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Uncle Barky goes to VideoFest, fronts two panels

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.

For more details check out our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page, where you also can find the Wednesday/Thursday D-FW ratings snapshots.
Ed Bark

666 Park Avenue a bit bloody but too bloodless

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. Our review is here.
Ed Bark

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

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.
Ed Bark

CBS' Made In Jersey boils down to "meh"

The new CBS legal drama Made In Jersey begins its Friday night run on Sept. 28th. Perhaps a better title would be Jersey Snore. Just tryin' to help. Our review is here.
Ed Bark

Another Andy exits his grand stage

Crooner Andy Williams, who prospered in prime-time when variety hours were still ratings giants, has died at the age of 84.

His NBC show introduced the Osmond Brothers, but let's instead credit him with making "Moon River" his timeless signature tune. More details and a vintage video are on the Network News & Reviews page.

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. Numbers are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.
Ed Bark

New D-FW Nielsen population estimates have upside, downsides

Nielsen Media Research has just released its new ratings point values for D-FW. Total viewers are up in the nation's No. 5 TV market after last year's surprise downturn. But two key demographic groups slipped a bit. Details are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Plus, Monday was official opening night for the 2012-13 TV season. So how did all the broadcast networks' heavy hitters -- plus the Rangers and Monday Night Football -- do in good ol' D-FW? A detailed "snapshot" is here.
Ed Bark

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

ABC's new Last Resort launches Thursday, Sept. 27th. Basically put, a U.S. submarine is sandwiched. And you're encouraged to dive right in. (Sorry.) Our review is here.
Ed Bark

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

Sherlock Holmes hasn't yet morphed into a mystery-solving Idaho potato farmer. But this latest incarnation manages to make him into something he's never been before. Our review of CBS' Elementary is here.

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.
Ed Bark

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

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.
Ed Bark

NBC5 meteorologist Samantha Davies now will spend more time stopping traffic

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.
Ed Bark

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

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. Exit humans from living room couches? Our review is here.
Ed Bark

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

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. Our interview and predictions are on the Network News & Reviews page.

Also, NBC's returning Thursday night comedies had a tough go in the D-FW Nielsen ratings.
Ed Bark

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

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? Our review is here.
Ed Bark

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

Mindy Kaling, namesake of Fox's new The Mindy Project, has worked her way up from eight years as Kelly Kapoor on The Office. How does she fare? Our review is here.

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. The local Nielsen numbers are on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.
Ed Bark

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

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. But hey, it's a living. Our review is here.
Ed Bark

Michael Urie's rising star shines through Partners

CBS is offering just one new comedy series this fall. 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. And based on a second episode, the show shows signs of measuring up to him. Our review is here.
Ed Bark

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

No decisions apparently have been made. 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. Our interview with her is here.
Ed Bark

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

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.

Plus, NBC's new Revolution gets off to a big start in the latest D-FW Nielsen ratings.
Ed Bark

Unclebarky.com turns 6; Cowboys turn into pumpkins

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.

You can find the brief birthday bit here. And as usual, the Cowboys are folded into the weekend "ratings snapshot" on our Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.
Ed Bark

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

Perhaps she doesn't completely steal the show. But Kelly Macdonald's performance as gangster Nucky Thompson's wife brings more force than all those Boardwalk Empire knee-breakers. Our review is here.

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.
Ed Bark

Former WFAA8/TXCN anchor/reporter joining rival NBC5

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. She's also overcome several serious health setbacks, most recently last year. Details are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.
Ed Bark

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

Led Zeppelin, David Letterman and Dustin Hoffman are among the quintet of Kennedy Center honorees announced Wednesday. Who's still on the outside looking in? We debate the omissions while also laying out the ground rules on the TV Bulletin Board page.
Ed Bark

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

NBC's big-ticket series of the fall season, Revolution, begins seeking a large, faithful following on Monday, Sept. 17th. It's the latest conspiracy-laden drama from J. J. Abrams, who by and large does good work. Including this time. Our review is here.

Plus, judging from Tuesday's Nielsens, The Voice looks more than ready for Wednesday night's big face-off with The X Factor. But Katie Couric's Katie is showing serious signs of being a mega-bomb -- at least in D-FW. All the details are in the latest ratings "snapshot."
Ed Bark

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

Shivs and syringes battle for supremacy in Fox's The Mob Doctor, which checks in on Monday, Sept. 17th. Our review is here.
Ed Bark

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

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.
Ed Bark

Katie falls short in D-FW premiere

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.
Ed Bark

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

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. WFAA8 has some recent first-hand experience with that. Details are on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.
Ed Bark

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

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. Our review is here.
Ed Bark

For Reelz: Bomb Girls not a new pop group

The new WWII drama series Bomb Girls premieres Tuesday, Sept. 11th on Reelz after a previous run on Canadian television. So it's not quite a "Reelz Original," as the network claims. But it does count as another baby step in putting the little known, lesser seen cable channel on the map. Our review is here.
Ed Bark

Smooth landing for WFAA8's Vega

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. She joins a growing number of reporters, most of them from WFAA8, who have segued from pavement-pounding to PR. Details are on the Dallas-Fort Worth page.

Plus, NFL football flexed its might Sunday, with Peyton Manning's heralded return the top draw in the D-FW Nielsen ratings. And for grins or grimaces, how about feasting on a throwback "Dirty Dining" spot that once infested NBC5.
Ed Bark

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

NBC's The Voice has decided to make it a blood feud with Fox's The X Factor this Wednesday? Why? How? And what does Simon say? Our story and interview are on the Network News & Reviews page.

Also, who fared better in D-FW -- ratings-wise -- with their closing acceptance speech? 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.
Ed Bark

The New Normal barges onto NBC

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. Creator/executive producer Ryan Murphy (Glee) too often opts for the sledgehammer approach, at least in Monday's sneak preview. Our review is here.

Plus, Tom Brokaw is out of the hospital and reportedly doing fine after a spell of light headedness Thursday on MSNBC's Morning Joe. 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.
Ed Bark

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

The Dallas Cowboys returned to New York for Wednesday night's regular season opener. A 24-17 win went down much easier than the previous fall's debacle against the Jets. Still, the D-FW ratings fell off a bit. Our complete report, including ratings for Night 2 of the Democratic National convention, is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.
Ed Bark

Straight from Comedy Central: a WFAA8 sports special

Dallas-based WFAA8 has won more major awards for its news reporting than any rival station. 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. Our review is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Plus, Fox News Channel went from the penthouse with Republicans to the outhouse with Democrats in Tuesday's D-FW Nielsen ratings.
Ed Bark

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

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.
Ed Bark

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

CW33 staffers feared the worst at a mandatory high noon meeting Tuesday. And that pretty much came to pass. 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 everyone has to re-apply for newly defined jobs, of which there are expected to be 25 to 30 percent fewer. Our complete report is on the Dallas-Fort Worth TV page.

Also, prime-time's most popular "reality" series returns Wednesday night, with no singing or dancing on its field of play.

Plus, Michael Strahan as expected is Kelly Ripa's new co-host. 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.
Ed Bark