DAVID BIANCULLI

Founder / Editor

ERIC GOULD

Associate Editor

LINDA DONOVAN

Assistant Editor

Contributors

ALEX STRACHAN

MIKE HUGHES

KIM AKASS

MONIQUE NAZARETH

ROGER CATLIN

GARY EDGERTON

TOM BRINKMOELLER

GERALD JORDAN

NOEL HOLSTON

 
 
2012
Jun
10
 
 
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.
 
 
 
  
 
 
2012
Jun
10
 
 
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
10
 
 
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
9
 
 
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
9
 
 
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
9
 
 
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
9
 
 
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
9
 
 
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
9
 
 
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
9
 
 
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.