David Bianculli

Roseanne was created by the same producers who pitched The Cosby Show to networks. The new sitcom is also helmed by a standup comedian. But instead of an upper class black family, Roseanne Barr's show features a working class white family. TV critic David Bianculli says Barr's jokes hit home, bolstered by costar John Goodman, who plays Roseanne's husband.

Television critic David Bianculli reflects on the importance of the long-running news magazine, which celebrates two decades on the air. He says the show masterfully balances political and pop culture coverage, and embraces a compelling, more freewheeling style of reporting.

TV critic David Bianculli is burnt out on the Olympics' packed, frantic broadcast schedule. Now that the games are over, he tries to squeeze in reviews of two new sitcoms. Dear John is about a divorcé; Empty Nest is a Golden Girls spinoff.

TV critic David Bianculli compares the recent Bush/Dukakis presidential debate to a boxing match, filled with verbal jabs. He considers the efficacy of their attacks -- one-liners, put-downs, and pre-written ad-libs -- in highlighting their policy differences.

TV critic David Bianculli says USA Today: The Television Show is glitzy and stupid and, unlike the newspaper, doesn't give viewers the chance to skip past what they don't like.

Journalist Bill Moyers is joining the ranks of television talk show hosts with his new PBS show. Eschewing the spectacle of programs helmed by Geraldo, Morton and Sally, Moyers conducts thoughtful interviews with public intellectuals. Television critic David Bianculli says Moyers really listens to his guests, giving their conversations more depth than what you'd find on network TV.

The network's new comedy is based on the Diane Keaton movie, and features many of the same actors, writers, and producers. The television version deviates from the original plot, but the message, says TV critic David Bianculli, is just as muddled.

PBS will soon air the documentary Missile, about the fourteen-week training program for launch operators. TV critic David Bianculli says it gives real life context to the hit film Wargames. Director Frederick Wiseman's signature eschewing of interviews sometimes detracts from the narrative, but the movie is overall worth watching.

The PBS series' latest episode is a documentary of the legendary soul singer. TV critic David Bianculli say the film gives viewers a chance to see rare interviews and concert footage, but glosses over much of Franklin's personal life.

Critic David Bianculli says the cable network's new made-for-TV movie is great, thanks to its excellent performances, photography, and ghastly concept. But the lackluster script keeps Gotham from being a classic.