David Hiltbrand, Inquirer TV Writer
If I were Janelle Arthur, I’d bookmark that site for cheap flights back to Tennessee. Not only did she end up in the bottom two on last night’s American Idol, but Nikki had considerable trouble remembering her name. (Does Nikki seem frazzled to you lately? I think this two-day a week schedule is starting to wear on her.)
But it was Burnell Taylor who got the axe. That means that there is exactly one guy left in the final six. And that holdout is Lazaro Arbos. (Did I just type that? Lazaro is the last man standing?)
After the killing field that was Wednesday night’s all-rock theme, I think it would have been fair to throw the whole batch overboard and start the season again. This is just not working out.
David Hiltbrand, Inquirer TV Writer
You know what today is, don’t you? It’s National Hug a News Anchor Day.
What, you didn’t have it marked on your calendar?
To mark the occasion, Mike Jerrick of Good Day Philadelphia took to the streets outside Fox29’s studios this morning. Looking for love. As you can see, Mike got a warm response, even if he had to stalk some pedestrians. Not participating: the SEPTA bus driver.
David Hiltbrand, Inquirer TV Writer
Somebody check on Naomi.
It’s been a rough patch for the Judds. First Ashley withdrew from running for the senate seat in Kentucky. (Or was she pushed?)
And then last night Wyonna Judd got the hook on Dancing with the Stars.
David Hiltbrand, Inquirer TV Writer
Wait, haven’t we seen this movie before? Is NBC replacing reigning Tonight Show host Jay Leno with its tomorrow show host?
Yes, it’s a familiar drama of comedy succession. This time the rampant rumor is about Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show MC, taking over for Dudley Dooright, um, Leno in 2014. Perhaps moving The Tonight Show back to its ancestral home in New York City?
On Monday night, the two monologuists collaborated on a very amusing spoof of the situation, set fittingly to the stirring showstopper “Tonight” from the Bernstein/Sondheim musical West Side Story.
David Hiltbrand, Inquirer TV Writer
Hail the conquering hero.
HBO's Game of Thrones set a new ratings record last night in its seaon debut, which was watched by 4.4 million people. It marks a 13% rise from last year's season premiere.
That's particularly impressive because the episode was going to head with the season finale of The Walking Dead, a rival for many of the same eyeballs. The zombie series did some considerable damage, setting a hefty viewing record of its own, with 12.4 million people tuning in.
David Hiltbrand, Inquirer TV Writer
And so ends the audition portion of the American Idol season with a beyond-strange hour from Oklahoma City.
The capper came when this buxom blonde walked in to strut her stuff for Keith, Mariah, Nicki and Randy.
David Hiltbrand, Inquirer TV Writer
30 Rock went out last night the same way it came in: deliriously.
Tina Fey’s surreal sitcom had “quick cancellation” written all over it. So we all owe NBC a huge debt of thanks for keeping it on the air for seven years. Especially since 30 Rock made a point of mercilessly mocking the network at least once in every episode.
Last night was no exception. Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin), recently ascended to head of NBC’s corporate owner Kabletown, took a homeless man sleeping on the sidewalk and installed him as Savannah Guthrie’s new Today co-host.
David Hiltbrand, Inquirer TV Writer
If the mind can imagine it, there’s already a video devoted to it.
How about this kooky spoof, “Downton Arby’s”? All your favorite characters are there – except they’re behind the counter or manning the drive-thru window.
David Hiltbrand, Inquirer TV Writer
Sexual shibboleths are falling left and right.
The Boy Scouts are preparing to end their ban on gays. And our military has just decreed that women can take combat roles.
Of course, this set off a howl of righteous objections. And that knee-jerk reflex was irresistible to The Daily Show.
David Hiltbrand, Inquirer TV Writer
After years of insults and rejection, Matt Damon turned the tables last night on his tormentor. He trussed up the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and assumed control of the show himself. Man, what an improvement this was!
First he made a few changes in the staff. Out with Kimmel sidekick Guillermo and in with…well, watch it for yourself.
