Uncle Barky's Bytes

Liberace gets star spangled treatment in HBO's Behind the Candelabra

Ed Bark — 2013-05-24T14:22:14-05:00

Liberace’s stop in Dallas, to promote a new book, was one of his last public appearances before he died early the following year. He still clung to the fiction of losing his virginity as a teenager to Miss Bea Haven -- and later having his heart broken by champion figure skater Sonja Henie.

WFAA8 loses another seasoned reporter, with Jonathan Betz off to NYC

Ed Bark — 2013-05-23T16:11:47-05:00

Jonathan Betz, a five-year veteran at WFAA8, is leaving the Dallas-based station to take a news job in New York City. More details are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

May "sweeps" ratings: a complete compendium of local newscast numbers and other points of interest

Ed Bark — 2013-05-23T14:30:30-05:00

Another ratings “sweeps” is in the books. And our complete look at the ups and downs of D-FW’s local stations can be found on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Save Save Me? NBC's just not in the spirit

Ed Bark — 2013-05-23T14:25:29-05:00

Touted last May as a midseason arrival, NBC’s Save Me instead finally comes up for air time on the night after the season officially ends. The Peacock is burning off Anne Heche’s spiritual sitcom at the rate of two episodes per Thursday.

And now for a brief respite

Ed Bark — 2013-05-16T16:31:52-05:00

It’s been a very busy week here at unclebarky.com, with new season announcements by the five broadcast networks, Wednesday night’s emergency weather coverage, two end-of-the season series premieres of note, etc. ...Meanwhile, thanks for your continued readership and please continue to click any Amazon ad on any unclebarky.com page before making the purchases you were going to make anyway.

Late season bloomers: ABC's Motive and Fox's The Goodwin Games both premiere Monday

Ed Bark — 2013-05-16T15:57:35-05:00

Barely after announcing their new season schedules, ABC and Fox close out the old season with series premieres on Monday, May 20th. ... And a look at The Goodwin Games is here.

D-FW's continuous Wednesday night weather coverage -- and which station was most-watched

Ed Bark — 2013-05-16T15:50:47-05:00

Network entertainment schedules went out the window Wednesday night, with Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11 all offering continuous emergency weather coverage from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. We’ve got the hour-by-hour D-FW Nielsen numbers -- and also some brief judgments of which station(s) did it best.

CW's new fall accentuates sci-fi

Ed Bark — 2013-05-16T09:34:27-05:00

Basic everyday humans are in increasingly short supply on the CW network, which on Thursday became the last to announce its new season lineup. All the details are on our Network News & Reviews page.

CBS ups its comedy content, spotlighted by new series pairing Robin Williams/Sarah Michele Gellar

Ed Bark — 2013-05-15T12:37:08-05:00

1 CBS hopes to make Thursdays a bigger comedy destination next fall, adding two new ones to a night that already gets off to a blockbuster start with The Big Bang Theory. The network’s five new series include just one drama.

A crowded dance card for ABC this fall, even though DWTS condenses to one night

Ed Bark — 2013-05-14T13:33:33-05:00

Coming off another less than stellar season, ABC is loading up in the fall with eight new series, half of them on an all-new Tuesday night. It’s also downsizing Dancing with the Stars to a single night.

Jack Bauer's returning in summer 2014 (and oh yeah, the new Fox fall lineup, too)

Ed Bark — 2013-05-13T09:48:39-05:00

Fox’s announcement of its new fall and midseason shows Monday morning ended up taking second billing to its disclosure that a new 12-episode return of onetime juggernaut 24 is coming during the summer of 2014. All the details are on the Network News & Reviews page.

Struggling NBC hopes to regroup with star power this fall

Ed Bark — 2013-05-13T08:00:47-05:00

NBC’s new fall lineup includes new comedy vehicles for Michael J. Fox and Sean Hayes as well as dramas for James Spader and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

Take it from NBC: Lame duck Leno just keeps on winning

Ed Bark — 2013-05-10T13:53:07-05:00

Jay Leno, still slated for eviction after next year’s Winter Olympics, lately has been winning across the board by increasing margins. ...Plus, another little collection of D-FW news notes, this time featuring Gary Cogill and Shon Gables.

Up-close and objective: May 8th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2013-05-09T18:21:02-05:00

Pant-pant, here we go with another compendium, featuring NBC5 reporter Omar Villafranca in “Mesh Mask Bandit” mode. It’s all on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Comedy redwood: HBO's Family Tree

Ed Bark — 2013-05-09T15:55:33-05:00

Christopher Guest, maestro of the feature film “mockumentary,” tackles his first TV series as the creator, writer and director of HBO’s Family Tree It premieres on Sunday, May 12th, and our review is here. Also, Wednesday D-FW Nielsen ratings are freshly posted.

Up-close and objective: May 7th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2013-05-08T14:30:17-05:00

Here’s our latest compendium of what came and went during Tuesday’s featured late night newscasts on D-FW’s Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11. ... Check out the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, where you also can find the latest “Local Nielsen Ratings Snapshot.”

Up-close and objective: May 6th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2013-05-07T15:54:30-05:00

We’re at it again, this time for a limited one-week engagement before the broadcast networks begin announcing their new fall lineups next Monday. Here’s a look at the May 6th late night D-FW newscasts on Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8, CBS11, with special attention paid to weatherman Pete Delkus’ graphic encounter with the 2012 presidential election.

New D-FW developments for Mark Davis, Debbie Denmon

Ed Bark — 2013-05-06T13:47:12-05:00

Conservative radio personality Mark Davis now has a D-FW TV outlet for his views while former WFAA8 anchor Debbie Denmon accepted on-air marriage proposal during Friday’s edition of KTXD-TV’s The Texas Daily. ...Also, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings are bullish for both the Kentucky Derby and Texas Rangers baseball.

For the first time in 21 TV seasons, CBS hits the spot with advertisers' motherlode

Ed Bark — 2013-05-03T13:36:41-05:00

The CBS prime-time schedule still isn’t about to lure Timmy Texter away from his smart phone. Still, the network will accomplish something this season that has eluded it for 21 years.

IFC has another little gem in Maron

Ed Bark — 2013-05-02T15:48:29-05:00

IFC, the network of Portlandia, hopes to further brighten its prime-time picture with the Friday, May 3rd premiere of Maron. Even though its namesake, real-life character hardly looks on the sunny side.

Georgia's on Cher's mind -- her mom, that is

Ed Bark — 2013-05-01T18:46:16-05:00

Lifetime’s enjoyable, evocative documentary film, Dear Mom, Love Cher, premieres on Monday, May 6th after the two of them make the publicity rounds. ...Plus, Tuesday’s D-FW Nielsen ratings spotlight the continued might of NCIS.

TNT gives Dallas a Season 3 in face of Hagman's death, ratings dropoff

Ed Bark — 2013-04-30T16:54:58-05:00

But TNT announced Tuesday that it’s pulling the trigger on a 15-episode Season 3 of Dallas. ...Also, Good Day co-anchor Lauren Przybyl of Fox4 had her first baby Tuesday.

ABC's Family Tools hardly nails it

Ed Bark — 2013-04-30T11:53:26-05:00

Family Tools, the last new Big Four broadcast network sitcom of the season, premieres on Wednesday, May 1st. ...Plus, Monday’s D-FW Nielsen ratings again are an aria for The Voice and some low-down blues for Revolution.

Emptying the mailbag on reader reactions to WFAA8's virtual bypass of West, TX memorial service

Ed Bark — 2013-04-29T12:23:48-05:00

Readers had pointed reactions, and not all of them negative, to WFAA8’s decision to largely ignore Thursday afternoon’s West, TX memorial service while rivals Fox4, NBC5 and CBS11 covered it live from start to finish. ...Also, please ignore that “Bandwidth Limit Exceeded for unclebarky.com” thing at the top of the Google search site.

Rangers feel a draft, but . . .

Ed Bark — 2013-04-26T14:57:00-05:00

Day One of the TV season’s climactic May “sweeps” ratings period was much bigger than unusual Thursday. We break down all of the numbers on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, including the prime-time matchup between the first-place Texas Rangers’ win at Minnesota and the first round of the NFL draft.

Perplexing: WFAA8 alone in mostly sitting out West, TX memorial service

Ed Bark — 2013-04-25T18:01:27-05:00

WFAA8 very surprisingly mostly took a pass on live coverage of Thursday afternoon’s West, TX memorial service while rivals Fox4, NBC5 and CBS11 covered it from start to stop. We take an in-depth look on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Blanket local live TV coverage of Bush Presidential Center dedication

Ed Bark — 2013-04-25T14:10:40-05:00

Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11 all preempted their regular entertainment programming Thursday morning for continuous, commercial-free live coverage of the George W. ...Plus, Wednesday’s D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, with the TV season’s climactic May ratings “sweeps” getting an early start on Thursday, April 25th.

Netflix's Hemlock Grove: a review based on consuming all 13 recurringly gory episodes

Ed Bark — 2013-04-24T13:20:23-05:00

Netflix’s second original 13 episode series, following the very well-received House of Cards, went up last Friday. Our review of Hemlock Grove, after watching its entire Season One, can be found right here.

Another hit/miss ratings Monday for NBC

Ed Bark — 2013-04-23T10:46:24-05:00

But its followup act, the serial drama Revolution, may have been irreparably damaged by the Peacock’s decision to give it a more than four-month rest. ...Plus, my New York Times review of Top of the Morning, the new book by NYT media reporter Brian Stelter, is in today’s editions.

Instant classic? Sundance Channel's Rectify convincingly makes its case

Ed Bark — 2013-04-22T10:31:37-05:00

Rectify, billed as Sundance Channel’s “first wholly owned original scripted series,” makes a smashing two-hour debut on Monday, April 22nd. That’s already enough to take viewers one-third of the way through its six-episode first season.

Covering the tragedy in West, Texas

Ed Bark — 2013-04-18T12:40:22-05:00

D-FW’s four major TV news providers, Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11, all offered continuous, sustained coverage of Wednesday night’s devastating fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. ...The latest local Nielsen ratings “snapshot” also shows which station’s coverage had the most viewers.

Last call for Pat Summerall

Ed Bark — 2013-04-16T19:53:32-05:00

Pat Summerall, who both played in the NFL’s signature “Greatest Game Ever Played” while announcing dozens of other classics, has died at the age of 82. A remembrance and illustrative video are on our Network News & Reviews page.

HBO's Mary and Martha: a formulaic, G-rated film that nonetheless delivers

Ed Bark — 2013-04-16T16:41:37-05:00

Hilary Swank and Brenda Blethyn star in HBO’s cause-driven Mary and Martha, which premieres on Saturday, April 20th. ...Also, Monday’s’s D-FW Nielsen ratings are posted, with an emphasis on the day’s breaking news coverage of the tragedy in Boston.

Five minutes and counting: on the phone with Robert Redford

Ed Bark — 2013-04-15T16:48:41-05:00

Unclebarky.com and Robert Redford recently ran a five-minute drill in connection with the upcoming Discovery Channel film All the President’s Men Revisited. ...Also, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings include a breakdown of Sunday evening’s Masters drama.

Louis C.K. remains in forefront with HBO's Oh My God

Ed Bark — 2013-04-12T10:59:47-05:00

Louis C.K. is taking an extended hiatus from the pressures of producing, directing, writing and starring in FX’s Louie. But he’s still got time for standup, and no one’s doing it better at the moment. Louis C.K.: Oh My God premieres Saturday, April 13th on HBO.

Syfy's Defiance a visual A-lister, but . . .

Ed Bark — 2013-04-11T17:38:22-05:00

Syfy channel hopes to make a big splash on Monday, April 15th with the simultaneous release of Defiance as both a futuristic TV show and compatible video game. ...Also, NBC’s second episode of Hannibal is out to lunch in Wednesday’s D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Starz's Da Vinci's Demons flaunts a strapping, chest-baring "Leo"

Ed Bark — 2013-04-10T17:58:09-05:00

Any resemblances to the heavily bearded “Renaissance Man” of later years are very intentionally missing in action. ...Also, Tuesday’s D-FW Nielsen ratings highlight a clash of prime-time titans.

20 years in a rear view mirror: a look back at media coverage of the Branch Davidian cult standoff in Waco

Ed Bark — 2013-04-09T11:50:41-05:00

Twenty spring seasons ago, local and national media swarmed Waco to document the 51-day standoff between federal law enforcement officials and Branch Davidian cult followers of David Koresh. ...The articles are bridged by video of an excellent recent report by Fox4’s Richard Ray, one of a handful of remaining D-FW television reporters who covered the standoff first-hand.

Annette Funicello: R.I.P.

Ed Bark — 2013-04-08T15:36:58-05:00

Annette Funicello, most famous of the original Mouseketeers, has died of complications from Multiple Sclerosis. ...Also, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings “snapshot” spotlights some big sports events and how well they did.

Anxiety abounds as Mad Men starts Season 6

Ed Bark — 2013-04-04T15:54:26-05:00

AMC’s Mad Men begins its second-to-last season on Sunday, April 7th. ...And go here if you’d like to see my cnn.com commentary on the role “social media” skills are playing in the Tonight Show segue from Jay Leno to Jimmy Fallon.

Leno's Tonight death knell officially sounded (And how big a draw was Yu's near perfect game?)

Ed Bark — 2013-04-03T13:29:25-05:00

We assess the move while also wondering whether conventional TV ratings are now bowing to social media prowess. ...Also, how did Yu do in the D-FW ratings during the climactic stages of his achingly close perfect game Tuesday night?

What's for dinner? NBC serving up Hannibal

Ed Bark — 2013-04-02T17:14:37-05:00

Serial killing series seem to be in vogue right now. And NBC soon will have Hannibal on its plate, staring with its Thursday, April 4th premiere.

ABC goes long with How to Live With Your Parents (etc.)

Ed Bark — 2013-04-01T16:32:38-05:00

ABC’s new How to Live With Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life) premieres on Wednesday, April 3rd with an accomplished cast and a laborious feel. ...But if you like what you see -- or at least find some of the information useful -- you can help out a little by first clicking on any of the amazon.com ads before making the purchases you were going to make anyway.

PBS Mr. Selfridge: a 10-hour PBS drama about the man who "shows early 1900s Londoners how to shop" (but I'm sold)

Ed Bark — 2013-03-29T14:57:52-05:00

Selfridge, the latest miniseries flying under PBS’ Masterpiece Classic banner, stars Jeremy Piven as the American who put the oomph in British shopping, circa the early 1900s. Sounds like that could wear very thin in a hurry, but surprise, surprise.

FX not big enough for you? Try FXX

Ed Bark — 2013-03-28T15:44:55-05:00

Hoping to capitalize on a good thing -- the FX network -- its owners plan to launch FXX this summer. Further details and programing announcements are on our Network News & Reviews page.

Game of Thrones renews its vows

Ed Bark — 2013-03-28T13:22:09-05:00

It’s gonna be a hectic, hair-pulling Easter Sunday night in fanboy/fangirl land, with the Season 3 premiere of HBO’s Game of Thrones squaring off against the Season 3 finale of AMC’s The Walking Dead. Add the climactic Crucifixion on History channel’s The Bible.

Readers deliver to Uncle Barky's Mailbag

Ed Bark — 2013-03-27T11:20:03-05:00

A new Uncle Barky’s Mailbag has been emptied on -- where else? -- the Uncle Barky’s Mailbag page. Also, NBC’s The Voice duels CBS’ NCIS in Tuesday’s D-FW ratings “snapshot.”

NBC5 reporter Ellen Goldberg signs off after 6 years

Ed Bark — 2013-03-26T18:15:32-05:00

Dogged nightside reporter Ellen Goldberg has decided to try something new. After six years with Fort Worth-based NBC5, she’s left the building.

Philip Roth opens up in new American Masters film (although still not an open book)

Ed Bark — 2013-03-26T17:21:10-05:00

Acclaimed and prolific novelist Philip Roth willingly speaks at length in PBS’ new Philip Roth: Unmasked. ...Plus, Monday’s D-FW Nielsen ratings “snapshot” stars a group of prime-time heavy hitters, most notably NBC’s returning The Voice.

Viewers could use a little protection from Ron Corning's Daybreak sex talk spot

Ed Bark — 2013-03-25T19:18:36-05:00

Daybreak co-anchor Ron Corning has been the heavily promoted face of the WFAA8 program for the past year and a half. But his latest spot, a sex talk featuring Corning, two kids and a pair of Barbie dolls, should have been flagged before hitting the air.

Brace for Chupacabra vs The Alamo, with Erik Estrada the last line of defense

Ed Bark — 2013-03-21T17:36:27-05:00

Syfy network’s Saturday night cheese-fest goes above and beyond with Chupacabra vs The Alamo. Erik Estrada stars, and he’s already cashed the check.

NBC again preparing to say J No to Leno

Ed Bark — 2013-03-21T12:41:28-05:00

Jay Leno has never been a critical darling, but he’s still the overall people’s choice in late night. ...Plus, Wednesday’s D-FW Nielsen ratings yield the usual spoils for Fox and CBS.

Mirren, Pacino in tune for HBO's Phil Spector

Ed Bark — 2013-03-21T08:44:13-05:00

Al Pacino plays the manic title character, but Helen Mirren is the glue in HBO’s Phil Spector, premiering Sunday, March 24th. ...Ed Bark

New computers can be hell -- especially when you're running a website

Ed Bark — 2013-03-20T10:42:55-05:00

My 2006 iMac, the one I used to launch unclebarky.com, had been perilously running on a backup hard drive for the past nine months or so. ...Brad Watson surprised his WFAA8 colleagues and station management Monday by deciding to become communications director for Luminant Energy after a stellar 34-year career at the Dallas-based ABC affiliate.

A&E's Bates Motel: check in, check it out and be wowed by Vera Farmiga's Mother Norma

Ed Bark — 2013-03-13T12:56:31-05:00

A&E's Bates Motel, a "contemporary prequel" co-produced by former Lost maestro Carlton Cuse, opens its creaky doors on Monday, March 18th. ...Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen numbers also are posted.

Showtime whiffs with The World According to Dick Cheney

Ed Bark — 2013-03-12T12:30:56-05:00

"Darth" Cheney reveals that his favorite food is spaghetti in Showtime's trumpeted 1 hour, 45 minute documentary about his life and times. ...Ewing on Monday's Dallas made no big impression in the D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Networks' latest Pope palooza inspires a Back Channels rewind

Ed Bark — 2013-03-11T13:20:45-05:00

But harken back to a more majestic time, when TV brought U.S. viewers live, very early morning coverage of Pope John Paul II's funeral. ...Plus, "Come Home to Channel 5" for this hokey, homey 1986 promo in times when the station had Wheel of Fortune in play.

Hello Dolly, hello Ovation

Ed Bark — 2013-03-07T15:58:03-06:00

Song By Song, a new series spotlighting the music of Dolly Parton for starters, premieres Sunday, March 10th on the Ovation network. ... But unclebarky.com likes to help the little folks out, and this is a nice reason to make what might be a first date with Ovation.

Local, local, local

Ed Bark — 2013-03-06T16:12:01-06:00

Pounding the D-FW TV beat today with stories on: ...***Suzie Humphreys' dagnabbit persnickety fit on KTXD's D: The Broadcast (and they still love it for now).

J.R. Ewing's last call a downer in D-FW ratings

Ed Bark — 2013-03-05T12:58:28-06:00

Ewing again was on the receiving end more than three decades after the series' famous "Who Shot J.R." cliffhanger. It was Hagman's final go-around as J.R., with a funeral set for the March 11th episode.

Success of The Bible, Vikings another Sunday night headache for Big 4 broadcast nets

Ed Bark — 2013-03-05T10:13:06-06:00

The History network landed another uppercut on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox Sunday night with big ratings for both The Bible and Vikings. AMC's The Walking Dead already has been hammering away on a night that broadcasters once dominated with an array of "Big Event" movies and miniseries.

Pat Doney is NBC5's new weekend sports guy

Ed Bark — 2013-03-04T15:20:22-06:00

Pat Doney from Louisville's Fox affiliate has been named to succeed Matt Barrie as NBC5's weekend sports anchor. Details on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Tons of Texans infest, er, seek true happiness in NBC's Ready For Love

Ed Bark — 2013-03-04T14:29:05-06:00

But NBC's upcoming Ready For Love has to be a record-setter in terms of Lone Star infiltration. ...Also, veteran D-FW traffic reporter Tammy Dombeck is back in play, and we have a picture and a few words on her first official day at CBS11.

Some tarnish on that "D TV Strikes Ratings Gold" post by magazine's head man

Ed Bark — 2013-03-01T18:24:24-06:00

Wick Allison, Colossus of the D magazine empire, bragged in a FrontBurner post Friday that "D TV Strikes Ratings Gold After Only Eight Days." ...And especially to those who shop on Amazon by first clicking on any of the unclebarky.com ads and then proceeding to make the purchases you had in mind.

WFAA8, Fox4 pace February newscast "sweeps"

Ed Bark — 2013-02-28T14:13:59-06:00

D-FW's February "sweeps" are in the books, and we've got all the details, plus commentary, on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page. Some races again were air-tight, requiring three decimal point breakdowns to determine the winners.

Red Widow: another string-along from addicted ABC

Ed Bark — 2013-02-27T16:20:43-06:00

ABC's most popular scripted series is Castle, a close-ended "procedural" crime drama that's not dependent on weekly viewing. ...Also, Tuesday's local Nielsen ratings "snapshot" charts the performances of two newcomers -- Golden Boy and Celebrity Wife Swap.

Up your Oscars: ratings rise nationally

Ed Bark — 2013-02-26T18:31:19-06:00

Final Nielsen numbers show that Sunday night's Oscar ceremony drew more viewers nationally than last year's. And it also upped its percentage of advertiser-prized 18-to-49-year-olds, which is exactly what the Academy and ABC had in mind by hiring Seth MacFarlane as host.

HBO's Parade's End takes marching orders from Downton Abbey

Ed Bark — 2013-02-26T16:08:01-06:00

HBO's five-part Parade's End, premiering on Tuesday, Feb. 26th, is also available instantly in one big gulp on HBO GO. Its setting, time period and storyline otherwise smacks of Downton Abbey.

MacFarlane as Oscar host -- first time, last time?

Ed Bark — 2013-02-25T14:55:30-06:00

Sunday night's Oscar ceremony went even longer than usual, thanks to host Seth MacFarlane's seemingly endless opening shtick. ...Also, see how the Oscars did in D-FW in our latest Nielsen ratings "snapshot."

CBS adds more crime time with promising Golden Boy

Ed Bark — 2013-02-22T15:13:50-06:00

Crime scenes are CBS' specialty, and the network strikes again next week with Golden Boy. ...Also, Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings have prizes for CBS, Fox and ABC while NBC again comes up empty.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 20th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2013-02-21T16:05:15-06:00

Our last in this series of ratings "sweeps" looks at D-FW's late night newscasts highlights Fox4 sports anchor Mike Doocy's recent regimen of kid guests. ...Also, Wednesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are detailed right here.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 19th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2013-02-20T15:56:54-06:00

In a tale of two stories --- about the same 911-calling, cigarette-demanding Hood County grandma -- he showed a side of her that was entirely missing from Fox4's account. And it might have made quite a difference in how you perceived Linda White, who undeniably did something dumb but probably doesn't deserve to be pilloried for it.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 18th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2013-02-19T17:59:33-06:00

Our look at the Monday, Feb. 18th late nighters focuses on WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen's latest "Unplugged" commentary, this one delivered right in the middle of the newscast. ...Also, the Feb. 15-18th D-FW Nielsen ratings have some interesting ups and downs for both national and local programming.

The CW's Cult: in part incomprehensible but still making its own impression

Ed Bark — 2013-02-19T10:25:23-06:00

The drama series Cult, premiering Tuesday, Feb. 19th on The CW, appears to be making a case that TV shows in fact do influence behavior. ... Even though programming executives and producers keep saying otherwise.

KTXD's D: The Broadcast giggle-gaggles into view

Ed Bark — 2013-02-18T15:34:44-06:00

Viewers primed for their daily 9 a.m. Perry Mason dose on D-FW's KTXD-TV instead got a polar opposite Monday in D: The Broadcast. It was saved, but only in part, by the lone female gabber old enough to remember when PM was a staple of CBS' prime-time lineup.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 15th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2013-02-18T11:23:55-06:00

Here's the latest compendium of activities on Friday's showcase D-FW newscasts. Ed Bark

Up-close and objective: Feb. 14th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2013-02-15T15:33:24-06:00

So let's dive in with new editions of the above feature for as long as my brain pan stays in place. ...And they weren't plusses for either ABC's new Zero Hour or CNN's out-of-control Carnival cruise coverage.

National Geo Channel's Killing Lincoln kind of deadens O'Reilly's book

Ed Bark — 2013-02-14T15:46:06-06:00

Although Killing Lincoln is still on bestseller lists, the timing is pretty bad for a TV adaptation. That's because Lincoln the movie towers over it, as does Daniel Day Lewis over Billy Campbell.

New deal -- between Mark Cuban and the Let's Make A Deal network

Ed Bark — 2013-02-14T13:50:06-06:00

Mark Cuban's AXS TV (formerly HDNet) and CBS struck a programming partnership on Valentine's Day. ...Plus, Wednesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings show a continuing slide by American Idol, but not enough to keep it from winning the night.

Beyonce back again in self-directed/produced HBO doc

Ed Bark — 2013-02-13T13:22:24-06:00

Beyonce takes the throttle Saturday in Life Is But A Dream. ...Also, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings show which networks had the most and fewest viewers for President Obama's State of the Union address and the Republican rebuttal by Florida Sen.

ER alum Anthony Edwards returns in ABC's sickly, silly Zero Hour

Ed Bark — 2013-02-12T15:14:30-06:00

Fair warning: ABC's new Thursday night lead-off hitter will be Zero Hour. ...Plus, Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are on the page.

Post office services decreasing, Uncle Barky's mailbag delivering

Ed Bark — 2013-02-11T13:04:36-06:00

Presenting the first edition of "Uncle Barky's Mailbag," intended to be a forum for your emailed comments. ...Also, Sunday's Grammy Awards dominated prime-time but not surprisingly fell sharply from last year's Whitney Houston-charged ceremony.

Telling a few tales about Wait Wait . . . Don't Tell Me!'s aria at Winspear Opera House

Ed Bark — 2013-02-08T13:54:59-06:00

touched down in Dallas Thursday night for a two-hour show that will be pared to an hour by the time it airs Saturday. ...Plus, Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are in the house.

I'm Dickens . . . He's Fenster: yes, it actually existed and yes it's newly available

Ed Bark — 2013-02-07T15:54:05-06:00

The title still kinda cracks me up, at least when I'm in Uncle Barky mode. And now -- drumroll -- 50 years after its one and only season, you can see I'm Dickens . . .

More than a game: Super Bowl ratings can alter an entire season for a network

Ed Bark — 2013-02-07T12:14:55-06:00
The national audience for Sunday's Super Bowl XLVII fell a bit from the previous two, but remained mammoth. And CBS isn't complaining in terms of what Supie did for its season-to-date prime-time ratings averages.

Strange doings during Tuesday's 9 and 10 p.m. newcasts on Fox4 and CBS11

Ed Bark — 2013-02-06T15:49:34-06:00
Prior to resuming the up-close "sweeps" looks at D-FW's latenight newscasts next week, here's a sampler of two oddities from Tuesday night. Ed Bark

Reviewing Netflix's House of Cards -- based on playing all 13 cards

Ed Bark — 2013-02-06T13:35:43-06:00
Netflix's revolutionary Season 1 of House of Cards -- all 13 episodes are up at once -- was made available to subscribers on Friday, Feb. 1st. ...Also, Season 2 of NBC's Smash premiered Tuesday to disastrous ratings.

Waco's J Lo again sells sex -- and The Client List -- in new music video for Lifetime series

Ed Bark — 2013-02-05T13:18:43-06:00
Jennifer Love Hewitt still prefers to be smokin' hot, and works at it anew in new music video tied to March's Season 2 premiere of Lifetime's The Client List. ...Also, Monday's D-FW Nielsens are in, with the latest ratings for TNT's Dallas and Fox's The Following among others.

National Nielsens for Super Bowl XLVII make it III on all-time list; Elementary sags in late night

Ed Bark — 2013-02-04T16:27:10-06:00
Sunday's Super Bowl XLVII on CBS ended an eight-year audience growth spurt for the game. ... Details are on our Network News & Reviews page, along with some downcast numbers for the network's late-starting Elementary.

Super Bowl XLVII a downer in D-FW ratings despite more than 2.2 mil. viewers

Ed Bark — 2013-02-04T12:09:18-06:00
Sunday's Super Bowl XLVII turned out to be a high-scoring, down-to-the-wire thriller, power outage and all. Still, its D-FW ratings didn't measure up to recent Supies.

Ready. Set. February "sweeps"

Ed Bark — 2013-02-01T12:22:42-06:00
Our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page has all the numbers for the opening match-ups of local newscasts on Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11. Plus, the DOA ratings for NBC's new medical drama, Do No Harm.

TNT's Monday Mornings gives doc drama genre a needed transfusion

Ed Bark — 2013-01-31T10:45:03-06:00
Kelley (Picket Fences, Ally McBeal, Boston Legal, etc.) hadn't created/produced a medical series since Chicago Hope. Now he provides some needed new blood with TNT's Monday Mornings.

NBC's Do No Harm can't get ahold of itself

Ed Bark — 2013-01-29T14:12:09-06:00
A young doc with a crazed alter ego is the premise of NBC's Do No Harm, premiering Thursday, Jan. 31st. ...Plus, the TV Bulletin Board page catches you up on all the season's latest series renewals, plus a few cancellations and transitions.

Big blow to Dallas on D-FW home turf, with The Following surging while Ewings suffer major ratings fall-off

Ed Bark — 2013-01-29T11:55:50-06:00
Monday night's D-FW Nielsen ratings were very, very good for the future prospects of Fox's The Following -- and a punch below the belt buckle for TNT's Dallas. The Ewings' two-pronged Season 2 premiere fell dramatically from last June's Season 1 launch.

FX's The Americans a KGB keeper

Ed Bark — 2013-01-28T14:24:11-06:00
FX lately has been hitting on all cylinders with both its new and returning series. The Americans, premiering on Wed., Jan. 30th, keeps this momentum rolling. ...Also, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings are a plus for the Pro Bowl, even though most say they don't watch it anymore.

WFAA8's newest anchor/reporter is Carla Wade

Ed Bark — 2013-01-25T12:49:03-06:00
WFAA8 continues to bolster its newsroom staff with the hiring of Carla Wade from Oklahoma City's KOCO-TV. ...Also, Thursday's D-FW ratings "snapshot" charts the numbers for Jane McGarry's maiden appearance on WFAA8's Good Morning Texas, Katie Couric's interview with Manti Te'o and Matt Damon's riotous, star-studded heisting of ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Hagman's last call on TNT's Dallas

Ed Bark — 2013-01-25T12:37:52-06:00
TNT starts its 15-episode Season 2 of Dallas with back-to-back hours on Monday, Jan. 28th. All Larry Hagman sightings are precious at this point -- and he especially delivers in Episode 2.

"Gridlock Buster" Tammy Dombeck's next stop likely is down the road a bit at CBS11

Ed Bark — 2013-01-24T12:51:09-06:00
A deal isn't completely done yet, but it very much looks like former NBC5 traffic reporter Tammy Dombeck's next D-FW television destination will be a fill-in role at CBS11. ...Plus, Wednesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are in.

Jane McGarry starts over with "Starting Over"

Ed Bark — 2013-01-24T12:06:00-06:00
Off the air since early May, former NBC5 anchor Jane McGarry returned to the tube Thursday with the first of five scheduled weekly appearances on rival WFAA8's Good Morning Texas. Here's how it went -- with pictures included.

Starz's Spartacus hits the bloody trail for last call

Ed Bark — 2013-01-23T15:02:10-06:00
Spartacus: War of the Damned launches Friday, Jan. 25th on Starz for what will be its last blood baths. ...Plus, the premiere of ABC's The Taste had unappetizing ratings in D-FW Tuesday night.

Fox's The Following off to solid start in D-FW/national Nielsens

Ed Bark — 2013-01-22T14:07:41-06:00
Ratings were sturdy in both D-FW and nationally, with next Monday's Episode 2 a pivotal indicator of whether audiences will stay around or turn away. ...Also, PBS has an eye-opening new episode of Nova on Wednesday, Jan 23rd. Rise of the Drones looks at the escalation in UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), some of which have been lethally armed since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

D-FW ratings for Sunday's NFL championship games are Cowboys-esque (more or less)

Ed Bark — 2013-01-21T17:03:08-06:00
CBS now has its Super Bowl finalists -- the 49ers and the Ravens -- after Sunday's pair of entertaining games. ...Also, former Lost star Dominic Monaghan branches out in a big way on BBC America's Wild Things, which premieres on Tuesday, Jan. 22nd.

Former NBC5 anchor Jane McGarry talks about her return to D-FW television with a 5-part series for WFAA8's Good Morning Texas

Ed Bark — 2013-01-18T20:11:06-06:00
Jane McGarry, a 30-year veteran at NBC5 until pleading "No Contest" to a driving while intoxicated charge, will be back on the air next week after a more than eight-month absence. Reached by phone Friday night, she talks about bouncing back on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

BBC America's Ripper Street is not all that Jack-ed up

Ed Bark — 2013-01-18T18:18:56-06:00
Potential viewers should know that Ripper Street, premiering Saturday, Jan. 19th on BBC America, is about a post-Jack East London, circa 1889. ...Plus, Thursday's Part 1 of Oprah Winfrey's sit-down with Lance Armstrong pulled a big national ratings number by OWN's standards.

Monday bloody Monday with Fox's The Following

Ed Bark — 2013-01-18T12:27:44-06:00
Carnage is commonplace on broadcast television, although seldom if ever to this degree. Fox's The Following, with Kevin Bacon starring in his first weekly TV series, barges into view Monday night.

King of the Nerds: Add a few IQ points to this "reality competition" series

Ed Bark — 2013-01-17T13:04:36-06:00
Two original cast members from the Revenge of the Nerds movie series hit the small screen as co-hosts of TBS' King of the Nerds. ...Plus, Wednesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings show that American Idol hasn't yet lost its punch.

FX's new Legit: down, dirty, funny

Ed Bark — 2013-01-16T17:49:06-06:00
FX now has more than twice as many comedies as dramas in its roster of original series. Legit, premiering Thursday, Jan. 17th, looks like another keeper. ...Also, CBS had a very good night indeed in the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Comedy Central's Kroll Show latest to home in on elusive young male viewers

Ed Bark — 2013-01-15T16:40:26-06:00
Comedy Central's Kroll Show, starring man of many faces Nick Kroll, launches on Wed., Jan. 16th following young male fave rave Workaholics. ...Also, Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are in the house.

Danielle Vollmar's Nightcap replacement already on the air at CW33

Ed Bark — 2013-01-14T18:10:20-06:00
Danielle Vollmar's last day at CW33's Nightcap was Friday. ... Details on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page as well as a catchup round on D-FW news anchor pregnancies.

A Bradshaw (not Terry) gets the teen treatment in CW's The Carrie Diaries

Ed Bark — 2013-01-14T13:33:53-06:00
Premiering on Monday, Jan. 14th, CW's The Carrie Diaries depicts a wide-eyed Carrie Bradshaw in her formative teen years. ...Also, how did the Golden Globes and those four NFL playoff games do in the D-FW Nielsen ratings?

A Rose is a Rose is a TLC reality series

Ed Bark — 2013-01-11T18:52:56-06:00
font size="2">Still barred from the Hall of Fame, Pete Rose goes to bat in a "reality" series pegged to his engagement to a former Playboy babe. Our review of TLC's Pete Rose: Hits & Mrs is right here.

Fade to gray: Fox4 meteorologist Ron Jackson no longer painting it black

Ed Bark — 2013-01-11T14:04:30-06:00
The television industry, news or entertainment, has long been cosmetically driven. But longtime Fox4 meteorologist Ron Jackson lately has had the temerity to pretty much let his hair have its own way.

Season 2 of Girls ready to roll on HBO

Ed Bark — 2013-01-10T16:42:59-06:00
One of the more provocative series of last season, Lena Dunham's Girls, returns to HBO on Sunday, Jan. 13th. ...Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings "snapshot" indicates that viewers very much are warming to NBC's late-blooming Chicago Fire.

NBC5's Matt Barrie taking his sports talents to ESPN

Ed Bark — 2013-01-09T19:02:50-06:00
One of the brightest young sports talents in D-FW, NBC5's Matt Barrie, has been recruited by ESPN. Details on the Dallas-Fort-Worth TV page.

Jimmy does D-FW at 10:35 (so how'd he do on his first night?)

Ed Bark — 2013-01-09T13:51:40-06:00
It was the funniest part of last night's Kimmel, and it's on our Network News & Reviews page. We also have a review of the new Cinemax drama series Banshee, which premieres on Friday, Jan. 11th.

ABC bequeaths drinking game to TBS, as Cougar Town returns

Ed Bark — 2013-01-08T15:11:52-06:00
Cougar Town begins its run on TBS after a fitful three seasons on ABC. The first of a scheduled 15 new episodes airs on Tuesday, Jan. 8th at 9 p.m. central.

National championship game dominated in D-FW with deflated ratings

Ed Bark — 2013-01-08T11:09:09-06:00
Alabama's pounding of Notre Dame in Monday night's national championship game wasn't the hit ESPN had hoped for. ...Also, CBS11/TXA21 meteorologist Jeff Jamison. encountered a couple of comely and decidedly spirited A&M coeds during his Friday night live shot before Friday's Cotton Bowl game.

The Jimmy Kimmel Live! effect: soon to be felt by WFAA8's 10 p.m. newscasts

Ed Bark — 2013-01-07T18:03:41-06:00
Starting on Tuesday, Jan. 8th, ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! will supplant Nightline as a "lead-out" for local newscasts, including WFAA8's.

Justified's back, and still very much on target

Ed Bark — 2013-01-07T14:37:47-06:00
FX's Justified fires up Season 4 on Tuesday, Jan. 8th. Fans should be justifiably excited.

Johnny Football vs. RG3: And the ratings winner is . . .

Ed Bark — 2013-01-07T12:40:37-06:00
Fox corralled the weekend's two big football attractions -- Friday night's Cotton Bowl and Sunday's Washington Redskins-Seattle Seahawks playoff game. The headliners were Texas A&M's Johnny Football and the Redskins Robert Griffin III.

NBC's unexceptional Deception

Ed Bark — 2013-01-04T17:33:36-06:00
With Revolution still on a very extended break, NBC is plugging a new whodunit into its Monday 9 p.m. (central) slot. ...Plus, the latest local Nielsen ratings "snapshot" is posing on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

More, more! PBS acclaimed Downton Abbey is back for Season 3

Ed Bark — 2013-01-04T13:15:35-06:00
PBS' most popular series of this century, Downton Abbey, returns for Season 3 on Sunday, Jan. 6th. ...And we take a closer look at Al Gore's decision to sell his Current TV network to Al Jazeera while pocketing a reported $100 million payout in the bargain.

Anderson Cooper's growing credibility gap; boffo ratings for WFAA8's Big D NYE

Ed Bark — 2013-01-02T17:23:04-06:00
Fresh off his most embarrassing New Year's Eve stint yet with Kathy Griffin, "Face of CNN" Anderson Cooper seems oblivious to the hits his credibility is taking. ...So much so that it had a bigger audience in late night than any New Year's Day Bowl game.

Happy New Year!!! -- and happy to be back

Ed Bark — 2013-01-02T12:27:07-06:00
Unclebarky.com's holiday hiatus is history, and we begin anew with an up-close look at a season's worth of Dallas Cowboys' ratings in D-FW. ...If you're making Amazon.com purchases, click first on any of the ads on this site before you buy.

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Ed Bark — 2012-12-21T11:00:39-06:00
A glorious sight at Unclebarky.com world HQ in Garland, TX ...We'll be taking some time off during the holidays before returning when the spirit moves.

And to all a good night: unclebarky.com's annual list of D-FW's TV newsroom exits

Ed Bark — 2012-12-20T17:45:31-06:00
2012 was an uncommonly eventful year in D-FW's television news rooms, with a long list of on-camera personnel going, going, gone. Our annual alphabetical list is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Dombeck wedding video, CBS11 Christmas cheer promo, etc., etc.

Ed Bark — 2012-12-20T12:08:08-06:00
Former NBC5 "Gridlock Buster" Tammy Dombeck, who left the Fort Worth-based station last summer over a contract issue, has a new hubby to keep her warm. ...Plus, see how your friendly content provider's picks for the top 10 TV shows of this year stack up against the official multi-critic results on HitFix.com's first annual poll.

Larissa Hall making partial exit as CW33's "director of content"/Nightcap head (updated Wednesday)

Ed Bark — 2012-12-19T08:56:20-06:00
Larissa Hall, who became Tribune-owned, Dallas-based CW33's "director of content" in mid-August, will be splitting her time and taking on other responsibilities in order to be with her new husband out East. During Hall's hands-on tenure at CW33, she shepherded the station's Nightcap onto the air while numerous news staffers were dumped in the process.

HBO's new Louis-Dreyfus short film: watch out for that sharp veer

Ed Bark — 2012-12-17T13:34:42-06:00
Dabbling in other pursuits before Veep returns early next year, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and her husband, Brad Hall, have collaborated on the decidedly different short film Picture Paris. ...Also, Episode 6 of "Uncle Barky's Countdown to Christmas" gets all fuzzy wuzzy on ya.

Cowboys thriller not exactly a ratings go-getter

Ed Bark — 2012-12-17T10:27:19-06:00
Two teams with everything on the line clashed at Cowboys Stadium Sunday. But Dallas' eventual win in OT wasn't enough to move the game from the middle of the pack in the overall D-FW Nielsens for 14 regular season games.

NBC's 1600 Penn is its own fiscal cliff

Ed Bark — 2012-12-14T12:06:43-06:00
And now the special sneak preview of 1600 Penn is ready to lurch at you Monday. ...Plus, be sure to visit Uncle Barky's Countdown to Christmas for Episode 4.

Hagman still a force in first two episodes of his Dallas curtain call

Ed Bark — 2012-12-13T11:48:03-06:00
And we're here to tell you that the late Larry Hagman very much lives on in them. ...Plus, we've got a riff on Thursday's Golden Globes TV nominations and a link to the complete list.

An unclebarky.com grab bag

Ed Bark — 2012-12-11T17:00:22-06:00
NBC5's latest case of the notably shortened surname finds new weekend meteorologist Lindsay Riley subtracting lotsa letters. ...And you can check out the Comedy Central shop's Christmas season largesse here before seeing a video of one of the most laughable toys ever brought to market.

Newest hire at CBS11, latest Cowboys ratings and Episode 1 of Uncle Barky's Countdown to Christmas

Ed Bark — 2012-12-10T16:49:54-06:00
CBS11's early morning replacement for Melissa Newton is already on the job. ...Also, we begin the annual Uncle Barky's Countdown to Christmas with an anchor music video from San Antonio.

ABC, CBS prime midseason pumps

Ed Bark — 2012-12-07T14:05:23-06:00
We're catching up on the TV Bulletin Board page with outlines of the new midseason plans announced by ABC and CBS. Another tidbit: Poor Terrell Owens hopes to make another splash -- but not in the NFL.

Stinchfield replacing Turner at KLIF radio

Ed Bark — 2012-12-07T11:41:31-06:00
Former NBC5 reporter Grant Stinchfield, who ran unsuccessfully for Congress earlier this year, is replacing Janine Turner as the conservative host of KLIF radio's (570 AM) 9 p.m. ... Details and quotes from Stinchfield are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Syfy's 12 Disasters of Christmas takes the edge off usual gooey holiday fare

Ed Bark — 2012-12-06T16:35:48-06:00
Have you grown a bit weary of all that cloying good cheer in lookalike made-for-TV Christmas movies? Then perhaps we have a winner for you in Syfy's 12 Disasters of Christmas, which premieres on Saturday, Dec. 8th.

PR brigade: former CW33 reporter Charles Bassett is latest to make the switch

Ed Bark — 2012-12-06T11:50:28-06:00
Meanwhile, ex-CW33 reporter Charles Bassett has become the sixth D-FW television reporter since December to segue from a news room to a public relations position. ...Plus, we look at the fallacy of measuring the Dallas Cowboys ratings in households instead of total viewers -- particularly on a Thanksgiving Day when the household numbers were deflated for rather obvious reasons.

Cowboys are getting old -- and so is their audience

Ed Bark — 2012-12-03T12:14:50-06:00
You can help unclebarky.com live longer -- if not prosper -- by first clicking on one of our Amazon ads before you make the purchases you were going to make anyway. ...Unclebarky.com also is the only self-starting, one-person TV website whose reviews of network programs are included on metacritic.com.

New CNN head Jeff Zucker pledges non-partisanship and promises broader definition of news in first teleconference

Ed Bark — 2012-11-29T13:22:08-06:00
Jeff Zucker, who spent an up-and-down quarter century at NBC, is back in a high-profile position as head of CNN Worldwide. ...Plus, Wednesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings "snapshot" highlights a Christmas special free-for-all.

Is WFAA8 really D-FW's No. 1 news station? (Read the fine print)

Ed Bark — 2012-11-29T08:47:29-06:00
WFAA8 thanked viewers for making it the D-FW market's No. 1 news station in a promo that ran during Tuesday's Dancing with the Stars fall season finale. ... Get the real story on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Alamo city yields 2nd investigative reporter to D-FW's CBS11

Ed Bark — 2012-11-28T14:10:31-06:00
CBS11 has made a second new hire in as many days -- and his name is Brian New. The D-FW station again targeted a San Antonio newsroom -- and this one has ties to Dallas and WFAA8.

CBS11 adds investigative reporter Mireya Villarreal-Gideon

Ed Bark — 2012-11-27T18:26:39-06:00
DFW-based CBS11 has bolstered its investigative unit with a new hire from San Antonio's WOAI-TV. Details are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Larry Hagman's immediate ID as J.R. Ewing another example of how TV stardom endures

Ed Bark — 2012-11-27T16:40:25-06:00
Larry Hagman did lots more in his long life than play J.R. ... At look at TV's everlasting impact is on our Network News & Reviews page.

Still filling spots: WFAA8's latest newsroom hire is Albuquerque's Unger

Ed Bark — 2012-11-27T12:50:48-06:00
Dallas-based WFAA8 has hired another new reporter, Todd Unger, from Albuquerque's KOAT-TV. More details and a sample of his work are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Indigestion? Cowboys also have bounteous D-FW ratings for Thanksgiving Day turkey

Ed Bark — 2012-11-26T14:47:28-06:00
Dallas' Thanksgiving Day loss to the RGIII-led Redskins had a big tune-in locally. In fact, it was this season's second most-watched among 11 Cowboys games.

A last, lingering goodbye to Larry Hagman

Ed Bark — 2012-11-24T16:48:46-06:00
Larry Hagman was a character through and through -- and not just as J. ... Our appreciation is on the Network News & Reviews page.

Good news for Fox4, CBS11 in D-FW's November "sweeps"

Ed Bark — 2012-11-21T16:06:12-06:00
Fox4 had the most overall wins while CBS11 topped both the 6 and 10 p.m. competitions in total viewers during the November "sweeps" ratings period. Our complete report is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Fall TV season's rises and falls

Ed Bark — 2012-11-21T11:48:53-06:00
Wondering how your favorite new TV series are doing now that they're poised on the precipice of holiday season repeats? ...Also, TCM makes a big investment in Johnny Carson's Tonight Show interviews, with 50 oldies coming in the first batch.

Mess-terpiece theater: Lindsay Lohan in Liz & Dick

Ed Bark — 2012-11-20T11:19:03-06:00
Perhaps there are bigger icks than Lifetime's Liz & Dick. ... Lindsay Lohan stars as Elizabeth Taylor in this Sunday, Nov. 25th hoot.

Ken Burns' Dust Bowl another must-see history chapter

Ed Bark — 2012-11-16T16:12:22-06:00
Ken Burns' latest film, The Dust Bowl, unfolds Sunday and Monday on PBS. Seeing is believing, even if some of its images are almost unbelievable.

Stones then and now (but mostly then) in HBO's evocative Crossfire Hurricane

Ed Bark — 2012-11-15T15:02:25-06:00
So HBO's Crossfire Hurricane is in part a merchandising tool timed to both the anniversary and an impending tour. ...Also, WFAA8 anchor John McCaa expresses his displeasure on-air with a tabloid-y question asked of viewers.

Up-close and objective: D-FW's Tuesday, Nov. 13th ratings "sweeps" latenighters

Ed Bark — 2012-11-14T14:07:39-06:00
Trumped-up "sweeps" stories remain all too commonplace in this market and others. We offer two Exhibit A's in Night 2 of our up-close look at D-FW's late nighters.

Up-close and objective: D-FW's Monday, Nov. 12th ratings "sweeps" latenighters

Ed Bark — 2012-11-13T16:06:30-06:00
For a limited time, and down the homestretch of the November "sweeps" ratings period, we resume our longstanding "Night in the Lives" look at D-FW's late night newscasts. ... But there's also much, much more on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Jumpin' Jack Past: History network's Mankind ramps it up

Ed Bark — 2012-11-12T15:13:29-06:00
History network's "epic" six-night, 12-hour Mankind: The Story of All of Us, make an aggressively loud and visually rich debut on Tuesday, Nov. 13th. ...Ed Bark

Cowboys survive Eagles while ratings flutter

Ed Bark — 2012-11-12T10:53:47-06:00
The Dallas Cowboys, paced by their defense and special teams, remained in the post-season hunt with Sunday's do or die win at Philadelphia. ... See the weekend D-FW ratings "snapshot" for details.

Corpulent cops on parade in CMT's Big Texas Heat

Ed Bark — 2012-11-09T16:23:08-06:00
Another brain-draining "reality" series set in Texas? But of course, Still, the pound-foolish cops of CMT's Big Texas Heat not only take the cake, but could eat it in one gulp.

TBS' Wedding Band: Not "Very Funny" (of course), but scores a few beats

Ed Bark — 2012-11-09T11:32:31-06:00
TBS has reserved a latter day TV graveyard, Saturday night, for its new one-hour comedy Wedding Band. ...Also, the ratings problems deepen for two critically praised new ABC series, Nashville and Last Resort.

Covering the election night coverage (starring, Sawyer, Rove, Trump)

Ed Bark — 2012-11-07T16:00:49-06:00
President Obama's re-election is in the books after an oft-wacky night of national TV coverage. ... Our up-close look, complete with a collection of pictures, is on the Network News & Reviews page.

Breaking down D-FW's election night ratings

Ed Bark — 2012-11-07T12:57:53-06:00
Fox News Channel reigned supreme in prime-time before its ratings fell off a cliff in late night. ...Plus, Baylor's cancer hospitals get a PR boost in the three-part, locally produced Dallas Hope, which begins Thursday, Nov. 8th on WFAA8.

As seen on TV: election day

Ed Bark — 2012-11-06T11:36:19-06:00
We'll be tweeting throughout the day and night (@unclebarkycom) on how the TV networks handle things. And for those keeping score, the Network News & Reviews page has companion electoral road maps showing how both President Obama and Romney might get to the magic 270 electoral vote count.

Cowboys up ratings with another up yours crater at crunch time

Ed Bark — 2012-11-05T12:14:30-06:00
NBC's prime-time Sunday Night Football showcase helped push the Dallas Cowboys up the ratings ladder, luring a bigger crowd than the previous week's marrow-draining loss to the Giants. This time the Atlanta Falcons remained undefeated with a win the Cowboys basically handed to them.

Here comes Honey Boo Boo (er, make that Nightcap)

Ed Bark — 2012-11-02T15:27:18-05:00
Dallas-based CW33's newest news concoction, Nightcap, entered this earthly realm Thursday night. ...Also, Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings find ABC's CMA awards battling CBS' regular lineup.

SEAL Team Six re-kills bin Laden two days before election

Ed Bark — 2012-11-02T08:10:32-05:00
A mini-furor is in play as National Geographic Channel prepares to air SEAL Team Six: The Raid on Osama bin Laden just two days before the presidential election. Financed by a prominent backer of President Obama, the scripted film's timing is in question.

ABC's Malibu Country -- go back to the drawling board

Ed Bark — 2012-11-01T12:28:30-05:00
ABC tries to re-start a semblance of its old TGIF comedy franchise with the Friday night premiere of Reba McEntire's Malibu Country and the Season 2 return of Tim Allen's Last Man Standing. ...It's also time to remind readers that any amazon.com purchases you make can provide a small commission to unclebarky.com if you first click on one of the Amazon ads on any page and then make the buys you were going to make anyway.

Why is NBC doing this to Revolution?

Ed Bark — 2012-10-31T14:51:07-05:00
NBC's announced mid-season programming changes include a prolonged absence for fall's No. 1 new show in the advertiser-prized 18-to-49-year-old demographic. ... We look at all the angles and tell you what else is coming up on NBC -- on the TV Bulletin Board page.

Long name, bigger jump: Lindsay Schwarzwaelder moving from TV market 64 to join NBC5 weather team in No. 5 D-FW

Ed Bark — 2012-10-30T23:18:21-05:00
NBC5 has hired Lindsay Schwarzwaelder as a weekend meteorologist. She broke the news on her Facebook page before any official announcement from the Fort Worth-based station.

Uncle Barky back among the living -- website-wise

Ed Bark — 2012-10-30T16:56:40-05:00
A bout with "Super Storm" Sandy floored our Manhattan-based server for part of Monday and most of today. ... Celebrate (or not) by reading the account of Monday's unprecedented gathering of D-FW's five women TV news directors.

CW33's new Nightcap News will be disinviting meteorologist Rebecca Miller

Ed Bark — 2012-10-26T14:54:39-05:00
Dallas-based CW33's new look, retitled 9 p.m. news presentation will not be needing the services of veteran meteorologist Rebecca Miller. ...Also, Game 2 of the World Series hit for a significantly higher average in the D-FW Nielsen ratings while Fox4's newscasts overall had the strongest starts on Day 1 of the four-week November "sweeps" ratings period.

Another reunion: Kirstie Alley, Rhea Perlman will co-star in new TV Land sitcom

Ed Bark — 2012-10-25T15:33:36-05:00
TV Land's latest effort to turn old sitcom stars into new sitcom stars will team Cheers alums Kirstie Alley and Rhea Perlman in Giant Baby. Details, along with other new 'n' tasty TV tidbits, are on our Bulletin Board page.

Tracy, Iola and Troy -- sharing a TV screen for first time since 1985

Ed Bark — 2012-10-25T12:47:02-05:00
Tracy Rowlett, Iola Johnson and Troy Dungan were the star TV news personalities that sparked WFAA8's emergence as a ratings giant in the mid-1970s. They'll be back in play for at least one day on Tuesday, Oct. 30th.

Rangers-less World Series doesn't play well in D-FW on opening night

Ed Bark — 2012-10-25T10:47:47-05:00
Game 1 of the San Francisco Giants-Detroit Tigers World Series had a rough ratings night in D-FW. The score sheet is on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Reporter Jobin Panicker latest to join WFAA8 newsroom; NBC on prime-time roll in early stages of new season

Ed Bark — 2012-10-24T16:11:01-05:00
Dallas-based WFAA8 continues to re-stock its reporting staff with the hiring of Jobin Panicker from Fresno's KSEE-TV. ...Also, NBC is the surprise leader among advertiser-prized 18-to-49-year-olds through four weeks of the new season. Sunday Night Football again is the Peacock's pace-setter, but this time it has some reinforcements.

Anchor-reporters Latoya Silmon, Jason Wheeler respectively join Fox4/WFAA8

Ed Bark — 2012-10-23T17:59:01-05:00
A pair of newsroom hires emerged Tuesday at D-FW's Fox4 and WFAA8. Details on the arrivals of Latoya Silmon and Jason Wheeler are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, which also has two other local news developments.

D-FW ratings sag for final presidential debate

Ed Bark — 2012-10-23T11:37:34-05:00
Foreign policy can be an icky topic for many. Add competition from pro baseball and football, and you have a recipe for diminished debate returns in D-FW.

Debate followup: debating the Tweeters who resorted to tired "liberal bias" charges

Ed Bark — 2012-10-23T10:06:51-05:00
Hmm, I thought the Republicans won the first two debates -- presidential and veep. ... But now I'm a biased lefty for daring to judge President Obama as the clear winner in his final debate with Mitt Romney.

WFAA8's comedy relief news puts Pete's beard in play

Ed Bark — 2012-10-23T07:23:55-05:00
WFAA8 management can be long on sanctimony when it comes to the "serious" business of news. ... Monday's Exhibit A was weathercaster Pete Delkus returning from Montana with a beard in play.

Cowboys win unimpressively, drop precipitously in D-FW ratings

Ed Bark — 2012-10-22T12:04:15-05:00
The Cowboys' 19-14 road win at Carolina Sunday evened their record at 3-3 but also dropped the team to fewer than one million viewers for the first time in almost two years. Details are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

The life and death of Big Tex (who really wasn't a person, people!)

Ed Bark — 2012-10-19T18:03:12-05:00
At least one D-FW television station is encouraging people to watch its "start-to-finish, smoke to ashes" video of Big Tex's demise as though it were a public execution. Others are showing a bit more restraint, or even laughing at all the fuss.

HBO's The Girl casts "Hitch" as he never would have cast himself

Ed Bark — 2012-10-19T16:47:43-05:00
The Girl, premiering Saturday, Oct. 20th on HBO, trains on Alfred Hitchcock's alleged sexual blackmail of actress Tippi Hedren. ...And there are some numbers that jump out, including the really piddling crowd for SMU's 72-42 team scoring record rout of Houston.

HGTV's Home Strange Home puts out its own "Welcome" mat

Ed Bark — 2012-10-19T10:16:21-05:00
Produced by Dallas-based AMS Pictures and originally a one-hour special, Home Strange Home returns to HGTV as a full-fledged weekly series on Friday, Oct. 19th. ...Ed Bark

Espionage comes calling in new Cinemax series Hunted

Ed Bark — 2012-10-18T16:02:41-05:00
Cinemax, longtime junior partner of HBO, takes another dip into original series programming with the Friday debut of Hunted. It's Nikita-esque in a way, but some of the plotting also can get in the way in this "world of international espionage."

HBO's Ethel is both watchable and highly varnished

Ed Bark — 2012-10-17T16:42:07-05:00
Ethel, featuring an extended interview with Ethel Kennedy by her youngest child, Rory, premieres Thursday, Oct. 18th on HBO. Great footage at times, but its subject remains reticent and some subjects obviously must have been off-limits.

Boffo ratings in D-FW for Round 2 of Obama-Romney

Ed Bark — 2012-10-17T11:40:55-05:00
Tuesday's action-packed face-off between President Obama and challenger Mitt Romney drew a very big D-FW crowd, but not actual blood. The complete 10-network ratings breakdown is on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Under the big top: some intriguing job descriptions for talent at CW33's new 9 p.m. "circus"

Ed Bark — 2012-10-17T10:24:27-05:00
Dallas-based, Tribune-owned CW33's new 9 p.m. (news?) ... See the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page for a lot more details.

Fey/Poehler to be new Golden Globes combo; Walking Dead goes nuts in ratings

Ed Bark — 2012-10-16T15:03:00-05:00
Our TV Bulletin Board page is catching up with a slew of tidbits, several involving NBC's rises, falls and announcements. The Monday D-FW Nielsen ratings also are in.

FX's American Horror Story: Asylum can't get past being just plain sick

Ed Bark — 2012-10-16T12:30:16-05:00
Season 2 of FX's American Horror Story (with Asylum added to the title) returns Jessica Lange in a new role as a demonic Catholic nun. Surrounded by other new characters -- and a mostly new cast -- she can't rise above the overall gratuitous depravity.

Mamie Gummer working way past daughter-of-famous-mom syndrome in CW's Emily Owens, M.D.

Ed Bark — 2012-10-15T11:33:00-05:00
The resemblance is unmistakable. Still, Mamie Gummer shines through her resemblance to Meryl Streep in the new Emily Owens, M.D..

AMC's The Walking Dead returns to its killing fields

Ed Bark — 2012-10-12T15:07:51-05:00
A new season of the most violent series in the history of advertiser-supported TV will be back among the living on Sunday, Oct. 14th. ...Plus, the veep debate ratings for D-FW show that two Foxes had a field day.

Nashville premiere a bit off-key in D-FW Nielsens

Ed Bark — 2012-10-11T11:28:08-05:00
ABC's heavily acclaimed Nashville premiered Wednesday night. ... So-so, but all in all not too bad.

CBS11 reporter Melissa Newton leaving to join meteorologist/new hubby in OKC

Ed Bark — 2012-10-11T10:17:12-05:00
Domino effect: A recent chain of events, including her marriage last month, has prompted CBS11 reporter Melissa Newton to leave DFW's CBS11. ...Also, CBS' Made in Jersey "wins" the race to be fall's first new series cancellation while ABC Family announces the impending end of its longest-running scripted series.

Here comes The CW's cartoonish Beauty and the Beast (but without a singing teapot)

Ed Bark — 2012-10-10T12:47:00-05:00
The CW continues to belatedly roll out its trio of new fall series with yet another "re-imagining" of Beauty and the Beast. ...Also, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings show that crime again pays for CBS -- to a point.

Chicago Fire: NBC's new/old flame

Ed Bark — 2012-10-09T17:57:23-05:00
Another group of heroic flame-fighters and paramedics roll into view via NBC's Chicago Fire. Your friendly content provider does not have a hunka hunka burning love for it, but there's some potential.

Hit single: ABC's Nashville is fall season's best new leaf

Ed Bark — 2012-10-09T09:17:00-05:00
ABC's Nashville debuts on Wed., Oct. 10th, with Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere playing warring country singers of different styles and generations. They do all of their own songs, too, and that's also a nice plus.

Arrow scores a few points (heh-heh) for The CW

Ed Bark — 2012-10-08T16:32:35-05:00
This week brings the last big wave of new fall series, and Arrow is one of them. The CW action yarn premieres Wednesday, Oct. 10th.

CBS11 tries to increase traffic for early morn news with "Rollin' with Drolen" spot

Ed Bark — 2012-10-08T11:53:39-05:00
It's not the most artful local news spot in recent memory. But at least CBS11 is trying to heat up its very slowly improving early morning ratings.

Rangers go out on high note (but only in D-FW ratings)

Ed Bark — 2012-10-08T09:18:38-05:00
The Texas Rangers' Friday night stinker ended up being their most-watched game of the season. ...Plus, ABC makes a unique engagement announcement for one of its GMA stars while NBC signs survivalist Bear Grylls to growl at tenderfoots in a new summertime reality series.

Lifetime's Steel Magnolias remake with an all-black cast stands up well to original

Ed Bark — 2012-10-04T15:58:06-05:00
One of the best Lifetime movies in years is coming Sunday, Oct. 7th. ... Our review of Steel Magnolias, with an all-black cast this time out, is on the Network News & Reviews page.

Romney vs. Obama: a virtually unanimous decision

Ed Bark — 2012-10-04T11:30:21-05:00
The first of three debates between President Obama and Mitt Romney is in the books. ... Our take, after a 90-minute round of live tweeting, is on the Network News & Reviews page.

Anchor Salinas, meteorologist Miller will stay on at CW33 for waning months of contracts

Ed Bark — 2012-10-03T13:09:30-05:00
The "transitioning" at Dallas-based CW33 -- or bloodletting in the eyes of those directly affected -- is pretty much over after two days of sobering meetings with staffers. The biggest news from Tuesday: Anchor Amanda Salinas and meteorologist Rebecca Miller are set to remain at the station until their contracts expire in January.

"Comments" go down for the count

Ed Bark — 2012-10-02T14:38:58-05:00
Regular readers of this site likely have noticed the absence of a "Comments" mechanism since Monday. You're owed an explanation of why we've decided to forge ahead without that apparatus.

CW33 "transitioning" claims two full-time reporters and numerous off-camera staffers in Monday's first round

Ed Bark — 2012-10-02T11:01:18-05:00
Dallas-based CW33's gutting of its news room staff began in earnest Monday, with more to come during Tuesday's second round. ...Also, the Dallas Cowboys' mauling at the hand of the visiting Bears added up to the team's lowest ratings to date after four regular season games.

A rough, redundant start for KTXD-TV's Texas Daily

Ed Bark — 2012-10-01T17:31:46-05:00
KTXD-TV's The Texas Daily launched Monday morning, with Tracy Rowlett and Troy Dungan its first pair of "pundits." ...Plus, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings are in as we begin a new month of publishing.

Uncle Barky goes to VideoFest, fronts two panels

Ed Bark — 2012-09-28T13:56:37-05:00
Come one, come all (I used to be a carny) to the 25th annual Dallas VideoFest, which really gets rolling this weekend at the Dallas Museum of Art. Your friendly content provider will be presenting two panels -- one on the long history of presidential campaigns (with lots of visuals) and the other on Breaking Bad in tandem with the great Matt Seitz.

666 Park Avenue a bit bloody but too bloodless

Ed Bark — 2012-09-27T14:40:36-05:00
ABC again indulges its penchant for creep shows with the Sunday, Sept. 30th launch of 666 Park Avenue. Terry O'Quinn of Lost is the series' duplicitous leading man, a role to which he's accustomed.

Seems like old times: but is it the right time for KTXD-TV's The Texas Daily?

Ed Bark — 2012-09-27T12:47:43-05:00
Aimed at older viewers and stocked with a who's who of onetime prominent D-FW anchors and reporters, The Texas Daily launches Monday, Oct. 1st on Dallas-based KTXD-TV. We take an extended up-close look on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

CBS' Made In Jersey boils down to "meh"

Ed Bark — 2012-09-26T14:19:41-05:00
The new CBS legal drama Made In Jersey begins its Friday night run on Sept. 28th. Perhaps a better title would be Jersey Snore.

Another Andy exits his grand stage

Ed Bark — 2012-09-26T11:55:34-05:00
Crooner Andy Williams, who prospered in prime-time when variety hours were still ratings giants, has died at the age of 84. ...Plus, CBS ruled Tuesday's D-FW ratings -- in total viewers at least -- with the season premieres of its NCIS two-pack followed by the new Vegas.

New D-FW Nielsen population estimates have upside, downsides

Ed Bark — 2012-09-25T12:58:12-05:00
Nielsen Media Research has just released its new ratings point values for D-FW. ...So how did all the broadcast networks' heavy hitters -- plus the Rangers and Monday Night Football -- do in good ol' D-FW?

A submarine of substance: ABC's Last Resort is worth the plunge

Ed Bark — 2012-09-24T17:48:35-05:00
ABC's new Last Resort launches Thursday, Sept. 27th. Basically put, a U.S. submarine is sandwiched.

Holmes housed in NYC this time, with a female Doc Watson in Elementary

Ed Bark — 2012-09-24T13:40:10-05:00
Plus, the Dallas Cowboys' butt ugly win Sunday had something in common with their butt ugly loss a week ago. Check out the weekend D-FW ratings "snapshot" for all the details, plus a look at the local audience for the Emmys.

Emmy takes shine to Homeland, Modern Family in two top categories

Ed Bark — 2012-09-24T07:55:30-05:00
Showtime's Homeland gave that network its first best series win Sunday night while ABC's Modern Family made it a three-peat. Our report and commentary is on the Network News & Reviews page.

NBC5 meteorologist Samantha Davies now will spend more time stopping traffic

Ed Bark — 2012-09-22T09:11:58-05:00
Fort Worth-based NBC5 has named meteorologist Samantha Davies to be its full-time early morning traffic anchor, replacing Tammy Dombeck. Details are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

ABC's The Neighbors: Should network have closed its borders to these aliens?

Ed Bark — 2012-09-21T16:39:49-05:00
ABC's first new fall series, The Neighbors, premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 26th. Enter aliens from planet Zabvron in what's supposed to be a riotous comedy.

Monaco a DWTS longshot, but retains bragging rights as show's first ever belle of the Mirror Ball

Ed Bark — 2012-09-21T12:16:28-05:00
ABC's Dancing with the Stars launches its 15th edition on Monday, Sept. 24th with an "All-Star" competition involving six past champs and another seven "fan favorites." Soap opera star Kelly Monaco may be the least likely former winner to succeed, but she was still the first.

It's Quaid vs. Chiklis in a period Vegas without Elvis

Ed Bark — 2012-09-20T15:58:39-05:00
CBS' new Vegas hits home screens on Tuesday, Sept. 25th. But does it hit the jackpot with a cast fronted by Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis?

Star of Fox's The Mindy Project earlier gave at The Office

Ed Bark — 2012-09-20T11:56:52-05:00
Mindy Kaling, namesake of Fox's new The Mindy Project, has worked her way up from eight years as Kelly Kapoor on The Office. ...Also, Fox's The X Factor took on another big gun, the season premiere of CBS' Survivor: Philippines, in Wednesday's prime-time ratings wars.

Fox adds Ben and Kate to new Tuesday sitcom bloc (guess which character's the moron?)

Ed Bark — 2012-09-19T15:44:49-05:00
Another new autobiographical comedy series, Ben and Kate, sets sail Tuesday, Sept. 25th on Fox. Ben is firmly in league with a long line of moronic sitcom men.

Michael Urie's rising star shines through Partners

Ed Bark — 2012-09-19T12:09:34-05:00
And although it faces brutal competition on Monday nights, Partners should further the career of Plano Senior High grad Michael Urie. The former Ugly Betty co-star is terrific in his first full-blown starring role.

Tulsa early morning anchor Laura Moss in for interview at Fox4; former WFAA8 anchor Debbie Denmon plans unique dual role

Ed Bark — 2012-09-18T14:27:48-05:00
But Tulsa early morning anchor Laura Moss interviewed for a position at Dallas-based Fox4 on Monday of this week. Also, ex-WFAA8 anchor/reporter Debbie Denmon plans to be the full-time spokesperson for the Dallas County D.A.'s office while also carefully dispensing opinions as a part-time commentator on KTXD-TV's upcoming Texas Daily news hour.

As the judges churn on Idol and The Voice, is there comfort in the same-old, same-old of DWTS?

Ed Bark — 2012-09-18T10:25:43-05:00
American Idol has just named two more new judges while The Voice will have two midseason reinforcements for two of theirs. We take a look at what's happening in the world of TV's prominent "reality competition" shows and whether ABC's Dancing with the Stars just might be better off by staying in place.

Unclebarky.com turns 6; Cowboys turn into pumpkins

Ed Bark — 2012-09-17T18:32:53-05:00
Jury duty Monday bisected unclebarky.com's 6th birthday announcement and a full report on Sunday's Dallas Cowboys ratings in D-FW. But now I'm back after attorneys decided it would be foolhardy to inject your friendly content provider into any courtroom proceedings.

Boardwalk Empire returns with Nucky in full gangster mode but his wife also well-armed

Ed Bark — 2012-09-14T16:00:22-05:00
Plus, Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings say that the fourth episode of Katie -- well, you'll have to read it to believe it. And Bob Costas ridicules his NBC network's handling of the Olympic closing ceremonies during an appearance in the enemy camp -- TBS' Conan.

Former WFAA8/TXCN anchor/reporter joining rival NBC5

Ed Bark — 2012-09-14T07:21:24-05:00
Deanna Dewberry, a three-time cancer survivor with a recent history in D-FW, is returning to the market from WISH-TV, the CBS affiliate in Indianapolis. The University of Texas at Austin grad previously spent seven years at WFAA8/Texas Cable News network.

The annual Kennedy Center Honors: Led Zeppelin but not The Rolling Stones? (etc., etc.)

Ed Bark — 2012-09-13T09:42:36-05:00
Led Zeppelin, David Letterman and Dustin Hoffman are among the quintet of Kennedy Center honorees announced Wednesday. ... We debate the omissions while also laying out the ground rules on the TV Bulletin Board page.

You say you want a Revolution? (well here it is)

Ed Bark — 2012-09-12T17:08:42-05:00
NBC's big-ticket series of the fall season, Revolution, begins seeking a large, faithful following on Monday, Sept. 17th. ...Plus, judging from Tuesday's Nielsens, The Voice looks more than ready for Wednesday night's big face-off with The X Factor.

Dese, dems and doses: The Mob Doctor is coming, but unlikely to put a hit on Fox

Ed Bark — 2012-09-12T13:30:46-05:00
Shivs and syringes battle for supremacy in Fox's The Mob Doctor, which checks in on Monday, Sept. 17th. ...Ed Bark

CBS hopes to neutralize NFL runovers by pushing prime-time lineup back a half-hour on doubleheader Sundays

Ed Bark — 2012-09-11T14:49:11-05:00
Hoping to allay at least some viewer confusion -- as well as reduce complaints -- CBS will be moving its Sunday prime-time start to 6:30 p.m. (central) when its has the doubleheader games. More details and dates are on the Network News & Reviews page.

Katie falls short in D-FW premiere

Ed Bark — 2012-09-11T12:59:04-05:00
Monday's premiere of Katie Couric's mega-hyped Katie had only marginal ratings in a key 4 p.m. slot on WFAA8. The complete "local ratings snapshot" is on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

WFAA8 has a Corona -- but just on weekends for now

Ed Bark — 2012-09-11T10:18:17-05:00
WFAA8, which has experienced an anchor-reporter exodus this summer, is using former Houston reporter Wendy Corona as a weekend freelancer under the current plan. This is particularly interesting in light of Corona's unsuccessful lawsuit against her previous TV employer.

Baby love -- and dopey dads -- in NBC's Guys with Kids

Ed Bark — 2012-09-11T08:43:36-05:00
NBC sneak-previews the last of its four new sitcoms Wednesday night (Sept. 12) with Guys with Kids. It's Jimmy Fallon's first outing as executive producer of a prime-time series.

For Reelz: Bomb Girls not a new pop group

Ed Bark — 2012-09-10T18:30:53-05:00
The new WWII drama series Bomb Girls premieres Tuesday, Sept. 11th on Reelz after a previous run on Canadian television. ... But it does count as another baby step in putting the little known, lesser seen cable channel on the map.

Smooth landing for WFAA8's Vega

Ed Bark — 2012-09-10T12:42:25-05:00
Less than a month after tiring of the early morning grind at WFAA8, Cynthia Vega has a new position at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. ...Plus, NFL football flexed its might Sunday, with Peyton Manning's heralded return the top draw in the D-FW Nielsen ratings.

The Voice The X Factor go for each other's throats; Dems vs. GOP (who won the D-FW ratings war?)

Ed Bark — 2012-09-07T12:48:10-05:00
NBC's The Voice has decided to make it a blood feud with Fox's The X Factor this Wednesday? ...We've got all the details on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, including how well the Texas Rangers hit opposite President Obama Thursday night.

The New Normal barges onto NBC

Ed Bark — 2012-09-06T16:38:10-05:00
Two male gay partners are having a baby via a surrogate mother with a right-wing nut of a "Nana" in NBC's The New Normal. ...And former CW33 anchor Walt Maciborski, who fled the topsy turvy newsroom in mid-August, already is part of a promo for his new station in Indianapolis.

Cowboys man up in New York, fall off some in D-FW ratings

Ed Bark — 2012-09-06T10:51:18-05:00
The Dallas Cowboys returned to New York for Wednesday night's regular season opener. ... Our complete report, including ratings for Night 2 of the Democratic National convention, is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Straight from Comedy Central: a WFAA8 sports special

Ed Bark — 2012-09-05T12:52:04-05:00
But it also has a growing jones for comedy news, underscored by Tuesday night's Cowboys Kickoff Special starring sports anchor Dale Hansen and "Ticket" cut-up Gordon Keith. ...Plus, Fox News Channel went from the penthouse with Republicans to the outhouse with Democrats in Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Veteran CBS11 reporter Jay Gormley leaves the fold, tries something new

Ed Bark — 2012-09-04T18:41:59-05:00
In a very busy summer of forced and unforced departures, CBS11 reporter Jay Gormley has decided to chart a new course for himself after 15 years as a nightsider. The details and an interview with him are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Sweeping changes at Dallas-based CW33, with all newsroom jobs up for grabs

Ed Bark — 2012-09-04T16:40:01-05:00
The Tribune-owned station's 5 and 9 p.m. newscasts are being drastically revamped in the image of the early morning Eye Opener, which emphasizes comedy. ...And the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings are more good news for the Texas Rangers, even with that marquee college football game at Jerry's Palace.

Casey Norton leaving WFAA8; former weekend anchor partner Debbie Denmon takes career turn, too

Ed Bark — 2012-08-31T18:40:32-05:00
Earlier this summer, Casey Norton and Debbie Denmon were WFAA8's weekend anchor duo. Now he's leaving, too, while Denmon shifts careers but stays in D-FW.

Convention ratings wrapup

Ed Bark — 2012-08-31T13:13:33-05:00
Fox News Channel again called the ratings tune in D-FW on closing night of the Republican National Convention. For our climactic breakdown -- until the Democrats come calling next week -- take a quick excursion to the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Not completely wild about "Dirty Harry'' (but would the convention really have been better off without him?)

Ed Bark — 2012-08-31T10:11:50-05:00
I've thoroughly digested Clint Eastwood's performance on closing night of the Republican National Convention. And rather than speak my mind to an empty chair, I've written at length about it on the Network News & Reviews page.

A&E's Coma proudly presents its case as worst miniseries ever

Ed Bark — 2012-08-30T15:36:36-05:00
Oscar-winners Ellen Burstyn, Richard Dreyfuss and Geena Davis are in it, as is veteran scenery-chewer James Woods. But Woods understandably doesn't have the energy here, leaving poor Lauren Ambrose of Six Feet Under fame to tote lots of the load.

Sorting out last night's Cowboys, convention, Rangers ratings

Ed Bark — 2012-08-30T13:29:35-05:00
The Dallas Cowboys played their last pre-season game Wednesday night opposite the 9 p.m. hours of Republican convention coverage on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox News Channel, CNN and MSNBC. ...Also on unclebarky.com, Cowboys QB Tony Romo boldly -- and effectively -- states his case in a new sports gear ad.

From meltdown to motherlode: Sheen's Anger Management gets big last laugh

Ed Bark — 2012-08-29T12:58:18-05:00
But now Charlie Sheen is swimming anew in cash, provided he can stay on track for at least two more years. Get the details of his Anger Management deal on our Network News & Reviews page.

GOP convention bombs on opening night -- except on Fox News Channel

Ed Bark — 2012-08-29T11:25:44-05:00
Fox News Channel did something quite extraordinary in D-FW Tuesday during the 9 to 10 p.m. convention coverage window in which it faced off against cable rivals CNN and MSNBC plus big broadcast networks ABC, CBS and NBC. Get the details in our latest ratings "snapshot" on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Chris Matthews: once again he just can't help himself

Ed Bark — 2012-08-28T16:10:41-05:00
Not on behalf of poor blacks, but to further serve the greater glory of himself. Let's play hardball with this guy while also emphasizing that this isn't political.

Now it's NBC5's turn: Return of the two-headed weatherman

Ed Bark — 2012-08-28T13:47:20-05:00
NBC5's David Finfrock, dean of D-FW's weathercasters, made his first joint appearance with his 10 p.m. successor Monday. ...And early morning local newscasts love this time of year after a dose of summer ratings doldrums.

Tom and Jerry: Guess whose Cowboys commercials were better

Ed Bark — 2012-08-27T17:06:53-05:00
Your marginal enjoyment of Saturday night's pre-season Cowboys game may have been waylaid by owner Jerry Jones' latest Papa John's pizza commercial. ...That one wasn't exactly a chart-topper, but Landry did score big with another, still terrific ad for American Express.

Sticky wiki: not true that Wheel, Jeopardy! vacating CBS11 for Fox4

Ed Bark — 2012-08-27T12:06:00-05:00
Both stations' wikipedia pages said that was the case, but your friendly content provider has prompted some quick edits. ...Also, get the ratings for the weekend's Cowboys game -- and the Rangers three games, too -- in our latest D-FW Nielsen "snapshot."

GSN scores biggest audience ever with American Bible Challenge

Ed Bark — 2012-08-27T09:43:04-05:00
GSN (formerly Game Show Network) put itself on the national ratings map Thursday night with the largest viewership in the network's 17-year history. Drawing 'em in was the first episode of The American Bible Challenge, in which Team Minnie's Food Pantry of Plano, TX emerged as the show's first winner and advanced to the semi-finals.

Coming soon to Waxahachie: the Dale Hansen Football Classic

Ed Bark — 2012-08-24T14:28:25-05:00
Dale Hansen, dean of D-FW sports anchors, now has been around long enough to have a high school football event named after him. ...Also, the Texas Rangers stay on a summer-long ratings roll -- except when the Olympics were on.

Lifetime lands Harvey Keitel for Fatal Honeymoon

Ed Bark — 2012-08-24T11:28:21-05:00
Robert De Niro and Al Pacino haven't yet succumbed to Lifetime movies. ... The man who once knew the glory of Mean Streets and Reservoir Dogs is aboard Fatal Honeymoon Saturday night (Aug.

New venue for WFAA8 alums Debbie Denmon, Iola Johnson

Ed Bark — 2012-08-23T17:36:20-05:00
Former WFAA8 anchor Debbie Denmon, whose contract wasn't renewed last month, belatedly has discovered that her last deal with the Dallas-based station didn't have a standard issue non-compete clause. ... The first move will allow her to be on the same latter day TV page as her girl-hood idol, trailblazing WFAA8 anchor Iola Johnson.

Veteran reporter Cynthia Vega leaves WFAA8 while ex-CBS11 newsman Keith Garvin quickly finds a new home

Ed Bark — 2012-08-23T15:53:12-05:00
Cynthia Vega, best known for her live street reporting on WFAA8's Daybreak, has left the Dallas-based ABC affiliate after a 12-year stretch. ...Plus, CBS11 anchor-reporter Keith Garvin, whose last day at the station was Monday, Aug. 20th, will be on the air in Houston next week.

WFAA8's John McCaa agrees to new deal amid sea of "legacy" anchor switches

Ed Bark — 2012-08-22T17:20:13-05:00
Under a new deal he'll continue to anchor the ABC affiliate's 5, 6 and 10 p.m. weekday newscasts. More details and a refresher course on what's been happening lately are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Godly without being gooey: GSN's American Bible Challenge game show an appealing way to do good

Ed Bark — 2012-08-22T14:12:23-05:00
GSN's The American Bible Challenge premieres Thursday (Aug. 23) with Jeff Foxworthy hosting and Plano's appealing Team Minnie's Food Pantry spotlighted. ... But it's instead the best new game show in years -- whatever your beliefs.

Another end of an era (but not for a while yet): NBC5 meteorologist David Finfrock signs last contract with NBC5, begins making way for newcomer Rick Mitchell

Ed Bark — 2012-08-22T10:46:51-05:00
NBC5 meteorologist David Finfrock, who joined the Fort Worth-based station in 1975, is beginning to phase out his iconic career. ... All the details, plus another significant weathercaster change, are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

NBC's The Office will be shutting down after coming season.

Ed Bark — 2012-08-21T14:08:56-05:00
The upcoming 2012-'13 TV season will be the last for The Office, executive producer Greg Daniels said in a teleconference Tuesday. Here's Variety's detailed blow-by-blow report of what else was said.

A tale of two shifts: Nightline being pushed behind Kimmel while also getting Friday prime-time slot

Ed Bark — 2012-08-21T13:55:03-05:00
After nearly 33 years in the same time slot, Nightline will be pushed back an hour early next year to make room for ABC's Jimmy Kimmel to go head-to-head with Jay Leno and David Letterman. But the house that Roone Arledge and Ted Koppel built will get a weekly prime-time fling as part of the deal.

CBS11 reporter Jay Gormley still dreams of a Hollywood happy ending

Ed Bark — 2012-08-21T13:41:32-05:00
Jay Gormley, veteran nightside reporter for CBS11, continues to write scripts and make movies in hopes of someday hitting it big. ... An update on what's happened and what's happening is on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Katie does Dallas and WFAA8; Michael J. Fox doing NBC in a big way

Ed Bark — 2012-08-20T18:38:28-05:00
Katie Couric has been in D-FW Monday to tape promos for her upcoming talk show Katie, which premieres Sept. 10th at 4 p.m. on WFAA8. ...But she was born in Littlefield, TX, lived in Fort Worth for a while and says on her official website that the "Lisa Whelchel Office" is in Flower Mound.

Phyllis Diller no longer among the living

Ed Bark — 2012-08-20T15:24:04-05:00
Phyllis Diller, whose merciless jabs at herself were often punctuated with a trademark cackle, died Monday at age 95. Her standup act was a staple of an earlier generation cavalcade of variety hours, Bob Hope specials and late night talk shows.

Parental unit alert: here comes MTV's The Inbetweeners

Ed Bark — 2012-08-20T13:05:34-05:00
Adapted from a same-named hit British series, MTV's The Inbetweeners premieres on Monday, Aug. 20th. As a high school comedy, it's par for the coarse -- and then some.

CW33 anchor Walt Maciborski latest to relocate

Ed Bark — 2012-08-17T13:58:37-05:00
Walt Maciborski, who has co-anchored Dallas-based CW33's 9 p.m. weeknight newscasts since February of 2009, will be leaving to anchor at another Tribune-owned TV outlet. ...That's because of a Fox network pre-season NFL game that sunk Fox4's 9 p.m. newscast and pushed the 10 p.m. much deeper into the night while rival stations were all over the West Nile virus-tied airplane spraying.

WFAA8's Campos wrapping up 22-year tenure as 6 p.m. co-anchor

Ed Bark — 2012-08-17T09:21:46-05:00
The Friday, August 17th 6 p.m. newscast on WFAA8 will be Gloria Campos' last as a regular co-anchor at that hour. ...An interview with Campos, who was D-FW's first Hispanic anchor of weekday evening newscasts, is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

CW33 names Larissa Hall its new Director of Content (also known as news director)

Ed Bark — 2012-08-16T17:27:21-05:00
Larissa Hall, who has been senior producer of Tribune Company's comedy-infused Eye Opener, will now be heading the entire newsroom. ...Plus, a trio of D-FW television news briefs are posted in a separate entry on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Grammer's back in Boss

Ed Bark — 2012-08-16T11:28:17-05:00
Season 2 -- and quite possibly the last -- of Starz's Boss begins on Friday, Aug. 17th. We review it here while also taking an unbiased look at star Kelsey Grammer's claim that he was snubbed by Emmy voters because he's openly a Republican.

Anchor-reporter Keith Garvin leaving CBS11

Ed Bark — 2012-08-15T20:51:10-05:00
Also, we review the latest in a long line of star-seeking but seldom star-making singing competitions. A closer look at The CW's The Next is on the Network News & Reviews page.

Latest from The CW -- "Oh Sit!

Ed Bark — 2012-08-14T14:06:30-05:00
The free-falling CW network has a new obstacle course game show with a "Sit List" included. ...Plus, the Dallas Cowboys opened their 2012 pre-season on a soccer score note with Monday night's 3-0 win at Oakland.

Collection Intervention comes to the rescue of Star Wars hoarder among others

Ed Bark — 2012-08-13T16:24:12-05:00
Syfy's new Collection Intervention is another variation on Hoarders, but with neater stuff. ...Ed Bark

The Who, what and where (primarily The Who) of NBC's Closing Ceremonies idiocy

Ed Bark — 2012-08-13T12:47:08-05:00
NBC made another inexplicable programming judgement Sunday, buzz-killing a joyous Olympics Closing Ceremony by relegating The Who's closing performance to late night in favor of a monkey show. ...Also, Jim Lehrer signs up for his record 12th presidential debate, with a newswoman in the moderator mix for the first time in 20 years.

Reporter Giselle Phelps calls it a day at CW33

Ed Bark — 2012-08-11T12:41:16-05:00
Another news staffer has left the CW33 building. ... Details are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

War games: NBC's Stars Earn Stripes arriving after 21-gun Olympic promo campaign

Ed Bark — 2012-08-11T12:30:04-05:00
NBC's Stars Earn Stripes fires up Monday after an all-out promotional assault during the network's Summer Olympics coverage. The two-hour premiere was belatedly made available for review Friday.

Fox's Hotel Hell gives Gordon Ramsay a fourth chance to spew

Ed Bark — 2012-08-09T16:01:50-05:00
Monday brings tempestuous Gordon Ramsay's fourth series for Fox. The network's biggest overall star this time ventures into different territory with Hotel Hell.

Keri Russell a KGB spy in first series since Felicity; D-FW ratings for Dallas season finale

Ed Bark — 2012-08-09T13:05:21-05:00
Former Felicity star Keri Russell, who once upon a time sent a tremor through prime-time by cutting her curly hair, will return to series TV for the first time since then as a KGB spy. ...Plus, TNT's Dallas ended its first season Wednesday night -- opposite the Olympics.

Major Crimes a quality continuation of The Closer

Ed Bark — 2012-08-08T16:30:47-05:00
Kyra Sedgwick and The Closer bow out Monday after seven seasons on TNT. No worries, though, Most of the supporting cast returns in the Mary McDonnell-powered Major Crimes.

Monkey shines in NBC's Animal Practice</i) (which could use more Capuchin)

Ed Bark — 2012-08-08T12:49:38-05:00
NBC's second sneak preview of a new fall comedy comes Sunday after the Olympic closing ceremonies, when Animal Practice arrives early with a full episode. Crystal the Capuchin monkey steals the show, but is it petty theft amid too much lame human interaction?

Season ending, season beginning for two long-running Dallas serial dramas

Ed Bark — 2012-08-07T17:05:56-05:00
Season One of TNT's Dallas wraps with a cliffhanger Wednesday night while the city's even longer-running serial drama, the Dallas Cowboys, get ready for their exhibition season kickoff Monday. ...And thrill to a 1982 KXAS-TV newscast open while learning what became of the day-glo "Action News" logo behind the anchor desk.

TNT's Dallas wraps up Season 1 Wednesday with -- what else? -- a cliffhanger

Ed Bark — 2012-08-06T18:10:25-05:00
But I've seen this season's final episode of Dallas, whose cliffhanger "will leave everyone shocked and on the edge of their seats," says a network publicity release. ... We take a closer look on the Network News & Reviews page.

New Matthew Perry sitcom sneaking into view (with NBC doing little to apprise viewers)

Ed Bark — 2012-08-06T13:22:24-05:00
NBC promos within the Olympics keep saying that the new Matthew Perry comedy, Go On, is coming on Sept. 11th. Which might leave most viewers surprised to learn that the network is sneak-previewing the full first episode on Wednesday, Aug. 8th after that night's Olympics coverage.

NBC5 flashes investigative superpowers in new Olympics promo

Ed Bark — 2012-08-03T15:10:02-05:00
For many years the only gumshoes at Fort Worth-based NBC5 were shoes -- that stepped in gum. But a showy new promo airing during the summer Olympics hails a new bloodhound unit headed by reporter Scott Friedman.

NBC5's Newy Scruggs has his moment -- of zen

Ed Bark — 2012-08-03T12:09:57-05:00
NBC5 sports anchor Newy Scruggs popped up Thursday night during The Daily Show's climactic "Moment of Zen." Get the details and the video on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, where you'll also find the local Nielsen numbers for Thursday night's Olympics vs.

The late Gore Vidal had a TV life, too (and not just opposite William F. Buckley)

Ed Bark — 2012-08-02T12:28:52-05:00
We recount his small-screen teleplays while also revisiting an old interview tied to the 1988 miniseries Lincoln, adapted from Vidal's bestselling book. ...Also, Wednesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings found three local 10 p.m. newscasts caught in a buzzsaw of the Olympics on NBC and a near-miracle comeback by the Texas Rangers on Fox Sports Southwest.

NBC's prime-time Olympics coverage still racking up big ratings while detractors rake away

Ed Bark — 2012-08-01T18:50:24-05:00
Plus, please remember to make the amazon.com buys you were going to make anyway by first clicking through an Amazon ad on any unclebarky.com page. Pennies from heaven ensue, helping this site in a very small way (believe me) to keep bringing you D-FW's only independent look at both the local and national TV scenes.

Veteran forecaster Goosmann, young sports anchor Williams leaving CW33

Ed Bark — 2012-07-31T13:42:59-05:00
Dallas-based CW33 is losing a pair of full-timers from its newsroom. Plus, the station went anchor-less with Monday's 9 p.m. newscast.

Making a case for NBC's delayed prime-time packaging -- on cnn.com

Ed Bark — 2012-07-30T17:48:13-05:00
There's little if any upside to defending NBC's tape-delayed prime-time coverage of the 2012 Olympics, which as of now are on track to become the most-watched Summer Games ever among U.S. audiences. ... It's already taking a hammering, although many respondents seem to be ripping NBC's U.S.-centric coverage rather than the prime-time packaging.

Olympics a ratings juggernat here, there, everywhere (although D-FW doesn't make Top 20 list

Ed Bark — 2012-07-30T15:06:39-05:00
Friday's prime-time Olympic opening ceremonies crushed all competing programming (including the Texas Rangers) in D-FW. ... But only one Texas city ranks in Nielsen's national top 20 in terms of percentages of potential viewers.

London's opening ceremonies: pip pip (no hooray)

Ed Bark — 2012-07-28T12:09:05-05:00
Expected to come up short of 2008's awe-some Beijing spectacular, Friday night's Olympic opening ceremonies accomplished that task -- and then some. ... Our full review is here after a long night of tweeting.

HBO's About Face a retrospective look at underside/upside of big-time posing

Ed Bark — 2012-07-27T16:38:12-05:00
HBO's 85-minute documentary film, "About Face: Supermodels Then and Now, has lots to say from the likes of Jerry Hall, Paulina Porizkova and 81-year-old Carmen Dell'Orefice, who's still putting herself out there. ...Ed Bark

Emmitt Smith, former DWTS "Twinkletoes," is back for more

Ed Bark — 2012-07-27T14:07:19-05:00
Emmitt Smith will try to re-win the Mirror Ball Trophy he took home back in 2006 when Dancing with the Stars presents its first "All-Star" competition this fall. ... See the rest of the roster and Emmitt's DWTS stats on the Network News & Reviews page.

End of the road at NBC5 for longtime traffic reporter Tammy Dombeck

Ed Bark — 2012-07-27T10:20:41-05:00
Tammy Dombeck, Fort Worth-based NBC5's early morning traffic reporter for the past dozen years, had her last day Friday. A picture and more details are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, where there's also an update on Fox4 sports anchor Mike Doocy's cost-saving road trip to Cowboys camp in Oxnard, CA.

It will be hard to miss the 2012 Summer Olympics

Ed Bark — 2012-07-26T15:59:24-05:00
The networks of NBC Universal, NBCOlympics.com, a variety of "social networks" and a boy named Sue will be presenting the Olympics from London, beginning with Friday night's opening ceremonies extravaganza. We take an up-close look on the Network News & Reviews page.

Network morning show drama on two fronts

Ed Bark — 2012-07-26T13:08:13-05:00
But the CBS Morning News has replicated NBC's sinking Today by naming its White House correspondent as Charlie Rose's new deskmate. It happened on the same day that ABC's Good Morning America whipped Today in the key 25-to-54 demographic for the first time in almost 17 years.

One if by land: Fox4's Doocy will be hitting the road to Cowboys training camp

Ed Bark — 2012-07-25T15:32:44-05:00
And this time around, longtime Fox4 sports anchor Mike Doocy will be behind a wheel for the nearly 1,500 mile trip instead of crammed in coach for the far briefer flight. ... Get the story for public consumption -- and the real story -- on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

New minimalist TV title champ: CBS' 3

Ed Bark — 2012-07-25T13:20:14-05:00
CBS launches its newest summertime series Thursdays before shifting it to regular Sunday slot. ...Also, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings give the Texas Rangers all they can handle -- from a local newscast.

Sherman Hemsley dead; made George Jefferson his own

Ed Bark — 2012-07-24T17:12:00-05:00
Sherman Hemsley, the actor who ignited The Jeffersons, died Tuesday at age 74. We take a look back on the Network News & Reviews page.

Museum pieces (er, seasoned vets) mostly in place for D-FW's new Texas Daily newscast

Ed Bark — 2012-07-24T12:30:07-05:00
Dallas-based KTXD-TV goes back to the future (sorry, but the cliche really fits here) with retro Texas Daily news hour stocked with the likes of Tracy Rowlett, Troy Dungan, Midge Hill, Gary Cogill and John Criswell. ...Also, Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, with the Rangers this time winning it all with a two-pronged cable network attack.

Carey on: she'll be newest Idol judge

Ed Bark — 2012-07-23T15:25:15-05:00
Fox officially named singer Mariah Carey an American Idol judge Monday after rumors swirled -- or whatever they do -- in recent weeks. ...Also, the Texas Rangers keep winning in the ratings, even when losing on the field.

DFW television news pathfinder Eddie Barker dies at 84

Ed Bark — 2012-07-23T12:16:34-05:00
Eddie Barker, the first reporter to break the news of John F. ... Our appreciation of him is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Traffic-stopping former L.A. entertainment reporter Whitney Drolen is CBS11's new early morning traffic reporter

Ed Bark — 2012-07-19T13:10:20-05:00
CBS11 continued its early morning news revamp Thursday by naming Whitney Drolen as the new traffic reporter, with incumbent Teresa Frosini shifting to the D-FW station's reporting staff. All the details, and video of Drolen, are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Prime-time Emmy nominations: still no nod for Emmylou Harrris, but . . .

Ed Bark — 2012-07-19T11:35:03-05:00
The latest prime-time Emmy nominations were announced Thursday, with both the usual suspects and a tasty batch of newcomers invited to the party. But ugh, Emmy also plays very fast and loose with the best miniseries or movie category.

Anchor Debbie Denmon out at WFAA8 (updated with Denmon quotes)

Ed Bark — 2012-07-18T13:09:29-05:00
Veteran WFAA8 anchor Debbie Denmon has left the station after a nearly 12-year tenure. The Dallas-based station quickly removed her bio from its website Wednesday.

TBS' Sullivan & Son: bellying up to this bar could cause your brain to go belly up

Ed Bark — 2012-07-18T11:47:44-05:00
TBS, the "Very Funny" network (hah!), has a sorry excuse for a sitcom in Sullivan & Son. It's set in a Pittsburgh bar, and you'd really be better off drinking alone.

Ex-NBC5 anchor McGarry still mum on future plans, but blooms anew on Facebook/Twitter pages

Ed Bark — 2012-07-17T13:21:58-05:00
Her First Amendment free speech more or less restored, former NBC5 anchor Jane McGarry hot dogs it -- literally -- on her Facebook and Twitter pages. Our commentary, including a riff on basic media company hypocrisy, is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

NBC5 tabs KOCO vet Rick Mitchell as new early morn meteorologist

Ed Bark — 2012-07-16T15:58:04-05:00
Fort Worth-based NBC5, after a four-and-a-half month search, has named longtime Oklahoma City meteorologist Frank Mitchell as its early morning replacement for Jennifer Lopez. ...Also, Bob Schieffer snaps back after being used as Romney campaign attack dog.

History Detectives returns with motherlode for musicologists

Ed Bark — 2012-07-16T15:20:53-05:00
The Tuesday, July 17th Season 10 premiere of PBS' History Detectives includes a fascinating segment on authentication of the guitar Bob Dylan supposedly used to electrify himself at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. ...Plus, the Texas Rangers roll up more scores in our weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings "snapshot."

Dallas, we hardly knew ye (with final season regulars Sasha Mitchell, Cathy Podewell, etc.)

Ed Bark — 2012-07-13T14:40:12-05:00
TNT's new version of Dallas is nearing the backstretch of its 10-episode first season. ... A tease followed by the official opening credits are proof that the new Dallas has featured more original cast members in its first season than the original did in its last.

J Lo leaving, too

Ed Bark — 2012-07-13T13:25:10-05:00
A second American Idol judged called it quits Friday, when Jennifer Lopez told host Ryan Seacrest on his radio show that she'll be following Steven Tyler out the door. ...Also, Thursday's D-FW ratings "snapshot" is in the house.

Steven Tyler leaving Idol; Breaking Bad returning to AMC for a so far terrific Season 5

Ed Bark — 2012-07-12T17:39:28-05:00
Steven Tyler made a surprise exit as an American Idol judge Thursday, upstaging any similar impulses by Jennifer Lopez. He let go in a typically colorful way, with chapter and verse on the TV Bulletin Board page.

USA's Political Animals a thinly disguised Bill/Hill howler (except it's supposed to be a drama)

Ed Bark — 2012-07-12T11:48:46-05:00
Sigourney Weaver makes her TV series debut on Sunday, July 15th in the USA network's Political Animals, billed as a six-part "limited series event." She plays a secretary of state and defeated presidential candidate whose philandering husband used to be prez.

Girl No. 1 for WFAA8's Alexa Conomos

Ed Bark — 2012-07-11T16:38:29-05:00
WFAA8 Daybreak personality Alexa Conomos has added a daughter to her brood, which also includes two sons. Details and a picture on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Post-vacation local TV news roundup -- yee-hah! (sorry)

Ed Bark — 2012-07-11T15:23:27-05:00
But now we're all caught up on some intriguing developments involving D-FW television news people. ...We have the numbers and also a wrapup of local news Nielsens from July 2nd to the present.

Vacation's over -- and so is Jane McGarry's long career at NBC5

Ed Bark — 2012-07-10T21:11:22-05:00
Your friendly content provider was leaving on a jet plane from Washington State at about the time that anchor Jane McGarry and NBC5 officially announced the end of her 30-year career at the station. ... The story and companion commentary are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Happy Fourth!!! (as we take the 5th through 10th off, too)

Ed Bark — 2012-07-02T17:15:31-05:00
So unclebarky.com will be off from July 3-10th, with posting scheduled to resume on Wednesday of next week. Meanwhile, we've left a review of TNT's new Perception series behind.

Oh happy days for Dallas Film Commission director Janis Burklund

Ed Bark — 2012-07-01T12:54:36-05:00
TNT's decision to renew Dallas for a second season makes the Fourth of July seem like an early Christmas for Dallas Film Commission director Janis Burklund. ...Plus, as June begins receding into the unclebarky.com archives, here's another gentle reminder that you can help D-FW's only homegrown TV website to live longer if not prosper by clicking on any of our amazon.com ads before making the purchases you were going to make anyway.

Pretty pic of what NBC5's new home is supposed to look like

Ed Bark — 2012-06-29T17:17:17-05:00
Ground got officially broken Friday -- it probably was already cracked by the broiling sun -- on NBC5's future new home at the CentrePort Business Park in Fort Worth. We've got a pic and more specs on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Ewings will ride higher with more episodes in Season 2

Ed Bark — 2012-06-29T14:49:03-05:00
TNT green-lighted a Season 2 of Dallas Friday, with five more episodes to boot. Plus, a network spokeswoman confirms to unclebarky.com that the series again will be shot on location in Dallas.

Oh Savannah for Today; Sheen sets some national comedy ratings records for FX

Ed Bark — 2012-06-29T14:00:09-05:00
As anticipated, NBC officially has named former White House correspondent and current third-hour-of-Today co-host Savannah Guthrie to succeed Ann Curry. ... More details are on the TV Bulletin Board page, where you'll also find news of Charlie Sheen's latest ratings bonanza and other reasonably nutritious tidbits.

Sheen shoots, scores in D-FW Nielsen ratings

Ed Bark — 2012-06-29T11:42:31-05:00
Charlie Sheen's prime-time return Thursday, via FX's Anger Management, made a substantial impression in the D-FW Nielsen ratings. So much so that the first two episodes of his sitcom beat all prime-time programming among advertiser-prized 18-to-49-year-olds.

Showtimes Episodes back in even finer form

Ed Bark — 2012-06-29T08:44:14-05:00
Matt LeBlanc continues to excel as a heightened version of himself in Showtime's Episodes, which returns on Sunday, July 1st with a nine-episode Season 2. He's also surrounded by one of TV's best comedy ensembles.

Ann Curry says goodbye, figuratively fingers Matt; two out of three cable news nets screw up Supreme Court health care reform ruling

Ed Bark — 2012-06-28T11:23:16-05:00
Ann Curry tearfully walked the Today show plank Thursday while her closing body language dissed co-host Matt Lauer. ...Also, CNN messes up Supreme Court ruling on "Obamacare," with Fox News Channel following suit.

Bomb squad: FX's Brand X with Russell Brand is the network's first mega-eyesore

Ed Bark — 2012-06-27T17:16:36-05:00
And FX looks to have its first really miserable failure in Brand X with Russell Brand. It's hard to see how it can be salvaged.

Louis C.K. excels anew in Season 3 of FX's Louie

Ed Bark — 2012-06-27T15:12:55-05:00
His best is yet to come -- and it's arriving Thursday night (June 28th) in Season 3 of Louie. ...Ed Bark

East Texas murders revisited in first episode of ABC's Final Witness

Ed Bark — 2012-06-27T12:22:38-05:00
The 2008 Caffey family murders near little Emory, TX are exhumed in network TV's latest true crime series, Final Witness. ...Plus, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are another Yu hoo for the Texas Rangers.

Dombeck confirms she's leaving NBC5; hopes to be back on the air in D-FW in time for February "sweeps"

Ed Bark — 2012-06-27T10:50:30-05:00
Veteran early morning traffic reporter Tammy Dombeck on Wednesday confirmed an earlier unclebarky.com report that she'll be leaving Fort Worth-based NBC5 after a twelve-and-a-half-year stay. Our report is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Sheen shows up for FX's Anger Management

Ed Bark — 2012-06-27T08:47:19-05:00
Charlie Sheen segues from his Violent Torpedo of Truth tour to a new FX sitcom Thursday night. Our review of Anger Management is here.

Fox4 names new weekend weathercaster -- Jennifer Myers of El Paso

Ed Bark — 2012-06-26T14:52:53-05:00
Dallas-based Fox4 announced Tuesday that it's adding a fourth meteorologist. ...Also, Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings show a slight bump up for the debut of CBS11's new early morning anchor team.

Veteran traffic reporter Tammy Dombeck on exit ramp at NBC5

Ed Bark — 2012-06-25T16:21:07-05:00
Tammy Dombeck, NBC5's time-tested "Gridlock Buster" on early morning newscasts, is likely to be leaving the Fort Worth-based station -- perhaps this week -- after more than 12 years of traffic reporting. ... Get the details on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Another new dawn for CBS11 with Higgins/Bankert debut

Ed Bark — 2012-06-25T12:14:54-05:00
CBS11 unveiled its new early morning anchor team Monday in hopes of someday digging out of the ratings basement it's occupied forever it seems. So how well did Brendan Higgins and Adrienne Bankert play together?

TNT's The Great Escape has too many boring interludes

Ed Bark — 2012-06-24T14:15:22-05:00
TNT takes its first plunge into the "reality" genre with the Sunday, June 24th premiere of The Great Escape. Our not nearly so enthusiastic review is here.

Second Michigan judge issues bench warrant for arrest of WFAA8's Shon Gables after she's again cited for contempt

Ed Bark — 2012-06-22T13:20:07-05:00
Anchor-reporter Shon Gables of Dallas-based WFAA8 now has two outstanding warrants for her arrest after a second Michigan judge cited her for contempt of court earlier this week. The latest details are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Lifetime's Tall Hot Blonde -- already interested?

Ed Bark — 2012-06-22T11:48:03-05:00
Watch Lifetime's Tall Hot Blonde for the articles -- which in this case is an interesting lead performance by Garret Dillahunt of Raising Hope and Deadwood fame. ...Plus, get the complete D-FW ratings picture for Thursday night's climactic Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

This just in: HBO's The Newsroom begins its run Sunday night

Ed Bark — 2012-06-21T13:40:19-05:00
TV/movie auteur Aaron Sorkin, whose writings range from The West Wing to The Social Network, creates his own fictional cable news network in HBO's The Newsroom. ...Ed Bark

Lone Star shootout: Dallas vs. Rangers

Ed Bark — 2012-06-21T10:59:08-05:00
The last half-hour of the Texas Rangers game collided head-on with the first half-hour of Dallas Wednesday night. See who won on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

From the same sitcom hymnal: TV Land's The Soul Man

Ed Bark — 2012-06-20T11:00:38-05:00
Cedric the Entertainer and Niecy Nash star in TV Land's latest broadly executed sitcom. That makes five of them, beginning with the network's signature Hot In Cleveland.

Med evac for WFAA8 reporter Craig Civale

Ed Bark — 2012-06-19T21:23:44-05:00
WFAA8 reporter Craig Civale, who joined the ABC affiliate in January 2007, confirmed Tuesday that he is leaving to take a corporate position in Dallas with Baylor Health Care System. Further details are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Early morning war zone -- the sequel

Ed Bark — 2012-06-19T13:24:21-05:00
It's been seven springs since your friendly content provider trudged on four sequential mornings to the dawn-breaking news programs on D-FW's Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11. ... We take a closer look on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page as CBS11 gets ready to start from scratch again.

Bristol Palin: Life's a Tripp: Lifetime throws another lifeline

Ed Bark — 2012-06-18T15:23:41-05:00
Lifetime's Bristol Palin: Life's a Tripp is the latest wretched excess. ...Plus, live sports rule the Thursday-Sunday D-FW Nielsen ratings.

TNT's Falling Skies resumes where it left off -- impressive special effects, mundane scripts

Ed Bark — 2012-06-15T14:49:10-05:00
TNT's big summer rollout continues with the Sunday, July 17th return of Falling Skies. ...Plus, see the first joy-to-the-world promo for Katie Couric's new Katie talk show, which in D-FW will be slotted at 4 p.m. weekdays on WFAA8.

Dallas wins time slot nationally, but is no Hatfields & McCoys in family feud division

Ed Bark — 2012-06-14T12:08:53-05:00
The national numbers are in for TNT's Wednesday night Dallas premiere. It scored pretty big, but was a pipsqueak compared to the History network's Hatfields & McCoys.

Dallas re-marks its territory in D-FW Nielsens

Ed Bark — 2012-06-14T11:19:27-05:00
TNT's two-pronged Southfork re-launch Wednesday night did big business as expected in the D-FW viewing area. ...Plus, catch a glimpse of WFAA8 anchor Shelly Slater in her winning performance over the weekend at a celebrity dance competition benefiting Paws In the City.

HBO's 41 takes a very selective trip down George H. W. Bush's memory lane

Ed Bark — 2012-06-13T17:51:26-05:00
HBO's latest "In Their Own Words" documentary gives voice to George H.W. Bush in Hallmark card fashion.

Completing the trilogy: a look at the inaugural media session with the old/new cast members of TNT's Dallas

Ed Bark — 2012-06-13T10:59:15-05:00
Our third act is a look at the inaugural gathering of the old/new cast during a mid-January interview session at the Television Critics Association semi-annual "press tour." ... The TNT re-start of Dallas is on Wednesday, June 13th at 8 p.m. (central), with the first two episodes airing back-to-back.

Mondo Dallas: a Top 10 time travel

Ed Bark — 2012-06-12T19:04:17-05:00
In connection with TNT's Wednesday, June 13th re-launch of Dallas, we offer a Top 10 list of intrigues and oddities from the original. It's all on our "Making A List" page, including a video clip of baby-faced Brad Pitt getting a stern lecture from ranch foreman Ray Krebbs.

TNT re-does Dallas -- and does it well

Ed Bark — 2012-06-12T11:56:51-05:00
TNT's big, bold re-launch of Dallas, with charter cast members Larry Hagman, Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy reporting for duty with their new offspring, gets going with back-to-back episodes Wednesday night. The network provided seven of Season One's 10 episodes for review.

Adios Belo, hola MundoFox for KFWD-TV

Ed Bark — 2012-06-11T18:36:03-05:00
Official announcements are coming, but unclebarky.com has confirmed that MundoFox will have KFWD-TV as its D-FW affiliate when the new Spanish language network launches on Aug. 13th. Dealt out: Belo-owned WFAA8's "strategic alliance" with the "Classic TV" station, which also re-aired WFAA8's 10 p.m. newscasts.

CBS11 again turns to former competitor in hopes of waking up in early mornings

Ed Bark — 2012-06-11T16:08:46-05:00
Now CBS11 will try anew with Brendan Higgins, who last worked in D-FW television more than two years ago as NBC5's early morning male anchor. The details and incumbent Keith Garvin's fate are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

NBC5/KXAS makes CentrePort move official

Ed Bark — 2012-06-11T12:15:05-05:00
After lengthy negotiations, Fort Worth-based NBC5/KXAS has reached an agreement to leave the only home it's ever known in favor of a new "state-of-the-art media facility in the CentrePort Business Park. Details are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Fox4 bringing in new reporter; ex-WFAA8 traffic reporter Jane Slater seems to be enjoying new surroundings

Ed Bark — 2012-06-08T11:35:00-05:00
Dallas-based Fox4 has hired reporter Calvert Collins to join its news department, beginning on June 18th. ...Plus, Jane Slater looks considerably happier at The FAN (105.3 FM) than she was as a briefly glimpsed traffic reporter at WFAA8.

NBC hopes you'll take your meds and watch Saving Hope

Ed Bark — 2012-06-06T18:29:57-05:00
A new summertime series on a Big Four broadcast network that has a script and actors? The made-in-Canada medical drama Saving Hope premieres Thursday, June 7th on NBC.

Retracking to Dallas: former Good Day reporter Casey Stegall returns after five years in L.A.

Ed Bark — 2012-06-06T16:32:30-05:00
Casey Stegall, formerly with Dallas-based Fox4's Good Day, is returning to the city to be a correspondent for Fox News Channel. He had been in L.A. for the past five years, also with FNC.

The Choice happily chides The Voice

Ed Bark — 2012-06-06T13:40:04-05:00
Rascally Fox is a bit too canny to simply rip off a rival network, as ABC hopes to do with Glass House in answer to a suing CBS's Big Brother. Instead Fox plays a rhyming dating game while using swivel chairs and blind taste tests.

Ya durned possum-lickin' sidewinder: Hatfields & McCoys makes TV history for History network

Ed Bark — 2012-06-05T18:29:40-05:00
This has never been done before by a cable network. Check out our TV Bulletin Board page for details on the major achievement of the History network's Hatfields & McCoys.

Lifetime's The Week the Women Went: so terrible on so many "reality" fronts

Ed Bark — 2012-06-05T17:17:56-05:00
Yemassee, S.C. is the guinea pig for a "daring social experiment" that cluelessly (presumably) conjures up images of the Holocaust while also busily portraying the small town's real-life residents as bumpkins or worse. It's on Lifetime for the next four Wednesdays, and our review is here.

Buy & sell car rehab the hook on Discovery's Dallas-set Fast N' Loud

Ed Bark — 2012-06-05T12:47:29-05:00
Discovery's latest reality series gambit originates from the Gas Monkey Garage in Dallas, where junked classic cars are rehabbed and resold. ...Also, the Oklahoma City Thunder's pivotal Game 5 win over the San Antonio Spurs ruled Monday's D-FW prime-time ratings.

Ampersand Tuesdays on TNT with pairing of Rizzoli & Isles, Franklin & Bash

Ed Bark — 2012-06-05T09:04:21-05:00
TNT has rearranged Tuesday nights so that its only two ampersand-titled dramas can complement one another. We take a closer look at the new seasons of Rizzoli & Isles and Franklin & Bash.

World premiere of TNT's new Dallas in Dallas: a blend of soap opera & opera house

Ed Bark — 2012-06-01T12:14:00-05:00
The official June 13th TV premiere of TNT's Dallas reboot is looming larger as the month begins. ...Plus, since it's the start of a new month, here's another gentle reminder to support your friendly local unclebarky.com website by first clicking on one of our Amazon ads before making the buys you were going to make anyway.

A&E gets down to law enforcement basics with Longmire

Ed Bark — 2012-05-31T13:32:27-05:00
Every once in a while, A&E throws a new scripted series on the fire instead of yet another so-called "Real Life" reality series. And Longmire is a pretty good one.

Jane McGarry striking new poses on Facebook page while remaining in limbo at NBC5

Ed Bark — 2012-05-30T16:26:15-05:00
You're cordially invited to read the Jane McGarry tea leaves in connection with the change of scenery on her Facebook page. ...Also, the Texas Rangers remain a prime-time hit, even during the course of a lopsided loss to Seattle Tuesday night.

Breaking Pointe: CW's series about real-life ballet company can't stay on its toes

Ed Bark — 2012-05-30T14:03:16-05:00
It's not your usual reality series fare. But CW's Breaking Pointe unfortunately is a flat-footed, up-close look at a real-life Salt Lake City ballet company.

Bearded laddies are big hits via History's Hatfields & McCoys

Ed Bark — 2012-05-29T15:29:37-05:00
Viewers were durned tootin' Memorial Day night, sitting down in big numbers to watch Part 1 of History's Hatfields & McCoys. ... Check out the TV Bulletin Board page for all the details plus a couple of other tidbits involving NBC and CNN.

Rangers roll and keep rolling in Memorial Day weekend ratings; CBS tries to get pet smart with Dogs In The City

Ed Bark — 2012-05-29T13:34:57-05:00
It can't get any better than this for the Texas Rangers: four sellouts, four wins and dominance of the holiday weekend D-FW Nielsens. ...Also, CBS launches the new summertime reality series Dogs In The City.

Hemingway & Gellhorn another star trek for HBO

Ed Bark — 2012-05-26T08:52:27-05:00
Nicole Kidman and Clive Owen front HBO's Hemingway & Gellhorn, a sometimes plodding affair bolstered by her bravura performance. ...And Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings chart the fortunes of ABC's new Duets vs.

History channel's Hatfields & McCoys rides boldly into view

Ed Bark — 2012-05-24T17:06:24-05:00
The best TV western since AMC's Broken Trail breaks ground on the History channel Memorial Day night. Our review of the six-hour, three-part Hatfields & McCoys, starring Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton, is here.

NBC5/WFAA8 make most progress in May "sweeps" local news ratings; Jane Slater puts brakes on TV traffic reporting, segues to "THE FAN" radio

Ed Bark — 2012-05-24T14:17:33-05:00
All four major combatants scored at least one win in the just-concluded May "sweeps" ratings. ...Plus, part-time WFAA8 traffic reporter Jane Slater has put a stop to that and segued over to "THE FAN" sports radio station, where she'll co-host a mid-day sports talk program.

TBS' Men at Work is the kind of comedy that should be unemployed

Ed Bark — 2012-05-22T11:50:22-05:00
Here comes another entry on the often (Not So) "Very Funny" network. ...Plus, House goes out with a nice little bang in Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings.

CBS11 names Sacramento's Adrienne Bankert as new early morning co-anchor

Ed Bark — 2012-05-21T16:56:08-05:00
CBS11 will replace Lisa Pineiro on June 25th with Adrienne Bankert from NBC affiliate KCRA-TV of Sacramento, the D-FW station announced Monday. Details are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Route 66 wheels and deals in new complete series DVD set

Ed Bark — 2012-05-21T15:19:37-05:00
Highlights of its location filming include a serial killer preacher episode shot in Dallas and formative performances by the likes of Robert Duvall as a heroin junkie and Robert Redford as an unintentional killer. Our review, including a frame grab of a special Dallas Times Herald front page used in the 1962 "Aren't You Surprised To See Me?"

A new app for the ol' Mick on SNL season finale

Ed Bark — 2012-05-18T13:18:41-05:00
So in the interest of melding the old and the new, we have info. on how to download the new free Color for Facebook app being used by NBC during Mick Jagger's first-ever hosting stint on the May 19th season finale of Saturday Night Live. In return, the network is promising -- via 30-second videos -- a "rare peek into what really happens backstage during the week of rehearsals and during the live finale's commercial breaks."

Dive-bombing TV pilots: A select list of notables that were judged unfit for viewer consumption on new network schedules

Ed Bark — 2012-05-16T16:20:55-05:00
NBC passed on a second coming of Roseanne Barr and John Goodman while ABC said no to Ellen DeGeneres. We've rounded up a select list of star-driven pilots that didn't make the cuts for next season on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox.

CBS' new fall lineup marked by two big shifts, a sundown and the pairing of Dennis Quaid/Michael Chiklis

Ed Bark — 2012-05-16T09:44:45-05:00
CBS, a runaway first in total viewers, is adding four new series to its fall arsenal, including an eye-catcher co-starring Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis. But the bigger news for many may be its two transplants and the demise of a CSI.

Harry's Law didn't deserve to be a goner

Ed Bark — 2012-05-15T16:11:02-05:00
But a lot of viewers, most of them older, watched NBC's Harry's Law to the point of where it will end up being NBC's third most popular series of this season. Yet it was canceled, once again disenfranchising millions of viewers who dared to be out of the advertiser-desired 18-to-49-year-old demographic.

ABC drops Dallas-set GCB but still goes back to drawlin' board

Ed Bark — 2012-05-15T12:43:37-05:00
ABC unveiled its new fall and midseason series Tuesday, with GCB among the axed. ...Plus, how did a very mild Howard Stern do ratings-wise with his America's Got Talent debut Monday night?

Fox's new series announcements are one-third the size of NBC's

Ed Bark — 2012-05-14T11:29:27-05:00
Fox unveiled its notably trim list of new fall and midseason series Monday morning. It was a breeze compared to all the stuff NBC threw out there on Mothers' Day.

Campos officially re-ups at WFAA8, but no more 6 p.m. anchoring after this summer; Rangers rock weekend D-FW ratings

Ed Bark — 2012-05-14T11:16:59-05:00
Veteran anchor Gloria Campos has inked a new deal with WFAA8. ... Also, the weekend Rangers-Angels series dominates the D-FW Nielsens, with nothing else really even close.

No joke: NBC accentuates comedy for the fall while canceling its fourth most popular series for age-old reasons

Ed Bark — 2012-05-13T18:09:08-05:00
NBC chose to get a Mothers' Day jump on its competitors by announcing a new fall season that will have 10 new comedies on an expanded four different nights. ... Drawing an older audience continues to be a capital crime on broadcast TV, even when only NBC's Sunday Night Football, The Voice and Smash (just barely) had more viewers than the Kathy Bates-led hour.

Johnny Carson rides again, but 20 long years after the fact

Ed Bark — 2012-05-11T15:47:35-05:00
PBS and filmmaker Peter Jones long wanted to do a Johnny Carson film under the American Masters banner. ... So he-r-r-r-re we go with "King of Late Night," premiering Monday, May 14th.

Howie and now Howard on America's Got Talent

Ed Bark — 2012-05-11T12:12:44-05:00
NBC's biggest summer season splash, America's Got Talent, hopes to make an even bigger one with the arrival of Howard Stern as a judge. Season 7 launches on Monday, May 14th, and Stern promises to be a good boy without being one of those American Idol sycophants, as he puts it.

Former KXAS-TV anchor Dave Layman on drinking, driving -- and putting on the brakes

Ed Bark — 2012-05-10T16:15:47-05:00
Former KXAS-TV (Ch. 5) anchor Dave Layman has been out of the D-FW market for 30 years. But the news of Jane McGarry's DWI arrest reached him in Rhode Island and prompted him to express his thoughts on her situation and how typical it is in the oft-intoxicating world of TV news.

USA serves up another pastry with Common Law

Ed Bark — 2012-05-10T14:39:35-05:00
USA brings its patented soft-serve approach to Common Law, even though its a police "procedural" with gun fights and homicides. ...Plus, the latest "Local Nielsen Ratings Snapshot" also brings you up to speed on the local news races at the halfway point of the May "sweeps."

Jane McGarry: Is she or isn't she a public figure?

Ed Bark — 2012-05-09T16:33:45-05:00
Try telling her she isn't. We touch a lot of bases on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Hamilton home run spree not that much of a (ratings) hit in D-FW

Ed Bark — 2012-05-09T12:36:28-05:00
But judging from the D-FW Nielsen ratings, word of mouth must have spread slowly on a night when other powerful hitters flexed on broadcast networks. ...Also, BBC America's new six-episode White Heat drama, launching on Wednesday, May 9th, blends mystery with an impromptu college reunion.

News anchor Bill Ratliff dies: first came to prominence as co-host of WFAA8's PM Magazine

Ed Bark — 2012-05-08T16:01:59-05:00
Bill Ratliff, who three decades ago hosted WFAA8's version of PM Magazine with Leeza Gibbons, has died at age 63. He went on to become a household name in Tampa, Florida, where he anchored for 27 years.

New Girl's Jake Johnson talks up the show, flexes his sports muscle

Ed Bark — 2012-05-08T12:33:54-05:00
Fox's breakout Season 1 hit, New Girl, has its season finale Tuesday (May 8th). Co-star Jake Johnson recently did Dallas while on hiatus.

NBC5 anchor McGarry to be off the air indefinitely while "the company looks into" her DWI arrest

Ed Bark — 2012-05-07T17:52:23-05:00
NBC5 finally "confirmed" longtime anchor Jane McGarry's arrest Monday afternoon and said she'll be off the air while the wheels of owned-and-operated corporate justice turn. Details are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Mavs bow out as ratings loser, too

Ed Bark — 2012-05-07T16:16:16-05:00
Saturday night's eviction notice of the defending NBA champion Dallas Mavericks fared poorly in the D-FW Nielsen ratings as well. But at least TXA21 is a just a bit upbeat after the homegrown telecast thrashed its cable network competitor for the first time.

Mark Hayes makes live wire early morning debut at NBC5

Ed Bark — 2012-05-07T11:10:19-05:00
NBC5's latest early morning news addition, new co-anchor Mark Hayes, dawned bright and chuckly on Monday's waker-upper. For a closer look, see the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

NBC5 anchor Jane McGarry's DWI arrest so far is news on WFAA8 but not on NBC5

Ed Bark — 2012-05-06T21:30:18-05:00
Veteran NBC5 anchor Jane McGarry is free on bail after being arrested early Sunday morning on a DWI charge. Her station is still "looking into the matter" while rival WFAA8 publicizes her mugshot on its website and McGarry herself has a very brief cell phone encounter with unclebarky.com.

Holmes back in homes on PBS' Sherlock

Ed Bark — 2012-05-04T15:52:13-05:00
Plus, the TV Bulletin Board page has a wealth of new developments, including Fox's summertime effort to twit NBC's The Voice with a swivel-chaired blind dating game called The Choice. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, including the dwindling numbers for Thursday night's Dallas Mavericks' home court humiliation at the hands of Oklahoma City.

New month, recurring publishing problems

Ed Bark — 2012-05-02T13:05:11-05:00
But you can still access a story of interest by going to google or yahoo and typing in the subject matter and my name -- either Ed Bark or Uncle Barky. ...And you can continue to support unclebarky.com by first clicking on one of the Amazon ads on any page before making the purchases you were going to make anyway.

Heart-spiking Mavs playoff loss leads all weekend programming

Ed Bark — 2012-04-30T16:12:34-05:00
The snake-bitten Dallas Mavericks' last-second loss to Oklahoma City Saturday night had more viewers than any other weekend program. ...Also, the White House Correspondents Association again makes an ass of itself via its annual star-dudded D.C. dinner.

Musing the news with WFAA8 reporter David Schechter

Ed Bark — 2012-04-27T12:45:41-05:00
WFAA8 reporter David Schechter has a nice combination going for him: whimsical, insightful, forthcoming. Not only that, he doesn't know this post is coming -- on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Business as (un)usual with renewal of Fringe; and oily Texan Russell Hantz strikes again

Ed Bark — 2012-04-27T10:08:04-05:00
Fox had all but sounded the death knell for Fringe before giving it a reprieve Thursday evening. ...Also, erstwhile Texas oilman Russell Hantz, the arch villain on three Survivors, has a new line of dirty work in Houston.

A little bit of de candor in Lifetime's The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet

Ed Bark — 2012-04-25T17:24:08-05:00
Ever hopeful of re-establishing contact with his hard-to-find feminine side, Uncle Barky reviews "the universal language of women" supposedly on display in Lifetime's new The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet. ... Read more on the Network News & Reviews page.

Yu tube mania -- the sequel

Ed Bark — 2012-04-25T13:07:40-05:00
Fox Sports Southwest reaped more Yu Darvish dividends Tuesday night during his home field mastery of the New York Yankees. ...Also, we take a cursory look at Tuesday's Deion and Pilar Sanders coverage.

Worst game show ever? Syfy gives it a game go with Jaleel White-hosted Total Blackout

Ed Bark — 2012-04-24T14:50:22-05:00
When the one great scorer comes to mark against your name . . . well, you'd best hope He didn't see you in Total Blackout. ...And Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings "snapshot" shows how the Rangers fared this time against some of rival networks' heaviest hitters.

CW's L.A. Complex a cut above the norm on a down-and-out network

Ed Bark — 2012-04-23T16:26:09-05:00
Complex premieres Tuesday (April 24) in the stretch run of a barely visible season for the pint-sized network. ...Also, the Texas Rangers remained on a ratings roll over the weekend, even with two day games.

Fox in celebratory mood with prime-time special marking 25th anniversary

Ed Bark — 2012-04-20T15:24:39-05:00
Once derided as the "coat hanger network," Fox sports an overall better wardrobe than its rivals after 25 years on the air. ... And on Back Channels, we recycle a story published near the eve of Fox's April 5, 1987 launch.

HBO's Veep is no Washington monument but might be a reflecting (cess)pool

Ed Bark — 2012-04-19T17:42:07-05:00
Washington is full of nothing but conniving, conscience-less, callow pols and their aides. But is that a downer in a down economy or a good reason to watch HBO's new core-value-less comedy Veep?

A salute to the late, great Dick Clark

Ed Bark — 2012-04-18T20:12:04-05:00
April has brought the deaths of two towering TV icons, Mike Wallace and now Dick Clark. The farewell to Clark is on our Network News & Reviews page.

Former NBC5 reporter Grant Stinchfield lately running for Congress while also advertising against his old station

Ed Bark — 2012-04-18T17:35:42-05:00
Viewers of Wednesday's 4 p.m. newscast on NBC5 might have been surprised to see one of the station's former veteran reporters in a campaign ad aimed at his old employer. ...Get the complete story, including an interview with Stinchfield and NBC5's response, on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Fox4 catches a break with new Cowboys TV schedule; keep Knope alive on Parks and Recreation

Ed Bark — 2012-04-18T10:32:46-05:00
The 2012 Dallas Cowboys TV schedule, released Tuesday, is getting much better reviews at Fox4 than the last two did. ...Plus, Thursday's return of NBC's Parks and Recreation offers a welcome break from the presidential campaign.

New day job for former CBS11/TXA21 anchor-reporter Nerissa Knight

Ed Bark — 2012-04-17T10:43:56-05:00
Nerissa Knight is back -- at least in a small way -- 16 months after leaving CBS11/TXA21. ...Plus, ABC's Good Morning America ends a more than 16-year winning streak by NBC's Today while rivals also creep up on the Peacock's No. 1-rated Nightly News.

It's a boy -- and a girl -- for WFAA8's Izaguirre

Ed Bark — 2012-04-13T12:17:27-05:00
Cynthia Izaguirre, co-anchor of WFAA8's Daybreak, delivered her twins a month ahead of schedule Thursday night. ... The names, weights and WFAA8's announcement are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

NBC5 tabs Atlanta's Mark Hayes as early morning co-anchor

Ed Bark — 2012-04-13T10:50:00-05:00
Mark Hayes, a decade-long veteran of the early shift at Atlanta's WAGA-TV, will be joining Fort Worth-based NBC5 in May as the station's new co-anchor. Details are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Woo-woo-woo-hoo: Guys now get to have their Sex and the City

Ed Bark — 2012-04-12T17:15:57-05:00
Women made an event out of the Sex and the City movie (well, the first one at least), trooping en masse in gal pal solidarity. Now it's time for us male knuckleheads to unite. The Three Stooges movie opens Friday.

The network of Sex and the City reverses course with Girls

Ed Bark — 2012-04-12T14:13:11-05:00
HBO has another series about four single women living in Manhattan. But Girls, premiering Sunday, April 15th, is shorn of any glamour and far more "real" as a result.

No change of pace for CBS, which comes calling with crime again in NYC 22

Ed Bark — 2012-04-11T16:29:34-05:00
And with its wealth of successful whodunits, it's premiering just two new mid-to-late-season series. ... And it's probably best not to bet the house -- or a pup tent for that matter -- on the staying power of NYC 22, which launches Sunday.

WFAA8 shuffles Daybreak deck during Izaguirre's maternity leave

Ed Bark — 2012-04-11T12:31:23-05:00
Dallas-based WFAA8 has made some interesting changes to its Daybreak lineup while co-anchor Cynthia Izaguirre is on maternity leave (and on full bed rest at the moment, expecting twins). Get the details on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, where you also can see how well the Texas Rangers did in Tuesday's local ratings with Neftali Feliz making his first start.

ABC's Don't Trust the B turns out to be pretty -- bitchin'

Ed Bark — 2012-04-10T14:22:45-05:00
ABC's last new scripted sitcom of the season, Don't Trust the B ---- In Apartment 23, just might end up being a keeper. It's also the network's second late season arrival in which "Bitch" is kept out of the title but used in the show.

Yu and the Rangers score big in toe-to-toe matchups with Dancing and The Voice

Ed Bark — 2012-04-10T11:18:00-05:00
Was Yu Darvish's major league debut Monday night really that big a deal? ... Get the complete breakdown of how the Texas Rangers and their star attraction did against a murderer's row of competing network programming.

Yu faces the Mariners -- and heavier hitters on rival networks

Ed Bark — 2012-04-09T15:56:37-05:00
The Texas Rangers' Yu Darvish makes his major league debut Monday night against visiting Seattle. ... Can he prevail and give Fox Sports Southwest one of its biggest regular season audiences ever?

Rangers vs. Masters: which had Sunday's biggest sports audience?

Ed Bark — 2012-04-09T13:58:13-05:00
D-FW segued from golf to baseball Sunday, with nice-sized audiences for each. But did the Rangers" 5-0 win on ESPN's showcase Sunday night game have enough pulling power to outdraw a Masters that went into OT?

The late Mike Wallace: He was a recovering father, too

Ed Bark — 2012-04-09T12:55:16-05:00
Mike Wallace, who died Saturday at age 93, is renowned for his "pit-bull" interviewing style, as even CBS put it in the opening sentence of its tribute. I'm remembering him a little differently, as a father who re-connected with his famous son, Chris Wallace, after early years of neglect.

Happy Easter, everybody!!!

Ed Bark — 2012-04-06T15:41:03-05:00
However you celebrate Easter, have a great one! Ed Bark

Dale Hansen's short, sweet goodbye to Joe Avezzano

Ed Bark — 2012-04-06T15:00:14-05:00
WFAA8 anchor Dale Hansen and former Dallas Cowboys special teams coach Joe Avezzano were longtime buddies with big yaps. ... Hansen's brief but emotional goodbye to his friend aired on Thursday's 10 p.m. newscast, and the video is on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Lifetime flaunts 'em and Jennifer Love Hewitt is happy to comply in The Client List

Ed Bark — 2012-04-06T13:43:35-05:00
One of Lifetime's most popular movies, The Client List, returns to the network in series form Sunday night. Waco's own Jennifer Love Hewitt again is front and center.

Mood over Miami (circa 1959) in Starz's Magic City

Ed Bark — 2012-04-05T17:45:39-05:00
The play''s the thing at Miami Beach's posh Miramar Playa hotel, fictional setting for Starz's richly appointed Mad Men era drama series. It bursts into view on Friday, April 6th, and our review is here.

Ex-actress finds her own Graceland in God is the Bigger Elvis

Ed Bark — 2012-04-05T10:46:00-05:00
As a young actress, Dolores Hart sustained Elvis Presley's first on-screen kiss in 1957's Loving You. ... It's quite a story, and HBO has it with the Oscar-nominated God is the Bigger Elvis, making its TV premiere Thursday night.

ABC hits D.C. hard with stupidly entertaining Scandal

Ed Bark — 2012-04-04T17:52:53-05:00
Washington's gone way over the top anyway. ... It's the latest overwrought, over-cooked melodrama from Shonda Rhimes of Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice fame.

WFAA8 draws biggest audiences for afternoon tornado coverage

Ed Bark — 2012-04-04T12:45:43-05:00
Nielsen Media Research says that WFAA8 had the most D-FW viewers during Tuesday afternoon's breaking coverage of dangerous weather throughout the area. ...Also, David Letterman sucks up to Keith Olbermann during a disappointing Late Show interview.

NBC's Best Friends Forever might be fit for your worst enemy

Ed Bark — 2012-04-03T17:40:00-05:00
Plus, David Letterman and Craig Ferguson both are good to go through 2014 under their new deals with CBS. And we look at Monday's biggest programming faceoff of this season in the latest Nielsen ratings "snapshot."

Kudos to all of D-FW's TV news providers for their continuous Tuesday storm coverage

Ed Bark — 2012-04-03T17:32:15-05:00
Tuesday afternoon's weather was uncommonly fierce throughout the D-FW viewing area. And TV stations responded by scrapping their entertainment lineups and providing a genuine public service.

WFAA8's Campos set to sign new contract that will keep her anchoring at 10 as part-time staffer

Ed Bark — 2012-04-02T15:44:05-05:00
WFAA8's Gloria Campos, who became the Dallas station's first Hispanic anchor in 1984, is ready to sign a new deal that will cut both her hours and her pay. ...Plus, Monday morning was unusually active on the gamesmanship front, with ABC's Good Morning America, NBC's Today and CBS' This Morning all jumping in with high-profile stunts.

Computer dies but unclebarky.com lives on

Ed Bark — 2012-04-02T00:13:51-05:00
Since this is a new month, here's another reminder to make the amazon.com purchases you were going to make anyway by first clicking on any of the Amazon ads on unclebarky.com. ... Every little bit helps, and many thanks to those who have been regularly making their Amazon buys this way for months or in some cases, years.

Without naming names (of course), WFAA8 takes aim at a rival station (Fox4)

Ed Bark — 2012-03-16T15:45:44-05:00
In the latest instance, Fox4's exclusive footage of a Dallas firefighter's arrest Thursday had WFAA8 questioning whether it had been "staged for a local TV station." ...And Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings show the ups and downs of ABC's premiere of Ashley Judd's Missing.

Luck will be out of the running

Ed Bark — 2012-03-15T15:40:01-05:00
HBO abruptly has ceased all production on Luck, which had been shooting its second season. Get the details, and a wealth of other network television tidbits, on the TV Bulletin Board page.

This Judd also wants a reunion in ABC's Missing

Ed Bark — 2012-03-15T13:05:12-05:00
Ashley Judd stars as a two-fisted but frequently weepy mom in search of her abducted teenage son in the overseas ABC drama Missing. ...Plus, find our back-from-NYC local ratings catchup round on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Fashion Star hopes to thread the needle, take your money

Ed Bark — 2012-03-09T16:50:56-06:00
NBC hopes that its new Fashion Star can chart new vistas in both product placement and virtually instant sales of same. ...Note to readers: unclebarky.com will be taking a short break while your friendly content provider heads east to visit darlin' daughter Liz and her terrific husband in their Manhattan walkup.

New ABC singing competition lures Kelly Clarkson as mentor

Ed Bark — 2012-03-08T13:52:01-06:00
Inaugural American Idol champ Kelly Clarkson of Burleson has signed on full-time on ABC's new summer singing competition, Duets. ...Also, Wednesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings show a resurge for the Fox granddaddy.

HBO's Game Change -- political lightning rod (but very entertaining, too)

Ed Bark — 2012-03-08T11:36:51-06:00
In all fairness, HBO really should do a Game Change sequel on the book's depiction of the Barack Obama/Hillary Clinton bare-knuckled brawl. But for now we have the story of John McCain and Sarah Palin, which isn't nearly as unfair to the two of them as she'd have you believe.

Don't you go there. Oh yes we will. Let's talk Manning/Cowboys

Ed Bark — 2012-03-07T15:17:16-06:00
A physically fit Peyton Manning entertaining the masses as Cowboy Stadium's resident quarterback? ... So let's look at some pros/cons on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

A tale of two Foxies with cancellation of Terra Nova, renewal of Justified

Ed Bark — 2012-03-07T12:03:54-06:00
Plus, Tuesday's D-FW ratings "snapshot" weighs the audience appeal of attractions ranging from "Super Tuesday" election coverage to Fox's newly launched comedy night. You also can watch Daybreak co-anchor Ron "Corning In the Morning" eat an Oreo cookie without his hands after first positioning it on his forehead.

NBC5 ramps it up with raft of new hires for D-FW news team

Ed Bark — 2012-03-06T16:34:14-06:00
They've got more new faces lately -- and all full-timers -- than a baseball spring training camp. And they're all additions to the staff, not just vacancy-fillers.

In wild pursuit of 25-to-54-year-olds, which D-FW news operation has fallen shortest in past five years?

Ed Bark — 2012-03-05T17:56:06-06:00
Unclebarky.com has been around long enough to offer some five-year Big Pictures, with the just-concluded February "sweeps" serving as the first launch pad. Which D-FW news operation has been best and worst -- from 2007 to 2012 -- in holding onto the 25-to-54-year-old viewers they all so covet?

GCB a ratings champ here, but not so much elsewhere

Ed Bark — 2012-03-05T14:08:44-06:00
ABC's Dallas-set GCB enjoyed a halo effect in the D-FW Nielsen ratings. ...We focus on the back-from-the-dead Breaking In while also noting the night's other changes.

Drawing its last breath? Animated Napoleon Dynamite's fate in your hands, and Jon Heder hopes you'll help out

Ed Bark — 2012-03-02T13:32:30-06:00
Napoleon Dynamite himself, John Heder, recently stopped in Dallas to speak for Fox's cartoon version of the still resonant movie. Hear him out on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

ABC's GCB does Dallas as you'd expect

Ed Bark — 2012-03-02T09:15:26-06:00
"The soap returns to Dallas in this deliciously fun, wicked new drama." ... Our review of GCB (Good Christian Bitches) is tempered by Annie Potts in scrumptious form as a moneyed "Hillside Park" queen bee.

Sun rises on NBC5's early morning shakeup

Ed Bark — 2012-03-01T18:17:20-06:00
Fort Worth-based NBC5 is making some major changes in its early morning newscasts. Out is meteorologist Jennifer Lopez while co-anchor Scott Friedman will be heading up the station's new investigative unit.

D-FW's local news ratings sweeps ends with a couple of clear-cut winners and multiple photo finishes

Ed Bark — 2012-03-01T14:25:04-06:00
As another month moves into the unclebarky.com archives, you'll find D-FW's complete Feb. sweeps results on our March Dallas-Fort Worth TV page. ...This affords your friendly content provider a chance to issue another even friendlier reminder to click first on one of unclebarky.com's Amazon ads before making the purchase(s) you were going to make anyway.

Remembering Davy Jones

Ed Bark — 2012-02-29T18:10:19-06:00
Davy Jones, heartthrob lead singer of The Monkees, died Wednesday of a heart attack. He was 66, and we remember him via two up-close encounters from the 1970s and last year.

NBC's Awake hopes to somehow rouse former home of ER, L.A. Law

Ed Bark — 2012-02-28T16:46:41-06:00
Once upon a time, NBC had solid gold mainstays on Thursdays at 9 p.m. (central). ... Premiering this week, Awake is the Peacock's third new drama series in that slot.

Dancing with the Stars announces a "Who's that?" field

Ed Bark — 2012-02-28T11:18:33-06:00
He's apparently still not considered a big enough star for Dancing with the Stars, which announced its most underwhelming cast ever Tuesday morning. ...Plus, see how the long-delayed and elongated Dayton 500 fared in Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Up and down national Nielsen ratings for Sunday night's Oscars

Ed Bark — 2012-02-27T19:05:12-06:00
Unclebarky.com cuts through the chaff of a highly subjective ABC publicity release to bring you the straight scoop on the ratings plusses and minuses for Sunday's Oscars. Get the full-picture national numbers on our Network News & Reviews page.

Oscars and Crystal -- ratings and review

Ed Bark — 2012-02-27T13:57:28-06:00
National ratings aren't yet final for Sunday night's Oscars, but we've got the D-FW numbers right here. ... Our take and a link to last night's live tweets are on the Network News & Reviews page.

Crystal and the Oscars -- vs. the Grammys

Ed Bark — 2012-02-23T13:56:21-06:00
Only once before have the Grammys drawn a bigger audience than the Oscars in the same calendar year. But it could happen again this month, even with Billy Crystal back for his ninth time as host.

Conan re-upped; Simon spills a bean or two

Ed Bark — 2012-02-22T18:28:33-06:00
TBS is giving some long-term job security to Conan O'Brien. And in a teleconference with TV writers Wednesday, Simon

Up-close and objective: Feb. 21st's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2012-02-22T17:32:30-06:00
We wrap up our seven-night sojourn -- and boy, is my head tired -- with a look at highs and lows on Tuesday's late-night D-FW newscasts. It's all weather-free, though, and available on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 20th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2012-02-21T14:11:46-06:00
Not all bad, not all good, and perhaps most of it better than sending WFAA8 anchor John McCaa outdoors for the sole purpose of introducing a story on drug battles along the Texas border. ... And don't worry, I've only got a few more of these left in me.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 17th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2012-02-20T12:45:35-06:00
Aren't TV anchors and reporters supposed to be above hugging celebrities -- on-camera at least? ... In fact she flaunts it after a puff piece on Khloe Kardashian.

Look out. Here come Big Rich Texas & Jerseylicious

Ed Bark — 2012-02-19T12:21:47-06:00
Big Rich Texas and Jerseylicious begin new seasons Sunday night on The Style Network. We pick up the pieces on the Network News & Reviews page.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 16th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2012-02-17T16:53:12-06:00
Fox4 and Clarice Tinsley used one of her "Your Turn" segments to inquire whether a Fort Worth mechanic was really seeing Jesus in a space heater. ...Also, our review of HBO's latest Ricky Gervais series, Life's Too Short, can be found right here.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 15th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2012-02-16T17:20:22-06:00
The TCU student drug-dealing scandal predictably and understandably dominated Wednesday's D-FW late nighters. ...Also, Fox4 Good Day contributor Krystle Gutierrez makes her departure official after biding time for a few months.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 14th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2012-02-15T16:03:26-06:00
A surprise live wedding proposal and far superior use of live in-studio interviews marked the Valentine's Day late nighters. ...Also, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings serve to all but cancel ABC's new The River.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 13th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2012-02-14T16:55:29-06:00
We're open for another limited run, with the late night newscasts on Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11 again under the microscope during these ongoing February "sweeps." ...Our compendium is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, where you also can find Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Reptile dysfunction: WFAA8's shriekin' "snake" episode may rival NBC5's grand champion gecko incident

Ed Bark — 2012-02-13T17:47:02-06:00
WFAA8's Good Morning Texas snaked, rattled and rolled recently, with contributor Paige McCoy Smith on the receiving end. ... We supply the video, you make the call on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Battleground launching as hulu.com's first scripted series

Ed Bark — 2012-02-13T16:37:38-06:00
Hulu.com, owned by a consortium of networks, is trying to make its stamp with a rollout of new weekly series available only on the web. Battleground, its first scripted effort, charts a fictional U.S. ...Plus, Sunday night's Grammy Awards telecast had mega-audiences in both D-FW and nationally while WFAA8 struck out ratings-wise with Rangers pitcher Derek Holland's Friday night weathercast.

Ju-s-s-s-s-st a bit outside: WFAA8 pitches in with comedy weather

Ed Bark — 2012-02-13T09:38:32-06:00
WFAA8, which positions itself as the holy temple of local TV news, put Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland in charge of Friday's 10 p.m. weather. The station that says it never does ratings "sweeps" stunts just so happens to be trailing in the February competition.

AMC turns a new page with Comic Book Men

Ed Bark — 2012-02-10T10:50:31-06:00
And his unscripted Comic Book Men will get a prime Sunday night time slot following the return of The Walking Dead. ...Also, in case you missed it, Daybreak co-anchor Ron Corning shared a frame with two brassiere-wearing mannequins during Thursday's edition on WFAA8.

House being discharged after 8 seasons on Fox; Current TV let's its inmates run the show

Ed Bark — 2012-02-08T18:09:13-06:00
The inevitable and the expected came to pass early Wednesday evening when Fox and the producers of House announced that this will be the landmark medical drama's last season. ...Plus, we look at Current's sorry state of affairs, with star player Keith Olbermann and the almost equally cocksure Cenk Uygur leading the Al Gore cable network on a search for truth, justice and quite possibly self-destruction.

Incoming: Teresa Woodard joining WFAA8 reporting staff while David Watkins already is with NBC5 sports

Ed Bark — 2012-02-08T11:53:34-06:00
Teresa Woodard, a native Dallasite, is WFAA8's latest edition. while Plano West High grad David Watkins has headed to NBC5. Plus, ABC's new drama series, The River, already has that sinking feeling in D-FW and nationally after Tuesday's two-hour premiere.

WFAA8 names former KHOU reporter Carolyn Mungo as news director

Ed Bark — 2012-02-07T14:33:16-06:00
Carolyn Mungo, previously a star reporter for Belo-owned KHOU-TV in Houston, will be the new news director for Belo-owned WFAA8 in Dallas. An email to that effect was sent out to Belo higher-ups while unclebarky.com filed a report to that effect.

NBC singing in the reign after ruling with musical Monday night

Ed Bark — 2012-02-07T10:31:58-06:00
Struggling NBC at last can breathe easy -- at least for one workday. Its Monday night lineup of The Voice and Smash won big in the D-FW ratings and also triumphed nationally.

We were the champions: Nat'l Nielsen ratings say that Super Bowl XLVI nipped Cowboys Stadium edition

Ed Bark — 2012-02-06T14:54:13-06:00
Final national Nielsen ratings gave Sunday's Super Bowl XLVI a paper-thin edge over last year's big game from Cowboys Stadium. Which makes the Giants' 21-17 win over the Patriots the new most-watched show in TV history.

D-FW Super Bowl ratings expectedly fall short of Jerry's Palace edition; guerilla Cougar Town producer strikes again

Ed Bark — 2012-02-06T13:52:10-06:00
Local Nielsens for Sunday's Super Bowl XLVI weren't quite up to those for last year's ice sculpture edition in North Texas. ...Plus, Cougar Town producer Bill Lawrence, the guy who used to make Scrubs, tries another stealth promo campaign.

Super Bowl XLVI: Eastwood keeps it real while Madonna prima donnas

Ed Bark — 2012-02-06T06:30:49-06:00
Super Bowl XLVI provided another thrillingly close outcome and a lot of attendant side shows. Our words, frame grabs and videos are on the Network News & Reviews page.

The River's flow chart looks a lot like Lost's

Ed Bark — 2012-02-03T17:34:50-06:00
ABC's latest otherworldly serial drama, The River, is supposed to make your skin crawl more than Lost did. ...Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings "snapshot" takes a close look at opening night of the February "sweeps" ratings period.

NBC's Smash tries nights on Broadway as viewer lure

Ed Bark — 2012-02-02T16:09:54-06:00
It's nearly time to find out whether NBC's biggest gamble in many a season -- Smash -- will have the beleaguered network whistling a happy tune for a change. ...Also, former CBS11 meteorologist Julie Bologna is among those who have interviewed for a Fox4 vacancy.

CBS11 bangs its drums loudly in preparation for February "sweeps" warfare

Ed Bark — 2012-02-01T17:14:41-06:00
A new "Coming In February" promo, replete with drum beats, sets the stage for what's likely to be another down-to-the-wire battle between the two stations. ...If you're shopping on Amazon anyway, give any of unclebarky.com's amazon ads a click before proceeding to make your buys.

Lucky day for HBO's Luck

Ed Bark — 2012-01-31T13:23:52-06:00
Just two days after Sunday's premiere, HBO has renewed its horse race drama Luck for a second season. ...And now, since they say it's my birthday -- and it is -- I'm going to take the rest of Tuesday off before starting a new month tomorrow.

WFAA8 anchors Campos, McCaa hope to join fellow mainstay Hansen in re-upping (but also at reduced rates)

Ed Bark — 2012-01-30T17:37:45-06:00
Dallas-based WFAA8 has three featured anchors who each have been with the station for more than a quarter-century. ... Now news anchors Gloria Campos and John McCaa hope to do the same, even though it will be under the new realities of diminished salaries.

Phil Ochs finally gets the American Masters treatment -- and at least one person (me) is happy about that

Ed Bark — 2012-01-27T14:25:48-06:00
Phil Ochs met a tragic end of his own making after years of playing Avis to Bob Dylan's Hertz. ...Plus, Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are a bit of a blow to American Idol.

Fox4's Peter Daut leaving to anchor elsewhere

Ed Bark — 2012-01-26T15:28:46-06:00
After three years as a reporter and fill-in anchor at Dallas-based Fox4, Peter Daut is leaving to become a full-time anchor. Details are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

HBO has very good (but not great) Luck with Hoffman, Nolte, horse racing

Ed Bark — 2012-01-26T13:48:28-06:00
But starting Sunday, HBO's saddles up with Luck and a group of thoroughbreds on-camera and off-. ...Plus, Wednesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are at best so-so for Fox's new Kiefer Sutherland drama Touch.

Another courtroom defeat from afar for WFAA8 anchor/reporter Shon Gables

Ed Bark — 2012-01-25T12:19:17-06:00
WFAA8 anchor/reporter Shon Gables, still a wanted woman in Michigan, is on the receiving end of another judgment against her by a circuit court judge. ...Also, we have a collection of other local TV news morsels and the D-FW ratings for Tuesday night's State of the Union address.

Fox's Touch: Kiefer segues from Action Jack to vexed baggage handler named Martin

Ed Bark — 2012-01-23T18:56:16-06:00
He's still highly dependent on cell phones, but Kiefer Sutherland otherwise makes a pretty clean break from 24 to Touch. ...Plus, a 1999 series of WFAA8 promos stir up a witches brew of a rat scare.

WFAA8's next news director could be a D-FW market first

Ed Bark — 2012-01-23T12:38:38-06:00
Sources say that veteran Kurt Davis, currently executive news director at San Antonio's KENS-TV, has become a leading candidate for the vacant position at Dallas-based WFAA8. If he's hired, he'd be D-FW's first African-American male TV news director.

We hope that you enjoy the show

Ed Bark — 2012-01-19T19:24:21-06:00
And Wednesday's D-FW "ratings snapshot" shows that American Idol is still a very heavy hitter. Furthermore, thrill to a 1992 KXAS-TV news promo in which the yet to be birthed DART is presented as a horrific runaway train.

Down and out in cartoonland with FX's Unsupervised

Ed Bark — 2012-01-19T00:36:08-06:00
Fox's animated version of Napoleon Dynamite and FX's Unsupervised, which premieres on Thurs., Jan. 19th, put hand-drawn teens in hardscrabble situations without any semblance of parental guidance. ...Plus, the "Local Nielsen Snapshot" feature plays a serious game of catchup after a two-week absence for the winter TV Critics Association "press tour."

Back in play after another TV "press tour" excursion out West

Ed Bark — 2012-01-18T01:58:17-06:00
It's great to be back after another full immersion in the Television Critics Association winter "press tour," which ran for nearly two weeks until Sunday's last gasp. ...Topics range from the first full press conference by the old and new stars of Dallas to a one-of-a-kind exchange between your friendly content provider and Dustin Hoffman, with Nick Nolte also chipping in.

Heading west to the Television Critics Association winter "press tour" (but not before leaving behind a big pile of midseason reviews)

Ed Bark — 2011-12-31T14:55:46-06:00
The annual Television Critics Association winter "press tour" begins on the night of Jan. 3 and runs through Jan. 15th. ...But not really, because our Network News & Reviews page takes the measure of 10 new series that will premiere during press tour and the day after.

"Press tour" beckons, January reviews pile up

Ed Bark — 2011-12-30T09:42:27-06:00
Your friendly content provider again will be flying this coop early next month to attend the annual winter edition of the Television Critics Association "press tour," which runs from Jan. ...But unclebarky.com will be well-stocked with reviews of new series that premiere during press tour.

Hello, they must be going: our annual compendium of D-FW's TV news departures

Ed Bark — 2011-12-27T17:15:58-06:00
So take a look at our annual alphabetical rundown of 2011's departing flights from various D-FW television news departments. Plus, the holiday D-FW Nielsen ratings show a downturn in audiences for routs of both the Cowboys and Mavericks.

Although it's been said many times, many ways . . .

Ed Bark — 2011-12-23T11:53:50-06:00
Merry Christmas to all from unclebarky.com world headquarters, where the miniature Santa population resides in ever cramped quarters on a homey mantle. ...Plus, we have a stocking stuffer in the form of a perfectly cute little holiday promo for CBS11 meteorologist Larry Mowry.

WFAA8 looking for news director after incumbent Michael Valentine moves up Belo corporate ladder; meanwhile, WFAA8's Byron Harris racks up another major reporting award

Ed Bark — 2011-12-21T08:11:40-06:00
WFAA8 news director Michael Valentine has a new position with the station's owner, Dallas-based Belo Corp. ...And on an entirely different note, bask in the warm glow of Episode 15 of Uncle Barky's Countdown to Christmas.

Stark contrast: Fox4's Tinsley still mum on dog auction; WFAA8's Hansen forthright as ever

Ed Bark — 2011-12-20T13:18:33-06:00
Fox4 news anchor Clarice Tinsley and WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen each have spent 30+ years at their respective stations. ...And a new episode of Uncle Barky's Countdown to Christmas manages to work in The Beatles.

First episode of TNT's Dallas also makes a solid first impression

Ed Bark — 2011-12-19T16:59:24-06:00
TNT's re-do of Dallas as a weekly series won't fire up until sometime next summer. ... For our first take on the pivotal first hour, go to the Network News & Reviews page.

Hansen's annual "Thank God For Kids" commentary takes another unexpected turn

Ed Bark — 2011-12-19T15:40:18-06:00
WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen used his annual "Thank God For Kids" Christmas segment as a forum to reveal he was sexually assaulted as a 10-year-old. Video of Sunday night's segment and a link to a previous very personal holiday commentary by Hansen are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Uncle Barky's Countdown to Christmas nears homestretch

Ed Bark — 2011-12-19T11:02:32-06:00
A vintage commercial for the thing kicks off the final week of Uncle Barky's Countdown to Christmas. Plus, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings not surprisingly show a relatively small crowd for Saturday night's Cowboys game at Tampa Bay.

NBC's Who's Still Standing? is Peacock's latest holiday week game show gambit

Ed Bark — 2011-12-19T09:01:43-06:00
It worked for Deal or No Deal, which caught fire during its inaugural multi-night run as a holiday week "event." Now NBC is jingling Who's Still Standing?

Jerry Lewis without warts in Encore doc accentuating his comedic genius

Ed Bark — 2011-12-16T15:52:21-06:00
The new Encore network documentary, Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis, accentuates his positives and eliminates all negatives with help from the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Carol Burnett and Steven Spielberg. Which really isn't as bad as it might sound.

It's Perry vs. Mother Mother in Uncle Barky's Countdown to Christmas

Ed Bark — 2011-12-16T09:04:35-06:00
Old/new versions of "O Holy Night" are a staple of Christmases past and present. In Episode 12 of Uncle Barky's Countdown to Christmas, let's hear it for Perry Como and the indie band Mother Mother.

Fox4 names Charlotte veteran Robin Whitmeyer as news director

Ed Bark — 2011-12-15T16:36:09-06:00
Dallas-based Fox4 staffers learned Thursday afternoon that they have a news director scheduled to start shortly after the holidays. Robin Whitmeyer replaces Maria Barrs, who left the station in mid-summer for a management position at a Sacramento TV station.

Romney morphs into Obama in classic Fox News Channel graphic gaffe

Ed Bark — 2011-12-15T13:42:41-06:00
Further words elude me. So let's just throw it to our Network News & Reviews page.

Much-maligned Globes make brighter TV choices than the SAGs

Ed Bark — 2011-12-15T11:16:18-06:00
Which body of voters is more enlightened when you compare and contrast the TV nominations for the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award ceremonies? Score one for the ever mysterious Hollywood Foreign Press Association this time around.

Stern takes his talents to Talent

Ed Bark — 2011-12-15T09:56:47-06:00
In the annals of acerbic talent show judges, Simon Cowell may have to give way to Howard Stern, who on Thursday morning was named to replace Piers Morgan on NBC's America's Got Talent. Then again, Cowell is the head executive producer of the show, so he's getting what he asked for.

Yes, that new set at NBC5 is the finished product

Ed Bark — 2011-12-14T16:17:05-06:00
Readers have asked about the remodeled NBC5 news set -- and if it's the real deal yet. ...Plus, the NFL cuts some massive new deals, including an annual Thanksgiving night game for NBC, beginning next season.

Amanpour returns to natural habitat

Ed Bark — 2011-12-14T10:21:56-06:00
Christiane Amanpour is ending her problematic stint as host of ABC's This Week. Her fallback positions are dual roles on ABC and CNN as a foreign affairs anchor/reporter.

Uncle Barky's Countdown to Christmas continues making merry

Ed Bark — 2011-12-13T10:53:16-06:00
A "very special" episode of Uncle Barky's Countdown to Christmas is now available for viewing. ...It bludgeoned a pair of ABC Christmas specials while also winning both of its hours among advertiser-craved 18-to-49-year-olds.

Kansas City's Marcus Moore joining WFAA8 as reporter

Ed Bark — 2011-12-12T16:20:05-06:00
The industry website Bottom Line Communications reports that WFAA8 has hired a reporter from Kansas City's KMBC-TV to replace the newly departed Chris Hawes. Or to look at it another way, to fill a five-month vacancy left by the retirement of reporter Gary Reaves.

Med evac: WFAA8's Chris Hawes resigns as reporter, takes new position at Dallas hospital

Ed Bark — 2011-12-12T12:02:56-06:00
WFAA8 has lost a significant presence on its late night newscasts with the departure of reporter Chris Hawes. ...Plus, Episode 8 of Uncle Barky's Countdown to Christmas is ready for viewing.

A&E's Bag of Bones a refreshing upgrade from network's usual bag o' nothing "reality" fare

Ed Bark — 2011-12-08T15:04:26-06:00
The latest adaptation of a Stephen King novel arrives on A&E Sunday, with Pierce Brosnan returning to TV to carry Bag of Bones. ...And Wednesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are a big plus for Fox/Fox4.

NBC offers Thursday night Christmas quartet

Ed Bark — 2011-12-07T12:21:21-06:00
New holiday-themed episodes of NBC's Community, Parks and Recreation, The Office and Whitney are coming your way on Thursday, Dec. 8th. And since the Peacock cared enough to send 'em, we've taken the time to review 'em -- in the spirit of the season or somethin' like that.

Dull Jason Garrett had better Cowboy up

Ed Bark — 2011-12-06T13:33:22-06:00
Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett is nothing if not colorless. ...And yet another country music special lights up Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings, this time on Fox.

Flush with excess -- but college football's parade of meaningless nationally televised bowl games marches on

Ed Bark — 2011-12-05T15:45:35-06:00
Instead of a playoff system, we get 35 post-season bowl games this month and next. ...Also, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings show the Cowboys climbing higher and higher -- in victory and in Sunday's ignominious defeat.

Countdown to Christmas -- Ep. 3

Ed Bark — 2011-12-05T11:29:23-06:00
Uncle Barky's eclectic, epic "Countdown to Christmas" resumes with an old Dick Van Dyke commercial for a camera that might now be in the Smithsonian alongside Edison's first light bulb. Plus, NBC5 weekend morning anchor Lindsay Wilcox could hide a lot of holiday gifts in her mushrooming head o' hair.

In a very special episode of Uncle Barky's Countdown to Christmas . . .

Ed Bark — 2011-12-02T11:50:03-06:00
George Strait lip syncs a happy holiday tune on Perry Como's last ABC Christmas special -- from San Antonio. But he does so with less dexterity than a dog gummin' peanut butter.

Fox's new midseason lineup includes return of Kiefer Sutherland

Ed Bark — 2011-12-02T09:49:05-06:00
Fox waited until last to announced its midseason revamps. Three new dramas and a comedy are planned, plus a new start date for American Idol; its Season 11 premiere originally was supposed to follow the Jan. 22nd NFC championship game.

You'd better watch out, 'cause here comes Uncle Barky's annual Countdown to Christmas

Ed Bark — 2011-12-01T14:40:21-06:00
It's a new month, a crisp, bright day and an apt time to fire up Uncle Barky's eclectic video-fueled "Countdown to Christmas." ...And a special thanks to those who first clicked on one of this website's amazon.com ads before proceeding to do their shopping.

Fox's late-arriving I Hate My Teenage Daughter closes out the fall season

Ed Bark — 2011-11-29T17:27:21-06:00
A half-dozen or so new fall series already have been canceled before the arrival of Fox's I Hate My Teenage Daughter. Was it in any way worth waiting for?

TV Land keeps up with its jones for sitcom basics with The Exes

Ed Bark — 2011-11-29T13:05:29-06:00
Its latest broadly drawn sitcom, The Exes, keeps the faith with that format and, well, it's not half bad. ...Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings say that a lot of you enjoyed watching the Saints march all over the Giants on Monday Night Football.

NBC5's Davies, Barrie co-headlining on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

Ed Bark — 2011-11-28T13:57:04-06:00
The Tuesday, Nov. 29th edition of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire will find NBC5 newsters Samantha Davies and Matt Barrie playing for charity. ...Plus, WFAA8 and The Dallas Morning News have decidedly different coverage of Sunday's arrest of the newspaper's veteran Metro columnist, James Ragland.

November "sweeps" local news ratings give Fox4 the biggest plusses

Ed Bark — 2011-11-28T09:43:38-06:00
The four-week November "sweeps," which ended on Thanksgiving eve, gave Fox4 the most wins and the best overall showings in the key 25-to-54-year-old demographic. WFAA8 remained the 10 p.m. champ but had severe losses at 5 p.m. in its first sweeps without Oprah as a place-setter.

Happy Thanksgiving to all

Ed Bark — 2011-11-23T13:29:32-06:00
Many thanks to all of this site's partakers on the eve of the big Packers-Lions game and -- Thanksgiving. We'll be taking a four-day respite, and hope that you will, too.

ABC releases its fourth Albom with Have a Little Faith

Ed Bark — 2011-11-23T13:17:55-06:00
Mitch Albom keeps churning out bestsellers and ABC keeps turning them into movies. ...Plus, ABC's latest Dancing with the Stars finale again gives WFAA8's 10 p.m. newscast a big-footed lead-in on the penultimate night of the November "sweeps" ratings period.

ABC's big-money You Deserve It cries all the way to the bank

Ed Bark — 2011-11-21T17:01:10-06:00
Ubiquitous Chris Harrison has another prime-time job as host of ABC's You Deserve It. ...Also, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings show the Cowboys slowly climbing upward again, in both the NFC East standings and viewer interest.

ABC officially marks a spot for Dallas-set GCB (Good Christian Belles/Bitches)

Ed Bark — 2011-11-21T10:17:33-06:00
ABC's midseason programming plans are in place -- most of them anyway. See where the network's prime-time schedule is heading -- and where the Dallas-set soap GCB will fall.

New American Masters doc offers double dose of Woody Allen

Ed Bark — 2011-11-18T16:50:31-06:00
Woody Allen plays a big part, by actually talking about himself, in PBS' three-and-a-half hour American Masters documentary, which premieres Sunday. ...Ed Bark

Down the stretch with D-FW's November "sweeps"

Ed Bark — 2011-11-17T12:11:13-06:00
Some races have been decided while others remain tight with just five weekdays remaining in D-FW's November "sweeps" battles among the four major TV news providers. ...Plus, Wednesday's D-FW Nielsens are boffo for Fox's The X Factor.

Corning caught in shower with naked older man -- in latest comedy promo for Daybreak co-anchor

Ed Bark — 2011-11-17T09:07:36-06:00
WFAA8's comedy spots on behalf of Daybreak's Ron Corning so far have been well-produced and generally amusing. ...Plus, meet the guy who played Shooter McGavin and is now a featured player in NBC's Harry's Law.

Anchor/reporter Denmon loses discrimination suit against WFAA8

Ed Bark — 2011-11-16T17:08:46-06:00
An arbitrator has ruled against anchor/reporter Debbie Denmon in her weight and race discrimination suit against Dallas-based WFAA8. Exclusive details are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Up close and objective: Nov. 15th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-11-16T13:58:38-06:00
WFAA8 clearly outclassed the field in this latest compendium while NBC5 led its 10 p.m. news with a snow job in the form of a Southlake rain shower. ...Plus, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are in and we also comment on the latest revamp of the CBS network's ratings-famished morning show.

Up close and objective: Nov. 14th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-11-15T18:05:30-06:00
Or at least that was CBS11's unholy faith-based initiative in pursuit of "sweeps" ratings gold Monday night. Our latest roundup of late night activities on D-FW's four major TV news providers is ready and able if you are.

A still sinking NBC makes sweeping midseason changes (prosperous CBS makes just a couple)

Ed Bark — 2011-11-15T08:15:05-06:00
NBC will enter 2012 with programming changes on every night of the week. ... Get all the details, plus a couple of CBS course corrections, on our Network News & Reviews page.

Up close and objective: Nov. 11th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-11-14T14:20:02-06:00
Fridays tend to be slow on the late night local news front. But Veterans Day still brought a few things to write about, with ever-dogged WFAA8 gumshoe Byron Harris leading the parade.

Up close and objective: Nov. 10th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-11-11T18:26:26-06:00
Without further ado -- boy, are my eyes tired -- we present Thursday's close looks at what Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11 have been up to. Ed Bark

Up close and objective: Nov. 9th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-11-10T18:12:55-06:00
Plus, WFAA8's latest installment in the Ron Corning comedy campaign dares to show him crowing about his new "More Ron!" ... And Wednesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings show who won the big music battle between Fox's The X Factor and ABC's Country Music Association awards.

Rick doing Dave on the night after doing his best to do himself in

Ed Bark — 2011-11-10T11:57:40-06:00
Rick Perry, already a laugh a minute, will double down on the Thursday, Nov. 10th edition of Late Show with David Letterman. A "Stupid Human Tricks" segment also is scheduled, but that won't be Perry's assignment.

Here comes another curveball: Murphy quits as Oscar host

Ed Bark — 2011-11-09T16:05:30-06:00
Eddie Murphy won't be hosting February's Oscars after all. ... Details are on the Network News & Reviews page.

Up close and objective: Nov. 8th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-11-09T14:37:19-06:00
Collectively they just have to be capable of doing better than this. Our latest content analysis is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Up close and objective: Nov. 7th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-11-08T16:33:47-06:00
Why would WFAA8 travel to L.A. to do a lengthy story on the Dancing with the Stars diet in light of anchor/reporter Debbie Denmon's ongoing charge that the station is holding her weight against her? Why was NBC5 anchor Meredith Land driving live in the station's parking lot during Monday's 10 p.m. newscast?

No need to be wordy: A look at single malt TV titles

Ed Bark — 2011-11-07T16:24:30-06:00
There have been quite number of new series with one-word titles this fall, with more coming in mid-season. ...Plus, former CBS11/TXA21 entertainment reporter Christina McLarty is workin' it in L.A., both as a correspondent and otherwise.

Vietnam In HD adds new clarity to "The Living Room War"

Ed Bark — 2011-11-04T16:13:38-05:00
History's 3-night, 6-hour Vietnam In HD premieres Tuesday. ...Plus, the D-FW Nielsen ratings for Wednesday and Thursday share the stage in our latest "Snapshot."

Presidential race as carnival; Gaga for Thanksgiving

Ed Bark — 2011-11-03T17:05:34-05:00
After seeing the Rick Perry and Herman Cain graphics used on Wednesday's editions of Late Show with David Letterman and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, I re-ask myself why anyone in their right (or left) mind would run for president. ...Plus, the TV Bulletin Board page has more tasty tidbits, topped by Lady Gaga doing a Thanksgiving special with Katie Couric.

AMC's Hell On Wheels a vivid Western that sometimes chugs along

Ed Bark — 2011-11-03T12:45:23-05:00
Hell On Wheels steams into view on AMC Sunday night as the network's first weekly Western. ...Ed Bark

It's the Grant Stinchfield show as he continues his run for Congress

Ed Bark — 2011-11-03T09:28:32-05:00
Former NBC5 reporter Grant Stinchfield, now running for Congress as a Republican, has a new campaign video tied to the "Occupy Dallas" contingent. He waded into their midst, told them what he thought and then was "chased" off.

News over easy with CW33's Eye Opener; big news for NBC5 via Comcast's re-investment in reportage

Ed Bark — 2011-11-01T17:07:51-05:00
Furthermore, a new month prompts your friendly content provider to remind you to minimally support this site by making your amazon.com purchases after first clicking on one of the ads on all of our pages. ... Except that you were going to spend this money anyway, and now you can put a few pennies in ol' Uncle Barky's pocket by stopping here first before proceeding to amazon.

Angry sports birds poop on us

Ed Bark — 2011-10-31T11:06:14-05:00
Ratings are in for D-FW's twin weekend sports debacles, the Cardinals' World Series win over the Texas Rangers and the Eagles' pulverizing of the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. ...Ed Bark

FX takes a shining to Sheen's Anger Management

Ed Bark — 2011-10-28T14:39:55-05:00
Charlie Sheen's will return to the sitcom living next year when FX begins airing his TV version of the 2003 feature film Anger Management. Details are on the TV Bulletin Board page, along with a few other small-screen tidbits.

NBC5 adds Ben Russell as full-time reporter

Ed Bark — 2011-10-28T13:56:30-05:00
NBC5 has hired Ben Russell from WHP-TV in Harrisburg, PA as a general assignment reporter slated to start on Halloween. Get the details and a look at his resume tape on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Rangers' pre-Halloween horror show a smash hit

Ed Bark — 2011-10-28T11:36:14-05:00
Game 6 of the Rangers-Cards World Series set two new D-FW ratings records for the North Texas 9. ... All the numbers are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Major league error: Fox4 tweet crowns Rangers World Series champs before Cards mount two late inning rallies

Ed Bark — 2011-10-28T00:59:28-05:00
Cheerleading Fox4, home of the Texas Rangers' World Series telecasts, made a world chump of itself by tweeting victory for the North Texas 9 before the St. Louis Cardinals rallied not once, but twice to force a Game 7.

Fox's Allen Gregory a nice looking but off-putting addition to "Animation Domination" lineup

Ed Bark — 2011-10-27T12:23:58-05:00
Another new Fox cartoon is coming Sunday night. Allen Gregory's pretentious seven-year-old protagonist begins by soiling himself in connection with a crush he has on his crusty 68-year-old elementary school principal. ...And on my home away from home, locatetv.com, get primed for the Thursday night return of Beavis and Butt-head.

Grimm not likely to have a fairy tale ending on hard-pressed NBC

Ed Bark — 2011-10-25T14:44:26-05:00
Ratings-impaired NBC trots out the last of its six new fall series Friday night, hoping to somehow light a fire with Grimm. ...Ed Bark

Game 5 World Series win gives Rangers another local ratings first

Ed Bark — 2011-10-25T11:54:29-05:00
Quite a few of you watched the Texas Rangers' dramatic 4-2 World Series win over St. ... Enough to set a peak audience record during Game 5's closing minutes.

Jepson touching down in Cleveland after three-year grounding

Ed Bark — 2011-10-25T10:20:25-05:00
Former WFAA8 anchor Macie Jepson, laid off by the Dallas-based station in August 2008, has found a new home in the city she used to call home. Details are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Meet Racine, where the Mars Cheese Castle points the way to Kewpee's hamburgers

Ed Bark — 2011-10-24T14:54:52-05:00
Freshly returned from a Navy boot camp graduation followed by a side trip to the Racine, Wis. homeland, your friendly content provider presents a brief excursion in words and pictures. ... Plus a pic. of the newly minted seaman and his proud mom.

They want to take you higher: Rangers whip Cards/Cowboys while setting ratings record for Game 4 of Series

Ed Bark — 2011-10-24T12:07:26-05:00
Sunday's must-win Game 4 of the World Series turned out to be must-see TV, too. The Rangers 4-0 victory, with Derek Holland pitching the game of his young life, capped a heaven-sent ratings day for Fox4, which also had the Cowboys game as an appetizer.

Lengthy search for CBS11 early morning anchor leads to in-house choice -- Keith Garvin

Ed Bark — 2011-10-24T08:56:30-05:00
Keith Garvin, initially hired to co-anchor TXA21's "First In Prime" newscasts, is the new early morning guy at big sis CBS11. ... The details are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Naval gazing

Ed Bark — 2011-10-19T23:22:19-05:00
Stepson Carl Morgan, who set up this website a little over five years ago, is graduating from Navy boot camp on Friday morning. ... Let's hope there's better news by then for the Texas Rangers after Wednesday night's tough Game 1 World Series loss.

Once Upon A Time gives ABC a lustrous fable that looks great and tells a pretty good story, too

Ed Bark — 2011-10-19T23:06:32-05:00
ABC's last scheduled new fall series of the season is populated with the likes of Snow White, Rumplestiltskin, Jiminy Cricket and their modern-day alter egos. Out review of the ambitious, adventurous Once Upon A Time can be found right here.

Who's the Boss? It's Kelsey Grammer in head-turning performance as ruthless Chicago mayor

Ed Bark — 2011-10-19T17:42:11-05:00
After two decades of making viewers laugh as Frasier Crane, it's deemed time to change Kelsey Grammer's image in the new Starz drama series Boss. ...Ed Bark

Second time around for the Rangers

Ed Bark — 2011-10-19T10:53:40-05:00
The Texas Rangers resume their quest for a first-ever MLB championship in Game 1 of the World Series Wednesday night in St. ... Play ball with our talking points -- and contribute some of your own -- on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Top 10 World Series moments/achievements

Ed Bark — 2011-10-18T13:50:00-05:00
Louis Cardinals World Series, let's count down the top 10 all-time show-stoppers. My personal list -- anyone ever hear of Lew Burdette? -- is located at my home away from home, locatetv.com.

Comedy Central's The Colbert Report twits WFAA8, treats station to wealth of free publicity

Ed Bark — 2011-10-18T12:44:36-05:00
Outraged -- but not really -- at Dallas-based WFAA8's alleged refusal to air his latest "Super PAC" ad, Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert came out firing during Monday's The Colbert Report. The complete video, plus the station's explanation, is on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

ABC's Man Up! de-pantses the gender -- again

Ed Bark — 2011-10-17T18:17:51-05:00
Men resume their appointed tasks as the fall season's designated buffoons in the new ABC comedy Man Up!... Click here if you've got the balls to read our review.

Urp, HDNet's The Super is opposite of super-duper

Ed Bark — 2011-10-17T16:07:00-05:00
Mark Cuban's Dallas-based HDNet launches "Tough Guy Mondays" with a show for imbeciles. But that's just one opinion.

Rangers clinch, Cowboys flinch, ratings flex

Ed Bark — 2011-10-17T12:17:00-05:00
So did the Texas Rangers second straight ALCS championship Saturday night manage to outdraw the Cowboys' second straight late game loss Sunday? Get all the numbers on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

HBO's Sing Your Song is chapter and verse on Harry Belafonte's activism

Ed Bark — 2011-10-17T10:47:58-05:00
HBO gives activist/singer/actor Harry Belafonte a podium in a documentary produced by his youngest daughter. It touches all of his keys without always being lyrical.

Angels sacked, Koppel signed, Rangers sag in latest ACLS ratings

Ed Bark — 2011-10-14T16:49:13-05:00
ABC logged its first cancellation of the fall season by confirming the demise of its Charlie's Angels re-do. ...Plus, Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings show a big audience drop-off for Game 5 of the Texas Rangers-Detroit Tigers ALCS.

The Walking Dead begins Season 2 run

Ed Bark — 2011-10-14T10:22:04-05:00
AMC's most-watched series returns Sunday night with 13 flesh 'n' blood episodes. The Walking Dead gets a second look on the Network News & Reviews page. Ed Bark

Fox4 promo touts its wall-to-wall "most-watched" newscasts; Uncle Barky adds asterisk (add water and stir)

Ed Bark — 2011-10-12T13:00:02-05:00
A straight-ahead Fox4 promo touts the station's newscasts as the "most-watched" in North Texas from morning to night. ...Plus, the Texas Rangers lost the game but came close to the one million mark in Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Corning 'n' Hansen: Part 2; Douglas and Damon, Part 1 -- in HBO movie about Liberace and his lover

Ed Bark — 2011-10-11T13:51:37-05:00
Dallas-based WFAA8 continues to sell anchor Ron Corning as the saviour of its early morning Daybreak program. ...Plus, in an unrelated but head-turning pairing, Michael Douglas and Matt Damon will star as Liberace and his live-in lover, Scott Thorson, in a new HBO movie.

Rangers get a prime-time window -- and smash hit ratings

Ed Bark — 2011-10-11T11:03:59-05:00
Monday's Game 2 of the Rangers-Tigers ALCS, relegated to a mid-afternoon start after Sunday's prime-time washout, extended itself and reaped a ratings whirlwind for Fox4. Get all the info on the after-dark festivities, courtesy of our latest "Local Nielsen Ratings Snapshot."

A fond, festive farewell to Bert Lozano

Ed Bark — 2011-10-10T15:33:32-05:00
Former WFAA8 reporter Bert Lozano, who died on Aug. 30th at age 42, had the full attention of friends and family Sunday at a celebration of his too short life. Our coverage is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Rain dampens opening game ratings for reigning ALCS champs, although nearly three-quarter of a million viewers hung in for post-midnight final pitch

Ed Bark — 2011-10-10T13:11:56-05:00
Saturday's rain-drenched Game 1 of the Ranger-Tigers ALCS championship series took a hit in the local ratings, too. ... Get the details on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Allen wrench: His new ABC sitcom is more of same

Ed Bark — 2011-10-10T11:28:56-05:00
ABC has a very well-known TV commodity in Tim Allen, who returns to the network Tuesday night for the first time since Home Improvement departed 11 years ago. Any resemblances between the old show and his new Last Man Standing are utterly intentional.

D-FW viewers warm up for ALCS by flocking to watch Yanks-Tigers elimination game

Ed Bark — 2011-10-07T11:28:53-05:00
But we didn't know that until late Thursday night, when the Motowners eliminated the New York Yankees in a tense game on TBS. ...Plus, enjoy a way-back-when ABC promo in which Anne Francis of Honey West tried to act excited about promoting the network's Friday night lineup on WFAA8 -- plus the local late night news.

HBO's Enlightened indeed is one of new season's brightest lights

Ed Bark — 2011-10-06T18:27:06-05:00
Not to get all Pete Hammond-y on ya, but your friendly content provider really loves Enlightened. HBO's most grown-up half-hour series ever, starring a letter-perfect Laura Dern, premieres Monday, Oct. 10th.

Modern Family officially arrives as ratings Colossus

Ed Bark — 2011-10-06T12:59:59-05:00
ABC's Modern Family has emerged as a certified ratings giant after recently winning its second Emmy as prime-time's best comedy series. ...Plus, the TV Bulletin Board page has a catchup round on both network votes of confidence and the fall season's first cancellation.

HBO's elongated George Harrison documentary at last makes him the star

Ed Bark — 2011-10-05T15:44:53-05:00
Although not consistently great, HBO's George Harrison: Living in the Material World fleshes out the life and times of a Beatle who seemingly saw the light as an ex-Beatle. Or at least he tried mightily.

Shock value: American Horror Story serves up chills but sometimes could use a chill pill

Ed Bark — 2011-10-05T07:46:14-05:00
FX and the co-creators of Glee and Nip/Tuck are daring to do a lot with American Horror Story. Scare up our review by going here.

Four-year vets Ashanti Blaize and Susy Solis out at Fort Worth-based NBC5, which hires Turner Sports anchor/reporter to co-anchor 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts (updated)

Ed Bark — 2011-10-03T16:15:58-05:00
And Debbie Denmon has returned to anchor weekend newscasts on WFAA8 while in the midst of her discrimination suit against the Dallas-based ABC affiliate. ...Please remember to support your friendly content provider by first clicking on any unclebarky.com amazon ad before making the purchases you were going to make anyway.

Ken Burns' Prohibition drinks it all in

Ed Bark — 2011-09-30T16:09:05-05:00
Oh wait, we live in times when the Kardashians are all TV stars and Jersey Shore remains a runaway hit for MTV. OK, it's perfectly plausible that the U.S. once had a nearly 14-year ban on alcohol consumption.

Dexter back on attack

Ed Bark — 2011-09-29T18:52:56-05:00
Television's acquired taste serial killer -- but only of bad guys -- returns for Season 6 Sunday night, this time with an overriding religious motif. ...Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are glad tidings for both The X Factor and Revenge.

Showtime's Homeland stakes claim as fall's best new drama series

Ed Bark — 2011-09-29T11:22:50-05:00
It's been very much a so-so fall for new TV dramas. ... Now come Showtime's Homeland, easily the best of show and virtually guaranteed to be an Emmy contender the next time around.

Cuban onboard with Rentrak

Ed Bark — 2011-09-28T18:40:46-05:00
Rentrak's ongoing effort to dethrone Nielsen Media Research as the longtime measurer of TV ratings has both an ally and a significant investor in Dallas Mavericks/HDNet owner Mark Cuban. Which gives D-FW's only Rentrak subscriber to date, WFAA8, a bit of the old happy pants.

Fox's New Girl still the network's brightest new light

Ed Bark — 2011-09-28T12:59:56-05:00
Afforded perhaps one-tenth the promotion for either X Factor or Terra Nova, the new Fox sitcom New Girl continued to score big among viewers that networks covet the most -- 18-to-49-year-olds. Our latest "Local Nielsen ratings snapshot" gives you the complete picture.

From Two and a Half Men to How to be a Gentleman

Ed Bark — 2011-09-28T12:06:16-05:00
The address is CBS for odd couple comedies. Our review of How to Be a Gentleman is right here.

Long Rooney era ending on 60 Minutes

Ed Bark — 2011-09-27T16:52:35-05:00
Ninety-two-year-old Andy Rooney, a commentator on 60 Minutes since 1978, will make his last regular appearance on the program this Sunday. Details of the CBS announcement are on our Network News & Reviews page.

Suburgatory commutes to ABC's Wednesday night comedy lineup

Ed Bark — 2011-09-27T15:21:28-05:00
Jeremy Sisto plays a put-upon dad in the new Suburgatory. It's on a night when ABC already has kindred pops on Modern Family and The Middle.

Cowboys again rock ratings while Terra Nova stands fairly firma

Ed Bark — 2011-09-27T11:54:49-05:00
Yet another down to the wire Cowboys game --this one a win -- crushed everything in its path Monday night. The two-hour premiere of Fox's cost-a-plenty Terra Nova drew a small fraction of the Cowboys crowd, but fared fairly well against the competition from ABC, CBS and NBC.

D-FW news notes: WFAA8's Chris Flanagan hitting the road while TXA21's "First in Prime" newscast will soon be a goner

Ed Bark — 2011-09-26T18:11:55-05:00
Chris Flanagan will be taking his talents to Cleveland after an abbreviated run at WFAA8. And TXA21's recently downsized "First In Prime" newscast is going to disappear all together.

The late Jerry Haynes leaves a happy trail as Dallas' foremost kiddies' pal, Mr. Peppermint

Ed Bark — 2011-09-26T16:41:23-05:00
Jerry Haynes, who spanned generations of kids as WFAA8's Mr. ... Our tribute is here, along with a video showing the close relationship he had with his son, alternative rocker Gibby Haynes of Butthole Surfers fame.

Hart of Dixie gives CW a decent drawling board

Ed Bark — 2011-09-26T13:46:21-05:00
Television's portrayals of the Deep South have not been known as towering intellectual exercises. The CW's new Hart of Dixie, set in Alabama, is down-home without unduly deep-frying its denizens.

Terra Nova gives Fox a new/old world and a big price tag

Ed Bark — 2011-09-26T11:01:35-05:00
The most expensive, ambitious series of the new season, Terra Nova, premieres Monday night on Fox. ...Ed Bark

Fly them to the moon, because ABC's Pan Am needs something to keep it airborne

Ed Bark — 2011-09-22T22:31:59-05:00
Set in 1963, ABC's Pan Am looks good for starters. But compelling storylines look as though they're going to be much harder to come by.

That's the spirit: CBS hopes to finally launch a successful contemporary medical drama by adding an otherworldly touch

Ed Bark — 2011-09-22T15:20:25-05:00
CBS hasn't had a successful medical drama since Dr. ... Now the crime-infested network is trying again with A Gifted Man.

X Factor no blockbuster but still draws a pretty good crowd

Ed Bark — 2011-09-22T12:07:04-05:00
Wednesday's opening night returns in D-FW for Fox's mega-promoted X Factor were only fair to middling, particularly for its second hour. See how it did -- and how other new and returning series fared -- in the latest "ratings snapshot."

WFAA8 anchor-reporter Debbie Denmon files discrimination suit against the station -- and not on the usual grounds

Ed Bark — 2011-09-22T11:14:41-05:00
Contending that her weight is being held against her by station management, WFAA8 anchor-reporter Debbie Denmon has filed a discrimination suit against the Dallas-based station. ... The story is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Angels wing it anew on ABC

Ed Bark — 2011-09-21T19:21:25-05:00
Yet another version of Charlie's Angels is probably not what the world needs now -- let alone the continental U.S. But here it comes -- and our review is here.

NBC's Prime Suspect manages to stand on its own

Ed Bark — 2011-09-21T16:52:29-05:00
A new American TV version of Prime Suspect might seem like a capital crime to some. But it's all in the execution.

CBS' Person of Interest preserves an endangered species -- the two-fisted man of action

Ed Bark — 2011-09-21T14:15:24-05:00
Women are the drive shafts in this fall's crop of new broadcast network dramas. ... But CBS still has a place for a hard-charging action male in Person of Interest, which premieres Thursday.

New season, Night 2, is big boost for Fox's new New Girl

Ed Bark — 2011-09-21T10:50:25-05:00
It had an appreciably bigger overall audience than its Glee lead-in and also prospered with advertiser-coveted 18-to-49-year-olds. CBS' double dose of NCIS and its spin-off also did quite well, leaving ABC's Dancing with the Stars in wobbly shape.

NBC's new Whitney is a comedy with a nice bite

Ed Bark — 2011-09-21T09:33:07-05:00
4 NBC badly needs something to work this fall -- besides Sunday Night Football. And whatever its ratings, it at least has a winning new comedy in Whitney.

Daybreak's Ron Corning gets a showcase spot -- and paints a picture, too

Ed Bark — 2011-09-20T18:26:20-05:00
Dallas-based WFAA8's early morning Daybreak program still runs third on most days. ... And now, for the first time, full attention is paid to co-anchor Ron Corning.

ABC's new fall line begins with Revenge

Ed Bark — 2011-09-20T14:37:05-05:00
Madeleine Stowe makes for a pretty delish villainess in ABC's latest woman-powered serial drama. ... Our closer look at Revenge is on the Network News & Reviews page.

Gargantuan re-launch for Two and a Half Men

Ed Bark — 2011-09-20T11:19:43-05:00
CBS couldn't have scripted this any better -- the ratings at least. The network's Charlie Sheen-less Two and a Half Men was a colossus Monday night in the D-FW Nielsen ratings while the premiere of NBC's The Playboy Club ended up a bust so to speak.

Charlie Sheen fit for a Dustbuster in Two and a Half Men kiss-off

Ed Bark — 2011-09-20T10:07:25-05:00
Two and a Half Men rid itself of Charlie Sheen in no uncertain terms Monday night. ...Ed Bark

Memory serves in new CBS' crime drama Unforgettable

Ed Bark — 2011-09-19T18:08:33-05:00
CBS doesn't go in for capes or physical super powers in its "procedural" crime series. ... Our review of Unforgettable is right here.

Fox hawks gawky in appealing new comedy New Girl

Ed Bark — 2011-09-19T15:00:18-05:00
Zooey Deschanel, kid sis of Bones star Emily Deschanel, is still looking for a post-Almost Famous breakout hit. ...Plus, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings "snapshot" has all the details on how the Cowboys game did, and whether the subsequent Emmy Awards on Fox were able to withstand NBC's Sunday Night Football.

Friday Night Lights finally gets some Emmy love on a night when free TV scores big against cable

Ed Bark — 2011-09-19T07:28:24-05:00
Sunday night's 63rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards put the made-in-Austin Friday Night Lights onstage for the first and last time while also providing a big booster shot to over-the-air broadcast TV. ... But very much unlike last year, it wasn't the lion's share.

Emmy awards nearing, and here are my picks

Ed Bark — 2011-09-16T18:07:46-05:00
Sunday night brings the 63rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards, which of course will be trounced by Sunday Night Football. But I've gone ahead and tacked down some picks anyway, which you can slice 'n' dice on the Network News & Reviews page.

Growing, growing gone: D-FW takes a body blow in latest Nielsen estimates after years of steady growth

Ed Bark — 2011-09-16T15:33:02-05:00
D-FW television stations always could count on a little ratings inflation whenever Nielsen Media Research's yearly data was revised. ... And this time around, the nation's fifth largest TV market is showing across-the-board decreases, save for one lone demographic group that neither advertisers or TV bean-counters really care about at all.

Bunny ha ha: NBC's The Playboy Club sells pulchritude as "empowerment"

Ed Bark — 2011-09-16T12:07:24-05:00
One of the showier new series for this fall, NBC's The Playboy Club, premieres Monday. Set in the early 1960s, it mixes gangland retribution with all those bosomed bunny buddies.

Unclebarky.com hits milestone birthday, pats self on head, gets back to work

Ed Bark — 2011-09-16T07:46:48-05:00
Launched on Sept. 17, 2006, unclebarky.com turns five Saturday on the eve of the Emmys and just two days before the official start of the 2011-'12 TV season. ...Thanks again, and we'll try to keep going for at least another few years as D-FW's only fully independent chronicler of both local and national TV.

Talky waitresses on the menu in CBS' ribald 2 Broke Girls

Ed Bark — 2011-09-15T15:31:51-05:00
Plus, Wednesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings show how three freshman series and a pair of "reality competition" finales fared in these parts. And on my home away from home, locatetv.com, there's a look at whether Eddie Murphy might matter as the latest Oscar host.

The CW now has witches, too, in The Secret Circle

Ed Bark — 2011-09-14T14:47:07-05:00
The network of Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries and those scary creatures on America's Next Top Model adds witches to its otherworldly mix in The Secret Circle. ...Plus, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are a downer for Ringer, the new Sarah Michelle Gellar series.

Free Agents gives NBC a grownup comedy built around adult neuroses

Ed Bark — 2011-09-13T18:34:02-05:00
Hank Azaria and Kathryn Hahn make a winning duo in NBC's new Free Agents. It even compares favorably with the same-named British original, which BBC America will make available to U.S. audiences early next month.

Mmm mmm good/bad: The CW's H8R may be fall TV's guiltiest pleasure

Ed Bark — 2011-09-13T17:00:24-05:00
It's all mostly contrived and not really believable for more than a second or two. Still, The CW's new H8R (short for "Hater") puts celebs and their detractors together in a way that's indescribably delicious -- as junk food, of course.

Monday Night Football doubleheader rules D-FW ratings; Krystle Gutierrez still with Fox4 news -- 4 now

Ed Bark — 2011-09-13T14:07:09-05:00
ESPN's opening Monday Night Football doubleheader kicked all competition to the curb in the D-FW Nielsen ratings. ...But she's no longer under contract and could leave the Dallas-based station any day now.

The Peacock hatches a baby in new Up All Night

Ed Bark — 2011-09-12T18:13:55-05:00
NBC and kids -- let alone newborn babes -- have very seldom mixed in prime-time sitcoms since The Cosby Show's glory seasons. That makes the new Up All Night an extreme rarity, even if a workplace also is heavily involved.

First new series of the season offers double shot of Gellar in CW's Ringer

Ed Bark — 2011-09-12T15:01:55-05:00
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who came to international fame as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, plays two hands in her prime-time series return. The CW's Ringer finds her as a recovering addict and former stripper with a twisted twin sister.

Arrgh!!! Cowboys blow another Sunday Night Football opener while NBC sets another ratings record

Ed Bark — 2011-09-12T11:26:21-05:00
The Dallas Cowboys cratered down the stretch against the Jets, but at least beat last season's ratings for their giveaway loss to Washington on NBC's Sunday Night Football. Our ratings breakdowns are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Starz network' original Spartacus dies of cancer; Emmys warm up with "creative arts" trophies

Ed Bark — 2011-09-12T09:48:20-05:00
Andy Whitfield, who played the title role in the Starz network's Spartacus: Blood and Sand, has died of cancer at age 39. Also, the Emmy Awards' annual "creative arts" prelude to the Sept. 18th main event has some notable on-camera winners amid all the behind-the-scenes stuff.

Packers-Saints game outscores Obama job speech in D-FW (and probably most other places, too)

Ed Bark — 2011-09-09T12:51:48-05:00
All four of the major broadcast networks carried President Obama's early evening jobs speech Thursday. ... It doesn't take an unemployed rocket scientist to deduce who won.

And in the end . . . The Love We Make is an optimum way to remember Sept. 11

Ed Bark — 2011-09-09T11:49:26-05:00
The Paul McCartney-led Concert for New York City is brilliantly seen from behind-the-scenes in The Love We Make, premiering Sept. 10th on Showtime. ...Ed Bark

A ratings first for MSNBC -- at least in D-FW

Ed Bark — 2011-09-08T16:30:43-05:00
MSNBC's two-hour Republican debate Wednesday night, featuring the debut of Texas Gov. Rick Perry, won its time slot in competition with both broadcast and cable alternatives.

Perry puts giddyup in Republican debate, but may have bucked himself

Ed Bark — 2011-09-08T07:21:07-05:00
Rick Perry strode into his first nationally televised presidential candidate debate Wednesday night. He emerged with a Social Security "Ponzi scheme" target affixed to his back while former frontrunner Mitt Romney may have suddenly rebounded back to life.

Brightest colors of new fall season again elude washed-out broadcast nets

Ed Bark — 2011-09-07T15:39:08-05:00
Television's latest big outpouring of new product is coming soon, with the broadcast networks again struggling to stand out while cable excels with both new and returning dramas. ...And D-FW had a surprise ratings champ Tuesday night in the key 18-to-49 viewer demographic.

Ashes to "Ashes:" FX's Rescue Me puts out its last fire

Ed Bark — 2011-09-06T18:47:41-05:00
The final episode of FX's Rescue Me is on Wednesday night, just four days before the 10th anniversary of 9/11. ...Plus, Eddie Murphy gets the Oscar host gig, and Regis Philbin announces his goodbye date.

Things that go clunk in the night -- among them Syfy's Paranormal Witness

Ed Bark — 2011-09-06T14:55:04-05:00
Syfy's Wednesday night "paranormal block" now includes the new Paranormal Witness. The first episode made me shake -- with laughter.

College football dominates, MDA telethon barely seen

Ed Bark — 2011-09-06T13:10:56-05:00
The holiday weekend's D-FW Nielsen ratings had some surprises -- such as Baylor-TCU not being the most-watched college football game. Also, the debut of the Jerry Lewis-less MDA telethon Sunday night on TXA21 went virtually unwatched.

TXA21 cuts its prime-time news in half as part of fall revamp; Sons of Anarchy returns with a vengeance

Ed Bark — 2011-09-02T12:25:01-05:00
Low and continued stagnant ratings have prompted the halving of TXA21's First in Prime local newscast, which soon will air only from 7 to 8 p.m. ...The onset of September also prompts a friendly monthly reminder to first click on an amazon.com ad on any unclebarky.com page before making the purchases you were going to make anyway.

Former WFAA8 reporter Bert Lozano dies at age 42

Ed Bark — 2011-08-31T16:35:47-05:00
After suffering a heart attack Sunday, former WFAA8 reporter Bert Lozano died Wednesday afternoon at Methodist Medical Center. The sad details, and some goodbye messages from his friends are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Big early morning news -- and another new hire -- at Dallas-based CW33

Ed Bark — 2011-08-31T13:08:52-05:00
CW33's Dallas studios will be the hub of a new Tribune-produced early morning show that's relocating entirely from Chicago. Plus, the station has added a new meteorologist who will be working the dawn patrol shift.

CBS Evening News anchor Scott Pelley says he's powered by Texas upbringing and WFAA8 apprenticeship

Ed Bark — 2011-08-30T16:43:10-05:00
Scott Pelley is nearing the end of his first three eventful months as anchor of the CBS Evening News. ... Texas was very much a topic, as were his down-the-middle approach to delivering the news and what he learned in the early-to-late 1980s at Dallas-based WFAA8.

Nancy Grace brings her spiked heel demeanor to ABC's Dancing

Ed Bark — 2011-08-30T07:00:15-05:00
The 13th edition of ABC's Dancing with the Stars includes Nancy Grace, HLN's resident judge, juror and executioner. ...Plus, the family of former WFAA8 reporter Bert Lozano has a further update on his condition.

Former WFAA8 reporter Bert Lozano in "stable but critical condition" after heart attack

Ed Bark — 2011-08-29T15:31:32-05:00
Bert Lozano, who left WFAA8 early in 2007 after three years on the Dallas-based station's reporting staff, has been hospitalized after suffering a reportedly major heart attack over the weekend. Lozano, 42, has worked in the Dallas office of the Weber Shandwick public relations firm since departing WFAA8.

Taking offense at a pair of jokes in this fall's 2 Broke Girls and Last Man Standing

Ed Bark — 2011-08-26T19:09:31-05:00
I've seen all of this fall's new sitcoms and heard the hundreds of jokes within. ... So I asked about them during the recent TV Critics Association "press tour."

NBC5 reporter Kim Fischer leaving the building; former Fox4 reporter Sara Sidner making her mark under fire in Libya

Ed Bark — 2011-08-26T10:50:19-05:00
Kim Fischer is departing Fort Worth-based NBC5 after two years as a reporter, lately on the early shift. ... Plus, CNN is showcasing former Fox4 reporter Sara Sidner as a bullet-dodger in still perilous Libya.

Winging it with a Flightmares special from Dallas-based AMS Pictures

Ed Bark — 2011-08-25T16:44:06-05:00
Harrowing and sometimes tragic adventures in flying are relived in Flightmares, the latest network special from Dallas' own AMS Pictures. Our review, and where it's landing Sunday night, can be found on the Network News & Reviews page.

It's a love/hate thang: Losing Cowboys again come up winners on Sunday Night Football

Ed Bark — 2011-08-25T11:54:35-05:00
Your friendly content provider recently engaged Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth on the topic of how bad the Dallas Cowboys would have to get before NBC's Sunday Night Football deep-sixed or downsized them. For the upcoming season, the 6-10 Cowboys still have a full complement of three games.

A beautiful wedding and some dutiful catching up

Ed Bark — 2011-08-24T17:48:58-05:00
Included are the highs for Sunday night's Cowboys pre-season game and the very lows for the first two episodes of Bravo's Most Eligible Dallas. And on the Network News & Reviews page, we have a commentary on the official hiring of Al Sharpton as MSNBC's latest left-leaning, full-time program host.

Unclebarky.com takes its final summertime flight before the fall onrush

Ed Bark — 2011-08-15T15:56:02-05:00
Your friendly content provider just got back from the two-week Television Critics Association "press tour," during which unclebarky.com gave way to dispatches for locatetv.com. ...Darlin' daughter Liz is getting married this weekend in Florida to the man of her dreams.

Cliche headline: Don't miss a minute of BBC America's The Hour

Ed Bark — 2011-08-15T15:46:48-05:00
So if you'd like to dine on something satisfying rather than all that abundant summertime mush, give the above six-part series a chance to rope you in. Our review of The Hour is right here.

Ex-NBC5 reporter Grant Stinchfield has a 2nd career u-turn in mind -- a run for Congress

Ed Bark — 2011-08-15T12:26:32-05:00
Grant Stinchfield surprised many last spring by quitting the NBC5 news team after seven years to open an auto lube business. Now he's oiling up for a congressional campaign as a Republican.

Most Eligible Dallas -- reinforce stereotype, rinse, repeat

Ed Bark — 2011-08-14T15:55:00-05:00
The Bravo network's Most Eligible Dallas premieres Monday night. And it's one big hoot if you want to see the city again portrayed as richly appointed in addition to being "self-centered and shallow," as one of the show's six posers puts it.

Matt Nordgren: from football player to star playa on Most Eligible Dallas

Ed Bark — 2011-08-12T18:00:58-05:00
Matt Nordgren, former Bishop Lynch star QB -- and Vince Young's backup at UT -- made the Beverly Hills scene recently on behalf of Bravo's upcoming Most Eligible Dallas. Your friendly content provider talked to him about the possible perils of "reality" TV and his connections to a trio of close personal relatives.

Picturing the summer Television Critics Association "press tour"

Ed Bark — 2011-08-11T16:38:34-05:00
You can still read all about the just-concluded Television Critics Association "press tour" by going to the special section on locatetv.com. And/or take a look at some of the sights via unclebarky.com's semi-annual homegrown photo album.

Sh*t keeps hitting the fan at WFAA8 -- both forcefully and benignly

Ed Bark — 2011-08-11T12:59:23-05:00
Wednesday's incident between Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and WFAA8 investigator Brett Shipp continues to create a big buzz in D-FW. In an interview with unclebarky.com, Shipp says he won't file any assault charges after Price shoved him and later verbally threatened him while the cameras rolled.

Uncle Barky returns -- and restarts with a Maria Barrs exit interview

Ed Bark — 2011-08-11T00:44:33-05:00
It's great to be back in the blast furnace after two weeks out West on the Television Critics Association "press tour." ...They range from a crazed interview session with Jerry Lewis to a visit to the Playboy mansion to the latest news on two huge Fox shows for the fall, The X Factor and Terra Nova.

Another sojurn out West for the annual Television Critics Association "press tour"

Ed Bark — 2011-07-25T17:22:08-05:00
Forgive your friendly content provider, but it's time to head West again for the annual Television Critics Association summer "press tour," in which networks high and low trot out their new fall lines. ...I've left some stuff behind on unclebarky.com, including the recently posted tome on WFAA8's latter day championing of Rentrak as a possibly better way to measure local newscast ratings than Nielsen Media Research.

What's a Rentrak? As a rival to Nielsen, WFAA8 hopes it someday will mean big money in the bank

Ed Bark — 2011-07-25T12:37:24-05:00
The business of measuring local and national TV audiences has long been the stock in trade of Nielsen Media Research. ... They've been going steady for the past 10 months or so, with WFAA8 ever more bullish on both Rentrak's methodology and the robust numbers it's getting for its local newscasts.

Fox4 reporter Matt Grubs leaving Dallas, heading back to New Mexico

Ed Bark — 2011-07-21T16:42:50-05:00
Matt Grubs, a heavily used general assignment reporter at Dallas-based Fox4, has decided to leave after a three-year tenure. Get the details on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Last call for HBO's Entourage

Ed Bark — 2011-07-21T13:12:08-05:00
The eighth and final season season of Entourage -- with a nicely symmetrical eight episodes -- begins on Sunday, July 24th. The first three episodes were sent for review, and they're evidence that the series will be acquitting itself well down the stretch.

Hollywood Hoff trades places with little Tex namesake in CBS' Same Name

Ed Bark — 2011-07-20T15:18:32-05:00
David Hasselhoff and David Hasselhoff criss-cross between Hollywood and Lake Jackson, Texas in a new and surprisingly agreeable CBS summertime "reality" series. ...Plus, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are a late night boost for the Texas Rangers and their pitching-rich, 12-game winning streak.

The old man at sea: Rupert Murdoch (and son) encounter troubled waters and a shaving cream pie during parliamentary hearing

Ed Bark — 2011-07-19T15:16:59-05:00
An array of cable news networks went continuously live Tuesday morning to the Murdochs' joint appearance before a British parliamentary committee. Rupert regularly seemed lost for words while dutiful son, James, sought to fill in the blanks.

Even Mr. "No Spin Zone" rolls over when it comes to his big boss's mega phone hacking scandal

Ed Bark — 2011-07-18T16:08:56-05:00
But Fox News Channel's handling of Rupert Murdoch's mushrooming phone-hacking scandal should be an embarrassment to all concerned. ...Plus, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings show a huge audience for the climactic closing minutes of Japan's comeback win over the U.S. in the World Cup soccer finale.

Stalwart reporter Gary Reaves retiring from WFAA8

Ed Bark — 2011-07-16T09:17:18-05:00
Gary Reaves, who returned to Dallas-based WFAA8 20 years ago after a stint with CBS News, has decided to retire from the station. More details are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Shaq 'n' "Sir Charles" coming to a TV screen near you

Ed Bark — 2011-07-14T14:54:26-05:00
Shaquille O'Neal made his first big post-playing days move Thursday by signing a multi-year deal with TNT. His primary duties will be on a studio show already famously populated with Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and host Ernie Johnson.

CMT's Texas Women scours Fort Worth for its latest collection of Lone Star boobs

Ed Bark — 2011-07-14T13:06:34-05:00
Stereotyping Texas is gaining steam again, which probably makes New Jersey jealous. The latest tall tale of a "reality" series, Texas Women, comes to CMT Thursday night.

HBO again dominates while Friday Night Lights makes big breakthrough in last-ditch chance for Emmy gold

Ed Bark — 2011-07-14T09:54:16-05:00
The annual Primetime Emmy nominations, announced Thursday morning, at last put NBC's Austin-made Friday Night Lights in a ring of honor for its fifth and final season. Meanwhile, HBO remained lord and master with more than double the total nominations of any other network.

Danson joins CSI; season premieres for two hard-edged dramas

Ed Bark — 2011-07-13T08:40:29-05:00
Ted Danson of Cheers fame will be bellying up to CBS' CSI: Crime Scene Investigation this season as the long-running dramas latest lead actor. The details are on our TV Bulletin Board page, along with clips from two worthy dramas returning for new seasons Wednesday -- FX's Rescue Me and Damages, formerly of FX and now exclusively on DirecTV.

Baseball and its one-time pariah converge in HBO's The Curious Case of Curt Flood

Ed Bark — 2011-07-12T16:55:53-05:00
Personally speaking, HBO's excellent The Curious Case of Curt Flood rekindles lots of memories -- of Chicago Cubs' players robbed by his spectacular centerfield play and of a first-hand meeting with the perpetrator. Our review and reminiscences are here.

Lifetime offers hanging curveball with new Roseanne's Nuts

Ed Bark — 2011-07-12T12:00:47-05:00
Batty Roseanne Barr works for peanuts -- actually, Macadamias -- in the new Lifetime series Roseanne's Nuts. ... Plus Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are in the house.

"Bobby was always a fool"

Ed Bark — 2011-07-12T07:45:55-05:00
TNT's new one-minute tease for Dallas aired Monday night during the network's two most popular drama series. See what it looks like on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

City of Dallas officially announces what's old news to unclebarky.com readers: TNT's Dallas will shoot in Dallas

Ed Bark — 2011-07-11T14:38:46-05:00
The City of Dallas came out with a press release Monday that says the new Dallas series on TNT will be filmed in Dallas. Unclebarky.com reported this at noontime on Friday after checking with the network, which didn't say where Dallas would be shooting in its release.

Fox4's new Good Day Sunday features anchor debut, comical countdowns

Ed Bark — 2011-07-11T14:26:16-05:00
Fox4's Adrian Arambulo gets a show to anchor, but his straight-ahead approach is overshadowed in part by Larry the floor director's loud countdowns of recurring "4 Minutes" opinion segments. ... Our review is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, where you also can scroll down to see what former CBS11 anchor/reporter Nerissa Knight is up to lately.

TNT's summertime Monday blowout -- season premieres of The Closer and Rizzoli & Isles

Ed Bark — 2011-07-11T10:36:44-05:00
TNT's pathfinding drama is followed by its latter day most popular one with the Monday night returns of The Closer and Rizzoli & Isles. ...Ed Bark

Harry Smith says so long to CBS, heads for Peacock-ville

Ed Bark — 2011-07-08T17:52:39-05:00
CBS News veteran Harry Smith, perhaps weary of being bounced and then passed over, is leaving after a quarter-century to join rival NBC. He had been with CBS since 1986, initially operating out of the news division's Dallas bureau.

Syfy's new Alphas comes closer to letter z-z-z-z-z

Ed Bark — 2011-07-08T17:09:55-05:00
Another batch of made-for-TV super powers emerge in Syfy's Alphas, which premieres Monday. But despite the presence of accomplished David Strathairn, it's all pretty sub-par.

Breaking news: TNT will do Dallas -- in Dallas (updated)

Ed Bark — 2011-07-08T12:06:23-05:00
And although the network's publicity release makes no mention of where it will be filmed, network spokeswoman Jennifer Greene has just confirmed via email that "Yes, we will be shooting in Dallas." A pilot episode recently was filmed in Dallas, with holdovers Larry Hagman, Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy joining a younger generation cast of Ewings and their love interests.

Starz has a star player in Torchwood: Miracle Day

Ed Bark — 2011-07-07T17:56:21-05:00
The continuation of the Torchwood franchise moves from the U.K. to the U.S. with Friday's premiere of a 10-episode arc in which people suddenly stop dying no matter how grievous their injuries or illnesses. ...They were among eight celebrity contestants, with a winner emerging from the trio of Fox4's Fiona Gorostiza, NBC5's Tammy Dombeck and CW33's Rebecca Miller.

ABC News "exclusives" keep begging a question: How much did they pay?

Ed Bark — 2011-07-07T11:20:29-05:00
Wednesday's edition of Primetime Nightline featured an "exclusive" interview with Casey Anthony trial juror Jennifer Ford. ... Not that I'd fully believe ABC News -- or its competitors for that matter -- if they replied "Not a penny."

Direct from D-FW: some hellish ground level fireworks

Ed Bark — 2011-07-06T14:27:53-05:00
A WFAA8 photographer found himself in a fireworks fire zone during the Fourth of July holiday period. ... The 39 seconds of video are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Spader's the new bossman on The Office

Ed Bark — 2011-07-06T13:34:31-05:00
On paper this sounds like a pretty good idea -- replacing Steve Carell with James Spader, who's no slouch as a smarmy manipulator. ...Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings highlight/lowlight the audiences for the Casey Anthony murder trial verdict and resultant network news specials.

June swoons into archives

Ed Bark — 2011-07-04T23:05:53-05:00
We'll start with a few appetizers, including a look at what Mark Cuban hasn't been up to lately and three glimpses at Fourth of July night's dueling fireworks spectaculars on CBS, NBC and PBS. Plus, at my home away from home, locatetv.com, get a chronological compendium of notable new and returning series coming in July.

Happy Fourth, everybody!!!

Ed Bark — 2011-06-30T20:27:16-05:00
It's time for unclebarky.com to take an extended Fourth of July weekend. ...There are plenty of new posts inside, though.

The reign of the "reality competition" series (will it ever end?)

Ed Bark — 2011-06-29T16:31:50-05:00
When is the last time a scripted drama or comedy series ranked No. 1 in prime-time for a full TV season? ... Our look at the boom broadcast network market for "reality competition" shows is on the Network News & Reviews page.

Borta sets jaw, throws jabs, gets through The Talk intact

Ed Bark — 2011-06-28T16:24:43-05:00
Karen Borta with Sharon Osbourne on The Talk. Photo: Ed Bark ...She survived quite nicely, even while amid talking points ranging from "going commando" to former congressman Anthony Weiner of "sexting" infamy.

USA network puts on another summertime show with unpolished Necessary Roughness

Ed Bark — 2011-06-28T12:59:27-05:00
NBC's sister cable network, USA, has a mostly successful track record with its "Characters Welcome" roster of breezy dramas. The new Necessary Roughness needs a sander, though.

No (John Wiley) Price increase for Monday's local newscast ratings

Ed Bark — 2011-06-28T10:55:56-05:00
D-FW's four major TV news providers swarmed Monday's John Wiley Price-connected FBI raids like ants on a dripping Popsicle. But the Nielsen ratings remained in their summer hammocks, and at 10 p.m. were far lower than the previous Monday's.

Love in the Wild offers chance to root for the crocodiles

Ed Bark — 2011-06-28T09:14:32-05:00
Another gaggle of lovelorn beautiful people gathers to pin down true love in NBC's new summertime jungle caper. Our review of Love in the Wild is here.

"Just one more thing:" Remembering the late Peter Falk's rumpled TV classic

Ed Bark — 2011-06-24T15:32:23-05:00
The actor who gave life to one of TV's all-time classic crimesolvers has died at age 83. Our tribute and a short video are on the Network News & Reviews page.

More Grade A work by Linney in Season 2 of Showtime's The Big C

Ed Bark — 2011-06-24T12:40:55-05:00
Laura Linney's Cathy Jamison resumes her battle with Stage 4 melanoma on a new season of Showtime's The Big C. Show time is Monday, and our review is here.

CBS11's Karen Borta will walk The Talk

Ed Bark — 2011-06-24T10:23:34-05:00
In the latest round of national exposure for D-FW news personalities, CBS11 anchor Karen Borta will be a guest host on The Talk next week. ... Plus, Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings show a big opening night for another "reality competition" concoction.

Wurst case scenario: Mavs could get a Round 1 Bucky Badger steal

Ed Bark — 2011-06-23T17:02:13-05:00
Gotta stand up for my alma mater, but this is a no-brainer. I can't believe that Wisconsin Badgers forward Jon Leuer is barely a part of the Round 1 NBA draft conversation.

CW33 adds "Tech Zen," WFAA8 does its own Bing/Bowie, etc. etc.

Ed Bark — 2011-06-23T14:30:15-05:00
But at least they're still hiring, with the latest addition a "Tech Zen" named Shama Kabani. ...And on my home away from home, locatetv.com, your friendly content provider talks about the furor over the Season 1 finale of AMC's The Killing.

True Blood will soon be vamping again

Ed Bark — 2011-06-22T16:59:33-05:00
Season 4 of HBO's latter day most popular series, True Blood, begins sucking the life out of summer this Sunday. The first three episodes are just enough to make it worth your while anew.

USA network again seems to know what Suits it

Ed Bark — 2011-06-22T13:45:29-05:00
NBC continues to be a stumblebum, at least in terms of turning out new scripted hits that have nothing to do with singing competitions or sword-swallowing. But its corporate cousin, the USA network, keeps grinding out new, watchable dramas that stick to the prime-time wall.

RX for FX? A talking, pot-smoking dog with an excremental view on life in Wilfred

Ed Bark — 2011-06-22T10:47:24-05:00
Man's best friend -- and they like women, too -- gets a thorough makeover Thursday night in the new FX comedy Wilfred. ...Ed Bark

NBC5 (KXAS-TV) dropping out as MDA telethon carrier after nearly four decades

Ed Bark — 2011-06-20T17:59:03-05:00
The new and significantly shortened Muscular Dystrophy Telethon will be doing business with a new, still-to-be-named D-FW television partner this September. ... Get the details on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, where the weekend local Nielsen ratings also have been posted.

ABC steps in it with 101 Ways to Leave a Game Show

Ed Bark — 2011-06-20T16:07:07-05:00
ABC and dumb summertime game shows just can't seem to get enough of each other. Our review of the network's latest, 101 Ways to Leave a Game Show, is here.

Combat Hospital a surprise shot in the arm on ABC's summer schedule

Ed Bark — 2011-06-20T13:12:36-05:00
It's a Canadian production imported by ABC. So maybe that's the overriding reason why the new and heavily promoted Combat Hospital series takes a refreshing chill pill approach rather than going the full-blown adrenaline junkie route.

Ryan and Tatum O'Neal just might give OWN an audience

Ed Bark — 2011-06-17T17:37:43-05:00
Oprah Winfrey's ratings-challenged OWN sure could use an audience-grabber. It might have one, at least on a small scale, with Ryan & Tatum: The O'Neals.

Stop if you've heard this before, but aliens re-invade the earth on TNT's Falling Skies

Ed Bark — 2011-06-17T11:36:30-05:00
TNT's most ambitious series to date, the Steven Spielberg-produced Falling Skies, drops on Sunday night. ...Ed Bark

Mavs parade coverage marches on with our long-legged review

Ed Bark — 2011-06-16T17:39:09-05:00
All of D-FW's major TV news providers turned out in force for Thursday's big Dallas Mavericks victory parade. Unclebarky.com now sweeps up after the elephants -- even though there weren't any -- in an elongated recap rich in hyperbole and other magic moments.

Doin' Dave: Mavericks jump through Top 10 hoops on Letterman's Late Show

Ed Bark — 2011-06-16T09:16:57-05:00
Amid the many spoils of victory coming their way was a chance for the Dallas Mavericks to do a Top 10 List on Wednesday's Late Show with David Letterman. ... The video is on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Kunkle vs. Rawlings: a closing discourse on whether a big city mayoral candidate can win without a single TV ad

Ed Bark — 2011-06-15T13:46:50-05:00
And the contrast between finalists Mike Rawlings and David Kunkle couldn't be greater from a TV media standpoint. Our final look at Rawlings' commercial appeal -- and Kunkle's ad-free approach -- is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

From LeBron to LeBray: Fran Drescher reloads in new TV Land sitcom

Ed Bark — 2011-06-14T15:52:41-05:00
Fran Drescher's latest TV outing, on TV Land, is called Happily Divorced. ... Because -- wah, wah, wah -- her husband turns out to be gay -- just like in Fran's real-life.

Power-hitting Dale Hansen bonks li'l unclebarky.com while pronouncing name correctly (so it's all good)

Ed Bark — 2011-06-14T13:00:12-05:00
Longtime WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen doesn't feel too good about unclebarky.com saying that the Mavericks' first NBA title is D-FW's all-time "feel good" sports story. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, with WFAA8's late night newscast ranking as Monday's most-watched program.

A last fond look at the Mavs (plus a final swipe at a particularly irksome DMN sports columnist)

Ed Bark — 2011-06-13T14:41:47-05:00
A championship season that still seems like a fairytale. A Dallas Morning News sports columnist who still can't handle the truth.

Miami Herald takes Macy's money for big Monday ad hawking NBA championship merchandise for the Heat

Ed Bark — 2011-06-13T11:59:57-05:00
In the parallel universe of the Miami Herald and Macy's, the Heat actually beat the Mavericks Sunday night. Not only that, but they miraculously must have won again on the same night to claim the NBA championship.

Higher calling: But how big was the Mavericks' ratings jackpot Sunday night?

Ed Bark — 2011-06-13T11:10:13-05:00
The Dallas Mavericks' first NBA title, a pasting of the Miami Viceroys, paid big dividends at the D-FW ratings box office Sunday night. But how big in comparison to Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys audiences for really big games?

Mavs beat the Heat a third time while local ratings respond accordingly

Ed Bark — 2011-06-10T14:48:21-05:00
But how close are the Mavs to topping the most-watched Texas Rangers World Series games or the top draw during the Dallas Cowboys march through a losing season? You've come to the right spot for all of the info., which is on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Garland hip hopper carries Texas banner on So You Think You Can Dance

Ed Bark — 2011-06-10T12:23:31-05:00
Fox's summertime hit, So You Think You Can Dance, has its top 20 finalists assembled. Only one of them is a Texan, but Chris Koehl hits very close to home.

Crimetime comes to Lifetime in new weekly series The Protector

Ed Bark — 2011-06-09T16:14:31-05:00
Lifetime gets into the corpse-of-the-week game with a scripted procedural crime series fronted by former Profiler star Ally Walker. ...Ed Bark

Mavs-Heat and an Uncle Barky shoot-around

Ed Bark — 2011-06-09T11:22:32-05:00
Your friendly TV content provider loves sports, too. So as the Mavs and Heat prepare to clash anew Thursday night, let's dive into some talking points on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

TV's King of Late Night -- among younger audiences that "matter" -- has a wide lead over Conan

Ed Bark — 2011-06-08T16:52:43-05:00
Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart rolled to wins in May among all key audience demographics. And that's in both the cable and broadcast universes.

Presenting another Mark Cuban production -- a scripted comedy series about a brassy Russian whore

Ed Bark — 2011-06-08T14:00:55-05:00
Mark Cuban's Dallas Mavericks are giving him a wild ride this month, with one gritty showing after another. But during a break from Games 4 and 5 of the NBA Finals, Cuban's HDNet finds itself midway through a second season of Svetlana, which airs on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. central.

Mavs hit ratings high while D-FW on natural high

Ed Bark — 2011-06-08T11:21:26-05:00
Game 4 of Mavs-Heat, another gut-grinding, nail-biting, up/down, saddle up, Super Glue of a gripper, edged Game 1 as the most-watched so far in D-FW. Get all of the details you won't find elsewhere on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Peacock crows with four more Olympics in its future (and another already in place)

Ed Bark — 2011-06-07T14:22:17-05:00
Bidding for a future quartet of Olympics games is completed, and NBC is still the ring-bearer after out-manuvering Fox and ESPN. ... Plus, Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings show how Scott Pelley's first CBS Evening News fared in his former home base.

Smokin' guitars intersect at Clapton's third Crossroads festival

Ed Bark — 2011-06-07T11:04:37-05:00
PBS' venerable Great Performances is the somewhat unlikely venue for Eric Clapton's third Crossroads guitar event. It's been a bit delayed in Dallas, but will air Wednesday night on KERA-TV (Ch.

In all seriousness, it's Scott Pelley and the CBS Evening News

Ed Bark — 2011-06-06T19:24:28-05:00
Former D-FW reporter Scott Pelley made his debut Monday as anchor of the CBS Evening News. It made for a sober half-hour, adorned with the usual array of ads aimed at senior citizens and their ramped up health challenges.

Couric makes it a threesome, joining ABC after star turns at NBC and CBS

Ed Bark — 2011-06-06T13:24:17-05:00
Katie Couric made another multi-million dollar deal for herself Monday by moving to ABC. The network will give her both a syndicated daytime talk show, starting in September 2012, and a presence on its various news programs.

Mavs fall short against Heat, but Game 3 ratings perk up a bit

Ed Bark — 2011-06-06T12:06:32-05:00
Sunday night's Game 3 of the Mavericks-Heat NBA Finals fell in the middle, ratings-wise, between the opener and Game 2. The complete ratings are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

James Arness leaves indelible Matt Dillon behind

Ed Bark — 2011-06-03T16:20:40-05:00
James Arness, who played Marshal Dillon for two decades on CBS' Gunsmoke, has died at the age of 88. We have an appreciation here.

Bobby Fischer Against The World: an instant classic on an unrivaled, unraveled chess champ

Ed Bark — 2011-06-03T14:12:34-05:00
HBO's superb Bobby Fischer Against the World tells a full and riveting story of a boy-to-man chess champ who never mastered the game of life. So far it's the best documentary film of the year.

Game 2 of Mavs-Heat offers gripping drama while losing ratings grip

Ed Bark — 2011-06-03T11:17:18-05:00
Game 2 of the NBA Finals replicated Game 2 of the Western Conference championship. ... The comparative D-FW numbers are right here.

O holy night: miracle Mavs win makes for a religious experience in ongoing battle of good vs. evil

Ed Bark — 2011-06-03T09:00:17-05:00
But all is forgiven, I'm sure, after the Dallas Mavericks' super-stirring comeback win Thursday night against the imperious Miami Viceroys. Our commentary is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Emmys' latest host likely to keep nominees on edge

Ed Bark — 2011-06-02T13:51:10-05:00
Fox has the prime-time Emmys this year, and has named one of its own as host for the 36rd annual ceremony. Details are on the TV Bulletin Board page.

Rising star: WFAA8's Colleen Coyle gets big dose of national exposure as guest GMA temp taker

Ed Bark — 2011-06-02T12:58:15-05:00
But she's already in big-time company this week as Good Morning America's ad hoc weathercaster. Get more details on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, where Wednesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings also are taking up some space.

Reunited and it feels so -- fake

Ed Bark — 2011-06-01T14:10:47-05:00
Former CBS11 early morning anchor Scott Sams and his old colleagues shared a screen Wednesday morning in the interests of corporate cluster synergy. See the video on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Mavs-Heat hit ratings stratosphere

Ed Bark — 2011-06-01T13:16:24-05:00
The Dallas Mavericks fell short in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. ...Plus, for a two-part summation of all the notable new and returning stuff coming your way this June, click here and here on my home away from home, locatetv.com.

Miami bashes Mavs; TNT premieres Franklin & Bash

Ed Bark — 2011-06-01T04:19:00-05:00
ABC's inventive artist's rendering of The Finals was easier on the eyes than the Game 1 outcome Tuesday night. Photo: Ed Bark We begin the new month with a look at Game 1 of the Heat-Mavs Finals and a review of TNT's new and engaging Franklin & Bash.

Mondo Mavs extravaganza

Ed Bark — 2011-05-31T12:06:00-05:00
The Dallas Mavericks begin fighting for truth, justice and the American way Tuesday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against Miami. Get in the mood with a pair of creative strokes on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Gettysburg gives History (channel) a vivid, visceral Memorial Day attraction

Ed Bark — 2011-05-27T14:35:08-05:00
Their collaboration on Gettysburg gives the History cable network a first-rate attraction on Memorial Day night. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, with only Fox offering something new to chew on in prime-time while rivals punt with post-May "sweeps" repeats.

WFAA8 uses old parlor trick to "win" at 10 p.m. while Fox4 gets the most uplift from D-FW's May sweeps newscast races

Ed Bark — 2011-05-26T18:39:55-05:00
But one could easily call a technical foul and say that CBS11 actually won in both total viewers and 25-to-54-year-olds. ... The complete results, including an up-close look at WFAA8's chicanery, are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Rookie Rhadigan no longer at bat as Rangers play-by-play voice

Ed Bark — 2011-05-26T16:17:27-05:00
Rhadigan, who had never done play-by-play before, was tabbed by the Rangers in January to replace Josh Lewin, who was deemed to no longer be a good fit. ..."We feel that this restructuring will provide Rangers fans with quality television and radio broadcasts from a pre-game, in-game and post-game perspective," Ranger exec VP for Communications John Blake said.

Washed-out Biggest Loser finale re-scheduled; Glee closer returns via web

Ed Bark — 2011-05-26T09:29:30-05:00
NBC-owned NBC5 has received permission to re-air the two-hour Biggest Loser: Couples finale after most of it got rubbed out by Tuesday night's storm coverage. Fox-owned Fox4 can't do the same for the Glee season-ender, but your computer can.

Church is out: Oprah gives a last blessing to her flock before taking on next mission

Ed Bark — 2011-05-25T18:42:41-05:00
The seemingly never-ending story of Oprah Winfrey's goodbye at last is past tense. She preached alone to her choir Wednesday after a two-day, star-choked Oprah's Farewell Surprise Spectacular, which she termed "a love intervention on steroids for me."

Look what the winds blew in Tuesday night -- big ratings on a variety of fronts

Ed Bark — 2011-05-25T14:09:43-05:00
Did WFAA8 pay a ratings penalty for mixing Dancing with the Stars and weathercaster Pete Delkus' frequent live updates during commercial breaks and the show itself? ...Plus, Sarah Blaskovich of content partner pegasusnews.com has a good primer on where you can watch some of the big shows you might have missed last night.

Opining on Oprah -- on cnn.com

Ed Bark — 2011-05-25T11:31:14-05:00
Your friendly content provider occasionally branches out when asked. This latest opinion piece for cnn.com reflects on the impact of Oprah Winfrey.

D-FW's varied Tuesday night weather approaches speak to the high-powered network programming at hand

Ed Bark — 2011-05-25T11:09:33-05:00
Some readers may not buy this, but there was a good reason why CBS11 ended up being the only D-FW television station to wipe out all of its Tuesday night network programming in favor of severe weather coverage. We take a closer look, while also airing some readers' grievances, on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Listen up: Scott Sams now will be a morning drive news anchor on KRLD

Ed Bark — 2011-05-24T18:04:49-05:00
Former CBS11 early morning anchor Scott Sams has bounced back again. The details on his latest new news job are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Survivor/Apprentice producer set to have a religious experience with The Bible

Ed Bark — 2011-05-24T12:37:37-05:00
Reality maestro Mark Burnett has signed to produce an extended series on the Bible for the History cable network. It will have scripts and actors, so the Survivor/Apprentice producer isn't likely to feature David vs.

Late night inflation spurs miracle Mavs to 2011 playoff ratings high

Ed Bark — 2011-05-24T11:47:29-05:00
Everyone loves a winner, and nowhere more so than in D-FW. So when the Dallas Mavericks rose from the dead late Monday night, viewers responded accordingly by flocking to their home screens.

Mavs miracle after shooting blanks most of the night at the OKC corral

Ed Bark — 2011-05-24T07:57:56-05:00
I didn't think they had a chance. But the most amazing win in Dallas Mavericks history proved otherwise.

World survives The Rapture, plus another onslaught of stupid media stories

Ed Bark — 2011-05-23T16:37:19-05:00
All it took was an old crackpot preacher putting up a bunch of billboards to make the alleged end of the world a prominently played story on media outlets big and small. ... And MSNBC goes against its grain by hiring a full-time, right-of-center political analyst to pop in for give-and-take with its roster of liberal hosts.

Follow the money via HBO's Too Big to Fail dramatization of 2008 financial crisis

Ed Bark — 2011-05-20T17:44:45-05:00
Latest sound investment: Too Big to Fail, adapted from the same-name bestseller by Andrew Ross Sorkin. ...Plus, Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings show the Mavericks were a bit short on viewers as well as points in their Game 2 Western Conference Finals loss to the young gun Thunder.

Underwhelming end to it all: Couric signs off as CBS Evening News anchor

Ed Bark — 2011-05-20T11:55:32-05:00
Katie Couric ended her chores at the CBS Evening News Thursday, opting for a three-day weekend. As farewells go, it was barely a blip on the national consciousness.

Selleck polishes another gem in seventh Jesse Stone film

Ed Bark — 2011-05-20T09:56:18-05:00
The made-for-TV movie, once part of the DNA of ABC, CBS and NBC, has gone the way of variety hours and one-hour documentaries. ... And Tom Selleck's seventh Jesse Stone movie, premiering on Sunday, May 22nd, again shows why that's a noble and worthy undertaking.

The CW re-deploys Gellar in its showiest new show for the fall

Ed Bark — 2011-05-19T10:03:48-05:00
That'll change in the fall, when Gellar plays twins on the lam in a new fall series for The CW. ... While hanging out there, you also can find a few show-and-tell pics from rival networks' "upfront" new season presentations to Madison Avenue advertisers.

Ding dongs of ABC's Good Christian Belles will be leaving Dallas behind

Ed Bark — 2011-05-18T19:16:35-05:00
But that'll be it for ABC's Good Christian Belles, which will shoot the rest of its episodes in L.A. in preparation for a likely spring 2012 premiere. Dallas Film Commission head Janis Burklund details the reasons behind the move West (on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page) while also updating the commission's quest to land TNT's re-do of Dallas if it gets the go-ahead to become a weekly series.

Mavs amass mega-Nielsen numbers with opening win over Thunder

Ed Bark — 2011-05-18T13:14:41-05:00
The Dallas Mavericks ruled Tuesday's prime-time roost once the game began shortly after 8 p.m. We've again got the details you'll find nowhere else -- on our ever-eventful Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

CBS showcases eccentric crimesolving and odd couple comedies in latest fall makeover

Ed Bark — 2011-05-18T10:08:28-05:00
The new CBS fall schedule is in place, with the network's execs touting the "dynamic stability" at hand. There are five new series and two notable series shifts to new nights and times.

ABC shakes it with new Charlie's Angels, throwback stewardess series

Ed Bark — 2011-05-17T10:48:36-05:00
ABC's new fall lineup is out, and the Dallas-set Good Christian Belles isn't on it. ... All the details about the third place network's new season are on our Network News & Reviews page.

Mavs vs. Thunder: Can Oldsmobiles beat Volts?

Ed Bark — 2011-05-17T07:47:09-05:00
The Western Conference final between the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma Thunder is a battle of the ages above all. ... We play around with it all on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Curses. ABC's Good Christian Belles is blessed with new title but apparently won't be staying in Dallas

Ed Bark — 2011-05-16T17:30:25-05:00
ABC's adaptation of the novel Good Christian Bitches, with the B-word now Belles, will be part of the network's new fall lineup when its officially announced Tuesday morning. But according to co-star Kristin Chenoweth, the Dallas-set series will film elsewhere after recently shooting its pilot episode in Dallas.

Trump plays media for chump before dumping out of presidential run

Ed Bark — 2011-05-16T16:26:03-05:00
The charade known as Donald Trump's possible presidential candidacy officially ended in New York Monday before a group of Madison Avenue advertisers on hand for NBC's presentation of its 2011-12 TV schedule. ... Plus, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings are in.

Fox doubles down again by announcing both fall and midseason skeds for next season

Ed Bark — 2011-05-16T10:32:21-05:00
Fox unveiled its 2011-'12 season plans Monday morning, with two previously announced Big Tunas occupying three different nights this fall. Get all of the details on our Network News & Reviews page.

Peacock strikes first by rolling out new season lineup

Ed Bark — 2011-05-15T15:47:57-05:00
Buoyed by the late season success of The Voice, NBC announced its plans for fall and beyond Sunday. Our complete look at the Peacock's new playlist is on the Network News & Reviews page.

Two features worth watching on WFAA8

Ed Bark — 2011-05-13T14:10:14-05:00
James and David Schechter hit the road -- but stayed within the state of Texas -- for standout feature stories that both aired on the station's Thursday 10 p.m. newscast. ... So the videos and a few praiseworthy words can be found on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Two and a Half Men will carry on with Kutcher

Ed Bark — 2011-05-13T12:31:14-05:00
Ashton Kutcher has won the Charlie Sheen sweepstakes -- perhaps by default -- and will join the cast of Two and a Half Men next season. Tune to our Network News & Reviews page for all the details.

Idol dumps Durbin, loses muscle tone

Ed Bark — 2011-05-13T10:29:31-05:00
Thursday night's out-of-nowhere vote-off of electric James Durbin ruined what could have been a grand finale for Fox's otherwise rejuvenated American Idol. ...Ed Bark

NBC's one-two summer punch likely to make juice pulp of its rivals

Ed Bark — 2011-05-12T16:39:41-05:00
The Peacock has big summer plans for The Voice and its already established hot weather hit, America's Got Talent. See what 's up on our TV Bulletin Board page, where other tasty tidbits also await.

Mid-point of May "sweeps" puts Fox4 and (surprise) NBC5 in demographic drivers' seats

Ed Bark — 2011-05-12T13:33:37-05:00
NBC5, at last getting some lead-in help from its network -- The Voice -- is the surprise clubhouse leader at the mid-point of the May "sweeps" in the 10 p.m. news battle for advertiser-favored 25-to-54-year-olds. Get all of the local newscast ratings breakdowns on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, where you also can find Wednesday's Nielsen ratings "snapshot."

Lehrer leaving PBS' Newshour behind, save for occasional on-air visits

Ed Bark — 2011-05-12T11:09:41-05:00
Jim Lehrer already had made a big name for himself in Dallas -- primarily as anchor of KERA-TV's landmark Newsroom program -- before leaving for PBS in the mid-1970s. ... Details and quotes from earlier interviews with Lehrer are on our Network News & Reviews page.

CW33 sports department will be back among the living when former "Ticket" dude arrives from Lubbock

Ed Bark — 2011-05-11T17:20:01-05:00
They continue at Dallas-based CW33, which last month reduced its sports department to zero but will be back up to one when Chase Williams reports for work this summer from Lubbock. ...Plus, NBC's The Voice continues to make a big noise in the prime-time ratings, giving the Peacock something to cheer about after a long drought.

Colin Hanks gets neat post-Good Guys gig while another reality series will call Texas home

Ed Bark — 2011-05-10T14:48:16-05:00
Fox's Dallas-made The Good Guys is gone, but co-star Colin Hanks will be movin' on up. And WE TV will be the latest cable network to likely make Texas look bad in the "reality" series realm.

Rather/Cuban alliance again pays off with stellar documentary on HDNet

Ed Bark — 2011-05-10T12:42:13-05:00
But whether you've ever seen it or not, his weekly Dan Rather Reports on Mark Cuban's HDNet is some of the best television journalism around. And his latest effort, a superb two-hour documentary on Detroit's decrepit public school system, is a cautionary tale for us all.

NBC5 adds two new reporters, including its first full-time investigator in a long while (plus, those rumors about the Fort Worth-based station possibly moving to new offices for first time ever)

Ed Bark — 2011-05-09T12:56:41-05:00
Its two newcomers, both due in June, both have Dallas ties but currently are working out of state. ... The station has been tucked away on Barnett Street in Fort Worth since its late 1940s sign-on as WBAP-TV.

Mavs ratings raise roof in D-FW (and Mr. Peppermint on CBS11 does OK, too)

Ed Bark — 2011-05-09T11:12:34-05:00
In a "very special" edition of our Local Nielsen Ratings Snapshot feature, we tally up the D-FW numbers for the Dallas Mavericks' concluding two kill shots against the Los Angeles Lakers. Also look for a little sidetrip tied to CBS11's latest profile on another former WFAA8 star, namely good ol' Jerry "Mr.

Abdul back in Fox fold -- with her old Idol antagonist

Ed Bark — 2011-05-09T06:36:00-05:00
Fox slipped in a little announcement late Sunday afternoon -- directly opposite the Dallas Mavericks' ongoing playoff series sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers. Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell will be judging contestants -- and each other -- on Fox's The X Factor this fall.

CBS11 getting that old-time WFAA8 religion again -- this time with a feature on Jerry "Mr. Peppermint" Haynes

Ed Bark — 2011-05-06T12:25:14-05:00
CBS11's Friday, 10 p.m. newscast will include a profile on former WFAA8 mainstay Jerry "Mr. ... Or that CBS11 did quite all right in the February "sweeps" with a two-part reunion and revisit starring anchor Tracy Rowlett and weathercaster Troy Dungan, both of whom also came to stardom on WFAA8.

Mark Cuban's final guest investor appearance on Shark Tank is on a night when there's a little somethin' else goin' on, too

Ed Bark — 2011-05-06T11:05:04-05:00
ABC's Shark Tank has its final Mark Cuban-infused episode on Friday, May 6th. He talks about it on our Network News & Reviews page while resisting any impulse to mix it up with Lakers coach Phil Jackson, whose defending NBA champs just happen to be in Dallas Friday night for Game 3 of their playoff series against the Mavs.

Age-old "electronic age" question: Can David Kunkle become Dallas' next mayor without airing a single TV ad?

Ed Bark — 2011-05-06T09:01:14-05:00
Former Dallas police chief David Kunkle plans to go the distance to the May 14th mayoral election without airing any TV ads while his main opponent, Mike Rawlings, continues to load up. ... We take a deeper look on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Mavs soar in Wednesday's Nielsens, outdrawing even Idol locally

Ed Bark — 2011-05-05T16:10:21-05:00
Misery loves company, but it's lots more fun when you're winning -- particularly against the vaunted Lakers. Wednesday's late night Dallas Mavericks spanking of the defending NBA champs blew past the half-million viewer mark for the first time this season and even outpointed American Idol locally.

New NBC5 digital channel gives anchor Jane McGarry a newscast of her own (plus her holdover gig at 5 p.m.)

Ed Bark — 2011-05-05T11:17:50-05:00
DFW Nonstop quietly started Wednesday, with NBC5 spilling some specifics Thursday on its digital channel 5.2 news/lifestyle onslaught. Key development: Longtime anchor Jane McGarry will preside over a weeknight 6:30 p.m. newscast while also remaining co-anchor of mothership NBC5's 5 p.m. editions.

Another 60 Minutes exclusive: White House will not release pictures of dead bin Laden

Ed Bark — 2011-05-04T15:04:31-05:00
Again choosing reporter Steve Kroft for a "one and only" exclusive interview, Obama said that the White House will not release any photo or photos to prove that Osama bin Laden is dead. CBS news quickly sent an excerpt from the interview to TV writers and also will air the president's comments on Wednesday's CBS Evening News.

TV innovator Ernie Kovacs at last has a full-bodied DVD set

Ed Bark — 2011-05-04T13:14:07-05:00
Factory, prime curator of TV's lost and found, has another worthy endeavor in The Ernie Kovacs Collection. Its a six-disc salute to the crazed small-screen pathfinder, who died long before the Dallas Video Festival named its most prestigious award in his honor.

Send in the reinforcements: staff-starved CW 33 news has five new reporters on board

Ed Bark — 2011-05-03T16:57:04-05:00
All of them have suddenly popped up on Dallas-based CW33's "News Team" page, with details otherwise very sketchy on all but one of the five on-air additions. But yes, unclebarky.com gets back to you with further details so you'll at least have some idea of where these guys came from.

Mavs score big on TNT with nail-biting comeback win over Lakers

Ed Bark — 2011-05-03T13:04:45-05:00
The Dallas Mavericks dominated Monday's late night ratings and were the day's most popular attraction in D-FW among advertiser-craved 18-to-49-year-olds, ahead of even Dancing with the Stars. ...Plus, Uncle Barky takes a girlyman journey to namby pamby land with a brief discourse on -- and video of -- CBS11's interview of the wedding planner for Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo and his fiancee, former CW33 sports reporter Candice Crawford.

Pelley gets the call: former D-FW reporter will be next anchor of the CBS Evening News

Ed Bark — 2011-05-03T10:39:37-05:00
After a CBS News career that dates to 1989, former KXAS/WFAA reporter Scott Pelley is finally getting "The Chair." He'll be replacing Katie Couric, whose five-year tenure could not lift the network's flagship newscast out of third place.

News of bin Laden's death ignites late night ratings in D-FW

Ed Bark — 2011-05-02T12:15:04-05:00
The tail ends of Sunday night's 9 p.m. entertainment series gave way to the welcome news that Osama bin Laden at last had been found and killed by U.S. forces. Our detailed look at how the local ratings played out is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

WFAA8's post-Oprah plans for now won't be news-worthy (but should they be?)

Ed Bark — 2011-05-01T14:50:41-05:00
Also, on my home away from home, locatetv.com, your friendly content provider takes a look at what series will stay in place and which ones are either officially dead or endangered as the network's prepare to announce their new fall schedules in mid-May. ...It's also again time to remind readers who enjoy this site to register your approval by first clicking on one of the Amazon ads on unclebarky.com before making any purchases.

D-FW ratings have more import than usual on opening night of May "sweeps"

Ed Bark — 2011-04-29T13:29:39-05:00
The Dallas Mavericks' close-out of Portland and opening night of the NFL draft were among the many high-wattage attractions on Day 1 of the May "sweeps" ratings competition. Get all of the major results on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Mavericks advance to Round 2, but DMN columnist who branded them "gutless" no longer seems to have an opinion

Ed Bark — 2011-04-29T10:17:57-05:00
Did the Dallas Mavericks deserve to be branded "gutless" after that Game 4 debacle? ... But the Dallas Morning News sports columnist who swung the meat ax hasn't had a word to say about the team since -- at least not in print.

"Ask Uncle Barky" -- and you shall receive

Ed Bark — 2011-04-28T15:24:01-05:00
Our "Ask Uncle Barky" feature makes a triumphant return -- hey, we're getting into self-congratulatory May ratings "sweeps" mode -- with a nice selection of your questions about national and local TV. ...Also, CBS correspondent Lara Logan has returned to work and will be on 60 Minutes Sunday to make the first public comments about the February beating and sexual assault she survived while covering February's revolution in Egypt.

NBC's The Voice has three Texans in initial "Battle Round" field of 12

Ed Bark — 2011-04-27T18:13:14-05:00
The Voice has NBC programmers making some joyful noises after Tuesday's two-hour premiere drew strong ratings. Three of the first 12 contestants selected by the show's four celebrity judges are from Texas.

Dallas-based WFAA8's Daybreak wakes up with newcomer Ron Corning, but still breaks too many eggs

Ed Bark — 2011-04-27T15:18:53-05:00
WFAA8's Daybreak set sail with its fifth male anchor in less than three years Wednesday. ...Plus, how did NBC's big two-hour premiere of The Voice do Tuesday night?

A second bite at Tuesday's D-FW weather-palooza

Ed Bark — 2011-04-27T10:04:48-05:00
After Tuesday's post on weathercaster attire, we revisit all of the program pre-emptions and viewer disgruntlement in a Wednesday missive that also notes Fox4's continuing inability to air HD pictures and weather bugs/crawls at the same. ... Also, apologies for our server being down for a while earlier this morning.

NBC5's Finfrock still keeping his shirt on -- and his coat, too!

Ed Bark — 2011-04-26T19:03:17-05:00
Severe weather in parts of the North Texas viewing area again brought all of the main weathercasters into constant view Tuesday afternoon and evening. NBC5's David Finfrock, as you'll see on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, stood out in more ways than one.

Couric leaving CBS -- and ramping up the drama by the way she made it official

Ed Bark — 2011-04-26T15:19:36-05:00
As long rumored, Katie Couric will be leaving the CBS Evening News anchor chair when he contract with the network expires on June 4th. But the way in which she announced the news has not charmed her soon-to-be ex-employer.

Making a case for the Mavs (so sue me)

Ed Bark — 2011-04-25T10:10:35-05:00
Saturday's fourth quarter catastrophe has made the Dallas Mavericks easy targets again. ... Your friendly content provider disagrees while also having the temerity to question three key officiating calls down the home stretch of Game 4 in Portland.

WFAA8's Campos on the mend again while CW33's Crome ending long term as sports anchor-reporter

Ed Bark — 2011-04-25T08:15:27-05:00
WFAA8 anchor Gloria Campos had back surgery on Good Friday and will be off the air for at least this week and perhaps longer. And CW33 sports anchor-reporter Dave Crome is the latest to leave the station after surviving much longer than most.

Reporter Sophia Reza leaving Fox4

Ed Bark — 2011-04-22T16:51:38-05:00
Reporter Sophia Reza has resigned from Dallas-based Fox4 to join her husband in Seattle after he took a new job. Further details are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Fox4 meteorologist Ron Jackson loses Cedar Hill home in Good Friday fire

Ed Bark — 2011-04-22T15:48:24-05:00
A fire of still undetermined origin has gutted the Cedar Hill home of longtime Fox4 meteorologist Ron Jackson. He provided more details, including the sad loss of some pets, on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Dan, Dan, he's their man (Fox4's Dan Godwin may not be the station's leading man, but he's survived as an all-purpose go-to guy)

Ed Bark — 2011-04-22T13:23:29-05:00
Fox4's Dan Godwin is one of the D-FW television market's consummate utility men. This week he sucked it up and took two live rides in the front seat of the newly refurbished Texas Giant rollercoaster.

Hooray for the return of HBO's Treme (prounced Tre-MAY)

Ed Bark — 2011-04-22T12:00:01-05:00
But fans of HBO Treme again will be getting their subscription money's worth, so why not join the party? ...Plus, the Dallas Mavericks' Game 3 playoff loss at Portland threw its overall audience for a loss, too.

Long ago, in pre-Snooki times, PBS birthed the first full-blown "reality" series

Ed Bark — 2011-04-21T17:09:26-05:00
PBS' 1973 An American Family, a 12-hour fly-on-the-wall look at the fractious Louds of Santa Barbara, can be (dis)credited with birthing the still exploding "reality" TV movement. The new HBO movie Cinema Verite recreates those times with the star power of Diane Lane, Tim Robbins and James Gandolfini.

Watson vs. Obama: a fuller view after the national stir

Ed Bark — 2011-04-20T19:03:08-05:00
WFAA8's posting of the raw footage definitely merits a second look, which we do here while Watson and station management decline to explain further. Plus, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are another big blow to TXA21's homegrown Dallas Mavericks telecast, which was buried by TNT's nationally aired presentation.

NBC again plans to ride 'em Cowboys on new Sunday Night Football schedule

Ed Bark — 2011-04-19T19:26:16-05:00
The Peacock's 2011 Sunday Night Football scheduled is newly announced, and the Dallas Cowboys are the only losing team from last season with the maximum three games. In fact, just one other losing team has even one SNF game.

Rangers keep rolling in ratings

Ed Bark — 2011-04-19T18:04:16-05:00
Monday's concluding hour of the Texas Rangers' home win over the Angels beat both a new episode of Hawaii Five-0 and a Babs Walters royal wedding special. ...Plus, we have a link to a Denver TV reporter's one-on-one interviews with President Obama so that you can compare it to the much-commented on sit-down between the president and WFAA8's Brad Watson.

Toe to toe: WFAA8's Brad Watson squares off with the president, who doesn't much like his style

Ed Bark — 2011-04-19T11:59:16-05:00
Dallas-based WFAA8 was one of them, and reporter Brad Watson wasn't about to ride off into namby pamby land. Our review of their at times clenched encounter is here, where you also can have a look at Jane Slater's first day on the air as WFAA8's new "traffic anchor."

Louis-Dreyfus segues to Cadillac of cable networks to play nation's No. 2 politico

Ed Bark — 2011-04-18T12:38:21-05:00
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, whose mega-stardom in Seinfeld led to the less fertile New Adventures of Old Christine, will move to HBO for her latest comedy series. The details are on our TV Bulletin Board page, where you also can get the specs on a new cockamamie reality competition series coming soon to NBC.

Mavs also man up in D-FW ratings

Ed Bark — 2011-04-18T11:55:37-05:00
The Dallas Mavericks' gut check Game 1 playoff win over Portland (all the more impressive after both the Spurs and Lakers lost their home openers) amassed the team's biggest audience this season Saturday night. ...Plus, on my home away from home, locatetv.com, there's a play-around review of Monday night's made-for-TV William & Kate movie on Lifetime.

Reporter Jane Slater switching D-FW stations -- from CBS11 to WFAA8

Ed Bark — 2011-04-15T13:35:41-05:00
Reporter Jane Slater, who's been freelancing for CBS11, is joining forces with rival WFAA8 -- beginning Monday. More details are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

David Hasselhoff journeys to small Texas town to meet -- wait for it -- David Hasselhoff

Ed Bark — 2011-04-15T12:56:30-05:00
Here's another one that made the cut: Celeb meets same-named commoner and walks a mile in his/her shoes. Which means that there's more than one David Hasselhoff out there -- and he lives in Texas.

Tough times for three new comedies but not for the start of Will Ferrell's four-episode arc on The Office

Ed Bark — 2011-04-15T12:02:38-05:00
The D-FW Nielsen ratings for Wednesday and Thursday show minimal returns for NBC's The Paul Reiser Show, ABC's Happy Endings and Fox's Breaking In. ... Wednesday's numbers are here, and Thursday's are here.

Can the Mavs man up?

Ed Bark — 2011-04-15T09:15:45-05:00
Expectations remain low, at least among most prognosticators, as the Dallas Mavericks prepare to take their season-long reality show to a much more cutthroat playoff proving ground Saturday night. ... Our assessment, plus a dig at Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich, is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Turn on the lights: NBC's FNL beginning its final broadcast network run

Ed Bark — 2011-04-14T18:53:15-05:00
Austin's finest -- and the only long-running TV series without abundant Texas stereotypes -- begins its final 13-episode run on NBC Friday night. That would be Friday Night Lights.

Two daytime soaps going down, just four more remaining

Ed Bark — 2011-04-14T15:14:09-05:00
ABC brought the hammer down on All My Children and One Life to Live Thursday, and will be supplanting them with two new food and lifestyle hours. All the details are on our TV Bulletin Board page.

HBO's Game of Thrones unfolds like a game of chess (when it should be checkers)

Ed Bark — 2011-04-14T14:18:38-05:00
HBO's first entry into the fantasy realm launches Sunday with Game of Thrones. ... Martin series of books, it's looking like a slog instead of a splash.

Hey, isn't that? . . . NBC's The Paul Reiser Show re-introduces him as himself

Ed Bark — 2011-04-13T10:15:55-05:00
On-air promos for The Paul Reiser Show cast him as a true believer that you've probably forgotten all about him. ... So is the former Mad About You star's new sitcom forgettable -- or maybe a keeper?

Evolution of humankind -- from "The Bro/manzier" on Seinfeld to a "bra for the booty" on Good Morning Texas

Ed Bark — 2011-04-12T18:38:02-05:00
WFAA8's Good Morning Texas recently aired a pre-paid, in-studio segment about a line of products that can have butts bubbling up in no time. ... See exactly what we're talking about on the ever-eventful Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Some looks back at heir apparent Scott Pelley

Ed Bark — 2011-04-12T11:00:30-05:00
Former KXAS/WFAA reporter Scott Pelley is widely perceived as the frontrunner to replace Katie Couric as anchor of the CBS Evening News. On our Back Channels page, we revisit the way he was in interviews tied to his 1997 promotion to chief White House correspondent and his battlefield exploits during the early stages of the Iraq war.

ABC's Happy Endings is a comedy that deserves more happy returns

Ed Bark — 2011-04-11T18:47:46-05:00
We're in the final month before the broadcast networks officially announce what they'll be adding, subtracting and keeping for next fall. ABC's new Happy Endings is a sitcom-come-lately, but nonetheless a surprisingly amusing one.

NBC's LOLA re-arms by offing one of its own

Ed Bark — 2011-04-11T12:19:16-05:00
As NBC's on-air promos show, a re-tooled Law & Order: L.A. (LOLA) does not bode well for Skeet Ulrich's detective character. But will Monday's two-hour makeover be a gainful proposition on a network that keeps shooting itself in the foot?

Buyers beware: Auction Hunters stars invade Garland, TX

Ed Bark — 2011-04-07T18:38:50-05:00
The stars of Spike TV's Auction Hunters hit the skids, er, the sheds, in Garland, TX Thursday morning. They didn't end up buying anything, but talked a good game.

NBC5's Grant Stinchfield opts for entirely new line of work

Ed Bark — 2011-04-07T13:29:03-05:00
Veteran NBC5 reporter Grant Stinchfield is making a big U-turn in careers after deciding that the local TV news business has gotten too chancy. Get his candid assessment -- and what he'll be doing next -- on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Showtime trumpets the real-life "working stiffs" of Gigolos

Ed Bark — 2011-04-06T14:50:11-05:00
Laughable, pathetic but certainly not inhibited, the new "reality" series Gigolos shows the members of its members' only club during the course of one sexual assignment after another. Our review is up and running here.

Cougar town throwdown on CBS11's morning eye-opener

Ed Bark — 2011-04-06T04:10:48-05:00
It got a little dicey Monday during the CBS11 early morning news, with radio personality Jody Dean using the term "hoochie" to describe the attire of one of the show's frisky co-anchors. ... See how it all unfolded on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

It can't get any worse for NBC, can it? (It just did)

Ed Bark — 2011-04-05T14:29:06-05:00
In what amounts to a seismic shift, NBC now is the first Big Four broadcast network to trail Univision nationally in the key target audience of 18-to-49-year-old viewers. ... Unclebarky.com takes a closer look at these telltale Nielsen numbers on the Network News & Reviews page.

NCAA's rim-clanging "Big Dance" finale vs. ABC's Dancing as usual

Ed Bark — 2011-04-05T13:14:57-05:00
Monday night's D-FW Nielsens were a battle for bragging rights between CBS' mis-firing NCAA hoops championship game and the usual histrionics on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. We've got the final scores right here.

Wild about Harry? Smith would be best choice to succeed Couric

Ed Bark — 2011-04-05T12:10:36-05:00
Dutiful Harry Smith has done everything that's been asked of him during his long career at CBS News. Now they should ask him to succeed Katie Couric as anchor of the Evening News.

Dallas Morning News millionaires club further pads wallets; worker bees can only buzz about it

Ed Bark — 2011-04-04T18:55:06-05:00
Belo-owned Dallas Morning News hit the jackpot again last year while their employees have been without raises for several years and counting. Get the details and our take here in a story that was first reported by the CBS television affiliate in Providence, R.I., where Belo also owns a newspaper.

Beware of Fox's Breaking In entering your living room

Ed Bark — 2011-04-04T17:41:22-05:00
Fox wastes a coveted post-American Idol slot on a big dud Wednesday night. Our review of Breaking In, which at least was fun to write, is here.

WFAA8 pointedly points out what it has and rivals don't -- a trophy case full of Peabodys

Ed Bark — 2011-04-04T12:10:58-05:00
WFAA8's seventh prestigious Peabody award win last week has spurred a quick promo in which the Dallas-based station finds its rivals wanting. You can see it on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, where the latest local Nielsen "snapshot" shows WFAA8 without any ratings wins for the third straight weekday.

Poke at the Pope: Showtime's The Borgias depicts the Holy Father as The Godfather

Ed Bark — 2011-04-03T14:01:49-05:00
Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are here, with all of our previous coverage of early morning local TV intrigues now in the March 2011 archives on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page. ...But if you want to help out at no extra cost, please make your amazon.com purchases after first clicking through any of the ads on unclebarky.com pages.

The Killing gives AMC another booster shot

Ed Bark — 2011-03-31T17:16:46-05:00
From the network that really knows drama, here's another compelling one. The Killing premieres Sunday night on AMC, with developments and arrests down the line. ...Ed Bark

Here comes The Kennedys -- on ReelzChannel

Ed Bark — 2011-03-31T14:45:22-05:00
But ReelzChannel is the venue for The Kennedys, which begins unfolding on Sunday, April 3rd after executives for the History Channel decided they didn't want it after all. From the vantage point of actually watching all eight hours, they acted rather childishly.

Investigator Byron Harris wins another Peabody, adds to WFAA8's haul

Ed Bark — 2011-03-31T11:00:55-05:00
It's pretty safe to assume that Dallas-based WFAA8 has more prestigious broadcast awards than any other other local TV station in the nation. It added to its cache Thursday, with investigator Byron Harris winning another George Foster Peabody award.

CBS brings Chaos to Friday night lineup, as an appetizer for the network's usual suspects

Ed Bark — 2011-03-30T15:05:50-05:00
CBS occasionally tries something other than procedural crime/legal dramas in prime-time, but hasn't had any luck with them in recent seasons. Chaos marks another effort to live by something other than corpses 'n' courtrooms. ...Ed Bark

Camelot gives Starz a medieval leg-up on royal wedding overkill to come

Ed Bark — 2011-03-30T12:20:40-05:00
Pip, pip, Starz offers yet another take on "Arthurian legend" in its 10-episode Camelot, which premieres Friday with Joseph Fiennes as Merlin. ...Plus, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings spotlight a big first outing for ABC's Body of Proof crime drama.

Troy Bush taking flight to another venue, ending tour as HD Chopper 8 pilot/reporter

Ed Bark — 2011-03-29T11:52:24-05:00
Lack of air time at Dallas-based WFAA8 has prompted helicopter pilot/reporter Troy Bush to opt for alternative flights. ...Plus, Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are a night-long victory march for ABC/WFAA8.

White men in blackface: In Spike TV's Coal, it's part of everyday life

Ed Bark — 2011-03-28T18:45:54-05:00
Producer Thom Beers, architect of gritty workplace reality series such as Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers, gives miners their day in the sun by going underground with them in Coal. ...Ed Bark

Vietnam will get another going over -- this time by Ken Burns

Ed Bark — 2011-03-28T14:33:29-05:00
He's planning a 10-12 hour documentary on America's second most divisive war. Get the details, and some other small-screen tidbits, on our TV Bulletin Board page.

DOA? ABC ready to roll with long-delayed Body of Proof

Ed Bark — 2011-03-28T12:31:44-05:00
Announced for last fall, but delayed in transit, ABC's Body of Proof finally checks in on Tuesday night with Dana Delany as a tart-tongued corpse examiner. ...Plus, we have the D-FW Nielsen ratings for both the weekend and the previous Thursday.

No more Sams club at D-FW's CBS11

Ed Bark — 2011-03-24T17:49:43-05:00
Scott Sams' four-year tenure as CBS11's early morning co-anchor is over. ... (Hey, we gotta blow the "exclusive" horn once in a great while -- just like the TV stations do.)

HBO's first-rate Mildred Pierce takes its namesake novel to heart

Ed Bark — 2011-03-23T17:51:52-05:00
Unlike the 1945 Joan Crawford starrer, HBO's Mildred Pierce stays very true to the 1941 novel. In other words, there's no dead body, but still lots of life.

Legendary Liz will get 24-hour TCM salute

Ed Bark — 2011-03-23T13:33:16-05:00
Screen great Elizabeth Taylor, who died on Wednesday at age 79, will be remembered via many of her signature films in an April 10th Turner Classic Movies marathon. Get more details -- plus a look at her latter day TV movie career -- on our Network News & Reviews page.

WFAA8 shakes up mornings by hiring Ron Corning for Daybreak, sending Chris Flanagan to GMT

Ed Bark — 2011-03-23T10:53:52-05:00
Dallas-based WFAA8 hopes to brighten its morning ratings pictures with a new male co-anchor on Daybreak and the transfer of incumbent Chris Flanagan to Good Morning Texas. ... The Monday and Tuesday D-FW Nielsen ratings also are in.

Even Mavs-Spurs can't light a ratings fire locally

Ed Bark — 2011-03-21T13:02:05-05:00
Both sides again played hardball in Friday's last regular season encounter between the Dallas Mavericks and the arch rival, championship-laden San Antonio Spurs. Still, the game pretty much clanked in the D-FW Nielsens.

The Chris Farley Show: a book that's a bargain -- and that hits close to home

Ed Bark — 2011-03-21T11:44:46-05:00
Although published in 2008, The Chris Farley Show harkens to a certain "warlock's" current addictions. For me, the book also resonates personally.

Sheen doing Dallas, too

Ed Bark — 2011-03-18T12:50:48-05:00
But let me be among the last to tell you -- by design -- that evicted Two and a Half Men star Charlie Sheen will be bringing his "Violent Torpedo of Truth" show to Dallas on April 27th. More details on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, plus an array of comment options.

Now you, too, can see Pee-wee's Playhouse on Broadway

Ed Bark — 2011-03-18T11:28:11-05:00
The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway, set entirely in his Playhouse, ended its limited run in early January. ... Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings aren't all that rim-friendly to opening day of the NCAA b'ball tournament.

NBC will say welcome back to three Thursday night comedies

Ed Bark — 2011-03-17T16:20:33-05:00
We're getting close to the time when networks decide what to add and subtract for next fall. NBC tends to tip its hand in advance, and did so again on Thursday by announcing the returns of a trio of that night's comedies.

ABC's Good Christian Bitches would draw a big bitch from WFAA8 if it dared to use that title

Ed Bark — 2011-03-17T15:14:22-05:00
Dallas-based WFAA8 says it would "strongly protest" any attempt by ABC to air the prospective prime-time series Good Christian Bitches with that title intact. The station's response to complainants also emphasizes that the network has only committed to producing a pilot with that working title, with shooting scheduled to begin in Dallas next week.

TNT doing Dallas in Dallas

Ed Bark — 2011-03-17T12:10:21-05:00
TNT's previously announced pilot for a Dallas re-do at last officially has a home in Dallas. The Dallas Film Commission has happily put the word out, with production set to start in late April.

D-FW anchor dean Clarice Tinsley caught amid vintage love fest with TV hand puppet :)

Ed Bark — 2011-03-16T14:13:13-05:00
But at last we've unearthed a 1978 promo for Milwaukee's WITI-TV that has glimpses of Fox4's Clarice Tinsley in her last year at the station before heading here. ... See the video here, complete with a climactic, festive dinner table scene in which Tinsley breaks bread with her fellow WITI personalities, including slap-happy Albert.

Megan has A Moment

Ed Bark — 2011-03-16T13:05:33-05:00
It's now been two years since Megan Henderson left Fox4's Good Day for Los Angeles' KTLA, where she's likewise working the morning shift. Henderson clearly hasn't lost her enthusiasm for her work -- or her co-workers.

CW33's 9 p.m. news finally bottoms out with no measurable audience Tuesday in key demos

Ed Bark — 2011-03-16T11:47:31-05:00
Hey, we all live by traffic, whether driving in it or in the media's case, trying to increase it. So it's a big kick and a punch to the lower regions if you're Tuesday's 9 p.m. newscast on Dallas-based CW33.

ABC might find itself in hell's kitchen if it sticks with Good Christian Bitches

Ed Bark — 2011-03-15T15:31:34-05:00
Based on a potboiling book, ABC's Good Christian Bitches is scheduled to begin filming its pilot episode in Dallas next week. ... Or is it just enjoying all the free pub?

Peacock prevails at 10 despite thorn in side from The Bachelor

Ed Bark — 2011-03-15T13:51:10-05:00
Rosy ratings for all three hours of ABC's The Bachelor gave WFAA8's 10 p.m. newscast a more than even playing field Monday night. But NBC5 instead is serving the jumbo shrimp after its late nighter topped the D-FW field.

Race for Dallas mayor finds Mike Rawlings looking like top cop in first TV ad

Ed Bark — 2011-03-15T07:24:59-05:00
Businessman Mike Rawlings, who's running for mayor against former Dallas police chief David Kunkle, has a top cop look about him in his inaugural TV ad. ...Ed Bark

WFAA8 anchor/reporter Shon Gables cited for contempt of court, wanted back in Detroit

Ed Bark — 2011-03-15T07:15:57-05:00
Shon Gables, who both anchors and reports for Dallas-based WFAA8, has a judge-ordered bench warrant out for her arrest after losing a slander suit filed against her and allegedly twice failing to appear in a Detroit area courtroom. The details are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Lost but found at last: those "JaM" ads for the now defunct NBC5 anchor team of Jane McGarry/Mike Snyder

Ed Bark — 2011-03-14T15:11:15-05:00
See what you think of them now, along with two other eye-catching NBC5 ads that are also included on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page. ...And the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings again show relative indifference toward the Mavs, even for their really big Saturday night collision with the Lakers.

Fox4's Next a social media experiment with a two-car garage look

Ed Bark — 2011-03-11T15:09:43-06:00
Dallas-based Fox4 launched its experimental Next program at lunch time Friday. ... Also, Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings provide more windfalls for two of network TV's biggest shows.

Still coming to Dallas: the Heart Attack Grill without its dead-at-29, 570-pound spokesman

Ed Bark — 2011-03-10T14:11:35-06:00
Nightline's lead story Wednesday updated viewers about goings-on at Arizona's Heart Attack Grill, which so far has just one eatery but previously announced the June opening of a second one in Dallas. The latest angle: Heart Attack's Quadruple Bypass Burger-eating spokesman went down for the count last week at age 29.

Site set for X Factor auditions in Dallas

Ed Bark — 2011-03-10T09:13:29-06:00
Simon Cowell's The X Factor, set to premiere next fall on Fox, now has both a site and a date (which was previously announced) for its Dallas auditions. Five other U.S. cities also are in the mix.

Historically bad and getting worse: NBC's prime-time woes just won't quit

Ed Bark — 2011-03-09T14:38:58-06:00
And now, for a change of pace, let's look at another network's problems. ... NBC's predicaments run far deeper than that.

Uncle Barky diversifies brand by doing CNN -- twice

Ed Bark — 2011-03-09T11:47:22-06:00
Sorry about that, but the media marketplace is still buying, and it gave me a chance to drive all the way downtown amid typically snarled traffic on I-30 while listening to "The Ticket." ...And on my long-running first love, unclebarky.com, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are ready for your inspection.

Next please? Dallas-based Fox4 testing new show with Fiona Gorostiza, Steve Noviello

Ed Bark — 2011-03-08T18:06:32-06:00
Fox4, rolling in the D-FW ratings and in an experimental mood of late, will test-run Next this week. ... And Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings highlight the two-hour return of NBC's The Event.

University of diversity: the sequel changes it up by looking at on-air racial/gender makeups of D-FW's late night newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-03-07T16:12:09-06:00
What you see if what you get get on D-FW's late night local newscasts. ...Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings spotlight the performances of new and returning Sunday night "reality" series.

Cuban courts Sheen for unscripted series on HDNet

Ed Bark — 2011-03-05T15:15:23-06:00
Having once given a weekly TV series to Dennis Rodman, Dallas Mavericks and HDNet owner Mark Cuban hopes to walk on the wild side anew by doing a deal with Charlie Sheen. Get the details on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Three new Sunday series shift Uncle Barky into overdrive

Ed Bark — 2011-03-04T11:27:21-06:00
A pair of competing reality hours and a new A&E scripted series about cons chasing escaped cons are arriving in prime-time Sunday. ... Namely, ABC's Secret Millionaire, NBC's America's Next Great Restaurant and A&E's Breakout Kings.

CBS11 makes station history with doubleheader ratings "sweeps" win while Fox4 paces demo derby

Ed Bark — 2011-03-03T14:00:24-06:00
The four-week February "sweeps" ratings are history, with CBS11 and Fox4 the only stations entitled to wear party hats while WFAA8 tries on a dunce cap and NBC5 again comes away with nothing. ... Plus, Wednesday's D-FW Nielsens also are in the house.

Idol alternatives: PBS is musically inclined Wednesday night with specials on 1970s "Troubadours" (Taylor, King, etc.) and Harry Connick, Jr.

Ed Bark — 2011-03-02T11:18:27-06:00
PBS hits a number of high notes Wednesday night with two 90-minute specials -- Troubadours: Carole King/James Taylor & the Rise of the Singer-Songwriter and Harry Connick, Jr. in Concert on Broadway. ... Plus, big ratings in D-FW Tuesday night for Charlie Sheen's latest discombobulations raise the question of who's enabling him more -- the networks or his viewers.

It only takes one: Life-defining photos for the late Jane Russell, Suze Rotolo

Ed Bark — 2011-03-01T13:22:40-06:00
Obituaries for Jane Russell and Suze Rotolo ran side-by-side in Tuesday's edition of The New York Times. ...Plus, Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings chart the void left by another Two and a Half Men repeat and CBS11's topsy turvy approach to its 10 p.m.

New image campaign for NBC5's early morning team; new cast for Dancing

Ed Bark — 2011-03-01T05:16:15-06:00
Fort Worth-based NBC5, still a solid if unspectacular No. 2 in the early mornings behind Fox4, has launched a series of new 30-second spots on behalf of its four waker-uppers. ...Also, as a new month comes into view, please remember to make any amazon purchases you might have in mind by first clicking on one of the ads on any unclebarky.com page.

Oscar numbers droop, nationally/locally

Ed Bark — 2011-02-28T14:28:54-06:00
ABC says Sunday night's 83rd annual Oscar ceremony drew the 2nd biggest audience since 2007. ... Get the complete local and national Nielsen numbers on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Captain Kirk's star turn livens a night of predictable Oscar wins

Ed Bark — 2011-02-28T07:29:12-06:00
Sunday night's Oscar ceremony on ABC was designed to attract more younger viewers via hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco. Still, a visitor from Old Hollywood managed to pretty much steal the show.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 25th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-02-28T07:22:45-06:00
Pant-pant, our concluding February "sweeps" compendium is in the books. See what Friday wrought.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 24th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-02-25T14:20:06-06:00
All four major TV news providers again led with the same story on Thursday's late nighters. Not surprisingly it was news of the arrest of an alleged would-be terrorist who had been enrolled at Texas Tech University.

Latest Sheen rant prompts CBS to stop production on Two and a Half Men for remainder of season

Ed Bark — 2011-02-24T20:17:47-06:00
A Thursday radio in which Charlie Sheen repeatedly insulted the executive producer of Two and a Half Men has finally provoked CBS and the show's production company, Warner Bros. Television, to end production for the rest of this season.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 23rd's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-02-24T14:31:11-06:00
Truth in packaging: Wednesday's collection of D-FW late nighters wasn't exactly spine-tingling. But at least one newscast had enough ups and downs to flesh out our latest compendium.

With their training wheels finally off, Hathaway/Franco get ready to roll toward Oscars

Ed Bark — 2011-02-23T16:59:44-06:00
Anne Hathaway and James Franco, the surprise picks to host this year's Oscars, seem ready to go, judging from their amusing final short film from "boot camp." You can see it here.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 22nd's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-02-23T13:38:17-06:00
The adventures continue, with Tuesday night bringing a staged pilfering of Fox4 anchor Heather Hays' purse on the big 9 p.m. show. ...Also, ABC's Tuesday prime-time lineup achieves cult status in D-FW while CBS pounds its chest.

Married to the blob -- and hoping to change that on pound foolish Shedding for the Wedding

Ed Bark — 2011-02-22T19:44:35-06:00
Resemblances to The Biggest Loser are utterly intentional on The CW's new Shedding for the Wedding. Could that be because they share the same creator/executive producer?

Up-close and objective: Feb. 21st's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-02-22T14:33:21-06:00
Plus there's much more in our latest in-depth look at D-FW's late night news coverage during the ongoing February "sweeps" ratings period. Plus, see which of Sunday's big sporting events had more local viewers -- NASCAR's Daytona 500 or the NBA's All-Star game.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 18th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-02-21T13:13:51-06:00
Lots went on Friday -- at least on two of the four major TV news providers' late night editions. Our latest ratings "sweeps"-tied play-by-play can be found right here.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 17th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-02-18T15:57:12-06:00
There's lots of new stuff to hash over on Day 4 of our two-week February "sweeps" content analysis-palooza. Including of course that Band of Brothers reunion -- on CBS11 -- of former WFAA8 stalwarts Tracy Rowlett and Troy Dungan.

CBS11 still rolling in late night news ratings while rubbing it in with Rowlett/Dungan reunion

Ed Bark — 2011-02-18T11:32:36-06:00
Front-running CBS11 routed the onetime ratings juggernaut with help from live appearances by two former WFAA8 stars, news anchor Tracy Rowlett and weathercaster Troy Dungan. ...It should be noted that a substantial lead-in audience from CBS' The Mentalistdidn't hurt CBS11's 10 p.m. ratings prospects.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 16th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-02-17T17:39:21-06:00
Plus we also scour the late nighters on Fox4, NBC5 and WFAA8 on Day 3 of our two-week look at February "sweeps" news content. ...And on my home away from home, locatetv.com, take a look at the Oscar Q&A, which includes interesting TV pasts for co-hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco.

Midway point of Feb. "sweeps" finds CBS11, Fox4 faring best

Ed Bark — 2011-02-17T11:12:28-06:00
Overall local newscast audiences are up compared to a year ago, thanks in no small part to the heavy barrage of winter weather at the outset of the February "sweeps" ratings period. At the halfway mark, Fox4 and CBS11 so far are in the best positions to finish with the most firsts.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 15th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-02-16T13:31:01-06:00
Fox4's extended live interview with again embattled Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price led the night's coverage of the big public hearing blowup. ... Plus, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings "snapshot" updates the path toward what could be a mega-upset in the February "sweeps" 10 p.m. newscast rankings.

Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior debuts on CBS (maybe there oughta be a law?)

Ed Bark — 2011-02-15T17:46:16-06:00
CBS has tried other drama genres, but viewers keep cringing at pretty much everything except crime 'n' punishment. So here we go again with the Wednesday night launch of Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior.

Up-close and objective: Feb. 14th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2011-02-15T16:00:04-06:00
We're in the midst of the four-week February ratings "sweeps," and unclebarky.com again hears that familiar old siren song. So for the next two weeks, we'll again be putting a microscope on the late night newscasts newscasts from Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11.

How the DOA debut of Lone Star shook Fox's world; another CW33 personality leaves the building

Ed Bark — 2011-02-14T11:52:26-06:00
While TNT mulls whether to shoot the pilot of its Dallas remake in Dallas, we revisit the shock waves felt at Fox when its modern day Dallas, a k a the critically praised Lone Star, premiered with deathly Nielsen ratings. Plus, weeknight sports anchor Desmond Purnell is the latest to leave Dallas-based CW33.

Mad Love puts Pie star Biggs in Monday night sitcom menu

Ed Bark — 2011-02-11T12:27:08-06:00
CBS' still potent Monday night comedy lineup again shuffles the deck, with Jason Biggs' Mad Love arriving while Rules of Engagement moves on down the road to Wednesdays. ... Also, Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are in.

Former CBS11 weekend anchor Suzanne Sena now the diva of Onion News Network

Ed Bark — 2011-02-10T18:57:04-06:00
IFC's new weekly Onion News Network series is built around the vainglorious performance of fake anchor Brooke Alvarez. In a not-too-distant earlier life, she was Fort Worth-based CBS11's Suzanne Sena.

Current TV premieres first scripted series, hopes to someday be real network

Ed Bark — 2011-02-10T15:52:26-06:00
Al Gore's Current TV is making as big a splash as it can this week, following its surprise hiring of Keith Olbermann with an announcement of other new programming and the Friday night premiere of a weird, viewer-driven series called Bar Karma. ... Plus, Wednesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings chart the local reception for Matthew Perry's new Mr.

Dirk joins Fox's "Animation Domination" lineup

Ed Bark — 2011-02-09T13:32:56-06:00
But the Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki is voicing his cartoon self on this Sunday's NBA All-Star episode of Fox's The Cleveland Show. ... Also, Fox4's 9 p.m. local newscast cleaned up in Tuesday's D-FW ratings as another winter storm prepared to pounce.

ABC premieres Mr. Sunshine; D-FW stations again offer extended early morning "winter blast" coverage

Ed Bark — 2011-02-09T08:42:48-06:00
Former Friends star Matthew Perry's Mr. ... Plus, the network morning shows on ABC, CBS and NBC again get iced in D-FW by extended winter weather coverage.

Olbermann swims with the Current (cable network); disappointing numbers for <iChicago Code debut

Ed Bark — 2011-02-08T13:23:25-06:00
Keith Olbermann has joined forces with the currently almost invisible Current TV network, which was co-founded by Al Gore. ... Plus, Fox's The Chicago Code falters on opening night, both nationally and in the D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Traffic Light shines on Fox while Larry the Cable Guy makes History (formerly History Channel)

Ed Bark — 2011-02-08T10:55:09-06:00
Prime-time's latest relationship comedy, Fox's Traffic Light, is well worth a stop Tuesday night. ... We also critique Larry the Cable Guy's new series, History's Only in America.

XX random observations on Super Bowl XLV

Ed Bark — 2011-02-07T15:39:37-06:00
Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers with Terry Bradshaw. Photo: Ed Bark Now that I'm reasonably recovered from celebrating the Packers' victory in Super Bowl XLV, here are XX random observations about the game and events surrounding it.

Fox goes for cops 'n' corruption in The Chicago Code

Ed Bark — 2011-02-04T16:35:11-06:00
The latest drama series from Shawn Ryan, creator of The Shield, will get a super-big buildup during Super Bowl XLV before premiering on Monday. See our review of The Chicago Code.

Winter wonderland (or blunderland)? Friday morning snowfall greatly exceeds forecasts

Ed Bark — 2011-02-04T11:18:06-06:00
D-FW's morning TV news programs again went into overtime Friday when the snow accumulation dwarfed the previous day's predictions. We take a closer look here, with our usual array of pictures.

Idol's hour in Austin gives Fox4 Texas-sized ratings

Ed Bark — 2011-02-03T17:13:45-06:00
Frigid weather and an audition show from Austin ballooned American Idol to its biggest D-FW ratings of the season Wednesday while Fox4 also celebrated a landmark January in late night news. Plus, Bart Starr will be in North Texas Saturday to present an award named after him at the NFL's annual Athletes in Action Super Bowl breakfast But how good was he as the Green Bay Packers' general during the Vince Lombardi glory years?

And Jerry is angling for Super Bowl L (50)? Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!!!!!!!!

Ed Bark — 2011-02-02T16:29:27-06:00
Not to snow or sleet on Jerry's rose-colored glasses outlook, but your friendly content provider is certain this will be the first and last Super Bowl in North Texas -- unless they put a plexiglass bubble over everything. ...Plus, a woman reporter from a Green Bay TV station visits a local barbecue joint and says during her dispatch, "I'm lookin' at your vast array of meats here."

Icy grip grips D-FW newscast watchers

Ed Bark — 2011-02-02T11:56:56-06:00
Tuesday's extended storm coverage on D-FW's major TV news providers led to super-sized ratings for all. ... And The Kennedys miniseries, dumped by History Channel and rejected by other networks, finally has a TV home.

Pilot for TNT's Dallas re-do to include appearances by trifecta of Hagman, Gray, Duffy

Ed Bark — 2011-02-02T06:29:28-06:00
TNT officially has greenlighted a pilot for its possible second generation Dallas series, with Larry Hagman, Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy reprising their roles from the CBS original. ... Get the details on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Hookers headin' here(?) for Jerry's Super Bowl sex-arama

Ed Bark — 2011-02-01T16:02:28-06:00
D-FW's two 10 p.m. ratings kingpins, WFAA8 and CBS11, had dueling stories Monday on the possibilities that prostitutes will be pouring into North Texas for Super Bowl week. ... Plus, your latest daily dose of Uncle Barky's native state Packers winds back to the glory days of the team's all-time greatest player.

DFW's early morning TV news troops again leave us cold

Ed Bark — 2011-02-01T10:20:43-06:00
Tuesday morning dawned as a bonafide bad weather day, just like D-FW's TV weathercasters said it would be. Our picture page and accompanying text shows what it was like out in the field for the market's early-rising cold warriors.

One night stands (on CBS11) for former WFAA8 mainstays Rowlett, Dungan

Ed Bark — 2011-02-01T02:36:34-06:00
The February ratings "sweeps" start Thursday, with WFAA8 and CBS11 expected to wage another pitched battle for 10 p.m supremacy. Two former WFAA8 biggies, anchor Tracy Rowlett and weathercaster Troy Dungan, will be brought into battle for one night only -- on CBS11.

Glee stars help plan your Super Bowl party while Uncle Barky keeps pushing Packers

Ed Bark — 2011-01-31T16:00:52-06:00
That crock pot Super Bowl XLV party dip from Glee star Matthew Morrison actually sounds awfully good. ... Our latest little Packer backer entry clotheslines Jerry Jones while extolling Green Bay's goldie-locked He-Man.

NBC5 gives Scruggs 'n' Barrie a wingwoman

Ed Bark — 2011-01-31T12:19:38-06:00
Fort Worth-based NBC5 has hired Rontina McCann from a Cincinnati TV station to bolster its two-man sports staff. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show that even the NFL's lamest showcase, the Pro Bowl, can draw a pretty large crowd.

Syfy's Mega Python Vs Gatoroid a perfectably respectable way to waste a Saturday night

Ed Bark — 2011-01-28T12:51:48-06:00
Also, our series of odes to your friendly content provider's native Green Bay Packers continues with the origin of the "Lambeau Leap." And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show significant Idol slippage from a week ago, but not enough to keep it from again squashing all competing programs.

CMT's Working Class throws another loud, broad retro sitcom on the fire

Ed Bark — 2011-01-27T18:29:16-06:00
The latest basic cable network to take the plunge is countrified CMT, where former Reba co-star Melissa Peterman takes the wheel of Working Class with Ed Asner dispensing his usual guff. ...And at my home away from home, locatetv.com, there's a look at the latest CBS crimebuster series, with a spotlight on co-star Janeane Garofalo.

FX's Archer gets cartoon exemption in terms of teen-themed sexual content

Ed Bark — 2011-01-26T18:15:11-06:00
But few are likely to raise hell about FX's animated Archer, which returns in fine provocative form with a Season 2 opener that depicts a topless 16-year-old temptress. ... Plus, the second in a series of Wisconsin native Uncle Barky's Super Bowl XLV run-up is a tribute to hometown Racine's singular achievement -- the Kringle.

Making up is hard to do on new Syfy Face Off series starring special effects aspirants

Ed Bark — 2011-01-26T12:52:03-06:00
Syfy's Face Off, premiering Wednesday, instead is a fairly fascinating competition among makeup artists who hope to transform themselves into behind-the-scenes movie or TV stars. ... And our first installment in a sometimes cheesy pre-Super Bowl series looks at a vintage shaving commercial starring three legends from Uncle Barky's native state Green Bay Packers.

Gasp, Judy Woodruff has publicly shared opinions (even though she insisted she didn't); plus, a look at the Rivers' latest yuck

Ed Bark — 2011-01-24T19:41:39-06:00
Judy Woodruff made a big, big point during the recent TV Critics Association "press tour" about how she never shares her views on the news in a public fashion. ... Plus, we break down the D-FW Nielsen ratings for Sunday's big NFC and AFC championship games.

Olbermann abruptly out at MSNBC (should CNN come calling?)

Ed Bark — 2011-01-22T11:43:57-06:00
Keith Olbermann and his MSNBC Countdown program hit the streets Friday night after the network sacked the volatile commentator. ... We slice and dice here.

Picturing the Jan. 2011 network TV "press tour"

Ed Bark — 2011-01-21T15:09:30-06:00
Get up-close with Oprah, Conan, Paris, Joan (yipes) and assorted other stars via your friendly content provider's latest TV "press tour" photo album. ...Ed Bark

Onion News Network a gut-buster; Idol holds off Big Bang

Ed Bark — 2011-01-21T12:07:14-06:00
Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show Idol still flexing on Night 2 of its retooled Season 10. And at my home away from home, locatetv.com, creator/producer JJ Abrams frets about Fringe's new night while fessing up about Undercovers.

Spartacus prequel cranks it up

Ed Bark — 2011-01-20T18:48:54-06:00
Starz launches Spartacus: Gods of the Arena Friday night. Fans of the original's heavy-duty violence, language and nudity won't be at all disappointed.

Idol re-flexes, crunching poor Paula among others/USA launches another light 'n' breezy drama series

Ed Bark — 2011-01-20T13:03:46-06:00
Affixed with new judges and a more congenial 'tude, American Idol launched Season 10 Wednesday night. ... Plus, USA has another new series, this one called Fairly Legal with former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Sarah Shahi lookin' good in the lead.

Tale of two sitcoms: TV Land again goes broad with Retired at 35 while NBC's Perfect Couples may make you wanna ralph

Ed Bark — 2011-01-19T17:24:19-06:00
TV Land's new companion piece for Hot in Cleveland is similarly old-school and elderly while NBC again goes the twentysomething route with Perfect Couples, an abysmal addition to its all-night Thursday comedy bloc. Plus, we offer both a marathon edition of "Local Nielsen Ratings Snapshot" -- and a li'l one that encompasses only Tuesday.

Son of Back to DFW: The Sequel (Part 2)

Ed Bark — 2011-01-18T00:20:36-06:00
Your FCP (Friendly Content Provider) has returned from the annual winter network TV "press tour" with visions of the Green Bay Packers participating in the first Super Bowl held within the Wisconsin-sized confines of Jerry's Palace. ...Meanwhile, unclebarky.com has a catchup round of local TV developments plus reviews of two new series, NBC's Harry's Law and Syfy's Being Human.

Happy New Year!!! (before I head West again)

Ed Bark — 2010-12-31T10:55:00-06:00
Meanwhile, I'll be heading to presumably sunny Southern California again for the annual January network TV "press tour," which runs from Jan. ...Unclebarky.com otherwise is well-stocked with early reviews of significant new series that will premiere during the 11 days of show-and-tell in Pasadena.

Merry Christmas to one and all

Ed Bark — 2010-12-24T10:54:31-06:00
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Presenting 2010's top 10 national TV developments

Ed Bark — 2010-12-23T14:52:53-06:00
As the year winds down, unclebarky.com looks back at 2010's top national headliners. You'll find our annual countdown on the "Making a List" page.

CBS announces new midseason schedule

Ed Bark — 2010-12-22T10:57:21-06:00
1 CBS will be ringing in the New Year with a handful of significant changes, including the eventual banishment of William Shatner's pain-in-the-ass-to-type sitcom. Also, the red-hot Dallas Mavericks drummed up some local interest in Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Hello, they must be going: our annual look at the year in D-FW television news departures

Ed Bark — 2010-12-21T16:26:33-06:00
Click here for our 2010 list of on-camera news personalities who now are no longer with Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8, CBS11/TXA21 or CW33. Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show the Mavs are still having a hard time making much of a dent, even with Monday night's big road win over LeBron's Miami Heat.

Injured Romo completes big pass anyway

Ed Bark — 2010-12-17T19:00:25-06:00
CW33 is really downplaying (hah!) the engagement of its own beauteous Candice Crawford to the Dallas Cowboys' resident gentleman who prefers blondes.

King abdicates amid a gaggle of A-list well-wishers and a side order of malaprops

Ed Bark — 2010-12-17T18:01:36-06:00
More than a quarter-century after its inception, Larry King let go of Larry King Live Thursday night. ...Plus, we remember late, great pitcher Bob Feller via a vintage "Back Channels" story that found him as ringmaster of a traveling Hall of Fame exhibit at a Hurst shopping mall.

Another hoot: Newt again wants a big-money donation from Dallas gentlemen's club

Ed Bark — 2010-12-16T13:22:42-06:00
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's conservative American Solutions organization is hitting up The Lodge for money again. The Dallas-based gentlemen's club has responded by gifting him with a lifetime VIP card.

Aguilar vs. Fox: a final post-mortem

Ed Bark — 2010-12-15T16:35:33-06:00
I've put together some closing thoughts on what it was like to cover the Rebecca Aguilar vs. ... And at my home away from home, locatetv.com, I've got a little discourse on Larry King's impending farewell.

Showtime rises up to best HBO in Golden Globes noms for TV series; former CW33 anchor Tom Crespo finds new home with his old boss

Ed Bark — 2010-12-14T10:53:04-06:00
The latest Golden Globe nominations are a huge boost for Showtime, which for the first time bested HBO in the weekly series TV categories. Also, former CW33 anchor Tom Crespo has a new TV desk job after nearly two years out of the biz.

Day 6: Judgment day in Aguilar vs. Fox trial is a big win for her former employer

Ed Bark — 2010-12-13T18:29:40-06:00
A 12-member jury ruled unanimously and quickly Monday in favor of Fox's defense against former reporter Rebecca Aguilar's civil suit charging wrongful termination based on racial discrimination and retaliation. Our exclusive and compete account is here.

HBO's Lombardi documentary looks at legendary Green Bay coach while mostly leaving out his two big cheeses

Ed Bark — 2010-12-11T14:43:21-06:00
As a native Wisconsinite who grew up during the Green Bay Packers' glory years, I eagerly anticipated HBO's Lombardi documentary. ... And at least two key players are largely missing in action.

Day 5: Testimony ends in Aguilar vs. Fox with Clarice Tinsley as last witness

Ed Bark — 2010-12-10T18:01:32-06:00
Fox wrongful termination trial got some last-minute star power Friday when the dean of D-FW news anchors, Clarice Tinsley, became the last witness to testify. ...Also, the jointly operated CBS11/TXA21 stations have a new weekend anchor, which meant an exit Friday for three-year vet Nerissa Knight.

Day 4: Aguilar takes stand -- for probable last stand against Fox4

Ed Bark — 2010-12-09T20:08:44-06:00
Former Fox4 reporter Rebecca Aguilar testified on her behalf for much of Thursday's Day 4 of her wrongful termination suit against Fox4. ... Our detailed "exclusive" coverage -- there, I said it -- is right here.

Defense amasses evidence against Aguilar in Day 3 of trial

Ed Bark — 2010-12-09T06:18:20-06:00
Instead, attorneys for Dallas-based Fox4 guided news director Maria Barrs through her series of decidedly mixed performance evaluations of former reporter Rebecca Aguilar. ... Aguilar, who is suing Fox4 for wrongful termination, testified for a few minutes at the end of the trial's Day 3.

Day 2: Aguilar vs. Fox

Ed Bark — 2010-12-08T06:39:46-06:00
Tuesday brought another full day of testimony in the wrongful termination civil suit filed by former Fox4 reporter Rebecca Aguilar against her previous employers. ... Because it affords a prime opportunity to get a look at the inner workings of a big-time local television news provider in times when virtually all media companies are increasingly secretive about how and why they do what they do.

Hard punches thrown on Day 1 of Aguilar-Fox court battle

Ed Bark — 2010-12-07T06:50:37-06:00
Former Fox4 reporter Rebecca Aguilar's wrongful termination suit against her previous employers began Monday in Dallas with jury selection and some barbed opening statements by opposing attorneys. ...P.S. The new design you're seeing on some pages is not entirely by design.

Still no car chases or body bags: TNT's Men of a Certain Age returns for Season 2

Ed Bark — 2010-12-03T11:53:59-06:00
Imagine a prime-time TV drama series in which no one gets arrested, solves a crime, prosecutes a case, fires a gun or wields a scalpel. That would be TNT's still finely rendered Men of a Certain Age, which returns for a second season on Monday.

Bing Crosby ( or Bing Who? to readers of a certain age) has new collection of old Christmas specials

Ed Bark — 2010-12-02T14:24:25-06:00
Bing Crosby, the "White Christmas" dude, stars in a newly released two-disc DVD collection of several Christmas specials. It includes the last one, which had that against-all-odds "Little Drummer Boy" duet with David Bowie.

A little night music (and for KXAS/Ch.5 that used to mean lots of sax appeal)

Ed Bark — 2010-12-02T01:04:32-06:00
We begin December with a look back at a still fairly stylish 1988 "Night Team" promo for Fort Worth-based KXAS-TV before it became NBC5 under the thumb of network ownership. ...You can send a few pennies worth of commission into the unclebarky.com piggy bank if you first click on one of the amazon ads on any of our pages before making your purchases.

Former launcher of KDAF-TV newscasts takes new post in Texoma

Ed Bark — 2010-11-30T16:56:23-06:00
Ex-CW33 news director Anthony Maisel, who launched prime-time local newscasts on the station when it was still a WB affiliate, is returning to the TV news biz at KXII-TV in the Texoma area. ... Plus, your friendly content provider's latest locatetv.com dispatch takes an up-close look at the Oscar ceremony's unconventional host pairing.

CBS shuffles Early Show deck (chairs)

Ed Bark — 2010-11-30T12:01:59-06:00
CBS is parting ways with its entire early morning roster of personalities in hopes of somehow making its long-struggling waker-upper competitive with NBC's Today and ABC's Good Morning America. ... And at our home away from home, locatetv.com, check out a selective list of upcoming Christmas specials and episodes.

New blood for Oscar hosts -- and an old pro takes leave of the mortal coil

Ed Bark — 2010-11-29T18:17:41-06:00
Oscar's new hosting duo was announced Monday. You could take a thousand guesses -- and never come up with these two.

Nip/tuck 10 p.m. November "sweeps" news races go to WFAA8 while CBS11 scores first-ever 6 p.m. win

Ed Bark — 2010-11-29T12:08:11-06:00
We're back from a Thanksgiving week sojourn and returning to business with a painstaking breakdown of how WFAA8 nipped CBS11 at the November "sweeps" tape to win D-FW's marquee 10 p.m. local news wars. Runnerup CBS11 also is celebrating its first-ever win at 6 p.m. while Fox4 has regained the early morning crowns.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!

Ed Bark — 2010-11-21T19:07:17-06:00
Thanksgiving Day is nearing, and unclebarky.com will be out and about and off for this week. ...And many thanks for your continued readership.

NBC5 makes it five meteorologists

Ed Bark — 2010-11-21T19:00:36-06:00
Fort Worth-based NBC5 has hired a new meteorologist who's making a big jump in market size and has a weather-ready surname. ...Ed Bark

Lennon recalibrated in two standout PBS specials

Ed Bark — 2010-11-21T12:40:13-06:00
John Lennon returns up close and personal in Lennon Naked and LENNONYC. ...Ed Bark

Idol moves to new night while made-in-Dallas The Good Guys gets moved out in Fox's new midseason scheme of things

Ed Bark — 2010-11-19T20:08:09-06:00
Fox announced its new midseason lineup early Friday evening. The many changes include a new night for American Idol's results show and a goodbye to The Good Guys, which was nice having in Dallas for its 20 episodes.

Up-close and objective: Nov. 18th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2010-11-19T16:28:11-06:00
Our concluding November "sweeps" compendium looks at a rare species lately making a comeback -- anchors who actually get out and report. ... And their identities "may shock you," as they used to say in the biz, but not so much anymore.

Up-close and objective: Nov. 17th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2010-11-18T12:57:40-06:00
Our latest compendium spotlights a gem of a human interest story by WFAA8 reporter Gary Reaves and an oversell by one of his colleagues. ... And lo and behold, a new "Ask Uncle Barky" entertains several questions, including the current whereabouts of former Fox4 anchor Baron James.

Up-close and objective: Nov. 16th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2010-11-17T15:58:57-06:00
Which D-FW news anchor got some "exclusive" backstage time with George W. ... And why should it come as no surprise?

Dubious achievement for CBS11 sports anchor and former NFL QB Babe Laufenberg

Ed Bark — 2010-11-17T11:41:40-06:00
Former Cowboys backup QB Babe Laufenberg, now the veteran CBS11 sports anchor, scored very high on a new deadspin.com list. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show CBS11 punching back at 10 p.m.

Up-close and objective: Nov. 15th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2010-11-16T16:37:57-06:00
Or to put it another way, Hansen and weathercaster Pete Delkus played in the sand again, but to a degree not seen before. Also, Monday's D-FW Nielsen ratings show that WFAA8 may have profited at 10 p.m. from its earlier prime-time tomfoolery.

Institute of lower learning: TBS has clunker in college-set Glory Daze

Ed Bark — 2010-11-15T17:33:15-06:00
The promos have been incessant. Now it's time for TV critics to take aim at TBS' Glory Daze.

NBC chases made-in-North Texas Chase to new night, launches all-comedy lineup on Thursdays

Ed Bark — 2010-11-15T15:44:42-06:00
You really will need a scorecard to divine all the midseason changes NBC is making. Consider it done on our TV Bulletin Board page.

Up-close and objective: Nov. 12th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2010-11-15T11:04:57-06:00
A Braum's ice cream shop in Greenville partly blew its top Friday, sending D-FW newscasts scurrying to cover another weather "event." ... Plus, the Dallas Cowboys' big win Sunday at New York under new head coach Jason Garrett paid big dividends in the D-FW Nielsen ratings, too.

Up-close and objective: Nov. 11th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2010-11-12T16:07:25-06:00
Here we go again, with lots to say about Thursday's late night newsers on Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11. ...We extoll his virtues while also providing a look at a recent instant classic about a deceased man and a dog that just won't let him go.

Ongoing battles for D-FW newscast supremacy at midpoint of Nov. sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-11-12T10:07:36-06:00
WFAA8 and CBS11 again are in a too-close-to-call heavyweight fight at 10 p.m. while CBS11 is trying to win the 6 p.m. newscast ratings competition for the first time in its history. For a closer look at the halfway point of the November sweeps ratings wars, go here.

Up-close and objective: Nov. 10th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2010-11-11T17:36:24-06:00
We accentuate the positive -- with some snide helpings of snide -- in unclebarky.com's lingering looks at Wednesday's flagship newscasts on Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11. It's all right here.

Country's big night a yee-haw for ABC/WFAA8

Ed Bark — 2010-11-11T10:53:05-06:00
Plus, CNN names names for the first time in a "Keep 'em Honest" promo aimed at its two partisan cable news rivals, Fox News Channel and MSNBC. And on my home away from home, locatetv.com, see what Tracy Morgan had to say about his upcoming HBO special and making a movie with Al Pacino.

Up-close and objective: Nov. 9th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2010-11-10T15:34:16-06:00
WFAA8 investigator Byron Harris struck again Tuesday night while Fox4 took reporter "involvement" into the station's lunch room. ... Also, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings are in the books.

The selling of George W.'s book, with Oprah buying in and Hannity rolling over

Ed Bark — 2010-11-10T08:49:36-06:00
Bush appeared in disparate venues Tuesday as his book tour gained steam. How was he received on The Oprah Winfrey Show?

Up-close and objective: Nov. 8th's late night D-FW newscasts

Ed Bark — 2010-11-09T15:55:23-06:00
Oh no you didn't. ... Our ratings "sweeps" scrutiny of D-FW's four principal late night newscasts returns for a limited engagement.

TBS' Conan stirs late night pot, complete with parting shots at NBC

Ed Bark — 2010-11-09T09:21:59-06:00
Conan O'Brien returned to the late night battlefield Monday night after TBS floated an incessant blimp-centric promotional campaign. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show how well he did in D-FW.

MSNBC's suspension of Olbermann is like disciplining a monkey for eating a banana

Ed Bark — 2010-11-06T10:59:28-05:00
Wow, Keith Olbermann contributed money to Democratic candidates!!! And MSNBC cites NBC News "policy and standards" in suspending him!!!

Texas guv does Morning Joe in interests of selling new book. Period

Ed Bark — 2010-11-05T14:50:37-05:00
Rick Perry, triumphant anew after his rout of opponent Bill White, showed up on MSNBC's Morning Joe Friday to push his new book, Fed Up!... He also let it be known that he prays daily for President Obama, who he referred to as simply "Obama."

Bearded ladies, laddie on CBS11; uncommon Elvis impersonator on Letterman

Ed Bark — 2010-11-05T13:06:53-05:00
The anchors of CBS11's early morning show paid up their World Series bet with a San Francisco station Friday morning. ... Also, rescued Chilean miner Edison Pena made a very memorable appearance Thursday on Late Show with David Letterman.

Letterman whips Leno in three major ratings food groups for first time since NBC's Tonight reclaimed him (but that's not all)

Ed Bark — 2010-11-04T14:13:33-05:00
David Letterman is late night's new king for a week -- at least among the broadcast network /jokers/talkers/greeters. But someone else has spanked both of them for the first time among advertiser-craved 18-to-49-year-olds.

New look for CW33 news -- which actually looks better content-wise, too (for at least one night)

Ed Bark — 2010-11-04T11:52:15-05:00
Dallas-based CW33 has a sparkling new set for its 9 p.m. local newscasts. And with a purge at the top of its owner, the Tribune Co., maybe the content will get a chance to shine a bit, too.

All hail The Larry Sanders Show in a new complete series set

Ed Bark — 2010-11-03T16:46:22-05:00
And you can pretty much find it in each and every episode of HBO's The Larry Sanders Show, which made 89 of them before bowing out in 1998. ...Factory revisits the treacherous, behind-the-scenes late night terrain that Larry Sanders made famous before NBC turned it into an art from with its Conan O'Brien/Jay Leno dance of death.

Technical knockout (but unclebarky.com now back on feet)

Ed Bark — 2010-11-03T00:33:22-05:00
But we're back in play now, giving you the complete local ratings for the last three World Series games plus the Cowboys' Sunday afternoon debacle against Jacksonville. ...It's also time for another brief notation that any amazon purchases made after first clicking through the ads on unclebarky.com will provide yours truly with a small percentage of the proceeds.

AMC's Walking Dead a Halloween night corpse fest with ample room for character development

Ed Bark — 2010-10-29T11:32:04-05:00
AMC's fourth original series, The Walking Dead, takes advertiser-supported TV to new levels of violence. ... Plus, Game 2 of the Texas Rangers-infused World Series takes a bit of a ratings dive thanks to a super-embarrassing loss.

Eighth inning from hell: why are the Rangers suddenly playing like T-ballers?

Ed Bark — 2010-10-28T23:36:17-05:00
Well, that was certainly embarrassing. ... Our take on the Rangers' 9-0 Game 2 World Series loss to the Giants is here.

Bubbly early morning debut for CBS11's newest anchor, Lisa Pineiro

Ed Bark — 2010-10-28T12:23:01-05:00
CBS11's ratings-challenged early morning program added newcomer Lisa Pineiro to the mix Thursday on the first day of the November "sweeps" ratings period. ...And KETK-TV, the NBC affiliate station in Tyler, TX, shamefully resorts to the Dark Ages by asking viewers whether "the acceptance of homosexuality in this society will be the downfall of America?"

Last stand: Cowboys' crushing defeat on Monday Night Football edges Rangers resounding close-out of Yankees on TBS

Ed Bark — 2010-10-27T12:32:38-05:00
But the 'Pokes disastrous Monday Night Football outing against New York could still claim dubious bragging rights over the North Texas Nine's Friday night ALCS triumph over some other New Yorkers. ...Plus, we have Tuesday's D-FW ratings "snapshot" and a review of Syfy's new Hollywood Treasure collectibles series.

He's a "baseball guy" (so deal with it) -- a swing for the fences interview with WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen

Ed Bark — 2010-10-26T15:12:56-05:00
WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen rolls with your brushback pitches -- and throws some, too -- during a relentlessly candid interview with unclebarky.com before leaving on a jet plane for the first two Rangers-Giants World Series games in San Francisco. ...McGraw is resigning from the Dallas-based station's newsroom, which is pretty much in keeping with recent high-level departures at the Tribune parent company.

The defense rests, letting Giants score 31 straight points after Romo's big break

Ed Bark — 2010-10-26T01:14:20-05:00
Monday Night Football commentators justifiably wondered what happened to the "juice" in the Cowboys defense after the Giants fell behind 20-7. That's also a key ingredient in the game that iced QB Tony Romo for who knows how many weeks to come.

Buh-bye to the best team money can buy. Instead it's the Rangers heisting the Series

Ed Bark — 2010-10-23T00:55:47-05:00
Taking out the Yanks to make your first-ever appearance in the World Series? ... And we've got lotsa pictures to prove it.

Welcome back: after just a short absence, here comes Sherlock Holmes again

Ed Bark — 2010-10-22T17:15:16-05:00
The sleuth that stirs the drink has his own website now in another "re-imagining" of case-cracking Sherlock Holmes and his partner, Dr. ... The address is PBS, but also still 221 B Baker Street, for a series of three new movies that begin on Sunday, Oct. 24th.

Juan Williams fiasco casts NPR as petty, partisan tyrant

Ed Bark — 2010-10-22T12:26:57-05:00
NPR has a lot of great programming, but a really stupid leader who has now put the taxpayer-funded network in the cross-hairs after her knee-jerk firing of Juan Williams. Get our opinion -- oh no!!! -- here.

CBS11/TXA21 add a Ray (of sunshine?) to weather team

Ed Bark — 2010-10-22T10:33:45-05:00
In a rare instance of actually hiring someone in local TV news, CBS11/TXA21 have named a replacement for retired meteorologist Mike Burger. ... Plus, we have D-FW "Nielsen ratings snapshots" of both Wednesday and Thursday.

NBC News distances itself from partisan MSNBC by going the distance with its own mid-term election night coverage

Ed Bark — 2010-10-21T15:03:24-05:00
NBC News doesn't come right out and say this in its announcement of "unprecedented" Nov. 2 election night coverage that will preempt both Jay Leno and Jimmy Fallon. But your friendly content provider has been around the block enough to know that it signals a break from partisan MSNBC while also giving anchors Brian Williams and Tom Brokaw a comfortable home.

Missing a chance to clinch, Rangers head back home

Ed Bark — 2010-10-20T20:04:38-05:00
Wednesday afternoon's Game 5 of the ALCS featured a largely inept outing by Rangers starter C.J. ... For our take on the game and the TBS coverage, please click here.

Manhattan transfers, but with nothing to show: D-FW's TV sportsters instead left to vamp outside Yankee Stadium while the game plays on

Ed Bark — 2010-10-20T13:11:59-05:00
Perhaps you've noticed something about those live 10 p.m. reports from outside Yankee Stadium by a squadron of D-FW sports reporters. Basically they've been worthless due to the lengths of the games and the restrictions imposed.

Rangers hit ratings milestone while stoning Yankees

Ed Bark — 2010-10-20T10:43:13-05:00
Check out the kind of information you won't find anywhere else by clicking here. Also, your friendly content provider offers another dispatch on the latest post-season Rangers adventure, complete with pics from the TBS telecast.

Frontline's season premiere rekindles Texas arson case in Death By Fire

Ed Bark — 2010-10-19T17:52:08-05:00
Cameron Todd Willingham of Corsicana was executed more than six years ago after being convicted of setting his home on fire and letting his three young children die in the blaze. Frontline is the latest to pore over the ashes in Death By Fire. ...Ed Bark

Dallas-made Chase gets full-season pickup from NBC

Ed Bark — 2010-10-19T14:17:27-05:00
NBC has announced a full-season pickup for Chase, which has been limping along in the local and national Nielsen ratings but is showing growth potential, according to the Peacock. ...You really should take a look by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom of the post topped by Dale Hansen's tinkling on his Lone Star Emmy.

Rangers double up on Dancing with the Stars

Ed Bark — 2010-10-19T11:36:34-05:00
The Rangers big win over the Yankees Monday night, with pitcher Cliff Lee in sensational form, reigned supreme in the D-FW Nielsen ratings. Get our complete report here, plus your friendly content provider's take on the game.

Presenting two big D-FW recaps, featuring Cowboys/Rangers ratings and co-starring Dale Hansen, Josh Lewin and a brilliant but dicey video sendup of local TV news

Ed Bark — 2010-10-18T17:07:51-05:00
On our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, you'll find items on Dale Hansen and Josh Lewin plus a very daring video sendup of Dallas-based Fox4 as "The Social Media Station." On the same page is a full-blown local ratings catchup, comparing the audiences for Rangers post-season and Cowboys regular season games plus a special extended edition of "local news derby" results.

Jerry-iatrics: Maybe the Cowboys and their owner should get what they deserve -- him as coach

Ed Bark — 2010-10-17T23:02:34-05:00
Back from a road trip just in time to see the Cowboys lose on the road to run their record to 1-4. ... Go here to get our reasoning behind why the Cowboys' very own mad man should run his asylum.

Road trip beckons -- and all resistance is futile

Ed Bark — 2010-10-08T09:50:04-05:00
Your friendly content provider and his lovely wife will be packing the motor vehicle and hitting the road for the next week or so. That should be enough to re-charge the batteries before unclebarky.com resumes posting and girds for the November "sweeps" on Oct. 18th.

Wow, Rangers win again. And it's fun, it's easy

Ed Bark — 2010-10-07T17:26:26-05:00
The address was TBS for a second Texas Rangers cruise control win at Tampa Thursday afternoon. ... We celebrate here while hoping the Minnesota Twins -- home team for three Barky siblings -- can somehow find a way to beat those damn Yankees.

Rangers' afternoon post-season win a sleeper (but not a dozer) in D-FW ratings

Ed Bark — 2010-10-07T13:45:06-05:00
Well-hidden in early-to-mid-afternoon hours on TBS cable, the Texas Rangers managed to draw a decent crowd Wednesday while being no match for some of that night's prime-time attractions. ...Also, Glee is now bigger than The Beatles in at least one top-of-the-charts measurement.

Revelatory HBO film reprises Darkness on the Edge of Town in times when "The Boss" first became the boss

Ed Bark — 2010-10-06T16:52:06-05:00
Unearthed footage of the making of 1978's Darkness on the Edge of Town captures Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at a pivotal time in their still nascent musical careers. HBO premieres the 90-minute film on Thursday, Oct. 7th while also offering ample other times to watch.

Ballgame! Rangers win post-season opener in relative obscurity on early afternoon TBS telecast

Ed Bark — 2010-10-06T16:33:41-05:00
The Texas Rangers finally are on the playoff map in a big way -- at least in the box score -- after Wednesday's key opening win at Tampa Bay. TBS made the Rangers and Rays their early afternoon lead-off game, virtually guaranteeing dinky town ratings across the country.

Feinstein's old school American Songbook a perfect fit for cardigan-wearing PBS

Ed Bark — 2010-10-06T10:22:50-05:00
PBS will sing along for the next three Wednesdays with Michael Feinstein's American Songbook. ... Also, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings chart the continuing down-up-down fortunes of ABC.

Cuban libre: HDNet's Drinking Made Easy staggers into view

Ed Bark — 2010-10-05T13:27:37-05:00
Nice work if you can get it, but a little too much of the premiere is best watched while being passed out. ... And on my home away from home, locatetv.com, see why today's savvy programming executive would choose Dancing with the Stars over American Idol if given half a chance.

LOUD commercials seriously endangered, but slam-bang political ads may get more prime-time exposure on WFAA8 and other ABC stations

Ed Bark — 2010-10-04T13:52:38-05:00
Warring Democrats and Republicans have come together on the irksome issue of commercials that are louder than the programs they pay for. Meanwhile, warring Democrats and Republicans may well get even more prime-time ABC network ad space to fire away at each other in this great nation of ours.

My Generation becomes second made-in-Texas series to be be herded into cancellation corral

Ed Bark — 2010-10-04T12:32:48-05:00
The number of made-in-Texas network TV series now is down from four to two after ABC axed Austin's My Generation after two episodes. ...And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show that a football game other than Texas-OU had the most D-FW viewers during a weekend without the Cowboys.

Cuban-centric Fox4 newscast has some slam dunk moments

Ed Bark — 2010-10-01T16:11:48-05:00
Fox4 is livening up its 9 p.m. newscasts with more live interviews and -- on Thursday -- a marathon appearance by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. ...And let's remember the late Tony Curtis with a dated but still oddly watchable car chase clip from his 1971 TV series, The Persuaders, which co-starred Roger Moore as a fellow millionaire playboy.

WFAA8 anchor Campos hardly a wallflower at Dancing with the Stars

Ed Bark — 2010-09-29T14:59:07-05:00
Murrow is too dead to spin around in his grave anymore and Peter Jennings probably has given up, too. Which serves as our intro. to WFAA8 anchor Gloria Campos' Dancing with the Stars interlude on Tuesday's 10 p.m. newscast.

Premiere week uppers and downers

Ed Bark — 2010-09-29T12:16:44-05:00
CBS scored the biggest in the first week of the new TV season while ABC and Fox both struggled. Get our complete scorecard here.

Nice start for LOLA (a k a Law & Order: Los Angeles)

Ed Bark — 2010-09-29T10:40:39-05:00
NBC again extends the Law & Order brand Wednesday with an offshoot set in L.A. ... Plus, check out Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings for the numbers on newcomer No Ordinary Family, returnee The Good Wife, etc.

Lone Star dumped; Dallas Film Commission head hopes to pick up pieces with possible new North Texas productions

Ed Bark — 2010-09-28T18:08:49-05:00
As previously noted in these spaces, Lone Star was on life support going into its second episode Monday night. And the ratings were even worse, prompting Fox to shoot it down early Tuesday evening.

CBS11 names new early morning co-anchor

Ed Bark — 2010-09-28T12:15:00-05:00
D-FW-based CBS11 has tabbed Lisa Pineiro to join Scott Sams on the station's weekday early morning news program. ... Also, ABC's super-powered No Ordinary Family debuts Tuesday.

Burns' Tenth Inning errs on the side of Yanks, Red Sox while also pumping up with 'roids

Ed Bark — 2010-09-27T15:08:24-05:00
Ken Burns' classic 1994 Baseball film goes into overtime Tuesday and Wednesday night with his four-hour The Tenth Inning. ... Also, see our complete wrapup of the Dallas Cowboys-infused D-FW weekend Nielsen ratings.

Blue Bloods shows vital signs with Selleck its heartbeat

Ed Bark — 2010-09-24T15:19:55-05:00
The last weeknight of the new fall season ends with the premiere of Tom Selleck's Blue Bloods series on CBS. ...Ed Bark

$#*! Dale Hansen Says (an update); two high-profile network execs leaving after being pushed

Ed Bark — 2010-09-24T13:01:08-05:00
WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen's latest jab at weathercaster Pete Delkus proves him to be a master-baiter. ... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings chart the performance of Thursday's new and returning series.

ABC's Austin-made My Generation has lots of character (or is it characters?)

Ed Bark — 2010-09-23T16:44:23-05:00
ABC leads off its Thursday prime-time lineup with My Generation, a made-in-Austin scripted serial soap that also drinks liberally from the "reality" TV genre. ...Ed Bark

Presenting two new Thursday night comedies -- NBC's Outsourced and CBS' $#*! My Dad Says

Ed Bark — 2010-09-23T13:11:32-05:00
The new fall season continues apace with a pair of freshman comedies. ...Plus, the Wednesday D-FW Nielsen ratings chart the ups and downs of that night's new and returning series.

ABC takes two new season swings Wednesday

Ed Bark — 2010-09-22T17:24:05-05:00
A new ABC legal drama, The Whole Truth, goes against two other legal hours in Wednesday's closing hour of prime-time. ... Plus, ABC sandwiches the freshman comedy series Better With You between two returnees, The Middle and Modern Family.

Idol expectedly names Tyler, J-Lo as judges to the tune of a badly botched live online feed

Ed Bark — 2010-09-22T13:42:09-05:00
But in a possible foreshadowing of more problems to come, a trumpeted live online feed of the announcement went belly-up, irking a steady stream of Tweeters. ...Also, those in search of a new guilty pleasure might want to strongly consider the Dallas-produced, Dallas-originated Ma's Roadhouse, which has a new episode Wednesday night on truTV.

WFAA8 hitting the road in hopes of pulling up bootstraps

Ed Bark — 2010-09-21T18:31:16-05:00
Did anyone catch that new black-and-white ""On the Road" image campaign for WFAA8 Monday night? ... And you can get our take on it -- as well as see it for yourself -- by going right here.

NBC's new Undercovers takes a madly in love Hart to Hart approach to spy work

Ed Bark — 2010-09-21T13:52:31-05:00
NBC's Undercovers makes the most of two super-telegenic spies who also are very much in love -- and married. That's an exceedingly rare occurrence in a prime-time TV drama of any genre.

Night one of the new fall season -- is it too soon to start playing taps for Lone Star?

Ed Bark — 2010-09-21T10:31:47-05:00
But the first ratings returns for Fox's critically acclaimed, made-in-North Texas Lone Star are dismal -- both locally and nationally. Meanwhile, NBC's Chase, also filmed in these parts, fared appreciably better but not great.

Presenting reviews of ABC's Detroit 1-8-7 and Fox's Raising Hope and Running Wilde

Ed Bark — 2010-09-20T18:24:57-05:00
Tuesday rings in three more broadcast TV newcomers, with a fourth (No Ordinary Family) coming next week on that night. ... The weekend D-FW ratings also are in, with the Cowboys drawing more than 1.3 million agonized D-FW viewers in defeat.

Whoa, almost forgot. Unclebarky.com turns 4 today.

Ed Bark — 2010-09-17T20:01:34-05:00
Amid the rush and crush of the new fall season, I almost forgot to note another milestone in the life of unclebarky.com. ...We'll continue striving to write about local and national TV as we see it without any corporate entanglements or other static.

North Texas two-step commences Monday with premieres of Lone Star and Chase

Ed Bark — 2010-09-17T16:09:24-05:00
Monday, the official start of the fall season, is super-loaded with high-profile new and returning series. But many eyes in these parts will be trained on NBC's Chase and Fox's Lone Star, both of which are being filmed in North Texas.

HBO renews mob ties and triumphs anew with Boardwalk Empire

Ed Bark — 2010-09-17T12:10:05-05:00
The network of The Sopranos returns to New Jersey Sunday with a crackerjack new gangland series co-produced by Martin Scorsese. Our review of Boardwalk Empire is here.

Dean makes the seen on TXA21

Ed Bark — 2010-09-17T09:42:56-05:00
Jody Dean's morning show on Dallas-based KLUV radio will be simulcast on TXA21, staring in late October. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in.

Reviewing two more Monday newbies: NBC's The Event and CBS' Hawaii Five-0 (which also is an oldby)

Ed Bark — 2010-09-16T14:44:29-05:00
Most of the fall season's better new drama series are clustered on Monday night. We've got reviews of NBC's The Event and CBS' Hawaii Five-0 -- with unclebarky.com's North Texas Two Step coming soon.

CBS loads up on fat jokes for new Mike & Molly; big returns for Wednesday night reality competition finales

Ed Bark — 2010-09-16T10:19:16-05:00
The CBS sitcom Mike & Molly, premiering Monday, lards its two plus-sized title characters with way too many fat jokes. ... Also, we have the D-FW ratings returns for Wednesday's big night of reality competition finales, plus the premieres of Survivor: Nicaragua (co-starring a disheveled Jimmy Johnson) and Jimmy Smits' Outlaw.

WFAA8's Shipp wins, loses on high school football probes

Ed Bark — 2010-09-15T14:09:07-05:00
WFAA8 investigator Brett Shipp's investigations into the Southlake Carroll and Euless Trinity football programs have left him with a 1-1 record. ...And on our home away from home, locatetv.com, check out all the big players in play during the official Monday night launch of the latest fall season.

NBC's Outlaw stars Jimmy Smits as renegade U.S. Supreme Court justice turned justice-seeker

Ed Bark — 2010-09-14T11:24:22-05:00
NBC launches its first new fall series of the season Wednesday, with Jimmy Smits' Outlaw inheriting a nice head wind from the season finale of America's Got Talent. ... Plus, NBC's Sunday Night Football set another national ratings record with its Cowboys-Redskins season opener.

Bizarro season-opening Cowboys loss is another cringe-inducing mega-hit locally

Ed Bark — 2010-09-13T11:17:09-05:00
The Dallas Cowboys opened their latest regular season on NBC's national stage Sunday night. ... And on our home away from home, locatetv.com, we assess the possibilities of Larry King's CNN replacement, Britisher Piers Morgan.

Jimmy Johnson discourses on hair-raising Survivor experience

Ed Bark — 2010-09-10T11:36:15-05:00
"Obsessed" with Survivor since its inception, former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson finally gets his chance to be a participant in Survivor: Nicaragua, which premieres Wednesday, Sept. 15th on CBS. ...Also, we have a complete recap of Wednesday's storm-tossed D-FW Nielsen ratings, plus a look at Thursday night's total dominance by the NFL's regular season kickoff game between the Saints and Vikings.

CW's Nikita flexes a star in the making

Ed Bark — 2010-09-09T15:47:33-05:00
CW's other new fall series, a Nikita re-do, premieres Thursday, Sept. 9th in tandem with the Season 2 return of The Vampire Diaries. ... And for more on the actress, check out your friendly content provider's previous summer "press tour" dispatch on locatetv.com, where you'll also find a discourse on HBO's True Blood winding down while Vampire Diaries offers a junior league alternative.

Rain rain went away -- but not before WFAA8 brought it home with sobering overhead pictures of flooding and rescues (plus much, much more inside)

Ed Bark — 2010-09-08T15:42:35-05:00
Wednesday's North Texas downpour caused heavy flooding in some quarters, prompting D-FW's four major TV news providers to preempt regular programming for live coverage. ...Plus, TNT has green-lighted a pilot for a possible new series version of Dallas while CNN has nailed down Larry King's expiration date and his replacement, Piers Morgan.

CW33 "sexpert's" new video bio is a (G-rated) show-and-tell from her bed

Ed Bark — 2010-09-07T18:01:22-05:00
Reporter Shana Franklin seems to be reveling in her still somewhat new role as Dallas-based CW33's resident "sexpert." Her newly posted video bio finds her in bed with four loves of her life while hubby mans the camera.

CW's Hellcats cheers for itself as fall season's first broadcast network premiere

Ed Bark — 2010-09-07T16:44:17-05:00
The CW network jump-starts its new season this week with Wednesday night's unveiling of the new cheerleader series Hellcats. ... And a new edition of TV Bulletin Board catches up on some significant developments in the worlds of news and entertainment.

Happy Labor Day weekend from unclebarky.com

Ed Bark — 2010-09-03T12:42:22-05:00
And for all 12 episodes, simply scroll up and down the Network News & Reviews pages for September and August. Plus, we revisit a 1978 gambit in which WFAA8 reporter Byron Harris and two mates blockaded I-30 from Dallas to Fort Worth while driving the then maximum legal speed of 55 mph.

Conan O'Brien finally feeling a sense of entitlement

Ed Bark — 2010-09-01T14:17:16-05:00
Closing in on two months before its premiere, Conan O'Brien's late night TBS show at last has a name. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings pit the first-place Texas Rangers against NBC's potent America's Got Talent after President Obama starts Tuesday night with lukewarm numbers.

WFAA8's Shipp draws flag for taunting high school football team targets on Facebook

Ed Bark — 2010-09-01T02:30:05-05:00
Also, our pre-fall season trips to TV THEME SONG-ville enter their final stages with a look/listen tied to Angie Dickinson's picturesque Police Woman series. ...That means that the Dallas-Fort Worth TV and Network News & Reviews pages are newly in the August archives in case you still want to catch up.

A Palin, "The Hoff" and a former Super Bowl champion QB who's not Troy Aikman

Ed Bark — 2010-08-31T11:27:44-05:00
While American Idol continues to vacillate over judges, Dancing With the Stars kicked up its heels anew with another dozen celebrity hoofers. ... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings again provide nice news for the first place Texas Rangers.

Fallon-led Emmys offer two-tiered presentation on TV and web

Ed Bark — 2010-08-30T03:56:35-05:00
And this was the first one to offer both a conventional TV presentation and a "Backstage" webcast. We look at the ABCs of NBC's two-tiered coverage while also rating Jimmy Fallon's hosting skills.

Riding the first-place Rangers with broadcasters Josh Lewin and Tom Grieve

Ed Bark — 2010-08-27T14:34:14-05:00
Record ratings for Fox Sports Southwest telecasts of Texas Rangers games have put announcers Josh Lewin and Tom Grieve in front of more eyeballs than ever before. ... Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in and we have another episode in our pre-fall season feature, TV THEME SONG-ville.

The slow reveal: it used to be one day at a time for TV's climactic extended forecasts

Ed Bark — 2010-08-26T12:16:49-05:00
We've got video proof here while also raising the question of whether any of D-FW's major TV news providers might want to consider a "Throwback Week" in which other antiques return. ... And Episode 6 of our pre-season warmup act -- TV THEME SONG-ville -- reprises the most majestic mood music ever for an HBO movie or miniseries.

WFAA8 investigator Shipp again shapes the news

Ed Bark — 2010-08-25T15:30:43-05:00
Another high school athletic program is in the cross-hairs of veteran WFAA8 gumshoe Brett Shipp, who painted a convincing picture of wrongdoing with Tuesday night's lengthy look at a star Southlake Carroll High School quarterback whose eligibility seemingly is in serious question. We analyze his latest expose here while our Back Channels page rewinds to March 14, 1994 for a look at Shipp as a hotshot investigator for KDFW-TV (Channel 4).

Over-promiser: Survivor host Jeff Probst said he'd ( . . . ) if Jimmy Johnson played the game

Ed Bark — 2010-08-24T17:12:44-05:00
Celebrities sometimes say the damndest things to unclebarky.com. Survivor host Jeff Probst is the latest to make a promise he likely won't keep after former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson officially joined the cast of this fall's Survivor: Nicaragua. Get the particulars here, plus Probst's latest take on former Survivor stallion Colby Donaldson of Christoval, TX.

Twitting FW-based NBC5 for vacuous "story" on star-struck "Twitteratzi"

Ed Bark — 2010-08-24T12:23:33-05:00
News as we used to know it took another knee to the groin Monday night when NBC5 tried to transform a self-described "Twitteratzi" into a newsmaker. ... Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings return the Rangers to the winner's circle while also pumping up the early morning "Back to School" audiences on Fox4 in particular.

Rolling Stone's jarring True Blood cover

Ed Bark — 2010-08-23T17:28:24-05:00
The three principal stars of HBO's True Blood are naked, intertwined and quite bloody on the new cover of Rolling Stone. Our thoughts -- and a trio of other famous nude magazine cover "statements" -- are displayed here for your viewing pleasure/displeasure.

Creative Arts Emmys have a few highlights, too

Ed Bark — 2010-08-23T13:40:17-05:00
Brushed off as far as major television exposure goes, the so-called "Creative Arts" Emmys were handed out Saturday night. ...And we take a third trip to TV THEME SONG-ville as an appetizer for the looming fall season.

Spike Lee revisits New Orleans in . . . Creek Don't Rise

Ed Bark — 2010-08-20T15:00:33-05:00
HBO and Spike Lee re-team for a second post-Katrina -- and now post-BP spill -- look at New Orleans in Monday and Tuesday's If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise. ... Also, as a continuing appetizer for the looming fall season, we take a second trip to TV Theme Song-ville.

Veteran CBS11/TXA21 meteorologist Mike Burger explains why he opted out of two-year contract and chose retirement instead

Ed Bark — 2010-08-20T12:02:25-05:00
Thursday's announced retirement of weathercaster Mike Burger finds him leaving CBS11/TXA21 despite 19 months remaining on a two-year contract. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings reflect the demographic ups and downs of WFAA8's newscasts.

D-FW meteorologist Mike Burger forecasts his retirement

Ed Bark — 2010-08-19T17:32:16-05:00
Weathercaster Mike Burger, who's spent the last decade at CBS11/TXA21, says he's retiring after 40 years in broadcasting. ...Ed Bark

Take an all expenses paid trip to TV THEME SONG-ville

Ed Bark — 2010-08-19T10:35:09-05:00
As appetizers, unclebarky.com is serving up a collection of memorable TV theme songs, accompanied by their opening videos. For your first trip to TV Theme Song-ville, go here.

The scoop, the poop, the crap, the glop: Dallas-born Chris Harrison puts a good face on all of it as host of Bachelor and its spinoffs

Ed Bark — 2010-08-18T14:26:16-05:00
Chris Harrison, one of the hottest TV hosts in the land, has matriculated from Lake Highlands High School to host of The Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor Pad. ... Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings put an end to the Texas Rangers' six-game winning streak in television's off-the-field numbers game.

WFAA8's women news anchors continue to make off-camera news, too (but it's all good)

Ed Bark — 2010-08-17T15:15:44-05:00
Cynthia Izaguirre, co-anchor of Dallas-based WFAA8's Daybreak, has some big personal news to share during what's been an eventful summer for the station's on-camera women. ... Also, the Rangers again rocked in the ratings Monday night despite that excruciating eighth inning meltdown.

Rangers (and bundt cake updates) dominate weekend D-FW ratings; local news stations of course fixate on Cowboys

Ed Bark — 2010-08-16T13:24:05-05:00
Which of course meant that local news stations brought you more breathless dispatches from Cowboys' training camp in Oxnard, CA before getting around to baseball. ...Also, it's a pitched battle of the pawn stars Monday night as two cable networks go head-to-head with "reality" series about family-run barter businesses.

Linney's performance cures all in Showtime's The Big C

Ed Bark — 2010-08-13T11:37:20-05:00
Showtime dares to treat cancer lightly -- and seriously -- in its superb new series The Big C. ... Plus, Thursday night's Cowboys pre-season game effortlessly paces the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings.

The End for miniseries giant David L. Wolper

Ed Bark — 2010-08-12T11:28:15-05:00
Wolper, architect of TV miniseries ranging from Roots to The Thorn Birds, has died at age 82. ... Also, an all-time record crowd for any attraction on Fox Sports Southwest watched in agony Wednesday night as the first-place Texas Rangers blew one to the visiting Yanks.

Rangers set ratings record that might quickly be broken

Ed Bark — 2010-08-11T18:31:45-05:00
The Texas Rangers' pulsating win over the Yankees Tuesday night broke a nearly 12-year-old ratings record on Fox Sports Southwest. ... And on locatetv.com, there's another TV "press tour" dispatch, this one on the latest "re-imaginings" of both Sherlock Holmes and Merlin the medieval sorcerer.

Back in D-FW after another summer network TV "press tour"

Ed Bark — 2010-08-10T18:20:32-05:00
But your friendly content provider is back with his first love, unclebarky.com, after two weeks of exclusive blogging for locatetv.com. ...Plus, check out the latest developments in D-FW television -- including a just-confirmed departure from CW33 -- and also get a fresh edition of our local Nielsen ratings "snapshot," which includes the numbers for Sunday's Dallas Cowboys pre-season opener.

Heading West for another summer network TV "press tour"

Ed Bark — 2010-07-26T18:55:46-05:00
Here I go again, journeying to sunny Southern Cal for another bout with umpteen TV networks presenting their new fall fare. ... So I won't be back until Aug. 9th, meaning there'll be no filing for unclebarky.com during that period but a wealth of exclusive dispatches for locatetv.com.

Rubicon gives AMC a third Emmy caliber drama series

Ed Bark — 2010-07-26T18:43:08-05:00
AMC's Rubicon, premiering Sunday, Aug. 1st, is definitely not a light-hearted spy caper series. But its intelligence analysts will keep your brain teased.

Tribune's impending "NewsFix" initiative will be nixed at CW33, news director says

Ed Bark — 2010-07-26T11:00:35-05:00
OK, but while you're doing jumping jacks of joy :), don't expect it to happen anytime soon at D-FW's Tribune-owned CW33. ... And for a review of The CW's upcoming Plain Jane makeover series, go to our home away from home, locatetv.com.

AMC's Mad Men makes another sale with Sunday's Season 4 launch; Fox4 adds a new gambit to 9 p.m. newscasts

Ed Bark — 2010-07-22T18:42:03-05:00
Mad Men returns with new episodes this Sunday, and the first one is another reason to get re-hooked or join the party. ... Also, Fox4 lately has an added attraction on its 9 p.m. newscasts.

Explaining ESPN's Super Bowl XLV decision to headquarter in FW instead of Big D

Ed Bark — 2010-07-22T16:30:16-05:00
Friend and colleague Robert Wilonsky of The Dallas Observer's "Unfair Park" blog has a very interesting interview with the woman who steered ESPN to Fort Worth instead of Dallas for its big Super Bowl XLV splashdown. It turns out she's a 1989 University of Texas at Austin grad.

Shepard Smith's objectivity at odds with rest of Fox News Channel (and MSNBC for that matter); Starz launches "Epic Event of the Summer"

Ed Bark — 2010-07-22T12:57:11-05:00
Fox News Channel's Shepard Smith doesn't have to wash his hands of the bogus Shirley Sherrod "scandal." ... We weigh in while also showing you video of Smith's criticisms of both his employer and the White House.

Rivals pick up on CW33 stories (but how far will they go?)

Ed Bark — 2010-07-21T17:25:01-05:00
Get the details here, plus unclebarky.com's look at three Tuesday night CW33 stories that likely won't be replicated elsewhere. ... Also, there's a report that former Cowboys Coach Jimmy Johnson will be a contestant on this fall's Survivor: Nicaragua.

Haggard gets his due in new, rough-edged American Masters film

Ed Bark — 2010-07-21T11:43:13-05:00
Merle Haggard, deftly described by a reviewer as "country music's Frank Sinatra," is shown doing it his way in the latest new and memorable American Masters film. ... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in the house.

CW33 adds new full-time reporter; Rangers rock in D-FW Nielsens

Ed Bark — 2010-07-20T13:03:18-05:00
Your friendly content provider is freshly returned from a Bark family reunion in Minnesota, where his diving catch in a climactic wiffle ball game preserved a 12-0 victory. ...And the first-place Texas Rangers have been lighting up the local ratings scoreboard, with Monday night's down-to-the-14th inning turnout especially impressive.

Doing BaD radio on "The Ticket" and then heading to family reunion in Land o' Lakes

Ed Bark — 2010-07-15T15:53:02-05:00
Those of a mind to listen can hear your friendly content provider discourse on local and national TV during the Thursday, July 15th edition of BaD Radio on "The Ticket." ...Meanwhile, another CBS11/TXA21 meteorologist has at least temporarily bit the dust and will be off the air for what likely will be a short duration.

Pair of pregnant pauses coming soon to WFAA8

Ed Bark — 2010-07-15T11:00:31-05:00
WFAA8 soon will be re-juggling anchor slots when Shelly Slater and Shon Gables deliver their babies and take their maternity leaves. Gables in particular hasn't been shy about detailing the ups and downs of her pregnancy while Slater tweets occasional updates.

CBS11 discusses why it divulged Fort Worth police officer's name after last week's car chase wreck; most rivals clam up on why they didn't

Ed Bark — 2010-07-14T16:59:11-05:00
Some readers have wondered about the propriety of CBS11 revealing the name of a seriously injured Fort Worth police officer last week while other stations continued to cite the family's request for privacy. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show who won Tuesday night in the battle between Fox's All-Star game coverage and NBC's potent America's Got Talent.

The late George Steinbrenner revisited in evocative ESPN miniseries; meteorologist Garry Seith on mend from motorcycle crash

Ed Bark — 2010-07-13T17:44:51-05:00
The death of George Steinbrenner evokes memories of ESPN's terrific eight-hour The Bronx Is Burning miniseries, with Oliver Platt as "The Boss." It premiered in the summer of 2007 and be found really, really cheap at a certain discount chain.

Allen ending early morning anchoring to become CBS11's lead gumshoe

Ed Bark — 2010-07-13T11:53:28-05:00
Ginger Allen, who's co-anchored CBS11's early morning news program for the past three years with Scott Sams, will be going back to her old digs. ... And on our TV Bulletin Board page, there's news of the CSI: NY actress switch.

Trendy pasta dish or meaty new crime drama? TNT's Rizzoli & Isles is ready to be served

Ed Bark — 2010-07-12T12:19:06-05:00
Dallas native Angie Harmon heads the cast of TNT's latest drama series, Rizzoli & Isles. ... Also, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings show that Spain's lone g-o-o-o-al attracted plenty of World Cup Final viewers in supposedly soccer-uncrazy North Texas.

A&E's The Glades follows the script on a network that usually doesn't

Ed Bark — 2010-07-09T14:49:32-05:00
Only this time it's on A&E, where scripted hours are few and far between. For a suitably fun departure from the network's Billy the Exterminator, check out Sunday night's premiere of The Glades.

ESPN serves "The King," who comes off at least somewhat princely (updated)

Ed Bark — 2010-07-08T23:23:29-05:00
It may have been repulsive, this whole idea of ESPN genuflecting to "King" LeBron James in a Thursday night special grandly titled The Decision. But in the end, how good of a face did he put on his decision to leave the Cavs and join his high-powered pals in Miami?

Syfy's Haven keeps TV's small towns creepy (updated)

Ed Bark — 2010-07-08T13:48:29-05:00
Syfy's new Haven, being paired on Friday nights with its quirky Eureka, is the latest saga of a burg gone wild. ... Plus, Dallas-based WFAA8 has hired a new weekend Daybreak weathercaster who's making a big-time market jump.

First-timers Glee and Modern Family are prominent players among latest Emmy nominees

Ed Bark — 2010-07-08T10:08:42-05:00
Nominations for the 62nd annual Emmy Awards were announced Thursday, with a batch of newcomers joining the usual suspects. ... And our TV Bulletin Board page notes TV Land's renewal of Hot In Cleveland among other enticing tidbits.

Shipp shape: Saluting the veteran WFAA8 investigator for his dogged digging on dangerous natural gas couplings

Ed Bark — 2010-07-07T11:20:56-05:00
WFAA8 gumshoe Brett Shipp reported Tuesday that state officials finally are doing "what appears to be a huge about-face" on the issue of faulty and sometimes lethal natural gas couplings. ... We look at what he's accomplished and provide video of Tuesday's report here.

Post-Fourth fireworks/waterworks from Dallas-bred Bachelor and jettisoned fiancee

Ed Bark — 2010-07-06T00:05:38-05:00
Dallas flyboy Jake Pavelka and Vienna Girardi took their post-Bachelor issues to ABC's The Bachelorette Monday night for a rock 'em, sock 'em verbal brawl that's virtually certain to be the most-watched program of the week. ... The latest D-FW Nielsen ratings also are in, so you can see what kind of audience it pulled here.

Happy Fourth of July -- plus a few new postings

Ed Bark — 2010-07-02T11:57:37-05:00
We'll be taking a few days off here at unclebarky.com central before resuming publication on Tuesday. ...Also, The Huckabee Show will be test-marketed on a limited number of Fox-owned stations (including Dallas-based Fox4) and WFAA8 is preempting ABC programming Saturday night for a FC Dallas Major League Soccer game and a following fireworks show.

Mike Snyder keeps his composure, relinquishes his NBC5 mike

Ed Bark — 2010-07-01T22:00:27-05:00
NBC5 news anchor Mike Snyder bowed out gracefully and poignantly Thursday, ending a 30-year run at the Fort Worth-based station. Our complete coverage, with pictures and video, is here.

July dawns with a little praise for CW33 news (no, this is not a misprint)

Ed Bark — 2010-07-01T04:03:01-05:00
Maybe it was a mirage, but Wednesday's 9 p.m. newscast had some plusses, including the usual strong work by meteorologist Rebecca Miller and her greatly enhanced weather graphics. We also have notes on former Fox4 reporter Rebecca Aguilar and NBC5 anchor Mike Snyder, whose last newscast at the station will be on Thursday, July 1st at 6 p.m.

King calling it quits with CNN interview program; Boogie Man, newly on DVD, is well worth having

Ed Bark — 2010-06-30T09:56:30-05:00
Perhaps heeding unclebarky.com's recent admonition that he not stay too long at the party -- yeah, right -- Larry King announced Tuesday on CNN that he'll be quitting his interview show sometime in the fall. ... Also, just in time for the down-and-dirty mid-term elections, here's Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story.

Unlucky Louie spikes FX with dangerously funny comedy

Ed Bark — 2010-06-29T16:13:45-05:00
Back in play with his second comedy series after a disastrous one on HBO, Louis C.K. gets it a lot more right this time around. ... And on my home away from home, locatetv.com, see how CBS has de-programmed women from leading roles in its new fall lineup after entertaining generations with the likes of Lucille Ball, Mary Tyler Moore and Carol Burnett.

New Huge could be -- huge -- in times when both plus-sized people and ABC Family are hotsy

Ed Bark — 2010-06-28T12:35:35-05:00
ABC Family's Huge, co-created by the mind behind My So-Called Life, launches Monday night in tandem with the channel's already hot Secret Life of the American Teenager. ... Plus, CBS is giving Alex O'Loughlin a third chance in four years this fall with its re-do of Hawaii Five-O.

Mmm mmm good? Dallas-bred Pavelka co-hosts GMT on heels of tongue-wagging Bachelor bust-up

Ed Bark — 2010-06-25T17:44:57-05:00
WFAA8's homegrown Good Morning Texas on the face of it had quite a coup Friday when local boy Jake Pavelka co-hosted. ... Nothing came of it because the reliably buttery show agreeably avoided any give-and-take about his ongoing Bachelor breakup scandal.

Public lewdness charges dropped against former WFAA8 anchor/reporter

Ed Bark — 2010-06-25T14:31:07-05:00
The Dallas district attorney's office has declined to prosecute a police charge of public lewdness against Brad Hawkins, a former WFAA8 anchor/reporter who left the station in December 2008 to take a media position with Southwest Airlines. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show one of two new Thursday night ABC series getting off to a solid start.

Boston Med gives ABC a believable, real-life hospital drama

Ed Bark — 2010-06-24T17:05:09-05:00
Also, we reprise video of Tracy Rowlett's sermonette on CBS11 during his first newscast for the station. It happened more than a decade ago and he's now been off the air nearly two years.

Still hate those horns, but love that go-o-o-o-oal!!!

Ed Bark — 2010-06-23T13:48:33-05:00
Wednesday morning perked up considerably in the U.S. when Landon Donovan scored a spine-tingling goal near the very end of a matchup with Algeria that otherwise would have ended in a 0-0 tie. ...layout=&playlist_cid=&media_type=video&content=BY699S3KB01VZB3Q&widget_type_cid=svp" width="500" height="380" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" allowtransparency="true">

ABC premieres Rookie Blue; Spitzer washes ashore on CNN

Ed Bark — 2010-06-23T13:37:27-05:00
Also, CNN hires defrocked former NY governor Eliot Spitzer without ever mentioning his past in the all-news network's official announcement. ... Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show a return to form for America's Got Talent and a ratings plunge for ABC's new Downfall.

Dallas-bred palooka Pavelka splits with Bachelor fiancee Vienna in another grim reality fairy tale

Ed Bark — 2010-06-22T17:07:40-05:00
Gosh, it's splitsville for D-FW's very own Jake Pavelka and the woman he loved like no other -- for a few months. ... Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show a few encouraging signs -- locally at least -- for Fox's made-in-Dallas The Good Guys.

TNT's Memphis Beat tries to give us Jason Lee without a Hickey

Ed Bark — 2010-06-21T17:31:15-05:00
Jason Lee's followup to My Name Is Earl is TNT's new Memphis Beat, in which his name is Dwight Hendricks. But can we buy him as a hard-charging detective this soon?

Izaguirre vs. garage door ends in split decision

Ed Bark — 2010-06-21T14:53:40-05:00
Cynthia Izaguirre, co-anchor of Dallas-based WFAA8's Daybreak, is on the mend from a garage door that got the best of her nose early Friday morning. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings include the first verdicts on ABC's two new Sunday night dramas.

ABC's The Gates and Scoundrels may give viewers and broadcast networks reasons to believe in new scripted summer programming (plus much more)

Ed Bark — 2010-06-18T15:26:26-05:00
And although I haven't had enough time to review it, National Geographic Channel's five-hour How The Earth Changed History will be running Sunday through Tuesday. ...And nationally, TV Land is basking in robust ratings for the premiere of its Hot In Cleveland sitcom while Dave is gaining on Jay.

CBS11 news photographer involved in fatal poker game shooting that police say was self-defense

Ed Bark — 2010-06-17T13:20:27-05:00
CBS11 found itself reporting on one of its own when a poker game shootout involved one of its staff photographers. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show NBC's America's Got Talent and CW33's sex-spiked 9 p.m. newscasts asserting themselves.

The Real L Word arrives without a certain key ingredient; new Cambio website detours around mainstream media middlemen

Ed Bark — 2010-06-16T14:29:02-05:00
Showtime's sequel to The L Word, an unscripted soap/saga of six real-life lesbians, arrives Sunday night without any real sex. ... Also, the brand new and heavily financed Cambio website celebrates The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and other teen/'tween idols without filtering them through the usual channels.

Farm fresh? Planet Green channel aims for a gay Green Acres

Ed Bark — 2010-06-15T15:09:43-05:00
Still a new player amid a bumper crop of cable networks, Planet Green hopes to attract attention with a new down-on-the-farm reality series titled The Fabulous Beekman Boys. ... Also, Fox's Dallas-made The Good Guys had a bad time in the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Hot In Cleveland takes the TV Land stage

Ed Bark — 2010-06-14T14:46:18-05:00
Four sitcom pros, most notably Betty White, are the marquee players in TV Land's new Hot In Cleveland, premiering Wednesday. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show big weekend returns for NBA basketball and World Cup soccer.

True Blood adds horror staple in third season

Ed Bark — 2010-06-11T16:24:36-05:00
HBO launches the third season of True Blood Sunday. And its many-splendored vampires aren't the only ones with bite.

CW33's boob tube news strikes again

Ed Bark — 2010-06-11T11:20:12-05:00
CW33 news director David Duitch continues to treat his 9 p.m. edition as a sex toy in a growingly desperate effort to get noticed. Unfortunately his beaten-down staff has to play along because jobs in the TV news biz are not exactly plentiful.

Sean Hayes hosting the Tonys and so far staying out of Newsweek controversy

Ed Bark — 2010-06-10T17:14:46-05:00
Sean Hayes came out as a gay man several months ago, just in time for a Newsweek columnist to question his suitability for playing a straight lead in Broadway's revival of Promises, Promises. ...Also, TXA21 has a Coach marathon this weekend, with guest shots by the likes of Jerry Jones and Troy Aikman plus a quartet of Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders as hosts.

Don't stay too long at the party (alas, Helen Thomas did)

Ed Bark — 2010-06-09T14:45:49-05:00
The trick is to know your own expiration date, and some still haven't mastered that knack. ... We name other names here while also putting your friendly content provider to the test of life beyond this website.

Anchor Mike Snyder ending three-decade career at NBC5

Ed Bark — 2010-06-09T10:47:58-05:00
NBC5 anchor Mike Snyder will be leaving the Fort Worth-based station on July 1st after a 30-year-career. ... Also, the latest D-FW ratings highlight Tuesday night's 8 p.m. battle between the season finale of Glee and the first hour of the potent NBA Finals.

Struggling re-start for Dallas-made Good Guys

Ed Bark — 2010-06-08T13:55:15-05:00
Fox's Dallas-made The Good Guys had its time slot premiere Monday. ... Also, at my home away from home, locatetv.com, we look at the good, bad and ugly of the many TV series made into feature films.

The cad stays in the picture -- but famed paparazzo Ron Galella is wearing better with age

Ed Bark — 2010-06-07T13:00:42-05:00
Ron Galella's point-and-shoot brand of celebrity photography often had his subjects raising their hands in defense -- when they weren't suing or punching him. A fascinating new HBO documentary, Smash His Camera, remembers the way he was -- and pretty much still is.

Dallas-made Good Guys re-rolls into view in regular summertime slot

Ed Bark — 2010-06-04T13:50:18-05:00
Sneak-previewed last month, Fox's made-in-Dallas The Good Guys returns Monday night in its regular romping grounds. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in the house.

R.I.P. David Dillon

Ed Bark — 2010-06-03T17:50:22-05:00
David Dillon, a former Dallas Morning News colleague and an architecture critic of national stature, has died of a heart attack at age 68. ...David was a kind and serious-minded man, but with a terrific sense of humor to match his gravitas on buildings gone awry.

So You Think You Can Dance does Dallas

Ed Bark — 2010-06-03T13:35:48-05:00
Thursday's two-hour edition of Fox's So You Think You Can Dance will include the mid-March auditions held at SMU's McFarlin Auditorium. ...Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show a tepid response to Wednesday's America's Got Talent edition from Dallas.

CBS/Fox split end of season spoils

Ed Bark — 2010-06-02T13:44:19-05:00
As the summer season starts in earnest, we look back on the official 2009-'10 festivities to see which networks and shows were tops in Nielsen's two major ratings food groups. Plus, Tuesday's D-FW numbers show who won the big two-hour faceoff between NBC's America's Got Talent and ABC's Wipeout.

TBS makes it a threesome -- on the "urban" sitcom front -- with Are We There Yet?

Ed Bark — 2010-06-01T16:41:13-05:00
Just one network is investing today in predominantly black, so-called "urban" comedies. ... Also, the holiday weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings are in.

Happy Memorial Day weekend from unclebarky.com world headquarters in Vandownbytheriver, TX

Ed Bark — 2010-05-28T12:36:44-05:00
Have a safe, happy and restful Memorial Day weekend, everybody. ... And we also weigh in on Dallas-based WFAA8's Daybreak promotional campaign, starring co-anchor Cynthia Izaguirre and weathercaster Greg Fields with cameos by the man with no name.

May "sweeps" turn out to be one for the books for CBS11

Ed Bark — 2010-05-27T15:17:43-05:00
CBS11 made station history Thursday by sweeping a 10 p.m. "sweeps" ratings race for the first time since it launched late night newscasts 15 years ago in D-FW. ...Also, the Wednesday Nielsen ratings "snapshot" charts the D-FW ratings for Fox's American Idol finale while also wondering why Fox4's 9 p.m. newscast keeps embarrassing itself in this regard.

D-FW ratings tell some interesting stories on penultimate night of May "sweeps"

Ed Bark — 2010-05-26T14:06:39-05:00
Did WFAA8 get the big win it needed coming off ABC's Dancing with the Stars finale? ...Also, the documentary film Saving Africa's Witch Children has its U.S. premiere Wednesday night on HBO2.

Here comes Chaos -- making it four network TV series calling North Texas home

Ed Bark — 2010-05-25T17:35:37-05:00
Rick Perry and Dallas mayor Tom Leppert, yearning to get in on the action, will be on hand Wednesday afternoon in DT Dallas to tell commoners that a fourth TV series will be shot in North Texas during the coming months. Based on clues from The Dallas Observer's Robert Wilonsky, we tell you why it could only be Chaos.

CW33 news: newly in HD and selling sex like a pimp

Ed Bark — 2010-05-25T13:22:17-05:00
Monday's first weeknight 9 p.m. edition in HD was heavily stocked with the station's newest stock in trade -- sex. ... Also, we chart the numbers for Monday's big series and season finales in the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings "snapshot."

Muted good nights for Law & Order and 24

Ed Bark — 2010-05-24T15:02:14-05:00
On the heels of Lost's finale, which is still kicking up all kinds of commentary, here come the Monday night farewells for NBC's Law & Order and Fox's 24. ... Also, the national Nielsens for Lost are in while its ex-network decides to bring back an old flame.

Abdul stepping not-so-lightly over to CBS

Ed Bark — 2010-05-24T12:13:55-05:00
Ex-American Idol judge Paula Abdul won't be re-teaming with Simon Cowell after all. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings snapshot charts Sunday night's local numbers for ABC's big Lost finale.

Sunday service: Lost congregates its masses in otherwordly Church

Ed Bark — 2010-05-24T08:19:53-05:00
ABC's Lost let Jesus take the wheel at the close of its two-and-a-half hour finale Sunday. We take a knee here.

WFAA8's Gloria Campos mulls fewer hours, less pay and eventually life beyond TV news

Ed Bark — 2010-05-21T17:04:15-05:00
WFAA8 anchor Gloria Campos has some candid thoughts on what she'd like her TV news life to be like a few years down the road. In the immediate future, she's giving up "Wednesday's Child" after more than two decades with the weekly segment.

Up-close and objective: Night 16 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-05-21T13:50:11-05:00
Viewers took over a good part of Thursday's late night D-FW newscasts with their video and pictures of that afternoon's tornado activity. ... See our latest compendium on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, where you'll also find Thursday's D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Up-close and objective: Night 15 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-05-20T18:05:03-05:00
This'll be a multi-task edition that also takes note of all those Thursday afternoon programming preemptions tied to tornado warnings in Ellis and Navarro County. Weather I'm right or weather I'm wrong, you can find it all on our dependably content-stocked Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Made-in-Dallas Good Guys does well in D-FW, but stumbles on national stage

Ed Bark — 2010-05-20T15:10:55-05:00
Fox's Wednesday night preview of The Good Guys had a good go in the D-FW Nielsen ratings but kinda flamed out in the country at large. ... Also, The CW announces its fall schedule, and it's all right here.

Up-close and objective: Night 14 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-05-19T18:03:33-05:00
Our latest D-FW late night newscast compendium is in the books. It's been a long day.

CBS makes big changes despite only adding five new series

Ed Bark — 2010-05-19T12:23:45-05:00
An influx of old-timers in new shows and the shifting of four high-profile series to new nights and times are the big news coming out of CBS' latest fall schedule. ...And after a couple of hours of non-stop talking, your friendly content provider will do a Harpo Marx while silently typing for the remainder of Wednesday.

Remember to patronize your local Good Guys

Ed Bark — 2010-05-18T17:22:01-05:00
Remember to synchronize your watches for the Wednesday, May 19th sneak preview of Fox's The Good Guys at 7 p.m. (central). The made-in-Dallas odd-couple cop series then begins its scheduled summertime run on June 7th before moving to Fridays in the fall.

Up-close and objective; Night 13 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-05-18T17:08:50-05:00
Our latest compendium takes note of the fact that only one major TV news provider's featured anchors are actually getting out and reporting on a regular basis. ...Note to readers: I'll be doing a 12-city "radio tour" Wednesday morning from the relative comfort of unclebarky.com central in Garland.

Austin strikes back with a new fall series of its own

Ed Bark — 2010-05-18T11:30:57-05:00
ABC announced Tuesday that one of its seven new fall series will be the made-in-Austin My Generation. ...As previously reported, there'll be a trio of made-in-Dallas series in prime-time next fall.

Up-close and objective: Night 12 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-05-17T12:43:00-05:00
Were D-FW's major TV news providers in large part all wet with their endless hyperbole about weekend rain? ... So we revisit this topic for hopefully the last time in our latest compendium.

Not one, but two Dallas-made series make Fox's fall cut

Ed Bark — 2010-05-17T09:58:34-05:00
A Dallas-esque new serial soap and a fall berth for The Good Guys should keep local production crews super-busy this summer. Get all the details here on Fox's just-announced fall schedule plus the identity of the show that will follow next year's Super Bowl XLV telecast from Jerry's Palace in Arlington.

Dallas-made Chase among eight newbies on NBC fall schedule

Ed Bark — 2010-05-16T23:08:23-05:00
Question answered. Chase, from hitmaker Jerry Bruckheimer (the CSI franchise), will premiere this fall on Mondays at 9 p.m. and get a big promotional push on Sunday Night Football, Peacock execs told TV writers Sunday evening. Go here to see a clip from Chase -- the entire series will be filmed in North Texas, too -- while also getting all the details about what's on and what isn't.

Up-close and objective: Night 11 of the May sweeps (and much more)

Ed Bark — 2010-05-14T16:25:43-05:00
Our latest late night compendium praises three extended enterprise stories offered by three different D-FW television news providers. Plus, TXA21 is ending its weekend prime-time newscasts while also jettisoning a former full-time personality, who's already out the door.

Earlier start time for CBS11's waker upper; D-FW's May sweeps races still air tight at halfway mark

Ed Bark — 2010-05-13T16:35:50-05:00
DFW-based CBS11 will be replicating Fox4 in starting its early morning newscast a half-hour earlier. ... Plus, the May "sweeps" local news ratings races are still way too close to call at the halfway mark -- particularly at 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Up-close and objective: Night 10 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-05-13T13:49:52-05:00
Or you can just let a smile be your umbrella and grin along with unclebarky.com's look at all the up-top histrionics during Wednesday's D-FW late night TV newscasts. ... Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show American Idol still strong and Fox4's following local newscasts stronger for it.

One, two, three new network TV series now set to film in Dallas area

Ed Bark — 2010-05-12T17:42:52-05:00
After some pretty lean production years -- can you say Shreveport? -- Dallas and the North Texas area are on a big rebound. ... Get the details here while veteran Dallas Film Commission head Janis Burklund continues to do cartwheels as best she can.

Up-close and objective: Night 9 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-05-12T13:53:48-05:00
The Oklahoma tornadoes and their aftermath were still news on Tuesday's D-FW late night TV newscasts. ... Also, Fox4 continues to make ratings noise in the early mornings while defending champ NBC5 snoozes of late.

The Doors are ajar again in new and terrific American Masters film

Ed Bark — 2010-05-11T18:22:31-05:00
Using footage from their times -- and no additional additives -- PBS' When You're Strange: A Film About the Doors recaptures the traumatic, dramatic times of a signature group and their volatile, self-destructive lead singer. ...Ed Bark

Up-close and objective: Night 8 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-05-11T13:29:04-05:00
Three of D-FW's major TV news providers led their late editions with extensive coverage of the lethal twisters that hit Oklahoma. ... Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in for what turned out to be a dominating Monday night for ABC/WFAA8.

NBC adds Dallas-filmed Chase for next season

Ed Bark — 2010-05-10T17:45:42-05:00
Fox's The Good Guys continues to film all 13 of its episodes in this area, with a sneak preview slated for May 19th. As previously posted, NBC also has announced four other new scripted series for next season -- Undercovers, The Event, Love Bites and Outsourced.

Up-close and objective: Night 7 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-05-10T10:51:18-05:00
Plus you can see an NBC5 reporter in a funny hat and video of Fox4 weathercaster Ron Jackson's butt-forward, off-camera dance. ... And on our home away from home, locatetv.com, we pose some of "TV's Top Unanswered Questions" -- and try to address them.

Up-close and objective: Night 6 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-05-07T12:39:15-05:00
TV station managers and sales departments have little or no use for older viewers when it comes to setting advertising rates. But plucky, purse snatcher-defying oldsters like Linda Self are godsends when it comes to a newscast's show 'n' tell.

Up-close and objective: Night 5 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-05-06T16:59:01-05:00
Our latest compendium questions whether WFAA8 needs a jolt of Red Bull. Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in and Friday Night Lights is ready to return to NBC while Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo visits The Biggest Loser.

A first look -- and a favorable impression -- of Fox's Dallas-made The Good Guys

Ed Bark — 2010-05-06T09:59:47-05:00
Filmed entirely in the Dallas area, Fox's The Good Guys won't be launching until May 19th. ... And due to considerable local interest, there's no time like the present to review it.

Up-close and objective: Night 4 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-05-05T13:44:09-05:00
Our latest look at D-FW's late night newscasts re-investigates two dubious CBS11 investigations, one of them latching onto a previous effort by the tabloid magazine Inside Edition. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, and ABC's Lost finale has grown another tentacle.

Up-close and objective: Night 3 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-05-04T15:21:18-05:00
Presenting more praise and punches for D-FW's late night newscasts on what turned out to be a very eventful Monday. ... Also, the Emmys have a new host and NBC has picked up a promising new series for next fall from the guy who birthed Lost.

Friendlier venue for Conan on convivial 60 Minutes

Ed Bark — 2010-05-03T00:01:19-05:00
Contractually freed to appear on TV for the first time since leaving The Tonight Show, Conan O'Brien chose Sunday's 60 Minutes and correspondent Steve Kroft. ...A 4 percent commission is paid for each purchase, helping in a small way to defray the monthly costs of keeping unclebarky.com rolling free of charge.

Up-close and objective: Night 1 of the May sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-04-30T15:12:30-05:00
For as long as stamina and sanity hold out, we'll take a detailed look at what they're offering on the 20 weeknights that comprise the sweeps. And for starters, here's a possibly shocking development: NBC5's 10 p.m. newscasts actually seem to be aiming a little higher and getting a little better.

Mostly Roddy-less -- and rudderless from the bench -- Mavs again call it an early night

Ed Bark — 2010-04-29T23:37:08-05:00
The Dallas Mavericks made another inglorious exit from the NBA playoffs Thursday night, losing in San Antonio to take a first round knockout punch. We assess the damage and duly rip coach Rick Carlisle for waiting too long to play a certain Frenchman before re-benching him at crunch time.

Content-sharing among CBS stations a boon for marketer of latest miracle hair product

Ed Bark — 2010-04-29T14:51:39-05:00
A number of CBS stations, including D-FW's CBS11, bit on a story about an alleged gray hair remover in pill form. ... And at my home away from home, locatetv.com, get the latest news and views on the gift that keeps on giving -- TV movies and miniseries about the Kennedys.

Her way: CBS11 reinvesting in investigations under new news director Adrienne Roark

Ed Bark — 2010-04-28T21:49:53-05:00
Starting her second month on the job and girding for Thursday's start of the May "sweeps" ratings period, CBS11's latest news director explains herself in an interview with unclebarky.com. ...Plus, Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings chart the crowd for Game 5 of the Mavericks-Spurs playoff series.

A sad commentary on ABC's much-hyped Happy Town

Ed Bark — 2010-04-27T18:43:26-05:00
ABC's latest answer to Twin Peaks -- this one dubbed Happy Town -- takes viewers to the fictional burg of Haplin, Minnesota. ... And judging from the above headline, we didn't like this one all that much.

Back in play after a brief sojurn

Ed Bark — 2010-04-27T11:50:22-05:00
We're back in business here at unclebarky.com after your friendly content provider's whirlwind trip to Chicago to see daughter Liz in The House of Yes. ...But daddy's little girl in real life is a genuine sweetie, of which I kept reminding myself while she . . .

Easy to be inspired by HDNet's Ray Johnston Band: Road Diaries

Ed Bark — 2010-04-23T13:49:52-05:00
Former Dallas Maverick Ray Johnston was felled by leukemia, got up and reinvented himself. His amazing recoveries from adversity, and his improbably brief stint as a Mav, are recounted in the HDNet series, Ray Johnston Band: Road Diaries.

Pacino brings "Dr. Death" to life in absorbing HBO movie

Ed Bark — 2010-04-23T09:56:19-05:00
As he proves anew Saturday in HBO's You Don't Know Jack. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are mostly a cakewalk for CBS, with frosting for CBS11's late night newser.

No more Urban renewal: Duncanville's "Teflon Tim" is latest Idol evictee

Ed Bark — 2010-04-22T08:13:59-05:00
The 20-year-old mop top from Duncanville, added to American Idol's final 24 only after a previous qualifier was declared ineligible, made it all the way to the Fox hit's final seven before judges and viewers finally combined to strike him down. ...But a comeback could still be in the cards if he can re-summon the passion and artistry that made his performance of John Lennon's "Jealous Guy" a show-stopper just two weeks back.

Cowboys' 2010 TV schedule again gives Fox/Fox4 the creeps

Ed Bark — 2010-04-21T11:59:12-05:00
That's life in a TV world where NBC's Sunday Night Football cherry picks while ESPN and NFL Network also get their licks in. ...Also, we conduct another little seminar on how size still matters when it comes to network 9 p.m. lead-in programming propping up local 10 p.m. newscasts.

New lives for Curb, Parenthood

Ed Bark — 2010-04-20T15:15:03-05:00
Larry David has agreed to curmudgeon his way through an eighth season of Curb Your Enthusiasm while NBC says it's a go for Parenthood next fall. ...Ed Bark

Castle's newfound ratings kingdom makes Mondays a pivotal D-FW joust

Ed Bark — 2010-04-20T11:47:15-05:00
No longer dominant at 9 p.m., CBS' CSI: Miami lately has lost its D-FW crown to ABC's competing Castle. ...Also, there's a bit of a bone to pick with PBS' Milk Bone-sponsored Through A Dog's Eyes, which premieres Wednesday night locally on KERA13.

Mavs roll up Sunday night score in D-FW Nielsens with opening playoff win

Ed Bark — 2010-04-19T12:23:44-05:00
The Dallas Mavericks' hard-fought win over San Antonio lit up Sunday night's ratings on two channels, making a funeral dirge of CBS' competing country music awards. ...Plus, there'll be no review of ABC's new Romantically Challenged sitcom because the network very belatedly switched out Monday's premiere episode for another one -- and didn't make it available for preview.

Battle of the bandwidths

Ed Bark — 2010-04-16T13:47:48-05:00
Fox4's Good Daze band, partially composed of Good Day staffers, returned to the show's stage Friday for a performance of "Everywhere." Which led us to remember that this used to be the theme song for a rival D-FW news operation.

Explorer retracks 25 years in a terrific special while The Onion stomps former D-FW sports columnist Skip Bayless in a brilliant parody

Ed Bark — 2010-04-16T12:50:34-05:00
Explorer, which first broke ground in 1985, commemorates a quarter-century of singular adventures in a really-should-see Monday night special. ... Also, contrarian-by-trade Skip Bayless, formerly of these parts, gets beautifully mugged by The Onion.

NBC special takes a fourth time travel with Saturday Night Live

Ed Bark — 2010-04-15T14:38:57-05:00
Entertaining but lacking the nutrients of the first three two-hour films, NBC's Saturday Night Live in the 2000s: Time and Again premieres Thursday, April 15th. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings aren't particularly good news for WFAA8's newscasts.

Hansen unplugged -- off-camera as well

Ed Bark — 2010-04-14T16:42:17-05:00
WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen is still sorting through email responses to his unbridled, "Unplugged" commentary Tuesday night. We interview him on how it all came about, with additional comments from CBS11 sports anchor Babe Laufenberg on why his station didn't air the secretly recorded Jerry Jones video.

Glee returns to big numbers, Hansen's barbed commentary provides no notable spike in WFAA8's late night news ratings

Ed Bark — 2010-04-14T11:55:57-05:00
Fox's Glee returned triumphantly from a long recess to roll up big Nielsen numbers in D-FW. But contrary to what some apparently think, WFAA8's decision to let sports anchor Dale Hansen shred station management was no ratings ploy or palooza.

Mr. Grant: NBC5 makes it permanent with former freelancing meteorologist

Ed Bark — 2010-04-14T10:16:30-05:00
He'll now be the regular weathercaster on the station's afternoon and evening weekend newscasts while also continuing to pursue a master's degree at Dallas Theological Seminary. Johnston left Oklahoma City's KFOR-TV after seven years to enroll at Dallas Theological Seminary after he said he heard a calling from God.

WFAA8's Hansen unloads on his station after dispute over airing secretly recorded Jerry Jones video

Ed Bark — 2010-04-14T01:08:41-05:00
An "Unplugged" Dale Hansen almost put his WFAA8 bosses in an electric chair during a searing commentary on Tuesday's 10 p.m. newscast. At issue was his strong opposition to WFAA8's airing of a clandestinely recorded video of a partying and sometimes profane Jerry Jones ripping former Cowboys coach Bill Parcells among others.

George and Conan (the new Desi and Lucy?)

Ed Bark — 2010-04-13T13:39:04-05:00
George Lopez officially embraced Conan O'Brien on Monday's Lopez Tonight, and later interviewed him. ... See the video on our Network News & Reviews page while also reading a racially motivated riff between Lopez and guest Chris Rock.

Glee's back at last, this time out-glowing Idol

Ed Bark — 2010-04-13T12:45:26-05:00
After a long recess, new episodes of Fox's Glee resume Tuesday. ... But quality-wise, this is now America's No. 1 music performance show.

Coo-coo-ka-joob: Coco's new job is with TBS

Ed Bark — 2010-04-12T12:48:29-05:00
In a surprise announcement Monday, TBS cable said it has landed Conan O'Brien for a new late night comedy show. All the details, as well as the promo airing tonight on TBS, are on our Network News & Reviews page.

The implosion of Texas Stadium: An Uncle Barky special report

Ed Bark — 2010-04-12T10:19:22-05:00
OK, we're kinda kiddin' with the pretentious colon-in-the-title tease from above. But unclebarky.com did look at the live Texas Stadium implosion specials early Sunday morning on Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11.

Super-bad: TV's original The Good Guys starred Bob Denver as an imbecilic cab driver

Ed Bark — 2010-04-09T17:30:44-05:00
As recently noted anew, Fox has begun unveiling promos for its action-comedy cop series The Good Guys, which premieres May 19th and is being filmed entirely in the Dallas area. Return with us now to a spot for the urp-worthy 1960s The Good Guys, which was a CBS sitcom.

Way down yonder in New Orleans: HBO's new Treme must be seen (and heard)

Ed Bark — 2010-04-09T11:50:02-05:00
HBO's latest, and quite possibly one of its greatest series premieres Sunday. Set three months after Katrina hit, Treme makes New Orleans come alive in both chapters and song verses.

Henry VIII takes his last wives and heads in climactic Season 4 of The Tudors

Ed Bark — 2010-04-08T17:47:21-05:00
Also, ABC unfurls a big collection of summertime series, all of which are detailed on our TV Bulletin Board page. Plus, a brief look at who Megan Henderson's been hanging out with in Hollywood a year after leaving Dallas-based Fox4's Good Day.

Fox rolls out first looks at Dallas-made The Good Guys

Ed Bark — 2010-04-07T14:28:59-05:00
But it's never too early to get a taste, which viewers of American Idol did last night if they were paying any attention to the commercial breaks. We'll take our own closer look here, and also provide links to your friendly content provider's two previous pieces on the series, which stars Bradley Whitford and Colin Hanks.

North Texas Idol duo worshipped (more or less) by judges; topless D-FW club gets more national exposure

Ed Bark — 2010-04-07T11:05:14-05:00
It may not help him during Wednesday night's vote-off, but Duncanville's Tim Urban got an unaccustomed heap of praise on Tuesday's American Idol. ... Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show more good times for Fox4's Good Day.

Blowout for a big blow up: Sunday morn's implosion of Texas Stadium will be da bomb on local TV stations

Ed Bark — 2010-04-06T16:10:46-05:00
Texas Stadium's last rites, in the early morning this Sunday, will be gang-covered live by all four major D-FW television news providers. ... Also, there's a new weekly national ratings champ, and it's not American Idol.

Fox4's ultra early morning jump start is sunny for starters

Ed Bark — 2010-04-06T12:13:32-05:00
Can Fox4 shake up its flat ratings by starting a half-hour earlier than its three competitors? ... Plus, NBC renews three reality hours for next season, all of them attached to stars much better known for something else.

Rangers/Woods vie for attention; former WFAA8 reporter recounts the night when a streaker invaded his live shot

Ed Bark — 2010-04-05T17:07:02-05:00
The Texas Rangers and Tiger Woods opened their new seasons simultaneously Monday afternoon, with the hometown nine finally prevailing over Toronto while Woods held his first post-scandal press conference before this week's Masters tournament. ...Also, former WFAA8 reporter Bert Lozano is still less than four years removed from a streaker crossing his path during a late night live shot near Lake Lewisville.

Happy Easter to all my peeps -- the sequel

Ed Bark — 2010-04-02T17:28:06-05:00
It's of Good Day co-anchor Lauren Przybyl and traffic reporter Todd Carruth, who had a "Peep-Off" during Friday's edition of the Fox4 waker upper. ...That would be Peeps, and I've got a 10-pack of yellow chicks and a 12-pack of purple bunnies ready for slow but steady consumption over the holiday/holy day weekend.

Happy Easter to all my peeps

Ed Bark — 2010-04-02T17:02:23-05:00
A blessed and bountiful Easter to all from unclebarky.com's ramshackle corporate headquarters. Meanwhile, there's some fresh stuff inside, including the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings and a tale of two true/false CBS publicity releases.

Taking the temperature of D-FW weathercasts; CBS strives for elusive hit hospital drama with Miami Medical

Ed Bark — 2010-04-01T16:02:52-05:00
Are all of D-FW's weathercasts pretty much one and the same? ... Also, CBS crime maestro Jerry Bruckheimer checks into a hospital Friday night with Miami Medical.

Fox4's Good Day getting up even earlier; tweet treats from Conan O'Brien

Ed Bark — 2010-04-01T04:28:42-05:00
If you're buying something on amazon and you'd like to put a few pennies in unclebarky.com's pockets, then please click to amazon via any of the ads on this web site. ...Our chronological compendium of his sweetest Tweets (including some of the pics he's also posted) can be found on the Network News & Reviews page.

North Texas Idol recap; earthbound ratings for V

Ed Bark — 2010-03-31T11:12:05-05:00
Duncanville's Tim Urban -- now officially "Teflon Tim" -- smiled and laughed through another beatdown from Idol judges Tuesday. ... Also, ABC's much-hyped return of V had less than stellar ratings in D-FW Tuesday.

Publishing problem resolved

Ed Bark — 2010-03-30T14:49:43-05:00
A puzzling technical problem kept your friendly content provider from publishing anything in the last half day or so. ... So look inside, if you would, for a new local Nielsen ratings snapshot that spotlights an uncharacteristic problem for WFAA8's 10 p.m. newscast, which blew a big ratings lead-in Monday in the key 25-to-54 demographic.

Badu does Dallas -- and local TV stations are happy to give you an eyeful

Ed Bark — 2010-03-30T00:59:34-05:00
Erykah Badu's nude music video in Dealey Plaza surroundings got plenty of play on early evening newscasts Monday. Let's look 'em over.

24 going down for the count

Ed Bark — 2010-03-27T13:06:33-05:00
24's ongoing Season 8 will be its last, Fox and the groundbreaking show's producers announced Friday night. See our complete story on the Network News & Reviews page.

Here's to your health: ABC launches Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution in Fat City (updated)

Ed Bark — 2010-03-26T11:46:14-05:00
ABC's Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution tackles the problem in an eye-opening, six-episode series set in flabby Huntington, W. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show little love for Thursday night's NCAA "Sweet 16" action.

Promotion/addition at NBC5

Ed Bark — 2010-03-25T13:28:54-05:00
Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, and three of the four reigning First Ladies of D-FW television news will share the same stage Friday. Also, Sarah Palin gets a new TV series on TLC as part of our wealth of new postings on the TV Bulletin Board page.

Verne 'n' Dale: faces of WFAA8 sports for 43 years and counting

Ed Bark — 2010-03-24T13:55:14-05:00
NOTE TO READERS -- We earlier publicized the America's Got Talent event at Fair Park, which will be held on Thursday and Friday of this week. If you still want to attend a taping, go here for more information and then scroll down to the bottom item for a link on how to get tickets.

CW's Fly Girls soars on wings of eagles (just kidding, of course)

Ed Bark — 2010-03-23T14:03:18-05:00
Another new CW reality series, Fly Girls, joins the CW lineup Wednesday. ... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are very good news for ABC and D-FW affiliate WFAA8.

Jagged little pills: Nurse Jackie back on Showtime

Ed Bark — 2010-03-22T16:04:25-05:00
Edie Falco continues to have a bravura encore for The Sopranos when she returns Monday to play the title role in Showtime's Nurse Jackie. ... Also, the weekend D-FW Nielsen ratings are in.

Sucky Bucky: Uncharacteristically defenseless UW Badgers buried by other Big Red

Ed Bark — 2010-03-21T15:31:04-05:00
"First field goal by Wisconsin in 6 hours, 45 minutes," CBS play-by-play man Jim Nantz said with 5:09 left in the second half. ...My corkscrewed heart now is with the remaining two Texas teams -- Baylor and Texas A&M (if they manage to pull through against Purdue later in the day).

Badgers barely beat itty bitty Wofford College, waylaying Uncle Barky's plans to jump off a tall building to an enthusiastic standing ovation from NBC5 anchors Brian Curtis and Meredith Land -- to name just two

Ed Bark — 2010-03-19T16:11:31-05:00
Your friendly content provider's alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, squeaked into the second round of the NCAA basketball tournament Friday afternoon with a 53-49 win against the smallest school in the field, Wofford College. ...But the greatness of ncaa.com allowed me to watch the whole thing while growing ever fatalistic about this being the most humiliating defeat in Badger basketball history.

RIP Fess Parker: Aug. 16, 1924 to March 18, 2010 (updated)

Ed Bark — 2010-03-18T19:24:43-05:00
It was first published just over five years ago, with a robust 80-year-old Parker playing the most gracious host imaginable. ...And the TV Bulletin Board page has info. on Christiane Amanpour's new job with ABC News and John King's new show on CNN.

Meth-od acting: AMC's addicting Breaking Bad remains on drugs

Ed Bark — 2010-03-18T17:41:01-05:00
Star Bryan Cranston resumes his Emmy-winning ways when AMC's Breaking Bad launches Season 3 Sunday night. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings have the Peacock people strutting at NBC5.

Life goes on

Ed Bark — 2010-03-18T13:19:20-05:00
Part 1 of the new Discovery Channel series Life is screening for free on Thursday, March 18th at The Magnolia in Dallas. ...The 11-part sequel to the acclaimed Planet Earth premieres on Sunday, March 21st at 7 p.m. central.

Monster meshing with syfy channel

Ed Bark — 2010-03-17T15:33:00-05:00
Plus, CBS11/TXA21 weatherman Mike Burger marks a milestone, the American Idol finalists turn Stones' music into mush and the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings put some pop into the premiere of FX's Justified. Also, if you haven't already, check out this very vintage Southwest Airlines prequel to its ongoing "Bags Fly Free" TV ad campaign.

CW33's The RC Project hits IQ ground zero

Ed Bark — 2010-03-16T12:25:01-05:00
Tacked on to Dallas-based CW33's new 5 p.m. local newscasts, The RC Project tests a viewer's will to live. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are uncommonly served sunny side up for Fox4's Good Day.

FX's Justified has a sharp edge without all the usual anti-hero additives

Ed Bark — 2010-03-15T19:29:40-05:00
FX's latest new drama, the law 'n' order-themed Justified, premieres Tuesday night. The network should be justifiably proud.

Ex-Idol producer critiques his old show, finds it wanting

Ed Bark — 2010-03-15T13:51:05-05:00
Nigel Lythgoe, who spent seven seasons as co-producer of American Idol before jumping to So You Think You Can Dance, has some pointed opinions about Idol's ongoing Season 9. ... Plus, a new TV Bulletin Board is stocked with tidbits and we debut a possibly recurring "Fun with Mike and Jane" feature drawn from the at times wacky Facebook postings of NBC5 anchors Mike Snyder and Jane McGarry.

The Pacific lands on HBO

Ed Bark — 2010-03-12T13:23:47-06:00
HBO's long-awaited sequel to 2001's Band of Brothers begins its 10-week run on Sunday night. Our salute to it is here.

"Cheerleader pop" propels Fox4's Fiona Gorostiza

Ed Bark — 2010-03-12T10:28:18-06:00
Good Day adventurist Fiona Gorostiza shook her assets Thursday during Dallas auditions for Fox's So You Think You Can Dance. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are a li'l booster shot for CW33's 5:30 p.m. local newscast.

And baby will make three

Ed Bark — 2010-03-11T22:59:41-06:00
Responding to reader inquiries, we've confirmed the pregnancy of a prominent D-FW television news anchor. ...Also, two North Texans make American Idol's Top 12 while voters also deal a bland blow to prime-time's most popular show.

Cuckolded Coco coming to campus near you

Ed Bark — 2010-03-11T22:05:40-06:00
The above is coming to Dallas -- SMU's McFarlin Auditorium -- on May 13th. ...It all begins in Eugene, Oregon on April 12th, with a scheduled final stop in Atlanta on June 14th.

Glenn Beck goes after little baby barky

Ed Bark — 2010-03-11T10:47:54-06:00
Your friendly content provider is under assault from Glenn Beck, who's brandishing formative Barky's Facebook baby picture to underscore his contention that unclebarky.com's Garland corporate headquarters house a "Pinko Commie Leftycrat." ...Plus, we review Fox's new Sunday night sitcom, Sons of Tucson, and also bring you our newest take on Wednesday night's American Idol performances by the four remaining North Texas males.

It's Ms. Roark for CBS11 news director post

Ed Bark — 2010-03-10T15:49:43-06:00
CBS11 has named Adrienne Roark as the D-FW station's new news director. Get all the details here.

NBC5 names Friedman as permanent early morning co-anchor

Ed Bark — 2010-03-10T15:02:39-06:00
Fort Worth-based NBC5 as expected has tabbed news staffer Scott Friedman to be its new early morning co-anchor. He'll team with incumbent Deborah Ferguson.

CW's High Society makes Jersey Shore seem like Washington Week In Review

Ed Bark — 2010-03-10T14:20:14-06:00
Wow, The CW strikes again with a new "docu-series" about New York's rich 'n' vacant socialite crowd. Our review of the thoroughly loathsome High Society -- but maybe that's the intent -- can be found here.

No great shakes in the looks department (but can Bill White somehow confound the TV age and beat the almost criminally handsome Rick Perry?)

Ed Bark — 2010-03-09T16:56:06-06:00
And that's a lot for Bill White -- or any candidate -- to overcome in times when looks tend to call the tune. We examine the sometimes cold realities of a plain-faced bald man vs. studly Texas Gov.

Original 1979 Elvis movie still rocks with Russell/Carpenter at throttle

Ed Bark — 2010-03-09T14:13:52-06:00
ABC's three-hour Elvis movie remains historically important and damned good, too. ... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show a burgeoning kingmaker in ABC's Castle.

No surprise Oscars have surprisingly strong D-FW ratings (updated)

Ed Bark — 2010-03-08T11:06:10-06:00
Sunday night's Oscar-cast on ABC had a markedly bigger audience than last year's, according to the D-FW Nielsens. ...Plus, NBC and ABC both renew some ratings-challenged series while NBC also announces summertime premiere dates for America's Got Talent among others.

Idol's North Texas 4 stays intact; now comprises half of remaining 8 males

Ed Bark — 2010-03-05T10:42:52-06:00
American Idol's amazing but true North Texas tint remained intact after the latest viewer vote-off Thursday. ... Plus, we warm up for the Oscars with a host of host trivia on our home away from home, locatetv.com.

The Office's "Baby Event" -- wah, wah, wah

Ed Bark — 2010-03-04T16:08:19-06:00
NBC's The Office sinks further into traditional sitcom contrivance with Jim and Pam's special delivery Thursday night. ... But yes, The Office definitely has seen better days.

WFAA8 takes 10 p.m. news prizes in Olympics-addled February sweeps

Ed Bark — 2010-03-04T12:51:19-06:00
NBC's heavily-watched Olympics telecasts stamped a big asterisk on the showcase 10 p.m. results while also having at least an indirect impact on the early evening news ratings. ...Also, Wednesday's D-FW ratings have been posted, and there's additional news about a former D-FW television anchor/reporter who's moving from CNN to CBS.

So long to "The Schack"

Ed Bark — 2010-03-03T16:07:36-06:00
WFAA8 weekend meteorologist Jennifer Schack will be leaving the building after her March 7th duties. See where she's going here.

Uncle Barky's latest American Idol (North Texas edition) recap

Ed Bark — 2010-03-03T13:07:27-06:00
So that seems worth another recap, in which Uncle Barky's homegrown comments are paired with the so-called experts. ...Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings give you Tuesday's numbers on the election-themed late night newscasts, Leno vs.

A mostly silent witness to the fires on Lower Greenville

Ed Bark — 2010-03-02T15:45:17-06:00
NBC5's website, nbcdfw.com, has posted a two-and-a-half-minute video of the tragedy without any breathless reporter interjections. You can find it embedded on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page as an example of how powerful natural sound -- or no sound at all -- can be in bringing this particular story home in stark, unadorned fashion.

Leno re-takes Tonight and lights up D-FW ratings

Ed Bark — 2010-03-02T11:57:10-06:00
Hyped with a "Get Back" campaign during the Winter Olympics, Jay Leno re-emerged for his first Tonight Show do-over Monday. ... And our TV Bulletin Board page looks at the latest Dancing with the Stars lineup and the continuing adventures of Dallas flyboy Jake Pavelka, who's segueing from kiss 'n' tell to hoof 'n' puff.

Third coming of Parenthood gives NBC a little long overdue prime-time patina

Ed Bark — 2010-03-01T18:03:49-06:00
NBC is filling one of Jay Leno's vacated prime-time holes with a new version of Parenthood from Ron Howard's production company. We explore its family dynamics here.

NBC gumbo: Olympics/Young/Conan; Marriage Ref; Leno to Tonight, prime-time takes flight

Ed Bark — 2010-03-01T04:27:46-06:00
Plus, now comes the new NBC, with Jay Leno reclaiming The Tonight Show while leaving five big holes to fill in the Peacock's prime-time schedule. Meanwhile, stations such as Fort Worth-based NBC5 are more than eager to re-roll the dice with late night newscasts that can't help but be better served without Leno as an appetizer.

It ain't heavy, it's my backpack: the changing faces of news in the digital age

Ed Bark — 2010-02-26T14:57:39-06:00
ABC News president David Westin sent tremors through his industry earlier this week with his announcement of a major digital age-driven makeover of his division. ...Also, NBC5 anchor Deborah Ferguson is among a crowded field of national Gracie Award winners while all four North Texan entrants survive the first viewer cut on American Idol.

Applauding Fox4's cornering of Red Cat weasel

Ed Bark — 2010-02-25T15:13:30-06:00
"Gotcha" journalism has its perils. But Dallas-based Fox4 was on solid ground Wednesday night in putting a guy on camera who strongly objected.

North Texan youths invade Idol, take beatings

Ed Bark — 2010-02-25T07:27:02-06:00
After Wednesday night's live sing-off, it's clear that the Fox colossus would just as soon be rid of three of them. ...Also, my home away from home, locatetv.com, tells you about Friday night's tribute to The Beatles' Abbey Road album on the third season premiere of Sundance Channel's Love From Abbey Road.

ABC News rocked by impending changes; Two and a Half Men suspends production in deference to Sheen's rehab

Ed Bark — 2010-02-23T18:38:53-06:00
Two late-breaking network developments Tuesday shook the foundations of ABC News and put prime-time's most popular sitcom temporarily on hold. Your two unclebarky.com reports are here (for ABC) and here (for Two and a Half Men).

More snow business -- but little of the actual stuff -- after local TV forecasting fest

Ed Bark — 2010-02-23T14:17:25-06:00
And in the end, it just doesn't matter all that much whether you're right or wrong. ...Plus, D-FW's "The 33" will be adding another half-hour of local news.

The Olympian, gold medal hair of Bob Costas (but shouldn't it be at least a little silver?)

Ed Bark — 2010-02-22T13:47:36-06:00
The Olympics roll along on NBC, with the ratings up, the U.S. stockpiling medals and host Bob Costas bringin' it all home. Which brings us to his hair in this penetrating unclebarky.com commentary.

Tiger Woods faces the cameras, but did he face the music, too?

Ed Bark — 2010-02-19T11:43:28-06:00
TV networks had blanket coverage of Tiger Woods' live statement Friday. ... And on my home away from home, locatetv, check out what Simon Cowell had to say Thursday during a teleconference with TV writers.

Idol vs. Olympics: Round 2

Ed Bark — 2010-02-18T13:47:04-06:00
The Olympics had considerable star power Wednesday night while American Idol sent two more North Texans to its Top 24, increasing the total to four. ...Also, HBO's Reporter documentary asks viewers to spend 90 minutes with New York Times reporter Nicholas Kristof, who continues to report on genocide in the war-ravaged Congo despite massive stateside indifference.

Four North Texans (and six Texans all together) make Idol's Top 24 live performers

Ed Bark — 2010-02-18T01:02:02-06:00
Perhaps you only counted 23 identified and announced Top 24 semi-finalists on American Idol Wednesday night. ... A late-night Fox news release, included at the end of our story, clarifies to a large extent why Urban was an invisible man.

Olympics vs. Idol: Who won in D-FW?

Ed Bark — 2010-02-17T10:23:53-06:00
And furthermore, unfairpark.com's Robert Wilonsky has been doing his usual first-rate job of keeping up with current and possible TV and film productions in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. ... Also, if you haven't seen them yet, check out your friendly content provider's two pieces on Fox's Code 58 series, which will premiere in May and is set up at Fair Park.

New CBS11/TXA21 boss talks about his first priority

Ed Bark — 2010-02-16T15:29:42-06:00
Broadcast TV veteran Gary Schneider, named Tuesday as president and general manager of DFW-based CBS11/TXA21, does his first one-on-one interview with unclebarky.com. ... Also, the latest local Nielsen ratings are in for a very eventful weekend -- plus Monday.

Glimmering, shimmering: NBC5's new 10 p.m. anchor team

Ed Bark — 2010-02-15T15:50:00-06:00
Brian Curtis and Meredith Land debuted Friday night as custodians of NBC5's 10 p.m. newscasts, replacing the deposed team of Jane McGarry and Mike Snyder. ... Also, Cowboys Stadium immediately returns to a national spotlight Monday night with truTV's look back at the emporium's first regular season NFL game.

NBC5's McGarry talks about life after NBC5's 10 p.m. newscasts

Ed Bark — 2010-02-12T16:12:44-06:00
NBC5 anchor Jane McGarry, whose portfolio suddenly no longer includes the station's 10 p.m. newscasts, talked at length with unclebarky.com in a telephone interview Friday. You can find it right here.

McGarry out, Land in as NBC5's new 10 p.m. co-anchor

Ed Bark — 2010-02-12T11:49:15-06:00
Jane McGarry's nearly 20-year reign as co-anchor of NBC5's 10 p.m. newscasts ended abruptly Friday with the Fort Worth-based station's announcement that incumbent anchor/reporter Meredith Land will be replacing her. She starts tonight after NBC's telecast of the Winter Olympics' opening ceremonies while McGarry re-routes to the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts.

More snow, more coverage, more pictures

Ed Bark — 2010-02-11T19:05:39-06:00
Unclebarky.com productions presents a second look at the day in snow, as portrayed on D-FW television screens. Ed Bark

Cowboy Colby tangles with varmint Russell in Big Tex subplot on Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains

Ed Bark — 2010-02-11T11:38:14-06:00
Also, take a look at D-FW's snow 'n' tell street reporters who braved the elements on Thursday's early morning newsers. And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show NBC5 with a bit of a skip in its step now that Jay Leno's prime-timer is gone.

Latest North Texas Idol angles

Ed Bark — 2010-02-10T10:10:08-06:00
American Idol's Hollywood rounds kicked in Tuesday night, with 17 North Texans among the nearly 200 hopefuls. ... See what new shows the Peacock will be promoting while also trumpeting Jay Leno's March 1st return to The Tonight Show.

Fox's Past Life is present-day lifeless

Ed Bark — 2010-02-09T13:24:01-06:00
Fox blesses another new series with a post-Idol launch Tuesday night. ... Also, Fox4 has added a bit of bell/whistle to its 9 p.m. newscasts.

Super Bowl XLIV mashes M*A*S*H finale to become most-watched program in TV history

Ed Bark — 2010-02-08T15:16:15-06:00
But the last episode of CBS' M*A*S*H stood for nearly 27 years as the show with the largest audience in TV history. ... Plus, truTV lamely tries to capitalize on pro football's massive popularity with Monday's launch of the six-part NFL Full Contact.

Letterman, Leno play-act in surprise Super Bowl spot

Ed Bark — 2010-02-08T11:30:39-06:00
Super Bowl XLIV's best spot was a surprise, one-time-only 15-second promo for Late Show with David Letterman that also made room for Jay Leno and Oprah Winfrey. ... Also, the big game blew past last year's matchup in the D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Old, tired, disheveled Mavs lose at home to roadkill Timberwolves

Ed Bark — 2010-02-05T22:51:37-06:00
I wanted to believe in this year's Dallas Mavericks, but what's the point after Friday's desultory 9-point home loss to the toothless Minnesota Timberwolves. Time to vent while hoping that Dirk gets traded to a team that might someday get him a ring.

Undercover Boss works well in post-Super Bowl slot

Ed Bark — 2010-02-05T15:11:04-06:00
Houston-based Waste Management, Inc. and its well-disposed COO are on display in CBS' Undercover Boss, this year's Super Bowl followup act. ...Ed Bark

A great Danes performance (lame pun intended) in HBO's Temple Grandin

Ed Bark — 2010-02-05T11:20:03-06:00
But in its infancy, you won't see a better performance on any sized screen than Claire Danes as the autistic title character in HBO's Temple Grandin. ... Also, WFAA8 gets off to a fast start in the truncated February "sweeps" sprint at 10 p.m.

Exactly how many North Texans are in Idol's Hollywood mix?

Ed Bark — 2010-02-04T12:08:43-06:00
But after due diligence, we've got the complete list of North Texans plus the contingent from other parts of the state. ...In that context, we bring you video of a still smokin' hot one from 1969, when Tom Jones went toe-to-toe with Janis Joplin.

Season 6 Lost premiere holds two Jacks, a pair of Kates, etc.

Ed Bark — 2010-02-03T10:20:39-06:00
Lost continued to throw curves Tuesday night, giving its principal characters parallel lives. ... Also, Lost finds a nice-sized audience in the D-FW Nielsen ratings.

Lost takes last cracks at finding its way

Ed Bark — 2010-02-02T11:50:02-06:00
ABC's Lost starts its sixth and final season Tuesday with a two-hour episode. ...Plus, what was up with NBC5 anchor Jane McGarry and that "Sickening Smell" graphic Monday night?

WFAA8 throws a debate, debuts an anchor

Ed Bark — 2010-02-01T04:32:22-06:00
WFAA8 had an eventful weekend, with a finely tuned Republican gubernatorial faceoff on Friday night and Sunday morning's debut of the Dallas-based station's weekend morning anchor. ...Also, Conan O'Brien goes out a winner with a big week in the late night ratings while Sunday night's Grammy telecast on CBS goes out with a whimper during a top-heavily censored three-way rap among the genre's elite.

Withering heights: Kimmel escalates feud with Leno

Ed Bark — 2010-01-29T11:47:21-06:00
Jimmy Kimmel's takes on NBC's late night pratfalls are pungent and now very personal. On Thursday's Jimmy Kimmel Live, he socked it to Jay Leno after Leno claimed that Kimmel had "sucker punched" him during a recent "10 at 10" segment.

And now Ray Romano as Al Capone . . .

Ed Bark — 2010-01-28T16:03:47-06:00
But our latest "Making a List" is for real, counting down the Top 10 head-scratching TV portrayals of real-life people by big-name stars. Also, Dallas-based WFAA8 finds itself near the top of the national download charts with its newly launched news app for the Apple iPhone and ITouch.

Idol worship peaks with Dallas auditions

Ed Bark — 2010-01-28T11:00:17-06:00
Wednesday's American Idol auditions from Dallas had more D-FW viewers on a single network -- Fox -- than President Obama's State of the Union Address had on the Big Four broadcast networks -- Fox, ABC, CBS and NBC. ...Also, we review Wednesday's Idol festivities on both Fox and Fox4.

Leno up-close in a vintage interview that still holds true

Ed Bark — 2010-01-27T13:27:35-06:00
Back in spring 1995, Jay Leno was still the relatively new host of The Tonight Show and hadn't yet taken the ratings measure of arch rival David Letterman. Your friendly content provider interviewed him in his Burbank offices, where Leno let his guard down and pretty much said it all about himself.

All-Star hoops in Dallas will have a big hurdle in prime-time

Ed Bark — 2010-01-26T13:48:18-06:00
And local TV stations, with the possible exception of one, will devote plenty of air time to the Feb. 14th NBA All-Star game in Dallas at Jerry's Palace. ... Which puts the All-Stars on likely thin ice ratings-wise -- even in these parts.

Branching out again with another cnn.com commentary

Ed Bark — 2010-01-26T12:33:09-06:00
Your friendly content provider has another commentary on cnn.com, this one on the future talking points in late night TV now that the Conan O'Brien/NBC soap opera has ceased. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in place on unclebarky.com, and ABC's increasingly popular Castle is a prime beneficiary.

Big doings in Dallas: new Fox action-comedy cop series set to start production Tuesday, with Fair Park as home base

Ed Bark — 2010-01-25T14:33:59-06:00
The new summertime Fox series Code 58 (working title), starring Bradley Whitford and Colin Hanks, plans to spend the next six months filming 13 episodes in D-FW. ... Also, the D-FW weekend Nielsen ratings are in, with high profile attractions ranging from Sunday's Saints-Vikings white-knuckler to Friday's last Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.

Syfy fo fum: Caprica launches as Battlestar Galactica prequel

Ed Bark — 2010-01-22T15:00:58-06:00
Plus, be sure to spend four minutes with The Late Night War, a Ken Burns mockumentary from Thursday's Jimmy Kimmel Live. The latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are in, too, and they're a boon for the next-to-last Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.

Starz new Spartacus is violent, excessive -- and bloody well done

Ed Bark — 2010-01-21T16:40:48-06:00
The gladiator goings-on are unflinchingly graphic in the new Starz series Spartacus: Blood and Sand. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are another big flex for American Idol.

Tonight, Tonight: Conan out, Leno back in

Ed Bark — 2010-01-21T13:53:54-06:00
NBC made it official Thursday, freeing Conan O'Brien from his contract with the network while re-deploying Jay Leno as Tonight Show host. We give you all the details -- and then analyze -- on our Network News & Reviews page.

Dallas-made The Deep End premieres as ABC's latest law drama

Ed Bark — 2010-01-20T13:53:08-06:00
Filmed mostly in Dallas but set in L.A., ABC's The Deep End dog-paddles into view Thursday night as a legal drama with a Grey's Anatomy over-coat. ... We also have the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings and a look at Friday's two-hour benefit for Haiti, which will be shown on an unprecedented array of broadcast and cable networks.

Incoming at WFAA8: two new weekend news anchors

Ed Bark — 2010-01-19T16:40:30-06:00
WFAA8 is adjusting its weekend newscast picture by adding a pair of anchors from the East and West coasts. ... And we catch you up on all the big developments from the TV critics "press tour" with links to the complete stories your friendly content provider wrote from Pasadena for locatetv.com.

CW's newest: Life Unexpected

Ed Bark — 2010-01-18T17:39:56-06:00
Rife with false moments and falser mood music, The CW's Life Unexpected premieres Monday. ... Also, we catch up on all those D-FW ratings reports we missed while away, with the exception of Sunday's.

Back on site and catching up

Ed Bark — 2010-01-18T00:16:43-06:00
We've resumed posting on unclebarky.com after a highly eventful week of Conan/Leno/Simon intrigue at the Television Critics Association "press tour" in Pasadena. ...Plus, a brief look at Sunday night's Golden Globes show and a review of Fox's Human Target, which continues with a second episode on Wednesday night after Sunday's sneak-preview.

Leaving on a jet plane (pretty much know when I'll be back again)

Ed Bark — 2010-01-07T16:51:42-06:00
Your friendly content provider will leaving Friday morning to spend a week at the mid-season television critics "press tour" in Pasadena, CA. where various networks gather to sell themselves. ...We have new reviews of this Sunday's 20th anniversary Simpsons special and of next week's new and ultra-ribald/risque FX animated series, Archer.

New Survivor includes old Texas heartthrob

Ed Bark — 2010-01-07T11:26:35-06:00
Former Dallas car customizer Colby Donaldson, heroic figure of 2001's Survivor: The Australian Outback, returns to play again in CBS' upcoming 10th anniversary edition, Survivor: Heroes vs. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings boost both The People's Choice Awards and CBS11's cold weather 10 p.m. newscast.

Krystle gets Good Day visibility boost

Ed Bark — 2010-01-06T12:43:36-06:00
Dismayed by somewhat slumbering ratings for its early morning Good Day program, Dallas-based Fox4 is giving former substitute anchor Krystle Gutierrez a more prominent role. ... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show that CBS' crime shows squeezed out Fox's Orange Bowl telecast.

Contract negotiations at CBS11, big numbers for an otherwise despondent TCU, Brit Hume plays God, etc.

Ed Bark — 2010-01-05T13:46:47-06:00
Fox news commentator and former anchor Brit Hume calls Tiger Woods home to Christ during a controversial riff on Fox News Sunday. And WFAA anchor/reporter Shelly Slater shows off her big ol' high school smile in our belated li'l wrapup of the station's Big D NYE telecast.

By the numbers: Cowboys in review

Ed Bark — 2010-01-04T13:27:25-06:00
And on unclebarky.com, we've got the top-to-bottom D-FW Nielsen ratings for all 16 games. Which was the biggest draw -- and the biggest "loser" -- in a season where every Cowboys contest topped the one million mark?

Fox/Time Warner tiff is good news for news print

Ed Bark — 2010-01-04T02:00:38-06:00
Who benefited the most from the recently settled transmission dispute between Fox Networks Group and Time Warner Cable? Read all about it here, and get a few other D-FW news scoops as well.

Peacock, not Fox, plucks plum Cowboys-Eagles playoff rematch

Ed Bark — 2010-01-04T00:25:13-06:00
The TV schedule for this weekend's four opening playoff games was set Sunday night, with NBC announcing that it will have Saturday night's rematch between Dallas and Philadelphia at Cowboys Stadium. ...So if the Cowboys win on Saturday night -- and that's a big if -- Fox4 can still clean up with at least one and possibly two huge post-season draws.

Merry Christmas/Happy New Year to one and all!!!

Ed Bark — 2009-12-23T10:34:21-06:00
So with kids comin' in and lots still left to do, we bid all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Unclebarky.com will take a bit of a break and resume posting early in 2010, which will be the fifth year to fly this banner after a Sept. 17, 2006 startup.

A light dusting of postings

Ed Bark — 2009-12-22T09:57:32-06:00
It's a cuddler from WFAA8's Joe Trahan on the Dallas Cowboys' Monday visits to area children's hospitals. Plus, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show a big crowd for the Giants' pasting of Washington on ESPN's Monday Night Football.

We say goodbye to D-FW television's departing class of 2009

Ed Bark — 2009-12-21T15:39:03-06:00
Some left voluntarily, others were pushed out. Unclebarky.com lists them one and all in our annual year-end compendium of D-FW television personalities who are now out of our pictures.

Cowboys-saints roll up big ratings, of course (But how big on a Christmas party-filled Saturday night?)

Ed Bark — 2009-12-21T11:39:11-06:00
The Dallas Cowboys' big upset win over previously unbeaten New Orleans played on two channels Saturday night. ... Also, the 10th "Countdown to Christmas" video is WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen's latest "Thank God For Kids" video/commentary, delivered Sunday night.

Baron James signs off at Fox4; Randy Galloway dead wrong again

Ed Bark — 2009-12-20T15:06:29-06:00
Fox4 anchor Baron James said goodbye to viewers Friday night, leaving a month earlier than the station initially planned. ... And acerbic Randy Galloway's prediction of a 100-3 Cowboys loss to New Orleans didn't quite turn out that way.

No more Gibson on ABC's World News

Ed Bark — 2009-12-18T18:55:18-06:00
Charles "Charlie" Gibson signed off Friday from ABC's World News, leaving "The Chair" to Diane Sawyer. We've got details and a picture here.

Another new Katie kids book from former weathercaster Kristine Kahanek

Ed Bark — 2009-12-18T11:16:33-06:00
She'll be signing and reading copies of her latest Katie and the Magic Umbrella kids book on Friday evening, Dec. 18th. ... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show WFAA8's 10 p.m. newscast almost overcoming a mammoth lead-in disadvantage on the last night of the station's Santa's Helpers toy drive.

New TCM special looks at giant-sized world of Hollywood epics

Ed Bark — 2009-12-17T15:11:55-06:00
The towering, budget-busting epic, epitomized by Gone with the Wind and Ben-Hur, will be revisited Sunday night in a nifty TCM special that itself will be surrounded by some classics of the genre. ... Also, take a look at No. 8 in our collection of "Countdown to Christmas" videos.

Weighing in on Wade and the Cowboys -- again

Ed Bark — 2009-12-16T17:45:06-06:00
Unclebarky.com again ventures into sports opinion territory with this helpful suggestion. If you're going to fire Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips right now, then do likewise to his chief antagonist, Randy Galloway.

2009: A very turbulent TV year

Ed Bark — 2009-12-16T13:05:21-06:00
The national TV landscape shook, got rattled and tried to roll with the punches in 2009. ... And the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show that viewers like their holiday viewing wrapped in body bags.

Globes noms a plus for Glee and Modern Family

Ed Bark — 2009-12-15T11:30:12-06:00
Golden Globes nominations, announced Tuesday, make ample room at the TV table for broadcast network comedies. ... Also, the sixth in our series of "Countdown to Christmas" videos features Jennifer Hudson from Monday night's sparkling ABC special.

NBC's post-Winter Olympics lineup on a slippery downhill slop to Blagojevich

Ed Bark — 2009-12-14T15:30:17-06:00
NBC has announced its post-Winter Olympics schedule, which makes room for former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich on a third edition of Donald Trump's alleged Celebrity Apprentice. Also, we have a revealing look back -- via Back Channels -- at new Good Morning America co-anchor George Stephanopoulos, who was hawking his first book in Dallas a decade ago.

One's a Christmas video, one's not but sure looks like one

Ed Bark — 2009-12-11T11:48:34-06:00
Our daily "Countdown to Christmas" video harkens back to Mad Men times with this time capsule pitch for cigarettes under the tree. Also, check out a new NBC5 promo that has all the trappings of a holiday commercial, but instead veers elsewhere at spot's end.

George, Juju join GMA as anticipated

Ed Bark — 2009-12-10T15:01:02-06:00
ABC News officially announced what had been widely reported -- George Stephanopoulos and Juju Chang respectively are replacing Diane Sawyer and Chris Cuomo on Good Morning America. ... Also, ABC has announced a January spot for The Deep End, a legal drama recently filmed in Dallas but set in L.A.

Abrupt departure: CBS11 president/GM Steve Mauldin heading West two weeks after landmark November sweeps news win

Ed Bark — 2009-12-10T13:50:08-06:00
CBS11 president and general manager Steve Mauldin is heading West to take charge of the network's biggest duopoly -- KCBS/KCAL-TV. He spent nearly seven years in D-FW, and finally reached the promised land in November with a razor-thin "sweeps" victory in the 10 p.m. local news wars.

Not making this up: Conveyor Belt of Love coming soon to ABC

Ed Bark — 2009-12-10T11:41:05-06:00
ABC's latest looking-for-true-love gambit makes Flava of Love seem like Washington Week In Review. ... And the third video entry in our "Countdown to Christmas" collection looks like an instant contemporary classic to me.

GMT After Dark bumps Charlie Brown, substitutes product-hawking and disheveled "Santa Gordo"

Ed Bark — 2009-12-09T18:08:47-06:00
WFAA8's prime-time edition of Good Morning Texas After Dark offered a blizzard of pre-paid promotions in place of Charlie Brown Tuesday night. ... Also, thrill to the sight of Milky the Marvelous Milking Cow in Video 2 of our Christmas Countdown.

Traumatized Nowitzki says he pigged out after fiancee scandal

Ed Bark — 2009-12-08T17:53:12-06:00
Fox Sports Southwest's latest In My Own Words special finds Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki in an unusually talkative mood. ... Also, Fox's Glee will be taking the winter off after Wednesday's "fall finale."

Late afternoon local news expansion coming to CBS11

Ed Bark — 2009-12-08T11:16:14-06:00
CBS11 will be expanding its 4 p.m. newscast to a full hour, starting early next year. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings are a nice present for Carrie Underwood's Fox holiday special.

TNT's Men of a Certain Age is grownup comedy/drama set in late 40s

Ed Bark — 2009-12-07T12:50:04-06:00
Ray Romano, Andre Braugher and Scott Bakula are ripe for TNT's very promising new Men of a Certain Age, which premieres Monday. ... Also, the Cowboys' loss to the Giants of course has Giant-sized ratings.

CBS11 investigative reporter Bennett Cunningham leaves station in face of proposed salary cut

Ed Bark — 2009-12-04T17:09:20-06:00
Veteran CBS11 investigator Bennett Cunningham called it a day at the D-FW station Friday rather than take a proposed pay cut. ... Also, cable's syfy network very much "re-imagines" Alice In Wonderland in a four-hour production beginning Sunday.

Barbecuing with saucy mouths on TLC's new Texas-infused BBQ Pitmasters

Ed Bark — 2009-12-03T16:59:38-06:00
The "high-stakes world of competitive barbecue" comes into view on TLC's eight-episode BBQ Pitmasters, co-starring three grillers from Texas. We hold it to the fire here.

Cable's king in Comcast's big buy of NBC Universal from GE

Ed Bark — 2009-12-03T13:18:18-06:00
That much is clear from Thursday's long-anticipated announcement that Comcast will be taking over NBC Universal. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show Rudolph winning by much more than a nose in a duel of annual Christmas specials.

Brain optional in Jesse Ventura's new Conspiracy Theory series

Ed Bark — 2009-12-02T15:15:30-06:00
Wrestler turned governor turned "detective" Jesse Ventura finds sinister forces at work in truTV's Conspiracy Theory. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show that a one night respite from The Jay Leno Show can be a pretty good deal for NBC5's 10 p.m. newscast.

No laurels for Lauer: His Today interview with State Dinner Salahis misses one big base (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-12-01T11:58:20-06:00
Pleading their innocence all the way to the bank -- or to possible prosecution -- Michaele and Tareq Salahi made their case exclusively to Today's Matt Lauer Tuesday. ...So unclebarky.com steps in to assess the punching power of WFAA8's head man, who says his station is still No. 1 in the late night news arena.

Salahi, Salahi, baloney -- but Today's got 'em

Ed Bark — 2009-12-01T03:07:16-06:00
NBC's Today announced Monday night that it's nabbed the first interview with State Dinner-crashers Michaele and Tareq Salahi. ...Our exhaustive report on the November "sweeps" local newscast ratings, with WFAA8 and CBS11 waging all-out war at 10 p.m., is now residing in the November archives.

Opining on cnn.com

Ed Bark — 2009-11-30T15:46:32-06:00
Your friendly content provider, upon request, has entered the realm of cnn.com with a commentary on the State Dinner-crashing Salahis and their thirst to be reality TV stars. If you'd like, you can read it here.

Slugfest at 10 p.m., with head men at WFAA8 and CBS11 still trading punches after the bell

Ed Bark — 2009-11-30T14:11:33-06:00
Uncle Barky's corner men are toweling him off after WFAA8 honcho Mike Devlin heatedly declared it a tie while CBS11's Steve Mauldin basically said that excuses are for losers. Get all the details here on what likely was the closest 10 p.m. race in the history of this market.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and you and you

Ed Bark — 2009-11-25T12:39:26-06:00
We'll be taking a few days off to celebrate the holiday. But not before thanking all of unclebarky.com's readers for their continued support and interest.

Anchor Baron James getting walking papers at Fox4

Ed Bark — 2009-11-25T11:03:50-06:00
Veteran Fox4 anchor Baron James won't be part of the Dallas-based station's news team for much longer. ... Also, CBS11 still clings to a first-place ratings ledge with one night to go in its 10 p.m.

Idol returns (of course) amid Fox's shaken and stirred midseason lineup

Ed Bark — 2009-11-24T18:32:09-06:00
Fox announced its midseason lineup early Tuesday evening, and unclebarky.com has all the details here. Notable omission: Glee will be going away for a while after its "fall finale."

Up-close and objective (10 p.m. newscasts, Mon., Nov. 23)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-24T13:38:31-06:00
The white-hot war for 10 p.m. ratings supremacy is in its closing stages, with both WFAA8 and CBS11 throwing a little fear factor into the top of their newscasts. ... Also, see just how close it is at 10 p.m. in our latest D-FW Nielsen ratings "Snapshot."

Up-close with an unguarded Oprah (just don't take her picture)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-23T16:49:37-06:00
Oprah Winfrey's decision to leave her daytime talk show -- nearly two years from now -- prompts a return to a 1986 interview in Dallas just a month before the launch of her long-running syndicated smash. ...Also, we have reviews of a new KERA13 special on the Trinity River and the latest anniversary-tied look at the dark day that President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas.

Up-close and objective (10 p.m. newscasts, Thurs., Nov. 19)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-20T15:05:11-06:00
We're training our sights on just the two Titans -- WFAA8 and CBS11 -- as the November "sweeps" ratings period hits the homestretch. They're locked in a virtual dead heat for the 10 p.m. lead in total viewers.

Oprah's long goodbye looks like pretty good news for WFAA8

Ed Bark — 2009-11-20T08:45:14-06:00
The "Queen of Talk's" decision to leave broadcast TV -- effective with the Sept. 9, 2011 finale of The Oprah Winfrey Show -- likely won't leave Dallas-based WFAA8 in tears. In fact there may be some jubilation, although no one can say that publicly.

"Street Squad" violation?

Ed Bark — 2009-11-19T17:33:25-06:00
James Rose, whose "Street Squad" reports appear weekly on Fox4's 9 p.m. newscast, is a generally solid veteran with an aggressive bent. Should he have yielded, though, when a motorist kept telling him she didn't want to be on TV after being busted for a minor traffic violation?

New night for Lost's last season

Ed Bark — 2009-11-19T16:21:31-06:00
ABC has announced a launch date for the sixth and final season of Lost. ... Also, we go "Up-Close and Objective" with an emphasis on CBS11's gamesmanship during the backstretch of the hotly contested 10 p.m. ratings race.

CBS11 ends 10 p.m. downturn, still clings to paper-thin lead over WFAA8

Ed Bark — 2009-11-19T10:41:07-06:00
D-FW newscasts show CBS11 stopping a 5-night losing skid to remain precariously atop the late night news race with just five weeknights remaining in the November "sweeps." CBS11 is trying to win at 10 p.m. in total viewers for the first time ever in a sweeps period.

Up-close and objective (10 p.m. newscasts, Tues., Nov. 17)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-18T16:43:20-06:00
Battered Reunion Arena finally came tumbling down Tuesday afternoon, providing a picture-perfect TV story that all but one station capitalized on. ... Also, a rallying WFAA8 continues to hit ratings homers at 10 p.m. in its quest to remain late night's power-hitter.

Meteorologist MacLaughlin leaving NBC5

Ed Bark — 2009-11-18T15:01:43-06:00
Meteorologist Steve MacLaughlin, nearly a six-year veteran of Fort Worth-based NBC5's weather team, has decided to leave the station at the end of his contract, which expires in January. "Steve's choice to leave is simple," NBC5 vice president of content development Susan Tully said in a memo to staffers Wednesday.

Up-close and objective (10 p.m. newscasts, Mon., Nov. 16)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-17T16:00:03-06:00
Our latest critical assessment is in place, with WFAA8 under the most scrutiny after first deploying scare tactics and then reverting to anchor hijinks while weatherman Pete Delkus tried to get his sub-freezing game face on. ...It's the heart of the November "sweeps," and the 10 p.m. battle between WFAA8 and CBS11 remains way too close to call.

Meet 'n' greet with Oprah 'n' Sarah

Ed Bark — 2009-11-16T19:40:48-06:00
Sarah Palin launched the TV portion of her book tour Monday with a much-publicized appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show. ... Also, check out an evocative collection of D-FW newscast openings, circa 1986.

Calling all bootys -- the bigger the better

Ed Bark — 2009-11-16T12:40:40-06:00
Here's the come-on: "For anyone who is ready to make a change and bust a move while doing it, this is the chance of a lifetime to turn flab into fab while America cheers on!" Your chance of a lifetime arrives on Saturday, Dec. 5th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dallas Powerhouse of Dance, 12300 Inwood Road #124.

Up-close and objective (10 p.m. newscasts, Fri., Nov. 13)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-16T12:20:33-06:00
The D-FW television market's two most prominent cop shop reporters battled it out with their stations' lead stories Friday night while rival stations had nothing to report on the calculated slow-down in traffic tickets by protesting police officers. ... Also, the weekend ratings "Snapshot" has the latest Cowboys numbers plus a look at the ever-tightening 10 p.m. newscast race.

Ghost of Christmases past? Troy Dungan says Santa's Helpers toy drive apparently will go on without him for first time in more than 30 years

Ed Bark — 2009-11-13T13:33:03-06:00
Former WFAA8 weatherman Troy Dungan, synonymous with Dallas-based WFAA8's Santa's Helpers toy drive since its inception in the 1970s, says the station hasn't invited him this time around. ... And WFAA8 closes the gap in what looks to be a down-to-the-wire 10 p.m. newscast ratings race with CBS11.

AMC's re-do of The Prisoner again plays by the numbers

Ed Bark — 2009-11-13T08:18:32-06:00
AMC's six-hour "reinterpretation" of the cult classic The Prisoner fires up on Sunday night. And complex though it may be, at least you'll get a resolution this time.

CBS11 meteorologist Larry Mowry a dad anew

Ed Bark — 2009-11-12T16:47:13-06:00
CBS11 chief meteorologist Larry Mowry and his wife, Lisa, are new parents of a second daughter. ...Mowry joined CBS11 in January 2008 from the CBS affiliate in Orlando, FL.

Up-close and objective (10 p.m. newscasts, Wed., Nov. 11)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-12T15:22:33-06:00
D-FW's 10 p.m. newscasts get another content inspection in our latest ratings sweeps compendium. Take a look at the good/bad/laughable right here.

Tight local news races across the board as November "sweeps" hit halfway point

Ed Bark — 2009-11-12T11:22:11-06:00
Our latest Nielsen ratings "snapshot" shows WFAA8 getting a nice boost at 10 p.m. from ABC's dominant Country Music Association Awards. ... We've got the results from Wednesday night plus the 10-day newscast ratings averages at 6 a.m. and 5, 6 and 10 p.m.

Dobbs done with CNN

Ed Bark — 2009-11-12T08:42:15-06:00
Self-promoting, hackles-raising Lou Dobbs has left CNN. He announced his departure on Wednesday's edition of Lou Dobbs Tonight.

Hank, Dollhouse marching off cliffs

Ed Bark — 2009-11-11T17:31:54-06:00
The reaper's blade is sharpening as the holiday season nears. Prime-time's latest cuts are ABC's Hank and Fox's Dollhouse.

Up-close and objective (10 p.m. newscasts, Tues., Nov. 10)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-11T13:49:38-06:00
Tuesday afternoon's Fort Hood memorial ceremony was still very much in evidence on that night's 10 p.m. newscasts. ... Check out our latest summations, including WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen's joking reference to a former colleague as a terrorist.

Up-close and objective ( 10 p.m. newscasts, Mon., Nov. 9)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-10T16:59:23-06:00
The November "sweeps" are in full bloom as we launch two weeks of watching the 10 p.m. newscasts on Fox4, NBC5, WFAA8 and CBS11. ... And Smithsonian Channel's six-hour documentary Apocalypse, premiering on Veterans Day, provides a stark new look at World War II.

It's on: KXT-FM (91.7) makes its music felt

Ed Bark — 2009-11-09T09:28:12-06:00
Dallas-based KXT-FM (91.7) launched Monday morning as the music arm of long-running 90.1 FM. Give a listen if you'd like.

Two winning teams Sunday night -- Cowboys and NBC's Michaels/Collinsworth

Ed Bark — 2009-11-09T00:54:28-06:00
The Cowboys notched their most impressive win of the season Sunday night. Lucky for us we had Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth to bring it on home.

Lopez, Sykes ready to colorize late night TV (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-06T13:52:05-06:00
Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show which stations drew the most viewers for their breaking news coverage of the Fort Hood shootings. ... For those who are interested, the first commentary, on Sarah Palin's upcoming TV tour, can be found here.

Fort Hood shootings test the quick response capabilities of North Texas TV stations

Ed Bark — 2009-11-05T19:27:39-06:00
When tragedy struck at Fort Hood, Fox4 proved highly adept at covering itself. Its three principal D-FW rivals otherwise set the pace with live reports and interviews.

Deborah does Dallas, pitching a new book on respect and also talking about how NBC gave her none (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-05T13:24:17-06:00
Touting her latest book, The Power of Respect, Deborah Norville also remembers the heavy-duty dissing she took as a Today show co-anchor. ... Also, check out the Tonight Show's dramatic readings of Levi Johnston's alleged tweets, which have the punk and his lawyer demanding a retraction.

Babs/Palin matching up on ABC (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-04T11:46:51-06:00
Barbara Walters will notch another "Big Get" when she quizzes Sarah Palin in a series of interviews during the November "sweeps" ratings period. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings chart V's heavily hyped touch-down in this market.

Dirk at work

Ed Bark — 2009-11-03T22:55:06-06:00
Tuesday night's best TV drama had nothing to do with actors and their roles. How many viewers saw what Dirk did to the Jazz after all seemed hopeless?

Hell-o-o-o-o. Does anyone out there actually watch the commercials during DVR playback? (updated)

Ed Bark — 2009-11-03T13:02:42-06:00
Nielsen Media Research says, and The New York Times is reporting, that almost half of TV viewers in the motherlode 18-to-49 age group actually watch the commercials during DVR playbacks. ... Also, the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings show that the World Series did all right in North Texas Monday night, but still was no match for ESPN's Monday Night Football.

Leapin' lizards: V at last lands on ABC

Ed Bark — 2009-11-02T17:54:58-06:00
After a super-spashy promotional campaign, the sci-fi series V finally visits Earth and ABC Tuesday night. ... And we also look at the Barry Levinson documentary Poliwood, in which the acclaimed filmmaker finally discovers the link between politics, TV and show biz.

Inside Edition goes after Cheaters -- which probably loves the pub

Ed Bark — 2009-11-02T12:02:16-06:00
The syndicated tabloid show (4:30 p.m. locally on CBS11) will report on Tuesday's edition that Cheaters "has hired people to pretend they have been caught in the act of cheating on their spouses or lovers." ...

Back in play -- after the play

Ed Bark — 2009-11-02T02:32:01-06:00
We're back from Chicago, where daughter Liz Ladach-Bark directed the original play 1512 West Studebaker Place at Prop Theater. ...You can catch up with last week's Tuesday-Thursday D-FW Nielsen ratings -- which include the first day of the November "sweeps" -- by going here, here and here.

See spots run

Ed Bark — 2009-10-27T23:42:28-05:00
Also, the FX cable network premieres the new comedy series The League on Thursday, Oct. 29th. It's about a Fantasy Football League run by -- what else -- hopelessly infantile men with R-rated sexual hangups.

Uncle Barky's Bytes

Liberace gets star spangled treatment in HBO's <i>Behind the Candelabra</i>

WFAA8 loses another seasoned reporter, with Jonathan Betz off to NYC

May "sweeps" ratings: a complete compendium of local newscast numbers and other points of interest

Save <i>Save Me</i>? NBC's just not in the spirit

And now for a brief respite

Late season bloomers: ABC's <i>Motive</i> and Fox's <i>The Goodwin Games</i> both premiere Monday

D-FW's continuous Wednesday night weather coverage -- and which station was most-watched

CW's new fall accentuates sci-fi

CBS ups its comedy content, spotlighted by new series pairing Robin Williams/Sarah Michele Gellar

A crowded dance card for ABC this fall, even though <i>DWTS</i> condenses to one night

Jack Bauer's returning in summer 2014 (and oh yeah, the new Fox fall lineup, too)

Struggling NBC hopes to regroup with star power this fall

Take it from NBC: Lame duck Leno just keeps on winning

Up-close and objective: May 8th's late night D-FW newscasts

Comedy redwood: HBO's <i>Family Tree</i>

Up-close and objective: May 7th's late night D-FW newscasts

Up-close and objective: May 6th's late night D-FW newscasts

New D-FW developments for Mark Davis, Debbie Denmon

For the first time in 21 TV seasons, CBS hits the spot with advertisers' motherlode

IFC has another little gem in <i>Maron</i>

Georgia's on Cher's mind -- her mom, that is

TNT gives <i>Dallas</i> a Season 3 in face of Hagman's death, ratings dropoff

ABC's <i>Family Tools</i> hardly nails it

Emptying the mailbag on reader reactions to WFAA8's virtual bypass of West, TX memorial service

Rangers feel a draft, but . . .

Perplexing: WFAA8 alone in mostly sitting out West, TX memorial service

Blanket local live TV coverage of Bush Presidential Center dedication

Netflix's <i>Hemlock Grove</i>: a review based on consuming all 13 recurringly gory episodes

Another hit/miss ratings Monday for NBC

Instant classic? Sundance Channel's <i>Rectify</i> convincingly makes its case

Covering the tragedy in West, Texas

Last call for Pat Summerall

HBO's <i>Mary and Martha</i>: a formulaic, G-rated film that nonetheless delivers

Five minutes and counting: on the phone with Robert Redford

Louis C.K. remains in forefront with HBO's <i>Oh My God</i>

Syfy's <i>Defiance</i> a visual A-lister, but . . .

Starz's <i>Da Vinci's Demons</i> flaunts a strapping, chest-baring "Leo"

20 years in a rear view mirror: a look back at media coverage of the Branch Davidian cult standoff in Waco

Annette Funicello: R.I.P.

Anxiety abounds as <i>Mad Men</i> starts Season 6

Leno's <i>Tonight</i> death knell officially sounded (And how big a draw was Yu's near perfect game?)

What's for dinner? NBC serving up <i>Hannibal</i>

ABC goes long with <i>How to Live With Your Parents (etc.)</i>

PBS <i>Mr. Selfridge</i>: a 10-hour PBS drama about the man who "shows early 1900s Londoners how to shop" (but I'm sold)

FX not big enough for you? Try FXX

<i>Game of Thrones</i> renews its vows

Readers deliver to Uncle Barky's Mailbag

NBC5 reporter Ellen Goldberg signs off after 6 years

Philip Roth opens up in new <i>American Masters</i> film (although still not an open book)

Viewers could use a little protection from Ron Corning's <i>Daybreak</i> sex talk spot

Brace for <i>Chupacabra vs The Alamo</i>, with Erik Estrada the last line of defense

NBC again preparing to say J No to Leno

Mirren, Pacino in tune for HBO's <i>Phil Spector</i>

New computers can be hell -- especially when you're running a website

A&E's <i>Bates Motel</i>: check in, check it out and be wowed by Vera Farmiga's Mother Norma

Showtime whiffs with <i>The World According to Dick Cheney</i>

Networks' latest Pope palooza inspires a Back Channels rewind

Hello Dolly, hello Ovation

Local, local, local

J.R. Ewing's last call a downer in D-FW ratings

Success of <i>The Bible, Vikings</i> another Sunday night headache for Big 4 broadcast nets

Pat Doney is NBC5's new weekend sports guy

Tons of Texans infest, er, seek true happiness in NBC's <i>Ready For Love</i>

Some tarnish on that "D TV Strikes Ratings Gold" post by magazine's head man

WFAA8, Fox4 pace February newscast "sweeps"

<i>Red Widow</i>: another string-along from addicted ABC

Up your Oscars: ratings rise nationally

HBO's <i>Parade's End</i> takes marching orders from <i>Downton Abbey</i>

MacFarlane as Oscar host -- first time, last time?

CBS adds more crime time with promising <i>Golden Boy</i>

Up-close and objective: Feb. 20th's late night D-FW newscasts

Up-close and objective: Feb. 19th's late night D-FW newscasts

Up-close and objective: Feb. 18th's late night D-FW newscasts

The CW's <i>Cult</i>: in part incomprehensible but still making its own impression

KTXD's <i>D: The Broadcast</i> giggle-gaggles into view

Up-close and objective: Feb. 15th's late night D-FW newscasts

Up-close and objective: Feb. 14th's late night D-FW newscasts

National Geo Channel's <i>Killing Lincoln</i> kind of deadens O'Reilly's book

New deal -- between Mark Cuban and the <i>Let's Make A Deal</i> network