James Sims

op-ed

  • The Wrap: Hey NBC, What the Chuck?

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    James Sims

    While risks must be taken in order to cultivate quality programming, “Chuck” has had its chance. With Jay Leno’s soon to be prime-time show killing an entire hour of programming for NBC, scheduling is more important than ever. Don’t let another bag of peanuts waste precious resources…

  • The Wrap: SAG Might Kill Hollywood’s Evolution

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    James Sims

    While SAG has all but agreed on the new-media terms of the producers’ offer, holding out any further runs the risk of stunting Hollywood’s evolution. Studios will soon have no option but to make a push for more online content, otherwise they might lose the digital demographic…

  • The Wrap: Sesame Street Needs Another Hero

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    James Sims

    Newspapers will find their way online and network newscasts can relocate to sister cable channels, should ratings for the big three continue to fall. But when Big Bird and the gang start hurting, impressionable children might be left with few alternatives…

  • The Wrap: Re-inventing Alec Baldwin

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    James Sims

    While Baldwin considers adding PR consultant to his resume, I’ll wait with anticipation to hear his musings on TCM of such classics as “Rocky,” “Ben-Hur” and “Cat Ballou.”

  • L Word: One More for the Gays

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    James Sims

    After six years, it’s now in its last season, and Showtime execs should be cheered for doing what so many networks fail to accomplish. They have provided longtime “L Word” fans with an appropriate swan song…

  • Michael Riedel Does it Best

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    James Sims

    Yet, it is Michael Riedel’s column in the New York Post that is both my guilty pleasure and border-line addiction. I find myself yearning for his often biting commentary on Broadway happenings…

  • The Wrap: 90210 Gets Pickup… DVR Victorious

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    James Sims

    If broadcast television wishes to remain relevant as cable channels like HBO and Showtime rack up all of the Emmys and Golden Globes, then they must fully acknowledge the viewing habits of their loyal customers. Otherwise, Hulu and other new media services will more rapidly erode the power of NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox and the…

  • Conan O’Brien Needs a Mexican

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    James Sims

    NBC announced earlier this week that Conan O’Brien will be picking up his former co-host, Andy Richter, on his way to Los Angeles, where the two will fill the shoes of soon to depart Jay Leno. Other than “Late Night,” Richter might be best known for multiple failed shows on Fox and NBC since leaving…

  • Warner Bros. Runs Away with "Fringe"

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    James Sims

    Variety reports that Warner Bros. TV has joined the ranks of unpatriotic production companies as it opts to flee America for Canada in order to save a buck on “Fringe.” The J.J. Abrams hour-long drama premiered on Fox earlier this year to uncertain ratings but has steadily increased its viewers…

  • Op-Ed: Death of a Theatre Critic

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    James Sims

    It was with great dismay that I read a recent notice in the Los Angeles Times of layoffs amongst the theatre critic and arts coverage world at publications including the LA Weekly, Daily Variety and the L.A. Daily News…