Analysis

Shonda Rhimes (left) with Scandal star Kerry Washington at a 2012 press conference.

Arts

How Not To Handle A New Voice In TV

12:26pm September 25, 2014

by Eric Deggans

The firestorm kicked off by a New York Times analysis of TV's most successful black female showrunner mostly highlights how some struggle to handle new voices taking over the cultural conversation.

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Ben McKenzie (front right) and Donal Logue (left) lead the cast of Fox's Batman prequel Gotham.

Arts

Deggans Picks 'Gotham,' 'Black-ish,' 'The Flash' Among Fall TV's Best

10:20am September 23, 2014

by Eric Deggans

As the fall TV season begins this week, NPR TV Critic Eric Deggans gives his picks on new shows to watch and a few to avoid (or hate-watch, if you like).

The Cosby Show starred Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad as Cliff and Clair Huxtable, an upper-middle-class couple in New York. Tempestt Bledsoe, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Lisa Bonet and Keshia Knight Pulliam played four of their five children.

Arts

Examining Bill Cosby's Legacy As 'The Cosby Show' Turns 30

6:59pm September 19, 2014

by Eric Deggans

On the anniversary of the iconic series, NPR's Eric Deggans talks with the author of a new Bill Cosby biography about how the show and the comedian have shaped perceptions of black families.

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Who Determines Whether Someone Has A 'Latino Heart'?

3:03pm September 15, 2014

by Adriana Maestas

New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Gary King has lost support among Latino voters in the state after questioning the Latino bona fides of incumbent Gov. Susana Martinez.

National

Overthinking It: Using Food As A Racial Metaphor

2:02pm September 15, 2014

by Kat Chow

Why do we use fruits, vegetables, Twinkies and other food items to describe the idea of someone being [Race A] on the inside, [Race B] on the outside?

White House Works To Get Congressional Support On ISIS Plan

8:08am September 15, 2014

by Cokie Roberts

As the president assembles a coalition against ISIS, he'll need congressional support. A continuing resolution to fund the government may offer hints as to how much cooperation he'll get from the GOP.

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Daily Show correspondent Michael Che will become the first black co-anchor of Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update.

Arts

Why Michael Che's New Role Could Change More Than 'SNL'

1:27pm September 13, 2014

by Eric Deggans

The Daily Show correspondent will become the first black co-anchor of Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update." NPR TV Critic Eric Deggans says his hire could help diversify comedy well beyond NBC.

Obama To Address Nation On Strategy Against Islamic State

7:56am September 08, 2014

by Cokie Roberts

Before speaking to the nation Wednesday, he plans to meet with congressional leaders on Tuesday to try to map out what role the legislative branch should play.

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Democratic Candidates May Find Obama A Liability

7:55am September 01, 2014

by Cokie Roberts

President Obama's recent statement on the U.S. strategy against ISIS, and speculation that he'll take executive action on immigration may have a big impact on the November election contests.

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Immigration Debate Hangs Over Washington Political Issues

12:14pm August 25, 2014

by Cokie Roberts

Reports over the weekend indicated President Obama would take executive action soon to grant legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants. The White House says that is speculation.

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