Word on the street is that Oprah Winfrey has not yet made a decision on moving her syndicated talk show to her new cable network OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). Winfrey’s production company Harpo Inc. said she would make an announcement by the end of the year regarding whether The Oprah Winfrey Show would move from network television in mid-2011. The original report was released by Hollywood entertainment blogger Nikki Finke on Thursday but OWN has declined to comment.

Winfrey is regarded as one of the most influential women in the United States and among the most powerful women in entertainment (as you know) and her talk show is still the top-rated U.S. daytime talk show, averaging 7.1 million viewers this season, according to Nielsen.

Such a move would be a major blow to CBS Corp’s CBS Television Distribution arm, which syndicates the show, and Walt Disney Co’s ABC’s owned and operated TV stations which broadcasts the daytime favorite.

The decision is up to Oprah so we’ll just have to wait and see. I would say that her ratings might be affected because everyone doesn’t have cable but then again Oprah can afford to buy cable for all of her fans so they won’t miss her show if she decided to move. That’s a bit of a stretch but we know she’ll be OK. She’s like the Grand Wizard of all things wonderful and makes anything happen when she puts her mind to it.

The launch of the Oprah Winfrey Network, is a joint venture with Discovery Communications Inc. OWN has been delayed from its original 2009 start date but once up and running, it will be available in more than 70 million homes.

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Mariah Carey appeared on Larry King last night to promote the movie Precious (in which she plays a social worker), her latest album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, and her latest fragrance, Forever.

People call her crazy but it’s that hustler’s spirit and ability to be versatile that has kept her afloat in the entertainment business for nearly 20 years, so maybe she’s crazy like a fox. After all, she is the top selling female recording artist of all time—and still successfully peddling music.

The interview went well. King and Carey have good chemistry (since she’s been on the show before) so it flowed more like general conversation. Plus, Carey seemed candid and open when she talked about her personal life, business ventures and music. As far as her marriage to Nick Cannon, she genuinely seems like a woman in love. She had a certain tone to her voice—soft and pink, if you will—when she talked about how they met (at a Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards) and took us through how they eventually clicked so well that romance flowed naturally. There’s no mistaking that she’s smitten with him. She even randomly peppered conversation with some of his accolades—the way that people do when they’re bragging about their mate. It was really sweet. They’re 11 years apart but according to Carey, they’re both big kids and as far as she’s concerned she’s eternally 12 (and Santa Claus exists in her world).

By the way, Carey shut down rumors that she is pregnant saying that while the couple does want children, they are in no rush. (Heck, if Halle Berry can be a 40-something first time mommy then Mariah Carey can too).

The biggest bombshell dropped last night was when she admitted to having been in abusive relationships. She was visibly shaken while reminiscing her past and said that abuse had different categories ranging from emotional to mental. She added that getting out is not easy.

I was surprised to hear this about Mariah Carey, but above all else she is human first, and that’s what was so beautiful about the entire interview.

Did you watch? Thoughts?

Check out the clip below!

Some of our favorite actors and personalities will continue to star in new TV premiers this week, and last night was Morris Chestnut’s turn as the Sci-Fi remake of V finally debuted after months of anticipation.

Chestnut is costarring in the remake of the 1980s show about an invasion of aliens known as “visitors” and the resistance against them. I missed last night’s episode but Essence online caught up with Black America’s favorite leading man, and he discussed his character and the pressure he feels to be a part of a revamped oldie but goodie. Here’s what he said:

About his character:
Ryan Nichols is a finance guy who’s about to buy his girlfriend an engagement ring when he realizes that the aliens have invaded the planet. There are a lot of secrets he has that he now has to deal with.

On What it Means to Be Part of a Remake:
It was kind of a challenge because in the 80’s the show had a cult following and we knew it was going to be a tremendous effort to capture what most people remember, but it turned out to be okay. My character is a resurrection of a couple of characters from the original series, but you’ll have to watch to identify who he is.

His Thoughts on the Show:
I’m proud of the show and I hope people will support the show, and I just want people to be patient because in the beginning [my character] isn’t very prevalent but toward the end he is, so I want to encourage people to stay with the show because I believe they’ll be pleasantly surprised. So please be patient and stick around to see your boy.

I’m glad he clarified that bit about his character not being prevalent in the beginning because I would have been mad otherwise. But anyway, did you watch last night? What did you think?

V airs on Tuesdays at 8 P.M. ET, on ABC.

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I hate that you’re probably going to get 50 IQ points dumber after reading this post, especially after my colleague, Michael A,  posted a blog about The Wire becoming a Harvard course. But I need someone, anyone, to share this random recap that is the inaugural episode of For the Love of Ray J Season 2.

Just when you thought it was safe to turn back to Vh1 on Monday nights, they return with more shenanigans of the same variety as Real Chance of Love. I watched with no shame (surely, I can’t be alone if there’s a second season of this nonsense). Last night’s episode was the typical madness. The new batch of girls arrived at the house to proclaim their wild passionate “love” for Ray J and to begin clawing their way to his heart. The first order of business was for them to receive their stripper names nicknames based on how they looked. As you can imagine, it’s the usual assortment of wannabe models and actresses so the names varied from “Exotica” to “Gifts.”

So far, Exotica is filling the void where last season’s “Caviar” left off. Exotica is a Cape Verdian bombshell with an incoherent accent but where she ups Caviar a notch is when it comes to dubious behavior. She began solidifying her status as the Queen B of the house by interrupting other women who were trying to get one on one time with Ray J, and by making negative comments about people’s looks.

“Fetuccini” (named because of her Italian heritage) was the first girl booted because Ray J deemed her a star chaser after the house was abuzz about the fact that she allegedly dated Tyson Beckford and various other celebrities. We already know she wasn’t the only girl there with ulterior motives, but if all the girls were eliminated then there would be no show (and no random amusement). Overall, I think this is going to be good in a bad, rot your brain kind of way. But at least Ray J looks better than Real and Chance.

What do you think?

I must admit, despite being a performing arts nerd, Glee never piqued my interest. However, I’ve been hearing good things about the show. The latest good news is that Fox’s collection of quirky teen singers will receive a 2009 Diversity Award for favorite new diverse ensemble cast, in November.

The series focuses on kids in a motley high school glee club that mixes jocks, cheerleaders, a boy in a wheelchair, a geeky girl, a gay student, an Asian goth and an overweight African-American girl. Their main goal is to overcome adversity in high school and beyond.

The high school glee club theme makes it sound typical but I did some research and discovered that the music (in addition to the diversity) is what makes the show interesting and unique. It’s definitely like a more mature, less corny version of High School Musical.

The ensemble was last seen performing last Saturday before game three of the World Series, but check out this clip from the show:

Note to self: Watch the next episode.

Glee airs every Wed on Fox at 9/8c.

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Stores across America that sell Halloween paraphernalia are impossibly crowded at this point. And if you live in a major city like I do, fugeddabout it. But don’t fret. The best way to celebrate Halloween (for those interested in dressing up) is by keeping it simple, easy and cheap. Here are some suggestions for last minute Halloween costumes inspired by iconic TV characters. Ninety percent of these ensembles probably already exist in your closet.

Tyrone Biggums
Dave Chappelle immortalized this character in his funny racy sketch comedy show. Prior to Tyrone Biggums, Pooky (from New Jack City) was the world’s most famous crackhead. As far as a costume goes, all you need is a red scully, baby powder for your lips, a navy blue hoody, a neutral colored blazer, neutral colored pants and white sneakers. Crack is optional but not suggested (drugs are bad).

Wanda

We met Wanda, the infamous Ugly Woman, on In Living Color and were scared to death when she snapped her fingers proclaiming to unsuspecting prey that she would “rock their world.” What you need: Tacky curly blonde wig, red lipstick, pearls and a poofy dress. Make sure to purse your lips to the extreme.

Jerome

Jerome can definitely be in the house this Hallows Eve! You need a gaudy suit from the 70s, preferably by MCM (see if you can borrow one from your Uncle), a Jheri Curl wig, goatee and a fake gold tooth (if all else fails, you can use the gold foil from mini Reese’s Pieces).

Shenehneh

This one is relatively simple if you still have (or know anyone who has) 90s gear locked in a closet somewhere. Get some doorknockers (they sell them for a dollar at the beauty supply store) and a wig styled in an extreme hair-do (think the movie BAPS).

Steve Urkel

The nerdy glasses trend is really annoying but since they’re in style these days, you may already have this part of your costume down. For the rest of it you will need high-water mom-jeans, white socks, skippies, suspenders and a striped polo. Make sure you perfect your snort as well.

Fire Marshall Bill

Get a black suit and tie, white button down, black rain boots (to substitute for the fireman boots), and a captain’s hat and you’re all set. If you can do the Popeye thing with your teeth and face, then it’s Fire Marshal Bill for the win!

George Lopez is the latest comedian to join the late night TV show roster. Yay for more diversity on TV from comedians! However, I wonder who’s going to come out on top when it comes to ratings. Lopez will join David Letterman, Conan O’Brian, Jimmy Fallon, Mo’Nique and Wanda Sykes. Each adds something unique to the late night game so maybe the competition won’t be too stiff. We shall see…

The show will incorporate other traditional talk show elements like jokes, guests, comedy and live music but Lopez says he wants to bring change to the night time talk show arena. His plan is to attract a diverse audience and he says they’ll be having a party every night (the LA-based show will air Monday through Thursday), describing the set as “bringing the outdoors indoors.” There will be no desk and no dividing  line between guests and the audience as he wants everyone to interact with each other. 

Lopez Tonight premiers on November 9 at 11p on TBS.  So far, guests for the first night include Ellen DeGeneres, Eva Longoria-Parker and Kobe Bryant. Other scheduled guests for upcoming weeks include Jamie Foxx, Jessica Alba, Queen Latifah, Floyd Mayweather, Arsenio Hall and more.

Did I just type Arsenio Hall? Yep, I did. I’m sold.

Will you watch?

Monica’s show premiered last night and as you can see, she’s still standing—pun intended. In the inaugural episode, Monica took us from her humble beginnings in Atlanta to how she got to where she is now.  She talked about singing as a child, overcoming the trauma of witnessing her former boyfriend commit suicide and where she is as an artist today. She’s working on her fifth studio album, and the future of her music career at J Records is riding on its success (since her last album didn’t do too well).

In addition to her career, Monica manages a family life with her fiancee, rapper Rocko, and three sons (one is a stepson).  While Rocko is on tour, she and her boys are living in a hotel until the final touches are placed on their new home. The first episode was OK. I don’t think Monica will have much drama in her personal life, but it’s nice to see her coming out of a musical hiatus. I hope she can successfully pick it up again because her last couple of albums didn’t represent the music she used to make, which endeared her to fans in the first place. (She even mentioned that in last night’s episode). Monica is one of the few former teen stars who as a kid, remade mature songs (like “Misty Blue) in a way that her peers and adults could enjoy. I hope she recaptures that essence with this new project.

One thing I’m confused about is when Miss “Don’t Take it Personal” got so grown. Of course people grow up! But I’m just saying…she has such a motherly vibe that I can’t believe this is the same teenage girl (aka “Miss Thang”) I grew up listening to—Brandy duets and all. But in any event, I think she’ll be fine.

What did you think?

The corniest men alive Real and Chance have chosen their Stallionettes in last night’s finale of Real Chance of Love Season 2. It was the typical season finale for that type of show. Real and Chance whisked their final girls off on vacay to Miami. I guess the producers were on a budget because usually in shows like this, they go on a romantic international island getaway. No diss to Miami, but it’s a far cry from Belize or Mexico. What’s the point of going on a reality show if you can’t get a free international trip out of the deal? (I digress). After much deliberation and contemplation about their life altering decisions to choose potential future wives (I’m totally being facetious) Real chose Doll and Chance chose Hot Wings. Here’s a clip in case you missed it (cue the dramatics):

I hate to be Negative Natasha but are you ready for season three? Their choices were devoid of real chemistry and seemed forced. Chance should have chosen Mamacita and there was no one who was really appropriate for Real. I guess we have to wait until the reunion to find out what’s going to happen. How much you want to bet that you’ll be seeing them on the tube again in another spinoff? If not Real Chance of Love Season 3, maybe The Stallionaires Work for Diddy?

I mentioned that The Wanda Sykes Show was on my list of top priority TV this fall. We’re getting closer to its premiere date (Nov. 7 at 11pm on Fox) and the hype is mounting (in my head anyway). If that’s not enough, I read an interview she did with Entertainment Weekly where she explained why the show’s format makes it easier for her as a new mom, how coming out publicly was a random decision and how she plans to go about spreading Prop 8 awareness. Despite being a notorious funny lady, she has a good head on her shoulders.

On Why She Wanted a Talk Show:
“I thought it would be cool to have an outlet where I can go and speak about things that are happening right now. Also, being a new mom, I’ll have somewhat of a normal schedule…not doing standup.”

*Wanda Sykes and her wife of nearly a year have 5-month-old twins.

On Her Show’s Format:
“I’m gonna have a panel of guests so it’s more laid-back, like they’re hanging out at my place. I’d love to start with Condoleezza Rice and then throw in Andy Roddick and Dave Chappelle. We’ll have a few drinks.”

On Coming Out:
“[I came out] after the election. I was playing in Vegas. It was after the national protest day on Prop 8 [the California ballot proposition that blocked gay marriage], and the Gay and Lesbian Center there was having a rally. I had no intention of doing it that day, it just happened.”

She added:
“I will continue the discussion about Prop 8, as long as it’s funny…not preachy.”

We definitely need more people like Wanda Sykes. She’s relatable to everyone despite her sexuality. I think her show will do well. I’m particularly feeling the round table format. Plus, I’m still holding on to hope that someone will fill the late night talk show void that Arsenio Hall left wide open. At least now I’m grown and won’t have to sneak to watch it.

(Interview excerpts taken from the October 30, 2009 edition of EW)