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.
Television
'Gilmore Girls' Actor Edward Herrmann, Who Also Portrayed FDR, Dies
He played the head vampire in The Lost Boys, a three-term president on TV and a beloved grandfather. The Emmy- and Tony-winning actor was 71. The cause of death was brain cancer, his manager said.
John Oliver Is No One's Friend On His New HBO Show
The comedian who was a correspondent on The Daily Show for 7 1/2 years now pokes fun on Last Week Tonight. Oliver talks about tasing his leg, temping for a thief and remaining an outsider.
Vocab Tech For Toddlers Encourages 'Anytime, Anywhere Learning'
Sesame Workshop's games are designed to help kids learn words and have fun. One New York City educator says it's never too soon to teach tykes that technology can be more than just entertainment.
'The Apprentice' Is Dead, Please Stop 'The Celebrity Apprentice'
Believe it or not, before The Celebrity Apprentice was a really terrible and boring show, The Apprentice was kind of a dishy, fun show. No, it was.
In 'The Honorable Woman,' There's No One You Can Trust
Maggie Gyllenhaal says she had reservations about taking on the role of Nessa Stein in the Sundance series. The conflict in the Middle East is "really complicated and it goes back so far," she says.
Louis C.K. On His 'Louie' Hiatus: 'I Wanted The Show To Feel New Again'
The comic tells Fresh Air that after Season 3, he "aggressively forgot the show existed for a few months." Then he got back to work — for Louie's fourth season. Originally broadcast May 19.
Sony Hack Reveals Hollywood's Acceptance Of White Privilege
While some leaked Sony emails seemed racist, NPR TV critic Eric Deggans says they hint at a wider issue: an acceptance of practices, habits and perceptions that limit diversity in Hollywood.
Bianculli's Top 10: 2014 Was A 'Good Year For Programming'
TV critic David Bianculli says that he's encouraged by how far TV has come. He picks The Good Wife as the best show of 2014, having "the deepest roster of really strong regulars and guest stars."
Videos Of Ray Rice, Eric Garner Among Biggest Media Moments Of 2014
Some of the most interesting things on TV in 2014 weren't actually made for TV. NPR TV critic Eric Deggans lists the moments in television, viral video and social media that changed us all this year.