Where are they now? Movie Stars on the Small Screen

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Mia R.

Is it the economy? Is it the fact that TV has stuck around long enough to be considered an art? Maybe it’s the shiny new period shows and dramas that lure them in, or maybe they just need a career save. Whatever the case, movie stars are making their way to the small screen. What’s going on? Shouldn’t they be creating their own fashion line or helping the planet (or both)? Instead, they’re invading our living rooms show after show. It’s an unspoken fact. Well, now spoken. Here are just a few at the forefront:

Anjelica Huston

Image source: hollywoodreporter.com

Anjelica Huston has been a movie star to me ever since The Witches. This very specialized actress is perhaps best known for her roles in The Addams Family and The Royal Tenenbaums, but has over 70 credits to her name. Just check out her IMDB page. Now, she’s a core cast member on NBC’s new baby, Smash. Smash officially premieres on Monday, February 6, so it’s hard to say what the future of this show will be, but the first episode has been released on NBC’s web site.

Ashton Kutcher

Image source: 604events.ca

Ashton is no stranger to TV; he is arguably most well known for his role as Kelso on That 70’s Show. Even so, nobody could argue that Ashton has lived anything short of the movie star lifestyle. From Dude, Where’s My Car to The Butterfly Effect, we’re used to seeing his face blown up on large billboards (most recently for No Strings Attached and New Year’s Eve). But after the Charlie Sheen Fiasco, Ashton’s back in the sitcom world with 2 and a Half Men. Of course, they still pay him a celebrity’s wage.

Zooey Deschanel

Image source: reddogreport.com

Oh, adorkable Zooey. In 500 Days of Summer, she was heartbreaking. In Elf, she was charmingly cynical. In The Happening, she was… there. Zooey started dabbling in TV during her time on Weeds and the SyFy mini-series Tin Man, but now she’s really in the game with New Girl. She’s the face of this show and it looks like it’s sticking around.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Other big names in the movement include Dustin Hoffman of Rain Man fame (and another hefty IMDB page with over 70 acting credits) who stars in the HBO series Luck, the young Kat Dennings of Nick and Norah and Thor as the co-lead on 2 Broke Girls, and Christina Ricci who gave it a shot on the now cancelled Pan Am.

Image source: denverpost.com

According to Deadline Hollywood, even more big names will join the list. Hybrid theatre-film-TV actor John Lequizamo has signed a pact with ABC to star in his own single-camera comedy. The actor we’re six degrees away from might be playing a serial killer. And looks like we’ll be seeing Anne Heche again. Who knows who might swing over next?

Sundance Festival Altitude Claims its Newest Victim in Tracy Morgan; Cackles Evilly

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Bailey C.

Image Source: Planetrockstar.co.uk

It seems that the fates were attempting to throw a fresh cog into 30 Rock’s works as of yesterday when star and prime source of the show’s meta-comedy material Tracy Morgan collapsed at the Creative Coalition Spotlight Awards during the Sundance Film Festival. Continue reading →

Jay Leno Somehow Manages to Enrage Entire Country of India

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Bailey C.

Image Source: Screencrave.com

Though many have been fooled by his disproportionately large chin, impressive hair follicles and special brand of quaint “humor”, we can today strike the entire country of India off the list of those impressed by Jay Leno. Continue reading →

Three Memorable Stephen Colbert Musical Duets

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Bailey C.

Image Source: Pigeonsandplanes.com

When you’ve got an entire nation at your back, a hit daily comedy show, a pint of your namesake Ben and Jerry’s flavor lying half-eaten in the freezer and the South Carolina primaries looming up in front of you, life can seem a little hectic. Continue reading →

3 Viral Videos More Deserving of a TV Show than Honey Badger

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Dabney B

Yesterday, fellow Infinity Dish writer Bailey delivered the disheartening news that an admittedly entertaining viral video will be transformed into its own television series. What makes the announcement so disappointing isn’t the fact that it will probably turn out to be a terrible show, but because there are so many other Internet viral videos that are more deserving of their own TV show.

At least, that’s what I intended to prove. I wanted to call this article, “10 Viral Videos that Deserve a TV Show,” or maybe even drop the number to 5, but I had trouble finding viral videos to even make it up to 3 solid show ideas.

Image: Videoall

There are plenty of viral videos, but most of them can’t really be upgraded into a fully fleshed-out 30 minute series. As much as I’d love to include more viral videos on the list, I’m not sure if a show dedicated entirely to kittens, laughing babies, or Big Dog would really make for good television.

3. Guy Dancing on a Hill

There are already a bunch of other silly dancing videos, like the evolution of dance video and the dream hands guy. Crazy dancing can make for some great viral videos, but TV likes to see dancing of a different caliber, like Dancing with the Stars.

Guy Dancing on a Hill does deserve his own show, but the focus wouldn’t be on dancing. The video’s got dancing, yeah, but that’s not the point of the video. What makes the video so appealing is that this one random dude is doing some completely bizarre thing and is clearly loving every minute of it. Through the sheer force of his wiggly charisma, he persuades a bunch of other strangers to jump in a join him.

Guy Dancing on a Hill could act as a host or the primary actor in a bunch of flash mob-esque skits wherein he tries to get the public to join him in acts of goofy yet warm and fuzzy celebration. We’ve already seen that flash mob videos are pretty popular, so it’s really surprising that there isn’t a prominent show that does nothing but flash mob skits. Throw in a couple cameos from the free hugs guy and you have yourself a feel-good, quirky show that’s all about showing people that everyday life can be fun and exciting.

2. Merton

Whose Line Is It Anyway? has already proven just how popular comedy improv can be. Merton’s unique spin on comedy improv is probably interesting enough to warrant his own show, provided he gets enough help. Give him a couple of vocalists, musicians, and like-minded folk to sing jokes at strangers, and you’ve got 22.5 minutes of daily entertainment.

Depending on the network, it could go in a bunch of different directions. It could take a sort of Comedy Central roast vibe full of sharp-witted humor, or it could be much more light-hearted with a family-style humor. Between the improv music, the comedy, and people giggling as strangers make jokes about them, it’s sure to get some followers.

1. Randy Pausch

As a CMU graduate, I can’t help but add Randy Pausch to the list. Putting obvious bias aside, Pausch’s place on this list is well deserved.

Unfortunately, Randy Pausch died in 2008, but that doesn’t make him any less worthy of his own show. Perhaps somebody can follow in his footsteps and make a television show that honestly attempts to be profound, and not in an ironic way.

Putting aside the popularity of the video, the website TED has proven beyond any shadow of a doubt that profound speeches can be popular. TV is all about quick editing, drama, and action, and we usually don’t see people get serious until after the climactic moment of the show when the characters can open up a little bit.

Would it really be that big of a deal to make just one, single, solitary non-documentary show that’s all about the profound truths of life? Maybe it wouldn’t have killer ratings, but having famous and emotionally charged speakers talk about life, death, and happiness might actually be worth watching.

Runner Up: Double Rainbow Guy

Personally, I think that Double Rainbow Guy’s over-the-top enthusiasm would be preferable to Honey Badger’s effeminate pseudo-freak outs, but that’s all just a matter of taste.

If this viral video were turned into a television series, it’d probably be like the Planet Earth series, but replace Sigourney Weaver with this lovable nature fanatic who probably couldn’t pass a drug test if his life depended on it.

“Honey Badger” Meme Will Become Television Show, Universe Offers Up Collective Sigh

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Bailey C.

Image Source: Anastgal.livejournal.com

In news that will stun those three people in Western Indiana who aren’t complaining about the lack of original ideas in mainstream media, that viral “Honey Badger” video that everyone loved so very much last year is now slated to become its own television program.

Continue reading →

AMC Releases Lackluster “The Walking Dead” Sneak Peak

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Dabney B

Image: TheWalkingDeadMegaVideo.com

As you may have gathered, I’ve got mixed feelings about AMC’s The Walking Dead. All of the great things about the show can be summed up in two words: “Season 1.”

Similarly, all of the terrible things about the show can be summed up in two words: “Season 2.”

Sure, sure, I’m exaggerating just a tad. Season 2 wasn’t all bad, especially for those of us who love to watch television shows about love triangles and baby-daddy drama. The only problem with that is that there are a whole bunch of shows like that already, and there is only one show on TV that suggests zombies in the title. Is it really too much to ask to keep our one and only zombie show sacred and make it focused on, oh, I don’t know… zombies?!

Well, after a disappointing second season, AMC has released a sneak peak of the next episode, Nebraska, set to debut on February 12. I know you’re all a-titter in anticipation, so I won’t make you scroll through any more of my commentary before getting to the good stuff:

Two mystery men have just appeared on the scene, revealing nothing about themselves except that they’re surprised to see people alive, and that they’re probably from Nebraska (I’m basing that assumption entirely on the title). As tantalizing as these new characters and the mysteries that they bring to the show might be, do any of us actually care?

I can’t help but notice that there is one thing rather conspicuously absent in the clip. Can you guess what it is? It starts with a “z,” has a cult following of nerds, and is one of the sole reasons for turning on the telly. No, it’s not Zooey Deschanel.

Image: Zooey Deschanel Tumblr

Zombies! Where are my zombies, AMC? How are you supposed to make any of us care about these new characters when there isn’t a very serious and constant threat of zombies? Are these strangers rough-and-tumble ruffians here to stir up some trouble?

Pfft, whatever. Without any zombies around, the group can just pick up and drive to any of the supposedly dozens of perfectly safe scenic farmhouses in the area. I pray that “Nebraska” is the name of a character or a boat or something, and not where these two new mystery men are from. If they really did make it all the way from Nebraska to Georgia shortly after a zombie apocalypse, then that means that America really isn’t all that dangerous. At all.

Image: Babbleon5

Well, the first step after surviving an apocalypse of any type is to begin rebuilding and repopulating the world. Maybe that’s why the writers have been focusing on all of this frou-frou love drama.

Who Should Replace Ricky Gervais as Golden Globes Host Next Year?

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Kris M.

As the host of the last three Golden Globes, actor Ricky Gervais served a dual role as both comedian and roastmaster. His cutting celebrity comedy has been both the subject of celebration and criticism—but everyone can agree it’s at least been interesting to watch. If Ricky doesn’t return to host next year, the Golden Globes will need to carefully select his successor. Here are just a few suggestions that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association might want to take into consideration.

Steve Carell

Image: reutersmedia.com

Steve was the perfect replacement for Gervais as the star of the American version of “The Office,” so why not replace him as the host of the Golden Globes too? Not only is Carell a great improvisational comedian, he’s got natural charm and showmanship.

Jimmy Fallon

Image: tumblr.com

Jimmy has recently hit his stride on late night television where it turns out he was born to be a host all along. Jimmy makes a great host because of his ability to play off of other comedians. Put him on stage with Justin Timberlake or Tina Fey and he’ll have audiences rolling with laugher.

Jane Lynch

Image: sojones.com

Jane killed it as the host of the Emmys this year, so it might be time for her to move up to the next step. She has that rare comedic ability to be mean, intense, warm and excited all at the same time.

Conan O’Brien

Image: wordpress.com

Conan might have been snubbed as the next host of “The Tonight Show,” but he’s still got that goofy humor and larger-than-life personality that makes for a good host. Bring Andy Richter in to serve as his co-host and you’re in for a night of laughs.

Stephen Colbert

Image: zimbio.com

There are two sides to Stephen Colbert—there’s the real life actor and comedian and then there’s the satirical character that he portrays on his show. Either would be a hilarious host for the next Golden Globes.

Tina Fey

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Tina spent years as one of the funniest anchors on “Weekend Update” and went on to have a successful TV and movie career. Her likeable, self-depreciating humor might be the opposite of Ricky Gervais, but she’d still draw a large crowd.

Russell Brand

Image: zimbio.com

Russell Brand might just be the perfect Brit to replace Ricky Gervais, as he brings that same brand of unfiltered humor to everything he does. He had a memorable stint as the host of the MTV Movie Awards and the potential to bring the same kind of controversy that Ricky did—which of course, makes for compelling TV.

Kristen Wiig

Image: hollywoodnews.com

She’s been one of the funniest cast members on “SNL” for years now and her hit movie “Bridesmaids” only confirmed what we’ve all suspected for awhile now—Kristen Wiig is a comedic genius. She’s paid her dues, it’s time for her to take the spotlight.

Does Fake News Influence Real News?

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Bailey C.

Image Source: Appadvice.com

Our national paragons of fake news reporting, The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, returned with new seasons on January 4th, and with elections looming large and as omnipresent as those spaceships in Independence Day, I’m excited to see how the shows will respectively handle Indecision 2012, as they like to call it. Continue reading →

Seven Celebrities that Deserve Their Own Talk Show

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Kris M.

It seems like anybody who has been on TV can host a talk show these days. Randy Jackson and Queen Latifah are both rumored to have talk shows in the works, while “Real Housewife” Bethenny Frankel recently taped a pilot for a daytime talk show that was not picked up. Despite the sheer number of celebrities trying to break into the talk show circuit, here’s a few more that we think have a better shot.

Paula Deen

Image: Foodnetwork.com

The queen of southern cooking and excessive butter would be right at home with the daytime television crowd. Paula often works in the kitchen alongside her family, friends and guest stars, so converting that friendly, southern hospitality into a talk show format would be as easy as pecan pie.

Kathy Griffin

Image: Encore Magazine

This comedienne, reality-show diva and self-proclaimed D-list star already gossips so much about celebrities in her stand-up act that giving her the chance to actually interview them would be must-see TV. She’d ask all the uncomfortable, raunchy questions that other interviewers never touch.

Tyler Perry

Image: eurweb.com

Perry is a writer, director, actor and producer with several hit plays, movies and TV shows under his belt. Frankly, a talk show is about the only thing he hasn’t done yet. Tyler Perry’s devotion to the African American community would give him a built-in audience and if he showed up to guest-host as Madea every now and then, we wouldn’t complain.

Neil Patrick Harris

Image: tumblr.com

As much as we love “How I Met Your Mother,” no sitcom is forever and NPH may soon find himself needing a new gig. He did an amazing job hosting the Tony Awards and is always a fascinating guest on talk shows. This natural showman is perfect for a morning talk show—after all, who wouldn’t want to wake up with Neil Patrick Harris?

Ricky Gervais

Image: peterbaileyny.com

Although “The Ricky Gervais” show is hilarious, we want to see Ricky interview more than just simpletons like Karl Pilkington. Ricky’s not afraid to speak his mind or call someone out on being an idiot, which would make him a perfect host for a roundtable political talk show like Bill Mahr or John Stewart.

Justin Timberlake

Image: nydailynews.com

He was a Mousketeer, a boy band member and an accomplished actor. He’s one of the greatest reoccurring guests on “Saturday Night Live” and that’s because he’s got high energy and natural talent. Morning, noon, night—it doesn’t matter when you air his talk show, people would watch.

Margaret Cho

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Stand-up comedian Margaret Cho would bring some much needed diversity to the talk show circuit. We’d love to see her hosting tabloid talk show, interviewing cheating husbands and out-of-control teens. After all, she’s friends with drag queens, struggled with weight issues and recovered from substance abuse. She’s done it all and lived to tell the tale.