L.A. Times - TV News

USC-UCLA rivalry no longer channels the same electricity

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

A nighttime start and a non-network telecast are clear indicators that Bruins-vs.-Trojans has lost some of its old cachet when compared to, say, Ohio State-Michigan or Alabama-Auburn.

The UCLA-USC football rivalry has really changed . . . channels.

'The 2000 Year Old Man'

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The evolution of the classic routine featuring Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner is captured hilariously in a three-CD, single-DVD set.

Clear out all those books on tape. Mel Brooks' and Carl Reiner's "The 2000 Year Old Man: The Complete History" was released Tuesday, just in time to use holiday travel, or any other ambient free time, as an opportunity not only to laugh, a lot, but to explore the inner workings of what is one of the most famous comedy routines of all time.

Glenn Beck has big plans

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The conservative TV and radio host wants to hold conventions to move his followers to political action and 'change America's course.' Some say his activism could widen the split within the GOP.

Glenn Beck wants to become . . . a community organizer.

'Lopez Tonight' bandleader Michael Bearden finds solace after 'This Is It'

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The music director for Michael Jackson's ill-fated comeback tour now heads up the music on George Lopez's new TBS talk show.

" Lopez Tonight " is only a few weeks old, but host George Lopez and bandleader Michael Bearden already have their opening ritual down pat. As the Ese Vatos house band jams on War's "Low Rider," Lopez prowls the stage and struts through a frenzied studio audience, gradually working his way to Bearden for a celebratory fist pump.

Happy feat in strappy heels

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

On a dare, an entertainment reporter steps into the shoes (and sultry zebra dress) of a 'Dancing With the Stars' contestant. In a grueling test of stamina and nerves, she discovers her inner shimmy.

Eight hours of practice and an utter lack of common sense have brought me here, poised to descend 19 steep steps to the ballroom floor of "Dancing With the Stars."

NBC's 'Nightly News' anchor Brian Williams shows his lighter side

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

He loosens up on appearances on '30 Rock' and 'Saturday Night Live.' And it hasn't hurt him in the ratings.

When the writers of "30 Rock" sent Brian Williams lines earlier this fall for his latest cameo , the NBC News anchor had a couple of suggestions. A scene in which he auditioned to be on the show's fictional comedy sketch series was "too blue" for his taste. In another, in which he approached Tina Fey's Liz Lemon about trying out for the program, Williams adopted an alter ego that paid homage to his late uncle Tony Mortarulo.

Afternoons without Oprah

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Who will fill the void, and who will watch, when the queen of daytime TV departs for cable in 2011?

Oprah Winfrey told her audience Friday that she had made up her mind to end her hit daytime talk show in September 2011 "after much prayer and months of careful thought."

Memorial celebration to be held for late comedy writer Larry Gelbart

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The award-winning writer died Sept. 11.

A celebration of the life of award-winning comedy writer Larry Gelbart, who died Sept. 11 at age 81, will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills.

Oprah to end her show in 2011

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

She's expected to deliver a new program to a cable outlet she's starting. Her exit is a blow to two networks.

In another blow to the struggling business of network television, Oprah Winfrey is expected to announce on her program today that she will step down from her syndicated afternoon talk show, which over the last two decades has transformed her into one of the richest and most influential forces in popular culture.

California approves new standards on energy-hungry TVs

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The California Energy Commission votes 5-0 in favor of the nation's first efficiency regulations for televisions of up to 58 inches sold in the state. The stricter rules take effect Jan. 1, 2011.

California is putting big-screen television sets on a diet.