Today in 1998, prolific writer/producer David E. Kelley orchestrated a crossover event between his two shows, the Fox comedy Ally McBeal, and the ABC drama The Practice. The shows went on to win 1998 Emmy awards for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Drama Series, respectively, making Ally McBeal and The Practice the only top TV shows to stage such an event. Incidentally, Kelley also scooped up 1998 Emmy statuettes for Outstanding Writing for both shows.

2012

Apr

MOYERS & COMPANY By David Bianculli

This week’s new edition is titled “Big Money, Big Media, Big Trouble” – which pretty much makes it required viewing for those who care about the shape, and the future, of our mass media. And in an essay, Bill Moyers takes on the issue of modern-day McCarthyism… just when you thought it was safe to go back to the TV set. Moyers & Company is televised Friday through Sunday on local PBS member stations. To find where this program is broadcast in your area, click

2012

Apr

STAGE DOOR By David Bianculli

Curious about how NBC’s Smash might have looked, say, 75 years ago? Then check out this 1937 movie, about hopeful young actresses – and one pampered high-society girl – tying to break into the Broadway scene any way they can. And what a cast: Ginger Rogers, Katharine Hepburn and, at left, 14 years before I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball!

2012

Apr

FRINGE By David Bianculli

After last week’s oddball “back to the future” episode, this week Fringe is back to normal. Except normal, on this show, is anything but. Which is why, on tonight’s new program, it isn’t bad enough that the world is about to end in six hours. With an imminent collision of two different realities, it seems the worlds are about to end. Take that, 2012 doomsayers!

2012

Apr

THE RICKY GERVAIS SHOW By David Bianculli

Ouch. This one’s hitting way too close to home. On tonight’s new episode, Karl Pilkington talks about going to the doctor. I feel his pain. No, really. I do.

2012

Apr

REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER By David Bianculli

Good, lively, smart guests tonight: The roster includes journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin, the author of Too Big to Fail, and political strategist Paul Begala.

2012

Apr

LIFETIME'S 'THE CONVERSATION' GETS CELEBS TALKING By Ed Bark

Lifetime's new nighttime talker, The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet, features celebrity interviews that speak "the universal language of women."

2012

Apr

1988: ABC PUTS A PRIMETIME SPIN ON THE VIETNAM WAR By Christy Slewinski

In 1988, ABC debuted China Beach, a Vietnam-era medical drama set on a U.S. base in the South China Sea. The show didn't shy away from the realities of war, yet managed to fit in a fair share of romance and '60s rock music. Headlined by current Body of Proof star Dana Delany, China Beach also starred CSI's Marg Helgenberger, Robert Picardo, Michael Boatman and Concetta Tomei.

2012

Apr

THE BIG BANG THEORY By David Bianculli

Returning from a brief hiatus, this series takes us to Wolowitz’s bachelor party, which starts out as an all-male affair. But will it stay that way? These are geeks, after all – but this is a bachelor party. Talk about conflict…

2012

Apr

COMMUNITY By David Bianculli

Tonight’s new episode of Community takes on the Law & Order franchise – complete with sound effects – in a story about crime on campus. Why? Same reason anything happens on this show: the writers think it’s funny. And if enough viewers agree, they’ll be able to keep playing around.

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