Television

Television critic David Bianculli profiles "Wiseguy," the CBS crime series. The series' stars are Ken Wahl as Vinnie Terranova, an undercover organized-crime agent, and Ray Sharkey as Sonny Steelgrave, the impulsive and explosive head of a crime syndicate. The program is about to start its summer repeat run, a time when many shows that face stiff competition in the regular season find a new audience.

Television critic David Bianculli gives us his take on the use of laugh tracks.

Television critic David Bianculli looks back at "The Prisoner," the British mystery and adventure series about government agents, brainwashing, Number 6, and the omniscient globe that prevented escape from the island prison. The series celebrates its 20th anniversary this week.

Television critic David Bianculli discusses how the writer's strike has benefitted "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," and what the show's revival means for the concept of a weekly variety show.

Critic-at-Large Laurie Stone discusses the new ABC show "Home." The format is similar to the morning news shows, like "Good Morning America," and "The Today Show," mixing live interviews with pre-produced segments, all of which revolve around domestic issues, like how to make pot scrubbers out of onion bags.

Television Critic David Bianculli turns historian and tries to determine the precise moment that "Moonlighting" began it's fall.

Critic-at-Large Laurie Stone looks back at television's coverage of the women's figure skating competition at the Winter Olympics in Calgary.

Television Critic David Bianculli shares his favorite current TV themes, the music that helps establish a show's identity before anything happens on the screen.

Television Critic David Bianculli talks about the effect video cassette recorders have had on the way his kids watch TV.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the group Television, a band that helped launch the New York punk scene in the late-70s.