_ The new television season is always greeted with eager anticipation. The return of old favorites and the introduction of new shows serve to stimulate the interest of viewers. As the fall season begins in earnest, it is time to take a quick look at some of the season’s newest comedy offerings. Although the number of new comedies is limited due to the television industry’s profound interest in promoting reality programming, there are still a few offerings this fall that the viewing public might find intriguing.

Take, for instance, ABC’s new show, “The Neighbors.” The premise of the show is reminiscent of former television hits, “Alf” and “3rd Rock from the Sun,” in that it is based on a human family living in a neighborhood dominated by aliens but the comparison of this show with either of those highly creative shows stops there. “The Neighbors” is neither creative nor entertaining. The humor in this show is juvenile at best and the actors seem to be uncomfortable in their roles. The character development is poorly done and the outlook for this program becoming even a minor hit with viewers is minimal.

Fox Network’s new show, “Ben and Kate,” on the other hand shows real promise. This show is based on a more basic premise, a brother and sister, living together but is far better written and the two main characters, Ben, played by Nat Faxon, and Kate, played by Dakota Johnson, are well suited for their roles and seem to have a connection that allows the dialogue to work. There is nothing particularly complex about this comedy sitcom. It merely examines the basic human condition and points out how such condition is naturally humorous much in the way that led to the success of such programs as “Friends” and “Cheers.”

On another network, CBS, is a similar program based upon the relationship between a gay man and his best friend who is straight. This new show is produced and written by the creators of “Will and Grace” but in the early going it lacks the magical connection between the characters that “Will and Grace” enjoyed. The writers of this show have enjoyed phenomenal success so the show may improve as it progresses but in the early stages the dialogue is struggling.

The Fox Network may have another new hit in the form of the new show, “The Mindy Project.” This show is based primarily on a character that is a young female physician searching for her vision of an idealized romantic relationship. The humor is fashioned around this search and the turmoil and frustration involved therein. This show is well-written but owes a great deal of its early success to the personality and talents of the main character, Dr. Mindy Lahiri played by Mindy Kaling. Kaling not only plays the main character but is also responsible for producing and creating the program.

NBC enters the comedy mix with its new program, “The New Normal.” Again, there is a gay theme to this program as the show examines the relationship between a gay couple who decide to have a baby by using a surrogate. The humor generated by the relationship between the couple and those involved in their lives is inconsistent and the show seems to try too hard to establish the premise that there is no real normal. Like many sitcoms from television’s past, however, this program might just need some time to establish a following.

The new season has just begun and it is too early to determine which of the new shows will be successful and enjoy some staying power. If the history of television tells anything it is that early assessments of programs are not always accurate. “Friends,” “Cheers,” and “Seinfeld” all struggle early for viewers but seemed to ultimately do quite well. Perhaps some of this year’s new programs will do the same.

_ Bethenny Frankel can boast an impressive list of credits that includes founding a nutrition and lifestyle empire, penning several New York Times bestsellers and hosting a daytime talk show. But without her stints on reality television and the national attention it brought her, these accomplishments would not be possible. Prior to her time on television, however, she was just a fairly average American living her life in anonymity.

Bethenny experienced a troubled childhood. Her father, a horse trainer, took off when she was four, so her mother remarried another horse trainer. Together they raised the little girl, but it was an unstable environment, according to Bethenny, because of alcoholism and violent arguing that took place between her mother and stepfather. After graduating from New York University, she tried her hand at acting but never made much progress. She dabbled in some other arenas before attending culinary school and starting her own health conscious cookie company, BethannyBakes. The success of this business venture earned her a spot on the reality show The Apprentice: Martha Stewart which became a turning point in her life.

Bethenny made it to the finals of the reality show competition, and even though she lost, she secured an endorsement deal with Pepperidge Farm and a column in Health magazine. All of that exposure worked to her advantage because she was cast on the Bravo reality show The Real Housewives of New York City. Not only was the show a huge hit for the network, but it propelled her into the spotlight and afforded her the opportunity to take that spotlight and move on to even more lucrative deals including two spin-offs that focused solely on her and her fledgling family.

In the midst of all this, she launched her own brand called Skinnygirl which focuses on healthy lifestyles for women. Her first Skinnygirl book compiled healthy recipes, including the now famous Skinny Margarita. Several more books followed, and the favorable response to her collection of books eventually led to Skinnygirl cocktails becoming available for sale nationwide. Monetarily, this may be the greatest of her long list of profitable endeavors as the deal netted her many millions of dollars.

Bethenny's story is a testament to the influence of a reality show to change someone's life. She was given a national platform in which audiences could relate to her and feel a part of her tragedies and triumphs. She cultivated a fan base and created a personal brand with every appearance. Then she parlayed that popularity into becoming the mogul of an empire with built-in customers who felt like they knew her. She seized upon every opportunity that came along to create a bigger and better playing field for herself. Reality television certainly changed her reality.

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_ E! Entertainment struck gold when introducing the population to the Kardashian siblings via "Keeping Up With the Kardashians." The show brought America into the home of Bruce and Kris Jenner as it showcased family antics and the escapades of Kris' young adult socialite daughters from her first marriage.

Many speculate exactly how Kardashian sisters, Kim, Kourtney and Khloe, worked their way into the hearts of viewers. The Kardashian siblings' uncanny ability to self-promote is unparalleled by most reality show stars. Khloe Kardashian is no exception to this family rule.

As the second youngest of four Kardashian siblings, Khloe's rise to stardom came with the instant success of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians." The hit E! series premiered on Oct. 14, 2007 to rave reviews, swiftly making the Kardashian clan household names.

Prior to the premier of the series, Khloe, Kim and Kourtney had employed their collective fashion savvy to open DASH, a high-end clothing boutique, in Calabasas, California. The dual success of DASH and "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," led to the series' first spin-off.

A DASH location opening in Miami was chronicled in the spin-off "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami." The series premiered in August 2009 and featured the opening of the store along with the personal lives of Khloe and Kourtney.

The success of "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami" and the opening of a second DASH boutique were not the only reasons for Khloe to rejoice in 2009. Khloe was afforded the ability to stand out on television, sans the family, in "The Celebrity Apprentice." Though the actress was the sixth contestant to be cut from the competition reality show, fans enjoyed seeing more of Khloe outside family endeavors.

Khloe's personal life flourished in 2009. On Sept. 27, 2009, Khloe married NBA player Lamar Odom. The public celebrated the couple's nuptials by tuning in to a two-hour televised event showcasing the elaborate wedding.

In 2010, Khloe, alongside her sisters, joined forces with Bebe to get their feet wet in fashion design. Though the relationship lasted less than a year, the sisters did not view it as a road block.

By the end of 2010, the reality show trio had partnered with at-home-shopping powerhouse QVC to create a signature line. Khloe, Kim and Kourtney created K-Dash, an affordable line of clothing inspired by the sisters' individual styles.

In April 2011, Khloe brought husband, Lamar Odom, to the ranks of reality show stardom. The couple co-starred in E! Entertainment's "Khloe and Lamar." This, the third spin-off of the original Kardashian series, detailed Khloe and Lamar's move from Los Angeles to Dallas upon Lamar's trade to the NBA's Dallas Mavericks from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Giving even more for adoring fans to embrace, the couple released a unisex fragrance in 2011. The celebrated scent, Unbreakable, will undoubtedly not be the only product promoted by the power couple.

Many marvel at the ability to parlay a cable network presence into a powerful brand. It is undeniable reality show veteran Khloe Kardashian has created amazing staying power.

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_ The HBO Family cable channel offers a wide variety of kid-friendly entertainment options, free of objectionable content and commercials. The channel presents a combination of theatrical movies, animated features and the most popular HBO Family Productions such as “My Favorite Book” and “Rosie O’Donnell’s Kids Are Punny.” The channel does show content with R or TVMA-rated material, so parents can be free of worry about what programming their kids will see, but also strives to entertain viewers of all ages.

HBO Family programming follows a schedule geared towards satisfying a variety of age groups at appropriate times of day. In the morning, from 6Am to 9AM, the channel broadcasts original educational series appropriate for preschoolers. Ongoing shows like "Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child," which retells favorite children’s stories, or “I Can Be President: A Kid’s-Eye View” make learning fun for young children. Some of the most popular HBO Family productions are the Peabody Award-winning specials "The Music in Me,” mini-documentaries that showcase music from a variety of traditions and styles; and HBO Storybook Musical series which combine animation and song to tell classic children’s tales like “The Little Match Girl.”

HBO original programs aim to combine entertaining programming for young children with cultural activities, topical issues and educational activities. “Welcome to A Child’s Garden of Poetry!” gives children an introduction to poetry by some of the greatest writers of all time through animation and today’s most popular performers. “Happy to Be Nappy and Other Stories of Me” highlights the importance of being unique and accepting differences from many different perspectives. “Puppy Plays the Classics” uses live action footage of Ollie, an adorable lab puppy, to bring classical music, as well as problem-solving skills, to life for young kids.

After 9 AM, HBO Family broadcasts G and PG-rated movies like the animated “Puss and Boots” or “The Jetsons,” which appeal to both children and adults. At 2PM, HBO Family also includes PG-13 films in their feature film presentations to satisfy the taste of kids returning from school. Popular theatrical releases on the channel include the “Harry Potter” series, “The Parent Trap” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” During prime time, HBO Family shows feature films like “Rookie of the Year” and “Bend it Like Beckham” which appeal to family members of all ages. Late at night until morning, the channel continues to offer films which resist controversial issues while including a more mature appeal.

The HBO Family channel has something for every member of the family, from preschooler to adolescent to parent. The channel offers commercial free programming without any objectionable or overly mature content. The variety of movie options plus the most popular HBO Family productions can be a safe and fun television destination at every hour of the day.
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_ During the 1970’s many new animated movies were being created and released. This decade is widely considered by movie buffs to be one of the best when it comes to animation. New animation styles, unique plots and fresh ideas made animated movies from all around the world seem exciting and wonderful. Animated Movies of the 1970's are some of the most popular and beloved every created.

During the 1970’s, the United States produced many new animated films that kids still enjoy watching to this day. It seems that each year in that decade brought about a new animated holiday film. Families still watch these films, which include A Year Without a Santa Claus, Rudolph’s Shiny New Year and The Easter Bunny is Comin’ to Town, every year during the holiday season.

In addition to holiday films, the United States turned many famous Dr. Seuss stories into successful animated films. Animated Movies of the 1970's included The Lorax and The Cat in the Hat, one of the writer’s most famous tales. This movie tells the story of two young children who encounter the fun, but mischievous, Cat in the Hat.

Other great American animated movies released during the 1970’s include The Aristocrats, which came out in 1970. It follows the story of a group of wealthy cats and their friend, an alley cat, who must stop a kidnapping plot. The Phantom Tollbooth was released in the same year. This magical movie tells of a boy who can travel to parallel universe. In addition, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, an animated movie based on the classic science fiction novel, was released in 1973, and The Hobbit, based on a famous fantasy novel, was released in 1977. The Lord of the Rings, the tale that follows The Hobbit, was released as an animated movie the following year.

Another famous animated film of the 1970’s in Charlotte’s Web. This classic children’s story tells the tale of Charlotte, a spider, and her barnyard friends, including a loveable pig. The following year, in 1974, Oliver Twist debuted as an animated movie. This story, based on a classic novel, follows a young orphan boy, Oliver, and his friends. Other classic animated films including The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and The Rescuers were released in 1977. All of these movies would go on to become popular favorites, beloved by children both then and now.

Japan was also continuing its tradition of great anime, or Japanese animation, movies in the 1970s. In 1970, Japan released several films in its hugely successful Attack No. 1 franchise, which would continue to be popular for many years after. They also released Lupin the Third and the Secret of Mamo in 1978 and Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro in 1978. Even in modern times, these movies are considered to be the pinnacle of Japanese animation.

Other famous 1970’s animated movies from around the world include Italy’s The Magic Flute and Journey to the Center of the Earth, which was made in Australia.
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_ The Discovery Channel is a cable network that features primarily reality and documentary programming. It was founded in 1985 and has since grown to be the flagship station of Discovery Communications Inc. The network is popular among a wide range of people, especially those with an interest in science, technology and nature. Here are a few of the highest rated shows to air on the Discovery Channel.

Examining the Earth in a way that had never been done before, “Planet Earth” is one of the highest rated shows ever broadcast on the Discovery Channel. Consisting of 11 episodes, this short television series made its American television debut in March of 2007. Filmed in high-definition, each episode focuses on a different one of the Earth’s habitats. Filming all over the world, the producers made sure to include several scenes that had never been seen on television. The series won many awards, and record numbers of viewers tuned in to get a glimpse of the majesty and beauty of our world.

“Mythbusters” is not only one of the highest rated shows on the Discovery Channel, it’s one of the longest running as well. First airing in 2003, it is hosted by two special effects experts as they attempt to prove or disprove various myths, rumors, urban legends, tall tales and anything else that might not seem to be what it appears. At the end of each episode, the myth being tested is labeled as being busted, plausible or confirmed. Viewers enjoy seeing popularly held beliefs being put to the test, and since many of the experiments are too dangerous to perform at home, it’s better to let the experts handle it.

For real-life danger, it doesn’t get more intense than “Deadliest Catch.” Focusing on life aboard fishing vessels during crab season in the Bering Sea, it has been airing every year since 2005. Nominated for several Emmy awards, the show has been a consistently high performer for the Discovery Channel. Commercial crab fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world, and “Deadliest Catch” gives viewers an up-close look at a world few will ever experience first hand.

While some are fishing for crab on top of the Bering Sea, others are searching for gold beneath it. Debuting in early 2012, “Bering Sea Gold” is not only one of the highest rated shows on the Discovery Channel, it was the highest rated series launch in Discovery Channel history. Gold fever is still alive.

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 A & E is the name of one of cable television's most popular networks. The channel has been entertaining audiences with its unique blend of programming since 1984, and it is the home of some of the most popular and highest rated shows in the world of television. The channel retained its identity as the Arts & Entertainment Network from its inception until 1995, when the network's
executives decided that the channel's programming was beginning to become less representative of the fields of art or entertainment. Although the network may have stopped catering to the finer arts, it is certainly entertaining for a wide variety of people, many of whom are in the lucrative 18-49 age demographic.

The most popular shows on A & E are reality programs that attract a youthful audience. One of the highest rated shows on the network is “Dog the Bounty Hunter”. This program follows a real bounty hunter named Duane “Dog” Chapman as he and his crew operate their business in picturesque Hawaii. This show is a terrific example of A & E's typical programming because it
features a charismatic group of people who are involved in an interesting line of work. There is simply no other show on TV like “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” and the network has realized that shows like this are its most profitable resource.

“Storage Wars” is another one of the highest rated shows on the A & E network. Like “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” this program involves a group of people that make money in an interesting industry. The show follows individuals and teams who attempt to earn profits by bidding on the contents inside abandoned storage lockers. The program has become extremely popular among many groups of people because it does a great job of exposing an interesting subculture while highlighting some engaging personalities. Storage Wars is popular with a large audience, but it does particularly well with viewers between the ages of 18 and 40.

Some of the other highest rated shows on A & E include “Intervention,” which follows the lives of addicts and the people who want to help them, and “Paranormal State,” which features a group of people who investigate haunted locations. With these programs, A & E has established itself as one of the premier providers of interesting reality programming in the world of cable
television. A & E has changed quite a bit in its existence, but it has managed to stay relevant by offering some terrific programs. Thanks to the network's efforts, it has been able to attract new audiences while retaining many of its most loyal fans.

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Disney Channel is the current powerhouse of children's programming on cable television, holding the spot as the number one network for kids ages 6-11 for 15 months running, and tweens for 27 months. The Disney channel has also been the top viewed total day network overall for several months this summer, and broadcasts the top three highest rated shows among kids 2-11 and 6-11.

Among the highest rated Disney shows is a variety of family-friendly sitcoms targeted predominantly at girls (their sister channel, Disney XD, handles more boy-centric programming), a genre which Disney has become known for in recent years. 

Shake It Up centers around a pair of background dancers working on a fictional show by the same name. The two best friends must balance their jobs with becoming more popular at school. The show has recently been renewed for a third season. It is one of the highest rated Disney shows

Jessie follows the titular small-town protagonist as she moves to the metropolis of New York and gets a caretaker position for a quartet of rich children and their gigantic pet lizard. The show's second season has recently begun and Disney has announced a small-screen movie is in development. The show has also received strong critical acclaim for the acting of several of the characters and is one of the highest rated Disney shows.

Good Luck Charlie is Disney Channel's current sitcom most specifically tailored to adults as well as children, telling its stories from the points of view of all the family members of the cast rather than just the younger ones. Told in the style of a video
diary, Good Luck Charlie centers around a nuclear family that just introduced a fourth child. The parents work extensively, and much of the work of raising the new baby is left to the three older siblings, who must also deal with the struggles of school. The show is currently airing its third season. It has announced a fourth season is in production and is one of the highest rated
Disney shows.

Gravity Falls, another one of the highest rated Disney shows is an animated series about a pair of siblings dealing with the
supernatural in central Oregon. In the middle of its first season, the show has already surpassed another of Disney's highest rated shows, Phineas and Ferb, to become the number one animated series on cable television overall.

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There have been a very many thriller films to hit the big screen since the beginning of the movie industry. Even before there was sound, brilliant directors created works of art on film that thrilled and intrigued audiences worldwide. While writers, directors, and producers continue to develop new stories and bring them to movie goers everywhere, some of the most popular thriller movies came from the 20th century. Even though the advancement in cinematography and technology in filmmaking has provided filmmakers the ability to create great special effects that incorporate 3D and CGI into their movies, some of these classics remain popular among thrill seekers. Here is a short list of some of the most popular thriller movies to date. 

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
You cannot go wrong when you have actors the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster, and Anthony Heald playing the main characters in this Jonathan Demme 90’s thriller. Hopkins played the confined psychopathic serial killer with a taste for cannibalism so well and so convincingly that he still haunts people’s dreams to this day. Jodie Foster had an outstanding performance as the FBI agent tasked with the duty of using Hannibal Lector’s expertise in murder to catch a serial killer. This film will scare just about anyone who watches it.

Se7en (1995)
Again, this film leads off with some amazing actors including Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Director David Fincher did an excellent job at pitting these great actors together and then using their very different acting styles to lead audiences through a true crime thriller. The story revolves around a serial killer as does The Silence of the Lambs, but this time the theme is religious making it all the more dangerous. Audiences stay on the edge of their seats until the very end. 

Rear Window (1954)
Rear Window is a true classic directed by the King of Thrillers, Alfred Hitchcock. Using one of Hitchcock’s favorite actors, James Stewart, and one of film’s most recognized actresses, Grace Kelly, this film is fantastic for both story and acting. A guy spies on his neighbors while confined to a wheelchair in his apartment and then discovers a murder in the process. This is one of few movies that can pull off such a thrill ride from very limited locations – essentially just the apartment building. Hitchcock keeps the audience thinking until the truth is finally revealed.

The Usual Suspects (1995)
The Bryan Singer directed thriller is one that most film lovers have seen and have definitely recommended to others. This is truly a must see not only for the great performances from veteran actors Benicio del Toro, Kevin Spacey, and Stephen Baldwin, but for the plot that keeps you on your toes. Collect a bunch of criminals with no ties, put them in jail together, and watch them work as a group to confuse everyone, including the audience.

Vertigo (1958)
Another one of Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest films in the thriller genre, Vertigo showcases James Stewart’s wonderful acting opposite another screen legend, Kim Novak. From the very beginning, Hitchcock creates a sense that something’s terribly wrong. Through fantastic cinematography and superb directing, Vertigo is pure suspense, mystery, and thriller all the way through. 

Taxi Driver (1976)
Robert de Niro has played a lot of great characters, but none as scary or captivating as a mentally unstable Vietnam vet cab driver. Martin Scorsese directs this psycho crime thriller.

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