Nbc’s ‘Lateline’short On Solid Material
What if a total idiot was the chief correspondent for a network late-night news broadcast?
NBC’s “Lateline,” premiering at 9:30, stars Al Franken (“Saturday Night Live”) as cartoonish TV newsman Al Freundlich.
That’s it. That’s the whole show.
He’s a pathetic twit with a blind ego who is the object of his co-workers’ scorn and ridicule. It’s “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Murphy Brown” reduced to one tired joke.
Tonight, when anchor Pearce McKenzie (Robert Foxworth) resigns on the air, Freundlich is certain he has the inside track to replace him. Unknown to him, McKenzie is only positioning himself for a raise.
But there’s plenty of time for Freundlich to make a fool of himself.
The sitcom gets some relief from guest appearances by newsmakers and celebrities playing themselves. Joycelyn Elders and Ralph Nader appear as themselves in the premiere.
But a little bit of Franken goes a long way. In this case, he reduces “Lateline” to burlesque.
Unfortunately, it takes more than a guy with baggy pants and a seltzer bottle to carry the show.
Highlights
“The American Comedy Awards,” FOX at 8: America’s funniest people are celebrated in this awards shindig taped Feb. 22. Presenters include David Hyde Pierce, Ray Romano, Jenna Elfman and Michael Richards.
John Cleese will make a special presentation to former Muppeteer Frank Oz. Jerry Lewis also receives special honors.
“JAG,” CBS at 8: In a critical episode, recovering alcoholic “Mac” (Catherine Bell) turns to the bottle after her ex-boyfriend is murdered and she becomes the target of a stalker. Harm (David James Elliott) rushes to find the killer to help save his friend and colleague’s life.
“For Your Love,” NBC at 8:30: Here’s a comedy with the refreshing idea that the ups and downs in the lives of three young couples can provide relatively intelligent, romantic comedy. To some extent, it works.
Dean and Sheri Winston (D.W. Moffett, Dedee Pfeiffer) are childhood sweethearts happily married. Mel and Malena Ellis (James Lesure, Holly Robinson Peete) are newlyweds who move in next door. Mel’s brother Reggie (Edafe Blackmon) and his girlfriend Bobbi (Tamala Jones) are feeling the bumps that threaten a committed relationship.
Some of the “guy stuff” and “girl talk” seems forced. I don’t know anyone who talks like this.
But it’s well intended and from time to time makes its points about the things men can’t figure out about women.
“Frasier,” NBC at 9: Patti LuPone guest-stars as Frasier and Niles’ Aunt Zora in a crazy romp about a family feud that Fraiser tries to end.
“That’s Life,” ABC at 9:30: Mike (Gerry Red Wilson) visits a doctor to see if he’s the cause of Patty’s (Kellie Overbey) infertility problem. It’s safe to say you can expect some borderline humor when he meets the doc.
Cable Calls
“Breaking Through: The New Pioneers,” LIFE at 7: The hour looks at women who are leading the way in sports. The focus is on the gold-medal U.S. Olympic hockey team as well as women in pro basketball, snowboarding and curling.
“The McCourts of Limerick,” MAX at 8: This look at author Frank McCourt (“Angela’s Ashes”) and his three brothers is a frothy take on Irish culture. Their nephew Connor produced and directed the documentary.
I’ve got to say that if you’re not Irish, you may not get the point of all this.
“Live By Request Starring Michael Bolton,” A&E at 6, repeated at 10: Bolton performs before a live audience at Sony Music Studios in New York City, taking requests via telephone and the Internet at www.station.sony.com.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Matt Dillon and Michelle Williams (“Dawson’s Creek”).
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor John Travolta, child actor Jack Johnson and Irish music group The Chieftains.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Charles Shaughnessy; comedian Tim Meadows; the Rev. Earl Jackson, president of the Samaritan Project; and commentator Susan Brooks.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: To be announced.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Musical guest Blink-182.