The Dick Van Dyke Show is well remembered as one of the wittiest situation comedies in the history of television. What is less well remembered is that Carl Reiner’s creation was a tremendously influential but deceptive innovator. The DIck Van … Continue reading
The West Wing is one of the most critically acclaimed television shows of all time. LIVE ON ZOOM The brainchild of Aaron Sorkin reminded us that many people who go into government do so because they care deeply about our … Continue reading
The West Wing is my favorite TV show. As a professional historian focusing on presidential elections and American political history, I admire Aaron Sorkin’s patriotic and idealistic writing about government. It’s easy to be cynical about politicians, but Sorkin created … Continue reading
Carol Burnett is one of the funniest women ever to star on television. And on Broadway. And in films. She is also, by reputation, one of the nicest, most thoughtful, and highly respected women in the entire history of … Continue reading
Jack Benny holds two unique and quite wonderful distinctions. First, Jack Benny is almost universally regarded by critics, contemporaries and historians as having the best comic timing of any performer in show business. Jack Benny’s ability to take a pause, … Continue reading