DAVID BIANCULLI

Founder / Editor

ERIC GOULD

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LINDA DONOVAN

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Merry Christmas Eve Two-Way: Terry Gross Interviews Me On Today's "Fresh Air"
December 24, 2008  | By David Bianculli  | 6 comments
 
Sometimes I provide TV reviews for NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross. Sometimes I guest host. And very rarely, I get to do something that's an awful lot of fun: Have an on-air conversation with Terry herself.

On today's Fresh Air, Terry and I talk about the year in TV. There's a lot to talk about, and it takes up most of the hour...

The writers' strike. The presidential election. Sarah Palin and Tina Fey. I bring some clips to play of some of my favorite TV of the year, and list the best and worst of 2008. And my favorite part is when I describe a new reality show I can't stand, NBC's Momma's Boys, to an utterly disbelieving Terry. (Her disbelief was about my description of the show, not my opinion.)

I had a blast doing it, and would love you to listen. After 3 p.m. ET, you can hear by clicking HERE... or just tune in whenever your local public radio station broadcasts Fresh Air.

As 2008 comes to an end, it marks the conclusion of 21 years I've been associated with Fresh Air. That's more than two decades of some fabulous friendships, and it ranks as my proudest professional association. So thanks, everyone at Fresh Air -- and thanks, all of you, for listening, and for reading.

Happy holidays!

 

9 Comments

 

Hambly said:

awesome dave b. i love year end look backs and with you and terry it will be great. thx for the heads up dave h.

Comment posted on December 24, 2008 9:49 AM


ceolaf said:

WTF!? That is an association that should not end! You may be no Kristen Chenoweth, but you're still quite good.

I don't know why it is ending, but in my view it is a mistake on someone's part. (I may have miswritten -- If you're referring to me, I'm not going anywhere, that I know of. -- David B.)

Comment posted on December 24, 2008 11:51 AM


Eileen said:

David,
To you & yours a Blessed Christmas Season. It's been a joy to be in on your blog from the very start. It's always entertaining and enlightening. It's the "go to" place for discriminating tv viewers. From the comments on your blog it appears you appeal to a very literate group, with always interesting takes on your remarks.

And for those in the WPIX-NY area, please don't forget the reason we celebrate the New Year -- so the Honeymooners' Marathon can begin. It's the perfect way to start the year off with a laugh. Even though we devotees have seen every episode at least one hundred times, they never get old. (Having you here has been a pleasure, too. Enjoy the holidays... and "The Honeymooners." "Address the ball..." "Hello, ball!" -- David B.)

All the best for 2009.

Comment posted on December 24, 2008 1:31 PM


Greg said:

Heard you on Fresh Air this AM. Visualize me saying "right on" and "absolutely" and you have a picture of how much I enjoyed it. Have heard you before on Fresh Air, one of the best interview shows on the radio anywhere, but this is my first time on your web site. I will check in now that I know it is here. (Welcome! Glad to have you -- ad the Best Bets change daily, so come back regularly. Happy holidays... -- David B.)

Comment posted on December 24, 2008 4:38 PM


Sam T said:

Big fan of your Daily News column here. So bummed when you left. Jazzed to hear you on Fresh Air this afternoon! Your enthusiasm for what you love came through as clearly as it did on the written page.

I discovered "Friday Night Lights" thanks to your column and am excited for its network premiere next month. Also share your enthusiasm for "Pushing Daisies". I'm hearing they're ending with a cliffhanger!? NO!!

Will "favorite" this site and look forward to visiting often and checking out the archives. (So glad to have you aboard -- and honored to be one of your Favorites! Thanks for the kind words. And the final "Pushing Daisies" episodes, whatever they are, won't air until next summer. -- David B.)

Comment posted on December 24, 2008 6:56 PM


Michaelcat said:

I always enjoy your appearances on this program! Well, actually, it's just an enjoyable program all around. Merry Christmas!

Aslo, this is late, but I thought I would point out that in the 24th's best bets you suggested the Mormons would sing a song about voting no on proposition 8- but they would be saying to vote yes! (It has a confusing wording, try looking up what ellen has to say about it, because it's rather funny) :)

But I always do appreciate the bits of humor in the best bets, I check them every day! (I'd like to claim I was being funny, or ironic, by putting the Mormons on the other side of the issue in my fictitious Christmas carol -- but, to be honest, I was just being tired. My mistake. And if you like my dumb humor in the Best Bets, check out my Christmas Day entry on the Yule Log. I was particularly proud of "heartwarming and hearthwarming." -- David B.

Comment posted on December 25, 2008 9:01 AM


Esther said:

I read you almost everyday and LOVED yr interview! You said a lot of things that needed to be said. I wonder if how you think is realistic, but I hope so. I want TV to be as awesome as it can be. (Thanks! And "I wonder if how you think is realistic" -- you're not the first woman to tell me that. -- David B .)

Thank you for your website and blog!
Merry Christmas!

Comment posted on December 25, 2008 1:22 PM
Stuart Arnott said:

I've forgiven you for our Boston Legal disagreement because on your recommendation we've been watching "True Blood". Wow! Terry Gross said on your Fresh Air item that it was "fun". Fun? It's wonderful! A fabulous rich gothic horror with such depth and vision. I didn't watch it first time round fearing it was some shallow vampire O.C. (yes, it was on HBO, shame on me). Anyway, you were right again, and we are the richer because of it. Many thanks.
Stu & Sunny in London, UK :-) (SO glad to have you reading from there, even though most of the Best Bets don't apply. I've only been there once, but I LOVE London! -- David B.)

Comment posted on January 5, 2009 6:38 PM


Christina Williams said:

Hi David,
I just listened to your Fresh Air interview via a podcast. I am so sorry that you have to suffer through the agony of watching the insufferable reality television that is running amuck in our society. I would just like to say how much I appreciate the sacrifice you are making in order to give people like me the freedom to only watch what is Worth Watching. :-)

Thanks for a fabulous website and terrific Fresh Air contributions!

Christina in Nashville, TN (Christina -- What a sweet note. For you, it's a pleasure. And now, back to "Primetime: What Would You Do?" Sigh. -- David B.

 

Comment posted on January 7, 2009 8:12 PM
 
 
 
 
 
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