Culture TV Shows 'On The Bubble' Face An Uncertain Future April 27, 2009 • This is the time of year when TV executives decide which shows should continue into the fall season, and which should be canceled. While poor ratings can help doom a series, a host of other factors contributes to the decision. TV Shows 'On The Bubble' Face An Uncertain Future Listen · 2:59 2:59 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/103534370/103540809" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
TV Shows 'On The Bubble' Face An Uncertain Future Listen · 2:59 2:59 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/103534370/103540809" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Pop Culture A Critic's Favorite Final Episodes March 18, 2009 • The final episode of Day to Day will air Friday. That has critic Andrew Wallenstein thinking back on memorable TV-show endings. He shares his favorites. A Critic's Favorite Final Episodes Listen · 3:46 3:46 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/102050694/102050671" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
A Critic's Favorite Final Episodes Listen · 3:46 3:46 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/102050694/102050671" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Culture 'Kings' Mines The Bible For TV Drama March 13, 2009 • The new NBC series Kings is a modern-day retelling of the biblical King David story, but it also offers pointed parallels to more recent events. 'Kings' Mines The Bible For TV Drama Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/101867391/101867382" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
'Kings' Mines The Bible For TV Drama Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/101867391/101867382" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Review Music Reviews Lonely Island: Making Satire Sing On 'Incredibad' February 26, 2009 • A trio of comedians led by Andy Samberg have turned Saturday Night Live into a showcase for satirical music. Lonely Island's new album Incredibad is out this week. Lonely Island: Making Satire Sing On 'Incredibad' Listen · 4:10 4:10 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/101193771/101193745" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Lonely Island: Making Satire Sing On 'Incredibad' Listen · 4:10 4:10 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/101193771/101193745" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Culture 'Dollhouse' Offers Joss Whedon Another Chance February 12, 2009 • The new series "Dollhouse" premieres on Fox Friday. This marks Joss Whedon's return to television. From "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" to the Internet sensation "Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog," Whedon has crafted one sardonic sci-fi project after another. They all inspire incredibly devoted fans. 'Dollhouse' Offers Joss Whedon Another Chance Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/100628829/100628806" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
'Dollhouse' Offers Joss Whedon Another Chance Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/100628829/100628806" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Media The Best And Worst Super Bowl Ads February 2, 2009 • As the Pittsburgh Steelers scored a big win last night, Denny's "serious breakfast" and William Shatner in a van also proved victorious. The beer ads, however, were a waste of time, says TV critic Andrew Wallenstein. Conan O'Brien's appearance, in particular, was pointless. The Best And Worst Super Bowl Ads Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/100142860/100142821" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
The Best And Worst Super Bowl Ads Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/100142860/100142821" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Opinion Culture Why We Love Ad Agency Shows So Much January 26, 2009 • Television programs have long been interested in the advertising agency as a setting. Think Bewitched and Thirty-something. Tonight, a new program on TNT called Trust Me also takes viewers into the world of making ads. Why We Love Ad Agency Shows So Much Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/99871320/99871305" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Why We Love Ad Agency Shows So Much Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/99871320/99871305" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Economy Bad Economy Infiltrates Prime Time January 23, 2009 • The current state of the economy will take a long time to make it onto the big screen. But TV has a quicker reaction time, so a few current programs have already begun to incorporate rough times into their plots. Bad Economy Infiltrates Prime Time Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/99800270/99800247" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Bad Economy Infiltrates Prime Time Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/99800270/99800247" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Opinion Culture Diablo Cody And Spielberg Can't Save 'Tara' January 16, 2009 • The new Showtime series United States of Tara couldn't be more of a sure thing. Besides the promising premise of a comedy about a mother with multiple personality disorder, it boasts Steven Spielberg as executive producer, Oscar-winning Juno screenwriter Diablo Cody and respected actress Toni Collette. Yet critic Andrew Wallenstein says "Tara" is a disappointment. Diablo Cody And Spielberg Can't Save 'Tara' Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/99462514/99462495" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Diablo Cody And Spielberg Can't Save 'Tara' Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/99462514/99462495" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Pop Culture Why Is 'Scrubs' Switching Channels? January 6, 2009 • When the sitcom Scrubs returns for its eighth and likely final season on Jan. 6, it will be on a new network: ABC. What gives? Switching mid-run is actually not as rare as you might think. Taxi, Wonder Woman, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and even Leave It To Beaver did the same. Why Is 'Scrubs' Switching Channels? Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/99047818/99047793" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Why Is 'Scrubs' Switching Channels? Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/99047818/99047793" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Opinion Facebook Status Updates Feed Connection Addiction December 31, 2008 • The holidays are usually a time when all but my nearest and dearest fall off my radar screen. But it's just the opposite this year thanks to microblogging. It's as if everyone has nothing better to do than text a play-by-play of everything from sweeping up pine needles to cleaning wax out of their menorahs. Facebook Status Updates Feed Connection Addiction Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/98869864/98879850" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Facebook Status Updates Feed Connection Addiction Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/98869864/98879850" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Opinion NAACP 'Minority Report' On TV Misses Key Point December 26, 2008 • A new NAACP report cites the under-representation of minorities on ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. But a critic says the report doesn't reflect the quality of black roles across the TV spectrum. NAACP 'Minority Report' On TV Misses Key Point Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/98730815/98730803" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
NAACP 'Minority Report' On TV Misses Key Point Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/98730815/98730803" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Opinion It's Time To Shake Up Late Night Talk Shows December 12, 2008 • Jay Leno is moving to prime time. And months before he gets his new late-night talk show on NBC, Jimmy Fallon is taking the unusual step of testing the program online. It's high time to renovate the format, says critic Andrew Wallenstein. It's Time To Shake Up Late Night Talk Shows Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/98194727/98194705" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
It's Time To Shake Up Late Night Talk Shows Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/98194727/98194705" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Opinion Pop Culture Suicide May Require A Gentler 'American Idol' November 25, 2008 • The recent suicide of a former American Idol contestant has TV critic Andrew Wallenstein thinking about harsh critiques. So many aspiring contestants are rather viciously dismissed from the competition by the judges. Is it about to change? Suicide May Require A Gentler 'American Idol' Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/97458877/97459320" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Suicide May Require A Gentler 'American Idol' Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/97458877/97459320" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Opinion Pop Culture Why Did 'Grey's Anatomy' Cut Lesbian Dr. Hahn? November 18, 2008 • One minute, actress Brooke Smith has a featured role on one of the hottest shows on TV. The next, she's abruptly removed from the cast. But what ABC is deeming a "creative decision," hints of something else. TV critic Andrew Wallenstein says TV is sending the message that it is OK to be gay — just not too gay. Why Did 'Grey's Anatomy' Cut Lesbian Dr. Hahn? Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/97138595/97138565" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Why Did 'Grey's Anatomy' Cut Lesbian Dr. Hahn? Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/97138595/97138565" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Media Is It The Beginning Of A New Era For Oprah? November 11, 2008 • Oprah was spotted in the crowd at the president-elect's victory speech and spent the rest of last week's episodes talking about little else. It it the beginning of a new, more overtly political era for Oprah? Critic Andrew Wallenstein has his doubts. Is It The Beginning Of A New Era For Oprah? Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/96858509/96871153" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Is It The Beginning Of A New Era For Oprah? Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/96858509/96871153" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Diversions In Search Of A Better Obama Impersonator November 4, 2008 • When it comes to political satire, changes in the White House bring changes on our TV screens. Political impressionists are preparing to take on their next big role. We've seen Tina Fey do near-perfect impersonations of Republican Vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, but some performances leave something to be desired. In Search Of A Better Obama Impersonator Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/96574088/96574061" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
In Search Of A Better Obama Impersonator Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/96574088/96574061" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Pop Culture Could 'Chocolate News' Be Better Than Colbert? October 15, 2008 • Ever since the Chappelle's Show left the air in 2006, TV has been a little too white, says critic Andrew Wallenstein. A black comic perspective has been sorely missed. Will Chocolate News, Comedy Central's latest fake news show, make up for that? Could 'Chocolate News' Be Better Than Colbert? Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/95734496/95734462" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Could 'Chocolate News' Be Better Than Colbert? Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/95734496/95734462" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
National Webisodes Turn Product Placement On Its Face October 8, 2008 • Why insert a brand into the production, when you can insert production into the brand? Critic Andrew Wallenstein reviews two branding-inspired webisode series, which are actually quite funny. Webisodes Turn Product Placement On Its Face Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/95511848/95511905" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Webisodes Turn Product Placement On Its Face Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/95511848/95511905" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Opinion Culture Nominees Who Don't Deserve An Emmy September 19, 2008 • Why on Earth are Monk and The Amazing Race set to make Emmy history? Forget who we think should win Sunday. TV critic Andrew Wallenstein lists the nominees whose victories would be "criminal." Even darling 30 Rock comes under Wallenstein's fire. Nominees Who Don't Deserve An Emmy Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/94807866/94807827" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Nominees Who Don't Deserve An Emmy Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/94807866/94807827" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Culture What 'The Shield' Taught Basic Cable September 2, 2008 • It's time to bid farewell to one of TV's most under-appreciated series. When this gritty FX cop drama began in 2002, it was groundbreaking in more ways than one. What 'The Shield' Taught Basic Cable Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/94194993/94194958" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
What 'The Shield' Taught Basic Cable Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/94194993/94194958" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Opinion Essay Why Can't Facebook 'Friends' Accept Rejection? August 7, 2008 • Here's the irony of the popular online social network Facebook: nothing makes critic Andrew Wallenstein feel more antisocial. Since joining earlier this year, he's found himself consistently confused by random people asking to be his "friend." Even when he denies them, they try again. Why Can't Facebook 'Friends' Accept Rejection? Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/93374335/93374302" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Why Can't Facebook 'Friends' Accept Rejection? Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/93374335/93374302" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Movies Dear Oscars, Popular Movies Are Good Too July 23, 2008 • The Oscars telecast has experienced poor ratings in recent years. Summer films gave critic Andrew Wallenstein an idea about how to get more people to watch the ceremony: nominate films people actually go to see. Dear Oscars, Popular Movies Are Good Too Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/92823597/92823571" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Dear Oscars, Popular Movies Are Good Too Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/92823597/92823571" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Pop Culture 'Baby Borrowers' Need a Reality Check June 25, 2008 • In NBC's new reality series, The Baby Borrowers, teenagers take care of babies as part of a crash course on parenting. A new first-time dad says the show is saturated with fantasy. 'Baby Borrowers' Need a Reality Check Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/91881305/91881282" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
'Baby Borrowers' Need a Reality Check Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/91881305/91881282" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript