'Empire': A World Of Unbuttoned Shirts And Dishy Music Stories
Fox's new drama about the family behind a music mega-company is pretty standard soapy television with some nice performances and a limited understanding of music.
Television
ESPN, Other Networks To Be Streamed On Dish Network's Sling TV
Linda Wertheimer talks to John Ourand from Sports Business Journal about ESPN's decision to start a streaming service. The service is being done in partnership with Dish Network.
Rewatching 'The Wire': Classic Crime Drama Seems Written For Today
As HBO releases the high-definition version of The Wire, NPR's Eric Deggans says that binge-watching the show feels more like reading today's headlines — especially on issues of race and class.
Small Batch: 'The Bachelor' Farms Iowa For Fresh Meat
A short edition of Pop Culture Happy Hour takes a look — somehow both rueful and gleeful — at the opening episode of a new season of the silliest dating show we can't believe we watch.
Longtime ESPN Sportscaster Stuart Scott Dies At 49
During his 22 years at ESPN, Scott became well-known for his signature catchphrases that connected with younger audiences and the hip-hop generation. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2007.
TV In 2015: Late-Night Shuffles, Big Goodbyes And More
The most important TV events coming in 2015 include new voices in late-night, big goodbyes, online platforms picking up old shows and, NPR TV critic Eric Deggans says, more of everything.
Remembering The Voice Of Babe The Pig
Voiceover artist Christine Cavanaugh died last month. She was the voice behind characters from Babe the pig to Chuckie Finster of Rugrats.
Donna Douglas, Elly May On 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' Dies At 81
The actress who played the tomboy daughter of Ozark mountain man Jed Clampett also appeared on-screen alongside Elvis Presley and starred in a classic episode of The Twilight Zone.
Billy Joel, Popular Song, PBS, And Needing A Piano
A PBS concert special looking at the legacy of Billy Joel brings some great stuff, some less great stuff, and a chance to reflect.
The Madly Uneven 'Downton Abbey' Turns Its Eye From Money To Sex
The fifth season of Downton Abbey continues some trends from past seasons — flawed pacing, especially. But its looks at the choices of women are intriguing.