After 20 years and nearly 450 episodes, The Simpsons received a surprising distinction: an endorsement from the Vatican.
"I called my father — whose been going to Catholic Mass for 70 years — and I said, 'So it turns out I've been doing God's work all this time,'" laughs longtime executive producer Al Jean. (The official Vatican newspaper praised the show last month for its "realistic and intelligent writing.")
Even without the Roman Catholic Church's approval, the series has thrived. Playing in more than 90 countries, the longest-running prime-time scripted series will simultaneously celebrate its 20th anniversary and 450th episode Sunday. The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special: In 3D! On Ice!, airing Sunday at 8:30/7:30c, will look back at both the show's humble origins and worldwide impact.
TVGuide.com talked with Jean — the series' current showrunner and a writer since Season 1 — about the show's anniversary, his favorite characters and guest stars.
read more
New releases announced today, July 25:Donny & Marie, Sonny & Cher and Bob Hope - A Classic TV Christmas 3-Pack will be coming out November 11 The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson - Johnny Carson Celebrates Christmas will be coming out November 11 Visit TVShowsOnDVD.com for the complete stories on these and other news items.
read more
Despite being the guy who passes out million-dollar checks on peoples' doorsteps, Ed McMahon is fighting foreclosure on his own multimillion-dollar manse. The former Tonight Show sidekick and Star Search host had a default notice filed against him Feb. 28 after falling behind in $664,000 worth of mortgage payments, says Reuters.McMahon, 85, broke his neck 18 months ago and has not been able to pass out checks for American Family Publishers' sweepstakes, much less collect checks of his own. The good news, however, is that he may be able to work things out with his mortgage lender — but it's not yet clear if he and his wife can stay in their six-bedroom, five-bath house. The property, which sits atop Mulholland Drive, has been on the market for two years, for $6.25 mil. Now where's a sweepstakes check when we need one? — Anna DimondUse our Online Video Guide to see more of McMahon.
read more
OK, so after this week, we should be all through with our season finales. David Cook is our new American Idol, those Desperate Housewives are going to be five years older (making them all roughly 108), and God only knows who Lucas proposed to on One Tree Hill. I’m dyin’ over that one. Big stuff as always. Which got me to thinking about TV’s greatest OMG moments. Here are a few of my faves...all beautifully available on DVD. What are yours?The Friends finale — Mercifully not the oddity that Seinfeld left us with, this 10th-season kicker (seen by over 50 million fans) was as sweet as a Central Perk mocha and finally gave us hope that Ross and Rachel had a future. Of course, knowing what a tool Ross could be, he probably screwed it up months later.Buy Friends from Amazon.comJordin-vs-Blake — Everyone says that Idol’s sixth finale was its weakest, but after re-screening American Idol Season Six: The Top Two, I beg to differ. With my girl Jordin Sparks battl...
read more
