Television

Michael Conrad as Sgt. Phil Esterhaus does the cop roll call, concluding with his signature line: "Let's be careful out there."

Arts

Let's Be Careful Out There: The Legacy Of 'Hill Street Blues'

9:17am May 09, 2014

by Eric Deggans

TV is full of dramas that are as complex as the best novels or films. But they all owe some debt to the pioneering gritty cop show Hill Street Blues, which has just been released on DVD.

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Among Hill Street Blues' many innovations, says David Bianculli, was focusing on a large ensemble cast instead of one or two central stars. Pictured here: Veronica Hamel as Joyce Davenport, Daniel J. Travanti as Capt. Frank Furillo and Robert Prosky as Sg

Arts

'Hill Street Blues' Created Two Eras For TV Drama: Before And After

2:49pm May 07, 2014

by David Bianculli

In 1981, NBC presented a new police series that went on to make TV history. Hill Street Blues has just been released on DVD in its entirety for the first time.

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Srinivas Ayyagari onstage in 1992 (left); at right, Ayyagari today. "Seeing someone from ESPN commenting on your style and strategy was bizarre and weird. But it's the closest I'll ever come to being an athlete," Ayyagari says.

Arts

What Happens To Spelling Bee Kids? Years Later, The Prize Is Perspective

2:25pm May 06, 2014

by Elise Hu

NPR tracked down former top spellers to see how they're faring, decades after their early successes.

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Todd Barry has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the Late Show With David Letterman and Late Night With Conan O'Brien.

Arts

Todd Barry's New Stand-Up Strategy: 'Does Anyone Want To Talk To Me?'

3:51pm May 05, 2014

Last year, the comedian teamed up with Louis C.K. to film a tour in which all he did was crowd work, or engage the audience in improvised conversations.

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Arts

'24' Returns To Live Another Action-Packed Day

12:33pm May 03, 2014

Jack Bauer is back and fighting terrorism in Europe. Can he save the day again? NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Kiefer Sutherland about bringing Bauer back for a new season of "24."

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Matthew Weiner says sometimes he wakes up in the middle of the night wondering if there'd even be a Mad Men without Jon Hamm, who plays Don Draper.

Arts

'Mad Men' Creator Matthew Weiner On The End Of Don Draper's Journey

2:35pm May 01, 2014

Weiner is currently writing and shooting the show's final episodes. He tells Fresh Air, "I'm going to be leaving these characters in a place where they belong."

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PBS Documentary Examines Ruben Salazar's Life And Death

1:07pm April 30, 2014

by Karen Grigsby Bates

The death of journalist Ruben Salazar was a catalyst for the nascent Chicano-rights movement. It is still at the center of deeply held belief that he was purposely killed by LA law enforcement.

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Seth Meyers anchored Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update with Amy Poehler.

Arts

Seth Meyers' 'Late Night' Challenge: What To Do With His Hands

4:32pm April 23, 2014

Meyers left a dream job hosting Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update to take over Late Night from Jimmy Fallon. Meyers says not having a mic in hand — like he did in standup — took some adjusting.

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Riley, Granddad and Huey in a scene from the

'Boondocks' Returns After Four Years To An Altered Comedy Landscape

7:26pm April 21, 2014

by Sam Sanders

The controversial, Peabody Award-winning Cartoon Network series returns Monday for a fourth season, but without creator Aaron McGruder. Fans wonder if the show will recapture its original sting.

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Dominated By 1 Point Of View, Late-Night TV Needs New Voices

7:53am April 21, 2014

by Eric Deggans

On Tuesday, Stephen Colbert stops by the CBS Late Show to greet the man he'll replace next year, David Letterman. It also spotlights a reality in late-night TV --almost every host is a white man.

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