Television

Film maker Marlon Riggs. His documentary about the lives of gay black men in America "Tongues Untied," airs next week on the public television series, "P.O.V." However, many PBS stations will not be showing the film, citing the films strong language and imagery. We'll also talk with three public broadcasting executives involved in the controversy:

Journalists Jon Alpert and Maryann De Leo. The two have filmed wars, crimes in progress, and homeless families living in garbage dumps. Their latest documentary, "Rape: Cries from the Heartland," will be shown on PBS.

Television critic David Bianculli checks out Comedy Central. It's the new cable comedy network formed by the merger of "The Comedy Channel," and the "HA! Comedy Network." David's favorites are "Mystery Science Theater 3000," which lampoons old B-movies, and the rebroadcasts of Ernie Kovacs specials.

Television critic David Bianculli reviews the season premiere of public television's documentary series, "P.O.V." It debuts this Tuesday night with "Absolutely Positive," Peter Adair's film about 11 people who have tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS.

Television critic David Bianculli revisits Masterpiece Theater's "I, Claudius," which is being rebroadcast beginning this Sunday. When the show first aired, he gave it a mediocre review--which he later retracted after watching several more episodes.

Spacey is best known for his role as Mel Proffitt in the TV series "Wiseguy." He's currently starring in a new American Playhouse film "Darrow," on the life of the famous lawyer Clarence Darrow, and plays the role of evangelist Jim Bakker in the NBC movie "Fall From Grace."

Television David Bianculli reviews two new television shows -- Norman Lear's sitcom "Sunday Dinner," and David Attenborough's nature documentary series "Trials of Life."

Animator John Canemaker's new book is "Felix: The Twisted Tale of the World's Most Famous Cat." The cartoon character was well known on television, but was as famous as Charlie Chaplain during the silent film era.

Television critic David BianculliI reviews Henry Kissinger's guest spot on CBS This Morning. Apparently, the former secretary of state gave a weather report.

Television critic David Bianculli checks out some made-for-TV movies that you should definitely miss.