Television

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.

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.

Adair's new documentary, "Absolutely Positive," profiles 11 people, including Adair himself, who are HIV positive. It airs this week on PBS.

Stern played one of the bungling burglars in the movie, "Home Alone." He's also the voice of the narrator in the TV series, "The Wonder Years." He's co-starring now in the new movie, "City Slickers."

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."

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews Soapdish, a comedy about soap opera actors also starring Sally Field.

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.