George R.R. Martin explains the “Game of Thrones” shocker
“I knew it almost from the beginning,” he says of the developments in “The Rains of Castamere.” “Not the first day, but very soon. I’ve said in many interviews that I like my fiction to be unpredictable. I like there to be considerable suspense.” He adds: “That was the hardest scene I”ve ever had to write. It”s two-thirds of the way through the book, but I skipped over it when I came to it. So the entire book was done and there was still that one chapter left. Then I wrote it.” PLUS: The final scene was impeccably well-constructed, the ending will be hard to forget, the episode went too far, congrats if you were unspoiled, “Thrones” characters get 90s makeovers, the scene took 1 week to film, and Richard Madden and Michelle Fairley discuss the episode.
“The Sopranos” named the No. 1 best-written TV show of all time, “Seinfeld” No. 2
The Writers Guild of America’s list of the “101 Best Written TV Series of All Time” also includes No. 7 “Mad Men,” No. 9 “The Wire,” No. 10 “The West Wing,” No. 11 “The Simpsons,” No. 12 “I Love Lucy” and No. 13 “Breaking Bad.”
“All in the Family’s” Jean Stapleton: An appreciation
Stapleton’s Edith Bunker on “All in the Family” was truly different, says Neil Genzlinger. “What set Ms. Stapleton’s work in the show apart was her ability to create a character who was not imprisoned by her own daffiness,” he explains. “There have been plenty of female airheads on television: bikinied bimbos, empty-headed housewives, batty old broads. But only a few have been able to make the kinds of transitions from the comic to the dramatic that were asked of Ms. Stapleton in ‘All in the Family.'” PLUS: Edith Bunker was no doormat.
“Community” stars may be responsible for Dan Harmon’s return
In his tweet announcing his return, Harmon thanked Joel McHale — which, says Alan Sepinwall, “squares with what I’ve heard from people close to the show: several of the castmembers weren’t happy with the season 4 scripts and pushed Sony for Harmon’s return.”
Could the Rolling Stones end up on “Downton Abbey”?
Hugh Bonneville has been pitching a cameo for Mick Jagger and his legendary bandmates, who are huge “Downton” fans: “Obviously they wouldn’t play themselves, but they could be a rag-tag bunch of traveling entertainers or even a circus act.”
Discovery pays tribute to its fallen “Storm Chasers”
Sunday’s “Mile Wide Tornado: Oklahoma Disaster” was dedicated to Tim Samaras and Carl Young, who perished Friday during the 2nd tornado to strike Oklahoma in as many weeks. PLUS: 12 days ago, Samaras talked about chasing the first Oklahoma tornado.
Jay Leno victorious in his final May sweeps
“The Tonight Show” topped David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel in total viewers and the key 18-49 demo.
What happened to Jimmy Fallon’s hand?
The “Late Night” star’s left hand is heavily bandaged up.
49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh to make a cameo on today’s “Judge Judy”
Harbaugh is such a huge “Judge Judy” fan — she taught him to never tell a lie — that he’s appeared in local commercials promoting her show.
“The Newsroom” releases its “Desert Promo”
Check out the latest glimpse from Season 2.
Oprah’s “Voice” special: She asks Carson Daly about the lack of breakout stars
Daly’s response: “Oprah, when did the endgame become success? And what does it mean to be successful? What does it mean to be a breakout star?”
“Blue Bloods” promotes Marisa Ramirez as Jennifer Esposito’s replacement
She’ll become a series regular next season.
See Amy Poehler & Seth Meyers hanging out in real life
The former “SNL” Weekend Update duo were spotted grabbing coffee in NYC on Sunday.
Who should replace Matt Smith on “Doctor Who”?
How about somebody not white and/or male? PLUS: Jenna-Louise Coleman pays tribute to “very special friend” Smith, and bookies offer odds on Smith’s replacement.
Kim Kardashian is expecting a girl
“Keeping Up With the Kardashians” revealed her upcoming baby’s gender.
Heidi Klum celebrates 40 years
The “Project Runway”/”America’s Got Talent” star celebrated entering her 40s with a hat-themed party.