Boston.com -- TV news

Senators: Take action against White House crashers

2009-11-29T15:11:25Z

Two senators say authorities ought to pursue criminal charges against the Virginia couple who crashed last week's state dinner at the White House.

Longtime CBS News producer Bernard Birnbaum dies

Jennifer Peltz, Associated Press Writer — 2009-11-28T22:21:36Z

CBS News producer Bernard Birnbaum, who helped shape the public's view of issues ranging from poverty to the Watergate scandal while working alongside Walter Cronkite and Charles Kuralt, has died, the network said.

Critic’s corner

Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff — 2009-11-28T17:54:58Z

Soul Train Awards 9 p.m., BET The 22d annual event is hosted by Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. Scheduled performers include Toni Braxton (above). The red carpet show begins on BET at 8.

Funny how they see things

Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff — 2009-11-28T17:54:53Z

Character is the great currency of any good sitcom. Funny jokes, farcical situations, and ironic asides are nothing without well-developed characters and strong comedic actors to bring them to life. Here are three who have broken out recently:

Laugh tracking

Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff — 2009-11-28T17:53:59Z

Maybe it was when 10-year-old Manny put down his newspaper to get another cup of espresso, like a little executive Buddha, or maybe it was when he insisted on wearing his traditional Colombian poncho to grade school, that it came to me: “Modern Family’’ is an instantly lived-in and fleshed-out sitcom. The ABC comedy arrived in September fully formed, filled ...

News exec: Dinner crashers shopping interview

David Bauder, AP Television Writer — 2009-11-28T15:51:30Z

A television executive says the couple that crashed President Barack Obama's first state dinner is offering to talk to broadcast networks about it for a payment of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Maine governor gives thanks in radio address

2009-11-28T13:09:23Z

Gov. John Baldacci says Mainers are keeping their spirits this Thanksgiving weekend despite the grip of the worst recession in a generation.

Guests for the Sunday TV news shows

The Associated Press — 2009-11-28T08:21:31Z

Guest lineup for the Sunday TV news shows: ------

WGBH bringing TV shows to radio

Johnny Diaz, Globe Staff — 2009-11-28T04:03:18Z

WGBH said it plans to air more of its popular TV programs on the radio starting Tuesday as part of its effort to reinvent 89.7 FM as Boston’s next full-time news and information radio station - and set it apart from competitors that dominate the market.

Sagal brings vulnerability to ‘Sons’ season 2

Frazier Moore, Associated Press — 2009-11-28T03:53:03Z

Season two of the FX drama “Sons of Anarchy’’ is primed to end with bloody payback. It’s likely to be pretty. The Sons, a fierce and fiercely close-knit motorcycle club, are set to wreak havoc on enemy forces that have cut into their outlaw livelihood and horned in on their turf (the curiously named town of Charming, ...

Mo’Nique’s success is built on fearlessness

Michael Sragow, The Baltimore Sun — 2009-11-27T17:43:25Z

BALTIMORE - Describing how her character brutalizes her daughter in “Precious’’ and at one point endangers the life of her infant granddaughter, Mo’Nique says, “That was rough for me. But the moment the director says, ‘Cut,’ you leave it right on the floor.’’

On Demand picks

2009-11-27T17:42:49Z

LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT ( Comcast Movies and Events) A remake of Wes Craven’s 1972 horror film about parents who wind up attacking their daughter’s attackers. As a night of movie excitement, it’s dubious. This remake plods to its finale. Yet the movie packs a vicarious jolt that might feel cathartic to some moviegoers. (R; runs through Jan. 29)

Critic’s corner

Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff — 2009-11-27T17:42:00Z

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert Tomorrow at 8 p.m., HBO HBO is airing a concert held at Madison Square Garden last month, in honor of the Rock Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary. Who’s on board for the four-hour special? Crosby, Stills and Nash, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Metallica, U2 - ...

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2009-11-27T17:42:00Z

Daily guide

2009-11-27T17:41:18Z

RADIO HIGHLIGHTS Vaughan Williams 8:25 a.m. WCRB-FM (99.5) Laura Carlo spins out the famous Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis.

Preschool science rocks

Sam Allis, Globe Staff — 2009-11-27T17:38:03Z

The Oscar-nominated actress Joan Cusack begins her fourth season in January as the narrator of “Peep and the Big Wide World,’’ the acclaimed children’s science show produced by WGBH. It airs on PBS stations across the country and, until the end of next year, the Discovery Kids channel. In it, three cartoon characters - Peep, a baby chicken; Chirp, a ...

Guests for the Sunday TV news shows

The Associated Press — 2009-11-27T16:31:23Z

Guest lineup for the Sunday TV news shows: ------

Katey Sagal: Happy as the mom on 'Sons of Anarchy'

Frazier Moore, AP Television Writer — 2009-11-27T14:42:05Z

Season two of the FX drama "Sons of Anarchy" is primed to end with bloody payback. It's likely to be pretty.

Air Force captain wins new car on 'Jay Leno Show'

Frazier Moore, AP Television Writer — 2009-11-27T13:05:51Z

An audience member at "The Jay Leno Show" is especially grateful this Thanksgiving. He won a new car.

Air Force captain wins new car on 'Jay Leno Show'

Frazier Moore, AP Television Writer — 2009-11-27T02:01:25Z

An audience member at "The Jay Leno Show" is especially grateful this Thanksgiving. He won a new car.

On demand picks

2009-11-27T01:18:14Z

HANNAH MONTANA: THE MOVIE ( Comcast Movies and Events) Does Miley Cyrus (above) at last remove Hannah’s blond wig or not? And how much longer can she keep up this charade until some stranger tweets the truth about the pop superstar? Regardless, the depressed look on her face breaks your heart. Truculence is OK. But rebellion will have to wait ...

Daily guide

2009-11-27T01:17:02Z

ON CHRONICLE Chronicle Classic: Foliage Festival 7:30 p.m. WCVB-TV (Channel 5) Mary Richardson travels north to the Kancamagus Highway and west on the Mohawk Trail. She travels to postcard towns in Vermont and a hidden lair for leaf peepers in Maine. Plus, learn how to shoot a winning foliage photo from editors of Yankee Magazine, and drop in on the ...

Critic’s corner

Matthew Gilbert — 2009-11-27T01:16:44Z

Storytellers 11 p.m., VH1 To mark almost 15 years since the release of their first album - oh yeah, and the release of their new greatest-hits collection - Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters perform and talk. Grohl (above) explains how “Everlong’’ revived the band creatively, and how Bob Dylan once praised the song.

Fox's start mark could be in jeopardy for Miami

2009-11-26T15:51:46Z

Left tackle Jason Fox is sick and listed as doubtful for No. 19 Miami's game Saturday at South Florida, meaning he's unlikely for what would have been a history-making start for the Hurricanes.

QVC hard-sells Black Friday-athon

David Bauder, Associated Press — 2009-11-25T17:35:17Z

NEW YORK - Television retailer QVC has made aggressive plans to keep shoppers watching - instead of mall-hopping - on Black Friday, an event it has traditionally ignored.

On Demand picks

2009-11-25T17:34:00Z

A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT (Encore on Comcast ) A long, bloody, exhilarating Rubik’s Cube of a movie from the star and director of “Amelie.’’ Audrey Tautou (above) plays the fiancee of a man presumed dead during World War I; her post-war investigation restores humanity by uncovering men’s stories. Jean-Pierre Jeunet directs with his usual overkill, but any smugness fades behind ...

Daily guide

2009-11-25T17:33:16Z

ON BOSTON.COM Chat at 11 a.m. with Courtney Hollands on upcoming events in Boston. Chat at 2 p.m. with Peter Hotton on home repair.

Critic’s corner

Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff — 2009-11-25T17:32:54Z

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 9 a.m., Channel 7 It’s the 83d annual march through Manhattan, with lots of big balloons in tow including Mickey Mouse and Spider-Man. Among all the performers, including Andrea Bocelli, Gloria Gaynor, Katharine McPhee, the cast of “Sesame Street,’’ and Carly Simon, don’t look for the cast of “Glee.’’ NBC, in a fit of desperate competition, ...

‘Big Time Rush’ is a little bit ‘Entourage,’ a little bit Monkees

Denise Martin, Los Angeles Times — 2009-11-25T17:27:38Z

HOLLYWOOD - In the middle of everything is a pool flanked by beach chairs, palm trees, actresses, publicists, and hangers-on.

A perfect fit for brothers

Christopher Muther, Globe Staff — 2009-11-25T17:22:53Z

Designers Dan and Dean Caten, the Canadian twins responsible for outfitting celebs such as Madonna, Justin Timberlake, and Rihanna with their Dsquared2 line, are the latest fashion designers taking a turn on reality television. The Catens host “Launch My Line,’’ Bravo’s next attempt to fill the “Project Runway’’ void. In “Launch,’’ non-fashion designers (think architect, choreographer, or DJ), are each ...

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2009-11-25T17:22:53Z

Singers’ TV scandals date back more than 50 years

Frazier Moore, Associated Press — 2009-11-25T01:57:06Z

NEW YORK - Entertainers have been misbehaving on TV - or accused of it, at least - long before singer Adam Lambert was born.

Viewers at the mercy of pop-up promos

Frazier Moore, Associated Press — 2009-11-24T18:15:23Z

NEW YORK - Somewhere in the universe of TV viewers, there’s got to be a person who actually likes those pop-up, on-screen promotions.

On-demand picks

2009-11-24T18:14:44Z

BRONCO BILLY (Encore on Comcast ) Clint Eastwood fashions a most entertaining film from the fabric of a modern day, flea-bitten Wild West Show. Sondra Locke (above, with Eastwood) and Scatman Crothers head a terrific supporting cast. One thing’s for sure, ole Clint would never give us any mechanical bull. (PG; runs through Dec. 24)

Critic’s corner

Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff — 2009-11-24T18:13:55Z

Glee 9 p.m., Channel 25 This show is fun. A little twisted (Stephen Tobolowsky’s former glee club leader), a little absurd (Will Schuester being unaware his wife is not pregnant), a little overproduced and poorly lip-synched (all the songs), a little redundant when it comes to plot development, and a little uneven in overall quality from episode to episode. But ...

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2009-11-24T18:13:55Z

Daily guide

2009-11-24T18:13:15Z

ON BOSTON.COM Chat at noon with Tony Massarotti on sports. Chat at 1 p.m. with Meredith Goldstein on love and romance.

Television: Two standards, or too racy?

2009-11-24T03:00:05Z

The openly gay entertainer Adam Lambert is complaining that ABC edited his American Music Awards performance to scale back some of the raunchy simulated sex and bondage with his backup singers. He says female entertainers are allowed to be more explicit. That may be true, as Madonna and Britney can attest, but they and Lambert could use the same lesson: There's beauty in restraint.

On Demand picks

2009-11-24T01:20:49Z

SUNSHINE CLEANING ( Comcast Movies and Events) Not the comedy it’s being marketed as but a moody, intelligent, fairly pedestrian drama about blue-collar sisters who go into the crime-scene cleaning business. Amy Adams and Emily Blunt are very good in the leads. The movie’s about the grace needed to get past life’s bruised expectations. (R; runs through Dec. 23) TY ...

Daily guide

2009-11-24T01:20:01Z

ON BOSTON.COM Chat at noon with the Job Doc. ON CHRONICLE Kendall Square 7:30 p.m. WCVB-TV (Channel 5) Anthony Everett circles the square, with an inside look at Microsoft’s New England Research & Development Center, a visit to the kitschy Friendly Toast, and a shopping trip to the Garment District and its dollar a pound clothing special.

Critic’s corner

Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff — 2009-11-24T01:19:41Z

Frontline 9 p.m., Channel 2 Most of us - or those of us who didn’t study economics - are pretty confused about the rules and fees attached to our credit cards. Tonight’s episode tries to untie the knot a bit, looking closely at the credit card industry as it faces public anger, new regulations, and the recession.

Extra, extra credit

Mark Feeney, Globe Staff — 2009-11-24T01:08:49Z

There are 100,000 credit card transactions per minute in the United States, and Americans carry nearly $1 trillion in credit card debt. Plastic has become as much a part of the American way as Mom, apple pie, and the flag. At least two of those items you can purchase with a credit card.

Who’s lining up to fill Oprah’s shoes - or her time slot?

David Bauder, Associated Press — 2009-11-23T02:20:04Z

NEW YORK - Will it be Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Phil, or Dr. Oz? Maybe none of the above. The announced shutdown of “The Oprah Winfrey Show’’ in two years creates room for a new queen (or king) of daytime television.

On demand picks

2009-11-23T01:42:06Z

MR. HOLLAND’S OPUS (Encore on Comcast ) Richard Dreyfuss (above), as an American Mr. Chips, spending decades on the job as a high-school music teacher after first thinking it only a temporary gig, carries this feel-good teacher movie past heavy-handedness and sentimentality. We care because we’re always convinced he cares. (PG; runs through Dec. 17)

Hamm has their Emmy vote

2009-11-23T01:41:39Z

The Globe’s Joanna Weiss and Matthew Gilbert chatted about TV with readers last Thursday on Boston.com. Here are excerpts.

Daily guide

2009-11-23T01:39:44Z

ON NECN CEO Corner 8:30 p.m. Wireless Zone COO Mark Asnes talks about the hot smart phone and cellphone market.

Critic's corner

Matthew Gilbert — 2009-11-23T01:39:24Z

The Lost JFK Tapes: The Assassination 9 p.m., National Geographic The assassination of President John F. Kennedy, on Nov. 22, 1963, gets a compelling re-telling tonight. Nowadays, with cable news channels and cellphone cameras, we get to watch every big news event unfold minute-by-minute, in an insane amount of detail. We’re all Zapruders. This two-hour documentary goes back and assembles ...

Wild things

2009-11-23T01:19:23Z

We know Animal Planet host Jeff Corwin is brave. We’ve watched him tangle with poisonous snakes and have his boat knocked around by hippos. We also know he’s eminently entertaining. After all that world traveling and success, Corwin still remembers his roots. Born and raised in Norwell, the conservationist returns to support the local science center there that he inspired. ...

Critic’s Corner

Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff — 2009-11-22T05:00:00Z

2009 American Music Awards 8 p.m., Channel 5 The 37th annual event will air live from Los Angeles. Scheduled performers include Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Alicia Keys (above), Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Jennifer Lopez, and Adam Lambert.

As Oprah heads to cable, will her golden touch go with her?

Johnny Diaz and Megan Woolhouse, Globe Staff — 2009-11-21T04:40:08Z

There is no way to overstate the influence of Oprah on the life of 49-year-old Barbara Moulton of Boston.

Fine state of comedy

Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff — 2009-11-21T02:20:49Z

Massachusetts is a funny place. Or at least a lot of people originally from the state are currently at the forefront of TV comedy, including Conan O’Brien, Amy Poehler, and “Office’’ workers such as Steve Carell. Also on the list: Robert Carlock, executive producer and writer of “30 Rock,’’ who grew up in Weston and graduated from Harvard. I spoke ...

The merciful end of ‘Jon & Kate’

Frazier Moore, Associated Press — 2009-11-20T17:24:49Z

NEW YORK - You might say our national nightmare is over. Or is it just a TV series?

Oprah's departure presents problem for TV stations

Caryn Rousseau and Ryan Nakashima, Associated Press Writers — 2009-11-20T05:22:17Z

For more than two decades, Oprah Winfrey has been the inspirational, change-your-life champion who reigned over daytime television much like Johnny Carson once ruled late night.

Palin leads her own charge into the reality spotlight

Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff — 2009-11-19T17:58:06Z

This week’s Sarah Palin TV tour has been like “Jon & Kate & Sarah & Todd & Bristol & Levi Plus Kids.’’ A 2012 presidential candidacy may not be on Palin’s “radar screen right now,’’ as she told both Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Walters in separate interviews, but her desire to remain a free-floating reality star on the American stage ...

Leaning to the left, and hoping to be heard

Johnny Diaz, Globe Staff — 2009-11-19T04:08:20Z

Jeff Santos is on an ambitious mission: For the past year, he has been building Boston’s only progressive radio talk show station.

Eric Mabius says a lot about his career and a little about fashion

Christopher Muther, Globe Staff — 2009-11-18T16:46:51Z

NORTHAMPTON - Over the course of a brilliantly sunny Saturday - the kind of day when the sky appears even more cerulean than usual thanks to vivid yellow and scarlet leaves that stubbornly cling to branches - it becomes very clear that Eric Mabius has a tendency to overextend himself.

PBS can market its kids shows without selling out

Joanna Weiss, Globe Staff — 2009-11-14T18:22:46Z

I’m ready for my Ruff Ruffman T-shirt. And my Ruff Ruffman backpack. And maybe a Ruff Ruffman flea collar, just for show. I want Ruff consumer-product overload.

Mobbed by fans -- in a good way

Mark Shanahan & Meredith Goldstein — 2009-11-09T01:50:47Z

After spending Friday afternoon at the Globe chatting with fans on Boston.com, Newton-bred actor John Krasinski stopped by Brookline Booksmith on Saturday to read excerpts from David Foster Wallace ’s “Brief Interviews With Hideous Men,’’ on which Krasinski’s new movie (his directorial debut) is based. Krasinski’s audience was a giggling group of mostly female followers, some of whom arrived three ...

Neighborhood watch

Joseph P. Kahn, Globe Staff — 2009-11-06T18:46:20Z

The toddler who showed up Halloween night in an Elmo costume (brought to our house by the letter H?) knew none of the history behind that furry red suit. “C-c-c-candy!’’ he chirped, reaching for the treat bowl. He was hardly the only pint-sized Elmo roaming the streets, though, one testament to the cuddly Muppet’s 25-year staying power.

Brief Interviews with Hideous Men

Wesley Morris, Globe Staff — 2009-11-05T18:34:58Z

In reading David Foster Wallace’s “Brief Interviews With Hideous Men,’’ it may never have crossed your mind that his assault on a particular type of gender politics would make a cute little movie. That’s because it wouldn’t. John Krasinski, that nice guy from “The Office,’’ didn’t seem to notice. He’s strip-mined Wallace’s 10-year-old story collection, which sought to castigate the ...

Brothers & sisters

Christopher Muther, Globe Staff — 2009-09-28T20:52:20Z

The television shows that debuted in the fall of 1969 were an ambitious lot that reflected growing demand for sophistication and a changing appetite for smarter scripts. Among the fresh offerings were “The New People,’’ which followed a group of plane crash survivors setting up a utopian society on a deserted island; “My World . . . and Welcome to ...

What’s on? Reruns.

Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff — 2009-09-21T04:29:10Z

One thing you can safely say about Emmy voters: They’re consistent. Mind-numbingly consistent. The lineup of winners on last night’s Emmy Awards telecast was nearly a copy-and-paste job of last year’s list. Again, “Mad Men’’ was best drama, “30 Rock’’ was best comedy, Bryan Cranston was best dramatic actor, Glenn Close was best dramatic actress, and Alec Baldwin was best ...

New season provides little escape, but lots of compelling drama

Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff — 2009-09-06T00:15:49Z

The notion that prime-time TV is a haven for escapists is only becoming more dated with each passing season.

Best to worst

Matthew Gilbert, Globe Staff — 2009-09-05T16:49:17Z

LOVE ’EM “Modern Family’’ “V’’