Question: I'm sure I can't be the only one who absolutely hates the new ads some networks are running at the bottom of the screen during the whole shows! First we had the annoying network logos, then we had the even more obnoxious pop-up ads during episodes. But this new trend I've noticed recently is absolutely unbelievable. For example, I'm now watching Just for Laughs on ABC (which I recorded) and there's a huge three-line promo at the bottom of the screen: "[Name of Show] season premiere [followed by date]." This is in addition to the network logo, and it is there for the entire show! I believe I've also seen similar ads recently on at least one other network. Do you think the networks can really get away with this without driving away viewers? I'm seriously thinking about giving up on watching "live" (and recorded) TV to avoid being subjected to these constant eyesores. I think the networks have finally gone too far this time. What do you think?
Answer: Couldn't agree more. I
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Cheers to ABC for devoting a half-hour of prime time to coverage of the New Hampshire primary. After the Alphabet scored surprisingly strong ratings Saturday night with the candidates' debates, the 'net happily bumped an episode of Just for Laughs to make room for Charlie Gibson and Co. CBS and NBC, on the other hand, stuck with the People's Choice Awards and The Biggest Loser. ABC offered its own versions, with John McCain as the People's Choice and Mitt Romney as the Biggest Loser on the Republican side, and the Democrats too close to call. Of course, ABC's civic good deed probably wouldn't have happened if not for the writers' strike, but at least something positive has come out of that stalemate.• Read and react to Bruce's opinions on Jon Stewart, Desperate Housewives 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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Jennifer Lopez is developing The Amigas Sweet 15 Club, a dramedy about Miami teens who run a Quinceañera party-planning biz, says the Reporter. J.Lo will exec-produce with Jane Startz (The Baby-Sitters Club).... Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun have a pair of projects at NBC: the Lynda La Plante (Prime Suspect)-penned drama Mafia Wives, and a comedy about a has-been hairdresser.... Also from Variety, ABC has ordered 13 more episodes of Just for Laughs.... MTVU this fall will launch Sex Cred with Dr. Ruth, a short-segment series in which Westheimer and college-newspaper sex columnists answer Qs about, well, "short segments" and the like.
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