos takes a look at the success of The Andy Griffith Show.

Desi Arnaz: More Than Just a Bongo Player - Lou Orfanella comments on Desi Arnaz who changed the traditional method of producing sitcoms by shooting on film with multiple cameras.

Bill Cosby: Double Rebel - Lou Orfanella looks at the career of Bill Cosby from I Spy to The Bill Cosby Show, as well as his other credits.

ESPN: He-Could-Go-All-The Way! And Other Catch-Phrases - William Suesholtz comments on the development of ESPN's SportsCenter, Chris Berman's nicknames and other ESPN personalities.

The Flintstones: The Honeymoon That Never Ended - Mark Misercola traces the history of the family from Bedrock.

Norman Lear: Changing the Face of Comedy - Lou Orfanella takes a look at the career of Norman Lear who brought us groundbreaking and influential hit series such as All in the Family, Maude, Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.

The Mary Tyler Moore Sow: She Made it After All - Justin Orfanella discusses the issues that were dealt with on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and how it was revolutionary.

Monday Night Football: Cultural Phenomenon - William Suesholtz analyzes the impact of Monday Night Football and how it has changed who and why Americans view the game.

Monty Python's Flying Circus: And Now for Something Completely Different - Kelly Goodridge comments on how the "Pythons" altered the face of television comedy and were inovators with their jokes and sketches.

Saturday Night Live: Live From New York, it's Saturday Night! - Kelly Goodridge takes a look the history of the long running sketch comedy-variety show and some of the memorable characters.

Rod Serling: Submitted For Your Approval - Lou Orfanella talks about Rod Serling who brought us The Twlight Zone.

The Smothers Broithers: You Can't Do That on Television - Lou Orfanella looks at the development of the show and how they battled censors over the content of it.

The Sopranos: An Offer We Couldn't (and Didn't Refuse) - Pasquale Palumbo analyzes the HBO show and what made it so popular with viewers. The cast and characters are discussed.

Aaron Spelling: More Than Just Jiggle TV - Brett Glatman discusses the work of Aaron Spelling who brought us shows such as Fantasy Island, The Love Boat and Charlie's Angels.

Star Trek: Where No Science Fiction TV Show Has Gone Before - Oscar De Los Santos takes a look at the development of the show, the cast, the writing, cancelation and legacy of the series.

Sign Off: TV Dinners: Culinary Pop Culture - Lou Orfanella provides a short history of the TV Dinner.

This is a nice collection of essays that cover a variety of topics. They are well written and researched with a works cited section for each of them. Many genres are covered including animated series, sci-fi, sitcoms, sports, sketch comedy/variety series and dramas. I think they made some fine choices for shows and people that made significatnt contributions to the growth of television. This is a quick read at only 48 pages and with no photos. It would be nice to see them cover some other genres like news programs, soap operas, game shows, children's and educational programs, music television, talk shows, reality shows and westerns in future volumes. Most of the shows and people covered here are pretty well known. It would be interesting to read about some tv rebels and innovators that may not be household names.

Reviewed by Todd Fuller
(3/5 stars)

It's Friday, so it is time for "Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows" for the coming week. This is where we list what sitcom stars are appearing on talk shows for the coming week, the stars are both current and past sitcom stars (but we won't cover movie stars like Tom Hanks or John Travolta, since they won't be talking about their past sitcoms likely), so this is for all sitcom fans of all eras!
For the week of April 5-0, 2010, we have many current sitcom stars and past sitcom stars on TV talk shows! So get your DVR's (or whatever you use) ready! Ready? Here is all what you need to know for the coming week!

Monday, April 5, 2010
  • None.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

  • Steve Carell (The Office) - Steve is promoting his movie on Late Show with David Letterman at 11:35pm ET on CBS. But before that catch him with Tina Fey on The Oprah Show, check your local listings.
  • Tina Fey (30 Rock) - See Tina with Steve Carell on The Oprah Show, check your local listings for time and channel.
  • Betty White (The Mary Tyler Moore Show/Golden Girls/Hot in Cleveland) - She will be a guest on a "Funny People" edition of Oprah Show. Check your listings for time/channel!
  • Tracy Morgan (30 Rock) - Tracy will also be a part of the "Funny People" edition of Oprah! Check listings.
  • Carol Burnett (Carol Burnett Show/Mama's Family) - The legendary comedy queen stops by NBC's Today show sometime between 7-9am and then later LIVE! with Regis & Kelly. Check local listings for time and channel.
  • Mindy Kaling (The Office) - She stops by CBS's Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:35am.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

  • Steve Carell (The Office) - Steve stops by The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central at 11pm ET. Earlier in the morning Steve joins Tina Fey on NBC's Today show between 7-9am.
  • Tina Fey (30 Rock) - Tina will be on LIVE! with Regis & Kelly so check your local listings for time and channel. And a bit earlier Tin joins Steve Carell on NBC's Today show sometime between 7-9am.
  • David Duchovny (Californication) - David stops to chat with Leno on The Tonight Show at 11:35pm on NBC.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

  • Martin Lawrence (Martin) - Martin will be on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 12:05am ET and will also on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so check your listings!
  • Tin Fey (30 Rock) - Tina will promote her movie, but will probably mention her sitcom on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon at 12:35am on NBC.
  • Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie) - Edie stops by to talk to the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am PT.
  • Steve Carell (The Office) - Steve's press tour for his movie continues, this time on LIVE! with Regis & Kelly, check local listings for time and channel.
  • Carol Burnett (The Carol Burnett Show/Mama's Family) - Carol stops by HLN's The Joy Behar Show at 9pm.

Friday, April 9, 2010

  • Jennifer Aniston (Friends) - It's a slow Friday, so we'll mention her. Her repeat appearance on CBS's Late Show with David Letterman from March 15 reairs at 11:35pm.
  • Steve Carell and Tina Fey (The Office, 30 Rock) - The duo stop by The Rachel Ray Show to discuss their movie. Check local listings for time and channel.
Leave us comments on our message board or Tweet/Facebook us to let us know what you think of this new feature! We do listen!


Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Sunday, February 16

Shifting Gears - "Restoration" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Matt, the widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop, is confronted with his most unexpected and challenging project yet when his estranged daughter and her adolescent children come crashing back into his life.

Shifting Gears - "Accommodations" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Matt joins Riley at Carter's high school open house.

Shifting Gears - "Job" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Riley, desperate for work, reluctantly takes a job at Matt's shop; Gabriel and Stitch secretly stray from Matt's vision on a high-stakes restomod project.

Shifting Gears - "Grief" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Riley discovers a closet filled with her late mother's clothes, she insists Matt hasn't processed her death and urges him to see a grief counselor; Gabriel faces a crisis of confidence when he's put in charge of the shop for a day.

Shifting Gears - "Jimmy" (ABC, 10:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Riley's estranged husband, Jimmy, shows up to win her back, much to Matt's dismay; Riley finds support in an unexpected place.

Shifting Gears - "Valentine's" (ABC, 10:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
A Valentine's Day visit to his late wife's grave sparks an unexpected connection for Matt in an unlikely place; Riley is thrust into the spotlight for a promotional video at the dance studio.

Family Guy - "Fat Gun" (Fox, 8:00PM ET/PT)
This "Top Gun" parody chronicles Peter/Maverick getting together with Lois/Charlie, the tragic death of Joe/Goose, and Peter/Maverick's blooming relationship with Chris/Rooster.

Grimsburg - "Haunted Housewife" (Fox, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Annoyed by Flute ruining her dates, Harmony pushes him to move out, resulting in him moving into a house haunted by a doting housewife who does all his chores, transforming him into a real adult.

The Great North - "The Prince of Hides Adventure" (Fox, 9:00PM ET/PT)
Wolf finally gets cast on the local Alaskan survival show "Dropped Off to Die," but when he's out early, his shame leads him to sneak home and hide on the Tobin property instead.

Krapopolis - "John Fate Comes a- nockin'" (Fox, 9:30PM ET/PT)
Deliria's clairvoyant ex comes to town and gives the family some bad news.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of February 10)

Friday, February 14

  • Ariana Grande (Sam & Cat/Victorious) - Watch Ariana on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Bernadette Peters (High Desert/Mozart in the Jungle/All's Fair) - Bernadette is a guest on a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Kieran Culkin (Go Fish) - Kieran appears on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
  • Kenan Thompson (Kenan/Kenan & Kel) - Kenan is a guest on a repeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
  • Morris Chestnut (Out All Night) - Morris appears on a repeat of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
  • Will Forte (HouseBroken/MacGruber/The Last Man on Earth/The Cleveland Show) - Will is a guest on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Conner O'Malley (Shrill) - Conner appears on a repeat of Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Harry Hamlin (Movie Stars) - Harry and Lisa Rinna are guests on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your local listings.
  • Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/Café Americain/Sydney/One Day at a Time) and
  • Oliver Hudson (Splitting Up Together/Rules of Engagement/My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star) - Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos and fiancé Chock Chapple are telling Drew about their experience falling in love on television on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings. The love panel of Valerie Bertinelli, Taye Diggs, Oliver Hudson and Dr. Tiffanie Davis Henry is back and answering audience questions in a sex and relationships Q&A. Plus, Drew is joined by love gurus Valerie Bertinelli, Taye Diggs, Oliver Hudson and Dr. Tiffanie Davis Henry for a dating Q&A.
  • Anthony Mackie (Twisted Metal) - Anthony talks about starring in the highly anticipated new film Captain America: Brave New World on Sherri, so check your local listings.
  • Monica Barbaro (FUBAR) - Monica can be heard on The Morning Mash Up on SiriusXM.


New on DVD and Blu-ray

Veep - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) I Love Lucy - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) Seinfeld - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray) The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series

10/08 - Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Twelfth Season / The Complete Series
10/22 - Veep - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
11/05 - I Love Lucy - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
11/12 - The King of Queens - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (2024 Release)
11/19 - SpongeBob SquarePants - The Complete Fourteenth Season
11/26 - Looney Tunes Collector's Choice - Volume 4 (Blu-ray)
12/03 - Angel (1960-1961) - The Complete Series, Volume 1
12/17 - Seinfeld - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (4K UHD)
01/28 - Wait Till Your Father Gets Home - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/04 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)
02/04 - The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series

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