Times Square Gossip

CNN'S TAKE ON ROSEANNE BARR ABC has cancelled the revival “Roseanne.” The move comes after series star Roseanne Barr made a comment on Twitter Tuesday morning referring to former Obama aide Valerie Jarrett as the offspring of the “Muslim Brotherhood & Planet of the Apes.” Jarrett, an African-American, was born in Iran to American parents. “Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show,” ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey said in a statement. Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger voiced his support for the cancellation, tweeting “There was only one thing to do here, and that was the right thing.” Before the cancellation Wanda Sykes, who worked as a consulting producer on the first revival season, announced she would not be returning for the show’s next season. GO WORK FOR DONALD TRUMP ROSEANNE!  

Viola Davis ABC will screen the first episode of documentary series “The Last Defense,” from executive producers Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, XCON Productions and Lincoln Square Productions, at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival on FRIDAY, APRIL 27. The seven-episode docu-series explores and exposes flaws in the American justice system through emotional, in-depth examinations of multiple death row cases. This first hour of a three-hour-arc takes a look at the case of Julius Jones, a star college athlete convicted of shooting a father of two at point-blank range as his attorneys race against the clock to get him a new trial before his execution date is set. Previously announced in June 2017, “The Last Defense” will look at cases from all angles returning to the scene of the crime, re-interview witnesses and delve beyond the details of the crime and court proceedings to take a deep look into the personal stories of the subjects, seeking to trace the path that led them to...

Matt Lauer Conversation @ The View Hot Topics @ The View : Matt Lauer fired from NBC over sexual misconduct allegations. "This was really hard for me to hear because I grew up at the Today show and I worked with Matt for years and years," Sara Haines said of her experience at NBC after the long-time anchor was fired due to "inappropriate sexual behavior." "He was someone that cheerleaded for me and supported me — and as I know Savannah said, he was extremely beloved there." "I do commend the person with the bravery who comes out to speak about any of this type of behavior." "I feel for my friends over there today because I know it's a dark day there at the Today show — it's just hard."

**** Top Democrat on House Intel Committee Rep. Adam Schiff Says Was “Blindsided, But Mostly Just Mystified” by Nunes’ Actions. **** Rep. Adam Schiff Rep. Schiff joined the co-hosts from Washington, D.C. and said he was “mystified” by the actions of the committee’s chair Rep. Devin Nunes: “He has to either have the surrogate role or the chairman role, but he can’t do both.” “There’s no basis for the president’s slanderous accusation against his predecessor,” Schiff said of Nunes' highly-criticized intelligence brief to Pres. Trump. “Even on the basis of what the chairman has said about these intercepts, nothing in it vindicates the president in any way.” Hot Topics : What's Behind House Intelligence Committee Head Nunes' Russia Probe Comments? Whoopi Goldberg reacted to Pres. Trump saying he's 'vindicated' in Russia probe developments: "He's not vindicated! No one was directly tapping you!" Jedediah Bila addr...

Wyclef Jean Flipping Over Police Tonight on “Nightline,” co-anchor Dan Harris sits down with Wyclef Jean who says he thought he was being “Punk’d” when an LA Sheriff pulled him over. This is sure to be one interesting story. Photo By: Media Punch Inc

**** TUNE IN ALERT Saturday, February 18 On ABC **** Meryl Davis & Charlie White Colgate Skating & Gymnastics Spectacular is a skating and gymnastics-themed special hosted by Kristi Yamaguchi, Michael Weiss and Olympic Gold Medalist gymnasts Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci. The special will feature figure skaters, including Olympic Gold Medalists Meryl Davis & Charlie White, Nancy Kerrigan, Alissa Czisny, Caydee Denney & John Coughlin, Carly Donowick, and Wesley Campbell – as well as gymnasts including Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles, Olympic 3x medalist Danell Leyva, John Orozco, Donnell Whittenburg and Paul Ruggeri. Special musical performances by indie-pop band Echosmith. Photo Courtesy of: ABC

Kiefer Sutherland Kevin Zegers Kevin Zegers and Kiefer Sutherland were snapped at the Disney ABC 2016 Summer Press Tour at the Beverly Hilton the other day in Beverly Hills, California. Photo By: mpi99/MediaPunch

Elizabeth Vargas Elizabeth Vargas returned to co-anchor “20/20” after completing her rehabilitation for alcohol. She sat down with George Stephanopoulos to discuss her journey. The interview aired on “Good Morning America” this morning. To watch the video, please visit HERE .  Photo By: RD/Leon/Retna

**** FALL TELEVISION **** Katie Couric Katie Couric tackles captivating issues, unforgettable newsmaking headlines and fascinating famous faces -- it’s talk that matters when her nationally-syndicated talk show, “Katie,” premieres its second season on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013. “We’re so excited to head into Season Two,” said Executive Producer Rachel Miskowiec. “We are in a unique position to be a destination for people with a deeper story to tell, to be a place for smart conversation and to also have a good time. Katie is on top of what America is talking about, so we’ll give our viewers in-depth stories that will inform, inspire and entertain.” On the premiere episode airing Monday, September 9, Katie’s friend and rapper, Lil Wayne, sits down for an exclusive conversation. Also, hear the heart-stopping stories and meet the courageous people behind recent news headlines. During the first three weeks, Hollywood superstars Robert...

**** “LUKE AND LAURA” IN AN EXCLUSIVE JOINT INTERVIEW, KATIE CRASHES THE GH SET, A PERFORMANCE BY RICK SPRINGFIELD, AND MUCH MORE! **** Katie Couric And Jason Thompson Genie Francis And Anthony Geary General Hospital is celebrating fifty years on television, and Katie Couric is hosting a full hour of GH fun – with a touch of drama, of course – honoring the beloved soap opera! Katie has filled her audience with die-hard GH fans for this very special show, as she hosts some of your favorite Port Charles residents from over the years. The General Hospital extravaganza airs today on Katie. Photos Courtesy Of: ABC/Disney

**** TELEVISION NEWS **** David Muir And Elizabeth Vargas ABC News President Ben Sherwood made an announcement yesterday about the on-air team at “20/20″. David Muir will join Elizabeth Vargas as co-anchor while continuing to anchor “World News” on the weekends and to substitute for Diane and report during the week. For the last two years David has appeared on air more often than any correspondent at any news division, reporting from Tahrir Square to Fukushima to Tucson to Aurora. David has been an authoritative presence at the anchor desk, most recently anchoring nearly five hours straight as we learned of the horrible events unfolding in Newtown. Last year he logged thousands of hours on the road while covering the Romney campaign, crisscrossing the country numerous times. His interviews with Governor Romney often made headlines far beyond ABC News.

**** TALK TELEVISION **** Katie Couric And Hugh Jackman Katie & Hugh Jackman Play Sing That Show Tune Tomorrow on "Katie," the one and only Hugh Jackman! Hugh is one of Katie's favorite people, and their conversation will not disappoint: from parenting his daughter his son Oscar to his latest role that may win him a very different kind of Oscar. Plus: Katie surprises Hugh with a show tune sing-off. Who knows their Broadway better? Find out Tuesday on Katie! "Katie" is nationally syndicated. Check local listings or our online station finder . On his marriage, struggling with infertility and miscarriages, and how his life changed when his adopted son was born. KC: “You know, you’ve actually talked very openly about the fact that you and Deb had some fertility issues the, the children are adopted—and uh, that I think people don’t realize what an excruciating, difficult time that is when you’re ...

 **** ABC News correspondent Nick Watt sat down with actor Clint Eastwood recently to discuss his new film and RNC speech. The interview will air tomorrow on “ Good Morning America ”. **** Clint Eastwood Clint Eastwood On His New Film  'Trouble With the Curve,' And RNC Speech By Leezel Tanglao | ABC News Blogs With the pending release of his first movie in nearly four years, in which he worked for a director other than himself for the first time in almost two decades, actor Clint Eastwood spoke to "Good Morning America" exclusively about his highly anticipated film, "Trouble With the Curve," which stars Justin Timberlake and Amy Adams, and his now-famous Republican National Convention speech. The film paints a stunning portrait of aging and a father's complicated relationship with a beloved daughter. "The project appealed to me in the story and there was a character in there I thought I could ...

The Jonas Brothers Carson Kressley Beth Ostrosky Stern Chris Harrison Demi Lovato Ali Fedotowsky Meredith Vieira Ashley Benson Lucy Hale Jason Dolley Leigh-Allyn Baker Bridgit Mendler Eric Allan Kramer Bradley Steven Perry Brandon Barash Julie Berman Adrianna Leon Brian Van Holt With Ian Gomez Chrishell Stause With Ricky Paul Goldin Cameron Mathison Christina Lind Rebecca Budig Rebecca Budig along with Christina Lind, Chris Harrison , The Jonas Brothers , Cameron Mathison , Demi Lovato, Chrishell Stause, Ricky Paull Goldin, Adrianna Leon and many more stars attended the Disney / ABC Television Group Summer Press Junket at ABC Studios in Burbank, California. Photos By: RD / Kirkland / Retna Digital

**** THE WEB GOSSIP **** The guy or girl that writes this column is a very big industry insider who wishes to remain anonymous, but wants to write about all the headlines happening in Hollywood and the Music Industry. **** Bob Iger OSCARS AWAY – IT HURTS SO GOOD – I have to say I had high hopes for this year’s Oscar-fest, although what with the ill-timed move by Jimmy Dolan’s Cablevisison (more below) to strip ABC TV away from some 3 million viewers at the very last minute, some of the luster was worn away … although 17-minutes into the show, Cablevision restored the signal ... and, flashed to a shot of ABC/Disney honcho Bob Iger. Tacky, right? But, that’s Jimmy Dolan and this mess in spades! The tackiness never ends! I had many friends out there who just couldn't believe that this happened … right before the 82nd Oscars. But, that’s the point, right? Moving forward: as the show opened, Neil Patrick Harris performed a song (Marty Short as suppose to be there but pulled out at the ...

Joel Siegel recently in Times Square Joel Siegel, the upbeat and often joyous film critic for ABC television's "Good Morning America" for 26 years, died on Friday at age 63 after a long battle against colon cancer, the network said. Siegel, who was surrounded by family and friends when he died in New York, had stopped working just two weeks ago, and colleagues said he had maintained such a positive attitude that few people realized how sick he was, according to the network. He had been a regular fixture on "Good Morning America" since joining the broadcast in 1981. He previously reviewed films for ABC affiliates and other networks. His Friday movie reviews were a staple on "Good Morning America" and no matter how bad the film, it could not daunt Siegel's spirits.He delivered his pans and plaudits in a terse but witty style. Reviewing one popular film last year, he said: "'The Pursuit of Happyness'" gets a C for spelling and an A ...

Celebrity photographer Mark Rupp and daytime uber diva Susan Lucci are all smiling after the taping of "ABC Daytime Salutes Broadway Cares" The star studded event was co-hosted by Lucci and The View's Joy Behar. Dozens of daytimes biggest names participated in the event and hundreds of fans and stars flooded the Times Square Marriot Marguis for a VIP after Party.