The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour had a profound effect on this 10 to 12-year-old. You watched TV as a family back then, in front of the one screen in the house, in our case, a 25-inch Clairtone. “From Television City in Hollywood,” said announcer Roger Carroll. “Ladies and gentlemen, The Smothers Brothers.” Shot from above,
Every year I plan on taking a short cut by posting this list with the idea of simply cutting and pasting something I wrote from a previous year. Every year, however, a few shows jump to the top of the list that were overlooked in the past. This year is no exception, starting with the
Andre Braugher’s performance as Detective Frank Pembleton on David Simon’s critically acclaimed police drama Homicide: Life on the Street (1993-1999) was nuanced and electric. It was almost shocking, therefore, to see him bring such sharp comedy chops 14 years later to Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021). Braugher’s impressive range as an actor was absolutely akin to what
Some of the people who make the TV we love pass away so soon we can’t believe it. Then there are those legends who live so long, we’re surprised that they pass away at all. Norman Lear died Tuesday, Dec. 5 in Los Angeles at 101. His face, under that trademark floppy off-white hat, would
I was asked on my first of several interviews upon hearing the news of Matthew Perry’s passing if there were any signs he would leave us so young. There were, of course, nothing but signs. There have been actors I’ve spoken with in the past who have died even younger, such as Cory Monteith from
Richard Moll, one of TV’s tallest series regulars ever, stood out for nine seasons on NBC’s “Must See” Thursday night sitcom Night Court (1984-1992). The 6-foot-8 actor passed away October 26 in California at age 80. Moll played bailiff “Bull” Shannon opposite Harry Anderson, Markie Post, Selma Diamond, Charles Robinson and surviving cast members Marsha
Does this house look familiar? It should if you grew up in the ’60s. It was the home of Samantha and Darren Stevens on Bewitched, a series that ended in 1972 — 51 years ago. Earlier this month, on a Friday the 13th, that house and several other beloved TV exterior sets seen on shows
Have you been looking for that annual Halloween perennial on TV, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown? Forget searching for it on CBS, ABC or even PBS, all former homes. The Peanuts specials are all now available exclusively via streaming service AppleTV+. The good news is that they are all beautifully restored. The Halloween special