Television

Actor John Leguizamo (pronounced "Leh-gwee-zamo"). Leguizamo created and stars in the hit one-man show "Mambo Mouth," based on his experiences as a Latino growing up in Jackson Heights, Queens. "Mambo Mouth" premieres on television this Saturday, on HBO's Comedy Hour.

Filmmaker Garry Marshall. Marshall produced and directed the new movie "Frankie & Johnny." He also directed last year's hit movie "Pretty Woman," and he has a long distinguished career in TV, with shows like "Happy Days," "Laverne & Shirley," "Mork and Mindy," and "The Odd Couple" to his credit.

Comedian Bill Cosby. Cosby talks about his TV show, his early years doing stand-up comedy, and his new book, "Childhood." It recounts some of his favorite stories of his youth. (It's published by Putnam).

Television critic David Bianculli comments on the counter-programing in place to compete with the 1991 World Series. ABC will present a miniseries of "Dynasty," and NBC dredges up, "I Still Dream of Jeannie."

Television critic David Bianculli checks out two programs, NBC's six-hour mini-series about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, titled "A Woman Named Jackie;" and a Showtime documentary called "Hearts of Darkness," about the making of the movie "Apocalypse Now."

Television critic David Bianculli reviews two new historical shows, one on PBS and the other on ABC. One is a documentary series, "Columbus and the Age of Discovery," and the other a docudrama about the Gulf War, "Heroes of Persian Gulf."

Comedian Nora Dunn. Dunn was a cast member of Saturday Night Live for 6 years, and portrayed such roles as the vapid talk show host Pat Stevens, the lounge singing Sweeney Sisters, and French sex kitten Babette. She was also at the center of controversy when she refused to appear on SNL when Andrew Dice Clay was the guest host. Dunn has written a new book, in the personas of her characters, called "Nobody's Rib." (It's published by Harper Perennial).

Television critic David Bianculli reviews two new programs this season: "Good & Evil," by the creator of "Soap," and "Golden Girls," and "Brooklyn Bridge" by the creator of "Family Ties."

Actor David Carradine. He's still known as the star of the 70s TV series, "Kung Fu." Carradine's written a new book about his personal journey through the martial arts, called "Spirit of Shaolin." (It's published by Tuttle).

Television critic David Bianculli takes a first look at the new fall TV season.

The age of the big three networks is over. Ten years ago, ABC, CBS and NBC monopolized 90% of the television audience. Now they attract a bit over sixty. Reporter Ken Auletta has written about the impact of the decline of the networks and the rise of cable and home video. His new book is called Three Blind Mice: How the TV Networks Lost Their Way. (Random House)

Television critic David Bianculli shares his thoughts on last night's Emmy awards.

From the Comedy Central cable channel's "Mystery Science Theater 3000," creator and host Joel Hodgson, and head writer Mike Nelson. Their show spoofs badly made science-fiction movies by talking back to the them, much like you'd talk back to your TV.

Television critic David Bianculli goes out on a limb, and reviews two live shows before they air..."Paul Simon Live in Central Park," which airs Thursday night on HBO, and "The Elvis Files," a syndicated show that tries to prove that Elvis Presley is still alive.

It was 10 years ago today that MTV first debuted. Television critic David Bianculli looks back at the network's influence.

Television critic David Bianculli reviews "Morton and Hayes," a new CBS series about a fictitious comedy team from the 40s. It's the creation of Rob Reiner, who made "When Harry Met Sally," and "This is Spinal Tap."

Television critic David Bianculli reviews the new summer series, "Stephen King's Golden Years," about a man who's doused with some evil chemicals and finds himself getting younger with each day. It premieres this week on CBS.

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.