AOL TV

Welcome To the New TV Squad!

Joel Keller — 2010-05-05T01:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Features

About a month ago, we told you that a new era was coming for TV Squad. Well, it came a few days later than we anticipated, but, as you can see, that era has started, and I'm really excited to let you know about the changes to the site.

As we said in March, the two AOL TV blogs, TV Squad and Inside TV, have joined forces to create a bigger, better TV Squad. Now, we'll be covering much more of the world of TV than we have before, whether it's the finale of 'Lost' or yet another wedding show on the Style network.

With the merger of the two sites comes a redesign. Come with me after the jump to read about the changes, both cosmetic and under the hood.

Continue Reading

Right Now on Cinematical

Kona Gallagher — 2010-04-04T13:14:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Reality-Free, Features

The folks at our sister site, Cinematical, are working hard to give you news and reviews of the best -- and worst -- the silver screen has to offer. Here are some of their musings on the latest blockbusters, indies, and everything in between:

I like Avatar's Sam Worthington, but I do agree with Cinematical when they say we shouldn't try to make him into the next big action star.
Another day, another piece of bad news for the beleaguered Weinstein company. This time, they're getting sued over not making a sequel.
Granted, this was for charity, but $25,000 still seems like a lot to pay for a walk-on role in an 'X-Men' movie.
I used to work in a video store, so I've experienced first-hand how pissed people can get when movies are subtitled. That's why I'm not surprised in the least that this Dallas movie theater felt the need to post a warning on the door.
Maybe the weird product placement in this week's episode of 'American Idol' ruined it for me, but I have no desire to see 'Clash of the Titans.' Cinematical reviews it so you can make an informed decision.

A New TV Squad Is Coming This April

Joel Keller — 2010-03-29T17:04:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Reality-Free, Features

A big change is coming to TV Squad in April, and I wanted to let our loyal fans in on the plans ahead of time.

At some point next month, your favorite TV blog will be combining forces with the Inside TV blog from AOL TV to create a bigger, better TV Squad. In the process, we're going to be getting a new look, which is depicted above and in screen shots after the jump.

What does that mean for you, loyal TV Squad reader? Well, a few things:

A cleaner look: The new site's look will be a little less cluttered than our current version, which was redesigned eons ago in internet terms (2007, to be exact). This will allow for a more appealing viewing experience. It allows us to display bigger pictures and videos, and we'll be able to have some more flexibility with our format.

More voices, but a familiar tone: In addition to the TV Squad writers you know and love/hate, we'll also be incorporating the excellent writers at Inside TV. But don't worry; we'll still be the same opinionated dorks we've always been.

In fact, our writers will be more opinionated than ever. In the near future, expect to see longer-form opinion essays, critical pieces, lists, columns and other features from both your favorite Squadders as well as the Inside TV team. You might have noticed some of that already; expect more in the coming months.

Continue Reading

Right Now on Cinematical

Kona Gallagher — 2010-03-21T20:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Reality-Free, Features

The folks at our sister site,Cinematical, are working hard to give you news and reviews of the best -- and worst -- the silver screen has to offer. Here are some of their musings on the latest blockbusters, indies, and everything in between:

Rhys Ifans tells you exactly what it's like to be a part of the 'Harry Potter' series. It involves Johnny Rotten and Lady Di.
I'm still not sure whether or not 'The Runaways' is going to be great or awful, but Joan Jett gives her take on the film.
A documentary about Forks, Washington, where the 'Twilight' franchise takes place actually sounds interesting. Unfortunately, 'Twilight in Forks; the Saga of a Real Town' is pretty much just more 'Twilight' marketing materials.
Blockbuster has just started putting out Redbox-like DVD kiosks in front of gas stations and the like. Is that all that's going to be left of the once-great video store chain?
Cinematical discusses Robert Pattinson and Emile de Ravin's new film, 'Remember Me,' and says that it's actually a lot better than the public is giving it credit for.

Right Now on Cinematical

Kona Gallagher — 2010-03-07T16:09:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Reality-Free, Features

I would have an open bar and eliminate all montages other than the "In Memoriam." What would you do if you produced the Oscars?
Not only is Cinematical live-blogging the ceremony, but they give you everything you need for Oscar night.
Sandra Bullock is awesome. Not only did she show up to accept her Razzie award for 'All About Steve,' but she gave a hilarious speech and gifted the entire audience with DVDs of the film.
I don't think I've ever seen 'St. Elmo's Fire,' but here's how you can watch it for free.
Cinematical wants to know what films have inspired you to take a trip?

Right now on Cinematical

Kona Gallagher — 2010-02-28T18:33:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Reality-Free, Features

Cinematical talks ageless actors: namely commercial co-stars Abe Vigoda and Betty White. Who's your favorite?
My dog, Buckley, is named after Ben Stiller's dog in 'The Royal Tenenbaums.' Does your pet have a cinematical name?
Bruce Willis wants to do a 5th 'Die Hard' installment. I'm all for this. Cinematical discusses how it should go.
Taylor Lautner may not be 'Max Steel,' but it looks like he will be 'Stretch Armstrong.'
Cinematical absolutely loathed 'Cop Out,' but I saw it last night and quite enjoyed it. It wasn't the funniest movie ever made, but I was entertained. What did you think about it?

Have a Question for Tom Papa of 'The Marriage Ref?' Ask It Here!

Joel Keller — 2010-02-26T18:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, Site Announcements, Podcasts, Reality-Free, TV Squad Podcast, Features

We have a fun treat coming up for our next episode of The TV Squad Podcast: Tom Papa, host of NBC's new series 'The Marriage Ref,' will be joining us for some talk about his show and some of the interesting arguments he's had to mediate.

But Papa's an interesting guy: He's been on the stand-up circuit forever, and has friends in high places, including 'Marriage Ref' executive producer Jerry Seinfeld. So if you want to ask him questions about being buds with Jerry, some of the people who have gone on 'Ref' (including Alec Baldwin), or why he's credited as a "writer" on an episode of 'Jon & Kate Plus 8,' ask them here.

Leave your questions in the comments and we'll relay them to Papa during the podcast. We'll even give you credit for any question we use. So, ask away below. Any question we get in before we record the podcast on Tuesday at around 5 PM ET will be eligible.

(UPDATE 3/2/10: We decided to postpone this podcast due to Tom's tough schedule and some other fun stuff going on on my end. He'll join us soon.)

The TV Squad Podcast: Winter Olympics Week Two, Pilot Casting, March Premieres and More

Joel Keller — 2010-02-26T10:33:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Podcasts, Reality-Free, TV Squad Podcast, Features

If it's snowing like crazy where you are, the best thing for you to do is sit back and listen to us talk about TV. This week, Jason Hughes and Bob Sassone join me to talk about what's going on in the TV world:

More on the Winter Olympics and how bad NBC is messing them up,
The latest way the network morning shows are scaring parents (it has to do with the site Chatroulette),
The crazy first week of March on TV this year,
How most of the pilot casting news you're hearing about right now isn't going to matter in a couple of months,
How quickly the Andrew Koenig story spread from Twitter and Facebook to 'Larry King' and other national coverage (we taped this before Koenig's body was found yesterday),
Picks of the week, and more.

Run time is 1:17:05.

You can listen to the podcast below, or download from here or by subscribing to our RSS podcast feed. It is also available via iTunes. Feel free to leave us feedback in the comments or drop us a line at tvsquadpodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.

As usual, the music at the beginning and end of the podcast is "Life" by Justin Trawick.

My apologies for the hinky sound coming from Bob and Jason. It was a recording error that will get fixed for next week's show.

Right Now On Cinematical

Kona Gallagher — 2010-02-20T11:18:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Reality-Free, Features

'Twilight' star, Kristen Stewart, is appearing in a new film called, 'The Yellow Handkerchief.' But that, of course, doesn't mean that she gets to avoid questions about her next project, 'Breaking Dawn,' which is the final installment in the 'Twilight' saga.
A new Martin Scorsese film should be cause for excitement, right? So why do I feel so apathetic about 'Shutter Island?' Cinematical reviews the new Leonardo DiCaprio film, here.
As a woman who Loved 'Live Free or Die Hard' because of the copious amount of crap that blew up, but also really kind of wants to see 'Valentine's Day,' I have no idea what women want when it comes to the movies. Cinematical tries to figure it out.
My favorite Serious Slo-Mo Walk? It has to be when the crew walks together in 'Reservoir Dogs.' What's yours?
I'm honestly kind of surprised that it's taken this long to get a Kurt Cobain biopic, but now that we have one in the works, who should play the title character?

Right now on Cinematical

Kona Gallagher — 2010-02-14T11:05:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Reality-Free, Gossip Girl, Features

Even though Sandra Bullock is nominated for an Academy Award for her role in 'The Blind Side,' it certainly doesn't mean that she can't make mistakes. Cinematical discusses Bullock's Oscar nom as well as her simultaneous Razzie nomination for 'All about Steve.'
I haven't heard good things about the new film 'Valentine's Day,' although as a sucker for star-studded ensemble casts, that certainly isn't going to stop me from seeing it. However, I'm not sure if it's a good idea to make a franchise out of the thing.
Cinematical reviews 'Twelve' and calls it "a very special episode of 'Gossip Girl,'" which is fitting, as it stars 'Gossip Girl''s Chace Crawford.
I'm not sure that the fact that Benecio Del Toro reportedly mumbles his way through 'Wolfman' makes me want to see it.
Look out world, there's a new Coppola in town: Gia Coppola, Francis Ford's granddaughter, is taking a stab at directing.

Right now on Cinematical

Kona Gallagher — 2010-02-06T10:30:00+00:00

Filed under: American Idol, Site Announcements, Alumni, Reality-Free, Features

The folks at our sister site Cinematical are working hard to give you news and reviews of the best -- and worst -- the silver screen has to offer. Here are some of their musings on the latest blockbusters, indies, and everything in between:

This isn't a spoiler, because I honestly know nothing about 'Dear John,' but just based on the trailer, I have a feeling that something bad happens to John-- perhaps it's the fact that it's based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks. Is this the next 'The Notebook'? Cinematical has their review here.
Speaking of lost loves, Cinematical Seven has Romantic Tragedies.
Eric Dane is in the upcoming film, 'Valentine's Day,' and the character he plays is gay, although you wouldn't know that from the trailer. Cinematical discusses the ugly art of de-gaying films.
Would you watch a 'Shattered Glass' remake about film critics who plagarize? Here's the pitch.
American Idol alum, Carrie Underwood is set to star in her first film, 'Soul Surfer,' about female surfer, Bethany Hamilton, who had her arm bitten off by a shark. Underwood plays a church youth group leader.

Join Our 'Lost' Season Premiere Live Chat Tonight!

Isabelle Carreau — 2010-02-02T08:01:00+00:00

Filed under: Lost, Site Announcements, Reality-Free, Features

The day has finally arrived! February 2, 2010, marks the beginning of the end for one of the most compelling and popular drama of the past decade: ABC's 'Lost.'

The final chapter in the story of the Losties, Tailies, Others, and others, begins tonight. To celebrate this special event, we are hosting a live chat during the one-hour recap (8 pm ET) and two-hour season premiere (9 pm ET).

The chat will start 15 minutes before the recap begins and will be accessible via our "TV Squad Live Blogs the 'Lost' Premiere" post. If you would like to receive a reminder via email before the chat begins, go to the link I just provided and follow the instructions in the chat screen. This live chat will give you a great opportunity to discuss the episode's surprises, twists and turns with fans as well as allow you to instantly share your opinions with other TV Squad readers.

See you tonight when we will finally start getting answers to questions we've been asking since the pilot episode!

Right now on Cinematical

Kona Gallagher — 2010-01-30T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Reality-Free, Features

You may think that basing a movie on a parenting handbook called, Eat, Sleep, Poop is a bad idea, but Mean Girls was based on Queen Bees and Wannabees, which was basically a parenting handbook for older kids. And Mean Girls is awesome.
We're in the middle of awards season now, and some critics think that Paul Rudd was overlooked for his contribution to the film, I Love You Man. Who do you think should have been on stage accepting an award?
There is a large contingent of the moviegoing population who watched the new Sherlock Holmes and wished that Holmes and Watson took their relationship to the next level. They kind of get their wish in Billy Wilder's The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes.
As a huge Veronica Mars and Kristen Bell fan, I want to believe that When In Rome is a good movie. However, the evidence suggests otherwise. You can read Cinematical's review of When In Rome, here.
Is Edge of Darkness going to be Mel Gibson's comeback film? Read what Cinematical thinks about it here.

Right now on Cinematical

Kona Gallagher — 2010-01-23T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Reality-Free, Features

This is pretty exciting: Cinematical gets to interview Harrison Ford about his new role in Extraordinary Measures.
I kind of feel as though Tooth Fairy is the kind of movie that you already know whether or not you're interested in regardless of what the reviews say. Either you're into the idea as The Rock with wings, or you're not. You know?
Well this sounds interesting: "a science-fiction/fantasy historical fiction family adventure based on the Caldecott award-winning children's book, The Invention of Hugo Cabaret." Here's the kicker: it's going to be directed by Martin Scorsese.
Here's the review to go with the interview about Extraordinary Measures.
Who would you rather see star alongside Cameron Diaz in the upcoming film, Bad Teacher? Bradley Cooper or Jason Segel?

Right now on Cinematical

Kona Gallagher — 2010-01-17T09:14:00+00:00

Filed under: Late Night, Site Announcements, Celebrities, Reality-Free, Features, TV News

Cinematical has a new featured called, "Keeping Score," in which they talk about movie music. For their first installment, they tackle the best movie music of '09.
Here's a career suggestion for Conan O'Brien after he leaves The Tonight Show: get back at Jay Leno by starring in a remake of his movie, Collision Course.
It's not exactly a film-version of The Wire, but fans should take note regardless: A documentary is coming out called, The Avon Barksdale Story, which is based on the true story upon which the Wire character of the same name is based.
Cinematical posits that Scarlett Johansson's best role was not in Lost in Translation, but in the Woody Allen film, Match Point. Agree, or disagree?
Cinematical checks in with the Slumdog kids to see how they're doing a few years after their big breaks starring in the Oscar-winning film, Slumdog Millionaire.

Right now on Cinematical

Kona Gallagher — 2009-12-27T08:32:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Reality-Free, Features

Around this time of year, it's always good to get the kids out of the house. But is taking them to go see Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel a worthwhile family adventure?
If chipmunks aren't up your alley, Cinematical talks about the best family films of the decade.
I love going to see a movie over the holidays, but this year I'm in the Outer banks with the family and the local movie theater has actually closed for the season. So while I would really like to see Sherlock Holmes, I can't. I can, however, read Cinematical's Sherlock Holmes review here.
We have been watching a lot of DVDs though, including The Hangover, which is on Cinematical's Blu-Ray/DVD shopping guide.
One of the movies I'm looking forward to the most is Cop Out, the Tracy Morgan/ Bruce Willis cop movie, directed by Kevin Smith. It was originally supposed to be called, A Couple of Dicks, but in any case, it finally has a trailer.

The TV Squad Podcast: Doctor Who, what to buy with holiday loot, Brittany Murphy, and more!

Joel Keller — 2009-12-24T16:31:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Podcasts, Festivus, Reality-Free, TV Squad Podcast, Features

Merry Christmas! In this pre-holiday podcast, Brad Trechak and Jason Hughes join me to talk about our favorite holiday episodes (think Festivus, folks), as well as the following:

Brittany Murphy's death and how it caused NBC to pull a SNL Weekend Update bit from a few weeks ago,
It's David Tennant's last days as Doctor Who, and we talk about his popular run and what's in store for his successor, Matt Smith,
What TV-related items you can buy with the handful of gift cards you received during the holidays,
How we might be watching TV during the next decade. Will the 30th season of The Simpsons be available telekinetically?
Ask TV Squad, Comment of the Week, our picks of the week, and more!

Run time is 1:14:14.

You can listen to the podcast below, or download from here or by subscribing to our RSS podcast feed. It is also available via iTunes. Feel free to leave us feedback in the comments or drop us a line at tvsquadpodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.

As usual, the music at the beginning and end of the podcast is "Life" by Justin Trawick. Note that we recorded the podcast on Monday, and my pick of the week -- Jay Thomas on Letterman -- has already aired. Huh. I figured they'd wait until at least Christmas Eve for that one.

Ask TV Squad: We need your questions!

Isabelle Carreau — 2009-12-23T20:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Ask TV Squad, Reality-Free, Features

Since the end of September, the "Ask TV Squad" column offers you answers to your TV-related questions such as information about actors, titles of songs played in episodes, DVD availability, status of shows, returning dates, props, etc. Anything goes as long as it's related to television or to TVSquad.com.

There will be no columns today and next week due to the Holidays. However, look for a fresh "Ask TV Squad" on January 6.

In the meantime, I invite you to send us all your TV questions at asktvsquad@gmail.com or by leaving a comment to the present post. We will do our best to find the answers you seek and provide the info in an upcoming column or in a TV Squad podcast. So don't be shy and ask away!

If you need inspiration, here is a collection of the questions we've answered so far.

Continue Reading

Right now on Cinematical

Kona Gallagher — 2009-12-20T10:16:00+00:00

Filed under: Site Announcements, Reality-Free, Features

I love this: Cinematical Seven names the Best Mayhem of 2009. Happy Holidays!
I'm so confused. I've seen trailers and extended previews for Avatar, and they all look kind of horrendous. Yet everyone who's seen it seems to think it's amazing-- to the tune of $27 million on Friday alone. Is this honestly that good?
Call me crazy, but I'm not in love with the Spider Man franchise. The Batman franchise, on the other hand, is an entirely different story. Cinematical lists the best Comic Book Flicks of the Decade.
The highest-grossing female star of the decade is younger than you, so what the hell have you been doing for the past ten years?
If everyone was jailed for not returning movies on time, then my baby would grow up without a mother. Here's hoping that this Iowa woman doesn't have kids.

The TV Squad Podcast: Rich Sommer of Mad Men, returning shows, Glee, and more!

Joel Keller — 2009-12-11T13:29:00+00:00

Filed under: 24, Lost, Site Announcements, Podcasts, Reality-Free, Mad Men, Glee, V, FlashForward, TV Squad Podcast, Features

As a holiday bonus, we have a super-sized podcast this week. The reason? Rich Sommer of Mad Men called in and gave us a solid half-hour of talk about the season just past, what he thinks is in store for his character of Harry Crane, how people used to yell at him for almost breaking up Pam and Jim on The Office, and how he loves doing commercials.

Rich's interview starts around the 37-minute mark. Besides the interview, Jason Hughes, Bob Sassone and I talk about the following:

The insane TV coverage of the Tiger Woods story,
A discussion of shows that are returning in January (24, Idol, Lost) as well as those that are taking a break until spring (Glee, V, FlashForward),
Our Comment of the Week! This is where listeners find out that we do not represent everyone in the TV industry,
Our picks for the week, and much more.

Run time is 1:31:26.

You can listen to the podcast below, or download from here or by subscribing to our RSS podcast feed. It is also available via iTunes. Feel free to leave us feedback in the comments or drop us a line at tvsquadpodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.

As usual, the music at the beginning and end of the podcast is "Life" by Justin Trawick.