AOL TV

Yogi's Gang: When Saturday Mornings Became Green

Rich Keller — 2010-04-22T10:05:00+00:00

Filed under: Programming, OpEd, Video, Animation, Children, Reality-Free, Saturday Morning, Features, TV Schedules

We all know about the Green movement that has pushed its way into every facet of our lives. And though its been around for a few years, some folks believe this thinking of greener living, which equals the lack of oceanfront property in the middle of Iowa, is a brand new concept. This couldn't be further from the truth!

The fact is, there have been surges of environmentally-conscious thought in every decade since Earth Day was conceived back in 1970. The biggest surge came in the early '70s when Woodsy Owl told us to "Give a hoot -- don't pollute' and a crying Native American lamented over the trash thrown out of moving cars. This thinking even permeated the safe haven of Saturday morning cartoons during this time, thanks in no part to a bunch of washed-up Hanna-Barbera characters in a flying, wooden ark.

Continue Reading

Lady Gaga Tells You How to Get, How to Get to 'Sesame Street'

Danny Gallagher — 2010-03-29T15:27:00+00:00

Filed under: Video, Music and Variety, Children, Reality-Free, Features

If you thought the music videos of Lady Gaga were a mine-field of mind-f#*$ery, then you haven't seen them...on 'Sesame Street'.

Someone out there with a computer, a backlog of 'Sesame Street' tapes and way too much time on his hands mixed the rhythmic tones of Lady Gaga's "Telephone" with the Yip-Yips aliens from the popular children's show. You might want to put down some newspaper before you watch it or the impact of your brain blowing might ruin your carpet.

'Justified' Creator Also Wrote for Nickelodeon's 'Hey Dude'

Danny Gallagher — 2010-03-25T19:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Drama Shows, Industry, Children, Reality-Free, Features, TV News

Graham Yost may have brought the noir western back to television with the hit FX series 'Justified,' but it's not his first foray into the wild west. That is if you can actually call his first western "wild."

According to his IMDB page, Yost's first writing job was for the short-lived Nickelodeon series 'Hey Dude' in the late 80s and early 90s, an afternoon sitcom about the day in the life of an Arizona dude ranch. He wrote 13 episodes of the series, the most of any other writer on the staff.

He went on to write a number of screenplays for hit action movies such as 'Speed' and 'Broken Arrow,' and even contributed to critically acclaimed mini-series including 'From the Earth to the Moon' and 'The Pacific.' Still, it just amuses me to know that such a storied and impressive career all started on Mr. Ernst's ranch. It also shames me a little bit to admit that I remember watching that show.

More 'Scooby-Doo' Coming from Cartoon Network

Bob Sassone — 2010-03-12T17:05:00+00:00

Filed under: Programming, Video, Children, Reality-Free, Features, TV Schedules

Do you know what the number one show in Cartoon Network history is? Nope! It was the 2009 movie 'Scooby-Doo: The Mystery Begins.' It grabbed 6.1 million viewers! So you know that the network wants to make a sequel, and make a sequel they are (if that sentence makes any sense). The new TV movie, which will air this fall, is called 'Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster' and will feature the same cast, including the black-haired guy who plays the usually blonde-haired Fred. I wouldn't be surprised if they made this into a series.

By the way, can someone explain the theme song to me? I was just listening to it (after the jump) and the opening line is "Scooby-Doobie-Doo, where are you?" What does that even mean? His name is Scooby-Doo (sometimes just "Scoob"), so why did the songwriter just throw in that "Doobie" in the middle? Maybe it was an homage to Sinatra.

Continue Reading

Six New Shows Coming to Nickelodeon

Bob Sassone — 2010-03-12T15:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Programming, Animation, Children, Reality-Free, Features, TV Schedules

I left the Nickelodeon demographic many, many (too many) years ago, but I'll admit that there are still some shows on the cable channel that I watch. They're mostly in the nighttime schedule though: some 'Fairly OddParents,' some 'SpongeBob,' maybe an episode of 'George Lopez' or 'Malcolm in the Middle' once in a while. So there aren't a lot of shows on the list of new shows coming to the channel that I'm interested in seeing (well, maybe one...)

'Victorious' sounds a lot like 'High School Musical,' as its about a teen girl who goes to an elite arts school where everyone sings and dances; 'Kung Fu Panda' is based on the movie; 'Planet Sheen' has a character from 'Jimmy Neutron' stuck on another planet; 'T.U.F.F. Puppy' is about a group of superhero dogs; and 'Bubble Guppies' (which sounds like a medical problem) is an animated show for kids set in an underwater classroom.

The only show I might be interested in is 'House of Anubis,' since it's about a group of people who go around Europe looking for clues to a mystery and sounds a little like 'National Treasure' or 'The Da Vinci Code.' It's produced in Europe.

Neil Patrick Harris And the 'Smurfs' Movie - UPDATE

Allison Waldman — 2010-03-04T13:02:00+00:00

Filed under: TV on the Bigscreen, OpEd, Animation, How I Met Your Mother, Celebrities, Children, Reality-Free, Features, TV News

As the folks at Moviefone.com point out, blue is the hot color for movies these days, especially if your name is James Cameron. Well, it's not going to be a sequel to 'Avatar' or another Cameron pic or even an updating of 'The Blue Lagoon,' but Neil Patrick Harris has agreed to be in 'Smurfs: The Movie.' (Not to be confused with 'Smurfs: The Opera.')

Actually, Neil will be all voice for the role. Sony's concept for the big screen version of 'Smurfs,' the popular '80s Saturday morning cartoon series, is live action mixed with animation, under the direction of 'Beverly Hills Chihuahua' auteur Raja Gosnell.

Exactly which of the smurfs Neil will play remains shrouded in mystery. I suspect he's getting his pick, as long as it's not Papa Smurf. That role's already been claimed by Jonathan Winters.

Continue Reading

Elmo Gives Wendy Williams a Musical Tribute

Danny Gallagher — 2010-03-01T19:25:00+00:00

Filed under: Video, Celebrities, Children, Talk Show, Reality-Free, Features, TV News

I didn't think it was possible for Elmo from 'Sesame Street' to sound more ridiculous than he already does, but that's just because no one thought to put his high-pitched boyish tome to "auto tune"... until now.

The red-haired one appeared on a recent episode of 'The Wendy Williams Show' and performed her techno pop theme song complete with a set of backup dancers and an auto-tune machine that could make T-Pain proud. Mark my words: the two are already working on a duets album as we speak.

[via Buzzfeed]

This 'Reading Rainbow' Parody is Hilarious, But You Don't Have to Take My Word For It

Danny Gallagher — 2010-02-25T22:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Video, Children, Reality-Free, Features

If your child is reading so much that they aren't able to do the most basic activities like eating or dressing themselves and other girls are starting to see them as too smart for their own good, try ruining their natural curiosity of reading.

You can start by getting them to watch one of these latest recommendations from the new 'Reading Rainbow' recommended reading series. WARNING: TV Squad will not be held responsible for the emotional harm caused by this series. Besides, it's really Funny or Die's fault for posting them, so sue them.

Reading Rainbow Banned Book Review #1 - watch more funny videos

George Lopez Tapped for Speedy Gonzales Movie

Danny Gallagher — 2010-02-25T19:42:00+00:00

Filed under: TV on the Bigscreen, Animation, Children, Features, TV News

Since Hollywood is content with destroying the majority of my greatest TV memories, they are now reaching to the far corners of my brain for beloved childhood icons to forever scar me.

TV actor and comedian George Lopez has been tapped to provide the voice for the beloved Speedy Gonzales in a new big screen movie adaptation of the beloved Warner Brothers 'Looney Tunes' franchise.

Now I understand that big names bring big bucks to the box office, but this really the first time in my mind that a famous Looney Tunes character is being re-voiced by a star instead of a trained voice actor who can mimic the immortal voice of the late Mel Blanc. Voice actor Billy West, an outspoken critic of celebrity voice over characters, once described it in an earlier interview I did with him for Arriviste Press magazine as "most artless, bloodless, Godless idea I've ever heard."

Anthony Bourdain Guests on 'Yo Gabba Gabba!' Really!

Joel Keller — 2010-02-24T16:38:00+00:00

Filed under: Food/Home/DIY, OpEd, Video, Children, Reality-Free, Features

It's not a stretch to say that anyone who's watched Anthony Bourdain on his various cable shows has either wanted to be his drinking buddy or slug him right in the mouth, a feeling that usually changes from hour to hour.

He reminds me of those friends I had in college who would stop listening to bands the second their videos were played on '120 Minutes' or they somehow made it past the confines of college radio. But at the same time, the guy seems like he'd be fun as hell to hang out with, where a visit with him always ensured you of great food, great drink, and great conversation.

So it's with great amusement that I give you the following clip, which is Bourdain playing "Doctor Tony" on Nickelodeon's fantastically trippy kids' show 'Yo Gabba Gabba!'. It's a preview of his guest stint, which is set to air on March 10:

Continue Reading

Kevin James Hosting Nick's 'Kids' Choice Awards'

Danny Gallagher — 2010-02-16T19:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Celebrities, Children, Awards, Reality-Free, Features, TV News

The actor, comedian and former 'King of Queens' star will host this year's Nickelodeon awards show.

Kevin James has been announced as the host of the 23rd annual 'Kids' Choice Awards' set to air on March 27.

What a shame. That means his breathtaking tour-de-force film 'Paul Blart: Mall Cop' won't be eligible for a nomination, per the 'Kids' Choice' voting bylaws pact of 1997 overseen and enacted by former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, then-UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the guy who played Barth on 'You Can't Do That on Television.'

The Coolest Thing You'll See Today: Beaker Channels Kansas

Danny Gallagher — 2010-02-09T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Video, Music and Variety, Children, Reality-Free, Features

Remember way back when the Muppets did their version of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and how it set the Internet on fire? Well, their newest attempt couldn't set a pile of gasoline soaked soaks ablaze.

This time, Beaker attempts to "meep" his way through the Kansas ballad, "Dust in the Wind," but the Internet doesn't seem too pleased with it, which is like saying that Toyota made a little bit of a "boo-boo" with the manufacturing of their cars.

[via Neatorama]

Disney Channel On Demand Needs Some Tweaking

Danny Gallagher — 2010-02-04T21:07:00+00:00

Filed under: Video, Children, Reality-Free, Features

Hey kids! Do you like 'Hannah Montana', 'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody' and 'Wizards of Waverly Place'? Then get ready to ask all sorts of uncomfortable sexual questions to your parents when you get a peek at The Disney Channel's new "On Demand" hotel video service!

The world famous FailBlog found some rather interesting choice on the Disney Channel's menu. Let's just say that it truly is the happiest place on Earth.

'Slumdog Millionaire' Craze May Have Peaked and Here's the Proof

Danny Gallagher — 2010-02-03T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, Video, Children, Pickups and Renewals, Reality-Free, Features, TV News

'Slumdog Milionaire' may have been a gripping and uplifting tale of adversity and triumph that is starting to inspire a slew of new TV pilots, but it looks like it's about to run its course. Obstacle course, that is.

Check out this trailer for what appears to not only be a revival of the 'Slumdog Millionaire' franchise, but also a classic children's TV favorite for the big screen. I double dare you to watch it or take the physical challenge.

Pee Wee Herman gets an iPad

Danny Gallagher — 2010-01-31T16:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, Video, Children, Reality-Free, Features

I'm not going to lie to you. I'm a bit of a Machead and I REALLY want an iPad. That's why I'm super jealous of Pee-Wee Herman who brought one to the Playhouse in this "Funny or Die" video, even though he already has a robot and a talking screen, both of which Apple are probably developing into overpriced electronic gadgetry so they can suck more money out of my cramped, ink stained hands.

And just for fun, when you hear the word "iPad" in the following video, scream real loud. Ready? Let's try it!

Pee-wee Gets An iPad! from Pee-wee Herman

Ever wondered what happened to the cast of Salute Your Shorts?

Danny Gallagher — 2010-01-22T19:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, Children, Reality-Free, Features

Me neither.

But that still didn't stop the folks from Celebuzz from compiling a "Where Are They Now?" list of the Nickelodeon summer camp comedy's principle cast from bad Bobby Budnick all the way to Z.Z. Ziff.

The tales of the cast post kiddie-cable stardom range from the barely out of work to busier than you or I will ever be. I won't spoil anything for you, but let's just say that Ug became the most successful person to ever come out of Camp Anawanna.

[via Buzzfeed]

Guess who's coming to Sesame Street?

Danny Gallagher — 2010-01-21T22:40:00+00:00

Filed under: Celebrities, Children, Reality-Free, Features, TV News

There are few signs in this crazy business that you have become an indelible and beloved member of the pop culture lexicon than getting a cameo appearance on an episode of Sesame Street. Case in point: Gallagher, O.J. Simpson and Kanye West have yet to appear on an episode of Sesame Street.

Well, would you want West teaching your kids the difference between "near" and "far," things that are yellow and why George Bush hates black people?

Some upcoming episodes of the long running PBS kids' show will include appearances by Christina Applegate on Jan. 25, Hugh Jackman on Jan. 27, Debi Mazar and Sarah Jessica Parker on Feb. 16 and Paul Rudd and Eva Longoria-Parker on Feb. 18.

Pee-wee Herman's comeback show is fun and nostalgic - TCA Report

Joel Keller — 2010-01-18T08:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, OpEd, Daytime, Children, TCA Press Tour, Reality-Free, Features, Fall TV

Saturday night, I decided to get away from the hotel and join a small group of critics on a field trip to Club Nokia in downtown LA to see Paul Ruebens' new stage production of The Pee-wee Herman Show.

It was a heck of a lot of fun, which is saying a lot because I've never been a huge fan of Pee-wee or his classic CBS Saturday-morning show Pee-wee's Playhouse. But most of the people who were there were die-hard fans, many of whom either caught Pee-wee's original stage show in the mid '80s, grew up watching his movies or Playhouse, or likely spent their Saturday mornings in college working on their first weekend high while watching his show.

For fans, it was pure comfort food. The stage was set up exactly like the set of Playhouse, complete with his complement of talking household items: Chairry, Magic Screen, Clocky, Pterri, Fish, etc. Jambi was also there to grant Pee-wee his wishes.

Continue Reading

Kevin Conroy wins the top spot in Wired's Best Batmen list

Danny Gallagher — 2010-01-04T19:01:00+00:00

Filed under: Animation, Children, Reality-Free, Features

In the never ending, epic battle between TV and movies, Wired helped score another death blow for TV.

The magazine's Underwire blog named their picks for the greatest man to ever don the ab-flattering Batman costume and the man who provided the voice for the title character of the awesome 90's animated version won the top spot.

Voice actor Kevin Conroy has not only voiced Batman and Bruce Wayne for Batman: The Animated Series, but also for six animated movies, three other animated series and three video games including the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum. Anyone who is familiar with the dark, gravely voice that brought more depth and range to the character than anyone other should not be surprised that his performances have topped the list.

I'm sure it's making George Clooney grow greener with envy by the minute.

DC's Justice Society gets animated

Mike Moody — 2009-12-29T17:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, Other Sci-Fi/Supernatural Shows, Animation, Children, Reality-Free, Features

Smallville's Clark Kent isn't the only one getting a visit from DC Comics' Justice Society in 2010. A month before the classic crime fighters show up for Smallville's "Absolute Justice" event, airing Feb. 5, they'll drop by the Batcave for an episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold.

An animated version of the 1940s superhero team will make its debut January 15 on Cartoon Network's great and goofy Batman show. We'll get to see how The Flash (the original one with the silly hat), Hourman, Hawkman, Dr. Mid-Nite and Wildcat influenced Batman's bad guy-beating skills. We'll also see them in action against a villain named Per Degaton. The ep, titled "The Golden Age of Justice," will also feature Bats teaming up with Green Arrow's main squeeze, Black Canary.

Continue Reading