Wednesday April 20, 2011
Hot off his fast departure from Fox News (too hot to handle? Or too hot-headed to handle?), conservative pundit Glenn Beck laid down the gauntlet for Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.
While on tour, taking to the stage like scorned entertainers Conan O'Brien (fantastic!) and Charlie Sheen (oooookay...), Beck told his audience, "I'm going to make sure that Colbert and Stewart don't occupy the space of comedy alone."
The L.A. Times went so far as to suggest Beck might be thinking about a Daily Show-style program. At his latest comedy stop (I mean, we know he's a joke, but comedy?), Beck said, "As we build a new media, I'm not building it in New York." He was referring to the sale of his Connecticut mansion and plans to leave the state.
What is Beck planning? And just what is the "new media" he speaks of? What does this former gonzo radio morning show deejay have planned? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Sunday April 17, 2011
30 Rock and Saturday Night Live alum Tina Fey is making the rounds this week, promoting her new book "Bossypants." As always, About Talk Shows loves sending up signals whenever Tina hits the town. Catch her tonight on the Late Late Show.
Later in the week, she'll visit Ellen (Tuesday) and Conan (Tuesday).
And if you haven't already set your DVR to record every last episode of Oprah there is, it's never too late to start.
As of today, there are only about 28 shows left. I'm not sure if that's a signal to go crazy just yet, but I have a feeling we're on our way to Oprah mania.
Today's show is titled "Oprah's Producers' Most Unforgettable Moments." You know that's gotta be a good one.
Tuesday April 12, 2011
That's right. We took the leap. We've listed the Top 10 Talk Show Hosts of All Time.
That's a hefty title. And it takes a lot of hubris to create a list like that. But we think we got it right - mostly. While it's hard to argue with most of the names on this list - though you're more than welcome to - there are some on here that you might not think make the grade. If so - let us know!
How'd we pick these 10? We took a look at talk show hosts throughout TV history and pulled the names of those we believe contributed something unique to the genre or became a legend by winning over our hearts and minds.
What stands out on this list is the lack of female hosts. Only two made the list - Oprah and Rosie. Oprah for her general queen of all media-ness and Rosie for single handedly reviving the daytime talk show formula made famous by Merv Griffin and Dick Cavett.
Hopefully, that trend will change - and this list will change to reflect it.
Agree? Disagree? Let us know! Share YOUR All-Time Favorite Talk Show Host and tell us why!
Thursday April 7, 2011
Just two days after speculation that Meredith Vieira, co-host of The Today Show, may leave the news and talk program when her contract is up in September, Entertainment Tonight reports that her co-host, Matt Lauer, may jump ship when his contract ends, as well. That's not for a good, long time - December 2012 - but the word is out.
Vieira is said to be tired of the early mornings (getting up at 3 a.m. or so) and trying to balance work and life with her husband, who suffers from multiple sclerosis.
Lauer, on the other hand, may be jockeying for an anchor position at NBC's Nightly News - if current anchor Brian Williams makes a move - or at NBC's sister cable network, MSNBC.
Already, folks in the know are saying Ann Curry could step up to the anchor desk on Today. Other contenders: Natalie Morales Savannah Guthrie, Erin Burnett and weekend anchors Jenna Wolfe or Amy Robach.
Similarly, weekend anchor Lester Holt looks like a shoe-in for the top spot on Today.
Will they stay or will they go? Only time will tell.
Other talk show hosts leaving - or have left - the airwaves this year:
