You have questions. I have some answers.
Q: I am disappointed that ABC cancelled “The Chew.” It was refreshing to watch, as well as informative. In this day and age, when many yearn for goodness on TV, it baffles me as to why it was axed.
A: Quite a few folks have written in about the self-described “talk/food hybrid’s” demise. A lot of factors were involved. Certainly the sexual misconduct allegations about co-host Mario Batali did not help, though he was dropped from the show in December. Bigger factors were ABC’s wanting to expand its successful “Good Morning America” franchise much the way NBC has spread out “Today,” with one ABC executive saying the move into an afternoon hour “is a great opportunity for viewers and advertisers.” And yes, it’s been noted that this “morning” show’s latest hour won’t be in the morning.)
At the same time, ratings for “The Chew” are not as big as they have been earlier in its seven-year run. Entertainment news site The Wrap noted that “Chew” ratings among women ages 18 to 49 (a key audience for advertisers) dropped 13 per cent in just a year. “That number was bad enough to rank ’The Chew’ 13th out of 13 network daytime shows — yeah, dead last,” The Wrap reported. It dropped even more among women ages 18 to 34, and The Wrap — ending a string of chew-y puns — said “those figures are hard to swallow for any executive.”
Q: Did any actors from the TV “Batman” show or any of the “Star Trek” series ever get a nomination for an Emmy Award?
A: While various “Star Trek” series have won technical Emmys, acting nods for it and for the 1966-68 “Batman” have been rare. Frank Gorshin was nominated as best supporting actor in a comedy in 1966 for playing the Riddler on “Batman,” though he lost to Don Knotts of “The Andy Griffith Show.” Leonard Nimoy is the lone “Star Trek” actor to be nominated — three times, as best supporting actor in a drama in 1967 and 1968 and supporting actor in any TV series in 1969. Again, he never won — losing to Eli Wallach for “The Poppy Is Also a Flower,” Milburn Stone for “Gunsmoke” and, in that weird 1969 category, Werner Klemperer for “Hogan’s Heroes.”
Now, some of you may be saying, “Hey, isn’t William Shatner an Emmy winner?” And he is — but for work on “Boston Legal,” not “Star Trek.”
Q: I am wondering what happened to one of my favourite shows, “Better Call Saul.” I haven’t seen it listed. Did I miss it?
A: Not yet. It begins its fourth season on AMC Aug. 6. Here’s what the network has to say about what’s coming: “Chuck’s death catalyzes Jimmy McGill’s (Odenkirk) transformation into Saul Goodman. In the wake of his loss, Jimmy takes steps into the criminal world that will put his future as a lawyer — and his relationship with Kim (Rhea Seehorn) — in jeopardy. Chuck’s (Michael McKean) death deeply affects former colleagues Howard (Patrick Fabian) and Kim as well, putting the two of them once again on opposite sides of a battle sparked by the brothers McGill. Meanwhile, Mike Ehrmantraut takes a more active role as Madrigal Electromotive’s newest (and most thorough) security consultant. It’s a volatile time to be in Gus Fring’s employ, as Hector’s collapse sends shock waves throughout the Albuquerque underworld and throws the cartel into chaos — tearing apart both Gus and Nacho’s well-laid plans. While Gus changes course, Nacho finds himself in the crosshairs of deadly forces.” Plenty to anticipate, don’t you think?
Q: Am I the only one who misses “Pitch”?
A: No. I miss it, too. The baseball drama starring Kylie Bunbury was far too good to end after just 10 episodes in 2016.
