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Television
In A Cluster Of New Sitcoms, 'Family Tree' Stands Tall
May 9, 2013 Christopher Guest's new HBO comedy series follows a down-on-his-luck guy looking into his family genealogy. Guest, who pioneered the mockumentary style in cult classics like This Is Spinal Tap, co-created the show with Jim Piddock and star Chris O'Dowd.
Television
'Rectify': An Ex-Con Navigates The World Outside
April 22, 2013 A new six-episode drama for the Sundance Channel follows a man who, after 19 years in prison, is exonerated by DNA evidence and returns to his family. Critic David Bianculli says it's a unique show, and a memorable one.
Movie Reviews
'Central Park Five': Rape, Race And Blame Explored
April 16, 2013 A documentary airing tonight on PBS tells the story of the five young black and Latino men wrongly convicted of the 1989 assault and rape of a white female jogger in Manhattan's Central Park. Ken Burns made the film with his eldest daughter, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon.
Television
This Spring, Rejoice At Rebirth Of 'Mad Men'
April 3, 2013 It used to be that TV's biggest annual event was the arrival of the fall season, but these days excellent shows premiere year-round. This spring, the return of AMC's stylish drama is the best reason to celebrate the season: The two-hour premiere delivers on the show's highest ambitions.
Television
You Can't Trust HBO's 'Phil Spector,' But You Can Enjoy It
March 21, 2013 David Mamet, the writer and director of the new HBO movie Phil Spector starring Al Pacino and Helen Mirren, includes a disclaimer at the beginning of the film: While the movie might be based on the controversial music producer, "This is a work of fiction. It's not 'based on a true story.' "
Television
Two New TV Dramas Look Below The Surface
March 18, 2013 Jane Campion directs a new Sundance Channel miniseries, Top of the Lake, about a young New Zealand detective played by Mad Men's Elisabeth Moss. Meanwhile, producers from Lost and Friday Night Lights team up to create a prequel to Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, called Bates Motel.
Television
'House Of Cards' Is Built To Last
January 30, 2013 Two new dramas fueled by intrigue premiere this week: The Americans on FX and House of Cards on Netflix. While The Americans has its moments, House of Cards is the show that's going to make television history.
Television
Kevin Bacon, Seeking A TV 'Following'
January 21, 2013 The actor stars in a new Fox series about a former FBI agent asked to help apprehend a serial killer he once put behind bars. The series is well done, but the violence in it is alarming — especially for network television.
Television
Season Two Brings Changes For 'Girls'
January 11, 2013 The second season of the HBO series premieres this month, and Fresh Air critic David Bianculli says "these young women — these girls — really are changing and growing and adapting to tough life in the big city."
Television
'Downton' Returns With Aristocratic Class And Clash
January 3, 2013 On Sunday, the PBS anthology series Masterpiece Classic begins its third season of Downton Abbey, the British period drama that has taken England — and America — by storm.
Movie Reviews
Behind The Scenes Of The Beatles' 'Magical Mystery Tour'
December 14, 2012 A new documentary on PBS about the making of the Beatles' 1967 film Magical Mystery Tour features outtakes from the original and new interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. TV critic David Bianculli calls the film "wonderfully thorough."
Television
Boxes Of TV Fun, Old And New, For The Holidays
December 4, 2012 It's holiday box-set season, and Fresh Air critic David Bianculli shares some favorites for the TV-lover on your list. "Giving someone a gift of a TV show," he says, "is somehow very personal. You're giving something that you love, and that, in many cases, will occupy many hours ... of their time."
Television
Fall TV's Returning Series: A Cause To Rejoice
September 28, 2012 Showtime's Homeland, which swept this year's Emmy Awards, returns this weekend — as does another Showtime drama, Dexter. Critic David Bianculli says there's a rich bounty of returning series — and Homeland is the "most topical and meaningful drama on television."
Television
New Shows Hit Average In Fall TV Lineup
September 13, 2012 Critic David Bianculli says of all the new programs premiering this fall, there isn't one you have to add to your weekly viewing list. The best new show, he says, is Emily Owens, M.D., which is just like Ally McBeal if she were a doctor instead of a lawyer — but it's graded on a curve.
Television
Johnny Carson Gets The 'Masters' Treatment
May 14, 2012 Monday night on PBS, American Masters presents a two-hour biography of Johnny Carson. Carson retired 20 years ago this month, and vacated a throne that TV critic David Bianculli says no one has managed to claim since.
