Television

Joan Micklin Silver directed the upcoming HBO special "A Private Matter." It's the story of Sherri Chessen Finkbine, host of the children's T-V show Romper Room, and her decision to have an illegal abortion in 1962. Publicity about her choice led to intense public condemnation. In the HBO special, "Miss Sherri" is played by Sissy Spacek, and her husband is played by Aidan Quinn. Among Silver's other directing credits are several films, including "Crossing Delancey," and several HBO specials.

Filmmaker Marlon Riggs. His film about gay black men,"Tongues Untied," was shown on PBS last year, and it unleashed a storm of outrage in powerful right-wing circles. Sen. Jesse Helms (R, NC) even put together and distributed a seven-minute tape of scenes from the film, which, taken out of context, completely distorted Marlon Riggs' intentions. The documentary is often used by Congresspeople as an example of what's wrong with public broadcasting, and why it shouldn't be federally funded.

Creators and Executive Producers, David Crane and Marta Kauffman for the HBO comedy series, "Dream On." The show's main character is a divorced father who often doesn't do the right thing. The voice of his conscious is played out -- using clips from old TV shows which are edited into the show. "Dream On," won the CableACE Award for Best Comedy Series in 1991. Crane and Kauffman have been writing together for over ten years.

TV Critic David Bianculli previews "Street Scenes: New York on Film," a new hour-long documentary on the AMC cable network.

TV critic David Bianculli reviews Jay Leno's "Tonight Show," now in its second week.

TV critic David Bianculli previews Julie, a new summer sitcom starring Julie Andrews, directed by her husband Blake Edwards.

Terry talks with TV critic David Bianculli about the end of a TV era -- the end of Johnny Carson's Tonight Show.

Tonight show band saxophonist Tommy Newsom talks with Terry about the end of his longest running gig (30 years with The Tonight Show).

Actor John Cullum. He plays Holling Vincoeur on the TV show "Northern Exposure." Holling is a 63-year-old bartender in a relationship with an 18-year-old beauty queen. Cullum is best known for his broadway roles in "Camelot," "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," and others. Cullum talked with Terry before a live audience in Seattle.

TV critic David Bianculli reviews the sexiest new shows on the premium cable channels.