Television

"I hope that the Opening Ceremony will be a drug for depression in Brazil," film director Fernando Meirelles said of the show in Rio de Janeiro.

Rio Throws A Party For The World, Kicking Off The 2016 Olympics

11:14pm August 05, 2016

by Bill Chappell

After months of negative news, Rio ushers in the Summer Olympics on Friday night. And the city finally gets to do what it's famous for: putting on a grand spectacle.

A New Lucille Ball Statue Replaces 'Scary' One In Her Hometown

7:47pm August 05, 2016

by Richard Gonzales

In 2009, legions of Lucy fans were horrified by a sculpture they dubbed "Scary Lucy." The new one reflects the glamorous TV comedy star of the 1950s. It's being unveiled Saturday, her 105th birthday.

Actor David Huddleston, pictured with his wife, Sarah Koeppe, was nominated for an Emmy in 1990 for his role as the grandfather on The Wonder Years.

Arts

David Huddleston, Who Played The Real Mr. Lebowski, Dies

2:20pm August 05, 2016

by Rose Friedman

The Emmy-nominated character actor starred in classics such as The Big Lebowski and Blazing Saddles. His career spanned more than 50 years in movies, TV and on Broadway.

Fireworks light the sky during a rehearsal Wednesday for the opening ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Organizers hope the event, which will be held Friday night in Maracana Stadium, will lift the country's spirits after months of pr

After A Rough Run-Up, Rio Aims For An 'Awesome' Opening Ceremony

9:43am August 05, 2016

by Bill Chappell

The Friday night spectacle could be "a drug for depression in Brazil," says the creative director of the show that viewers around the world will see tonight.

Arts

For James Corden, 'Carpool Karaoke' Has Been An Incredible Ride

2:08pm August 04, 2016

The Late Late Show host talks about belting out songs with celebrities like Elton John, Steve Wonder and Adele. He tells Fresh Air's Terry Gross he doesn't know what he did to deserve this great gig.

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Actor Bob McGrath has appeared on 45 seasons of Sesame Street.

Arts

C Is For Contract: Longtime Actors In Grown-Up Dispute With 'Sesame Street'

6:16pm August 03, 2016

by Andrew Limbong

Bob McGrath, who has worked on the show since 1969, says he and two other original cast members have been let go. Sesame Workshop is calling it a "misunderstanding."

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Ali Wong taped Baby Cobra, her stand-up special for Netflix, while 7 1/2 months pregnant.

Arts

Marriage And Motherhood Are A 'Source Of Power,' Says Comic Ali Wong

11:02am August 03, 2016

Wong was 7 1/2 months pregnant when she filmed her first comedy special, Baby Cobra. She says that the birth of her daughter changed her career for the better.

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Issa Rae stars in the new HBO series Insecure.

Arts

At TV Press Tour, Actors And Producers Of Color Speak Of Hollywood Struggles

2:30pm August 02, 2016

by Eric Deggans

More faces of color are turning up on TV, but at this year's Television Critics Association summer press tour, actors and producers spoke out about how hard it still is to get a foot in the door.

Jane Lane and Daria Morgendorffer from the MTV series Daria.

MTV Looks To Capitalize On Nostalgia With New 'Classic' Channel

7:18pm August 01, 2016

by Stephen Thompson

MTV turns 35 Monday, and is marking the occasion with a channel called MTV Classic, which will air MTV programming from the 1990s and 2000s.

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Comparing Both Conventions As TV: Did Either One Get An Edge?

4:53pm July 29, 2016

Now that the national conventions have concluded, NPR TV critic Eric Deggans looks back on both, judging them purely as television programs. Policy aside, did either convention make for compelling TV?