David Kronke was appointed Mayor of Television after a bloodless coup in 2000. Since then, he has improved infrastructure, championed greater educational opportunities and fought for reforms that have utterly erased corruption and incompetence from the television industry. Since Mr. Kronke has ascended to power, Television is a far better place. Repackaging really old "Tonight Shows"
Instead of original episodes with scab writers, NBC is hoping to generate interest in “Tonight Show” repeats with theme weeks. Admittedly, they can be pretty anemic themes, but good to see that at least someone’s trying to think out there.
This week: The First Time Some Big Stars Sat Down with Jay. This sort of recycles NBC’s “It’s new to you” campaign that attempted to get viewers to watch reruns of shows they might have missed (that one didn’t work so well). And if you do remember any of these episodes, the only reasonable explanation can be that you’ve been in a coma since just after it initially aired; otherwise, they, in fact, will be new to you.
Though how much fun it will be to hear Julia Roberts work up enthusiasm for “The Pelican Brief,” Matt Damon tout his upcoming “The Legend of Bagger Vance” or Johnny Depp shrug off “Don Juan DeMarco” remains to be seen. And how we’ll be able to figure out which movies we’ll want to see this holiday season without our precious celebrities chuckling it up with Jay and Dave is anyone’s guess.
Tonight: Tom Hanks (from 1992).
Tuesday: Julia Roberts (1993).
Wednesday: Matt Damon (2000).
Thursday: Jennifer Aniston: (1995).
Friday: Johnny Depp (1995).
Suggestions for future themes: Rehab Week (Britney, Lindsay, David Hasselhoff, etc.), Slammer Week (Paris, Lindsay again, Nicole, Tom Sizemore, etc.), Celebrity Race-Baiting Week (Mel Gibson, Michael Richards, Rosie O’Donnell, Andy Dick, etc.).
Mark my words: You’re gonna crack open a book yet before this strike is over.