LATE SHOW NEWS #206 June 16, 1998 by Aaron Barnhart To join or leave the LATE-SHOW-NEWS mailing list, instructions are at end of message. Fight's over! NBC chief Robert Wright, who reigns from the network's more sensible East Coast, has intervened in the ongoing mess involving his West Coast executives and former NBC talent Norm Macdonald. The network aired commercials promoting Macdonald's movie "Dirty Work" after all -- though it stopped short of allowing them to air during "Saturday Night Live," which in hindsight turned out to be a good decision considering that this weekend's "SNL" was a 90-minute tribute to the late Phil Hartman, who was master of those other 80 minutes when Macdonald wasn't doing "Weekend Update." In an ancillary dispute, Norm was going around telling anyone who would listen -- and that included Howard Stern -- that he had been "unbooked" from several talk show appearances on NBC in connection with "Dirty Work," including "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" the "Today Show," and the local morning show of New York's NBC-owned Channel 4. But Eric Mink of the New York Daily News wasn't able to substantiate any of the claims and a source informed LATE SHOW NEWS that Macdonald had *never* been booked on Conan's show on the night Norm said he was. That's not to say Ohlmeyer didn't order the unbookings; if the man can stop an ad campaign he can certainly pull the plug on a talk-show appearance. But no one can prove he did make the order, either. Also, I inexplicably leaped from talking about *rumors* of Macdonald's signing on to do Howard Stern's new CBS Saturday-night show to talking about confirmed *reports* of same. My bad; Norm is still officially unemployed ... and looks to be for a while, at least in Hollywood. "Dirty Work" got crummy reviews and came in a dismal ninth in the weekend box office. *** When I first heard about NBC's Don Ohlmeyer's plans to replace his 1:35 a.m. talker "Later" with something else, I thought I'd grabbed the wave of the network's next bonehead programming move. Started 10 years ago as a talk vehicle for Bob Costas, "Later" never was much of a ratings demon. But it was distinctive because it was original programming, cleared by the NBC affiliates, at an hour when the other networks were off the air. But Costas left the show more than four years ago, and that, I decided on further reflection, made "Later" ultimately expendable. Costas returned to the set last month to do some new shows (sans, of course, that irritating studio audience). But he was just toying with us; he's never coming back to "Later," not with the departure of Marv Albert making him even more indispensable at NBC Sports. (Although did you find yourself, like me, dialing down Information Please Bob by about game five of the NBA Finals and dialing up the radio broadcast instead?) His replacement, Greg Kinnear, has been gone nearly two years. And yet with a steady stream of guest hosts, "Later" has actually inched higher in audience figures. So now, rather than see those viewers wasted on idle chatter, Ohlmeyer wants to try out new talent and new series ideas on them. "We must also continue to search for tomorrow's talent; some you'll begin to see in a new format in our 'Later' time slot," Ohlmeyer told advertisers during NBC's "up-front" presentation last month. I say, why not? Overnights are the domain of infomercials anyway, and essentially we're talking about an infomercial for NBC, right? Only these would be infomercials with real writers, non-washed-up performers and the potential that someday, two million or so night owls would be able to say, "I knew them when." Why not do that instead of borrowing other networks' and film studios' stars to make just another talk show? And believe you me, since Costas left, "Later" has been all that -- just another talk show -- and less. *** I said I wasn't going to comment on "The Magic Hour" until Earvin, as he's known around the "Magic" set, runs through all of his top guests and has to think about scheduling John Salley and Cheryl Miller after all. But now that Quincy Jones has chosen to drop out of the late-night arena -- last Monday's "Vibe" was the final wrap for Sinbad & Co. -- the so-called "black demographic" that advertisers allegedly were drooling over one year ago at this time, is once again wide open. Although I'm no programming genius, I'd suggest to Magic, I mean Earvin, and his staff that they drop the all-things-to-all-people premise, drop kick that beyond-irritating white boy comedian and start booking the R&B acts and UPN sitcom stars. Johnson can try being Jay Leno's basketball-playing twin later, when his core audience is locked in. But if my first week of sampling is any indicator, he's not going to *have* a core audience unless he goes after the "Vibe" crowd, and quickly. Those of you who happened to tune in for the final "Vibe" were probably surprised to see such a stellar lineup for a Monday night: The Artist (formerly known as Prince) along with Chaka Khan and Larry Graham. That's because the show's producers had geared up for a major head-to-head with "The Magic Hour's" debut night. Unfortunately, Sinbad got the word Monday morning that "Vibe" was toast. Some of the show's staff didn't get the word, a source at the show told LATE SHOW NEWS, until the end of the "Vibe" taping, when Sinbad announced this was the final broadcast and to switch over to "Magic." What a way to get a pink slip! "Vibe" will stay on in repeat mode through Sept. 11, but don't be surprised if your local affiliate bails out before then. And there's an account of the final broadcast online, thanks to an Artist fanpage at http://members.aol.com/PRINCEFAM/ . *** If you're accustomed to catching "The Daily Show" on its late-night or next-day repeat showing, you may have been surprised when you tuned in last Thursday. Instead of Wednesday night's broadcast, viewers got an extra helping of Tuesday's repeat. Reader Geof O'Keefe writes, "Could it be because of an unbelievably graphic mock photo that accompanied a piece on Monica Lewinsky's Vanity Fair photo spread? After showing a few shots from the magazine, Kilborn said her new attorneys were even more upset with a new photo. Saying it might be used with the 'Got milk?' campaign, the image showed a smiling Monica with a white substance covering her face and hair, with an additional stream shooting in from the right side off-camera. While it was a doctored photo, it was one of the more insinuatingly-pornographic images this viewer has witnessed on a non-XXX channel." Mr. O'Keefe is exactly right; Comedy Central confirmed that the Wednesday ep was pulled after the Lewinsky money shot ... There's a new rendition of Johann Gottfried Reiche's "Horn Fanfare" that has opened "CBS News Sunday Morning" since 1979. Replacing the scratchy old record is a new 27-second digital recording by none other than Doc Severinsen ... My pandering for "Open Mike" show tapes has been successful, you'll be pleased to learn. But will someone please call up Mike Bullard's people and tell them their official e-mail address, info@open-mike.com, is busted? ... England's No. 1 Letterman fan Dave Porter, who has been leading the charge to get "Late Show" back on the air in the U.K. since Rupert Murdoch's Sky TV dropped it in April, writes with good news. "I'm pleased to be able to say that 'Late Show' will be back on TV in the U.K. in August. As predicted some weeks ago, the Paramount Comedy Channel bought the rights to the Show, and CBS told me that the show will start on 1st August. 1st August is in fact a Saturday, so it may well be that it will not start until Monday 3rd, but so what, Dave is back!" ... As for NBC late-night shows going off the air in Europe, not so fast. About 20 million households in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic will receive the NBC Europe feed, which will include "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," "Today" and about five hours each morning of CNBC programming. That's courtesy of a new deal between NBC and German newsnet DFA; the rest of the NBC Europe affiliates will switch to National Geographic programming July 1. *** Reader mail: John Carney writes, "I was sort of disappointed that Dave wasn't on the guest list for the new 'Comic Relief' -- at least, until Whoopi Goldberg chided him during the HBO telecast for his non-participation. Dave had, at the very least, hosted a couple of 'Comic Relief' headliners on 'Late Show' during the previous week to promote the show. In light of that, Whoopi's public upbraiding was crass, un-called for and possibly counterproductive. I have no idea how much or how little Dave gives to charitable causes -- and neither, I suspect, does Whoopi. To imply that someone is uncaring or stingy because that person does not participate in your particular pet project is, well, short-sighted at best." In Whoopi's defense, she seemed to be more a sport about it during her recent "Late Show" panel. *** Tom Heald's THIS NIGHT IN HISTORY We 6/10: In 1943, Nightline correspondent and essayist Jeff Greenfield is born. But as of this week you can now find him co-hosting one of the editions of CNN's "Newsstand." Th 6/11: In 1984, "Late Night with David Letterman" bassist Will Lee tours Japan and meets up with his old friend, guitarist Sid McGinnis. Though originally added as a guest guitarist of the week, four months later, Sid will be permanently added to the World's Most Dangerous Band. Fr 6/12: In 1987, "Late Night with David Letterman" airs its first-ever Friday telecast. Sa 6/13: In 1994, "Valley Of The Dolls," a late- night soap opera, makes its debut in syndication. The series' only connection with the Jacqueline Susann novel? Its title. Did I say "late"? I meant "lame." Su 6/14: In 1996, on "Late Show with David Letterman," Manny the Hippie reviews Jim Carrey in "The Cable Guy." It's "dank." Mo 6/15: In 1954, James (aka the other one) Belushi is born. Jimbo lasted 2 whole seasons on "Saturday Night Live" from 1983-1985. And speaking of lesser "SNL" players ... Tu 6/16: In 1955, Laurie Metcalf is born. Sure, you know her from "Roseanne," but Metcalf was a featured player on "SNL" in 1981. Or maybe you're just blocking it out. We 6/17: In 1974, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton divorce for the second time. Allowing Johnny Carson's writers to coast for a couple weeks. Th 6/18: In 1952, twins are born to Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini: Isabella and Ingrid. Only one will become a fascination to David Letterman decades later, Ingrid's sister, the lovely Eeeeeeeeeesa-bella Rosssssss-uh-leeeeni. Fr 6/19: In 1984, Chief Justice Warren Burger makes his first live TV appearance, on "Nightline." Sa 6/20: In 1987, Johnny Carson married his fourth wife, Alexis Maas. Su 6/21: In 1967, Jim Breuer is born. Should you actually still be watching "Saturday Night Live," you might have been annoyed by his Joe Pesci impression or his role as (sigh) "Goatboy." Mo 6/22: In 1996, Conan O'Brien makes it on the cover of TV Guide -- for some. Others get a regional cover, "NASCAR POWER! Inside The Whirlwind World of America's Hottest Sport." Tu 6/23: In 1990, TV Guide selects Arsenio Hall as TV personality of the year. [Thanks to Dave Tanny. Special thanks to the cat that won't cop out when there's danger all about, Donz5. Can you dig it?] Tom Heald and Donz5 are now collaborating on an all-David Letterman version of this calendar called "This Dave In History" on the Wahoo Gazette page at the new "Late Show" Web site at http://marketing.cbs.com/lateshow/pantsnews/wahoo/ *** THE LINEUPS with Sue Trowbridge (http://www.interbridge.com/) LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, CBS Mo 6/15 Naomi Campbell, Sinead O'Connor, Luke Buchheit (teen who took seven dates to the prom) Tu 6/16 David Duchovny, Stevie Nicks We 6/17 Ellen Barkin, George Miller, Sonic Youth Th 6/18 Sam Donaldson, Gloria Reuben, Babyface and Des'ree Fr 6/19 Anthony Edwards, Jeff Altman, Sean Lennon Mo 6/22 George Clooney, the Piedmont Bird Callers Tu 6/23 John McEnroe, Chloe Sevigny, The Pretenders We 6/24 Jennifer Lopez, Chris Eigeman, Largo Th 6/25 Dennis Quaid, Scott Ferrell, Grant Lee Buffalo THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO, NBC Mo 6/15 Ringo Starr, Marilu Henner, Willie Barcena Tu 6/16 Kim Delaney, elderly newlyweds Irene Webster and Paul Pippett, John Tesh and James Ingram We 6/17 7-year-old cartoon creator Tyler Lee, Howie Mandel Th 6/18 Dennis Miller Fr 6/19 TBA Mo 6/22 Lionel Richie Tu 6/23 Ving Rhames, Sid Yost, Arianna Huffington We 6/24 TBA Th 6/25 George Clooney, Ming Na Wen, Sarah McLachlan Fr 6/26 Wendy Horton and her performing birds, Brian Setzer Orchestra LATE LATE SHOW WITH TOM SNYDER, CBS Mo 6/15 Roy Blount Jr. Tu 6/16 Ron Suskind We 6/17 Doris Kearns Goodwin Th 6/18 Suzanne Somers, Robbie Robertson Fr 6/19 Harlan Ellison (** PICK TO CLICK **) LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O'BRIEN, NBC Mo 6/15 Kevin Bacon, Andy Kindler, The Bacon Brothers (R 3/18/98) Tu 6/16 Patrick MacNee We 6/17 Charles Grodin, Ebba Forsberg Th 6/18 Jonathan Katz, Bran Van 3000 Fr 6/19 Marilu Henner, David George Gordon Mo 6/22 Matthew Modine, Roy Jones Jr., Patty Loveless (R 2/24/98) Tu 6/23 Julia Sweeney, Brian Regan We 6/24 Billy Bob Thornton, Clyde Peeling, Fuel Th 6/25 Connie Britton Fr 6/26 Ray Romano, Christina Ricci, Girls Against Boys LATER, NBC Mo 6/15 Judd Nelson with Randy Savage Tu 6/16 Judd Nelson with Jim Rome We 6/17 Judd Nelson with Traci Bingham Th 6/18 Judd Nelson with William H. Macy Mo 6/22 Peri Gilpin with Famke Jannsen Tu 6/23 Peri Gilpin with Malcolm Gets We 6/24 Peri Gilpin with Kelsey Grammer Th 6/25 Peri Gilpin with Jane Leeves THE MAGIC HOUR, syndicated Mo 6/15 Jimmy Smits, David Cassidy Tu 6/16 Danny DeVito, Dyan Cannon, Curtis Williams Jr. We 6/17 Jerry O'Connell, Dr. Carol Osborne, Wendy Liebman Th 6/18 Naomi Campbell CHARLIE ROSE, PBS Please note that Charlie Rose listings are very tentative Mo 6/15 Lavinia Currier, Jeffery Archer Tu 6/16 John Berendt We 6/17 TBA Th 6/18 TBA Fr 6/19 Lionel Jospin POLITICALLY INCORRECT WITH BILL MAHER, ABC Mo 6/15 Jonathan Katz, Linda Dano, Jamie Dettmer, Slash Tu 6/16 David Cassidy, Wendie Malick, Roy Blount Jr., Gloria Allred We 6/17 Joan Rivers, Rick Roberts, Andrea Thompson Th 6/18 James McDaniel Fr 6/19 Howie Mandel, Brad Keena VIBE TV, syndicated Mo 6/15 Jasmine Guy, Juliet Landau, Patrick Warburton (R 5/13/98) Tu 6/16 Malik Yoba, Jane Krakowski, Linden Ashby, Alvin Ailey Dancers (R 3/18/98) We 6/17 Star Jones, Richard Jeni, Gena Lee Nolin, Gil Scott Heron (R 3/11/98) Th 6/18 Roma Mafia, Miguel Ferrer, Earth, Wind And Fire (R 4/16/98) Fr 6/19 Kevin Bacon, Dr. Dre & Ed Lover, Terry Murphy, Ronnie Laws (R 3/20/98) THE DAILY SHOW, Comedy Central lineups not available DENNIS MILLER LIVE, HBO Fr 6/19 Ed Harris on "Paranoia" Fr 6/26 Chris Rock, topic TBA Fr 7/3 John Cleese on "Greed" (R) Fr 7/10 Sarah Jessica Parker on "Talk Radio" Fr 7/17 Tom Hanks on "The Space Program" SPACE GHOST COAST TO COAST, Cartoon Network Fr 6/19 David Byrne and Donny Osmond (R) Cindy Guyer (female Fabio), Jerky Boys and Dian Parkinson (R) HOWARD STERN, E! Tu 6/16 John Popper Plays Virgin Game, Butt Walker & Hypno Love (R), The Urine Drinker (R) We 6/17 Chuck Zito, Gena Lee Nolan (R), Monica Shows Implants (R) Th 6/18 Intern Beauty Contest Part 1, Susan's Playboy Evaluation (R), Stacy vs. Julie Part 1 (R) Fr 6/19 Intern Beauty Contest Part 2, Tom Arnold & Love Doll (R), Stacy vs. Julie Part 2 (R) Sa 6/20 Warren Beatty Parts 1-2 (R) DIE HARALD SCHMIDT SHOW, SAT.1 Di 16/6 Barbara Wussow, model Pheline Roggan Mi 17/6 Dirk Bach, Ankie Lau Do 18/6 Erich Boehme, Edita Schauffler Fr 19/6 Wigald Boning, Sabrina Akosua Bergmann Also on late nights: NIGHTLINE and WORLD NEWS NOW, ABC MAD TV, Fox SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, NBC (this season) and Comedy Central (classics) THE RUPAUL SHOW, VH1 LOVELINE, MTV UP TO THE MINUTE, CBS NIGHTSIDE, NBC (going away soon) Entire contents Copyright 1998 by Aaron Barnhart. All rights reserved. Each issue is posted by 12:01 a.m. Tuesday (god willing) to latest.html LATE SHOW NEWS is made possible with the generous assistance of ECHO, New York City's premiere online service. http://www.echonyc.com Send news for and comments about this newsletter to aaron@tvbarn.com