The TV Column - Lisa de Moraes watches so you don't have to.

Posted at 01:50 PM ET, 08/04/2011

Jerry Lewis, TV critics play Goad the Old Guy at Summer TV Press Tour 2011 [Updated]

By Lisa de Moraes

Comic comes to press tour to promote Encore network docu ‘Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis’

By Lisa de Moraes | 01:50 PM ET, 08/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:37 PM ET, 07/29/2011

Summer TV Press Tour 2011: Bush, student saw classroom differently on 9/11

By Lisa de Moraes

Nickelodeon special and Nat Geo special among slew of 9/11 programs planned to commemorate 10th anniversary of attack.

By Lisa de Moraes | 08:37 PM ET, 07/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:13 PM ET, 07/29/2011

Summer TV Press Tour 2011: Oprah to host ‘The Oprah Class’ on Oprah Winfrey Network

By Lisa de Moraes

The show will become a key part of the struggling OWN network.

By Lisa de Moraes | 05:13 PM ET, 07/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:02 AM ET, 07/29/2011

Summer TV Press Tour 2011: Gloria Steinem’s thoughts on NBC’s ‘Playboy Club’

By Lisa de Moraes

Steinem famously worked as a bunny for the Playboy Club to write an article about the labor conditions.

By Lisa de Moraes | 11:02 AM ET, 07/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 07/29/2011

Summer TV Press Tour 2011: What Harry Belafonte would ask Congress about the debt crisis

By Lisa de Moraes

The singer is promoting a documentary about his political activism.

By Lisa de Moraes | 10:00 AM ET, 07/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:14 PM ET, 07/28/2011

Summer TV Press Tour 2011: Execs explain casting choices on ‘Hell on Wheels’

By Lisa de Moraes

The press wondered why there were no Chinese characters, even though Chinese labor played a big role in the construction of the cross-country railroad.

By Lisa de Moraes | 06:14 PM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:00 PM ET, 07/28/2011

Summer TV Press Tour 2011: Critics grill AMC about ‘Walking Dead’ shakeup, ‘Killing’ finale

By Lisa de Moraes

Esteemed network takes hits at Summer TV Press Tour 2011.

By Lisa de Moraes | 04:00 PM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:50 PM ET, 07/28/2011

Summer TV Press Tour 2011: BBC America gets in the scripted game

By Lisa de Moraes

BBC America has ordered its first original scripted series for summer 2012.

By Lisa de Moraes | 03:50 PM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:44 PM ET, 07/28/2011

Summer TV Press Tour 2011: Nicollette Sheridan avoids pesky ‘Housewives’ questions

By Lisa de Moraes

TV critics stuck to safer topics, like her Hallmark original movie.

By Lisa de Moraes | 03:44 PM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:48 AM ET, 07/28/2011

Former CNN anchor Rick Sanchez lands job as football announcer

By Emily Yahr

Sanchez was fired by CNN in October after an incendiary radio interview.

By Emily Yahr | 10:48 AM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:53 PM ET, 07/27/2011

Summer TV Press Tour 2011: TV critics ponder the meaning of weather

By Lisa de Moraes

The Weather Channel execs had their day at press tour.

By Lisa de Moraes | 05:53 PM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:10 PM ET, 07/27/2011

Summer TV Press Tour 2011: Anderson Cooper says new talk show won’t stop him from doing everything

By Lisa de Moraes

The future talk show host met with press on Tuesday.

By Lisa de Moraes | 02:10 PM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:33 PM ET, 07/25/2011

President Obama to save us from boring night of primetime with more tough talk as budget deadline looms

By Lisa de Moraes

The president will air a primetime address at 9 p.m. Monday.

By Lisa de Moraes | 05:33 PM ET, 07/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:15 PM ET, 07/25/2011

Animal Planet announces ‘Whale Wars’ spin-off

By Lisa de Moraes

The show will fight in the Faroe Islands against the annual pilot-whale round-up

By Lisa de Moraes | 02:15 PM ET, 07/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:40 PM ET, 07/25/2011

‘Deadliest Catch’ gets ready to close out Season 7 [promo: finale live chat]

By Lisa de Moraes

Capt. Keith Colburn will host a live chat during tonight’s finale episode. Submit your questions now.

By Lisa de Moraes | 01:40 PM ET, 07/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:13 AM ET, 07/25/2011

Discovery orders special on Norway slayings for international channels

By Lisa de Moraes

The hour-long documentary will air in August.

By Lisa de Moraes | 11:13 AM ET, 07/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:40 AM ET, 07/25/2011

ABC News interviews Dominique Strauss-Kahn accuser

By Lisa de Moraes

The full interview will air Tuesday on “Nightline.”

By Lisa de Moraes | 09:40 AM ET, 07/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:43 AM ET, 07/22/2011

Jon Stewart looks at GOP hopefuls’ odds of survival in the wild

By Lisa de Moraes

‘The Daily Show’ launches its Survival of the Funded segment.

By Lisa de Moraes | 10:43 AM ET, 07/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 07/22/2011

Dr. Drew and Bristol Palin discuss definition of ‘rape’

By Lisa de Moraes

HLN therapist interviews Sarah Palin’s daughter as she plugs her autobiography.

By Lisa de Moraes | 09:00 AM ET, 07/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:14 PM ET, 07/21/2011

TLC orders ‘All-American Muslim’ reality series

By Lisa de Moraes

The show will be set in Dearborn, Mich.

By Lisa de Moraes | 02:14 PM ET, 07/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:38 PM ET, 07/21/2011

Heidi Fleiss to star in Animal Planet reality special ‘Prostitutes to Parrots’

By Lisa de Moraes

The cable network announced it would debut the one-hour special on July 31.

By Lisa de Moraes | 01:38 PM ET, 07/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:17 PM ET, 07/20/2011

Katie Couric starts warming up for return to daytime TV on Aug. 3

By Lisa de Moraes

ABC starts warming up Couric for her return to daytime talk TV on Aug. 3.

By Lisa de Moraes | 07:17 PM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:05 PM ET, 07/20/2011

Ratings for Rupert Murdoch’s appearance, and Jon Stewart talking about it? About the same.

By Lisa de Moraes

About 2 million people watched each event.

By Lisa de Moraes | 07:05 PM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:56 PM ET, 07/20/2011

‘Idol’ creator Simon Fuller sues Fox over Simon Cowell’s ‘X Factor’

By Lisa de Moraes

In his breach-of-contract suit, Fuller claims he’s owed ‘X Factor’ exec producer credit and salary.

By Lisa de Moraes | 06:56 PM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:10 PM ET, 07/20/2011

Paris Hilton leaves ABC News interview after question about being ‘over’

By Lisa de Moraes

Hilton wasn’t pleased when asked if her moment in the spotlight has passed.

By Lisa de Moraes | 01:10 PM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:34 PM ET, 07/20/2011

Craig Ferguson on Rupert Murdoch and NewsCorp phone hacking

By Lisa de Moraes

CBS late night host talks about NewsCorp CEO’s humble pie — and shaving-cream pie — eating in appearance before Parliamentary committee about his company’s phone hacking

By Lisa de Moraes | 12:34 PM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:35 AM ET, 07/20/2011

Jon Stewart on latest in News Corp. hacking scandal [Video]

By Lisa de Moraes

“The Daily Show” looks at the Murdochs before Parliament.

By Lisa de Moraes | 09:35 AM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:23 PM ET, 07/19/2011

Winners & Losers: ‘America’s Got Talent’ becomes country’s favorite sport

By Lisa de Moraes

A look at the week’s ratings.

By Lisa de Moraes | 06:23 PM ET, 07/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:20 PM ET, 07/19/2011

Hollywood TV execs discuss a Very Important Topic: Charlie Sheen

By Lisa de Moraes

The actor was a conversation topic at the HRTS lunch.

By Lisa de Moraes | 06:20 PM ET, 07/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:17 PM ET, 07/19/2011

Where to watch News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch at Parliament [Updated]

By Lisa de Moraes

Lots of channels will air the proceedings live.

By Lisa de Moraes | 12:17 PM ET, 07/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:34 PM ET, 07/18/2011

Charlie Sheen officially shopping ‘Anger Management’ sitcom with Lionsgate [Updated]

By Lisa de Moraes

The former “Two and a Half Men” actor would star in this show, loosely based on the movie of the same name.

By Lisa de Moraes | 06:34 PM ET, 07/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:49 AM ET, 07/15/2011

Bristol Palin and Don Rickles: Comedy magic

By Lisa de Moraes

Bristol Palin, Don Rickles discuss Sarah Palin’s presidential chances on Jay Leno’s show. Seriously.

By Lisa de Moraes | 09:49 AM ET, 07/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:45 PM ET, 07/14/2011

Emmy noms announced: ‘Kennedys’ and ‘Game of Thrones’ lead pack of fresh faces

By Lisa de Moraes

The Emmy nominations were revealed on Thursday.

By Lisa de Moraes | 06:45 PM ET, 07/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:36 PM ET, 07/14/2011

2011 Emmy Nominations: Who should win?

By Lisa de Moraes

Don Draper or Coach Taylor? “Good Wife” or “Mad Men”? Cast your vote for who should win the major Emmy categories.

By Lisa de Moraes | 01:36 PM ET, 07/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:25 AM ET, 07/13/2011

Fox previews first look at ‘X Factor’ (Video)

By Lisa de Moraes

Simon Cowell makes his debut on his new competition series.

By Lisa de Moraes | 10:25 AM ET, 07/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:46 AM ET, 07/13/2011

Ted Danson joins ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’

By Lisa de Moraes

The veteran actor replaces Laurence Fishburne, who didn’t help the show’s ratings.

By Lisa de Moraes | 09:46 AM ET, 07/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:40 AM ET, 07/13/2011

Oprah Winfrey Network’s new CEO: Oprah Winfrey

By Lisa de Moraes

Oprah will take over the reins of her cable network.

By Lisa de Moraes | 09:40 AM ET, 07/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:02 AM ET, 07/13/2011

Keith Olbermann talks about his experience with Rupert Murdoch while at Fox Sports

By Lisa de Moraes

Olbermann discusses what it was like working for Fox Sports after reporting Murdoch was looking to sell the LA Dodgers.

By Lisa de Moraes | 09:02 AM ET, 07/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:24 PM ET, 07/12/2011

CBS News plugs exclusive sit-down with President Obama

By Lisa de Moraes

‘CBS Evening News’ anchor Scott Pelley sat down Tuesday with President Barack Obama at the White House for wide-ranging interview, which will air tonight.

By Lisa de Moraes | 01:24 PM ET, 07/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:26 AM ET, 07/12/2011

David Letterman discusses Ed Sullivan Theater break-in

By Lisa de Moraes

A man broke in Sunday night, though Letterman’s set was unharmed.

By Lisa de Moraes | 10:26 AM ET, 07/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:02 AM ET, 07/12/2011

Jon Stewart and John Oliver compare American vs. British media

By Lisa de Moraes

It’s the Casey Anthony trial against News of the World.

By Lisa de Moraes | 10:02 AM ET, 07/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:30 PM ET, 07/11/2011

Robert Osborne taking three-month leave from TCM

By Lisa de Moraes

The longtime TCM host will undergo minor surgery, the network said in a statement.

By Lisa de Moraes | 07:30 PM ET, 07/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:41 PM ET, 07/11/2011

Joe DeFeo named news director at NewsChannel 8

By Lisa de Moraes

New exec assumes post July 25.

By Lisa de Moraes | 06:41 PM ET, 07/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:55 PM ET, 07/11/2011

It’s official: CBS’s Harry Smith joins NBC News

By Emily Yahr

The longtime CBS news correspondent was ousted from “The Early Show” last year.

By Emily Yahr | 03:55 PM ET, 07/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:00 PM ET, 07/11/2011

Oprah hopes ‘Undercover Boss’ will jumpstart OWN ratings

By Lisa de Moraes

OWN and TLC to share reruns of hit CBS reality series starting in fall of 2012.

By Lisa de Moraes | 03:00 PM ET, 07/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:56 PM ET, 07/11/2011

Jaycee Dugard interview lands 15 mil — biggest summer newsmag crowd in 7 years

By Lisa de Moraes

Diane Sawyer ‘get’ is TV’s biggest summer newsmag broadcast in more than seven years,

By Lisa de Moraes | 01:56 PM ET, 07/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:50 PM ET, 07/08/2011

TNT greenlights new ‘Dallas’ to premiere next summer

By Emily Yahr

The channel calls it ““an all-new series based upon one of the most popular television dramas of all time.”

By Emily Yahr | 03:50 PM ET, 07/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:45 PM ET, 07/07/2011

Starz’s ‘Torchwood: Miracle Day’ mortality advocates get cold shoulder in Washington

By Lisa de Moraes

Starz network’s publicity stunt didn’t go over well with some grumpy D.C. residents.

By Lisa de Moraes | 03:45 PM ET, 07/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:33 PM ET, 07/07/2011

ABC soaps ‘One Life to Live’ and ‘All My Children’ find new life as web series [Updated]

By Lisa de Moraes

Hollywood producers seal deal with ABC to continue long-running soaps ‘One Life to LIve’ and ‘All My Children’

By Lisa de Moraes | 03:33 PM ET, 07/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 07/07/2011

Eliot Spitzer signs off as CNN scrubs ‘In the Arena’ [VIDEO]

By Lisa de Moraes

The cabler has given Spitzer’s 8 p.m. slot to Anderson Cooper

By Lisa de Moraes | 11:00 AM ET, 07/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:12 AM ET, 07/07/2011

ABC News talking to Elizabeth Smart about becoming contributor

By Lisa de Moraes

Smart would help viewers better understand missing-persons stories, ABC says

By Lisa de Moraes | 09:12 AM ET, 07/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:15 PM ET, 07/06/2011

James Spader to run ‘The Office’ next season

By Emily Yahr

Spader plays new company CEO as NBC comedy series starts its first Steve Carell-less season.

By Emily Yahr | 03:15 PM ET, 07/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:24 AM ET, 07/06/2011

Casey Anthony found not guilty, fueling TV news frenzy

By Lisa de Moraes

Schedules blown out to make room for on-air hand-wringing over mom’s not-guilty verdict in daughter’s death

By Lisa de Moraes | 09:24 AM ET, 07/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:03 AM ET, 07/05/2011

Comedy Central to roast Charlie Sheen

By Lisa de Moraes

The roast will air the same night CBS returns “Two and a Half Men” for its first Sheen-less season.

By Lisa de Moraes | 11:03 AM ET, 07/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:01 AM ET, 07/01/2011

Mr. Colbert Goes to Washington

By Lisa de Moraes

Colbert discusses his visit to the Federal Election Commission on Thursday’s show

By Lisa de Moraes | 09:01 AM ET, 07/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:00 PM ET, 06/30/2011

FEC okays Stephen Colbert’s super PAC [VIDEO]

By Lisa de Moraes

Comedy Central faux news anchor appeared in front of the Federal Election Commission.

By Lisa de Moraes | 04:00 PM ET, 06/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:58 PM ET, 06/30/2011

11 million watch Javier Colon win NBC’s ‘The Voice’ [UPDATED]

By Lisa de Moraes

A guy beats out all chick finalists in a TV singing competition — that never happens.

By Lisa de Moraes | 01:58 PM ET, 06/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:43 AM ET, 06/30/2011

MSNBC suspends analyst Mark Halperin over characterization of President Obama

By Emily Yahr

The cable news network says he is suspended indefinitely after comments on “Morning Joe.”

By Emily Yahr | 11:43 AM ET, 06/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

The TV Column: August, 2011