Classic television breathes new life on YouTube

In a day and age where online video is hotter than news of Paris Hilton prepping for prison, otherwise forgotten classic television programs are breathing new life on the Web. Times Online reports that YouTube is no longer just a place for one minute movie and TV highlights or home videos filmed by a shoddy webcam. After more than 330,000 people went to YouTube to watch a seven minute clip from the "Sopranos," Hollywood studios and rights management companies have become more motivated to open their content to the masses. However, companies like Sony are taking a "mash-up" approach where classic TV episodes are jumbled and chopped up to give the viewer a faster viewing experience—in threory, one could watch a 20 minute episode in less than nine minutes.

Furthermore, analysts speculate that we're only at the the forefront of the Web TV phenomenon. As devices like the Apple TV adapt to accommodate the YouTube platform, more content is expected to resurface online.

Flashback video friday with Johnny

This week we're bringing you more classic television goodies with hilarious video clips from "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson."  While reviewing the clips and various episodes, it dawned on us that his show never aged—the jokes are still as fresh as ever, and the moments still real and heartfelt.  It truly stands the test of time.

This first video is an interview of fan favorite Joan Embry with her orangutans.

This second video is an interview of then comedian, now director/producer, Albert Brooks.  Brooks had excellent impersonations, with a twist. 

Variety show comeback?

It's finally sunny outside my window and that only means one thing—summer replacement show season. What's my vote?  Variety shows.

In the age of Adderal, TV shows streaming to cell phones and punk rock Chip's Ahoy commercials, the time is neigh for a variety show comeback. Studies have shown that as a nation our attention span rivals Don Knotts slamming triple espressos with Andy Dick for twitchy madness. What better to satiate our award-winning short attention span than sketches, songs, silly jokes and other forms of entertainment that start with the letter "s"?

I need the variety show to make a comeback! The last summer replacement variety show to make a go was Dolly Parton's cleverly titled show "Dolly" in 1988. It ruled. I watched every single episode and not just because I was such a fan of Dolly's one-of-a-kind Bill Blass dresses, but because it was better than The Hatfields vs.The McCoys on "Family Feud."

I'm telling you, the time has come for ham fisted sketches, cheesy musical guests and themed musical medleys. Call it a hearkening back to a more innocent time, rehashing nostalgia, perhaps even a potential drinking game, I don't care what you call it, just make it happen. Honestly tell me you wouldn't watch Kenny Rogers, the guy who played Tattoo (R.I.P) and Slipknot sharing a stage trading easy jokes, performing poorly developed sketches and singing old standards mixed with new hits. I'd be GLUED to the TV.

Another Classic Remake - Meet George Jetson!

Dark Horizons reports that not only is a live action Jetsons movie in the works, but it will be directed by Robert Rodriguez.  Rodriguez is best known as the director for Spy Kids and Sin City.  Supposedly, the film and storyline will be closely based off of the classic cartoon.

It seems as though every classic show is being turned into a movie (think Duke's of Hazard) and classic cartoons are transforming (pun intended) into live action films (think Spider Man and Scooby Doo).  Nonetheless, whom ever Rodriguez picks to play George, Cosmo, Jane, Judy and Elroy will be interesting to watch.

Here's the intro to the original Jetsons cartoon, just for your viewing pleasure!

More Classic Stand Up Bits - This Time With Rodney

It's Friday, which means more videos.  Today we're showing more classic clips from our Rodney Dangerfield collection This particular piece combines some early Tim Allen stand up with good ole Rodney himself there to close it out with his questionable humor.  Check them out and let us know what you think!  Soon we'll be showcasing our Sonny & Cher bits, so keep checking back!

ClassicTelevionBlog Video... Take One!

Hey all you classic television lovers!  We just wanted to announce our latest installment into the blog, which we know you'll be delighted over.  Why?  Mainly because we already know that you love watching television, and if you're here, well, you obviously love CLASSIC television.

If you've glanced over to the right, you probably noticed that we embedded some classic television footage from YouTube.  Well, that's our Classic Television Channel!  We hope you'll subscribe and check out the clips regularly, as we've obtained clearance from various artists to use footage from their DVD libraries.

So, give the videos a gander and let us know if there's something you've been dying to see and we'll do our best to get it to you ASAP! And now for your viewing pleasure, the always hilarious Dom Irerra!!!

TV Land Gets a Salute From the Old Mr. President

At TV Land's network upfront presentation, former President Bill Clinton unveiled himself as an avid viewer.  Mr. Clinton revealed that he enjoys watching TV Land's airing of All in the Family, I Love Lucy and The Andy Griffith Show and is reintroducing himself to Bonanza. Clinton joked that his wife is away, so he's home alone a lot... "I'm particularly grateful to TV Land for giving me something to do at night," says Clinton.

Thankfully, while he was running the country, he had a few other things occupying his time.  Hopefully, this stint as an avid TV Land viewer will be met with less controversy. Check out more about this presentation at The Hollywood Reporter.

All Time Greatest Television Hosts

MSNtv's put together a list of the greatest television hosts of all time.  The list contains the ground-breaking entertainment styles of Johnny Carson and heart-felt emotions of Oprah, to the slap-stick political bashings of Jon Stewart.  Some notable and impactful hosts have been left off the list, however this list gets the job done.

We've reported on possible replacements in the near late night future, think any of them could possibly be the next great host?  From what we saw from Sandler as Letterman's fill-in, we're thinking we might need to keep looking.  What do you think?

Honoring the "Pioneers of Television"

Forbes.com reports that PBS has begun production of "Pioneers of Television," a four part documentary featuring the legends of sitcom, variety, late night, and game shows.  It's slated to debut winter/spring of 2008 with fresh interviews of living members of the golden age of television, along with remastered clips and images for High Definition.

The list of entertainers on interviewed is incredible, which includes Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Barker, and many more.  Apparently, the producers/interviewers were on set the EXACT day Bob Barker announced retirement.  AMAZING.  Additionally, they have a clip of the early years of Johnny Carson, back when he was in his early 20's and just learning the ropes! 

This will definitely become part of the Classic Collection. 

Johnny's "Smallest" Mega Star Making a Comeback

Any true fan of Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" will remember A.J., the miniature putt putt parakeet.  Owner David Cota is still training and showing A.J. through the media of today.

While the golden age of television has passed, Cota is monopolizing on the bubble media of today, YouTube and Myspace.  CNN reports on A.J.'s latest accomplishments and what you can expect next.

The World Wants More Carson

The good folks over at Entertainment Weekly, wrote an article/request for more talk show DVD compilations.  They also give a shout-out to The Best of Carson, Vol.1 and Carson Country! 

Remembering Former US President Gerald Ford

Former 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford (July 14, 1914 - December 26, 2006) will always be remembered for a number of great accomplishments; particularly those which took place during his presidency and vice presidency. However, fans of classic entertainment mustn't forget the charisma, humor, and wit, which made Gerald Ford a great entertainer, as well as a great leader.

Sure President  Ford will be remembered as the only President and Vice President to hold office without being elected, and of course his involvement in our countries withdrawal from Vietnam. But all of us here at the Classic Television Blog remember former President Ford most for his comical performances with Bob Hope, many of which can be relived on Bob Hope's Laughing with the Presidents.