MIKE ON RADIO: Talking Sarah Palin, "Sharknado" and More on KCRW's "Press Play"

On Monday's edition of Press Play with Madeleine Brand, we talked about Sarah Palin's new TV channel, "Sharknado 2," Comic-Con, "Outlander" and more. A logline:

Former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is launching her own online-only television network. We take a look at what she’s cooking up. Plus, TV was the big star at this year’s Comic Con in San Diego. We discuss this and more in our weekly TV roundup.

Listen by clicking below:

Greetings from the TV Critics Press Tour: Sarah Palin, Crystal the Monkey and Downton Abbey

Sending my regards from the Beverly Hilton's International Ballroom, where I've been holed up for a week covering the TV Critics Association press tour. It's popular to whine about the press tour, but even 16 years in, I still enjoy it. The opportunity to meet up with executives and producers is valuable, and it's still a great chance to hear a show's actors and writers justify their new program.

And then... there are the surreal moments, like Sarah Palin showing up at an NBC party (above). Palin was there to support hubby Todd, a participant on NBC's new reality show "Stars Earn Stripes." At the same party, Crystal the Monkey (star of NBC's new sitcom "Animal Practice") made friends with the crowd.



Another perk: PBS held a "Downton Abbey" event, in which guests were invited, and gave us a first look at season 3. Above, Maria gets cozy with Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle).



Another surreal moment: The cast of this fall's "Dancing with the Stars" all-star version. OK, there have been way too many Palins at this summer's TCA.



"You betcha!"

Press Release of the Day: Maury Wants a Piece of the Hot Teen Pregnancy Action

Jamie-Lyn Spears, Sarah Palin's daughter, "Juno," "Secret Life of the American Teenager" -- oh yeah, now everyone's hip to teen pregnancy. But Maury Povich is here to remind you that he cornered the teen pregnancy marketplace years ago.

The release:

IT’S MADE HEADLINES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND ‘MAURY’ IS TACKLING IT HEAD ON

“Teens Who Want To Have A Baby”

MAURY’s 11th Season Premiere: Monday, September 15

NEW YORK NY, -September 11-NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution's hit syndicated talk show, MAURY, returns for its 11th season on Monday, September 15. (see local listings.)

From Sarah Palin's daughter to Jamie Lyn Spears, MAURY explores the issue that everyone has been talking about - "Teens Who Want to Have a Baby." The show features women, as young as 13, who say they will do absolutely anything to have babies. Their parents admit that they can't control them and have turned to MAURY for help.

Host Maury Povich says, "For a long time I have been saying that paternity stories, and specifically, teens who want to have babies, are major social issues in this country that have been swept under the rug. Now, that the topic has made headlines, with family members of politicians and celebrities, people seem to be taking notice."

He continues, "One of the goals of our show has always been to get this topic out in the forefront and try to educate these young girls, as well as young people watching at home. Hopefully, it will have an impact on their decision making. Additionally, we help arrange counseling for many of our guests after they leave the show so they can continue to get sound advice from an expert that can get them on the right path."

We should have seen this coming. Maury, we'll never doubt you again.