Tonight’s hilarious episode has Louie (Louis C.K.) accepting a dinner invitation at a friend’s house, only to arrive and learn he’s been set up with an unofficial blind date. She’s played by Melissa Leo, and her character takes an instant dislike to Louie, and isn’t shy about saying what she thinks. But oddly, for the outspoken Louie, that doesn’t necessarily make her less attractive. Their chemistry is volatile, unpredictable and hilarious – and so is t

2012

Jul

A FACE IN THE CROWD By David Bianculli

Spike Lee’s final choice as tonight’s TCM guest programmer, selected months ago, has special resonance this week. It’s the 1957 movie that made a star of Andy Griffith, who died Tuesday. Elia Kazan directed this film, released three years before The Andy Griith Show. It tells of an aimless, unknown folksinger – Larry “Lonesome” Rhodes, played by Griffith – who becomes a national singing and TV star, and reacts to fame less than graciously. The screenplay

2012

Jul

2000: VOYEURISM TV COMES TO CBS WITH 'BIG BROTHER' By Christy Slewinski

On this day in 2000, CBS debuted its version of the Dutch reality/competition show, Big Brother...

2012

Jul

THE WALKING DEAD MARATHON By David Bianculli

The Walking Dead walk down memory lane – and it’s a slow, zombie-like walk – continues today with Season 2, repeated in its entirety, beginning with the gang’s exodus from Atlanta. If you’re looking for an entertaining way to spend the day waching TV, here’s a gripping one.

2012

Jul

THE WALKING DEAD MARATHON By Eric Gould

2012

Jul

FIREFLY MARATHON By David Bianculli

Joss Whedon’s clever genre mash-up 2002 Fox series – part sci-fi, part Western -- gets an all-day marathon showing today on the Science Channel, beginning at 8 a.m. ET with the original series pilot. It's a stylish, stylized adventure story, populated by interesting characters and equally interesting actors. Nathan Fillion, now starring on ABC's Castle, stars -- and co-stars include Morena Baccarin, now of Showtime's Homeland, and Gina Torres, now of USA's Suits.

2012

Jul

JOHN ADAMS MARATHON By David Bianculli

Appropriately scheduled for Independence Day, HBO repeats its entire 2008 miniseries, John Adams, starring Paul Giamatti as (Spoiler Alert!) our country’s first Vice President. Great cast – including Laura Linney as Abigail Adams, David Morse as George Washington, and Stephen Dillane as Thomas Jefferson. And great story, too, based on the fabulous nonfiction book by screenplay co-author David McCullough. And for a more musical look at John Adams and company, check out TCM&rsquo

2012

Jul

MAKE ROOM FOR DADDY By David Bianculli

Several TV networks are commemorating Andy Griffith’s death Tuesday, at age 86, by showing special programming blocks featuring the beloved actor. (For a full rundown, see Christy Slewinski’s Television & Beyond story HERE.) MeTV has a novel approach, showcasing Griffith’s guest-star appearances on other people’s shows – and this one, from 1960, is the most precious jewel in Griffith’s guest-star crown. It’s an episode of Danny Thomas’ long-run

2012

Jul

A CAPITOL FOURTH By David Bianculli

Tom Bergeron shifts from Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos to host this live PBS celebration from the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Scheduled performers include the most recent American Idol winner, Phillip Phillips (pictured), as well as Megan Hilty from Smash, Javier Colon from The Voice, and Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara from Broadway’s Nice Work if You Can Get It. Check local listings.

2012

Jul

YANKEE DOODLE DANDY By David Bianculli

James Cagney stars in this unabashedly patriotic salute to the unabashedly patriotic entertainer George M. Cohan, whose songs are sung and danced by Cagney with great vigor. And what songs: Not only “The Yankee Doodle Boy” (better known as “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” but “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “Over There,” “Harrigan,” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” For the 4th of July, it’s a perfect movie musical for the 4th

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