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In Depth

Ivory soap floats, but cash sinks to the bottom line

“Nip/Tuck” may be one of cable TV’s most-watched new series, but some advertisers have stayed away. It isn’t hard to see why. A disclaimer warns viewers that the show contains scenes of violence, strong language, adult situations and nudity. That…

Calling for Laughter

Don’t bother to tell the creators of Comedy Central’s “Reno 911!,” the wacky cops-and-perps sendup heavy on trailer park trash and precinct love affairs, that its unscripted format has whiffs of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”“Neither Ben nor I have cable TV-we…

ESPN Experiments With ABC ‘Look-Ins’

Can promotions on ESPN or ESPN2 drive viewers to college football games on Disney sibling ABC? That was one of the questions behind an experiment over the weekend that, if deemed successful, may be extended through the rest of the…

It’s All About the Family Thing

Craig Piligian likens making of “American Chopper’s” pilot episode to his experience working as co-executive producer during the first season of “Survivor.” “I had absolutely no idea how people were going to react to this,” said Mr. Piligian, whose Pilgrim…

Creepy Camera

Allen Funt, TV’s original hidden-camera prankster, is probably rolling in his grave. “Scare Tactics,” the Sci Fi Channel’s creepy hit, catches people in the act of being scared (figuratively) to death. Friends set up unwitting marks in terrifying, staged situations…

FX’s Hot Hit Series Gets Under the Skin

FX President Peter Liguori should thank Cher for the network’s hit drama “Nip/Tuck.”The show’s creator Ryan Murphy was toiling away as an entertainment journalist in Los Angeles when he realized he needed a career change. “After I had interviewed Cher…

Breaking News Archives

Kellison Leaves ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ ABC late night’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” will mark its first anniversary in January without executive producer Daniel Kellison at the helm, a spokesman for ABC confirmed. Mr. Kellison is expected to exit the daily mix…

Breaking News Archives

CBS Pulls “The Brotherhood of Poland, N.H.” During November Sweeps CBS is pulling new David E. Kelley drama “The Brotherhood of Poland, N.H.” from its Wednesday night lineup during the November sweeps. A series of specials and newsmagazines will fill…

Breaking News Archives

Fred ‘Rerun’ Berry Dead at 52 Actor Fred Berry, best known as “Rerun” on the 1970s comedy “What’s Happening!” died Tuesday in his sleep at his Los Angeles home. He was 52. “He died in his sleep between Monday night…

Breaking News Archives

Lawmakers Urge Vote to Overturn Ownership Deregulation Breathing new life into the legislative effort to overturn the Federal Communications Commission media ownership deregulation, key lawmakers today said that 190 congressmen-including eight Republicans-have signed a letter urging House Speaker Dennis Hastert,…