By Sylvia Gurinsky
With this blog post begins a non-consecutive series (meaning when it's possible) of YesterTube's all-time 100 best television shows.
Listings can include series, news programs, sports programs or special events.
This week includes rankings 100 to 91:
100. Entertainment Tonight, syndicated (1981-current): The show was a lot more fun in the pre-O.J. world of tabloidism. But there's no question that the early years of the show improved and expanded coverage of Hollywood. A special gem was Leonard Maltin's movie reviews, which are missed.
99. Candid Camera, CBS and syndicated (various years): "Smile.....You're on Candid Camera" is one of the all-time television catchphrases. Original host Allen Funt figured out how to do reality television and make it good-natured and fun. Best gag: The talking mailbox.
98. Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, ABC (1999-2002): ABC killed this show with oversaturation, but it captured the country's imagination with the "Phone-a-Friend" and another catchphrase: "Is that your final answer?" The show also made a mega-star out of morning host Regis Philbin.
97. Siskel & Ebert (At the Movies), Syndicated (1986-1999): Other television critics had already appeared on television. But rival Chicago movie critics Gene Siskel (Tribune) and Roger Ebert (Sun-Times) had fun with their friendly battles (and sometimes agreement) over movies. Ebert would continue with Richard Roeper after Siskel's death in 1999, but it was never the same.
96. Kojak, CBS (1973-78): It's the show's early years, under the pen of "Judgment at Nuremberg" scribe Abby Mann and before Telly Savalas' star outshined everything else, that earn "Kojak" this placement. This police series did a fantastic job at capturing the grittiness of 1970s New York.
95. Columbo (NBC and ABC, 1971-2003): From the "NBC Mystery Movie" to occasional films for ABC, never did anyone fit better into an ill-fitting raincoat than Peter Falk did as the extremely polite and deceptive Lt. Columbo. He had his suspect - and viewers - from the very beginning.
94. Night Court (NBC, 1984-92): Probably the most offbeat show on NBC during its glory period of the 1980s, "Night Court" never made for water-cooler conversation with its cast of characters, but was successful nonetheless. Harry Anderson, as Judge Harry Stone, anchored a terrific cast that included Emmy winner John Larroquette as skirt-chasing Assistant District Attorney Dan Fielding.
93. The Golden Girls (NBC, 1984-92): A terrific look at the lives of four women of a certain age with four of the best: Beatrice Arthur, Betty White, Estelle Getty and Rue McClanahan. All four won Emmys, deservedly so.
92. DeGrassi Junior High (PBS, 1987-91): One of PBS' imports from Canada, this show took a better, more honest look at the teen years than just about any U.S. series.
91. The Muppet Show (Syndicated, 1976-81): Rejected by all three major U.S. networks, Jim Henson turned to British ITN with his hilarious series. The result was the most successful syndicated show in broadcast history. Sesame Street's Kermit the Frog and the Jimmy Dean Show's Rowlf the Dog were joined by a collection of great new Muppets that entered the hearts of children and adults alike. It was the show just about every major star of note during the era wanted to be on.
See you next week. Until then, Happy Viewing!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
Week of September 28: Best of Andy Williams On TV
By Sylvia Gurinsky
It was ultimately about the songs for Andy Williams.
His successful variety shows - from 1962-71 on NBC and later in syndication - did feature comedy and shtick (Who could forget Wayland Flowers and Madame?). But the best parts included Williams singing.
Here's a very athletic duet with Williams and Johnny Mathis:
For You
And a gorgeous duet of Williams with Julie Andrews (who helped Williams avoid what she went through with her own singing voice 30 years later):
Where Is Love?
Who said Williams wasn't cool? Take a look at one of his hits from 1967 - 14 years before MTV:
Music To Watch Girls Go By
Williams got credit for introducing a singing family from Utah on his show:
The Osmonds
Marie Osmond, Williams' young dancing partner, was about 6 at the time.
Williams had an unusual dance partner in 1967 - Henry Mancini, who composed many of the best Williams hits:
In the Arms of Love
Here's a terrific performance from 1968 with Simon & Garfunkel - & Williams:
Scarborough Fair
And here's Williams in concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1978 with a virtuoso performance of a song introduced by Richard Harris. This concert was shown on PBS stations years later:
MacArthur Park
Finally:
Moon River
Many of Williams' performances can be found on DVD - thank goodness.
See you next week.
It was ultimately about the songs for Andy Williams.
His successful variety shows - from 1962-71 on NBC and later in syndication - did feature comedy and shtick (Who could forget Wayland Flowers and Madame?). But the best parts included Williams singing.
Here's a very athletic duet with Williams and Johnny Mathis:
For You
And a gorgeous duet of Williams with Julie Andrews (who helped Williams avoid what she went through with her own singing voice 30 years later):
Where Is Love?
Who said Williams wasn't cool? Take a look at one of his hits from 1967 - 14 years before MTV:
Music To Watch Girls Go By
Williams got credit for introducing a singing family from Utah on his show:
The Osmonds
Marie Osmond, Williams' young dancing partner, was about 6 at the time.
Williams had an unusual dance partner in 1967 - Henry Mancini, who composed many of the best Williams hits:
In the Arms of Love
Here's a terrific performance from 1968 with Simon & Garfunkel - & Williams:
Scarborough Fair
And here's Williams in concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1978 with a virtuoso performance of a song introduced by Richard Harris. This concert was shown on PBS stations years later:
MacArthur Park
Finally:
Moon River
Many of Williams' performances can be found on DVD - thank goodness.
See you next week.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Week of September 14: Back To School
By Sylvia Gurinsky
The new school year is already a few weeks old, but it's a good time to take a look back at television's classic shows set in schools:
*"Our Miss Brooks," CBS, 1952-56: One of the television series that evolved from a radio show, "Our Miss Brooks" starred Eve Arden as Connie Brooks, an English teacher at Madison High. The show also featured Gale Gordon, who would later work on Lucille Ball's last three shows, and a young Richard Crenna. Here's a look:
Space, Who Needs It?
*"Mr. Novak," NBC, 1963-65: Made by some of the people (including producer Leonard Freeman) who would later be behind the scenes on "Hawaii Five-0," the drama "Mr. Novak" starred James Franciscus as idealistic teacher John Novak and Dean Jagger as Principal Albert Vane (Burgess Meredith starred in 16 episodes as Principal Martin Woodridge.). The show tackled serious issues that still resonate:
The Tender Twigs
*"Room 222," ABC, 1969-74: Lloyd Hanes, Denise Nicholas and Emmy winners Karen Valentine and Michael Constantine starred in this ABC dramedy about the goings-on at Walt Whitman High. With a lighter tone (and a winning theme song by Jerry Goldsmith), this show continued what "Mr. Novak" started with diversity and relevant themes:
Walt Whitman Goes Bananas
*"The White Shadow," CBS, 1978-81: Created by Bruce Paltrow (Gwyneth's dad), the drama "The White Shadow" starred Ken Howard as Kenny Reeves, NBA player-turned-high school coach, with one of the most diverse casts in television history. The show coincided with the rise of both professional and college basketball in the national consciousness. This episode featured Michael Warren, soon to be on "Hill Street Blues":
Wanna Bet?
*"Head of the Class," ABC, 1986-90: Through most of the series, Howard Hesseman ("WKRP in Cincinnati") played Charlie Moore, teacher of gifted students at Monroe High School. The show also featured Robin Givens as one of the students. Here's a clip with a very smart actor playing a very dumb guy:
Brad Pitt
"Our Miss Brooks" and the first two seasons of both "Room 222" and "The White Shadow" are available on DVD.
Class is in session.
Until next week, Happy Viewing!
The new school year is already a few weeks old, but it's a good time to take a look back at television's classic shows set in schools:
*"Our Miss Brooks," CBS, 1952-56: One of the television series that evolved from a radio show, "Our Miss Brooks" starred Eve Arden as Connie Brooks, an English teacher at Madison High. The show also featured Gale Gordon, who would later work on Lucille Ball's last three shows, and a young Richard Crenna. Here's a look:
Space, Who Needs It?
*"Mr. Novak," NBC, 1963-65: Made by some of the people (including producer Leonard Freeman) who would later be behind the scenes on "Hawaii Five-0," the drama "Mr. Novak" starred James Franciscus as idealistic teacher John Novak and Dean Jagger as Principal Albert Vane (Burgess Meredith starred in 16 episodes as Principal Martin Woodridge.). The show tackled serious issues that still resonate:
The Tender Twigs
*"Room 222," ABC, 1969-74: Lloyd Hanes, Denise Nicholas and Emmy winners Karen Valentine and Michael Constantine starred in this ABC dramedy about the goings-on at Walt Whitman High. With a lighter tone (and a winning theme song by Jerry Goldsmith), this show continued what "Mr. Novak" started with diversity and relevant themes:
Walt Whitman Goes Bananas
*"The White Shadow," CBS, 1978-81: Created by Bruce Paltrow (Gwyneth's dad), the drama "The White Shadow" starred Ken Howard as Kenny Reeves, NBA player-turned-high school coach, with one of the most diverse casts in television history. The show coincided with the rise of both professional and college basketball in the national consciousness. This episode featured Michael Warren, soon to be on "Hill Street Blues":
Wanna Bet?
*"Head of the Class," ABC, 1986-90: Through most of the series, Howard Hesseman ("WKRP in Cincinnati") played Charlie Moore, teacher of gifted students at Monroe High School. The show also featured Robin Givens as one of the students. Here's a clip with a very smart actor playing a very dumb guy:
Brad Pitt
"Our Miss Brooks" and the first two seasons of both "Room 222" and "The White Shadow" are available on DVD.
Class is in session.
Until next week, Happy Viewing!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Week of August 17: Bon Appetit on Julia Child's Centennial
By Sylvia Gurinsky
What's the best way to celebrate the 100th birthday of the first lady of television chefs? With a birthday dinner, of course. Made by her.
I suspect she wouldn't mind, given the joy she took in it and displayed for almost four decades across the dial, particularly on PBS.
Let's start with a salad:
Julia & Jacques Pepin making salad
And how about a yummy soup?
French Onion Soup
For the main course - a hamburger! (With the assistance, heaven help us, of David Letterman from a 1987 edition of his NBC show, "Late Night With David Letterman"):
Julia & Dave with hamburger
With a side of potatoes:
Potatoes
And here's a birthday cake:
Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Finally:
Bon Appetit!
Happy Birthday, Julia! And Happy Viewing, Everyone! See you next week!
What's the best way to celebrate the 100th birthday of the first lady of television chefs? With a birthday dinner, of course. Made by her.
I suspect she wouldn't mind, given the joy she took in it and displayed for almost four decades across the dial, particularly on PBS.
Let's start with a salad:
Julia & Jacques Pepin making salad
And how about a yummy soup?
French Onion Soup
For the main course - a hamburger! (With the assistance, heaven help us, of David Letterman from a 1987 edition of his NBC show, "Late Night With David Letterman"):
Julia & Dave with hamburger
With a side of potatoes:
Potatoes
And here's a birthday cake:
Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Finally:
Bon Appetit!
Happy Birthday, Julia! And Happy Viewing, Everyone! See you next week!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Week of August 10: In Memory of Marvin Hamlisch
By Sylvia Gurinsky
Composer Marvin Hamlisch had countless appearances on television variety shows for almost 40 years. Here's one, "Bell Telephone Jubilee," which aired on NBC in 1976 and featured Hamlisch playing a song he'd written for one giant - Streisand - as two more - Minelli and Crosby - sang it:
The Way We Were
"So it's the laughter we will remember, whenever we remember the way we were."
See you next week.
Composer Marvin Hamlisch had countless appearances on television variety shows for almost 40 years. Here's one, "Bell Telephone Jubilee," which aired on NBC in 1976 and featured Hamlisch playing a song he'd written for one giant - Streisand - as two more - Minelli and Crosby - sang it:
The Way We Were
"So it's the laughter we will remember, whenever we remember the way we were."
See you next week.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Week of August 3: Vidal Before Politics
By Sylvia Gurinsky
Gore Vidal, who died this week, is best known for his political writings and television commentaries. But as a young writer, he worked on the live television dramas of the 1950s. Here's one from 1955 about class divisions (and according to Vidal, based on his own experiences), "Summer Pavilion," featuring a young Elizabeth Montgomery:
Summer Pavilion
"Summer Pavilion" is part of a DVD anthology of "Studio One," CBS' excellent live drama series.
See you next week. Until then, Happy Viewing!
Gore Vidal, who died this week, is best known for his political writings and television commentaries. But as a young writer, he worked on the live television dramas of the 1950s. Here's one from 1955 about class divisions (and according to Vidal, based on his own experiences), "Summer Pavilion," featuring a young Elizabeth Montgomery:
Summer Pavilion
"Summer Pavilion" is part of a DVD anthology of "Studio One," CBS' excellent live drama series.
See you next week. Until then, Happy Viewing!
Monday, July 30, 2012
July 30: Most Memorable TV Moments: 21st Century and All-Time
By Sylvia Gurinsky
As with the 1990s, the old rules of evaluating the most memorable television moments of the 21st century go out the window.
During these dozen years, the Internet has become a major factor. Traditional television viewing, even with record ratings for sports events such as the Olympics and the Super Bowl, has evolved considerably, with viewers watching their favorite shows on DVD or online.
One awful day, of course, is unquestionably the most memorable television moment so far in this century: September 11, 2001.
In some manner, television was the way most people found out about the attack on New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the brave passengers of United Flight 93 who sacrificed their lives to prevent another attack.
Here's a fitting remark from that day, in the first portion of the clip, by ABC News anchor Peter Jennings:
Peter Jennings 9/11
With that, here are the YesterTube Top 5 Television moments. All are breaking news stories:
1. Assassination of President John F. Kennedy, November 22, 1963
2. Terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001
3. Apollo 11 Moon Landing and Neil Armstrong's first steps, July 20, 1969
4. Explosion of Space Shuttle Challenger, January 28, 1986
5. Assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, June 5, 1968
As with the 1990s, the old rules of evaluating the most memorable television moments of the 21st century go out the window.
During these dozen years, the Internet has become a major factor. Traditional television viewing, even with record ratings for sports events such as the Olympics and the Super Bowl, has evolved considerably, with viewers watching their favorite shows on DVD or online.
One awful day, of course, is unquestionably the most memorable television moment so far in this century: September 11, 2001.
In some manner, television was the way most people found out about the attack on New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the brave passengers of United Flight 93 who sacrificed their lives to prevent another attack.
Here's a fitting remark from that day, in the first portion of the clip, by ABC News anchor Peter Jennings:
Peter Jennings 9/11
With that, here are the YesterTube Top 5 Television moments. All are breaking news stories:
1. Assassination of President John F. Kennedy, November 22, 1963
2. Terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001
3. Apollo 11 Moon Landing and Neil Armstrong's first steps, July 20, 1969
4. Explosion of Space Shuttle Challenger, January 28, 1986
5. Assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, June 5, 1968
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