This series is getting less predictable, and thus more satisfying, as it nears the end of its first season. (HBO already has renewed the show for a Season 2.) The characters, by now firmly established, are starting to react in ways that demonstrate growth, or change, or at least a reckless sort of aimlessness. And tonight, there’s a noteworthy guest star as well: Michael Imperioli of The Sopranos, playing a former writing professor of Lena Dunham’s Hannah.

2012

Jun

FRED ROGERS MUSICAL MASH-UP By David Bianculli

I intended to have spent this past week with other members of the advisory council for the Fred Rogers Center, but had to cancel. However, I was there in spirit – and Fred Rogers is here in spirit, in this delightful – and addictive – musical video mash-up called “Garden of Your Mind"...

2012

Jun

THE 2012 BELMONT STAKES By David Bianculli

Not since Affirmed won the Triple Crown in 1978 has a horse managed to win all three of the sport’s premier racing events. And it won't happen today, either. I'll Have Another, a horse that already had notched victories in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, was scratched from the race card yesterday, out of concern for an apparent injury to his left front leg. So you may see a good race today -- but you won't see significant track history being made.

2012

Jun

2012 STANLEY CUP FINALS By David Bianculli

The New Jersey Devils were down 3-0 in this series, with their backs against the wall and goalie Martin Brodeur in front of the net. Brodeur responded with 21 saves, and his teammates with a 3-1 win in Game 4, preventing a sweep by the Los Angeles Kings and returning the action to Jersey’s home ice. That’s where today’s Game 5 takes place, in a game NBC has added to prime time.

2012

Jun

MEAN GIRLS By David Bianculli

Two movies shown tonight represent the old and new triumphs in the cinematic ascendance of the female talent on Saturday Night Live. This comedy, written by and featuring Tina Fey, was released in 2004 – but, at the time, was a significant triumph signaling Fey as a talent strong enough to shine and thrive beyond SNL. (The stars of the film, Rachel McAdams and Lindsay Lohan, have had significantly different career trajectories since.)

2012

Jun

THE HANGOVER PART II By David Bianculli

Given the huge success of the original The Hangover comedy, a sequel was inevitable. And, released in 2011, here it is. The outrageousness of the original is undercut here by repetition familiarity, but it’s still got sparkle – especially from Zach Galifianakis.

2012

Jun

BRIDESMAIDS By David Bianculli

Here’s the other end of this evening’s cinematic SNL ladies’ night. Maya Rudolph and especially Kristin Wiig aren’t the only talented performers in this female ensemble of comic audacity – but both of those SNL veterans are absolute key components. Wiig just departed SNL in this season’s finale, but Bridesmaids makes it clear she has a stellar future, on the large or small screen.

2012

Jun

2006: MEREDITH VIEIRA LEAVES 'THE VIEW' By Christy Slewinski

This day in 2006 marked Meredith Vieira's final day with the ABC daytime talk show, The View. One of the daytime program's original hosts (along with Star Jones, Debbie Matenopoulous, Barbara Walters and Joy Behar, who initially alternated hosting duties with Walters before becoming a full-time host) Vieira left the popular talk show to replace Katie Couric on NBC's Today show - a role her View co-host, Barbara Walters, held in the 1970s.On Vieira's final day, The View hosts Walters, Behar, Jo

2012

Jun

1948: RADIO'S 'TEXACO STAR THEATER' BECOMES A TELEVISION SENSATION By Christy Slewinski

This day in 1948 marked the first telecast of Texaco Star Theater, which turned the popular radio show into television's first hit series and created the nation's first television star, Milton Berle.While Milton Berle hosted the show's first telecast, he initially shared hosting duties with other stars, including Morey Amsterdam, Jack Carter and Henny Youngman, on a rotating basis. In September, 1948, Berle was made the show's permanent host.Early on, the live variety show featured a range of

2012

Jun

COAGULATIONS, HBO! ‘TRUE BLOOD’ IS AS BLOODY GOOD AS EVER By David Bianculli

HBO’s True Blood returns for Season 5 Sunday, with an opener that travels at the summer show’s usual speed: fifth gear…

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