Television

Television critic David Bianculli takes us on a tour of the world of infomercials.

Charles Dutton, star of the T-V comedy series "Roc." Dutton came to acting in a very roundabout way: while serving a manslaughter sentence in the Maryland State Penitentiary, he organized the performance of a play, and realized he loved acting. ("Roc" airs Sunday nights on Fox.)

Television critic David Bianculli reviews the new primetime animated series, "Capitol Critters."

Rock historian Ed Ward concludes his look at the last four decades of rock with a profile of 1982.

Television critic David Bianculli reviews two shows you should see, and one you should make certain you NEVER watch.

British writer, screenwriter and director Dennis Potter. Potter's television creations, such as "Pennies From Heaven" and "The Singing Detective," have been some of the most innovative ones ever presented on British or American TV. Potter's now made his film directorial debut, with the new movie "Secret Friends."

Critic David Bianculli reviews "The Quiz Show Scandal," a new documentary that's part of PBS's "The American Experience" series. It's about the quiz shows that were fixed during the 1950s.

Larry David, the co creator, executive producer, and on of the writers of the comedy series "Seinfeld." David's also the basis for the character "George," Jerry Seinfeld's neurotic best friend. He was a writer for Saturday Night Live and the short lived ABC late night series, "Fridays."

Television critic David Bianculli looks back at the television year 1991.

Television critic David Bianculli checks out some of this week's shows. He says you can't flip a channel without seeing yet another Santa.

Comedian Chris Rock. Rock's a cast member on Saturday Night Live. He also played the junkie in the movie "New Jack City."

Television critic David Bianculli reviews "Backtrack." It's a thriller movie starring Jodie Foster and Dennis Hopper (who also directed the movie). The film was made back in 1989, and intended for theatrical release, but it's been sitting on the shelf for the past two years. It premieres this Saturday on the Showtime cable network.

Television critic David Bianculli reviews two of the many specials commemorating the 50th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Tonight's two hour special on ABC, "Pearl Harbor: Two Hours That Changed the World," and Saturday's special on CBS, called "Remember Pearl Harbor."

Television critic David Bianculli reviews "Memories of MASH," a 90-minute special that looks back at the popular TV series. It airs tonight on CBS.

Legendary television producer Norman Lear. His shows include All in the Family, Maude, the Jeffersons, and Good Times. Lear returns to the small screen next year with the show The Powers that Be. Lear is also the founder of People for the American Way, a citizens' group dedicated to stemming the influence of the Religious Right. The group is currently fighting the "gag" rule preventing doctors from discussing abortion in federally funded facilities. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

Television critic David Bianculli reviews "Civil Wars" a new weekly series on ABC about the battle of the sexes.

Television critic David Bianculli reviews last night's premiere of Michael Jackson's new music video, "Black Or White." He also discusses how Jackson has changed the world of music videos.

Comic actresses Kathy Najimy ("nah-JEE-me") and Mo Gaffney. Their two-woman satirical revue, "The Kathy & Mo Show," has been an Off-Broadway hit since 1985. It's debuts on HBO this Saturday.

Television critic David Bianculli reviews "The Carol Burnett Show," which premiered last Friday on CBS.

Television critic David Bianculli reviews a four-hour miniseries starting this weekend on NBC starring country singer Kenny Rodgers in his role as "The Gambler."