The rock star and provocateur is imperturbably articulate and droll in this entertaining documentary made of archive footage and interview clips
This excellent documentary doesn’t spell it out, but Frank Zappa was actually Frank Zappa’s real name (unlike, say, Ziggy Stardust) and everything about him was authentic, presented to the public on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. If anyone deserves an approving sobriquet with the “American” prefix – American Original, American Genius, American Rebel – it was Zappa, the rock’n’roll musician, freak-provocateur and contemporary composer and orchestral arranger influenced by Anton Webern, Edgard Varèse and Igor Stravinsky. This film allows him to speak “in his own words”, which means clips from his imperturbably droll, articulate performances in TV interviews over the years during which he morphed from sensually hirsute rock god to bearded patriarch, without selling out or putting on weight.
In a perfect world, “Zappa in his own words...
This excellent documentary doesn’t spell it out, but Frank Zappa was actually Frank Zappa’s real name (unlike, say, Ziggy Stardust) and everything about him was authentic, presented to the public on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. If anyone deserves an approving sobriquet with the “American” prefix – American Original, American Genius, American Rebel – it was Zappa, the rock’n’roll musician, freak-provocateur and contemporary composer and orchestral arranger influenced by Anton Webern, Edgard Varèse and Igor Stravinsky. This film allows him to speak “in his own words”, which means clips from his imperturbably droll, articulate performances in TV interviews over the years during which he morphed from sensually hirsute rock god to bearded patriarch, without selling out or putting on weight.
In a perfect world, “Zappa in his own words...
- 11/21/2016
- by Peter Bradshaw at the International Documentary film festival Amsterdam
- The Guardian - Film News
With the recent release of Weiner, Tickled, and Depalma in the last few months, 2016 is turning out to be a great year for quality documentary feature films. There’s one type of “doc” that’s been absent so far, that’s the profile of an acclaimed music maker. A compassionate look at the all too brief life and career of Amy Winehouse, Amy, grabbed an Oscar at the last ceremony, winning over another terrific singer’s profile, What Happened, Miss Simone? (about the jazz great Nina). The wait for another music doc is over, but instead of another sultry singer, we’re being given a look at a rock and roll icon of the 1960’s, a man who continued to create and perform for three more decades: Frank Zappa. While many just recall him for his unique look or appearance (all that hair!), this new film takes us past the...
- 7/28/2016
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Eat That Question: Frank Zappa In His Own Words takes its title from a song found on the composer’s 1972 fusion album The Grand Wazoo, and there may be no better preparation for the Frank Zappa revealed in director Thorston Schutte’s extraordinary documentary than this command to consume, and then presumably digest and defecate out, the sort of journalistic queries Zappa routinely endured, with patience, smarts and inescapable sarcasm, throughout his career. “Being interviewed is one of the most abnormal things that you can do to somebody,” Zappa explains during a TV interview to a reporter whose expression, an uneasy mixture of intimidation and confusion, remains constant throughout their encounter.
The composer’s testy relationship with the media is one of the threads that unites Schutte’s somewhat unusual approach—there are none of the usual associates, scholars and friends on hand to tell you secondhand (at best) what a genius Zappa was,...
The composer’s testy relationship with the media is one of the threads that unites Schutte’s somewhat unusual approach—there are none of the usual associates, scholars and friends on hand to tell you secondhand (at best) what a genius Zappa was,...
- 6/25/2016
- by Dennis Cozzalio
- Trailers from Hell
It would be somewhat easy to do a straightforward documentary on Frank Zappa: zoom in on some grainy B&W pictures of him as an R&B-loving teen; chart his rise from Sixties avant-rock bandleader to symphonic composer, from antiestablishment iconoclast to anticensorship activist; interview some of the dozens, if not hundreds, of musicians inspired by him; drop in a few nuggets of We're Only In It for the Money or 200 Motels–era concert footage. Of course, Zappa was never one to do anything the easy, or easily comprehensible,...
- 1/26/2016
- Rollingstone.com
After 16 years as host of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart sits behind the desk for the final time Thursday night.
While fans prepare both to share a last laugh and to possibly break out the tissues, let's take stock of what we'll miss most about the comic–turned–anchor at the helm of the show.
His Impressions
There is no shortage of impression-worthy figures in the American political system (or the 24-hour news cycle, for that matter), and Stewart, 52, always owned the opportunity to take on a new character. Some of his funniest moments on the show came from his spot-on affectations.
While fans prepare both to share a last laugh and to possibly break out the tissues, let's take stock of what we'll miss most about the comic–turned–anchor at the helm of the show.
His Impressions
There is no shortage of impression-worthy figures in the American political system (or the 24-hour news cycle, for that matter), and Stewart, 52, always owned the opportunity to take on a new character. Some of his funniest moments on the show came from his spot-on affectations.
- 8/6/2015
- by Lydia Price, @lydsprice
- People.com - TV Watch
There has been a lot of chatter -- jokes, tweets, rueful speculation -- noting the paradox of Brian Williams' forced six-month leave from the anchor chair at "NBC Nightly News" and Jon Stewart's near-simultaneous announcement of his retirement from "The Daily Show," but the biggest irony may be this one: we all care who'll replace Stewart (if, indeed, anyone can) but aren't the least bit concerned with who's replacing Williams (Lester Holt, as it turns out). And the reason is simple: we consider fake newsman Stewart accountable, while we hold no such expectations for real newsman Williams.
The truth is, Stewart and Williams -- who seem like pals whenever the latter visits the former's show -- have a lot more in common than either would probably like to admit. They're both from Jersey, both telegenic, both funny. Indeed, it's Williams' efforts to be amusing that seem to have led to his undoing.
The truth is, Stewart and Williams -- who seem like pals whenever the latter visits the former's show -- have a lot more in common than either would probably like to admit. They're both from Jersey, both telegenic, both funny. Indeed, it's Williams' efforts to be amusing that seem to have led to his undoing.
- 2/13/2015
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
It is truly the end of an era. During Tuesday's taping of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart announced that this will be his last year - of 16 - at the anchor desk. While a statement from Comedy Central implied that the end is not necessarily nigh for The Daily Show, it is not yet clear whether the show will be canceled entirely or whether someone else will take up Stewart's post. In any case, let's take a look back at some of Stewart's greatest takedowns both at and away from the Daily Show desk. While no doubt fun to watch,...
- 2/12/2015
- by Amanda Michelle Steiner, @amandamichl
- PEOPLE.com
It is truly the end of an era. During Tuesday's taping of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart announced that this will be his last year - of 16 - at the anchor desk. While a statement from Comedy Central implied that the end is not necessarily nigh for The Daily Show, it is not yet clear whether the show will be canceled entirely or whether someone else will take up Stewart's post. In any case, let's take a look back at some of Stewart's greatest takedowns both at and away from the Daily Show desk. While no doubt fun to watch,...
- 2/12/2015
- by Amanda Michelle Steiner, @amandamichl
- PEOPLE.com
It is truly the end of an era.
During Tuesday's taping of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart announced that this will be his last year – of 16 – at the anchor desk.
While a statement from Comedy Central implied that the end is not necessarily nigh for The Daily Show, it is not yet clear whether the show will be canceled entirely or whether someone else will take up Stewart's post.
In any case, let's take a look back at some of Stewart's greatest takedowns both at and away from the Daily Show desk.
While no doubt fun to watch, the below are,...
During Tuesday's taping of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart announced that this will be his last year – of 16 – at the anchor desk.
While a statement from Comedy Central implied that the end is not necessarily nigh for The Daily Show, it is not yet clear whether the show will be canceled entirely or whether someone else will take up Stewart's post.
In any case, let's take a look back at some of Stewart's greatest takedowns both at and away from the Daily Show desk.
While no doubt fun to watch, the below are,...
- 2/12/2015
- by Amanda Michelle Steiner, @amandamichl
- People.com - TV Watch
CNN Correspondent Susan Candiotti Leaving Network After 20 Years: Read Her Farewell Note (Exclusive)
After 20 years with CNN, veteran national correspondent Susan Candiotti is leaving the network.
Also Read: Candy Crowley Out at CNN: Read Jeff Zucker’s Internal Memo
In an email to colleagues Tuesday morning obtained by TheWrap, Candiotti wrote:
There are many changes around us and soon I’ll be part of them. After nearly 21 years at CNN working alongside world class journalists, I’ll be moving on. I’ve been privileged to tell stories about people and institutions, despair and resilience, cruelty and kindness from coast to coast, the Caribbean, Central and South America and beyond. Not done yet! I...
Also Read: Candy Crowley Out at CNN: Read Jeff Zucker’s Internal Memo
In an email to colleagues Tuesday morning obtained by TheWrap, Candiotti wrote:
There are many changes around us and soon I’ll be part of them. After nearly 21 years at CNN working alongside world class journalists, I’ll be moving on. I’ve been privileged to tell stories about people and institutions, despair and resilience, cruelty and kindness from coast to coast, the Caribbean, Central and South America and beyond. Not done yet! I...
- 12/30/2014
- by Jordan Chariton
- The Wrap
Reaction from the show business community to Sony scrapping the theatrical release for The Interview has been swift and largely negative. Judd Apatow took to Twitter to vent his outrage over the move, calling it “disgraceful,” and Jimmy Kimmel replied to that tweet, calling the decision to pull the pic was “an un-American act of cowardice.” Steve Carell, who saw New Regency cancel his North Korea-set movie project today, said it’s a “sad day for creative expression.”
No shortage of other Hollywood types are airing their views in 140 characters or less. We’ll update this post, so refresh for the latest:
All joking aside, we just gave a comfy foothold to censorship & it doesn't get any better from this point on. #TheInterview
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) December 18, 2014
Really hard to believe this is the response to a threat to freedom of expression here in America. #TheInterview
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) December...
No shortage of other Hollywood types are airing their views in 140 characters or less. We’ll update this post, so refresh for the latest:
All joking aside, we just gave a comfy foothold to censorship & it doesn't get any better from this point on. #TheInterview
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) December 18, 2014
Really hard to believe this is the response to a threat to freedom of expression here in America. #TheInterview
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) December...
- 12/18/2014
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline
CNN Worldwide President Jeff Zucker said Monday the network will consider making scripted feature films as it seeks to diversify its content. Zucker spoke at a Los Angeles luncheon for CNN Films, the network's label for documentaries. CNN Films announced a partnership with RADiUS-twc on a documentary about campus rape, to be produced and directed by “The Invisible War's” Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering. Also read: CNN, Hln Layoffs Day 2: ‘Crossfire,’ ‘Unguarded’ With Rachel Nichols, and ‘Sanjay Gupta MD’ Canceled Asked if CNN is also interested in producing scripted movies, Zucker said, “We have looked at that; thus far,...
- 10/27/2014
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
Greta Van Susteren is often one to play media critic and the Fox News host did just that Monday, criticizing CNN's Brian Stelter for his commentary Sunday about CNN's widespread layoffs. Also read: CNN, Hln Layoffs Day 2: ‘Crossfire,’ ‘Unguarded’ With Rachel Nichols, and ‘Sanjay Gupta MD’ Canceled Stelter had called the week's worth of layoffs “painful” but a necessary part of “reshaping.” Apparently Van Susteren found the “Reliable Sources” host's comments painful, and said as much on her blog: Also read: CNN, Hln Layoffs: Jane Velez-Mitchell Out, Entertainment Unit Disbanded “This is pretty cold to call what happened to so many hard working people.
- 10/20/2014
- by Jordan Chariton
- The Wrap
CNN has laid off its head of digital Kc Estenson, insiders familiar with the situation told TheWrap. Also read: CNN, Hln Staffers Among Turner Layoffs Hitting Atlanta Estenson joined CNN digital in 2008 and is one of the highest-level executives let go amid widespread cuts across the country. His departure in digital comes as both network president Jeff Zucker and Turner CEO John Martin vow to invest heavily in digital. Also read: 550 Buyouts, Layoffs Imminent at Turner; Hln, CNN Among Cuts (Exclusive) Four CNN shows were canceled Wednesday: “Crossfire,” “Unguarded” with Rachel Nichols, “Sanjay Gupta MD,” and “CNN Money” with Christine Romans.
- 10/16/2014
- by Jordan Chariton
- The Wrap
A laid off CNN technology manager took to Facebook on Wednesday to express pride in being part of the exclusive “10 percent club,” alluding to Turner Broadcasting's decision to cut 10 percent of its staff. Victor Hernandez, an Atlanta-based program manager for editorial systems at CNN for 12 years, put a positive spin on his job loss. “Now onto the best distraction a newly-unemployed guy could hope for… a wedding in a week,” Hernandez wrote. The full post is below; Hernandez declined TheWrap‘s request for further comment. Also read: CNN, Hln Layoffs Day 2: ‘Crossfire,’ ‘Unguarded’ With Rachel Nichols, and ‘Sanjay Gupta MD...
- 10/16/2014
- by Jordan Chariton
- The Wrap
CNN has canceled Crossfire—again—amid reports of around 300 layoffs at the network. The bipartisan political debate show had been on an extended hiatus since late July when the news broke on Wednesday. All four hosts—Stephanie Cutter, Newt Gingrich, S.E. Cupp and Van Jones—will remain with the network as political commenters, a source confirmed to EW. Much of the production staff has been absorbed into other roles within the network. Also being phased out are Sanjay Gupta MD, CNN Money with Christine Romans, and Unguarded with Rachel Nichols. Nichols will remain on the network as its sole sports anchor and host primetime specials,...
- 10/15/2014
- by Emily Blake
- EW - Inside TV
Seth Rogen to reunite with Lisa Kudrow on “The Comeback” Rogen will play the fictional version of Kudrow’s antagonist “Paulie G” on “The Comeback’s" show within a show. Kudrow and Rogen last appeared on screen together earlier this year in “Neighbors." Will Neil Patrick Harris pave the way for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to host the Oscars? One thing that was perceived to hold Harris back -- besides him formerly being a CBS star — was that he had hosted too many other awards shows. But with Harris now hosting the Oscars, it can open up the prospect of the Academy Awards selecting Tina and Amy, who’ve been hosting the Oscars’ competitor, the Golden Globes. It’s about time Archie Panjabi leaves “The Good Wife” "Kalinda remains a kickass and reliable investigator in impressive boots,” says Willa Paskin, "but it has been a long time since we...
- 10/15/2014
- by Norman Weiss
- Hitfix
CNN has cancelled its on-again, off again political debate program “Crossfire” Wednesday, insiders with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap. The cancellation announcement comes amid a network restructuring and a series of layoffs. Originally debuting in 1982 with two hosts, network president Jeff Zucker resurrected the show last year after it was canceled in 2005. The 2.0 version looked different: a half-hour with four hosts, paired up in duos broadcasting on different days. Former White House adviser Stephanie Cutter and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich co-hosted one day; former MSNBC host and former White House energy adviser Van Jones on...
- 10/15/2014
- by Jordan Chariton
- The Wrap
CNN, Hln Layoffs Day 2: ‘Crossfire,’ ‘Unguarded’ With Rachel Nichols, and ‘Sanjay Gupta MD’ Canceled
Four CNN shows were canceled Wednesday: “Crossfire,” “Unguarded” with Rachel Nichols, “Sanjay Gupta MD,” and “CNN Money” with Christine Romans, individuals familiar with the situation told TheWrap. The moves come after CNN disbanded its entertainment unit in Los Angeles and New York on Tuesday. In the talent ranks, Hln's Jane Velez-Mitchell's self-titled program was canceled Tuesday and she will be leaving the network. See photos: The Scene at TheGrill 2014: TheWrap's Media Leadership Conference (Photos) The four hosts of “Crossfire”–Newt Gingrich, S.E. Cupp, Van Jones, and Stephanie Cutter–will continue on with the network. Nichols will also stay on and will host special.
- 10/15/2014
- by Jordan Chariton
- The Wrap
Just 10 minutes into the second half-hour of “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer” last night, CNN ran a sponsored-segment advertisement for the show that previously inhabited the 6:30p.m. timeslot. Also read: Bill Nye and CNN's S.E. Cupp Have Heated Exchange Over Climate Change (Video) “Crossfire, brought to you by Tempur-pedic,” the ad said with the Crossfire logo at the bottom of the screen. The only problem: Crossfire hasn't aired since the middle of July, after it was yanked from the schedule in favor of breaking news of downed Malaysia Airlines Flight 17. “Crossfire is still on extended hiatus,” a CNN spokesperson told.
- 10/14/2014
- by Jordan Chariton
- The Wrap
A little over a year since the resurrected version of Crossfire debuted, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that CNN has once again shelved the talking-head debate show. The show debuted with four hosts, two conservative-leaning and two liberal-leaning, including Van Jones, Stephanie Cutter, S.E. Cupp and Newt Gingrich. But even in its first week, the rebooted half-hour talk show saw disappointing viewership figures during the 6 p.m. hour. All four panelists will stay on as political correspondents. And, as layoffs hit parent company Turner Broadcasting, Crossfire is not the only CNN series to
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- 10/3/2014
- by Erik Hayden, Michael O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Jon Stewart walked out Monday night to introduce the gala screening of his directorial debut Rosewater at the Toronto International Film Festival, the rapturous applause seemed to energize the Daily Show host; he practically skipped over to the microphone to say a few words. Two hours later, when he returned to the Princess of Wales Theater's stage to a long standing ovation, the 51-year-old comedian seemed to be walking on air. His adaptation of Maziar Bahari's 2011 memoir, in which the Canadian-Iranian journalist recounts being imprisoned in Tehran for...
- 9/10/2014
- Rollingstone.com
Inside the screen tests for the next 'View' Co-host
The quest to find the new co-hosts of The View is officially in full swing—and Entertainment Tonight has all the exclusive details!
Nine potential hosts were selected to participate in a chemistry test for the new panel of The View, and we've got the list of ladies who are in the running to join Whoopi Goldberg and Rosie O'Donnell on the hit ABC series. And it's already clear that CNN's Sunny Hostin is one of the obvious front-runners for the new mix.
The chemistry test, which was shot in front of 50 audience members on the set of The Chew in New York Thursday morning, challenged the ladies to debate alongside Rosie and Whoppi in a wide array of hot-button topics. Although the discussions were rigorous, this helped weed out the opinionated from the meek, and showed who shined best on camera.
The resumes...
The quest to find the new co-hosts of The View is officially in full swing—and Entertainment Tonight has all the exclusive details!
Nine potential hosts were selected to participate in a chemistry test for the new panel of The View, and we've got the list of ladies who are in the running to join Whoopi Goldberg and Rosie O'Donnell on the hit ABC series. And it's already clear that CNN's Sunny Hostin is one of the obvious front-runners for the new mix.
The chemistry test, which was shot in front of 50 audience members on the set of The Chew in New York Thursday morning, challenged the ladies to debate alongside Rosie and Whoppi in a wide array of hot-button topics. Although the discussions were rigorous, this helped weed out the opinionated from the meek, and showed who shined best on camera.
The resumes...
- 8/7/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
CNN's S.E. Cupp thinks she is a better atheist than Bill Maher, and “liberals” in general. That's right. Apparently, not believing in God is a contest and the “Crossfire” co-host thinks conservatives win. See video: Holy Moses! Christian Bale Gets Biblical in First ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ Trailer In a “Crossfire Reloaded” video (above) that hit the web on Wednesday, Cupp argues atheists on “the left” have a “militant hostility” in reaction “against intellectual diversity.” “Most conservative atheists I know, including myself, have a really healthy respect for the role of religion in society and this country, in particularly,” Cupp said.
- 7/30/2014
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
S.E. Cupp's name has been thrown around a lot over the last couple of weeks as a possible conservative replacement for Sherri Shepherd and Jenny McCarthy, who both announced they will be leaving The View this year. Today, the current Crossfire host got a chance to show off what she can bring to the table, guest-hosting alongside actor Jason Biggs.
- 7/21/2014
- by Matt Wilstein
- Mediaite - TV
Wait, what?! Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich compared former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Kim Kardashian on CNN's Crossfire on Tuesday, June 24. "You have to understand the problem Bill has," Gingrich started while discussing how former President Bill Clinton came out defending his wife, Clinton, who recently revealed they were "dead broke" when they left the White House. "Bill is to politics what Fred Astaire is to dancing, he is just automatically amazing and he wants to have Ginger Rogers out there dancing," the [...]...
- 6/25/2014
- Us Weekly
Van Jones opened a "very special episode" of CNN's Crossfire Monday by singing the praises of none other than Sen. Rand Paul (R-ky), who has emerged as one of the few Republican voices in opposition to U.S. military intervention in Iraq. In an unusual move, the show decided to eschew guests and instead offer up a 30-minute free-for-all with all four hosts, two on the left and two on the right.
- 6/23/2014
- by Matt Wilstein
- Mediaite - TV
Welcome to Issue 51 of The Marvelous DA7E!
What Is This? If this is your first time, know that Da7e is a crazy fan of comic book movie franchises. He's less a fan of coherent sentences. He thinks being a fan of something is the greatest way of loving it.
This week: So much happened, let's speculate about our main 3 universes (sorry Fox, try harder)
Oh man, it feels like it’s been a long time since we’ve talked some superhero movie news and rumors. And there’s all this Star Wars stuff happening. While I often feel Bad Robot is laughing at me, I don't always feel that way about my Marvelous Speculations. I get my fandoms a little mixed up like a sweet-sweet cocktail. Other times I wonder if Disney is just my emotional counterpoint, gripping all the franchises I love in their Mickey Mouse gloves without really caring.
What Is This? If this is your first time, know that Da7e is a crazy fan of comic book movie franchises. He's less a fan of coherent sentences. He thinks being a fan of something is the greatest way of loving it.
This week: So much happened, let's speculate about our main 3 universes (sorry Fox, try harder)
Oh man, it feels like it’s been a long time since we’ve talked some superhero movie news and rumors. And there’s all this Star Wars stuff happening. While I often feel Bad Robot is laughing at me, I don't always feel that way about my Marvelous Speculations. I get my fandoms a little mixed up like a sweet-sweet cocktail. Other times I wonder if Disney is just my emotional counterpoint, gripping all the franchises I love in their Mickey Mouse gloves without really caring.
- 6/20/2014
- by Da7e
- LRMonline.com
CNN actually gave Bill Nye the Science Guy an opportunity to slam his desk in frustration during Tuesday's episode of “Crossfire.” The Science Guy was there to debate climate change with Nick Loris, a Conservative Economist with the Heritage Foundation. But the meat of the debate was with “Crossfire” host S.E. Cupp, who decried “scare tactics” used by the science community and accused Nye of “bullying” people who dare question the legitimacy of global warming claims. Also read: Bob Newhart, Bill Nye to Guest as Science Rivals on ‘Big Bang Theory’ After bringing out a Gallup poll claiming that 36 percent of Americans.
- 5/7/2014
- by Matthew Bramlett
- The Wrap
Climate change has always been a subject that makes for heated discussions. And it was certainly no different on CNN's Crossfire Tuesday night when "Science Guy" Bill Nye and show host S.E. Cupp went at it in the wake of a new U.S. government report on the effects of global warming. "I want you to take a look at this polling," Cupp said to Nye. "Only about 36 percent of Americans think global warming is a serious threat to our way of life." She added, "Now, again, let me posit everything that [environmental advocate] Van [Jones] and the White House have said is true, however, the scare tactics have not worked. And don't you need public consensus to move the needle on...
- 5/7/2014
- E! Online
Just when you thought that what CNN‘s Missing Malaysian Airliner story really needed to liven things up was a fluid ounce of weed killer scientifically administered to some of the talking heads, the network abruptly brought back Crossfire this evening, as if to signal to the country that its long cable-news nightmare was over. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-wi, and Rep. Karen Bass, D-ca, joined co-hosts Newt Gingrich and Van Jones, who beamed at the camera as if their producer had brought them good news from a distant land. Crossfire had been off the air since March 11, when CNN latched on to the story of the passenger plane that mysteriously vanished somewhere en route to Beijing, and hung on for dear life as ratings soared — well, compared to CNN’s earlier ratings anyway. And, though there had been some speculation CNN chief Jeff Zucker would use the missing plane saga...
- 5/1/2014
- by LISA DE MORAES, TV Columnist
- Deadline TV
Ragin’ cajun James Carville has a new home at Fox New Channel as an on-air contributor. “James’ successful and storied career in politics over several decades is an enormous asset to Fox News,” said Fox New Channel Programming VP Bill Shine today of the longtime political pundit who helped get Bill Clinton elected in 1992. “We are privileged to have him lend his breadth of experience, wit and dynamic perspective on the network,” Shine added. Carville has been on Fox News several times, including Tuesday on The Kelly File. The move to Fnc comes over a year after Carville exited CNN, Carville and his wife, Gop operative Mary Matlin, left CNN in January 2013 after the cable news network wanted the New Orleans resident to be closer to Washington DC. A staunch Democrat, Carville was one of the co-hosts of CNN’s Crossfire from 2002-2005. He joins another ex-CNNer at Fox News...
- 2/6/2014
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
At the end of Thursday evening's edition of Crossfire on CNN, liberal host Stephanie Cutter asked her conservative guest Rick Santorum to help "deconstruct" what exactly Mike Huckabee meant when he told the Rnc meeting audience earlier in the day that Democrats want to "insult" women "by making them believe that they are helpless without Uncle Sugar" coming in to help them "control their libido."...
- 1/24/2014
- by Matt Wilstein
- Mediaite - TV
Brand new CNN contributor Sally Kohn made her presence known Wednesday afternoon, when she took over the liberal host chair on Crossfire, moderating a debate over women's reproductive rights between Naral's Ilyse Hogue on one side and Live Action's Lila Rose on the other. Things got particularly heated when Kohn brought of statements Rose had made about banning abortions for rape victims.
- 1/23/2014
- by Matt Wilstein
- Mediaite - TV
2Nd Update, 8:20 Am: Will cable news programs steer clear of comedy after MSNBC‘s botched Melissa Harris-Perry end-of-year show left her tearily apologizing for the show’s gags targeting Mitt Romney‘s adopted black grandson, and Fox News Channel devoting yet more airtime to MSNBC’s show host foot-in-mouth epidemic? Most recently, Romney was a guest on Fox News this past Sunday, in the course of which, during a segment known as “Romney Reacts To MSNBC For Mocking Family Photo”, he told Chris Wallace, “I recognize that people make mistakes and the folks at MSNBC made a big mistake. They’ve apologized for it. That’s all you can ask for. I am going to move on from that. I am sure they want to move on from it. Look, I’ve made plenty of mistakes myself and they’ve apologized for this and, you know, I think we can go on from there.
- 1/6/2014
- by LISA DE MORAES, TV Columnist
- Deadline TV
Glenn Beck sat down for a full hour on CNN's Piers Morgan Live for an interview that will air Friday night, but it wasn't Piers Morgan sitting on the other side of the table. Instead, conservative Crossfire host S.E. Cupp conducted the interview with the TheBlaze founder. The pair covered a wide variety of topics, but one during one interesting exchange, Beck decried that media obsession with stories like Megyn Kelly calling Santa Claus white and Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson comparing homosexual sex to bestiality.
- 12/20/2013
- by Matt Wilstein
- Mediaite - TV
Former Speaker of the House and co-host of CNN's Crossfire Newt Gingrich appeared on New Day Monday morning to discuss conservative backlash toward his praise of late civil rights icon Nelson Mandela, and changed his tune from the explanation he offered Candy Crowley over the weekend. While citing a misunderstanding of Mandela's legacy, Gingrich also blamed "elements of the left, particularly on one news channel, who went overboard in trying to use this in a chance to attack Ronald Reagan."...
- 12/9/2013
- by Tommy Christopher
- Mediaite - TV
On Tuesday night’s Crossfire on CNN, Daily Beast columnist Peter Beinart and The Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol squared off over the issue of a recent framework reached with Iran designed to halt their progress towards acquiring a nuclear weapon. Beinart went after Kristol for his hawkish “track record” and insisted that he and others like him “tried to learn a lesson” from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- 11/27/2013
- by Noah Rothman
- Mediaite - TV
Stephanie Cutter just got another new job today thanks to President Obama. Just over two and a half months since the former White House staffer debuted on CNN’s resuscitated Crossfire with co-hosts Newt Gingrich, S.E. Cupp and Van Jones, Cutter is back working for her old boss – at least partially. Obama Tuesday named his former Deputy Campaign Manager as a Member for the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. “I am honored that these talented individuals have decided to join this Administration and serve our country. I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come,” said Obama in a statement announcing Cutter’s appointment and several others today. With the political consultant as one of its four rotating hosts, Crossfire came back after 8 years odd the air on September 9 this year with modest ratings. A low impact patronage post, the Committee...
- 11/20/2013
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
Ted Turner may no longer be in the CNN business but the cable news network is still in the Ted Turner game. In another look to the past like the resuscitated Crossfire, the now Jeff Zucker-run CNN will air Ted Turner: The Maverick Man on November 17. Looking at the billionaire’s life, the one-hour Wolf Blitzer special will air at 7 Pm Et on Sunday. After creating CNN in 1980, the now 73-year old Turner Broadcasting chief eventually sold his network to Time Warner in 1996 and left that company’s board back in 2006. Maverick Man features not just interviews with Turner but also appearances from his ex-wife Jane Fonda, former President Jimmy Carter, and former CNN host Larry King among others. Related: Jane Fonda To Receive AFI Life Achievement Award...
- 11/13/2013
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
Looks like troubles come in threes for CNN lately. First the cable news company had its worst single primetime in over a year on October 30, then it had its worst week since Jeff Zucker took over and now the relaunched Crossfire has hit new lows. Resuscitated on September 9 after eight years off the air, the political debate show pulled in just 233,00 viewers overall and a mere 59,000 among adults 25-54 between 6:30 Pm and 7 Pm on Monday. Full-hour time-slot rivals on Fox News Channel and MSNBC did a lot better — to put it mildly. Fnc’s Special Report had 2.44 million viewers with 411,000 in the key news demo, while MSNBC’s Al Sharpton-hosted PoliticsNation had 707,000 total viewers and 170,000 among the 25-54s. Related: CNN Falls To Lowest Daily Primetime In Over A Year Monday’s results represent a significant drop from the October 3 high the Newt Gingrich, Stephanie Cutter, S.E. Cupp and...
- 11/5/2013
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
Sen. Ted Cruz will be chatting with Jay Leno next week. The congressman, who gained prominence amid the weeks-long government shutdown in October, is set to appear on The Tonight Show on Nov. 8, NBC announced Wednesday. The Texas Republican was a guest on CNN's Crossfire and on Fox News during the shutdown, but is making his debut on late night with the Leno appearance, the network said. Story: How Long Will Sen. Ted Cruz Keep The FCC On Hold? Cruz, an ardent opponent of the Obama administration's healthcare reform legislation, is expected to address the "current state
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- 10/30/2013
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One day after the House of Representatives approved the bill that reopened the government and avoided a default on the nation's debt, Crossfire's Van Jones got the chance to take on one of the Republican congressmen who voted against it. Jones asked Rep. Luke Messer (R-in) how he could "justify" voting "no" on a bill that prevented "economic catastrophe."...
- 10/17/2013
- by Matt Wilstein
- Mediaite - TV
On Thursday night's episode of The Rachel Maddow Show, famously nice host Rachel Maddow openly mocked former MSNBC The Cycle host-turned-cnn-Crossfire co-host S.E. Cupp for insisting that the President should still bomb Syria, but she did it in the nicest way possible. Or did she? On Twitter Friday afternoon, S.E. responded to Maddow's criticism, and groused a bit with our own Noah Rothman.
- 9/20/2013
- by Tommy Christopher
- Mediaite - TV
Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell on Fxx is now on 5 nights a week on Fxx – Monday through Thursdays at 11pm E/P, with Best of the Week “Mixtape” episodes on Sunday nights at 11pm E/P. Tonight: Performance by Standup Comedian Michelle Buteau Upcoming Guests: Thursday, Sept. 19 Sports writer Dave Zirin (The Nation) Monday, Sept. 23 Actor Jeffrey Wright (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire) Tuesday, Sept. 24 Author Tim Wise (“Dear White America,” “White Like Me”) Wednesday, Sept. 25 Van Jones (CNN’s Crossfire) Thursday, Sept. 26 Musician Big Freedia Monday, Sept. 30 Blogger and Radio Host Jay Smooth (Wbai’s Underground Railroad) Tuesday, Oct. 1 Jesse Ventura (author, “They Killed Our President”) Wednesday, Oct. 2 Comedian Hannibal Buress...
- 9/18/2013
- by April Neale
- Monsters and Critics
Currently in a rebuilding phase after a precipitous slide from its former dominance of the cable-news world, CNN has been adding new on-air talent, such as former ABC News correspondent Jake Tapper, and is also reaching back into its past.
Last week, CNN revived the current-events/debate program "Crossfire," blending a long-running format with a roster of new faces. The daily 30-minute show features two hosts and guests each night, with the co-hosts also appearing across other CNN programming.
From 1982 until 2005, "Crossfire" was a mainstay of the network's daytime lineup, examining the news from the points of view of a politically liberal and a conservative pundit.
The first pairing was journalist and author Tom Braden ("Eight Is Enough") on the liberal side, and commentator, politician and broadcaster Pat Buchanan, as the conservative.
Later rosters for both the daytime show and a Sunday edition included Robert Novak, John Sununu, Tony Snow,...
Last week, CNN revived the current-events/debate program "Crossfire," blending a long-running format with a roster of new faces. The daily 30-minute show features two hosts and guests each night, with the co-hosts also appearing across other CNN programming.
From 1982 until 2005, "Crossfire" was a mainstay of the network's daytime lineup, examining the news from the points of view of a politically liberal and a conservative pundit.
The first pairing was journalist and author Tom Braden ("Eight Is Enough") on the liberal side, and commentator, politician and broadcaster Pat Buchanan, as the conservative.
Later rosters for both the daytime show and a Sunday edition included Robert Novak, John Sununu, Tony Snow,...
- 9/16/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Piers Morgan has been expressing his disbelief over a recently passed Iowa law that will allow the legally blind to obtain gun permits all week on Twitter. But last night he made the issue a centerpiece of his CNN show, with Crossfire's S.E. Cupp and Van Jones battling over if and how it might be possible to arm the blind.
- 9/14/2013
- by Matt Wilstein
- Mediaite - TV
On Monday (Sept. 9) at 6:30 p.m. Et (live in all time zones), the daily Right/Left debate program "Crossfire" re-launches on CNN, with four new co-hosts and guests.
Kicking off the show as co-hosts on Monday are lawyer Van Jones, an environmental and civil-rights attorney; and Newt Gingrich, the former Republican Speaker of the House turned author and documentary filmmaker.
The second two co-hosts debut Tuesday: conservative columnist and commentator S.E. Cupp, most recently seen on MSNBC's "The Cycle"; and Stephanie Cutter, deputy manager of President Obama's re-election campaign.
Guests for the first show are Rep. Rand Paul (R-Ken.) and Sen. Robert Menendez (D-n.J.) discussing the debate over military intervention in Syria and other events in the news. Viewers can weigh in on the action by voting in real time on the topics discussed on mobile devices, tablets or PCs via Twitter, Facebook or CNN.com/Crossfire.
Kicking off the show as co-hosts on Monday are lawyer Van Jones, an environmental and civil-rights attorney; and Newt Gingrich, the former Republican Speaker of the House turned author and documentary filmmaker.
The second two co-hosts debut Tuesday: conservative columnist and commentator S.E. Cupp, most recently seen on MSNBC's "The Cycle"; and Stephanie Cutter, deputy manager of President Obama's re-election campaign.
Guests for the first show are Rep. Rand Paul (R-Ken.) and Sen. Robert Menendez (D-n.J.) discussing the debate over military intervention in Syria and other events in the news. Viewers can weigh in on the action by voting in real time on the topics discussed on mobile devices, tablets or PCs via Twitter, Facebook or CNN.com/Crossfire.
- 9/9/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
With a congressional vote on Syria looming, CNN can’t wait to get Crossfire started again.
The network says the daily debate program will begin Monday, Sept. 9. CNN had originally planned for the show to debut the following Monday, but it moved up the premiere because of President Barack Obama’s request that Congress vote on a military response against Syria over its alleged use of chemical weapons.
Newt Gingrich, S.E. Cupp, Stephanie Cutter, and Van Jones are the new combatants on Crossfire. The 30-minute show will air weekdays at 6:30 p.m. Et.
The show aired for many years...
The network says the daily debate program will begin Monday, Sept. 9. CNN had originally planned for the show to debut the following Monday, but it moved up the premiere because of President Barack Obama’s request that Congress vote on a military response against Syria over its alleged use of chemical weapons.
Newt Gingrich, S.E. Cupp, Stephanie Cutter, and Van Jones are the new combatants on Crossfire. The 30-minute show will air weekdays at 6:30 p.m. Et.
The show aired for many years...
- 9/3/2013
- by Associated Press
- EW - Inside TV
In case you were wondering what the half-hour remake of CNN’s resuscitated Crossfire would sound/look like, two of its regulars – Stephanie Cutter on the left and S.E. Cupp on the right — visited Wolf Blitzer’s The Situation Room to give viewers a taste yesterday. They “discussed” voter fraud. It sounded like cats in a bag. CNN’s most anticipated series debuts Monday, September 16 at 6:30 Pm Et — now starring, most notably, former Speaker of the House and Gop presidential candidate Newt Gingrich. The political gabfest previously aired weeknights from 1982-2005, and is maybe best remembered these days for the time Jon Stewart appeared on the show in October 2004, ostensibly to promote his book America (The Book): A Citizen’s Guide To Democracy Inaction, but mostly to tell the show’s talking heads that the program was “hurting America. Here is what I wanted to tell you guys: Stop…...
- 8/14/2013
- by LISA DE MORAES, TV Columnist
- Deadline TV
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