Jeers to NBC for wasting its airtime with Clash of the Choirs. Can we blame the strike for the proliferation of such "unscripted" filler? For two punishing hours, perkily plastic hostess Maria Menounos introduced five bland vocal groups led by celebs like Nick Lachey (whose bio montage averted any mention of ex-wife Jessica Simpson), Patti LaBelle and Michael Bolton (whose former mullet seems to have been transplanted to his overexposed chest). Between the oddly chosen songs ("Livin' on a Prayer," anyone?), the contestants' stories unsubtly jerked tears. How can the same network that produces the sublime 30 Rock and Friday Night Lights proudly present such ridiculous pabulum?• Read and react to Bruce's opinions on the Dexter finale, 30 Rock's Christmas episode and more!• Share your own raves and rants about other shows on the Reader Cheers & Jeers discussion board.• We may feature your Cheer or Jeer on TVGuide.com or in TV Guide magazine!
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The Greek goddess of Access Hollywood, Maria Menounos, has been tapped to host NBC's four-night Clash of the Choirs competition.... Season 5 of Comedy Central's Reno 911! reports for duty Jan. 16 at 10:30 pm/ET.... On Jan. 25, Spike TV premieres GameTrailers TV, an Entertainment Tonight for joystick junkies.... Spike TV has OK'd a second season of MANswers, but for only 10 episodes. (Just like a guy to commit half-heartedly.) — Ben Katner
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Did you know that America Ferrera wasn't the first choice to play Ugly Betty? Neither did she, apparently. Ferrera has Maria Menounos to thank for bringing the slight to her attention, mere seconds after she grabbed her Golden Globe. While backstage witnesses tell the New York Post's Page Six that show producers grew "antsy" watching Menounos orchestrate such awkward moments, a rep for the Greek goddess says the talk "is not true." Adds Globes exec producer Barry Adelman, "We were very pleased to have Maria as a correspondent. She did a great job."
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Last month, Maria Menounos left a three-year gig at Entertainment Tonight to serve as both a special correspondent for Access Hollywood and a contributor to NBC's Today. What's it all mean? The 27-year-old Greek goddess found a few minutes between her new jobs to speak with TVGuide.com about the move and to weigh in on a watershed day in infotainment history.
TVGuide.com: When you were in the 1996 Miss Teen USA pageant, you told host Bob Goen that when you "grew up," you wanted to work with him on ET — and your wish came true. Kinda wishing now you'd aimed for world peace?Maria Menounos: That and a pu
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