KCRW's Screengrab: 'American Idol' Is Back! But Didn't We Just Say Goodbye?

Every week, Joe Adalian and I talk TV on KCRW's "Screengrab," a weekly segment that airs on Tuesday mornings at 8:45 a.m. on KCRW during "Morning Edition."

On Tuesday's episode, we talked about the return of "American Idol":

We've talked about it before--rebooting an old show is one of the only ways to cut through the clutter of the TV landscape. But was anyone really asking for a revival of 'American Idol'? We'll find out this weekend when the show returns to ABC. Also returning is host Ryan Seacrest, who is under the shadow of a sexual harassment allegation. An internal review has cleared him of any wrongdoing, but no one knows what that review actually looked like. But ABC is forging ahead with Seacrest as host, and has already shelled out a lot of money to get Katy Perry as a judge. Whether the show still holds up, especially in a world where we've now got 'The Voice' and 'America's Got Talent' remains to be seen.

Listen below!

MIKE ON RADIO: Talking "Orphan Black," Spoilers, Seacrest and the First Lady on KCRW's "Press Play"

For my usual Monday appearance on KCRW's "Press Play," this week we talked about a wide variety of topics, including the departure of creator Aaron MacGruder off Cartoon Network's "The Boondocks"; the bingeworthiness of BBC America's "Orphan Black"; how Ryan Seacrest is doing new deals with "American Idol" and Clear Channel; First Lady Michelle Obama's TV appearances; and how we live in the age of the spoiler alert.

Listen below!

Big TV Mysteries, Answered

(from the Jan. 6 edition of TV Guide Magazine)

By Stephen Battaglio and Michael Schneider

The TV viewing experience gets more complicated all the time. That’s why we asked you to submit questions on Facebook about the intricacies and inanities of the TV industry. Here are the answers to the five most common queries.

Why can’t the broadcast networks produce cutting-edge shows like The Walking Dead?

“That’s a bit of a crock,” says one network executive. “Scandal, The Good Wife and The Blacklist could easily be great cable shows, and people would say, ‘Why doesn’t broadcast do that?’” But it’s also true that, beyond a handful of shows like AMC’s The Walking Dead and FX’s Sons of Anarchy (both of which post broadcast-size ratings), most of cable’s critical darlings still reach a niche audience much smaller than the big crowds broadcast TV requires. That’s especially the case early in a show’s run. “Breaking Bad would have been canceled for lack of audience after its first year if it was on broadcast,” the exec notes.

When does the law to bring down the volume on commercials take effect?

It already has! The Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act began on December 13, 2012. The FCC rule requires TV commercials to have the same average volume level as the programs on which they appear. The FCC is relying on viewers to help enforce the rule, so if you think a broadcast or cable channel is in violation you can file a complaint electronically at fcc.gov/complaints. Click on the “Loud Commercials” button and you’ll be directed to the form.

Why does Downton Abbey air so many months later here than in the U.K.?

The delay between the U.K. airings in the fall and the American premiere in January helps generate interest in the show and proves to be a ratings boon, according to PBS president Paula Kerger. “We look at how we can get promotion and buzz around the series, and the fact that people talk about it and that word of mouth travels once it premieres in the U.K. has benefited us,” she has said. The numbers back her up. Downton Abbey is the highest-rated drama series in the history of public television, with 12.3 million viewers watching the Season 3 finale last February. In the age of binge-watching, asking viewers to keep a lid on spoilers no longer seems like a big risk.

Why can’t I just subscribe to the cable networks I watch?

Sen. John McCain has pushed legislation that would give consumers the opportunity to buy channels on an à la carte basis. But only paying for the networks you watch doesn’t mean your cable bill will be lower. When large media companies negotiate with cable operators to carry their channels, they demand that their lesser-known channels be included in a package with the popular ones. If the cable operators refuse to carry those smaller networks, the owners simply charge higher carriage fees for their more widely viewed channels—and that cost would be passed on to subscribers. An investment bank recently determined that cable subscribers would pay $20 to $30 a month for ESPN if it were offered on a stand-alone basis instead of as part of a bundle. The best way to lower your cable bill is to call your local operator and say you want to cancel your service. There’s a good chance you can cut a deal to pay less.

How is Ryan Seacrest able to work for so many networks?

Despite his stature as the last remaining original star of American Idol, which made him a household name, Ryan Seacrest isn’t beholden to Fox. Last summer, he hosted NBC’s The Million Second Quiz. He’s in Times Square every year to emcee ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest. Until recently, he anchored E!’s E! News Daily. (He’s also a producer of several shows, including Keeping Up With the Kardashians and Shahs of Sunset.) Doesn’t Fox have any exclusivity on Seacrest’s services? The network does—sort of. Under the terms of his $15 million-a-year deal, Seacrest can’t host another show that would be considered a competitor to Idol (in other words, your job on The Voice is safe, Carson Daly). But that means any other type of show is fair game. And workaholic Seacrest seems willing to test the limits of how many employers one TV star can have.

My Latest from TV Guide Magazine

In case you missed it, some of the recent stories I've worked on for TV Guide Magazine over the past month:

Exclusive: Chuck Lorre Unveils Censored Vanity Cards for His New Book
First look at Two and a Half Men exec producer Chuck Lorre's new book, a collection of his famed vanity cards. We posted one of the cards that was censored by CBS. Lorre, who combed through countless vanity cards to choose his favorites for the book, admits he was stunned by some of the ones he hadn't read in years. "I was surprised to see how seemingly open I was to sharing my thoughts and experiences," he says. "I didn't have a good censor at the time, I was just sort of spilling it all out. I probably should have used that time to see a therapist or something."

Exclusive: The Amazing Race Producers Line Up New Reality Project at A&E
Fresh off their ninth Emmy win for outstanding reality competition series, The Amazing Race executive producers Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri have set up what could be their next show, a reality series currently in the works at A&E.

Watch My Show: Last Resort's Shawn Ryan and Karl Gajdusek Answer Our Showrunner Survey
In this age of ambiguous TV heroes, it's clear in ABC's new thriller Last Resort that Submarine Captain Marcus Chaplin (Andre Braugher) and executive officer Sam Kendal (Scott Speedman) — forced into exile after demanding confirmation of orders to fire their weapons — are the good guys. The show's real intrigue comes from trying to figure out who the bad guys are. Co-creators and executive producers Shawn Ryan (The Shield) and Karl Gajdusek (Dead Like Me) answered our showrunner survey to explain why we should book a trip to the Last Resort.

Exclusive: Jimmy Kimmel's Head Writers Give the Backstory to This Year's Emmy Gags
Jimmy Kimmel Live! co-head writers Molly McNearney (who in her spare time is also Kimmel's fiancée) and Gary Greenberg gave us some exclusive tidbits on how this year's Emmy laughs came together, from the opening sketch to Kimmel's Tracy Morgan/Twitter stunt.

Exclusive: Garry Marshall Eyes a Return to TV with Fox Project
Three decades after Garry Marshall dominated TV with the likes of Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy, he's just sold a new TV project to Fox with his son Scott Marshall.

Network Honchos Survey the New TV Season
The next few weeks will be rough for the networks, as they parse what works — and what doesn't — among this year's crop of new shows. We asked the five broadcast network heads, plus a few key cable bosses, to give us their thoughts on what will big on the small screen -- including their picks for sleeper hit, stars to watch, the show they'd love to steal from another network, and more.

Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban Join Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson on American Idol
My take on the long road to finding a new crop of judges for American Idol.

This Year's Emmy Awards Burning Questions
Heading into this year's Emmy awards, some of the races to watch.

Network Q&A: AMC's Charlie Collier on Breaking Bad, Mad Men and His Big Year
AMC is having a moment. Breaking Bad ended the first half of its final season with some of its best ratings ever, while AMC's top-rated The Walking Dead returns on Oct. 14. With so much going on, AMC president Charlie Collier talked to TV Guide Magazine about his network's fortunes.

Exclusive: Community's Donald Glover Develops New Sitcom at NBC
It looks like Donald Glover will be engaging in some extracurricular work outside of Greendale Community College. The Community star, who plays former high school quarterback-turned-air conditioning repair annex recruit Troy Barnes, is developing a new show for NBC with 30 Rock co-executive producer Matt Hubbard.

Watch My Show: Guys With Kids' Jimmy Fallon and Charlie Grandy Answer Our Showrunner Survey
For his leap into primetime as an executive producer, late night host Jimmy Fallon partnered up with his former Saturday Night Live colleague Charlie Grandy (as well as Amy Ozols) to create the new NBC sitcom Guys With Kids. Fallon and Grandy explain why these Guys are dolls.

Exclusive: Producer Change at the Top of Fox’s Ben and Kate
Fox's new comedy Ben and Kate, which is already earning early positive buzz from critics, will move forward without two of its executive producers. Garrett Donovan and Neil Goldman, who joined the comedy in May as showrunners, have departed to focus on their own series development.

Exclusive: Animal Planet Renews Call of the Wildman for Season 2
Yi yi yi, Animal Planet's "Turtleman" has just snapped up a second season renewal. The network ordered 20 more half-hour episodes of its new hit series Call of the Wildman for air in 2013.

Fox Lands New Comedy From Bill Lawrence and Creator of $#*! My Dad Says
Cougar Town creator Bill Lawrence is partnering with Justin Halpern — the writer who turned his Twitter feed into the short-lived CBS sitcom $#*! My Dad Says — to develop a new comedy at Fox.

Man of the Year: Jimmy Kimmel on the Emmys, Oprah and Going Head-to-Head With Leno and Letterman
My big Jimmy Kimmel cover story: It's hard to believe that Kimmel has much time to sit down anyway — or eat or sleep, for that matter. The ABC late-night host is in the middle of the biggest year of his show, and, quite possibly, his life. So far in 2012, Kimmel has made nice (and become pals!) with Oprah Winfrey; hosted the White House Correspondents Dinner to great reviews (including high marks from the president); was tapped to host the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards; subsequently scored the show's first-ever Emmy nomination for variety series; and even got engaged to girlfriend Molly McNearney, the show's co-head writer, while on vacation in South Africa. "And," he quips, "I'm pregnant."

How Primetime Is Getting A Little Bit Country
Analysis: Nashville, the city, and Nashville, the country music industry, are expecting big things from Nashville, the new fall drama from ABC. The serialized drama, which stars Connie Britton as an country singer juggling her home life and struggling to remain a relevant artist, might not have made it on the air a few years ago. But just as country music is moving toward the mainstream, the mainstream is gravitating toward country music — and TV execs, hungry for audiences, are eager to tap into country's loyal fan base.

MTV Explains Why The Situation and His Jersey Shore Pals Had to Go
G-T-Later! Jersey Shore is still a ratings smash, even though audience levels have dipped from its 2011 high. But MTV programming executive vice president Chris Linn tells TV Guide Magazine that it was time for the show to retire anyway.

Robin Williams Looking to Return to TV, Teams With David E. Kelley For Comedy
Shazbot! Robin Williams could be making a return to TV, where he famously got his start 30 years ago as the lovable alien from Ork on Mork & Mindy. The actor is in talks to team up with writer David E. Kelley to develop The Crazy Ones, a comedy about an aging but brilliant advertising exec.

The Inside Story on How NBC Landed Michael J. Fox
Backstory: It's back to the future for the sitcom king, who once again feels up to the task — and is returning to TV in a big way. NBC, where Fox became a superstar in the 1980s as young conservative icon Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties, has given a rare 22-episode guarantee (before a lick of film is even shot) to a new sitcom based on Fox's life.

Watch My Show: Up To Speed's Richard Linklater and Speed Levitch Answer Our Showrunner Survey
For his first foray into episodic TV, director Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused, School of Rock) has partnered with a true original: Eccentric tour guide and historian Timothy "Speed" Levitch. Their new Hulu series Up to Speed is an unconventional travel show that follows Levitch as he explores unusual attractions across America — such as the "luckiest subway grate" in New York and the "shoe gardens" of San Francisco.

Watch My Show: Gravity Falls' Alex Hirsch Answers Our Showrunner Survey
It's The X-Files meets Twin Peaks — but animated, and for kids. Disney Channel's Gravity Falls may be unlike any other cartoon out there. Jason Ritter and Kristen Schaal play Dipper and Mabel Pines, siblings who are forced to spend the summer with their eccentric great-uncle in a town where very weird things happen. Creator Alex Hirsch says he conceives each episode like a "little movie," as the show explores its versions of urban legends. We asked him to scare up some reasons why we should investigate Gravity Falls.

Summer Movie Blockbusters Still Rule on Cable
Analysis: FX is known mostly for its original series, from Sons of Anarchy and Justified to Louie and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. But as much as 80 percent of the cable network's schedule is still devoted to theatrical movies — which is why FX execs have been on a blockbuster buying spree again this summer.

Mike on Radio: Talking 'Modern Family,' 'Idol' and 'The Hobbit' on KCRW

I'm back on KCRW's "The Business" this afternoon once again doing a little Hollywood biz bantering with the Los Angeles Times' John Horn (as regular host Kim Masters is on assignment). This week we chat about how the 'Gangster Squad' release date was pushed in wake of the movie theater massacre; how 'American Idol' will try to now reboot with Mariah Carey as a new judge; the background on how the 'Modern Family' cast sued 20th Century Fox TV over their contracts (keep in mind this was taped on Thursday, a day before the dispute was resolved) and Peter Jackson's desire to make a third 'Hobbit' movie.

Click above to listen to "The Business."

My Breakfast Chat with Fox's Kevin Reilly

Media Council Breakfast: Kevin Reilly, Fox Entertainment president/ Moderator: Michael Schneider, TV Guide Magazine

I sat down with Fox Entertainment president Kevin Reilly this morning to chat about the state of the TV biz for the Paley Center's Media Council Breakfast. We chatted about the mess that is pilot season, and how habits probably won't change; whether Nielsen's latest promise to retool the ratings system will fix things; how there will be a mountain of comedy on the air next season, including at Fox; whether "American Idol" is in need of change; if the networks are giving away too much of their content on other platforms; and much more.

Wannabe L.A. "Idols," You've Got a Week to Prepare

You're already in Hollywood, dawg.

Now's that chance to finally make a fool of yourself by showcasing your unfortunate singing on "American Idol." Los Angeles has been added as an audition city; tryouts are next Wednesday, Sept. 22 at The Forum in Inglewood.

"This summer we have had an exceptional turnout – both in the number of people auditioning and the level of their talent," said 'American Idol' executive producer Ken Warwick. "Los Angeles has always delivered great talent, and so we feel it only fitting that we end our 10th season audition tour here in our home city."

Here are the details:

Wristbands will be distributed from approximately 7:00 AM on Tuesday, Sept. 21 until approximately 8:00 AM on Wednesday, Sept. 22. Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out. Once auditioners obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to The Forum by 5:00 AM on Wednesday, Sept 22.

Don't embarrass L.A. too much, OK?

"Oprah" Comes to Los Feliz's John Marshall High

As part of "No Phone Zone Day," Friday's live episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will include segments from five "viewing parties" across the country, including here in Los Angeles. "Oprah" show correspondent Lisa Ling will host the L.A. segment at John Marshall High School, where "American Idol" winner Kris Allen and finalist Allison Iraheta will appear. (Oprah herself won't be in Los Angeles.)

Winfrey is joining with traffic safety organizations, law enforcement agencies, federal and state transportation and highway safety offices, advocacy groups and others to promote the national "No Phone Zone Day" -- which asks motorists to simply put down the phone when they're behind the wheel.

MIKE ON THE WEB: Read My Variety TV Chat on All Things Conan, "Lost," "Idol" and More

Tweeting the End of an "American Idol"/Paula Abdul Era

As Paula Abdul's exit from "American Idol" continues to saturate the airwaves, here are a few thoughts I had yesterday via Twitter. (If you're not following us, by the way, fix that right now: Go to www.twitter.com/franklinavenue),

VERY disappointed that LAPD chief Bill Bratton didn't tweet his resignation a la Paula Abdul.
about 12 hours ago from web

Bill Clinton has declined to get involved in the "Idol"/Paula Abdul negotiations: "Kim Jong-Il is the closest I want to get to crazy."
about 16 hours ago from web

Somewhere this morning, an "American Idol" craft services staffer is canceling the show's annual shipment from Grey Goose.
about 16 hours ago from web

Woke up this morning to a post-Paula Abdul world. Somehow, birds aren't chirping as loud, sky's a little less clear, the coffee more bitter.
about 17 hours ago from web

How much do you think Paula pays Suzanne Somers and Valerie Harper for their career guidance?
11:55 PM Aug 4th from web

Wonder if Paula Abdul texted her "Idol" resignation via AT&T Wireless, while sipping on a Coke in her Ford Focus.
11:51 PM Aug 4th from web

Sandy Duncan, Priscilla Barnes and Dick Sargent all vying to replace Paula on "Idol."
11:16 PM Aug 4th from web

This just in: Kirstie Alley has been cast to play "Paula" on "American Idol" next season.
11:11 PM Aug 4th from web

Poor Laura Ling and Euna Lee... returning to a land where Paula Abdul is no longer an "American Idol" judge.
11:06 PM Aug 4th from web

Meanwhile, now that Paula Abdul is free to pursue other projects: Somewhere, MC Skat Kat sits anxiously by the telephone.
10:56 PM Aug 4th from web

Psst, Paula: One word. Dunkleman.
10:50 PM Aug 4th from web

D'oh! Los Angeles Times Ruins the "American Idol" Results For Its West Coast Readers

Adam or Kris? The results are already in, and TV viewers on the East Coast already know which "American Idol" finalist won the big prize.

Unfortunately, so do countless West Coast "Idol" fans, thanks to a breaking news alert from the L.A. Times.

At 7:01 p.m. PT -- an hour before the "Idol" finale was set to air in Los Angeles, and two hours before the results would be seen by West Coasters -- the paper sent out this alert (spoiler removed, don't worry):

Los Angeles Times | May 20, 2009 | 7:01 p.m. PDT
---
'American Idol' winner revealed

XXX XXXXX was crowned the winner of "American Idol" season 8.

I know what you're thinking: Those young "Idol" fans probably don't read the paper anyway, or subscribe to its breaking news service, so no harm. But that's perhaps part of the problem.

Los Angeles: Ad Town One in a series

Spotted during Tuesday night's "American Idol" premiere (yes, I watched, and don't deny it, you did too): A Coke machine, smack dab in Union Station.

Aspiring L.A.-Based David Cooks, Book Your SF Trip Now

"American Idol" announced its audition dates last week, and L.A. isn't among them. Angelenos looking to make it to Hollywood, dawg, will have to speed up the 5 on Thursday, July 17, as tryouts for next season will take place at San Francisco's Cow Palace.

Auditions are also set for Louisville, KY; Phoenix, AZ; Salt Lake City, UT; Kansas City, MO; Jacksonville, FL; East Rutherford, NJ; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

I guess it's too late for me, as the show is looking for "men and women 16-28 years old as of July 15 who are eligible to work in the U.S."

Interestingly, they're not allowing people to camp out before hand; instead, wristbands will be distributed starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday July 15, until 8 a.m. the morning of July 17. (So what's to stop folks from camping out before the 15th instead?) Good luck, and please, make an ass of yourself so you at least get some primetime broadcast TV time.

"American Idol" vs. the Lakers

I can't remember a time when two major, nationally televised events were taking place across the street from one another. But Wednesday night, "American Idol" fans mixed with Lakers fans, as the "Idol" finale went live at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live, across the street from Staples Center -- where the Lakers met the Spurs for Game 1 of the Western Conference championships.

I managed to find $10 parking (not an easy feat, but there it was, not to far from $30 and $25 lots), and parked mostly among Lakers fans. Hiking to the Nokia, guys selling Lakers caps were standing near others passing out free T-shirts touting "Idol" finalist David Cook (still not sure why, or who those people were).

Inside, I got my first taste of the Nokia. Damn, it's huge. And lacking in much character. Two Kodak Theatres could fit in there, and that's not necessarily a good thing. The theatre may have been built to be acoustically perfect, but it's quite plain inside.

I got there late, but still caught the Idols as they performed with Bryan Adams, Graham Nash, One Republic and George Michael. I swear the screaming was loudest for the Jonas Brothers, and clearly I'm now old, because I have no patience for them.

In the end, the right contestant won -- David Cook, the "rocker" who provided much of the season's more interesting performances. Oh, and across the street, the right team won as well. Traffic heading home was a breeze as well, as both the Lakers playoff and Dodgers game were still going on.

(Above, the L.A. Times home page looks a lot like downtown did Wednesday night, with "Idol" and the Lakers side-by-side.)

Castro Confusion

Something about the juxtaposition of these two radically different stories on the L.A. Times home page cracks me up. Yes, we're talking about Cuba above, but no, Fidel Castro was not voted off "American Idol."

Retro Friday: M.C. Skat Kat, Where Are You?

If this week's "American Idol" debacle was any indication, clearly Paula Abdul is still in need of help. I nominate M.C. Skat Kat to lead the intervention.

Eagle Rock Picks Its "American Idol" Contestant

Looks like they're rooting for Ramiele Malubay at the Eagle Rock Plaza. (Ramiele's from Florida, but as you know, Eagle Rock boasts a large Filipino population -- and don't count that big vote out nationwide.)

Yes, I've started watching (hey, it's my job, people). Not sure any contestant has my vote yet, but David Cook's rendition of Chris Cornell's version of "Billie Jean" was the only interesting performance last week.

"American Idol's" Leaving Hollywood, Dawg!

L.A. Live's Nokia Theatre has just lurred away another major TV event, but this time from another recent development -- Hollywood and Highland's Kodak Theatre.

"American Idol" announced Wednesday that its two-night finale would be broadcast live this year from the Nokia -- after six years at the Kodak.

Announcement comes just a few days after the TV academy announced that the Emmys were officially leaving the Shrine Auditorium for the Nokia.

Seacrest stalkers, take note: "Idol's" finale will air Tuesday, May 20 and Wednesday, May 21. Fox says more than 7,000 people will squeeze into the Nokia to watch.

And So "Idol Season" Begins...

Kind of hard to believe, but "American Idol" is already in its seventh season. The reality show returned Tuesday night, and so far the good and the bad seem to be evenly divided. Did you watch? Do you care?

And most importantly, which Princess Leia impersonator did you prefer:



The chubby guy who proved people will do anything to be on TV, or the (I assume) stand-up comedienne portraying a borderline mentally handicapped "Star Wars" fanatic?

Who Should Be Franklin Avenue's Angeleno of the Week?

Taking votes and suggestions right now... here are a few of the contenders:



Former L.A. Times opinion editor Andres Martinez, who was shocked -- shocked -- to discover that his romantic involvement with P.R. exec Kelly Mullens, who works with Brian Grazer, left some questioning his decision to tap Grazer to guest-edit the Sunday Current section. (To be fair, I think this whole scandal has been blown way out of proportion.)



After Dark Films CEO Courtney Solomon, who was shocked -- shocked! -- that those gruesome "Captivity" billboards found around town had been put up without, ahem, approval.



"American Idol" fan Ashley Ferl, the 13-year-old Riverside girl who hit her 15 minutes of fame after continuously bawling in the audience of Tuesday night's show. Ferl has already capitalized on her moment in the spotlight by appearing on the "Today" show, while the L.A. Times is obsessed with her.

(Pics: LA Observed, Defamer, Fishbowl LA.)