Killing time on television
Henry Schleiff runs Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, crime channel and other channels so — question is — why’s TV do so many cop shows?
Schleiff: “True crimes are high stakes, life and death, bad guy getting caught. Riveting, fascinating, compelling stories. Add a catchy ‘Wives With Knives’ or ‘Southern Fried Homicide’ intriguing title. The formula includes a compelling host and clever marketing perspective.
“It’s a newspaper’s front page. CourtTV’s fascination was O.J., JonBenet, the Menendez brothers. Not hard to see viewers watch this content endlessly.
“You may hate O.J. personally but crime stirs passion. It skews more women 25 to 54 because of their intuitive sense.
“There’s occasional dissatisfaction with our coverage but we show respect to victims and, with sensitivity, ask close people to allow us into their family.
“Hopefully today’s technology and forensics ultimately lead to JonBenet’s unsolved case and whoever’s responsible for her death.
“My regret is doing insufficient stories that are impactful on society today – like domestic abuse. And the 400 mass shootings this year.
“You can’t drive a tank down the street. Not allowed. It’s military equipment. Why’s a shoulder missile launcher also not categorized as unallowed military equipment? Want to use it? Join the military. Just don’t let someone enter a store or school with it and kill children, people, anything that moves.”
It’s prime time for ‘Murders’
IN keeping with murder mayhem Hulu’s got Martin Short’s “Only Murders in the Building.” It’s shoot ’em up/kill ’em up, lie how they die and get knocked off in their Upper West Side upper high-class upper type elevators . . . PLUS also John Lithgow’s re-returned “Dexter” where nice John plays a not nice killer.
Also we got us a morgueful of police corruption, international intrigue, murder, spies, stab ’em grab ’em and just plain old slash and slay killer stories to watch before we go to sleep. Question: What could be better for our children?
Finding ‘Beast’ mode
Wait. More. Idris Elba’s next is “Beast.” Lion country. Safari gone poop. Big cat wants to eat nice doctor and his daughters.
Elba: “They come to this village. Animal territory. The large rogue lion doesn’t want humans destroying his landscape. He’s smart. Calculating. It’s a first. The thrill ride doesn’t stop.”
Right. It’s Universal Pictures. Roars into theaters the 19th.
Hometown hits
FOR Tony Bennett’s 96th birthday tomorrow, singers Larry and Amanda Meyers take their “Tony and the Lady” revue to Vegas, New York and on the road. A downbeat of history to keep his music, memory and Gaga duets alive . . . AND apologies to colleague Steve Cuozzo who began eating out even when he was in utero, I just made a tour of Italian restaurants. Loved Chazz Palminteri’s on West 46th and Due on Third Avenue and East 79th. Just sayin’.
JUDGE to the accused: “Besides stealing money, you took watches, jewelry, diamond rings and pearls.” Prisoner: “Yes, Your Honor. I was taught that money alone does not bring happiness.”
Only in New York, kids, only in New York.
