People can talk all they want about Britney Spears and Demi Lavato joing The X Factor or whether Jennifer Lopez will be back for a third season of American Idol, but the most relevant judging hire in a very long time was adding Howard Stern to the panel of America’s Got Talent. That’s both a complment to Stern and a criticsim of his predecessor Piers Morgan, who came across as an elitist hellbent on making the show about something it wasn’t. Stern comes in realizing that America’s Got Talent is about novelty and finding an act like no other reality [...]
Author Archives: Tom Comi
Don Rickles to receive Johnny Carson award on Comedy Central
There are very few comedians who last more than five decades in an industry not known for rewarding longevity, but Don Rickles is far from your average funny man. And it’s that very reason why the performer who has been deemed “The Merchant of Venom” and “Mr. Warmth” will be honored on Comedy Central Sunday night (9pm ET/PT). It’s fitting that Rickles will be presented with the “Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence” as part of the 2012 Comedy Awards, because it was Carson himself who gave him his big break. Not only did the young comic make his national [...]
NBC takes viewers “Inside the Situation Room” to recall bin Laden’s death
Most Americans recall vividly where they where a year ago when they heard the news that Osama bin Laden — the man behind the 9/11 attacks on the United States —  was killed, but none of us were privy to what actually occurred to pull off what President Barack Obama called “the longest 40 minutes of my life.” NBC News will take viewers behind the scenes tonight at 9pm ET with a special edition of Rock Center With Brian Williams called “Inside the Situation Room.” Williams and NBC were granted unprecedented access to the Situation Room where Obama and his [...]
“The Office” and “Two and a Half Men”: I wish I knew how to quit you
One of the most difficult decisions to make as a TV viewer is knowing when to say farewell to a series you have been faithful to over the years. I’ve already said my goodbyes to 30 Rock, and I’m very close to pulling the plug on The Office and Two and a Half Men. Severing ties with a sitcom or drama you were at one time very attached to is never easy, and it’s something I don’t take lightly. In fact, to a fault, I probably stick around much longer than I probably should. I try to convince myself that [...]
Celebrities use Twitter to mourn loss of Dick Clark
The world lost an entertainment legend today when Dick Clark died at the age of 82 due to a massive heart attack, and it didn’t take long for fans from all over the globe to to mourn and remember the man known for American Bandstand, various versions of the Pyramid game show and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. Here are what some celebrities had to say. Ryan Seacrest: I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Marlee Matlin: [...]
“Glee” showcased this week on Bravo, BIO and FOX
It’s probably safe to assume that Glee fans are going to experience an incredible amount of glee this week, as the popular show not only returns to FOX after a brief hiatus but also gets the star treatment on Bravo and BIO Channel. The musical drama/comedy rejoins the FOX lineup Tuesday night (8pm ET) with an episode entitled “Big Brother,” which features the seniors ditching class to attend an amusement park. It’s probably also safe to assume we will find out what happened to Dianna Agron’s character Quinn, who was last seen in a horrible car accident that was caused [...]
McIlroy looks to challenge Woods, Mickelson at Masters
Pop Quiz: How many golfers not named Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson have won the Masters since 2000? Answer: If you said five, I award you a ceremonious golf clap. With that in mind, it stands to reason that any talk about who the favorites are to don the prestigious green jacket early Sunday evening has to start with Woods (four titles) and Mickelson (three). It also explains why VegasInsider.com has pegged them as 4:1 and 8:1 favorites, respectively, this week. But before we start handing out premature trophies for a tournament that doesn’t get underway until tomorrow (click here [...]
Matt Lauer, Ryan Seacrest confront “Today Show” rumors
There was a giant elephant on the set of the Today Show this morning, and Matt Lauer and Ryan Seacrest finally got together publicly to talk about it. For those not paying attention, there have been major rumors circulating that the American Idol host could be next in line to replace the morning show anchor should he not renew his expiring contract this year. It should be noted upfront that Lauer and Seacrest are social outside of their respective jobs, so much of the interview came across as two buddies having a conversation over a beer. And even though laughter [...]
Taylor Swift gets “Punk’d” by Justin Bieber on MTV
Based on Taylor Swift’s history of making people who wronged her the focus of her songs, it’s probably safe to assume she is already working on her next hit single about Justin Bieber. And for the reasoning behind that theory, all you have to do is tune into the season premiere of the revamped Punk’d on MTV tonight at 10pm ET. Much to the joy of television viewers across the country, the network decided to bring back its wildly popular show that revolves around celebrities being victimized by the most elaborate of pranks. The previous installment was the brainchild of [...]
“Survivor” at a loss without villain Colton Cumbie
There isn’t one contestant in my 12 years of watching Survivor that I have despised more than Colton Cumbie, the openly gay college student who viciously attacked almost every competitor he came across. He was mean, petty, arrogant, lazy and by far one of the most ignorant people to ever compete on the CBS reality show (8pm ET tonight). And with all that said, the show is sadly no longer as interesting now that he is gone. In one of the most amazing displays of karma ever witnessed on television, Colton was sent home last week due to an appendicitis that [...]
