The challenge in tonight’s show is to rustle up some “all-American fare.” But with the prize being a chef’s position at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant in Las Vegas’ Paris Hotel, is that fare? Shouldn’t they be concocting recipes with, say, sacre bleu fromage?

2012

Jun

THE GROUP By David Bianculli

Based on the Mary McCarthy novel, this 1966 Sidney Lumet movie is bursting with strong female performances. Co-starring in this drama about friendships and betrayals at a private girl’s school are Candice Bergen, Joan Hackett, Elizabeth Hartman and Joanna Pettet. Also featured: Hal Holbrook, Richard Mulligan, and an actor who’s about to resurface this week reprising his iconic TV role of J.R. Ewing: Larry Hagman.

2012

Jun

BUNHEADS By David Bianculli

SERIES PREMIERE: Two different fan factions should help make this new series a success. First, this comedy-drama – about a showgirl who gets married impulsively, returns to her husband’s small town and runs a small ballet school with his mom – is created by Amy Sherman-Palladino of Gilmore Girls, and even features Kelly Bishop (Emily Gilmore on Gilmore Girls) as the mother-in-law. Second, the starring role is played by Sutton Foster, who for years has brightened Broadway with h

2012

Jun

HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS By David Bianculli

SERIES PREMIERE: This is more observation than recommendation, but give credit to Nick at Nite, at least, for trying a new form of summer programming. It’s basically an American telenovela, a soap opera aimed at young teens and stripped nightly throughout the summer, with a definite run, and a definitely scheduled ending. Brittany Underwood stars as a songwriter and performer who gets her first show-biz break by winning a songwriting contest for a popular rock star (played by Cody Longo).

2012

Jun

2002: 'AMERICAN IDOL' MAKES ITS DEBUT By Christy Slewinski

This day in 2002 marked the debut of American Idol: The Search for a Superstar, which recently completed its eleventh season on Fox (with the since shortened title, American Idol). The singing competition show, based on Simon Fuller's UK show, Pop Idol, became an immediate television sensation. As pretty much everyone knows, aspiring singers perform at open auditions nationwide to compete on the live, televised program. Once the field is narrowed to a select group of hopefuls, the show moves t

2012

Jun

1989: 'TALES FROM THE CRYPT' DEBUTS ON HBO By Christy Slewinski

On this day in 1989, HBO debuted the horror anthology, Tales of the Crypt. The majority of the show's stories were adapted from a series of EC comics from the 1950s.Each episode featured a campy intro and conclusion by the skeletal Crypt Keeper, a puppet voiced by John Kassir and puppeteer Van Snowden (who also gave life to characters ranging from H.R. Pufnstuf to Child's Play's demon doll, Chucky).The show, which ran seven seasons, was executive produced by Hollywood heavyweights Richard Donn

2012

Jun

THE 66TH ANNUAL TONY AWARDS By David Bianculli

Neil Patrick Harris is the host of this show – for the third time – and there’s no reason to doubt that the third time’s the charm, since his previous two outings have been charming, too. There’s a lot to watch for this year, including two potential locks by amazing actresses: Audra McDonald for The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, and, in drama, Nina Arianda for her standout power-play performance in Venus in Fur. Oh, and to prepare for the Tonys this year, w

2012

Jun

THE KILLING By David Bianculli

SEASON FINALE: Part 1 of 2. This sounds kind of risky, at least on its surface: After receiving so much critical heat for not delivering a solution to its central murder last season, The Killing is presenting a two-part Season 2 finale – essentially stretching out things once again. I’ve stayed current with this AMC drama this season, and while it does seem to have honed in on some “final” prime suspects, there’s no denying that the number of red herrings and detour

2012

Jun

TRUE BLOOD By David Bianculli

SEASON PREMIERE: On the other hand, this returning series is a treat all the way – and begins just where last season left off, with characters dying, captured, cornered or otherwise panicked. For a full review, read my Bianculli’s Blog HERE.

2012

Jun

MAD MEN By David Bianculli

SEASON FINALE: What a season. And, last week, what a shocker of a sudden tragedy at the office. How will the season of Mad Men end tonight? My guess: dramatically. And I really, really can’t wait to see it.

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