It’s official, or at least officially a rumor: David Gregory will be the next host of NBC’s Meet the Press, unless he isn’t. (Other media organizations have been unable to confirm the Huffington Post’s original report, so count it a scoop for HuffPo if it turns out to be true. Update: Politico’s Mike Allen now also reports the same, …
Television
Armed Conflicts (of Interest)
If you have more time on your hands than I do this morning, I recommend David Barstow’s New York Times opus about retired Gen. Barry McCaffrey and how, as an omnipresent military analyst for NBC News, he has advocated military policies that serve the interests of defense contractors—one of whom pays him to do just that, though his …
Biz News: TV Thriving, Also Screwed
Two news items, both from the Hollywood Reporter:
* Despite widespread news of a decline in broadcast ratings, a Nielsen study finds people using their TVs more than ever. Using them for what? As attractive planters? Doorstops? No: they’re watching cable and—heed Tim Kring—using their DVRs more and more often.
* That said, the …
Mad Men Watch: While You Were Out
SPOILER ALERT: Spoilers for Mad Men coming up—right now! Because I haven’t figured out yet how to do a jump page in the new blog platform. [Update: Fixed it!] So climb into your bomb shelter and watch the season finale of Mad Men if you haven’t already.
Mad Men Watch: Jesus H. Christ on a Popsicle Stick
Peggy (Elisabeth Moss, left) puts her Catholic education to work. / AMC
SPOILER ALERT: Before you read this post, throw your dinner off the balcony and watch last night’s Mad Men.
Mad Men Watch: Rootless Cosmopolitans
AMC
SPOILER ALERT: Before you read this post, try some exotic food—it’s a pepper stuffed with cheese!—and watch last night’s Mad Men.
Mad Men Watch: Father Knows Worst
AMC
SPOILER ALERT: Before you read this post, run away to a neighbor’s playhouse and watch last night’s Mad Men.
Top 10 Worst TV Spin-Offs
TIME looks back at the most absurd, ill-planned and disastrous TV-show spin-offs of the past few decades.
Mad Men Watch: Punch, Drunk, Love
AMC
SPOILER ALERT: Before you read this post, put on “Candle in the Wind’ and watch last night’s Mad Men.
Mad Men Watch: Communion
Making the sale, losing the market. / AMC
SPOILER ALERT: Before you read this post, crack open a beer from Holland and watch last night’s Mad Men.
Mad Men Watch: And You May Find Yourself Behind the Wheel of a Large Automobile
SPOILER ALERT: Before you read this post, be sure to check out the commercials for the new ’09 models while watching Mad Men.
Mad Men Watch: Who Let the Dogs Out?
AMC
SPOILER ALERT: Before you read this post, tell your mother you have company, turn the TV up really loud and watch Mad Men.
Vacation Robo-Post: Mad Men Watch
All right, Not-TV Week’s over; back to the important stuff. Episode five of this season of Mad Men is the first one I didn’t get a screener of in advance, so I’ll have to catch up on it after vacation. But don’t let that stop you. Five installments in, how do you think this season is shaping up?