Rebirth
Most everyone remembers where they were 10 years ago on September 11, as we watched the horrific images and stories unfold. A decade later, many will gather in front of the TV again to watch, remember, reflect — and the broadcast and cable networks are offering a wide range of specials to put the tragedy in perspective.
But there's plenty else happening on TV this weekend. Here's my take on some of the more notable highlights, including the major 9/11 programming:
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Steve Carell
Just months after leaving The Office, Steve Carell is returning to TV — albeit behind the scenes — with a new interview series on Showtime.
Laughing Stock, executive-produced by Carell and David Steinberg, will bring on comedy greats from the last five decades for one-on-one discussions about their careers, influences and the evolution of comedy with Steinberg (Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg).
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Oso
Disney Channel has found some big talent to entertain the little viewers of Special Agent Oso.
Mel Brooks, Sarah Chalke, Rebecca Romijn, Jenna Elfman and Freddy Rodriguez are among the stars who have signed on to provide guest voices on the animated preschool series.
The star-studded episodes will air the week of April 4 on Disney Channel's Disney Junior block. In one episode, Brooks will play a...
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Kenneth Mars
Kenneth Mars, best known for his performance as a Nazi playwright in the original film version of The Producers, died on Saturday, according to The Associated Press. He was 75.
Mars died in his Grenada Hills, Calif., home from...
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Live with Regis and Kelly
Regis Philbin will receive the Legend Award at this year's TV Land Awards, the cable network announced Monday.
The Legend Award is given to an entertainer or TV show that has stood the test of time and ranks among the most celebrated in entertainment history. Previous winners include Garry Marshall, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner and Don Rickles.
"Hey, it's about time...
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Tom Hanks, Peter Scolari
Bosom Buddies' Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari reunited to receive the Anniversary Award, celebrating the '80s sitcom's 30th anniversary as celebrities old and new gathered at the TV Land Awards.
Jay Leno presented the award Saturday night to the cast, which included Donna Dixon, Thelma Hopkins and Holland Taylor.
The series centered on two bachelors who pretended to be women to live in a low-cost, all-female hotel after their apartment is condemned.
TV Land Awards to honor Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari
Billy Crystal was on hand to present the Legend Award to...
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Tim Allen
Tim Allen will host the 8th annual TV Land Awards, the network announced.
"Tim Allen is a versatile and hilarious performer who fits perfectly into the plans for this year's TV Land Awards," Larry W. Jones, president of TV Land, said. "We are ...
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24's Kiefer Sutherland by Albert Watson/Fox
Jorge Romero, the 25-year-old Chicagoan accused of uploading to LiveDigital.com four yet-to-air episodes of 24, has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 10.... Also per the Hollywood Reporter, American Dad executive producers Rick Wiener and Kenny Schwartz have inked a new two-year deal with 20th Century Fox, as part of which they will develop new projects.... Mel Brooks' stage-musical adaptation of Young Frankenstein will price its best weekend seats at $450 a pop, a record high for Broadway, says the New York Post. Good thing TVGuide.com's Raven is getting me in for free. Right, Raven? Raven...?
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Did Mel Brooks deem Cloris Leachman too old for Young Frankenstein? Sources tell the New York Post that while Leachman was a riot when she reprised her role as Frau Blücher in a workshop of the coming Broadway musical, Brooks & Co. feared that, at 81, she wouldn't possess the stamina to do eight shows a week, so they gave SCTV's Andrea Martin the gig instead. Leachman is now literally fighting mad, challenging Brooks (who soon turns 81 himself) to "three rounds in the ring [to] see who's left standing," and has enlisted retired Variety icon Army Archerd to lobby Brooks to change his mind (not to mention avoid a potential lawsuit). Ageism anyone? — Reporting by Raven Snook
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It is time to put on the Ritz. No sooner had the massive flop musical The Pirate Queen shut down production but it was announced that Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein will set up its laboratory (and revolving bookcase, one has to hope) in the Hilton Theatre, with previews starting Oct. 11, followed by an official Nov. 8 Broadway bow. Tickets go on sale July 15, but that is of no concern for me; our resident theater queen Raven is getting me in for free. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.)
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