TVSquad

I think most hit TV shows are sued at one point or another by someone who claims to have actually created the show. Usually it's someone unknown, but once in a while you get a real producer or writer with several credits who claims to have created the show. This is one of those cases.

Anthony Spinner, who among other credits produced and/or wrote for The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Cannon, Search,The FBI, Return of the Saint, and Baretta, is suing both ABC and Touchstone Television, saying that he created (and was paid $30,000 for) a show that is very similar to Lost way back in 1977. He actually sued back in 2005 but the case was dismissed for procedural reasons.

Within 6 to 8 weeks, TiVo will roll out a new expanded search feature the company's calling "Universal Swivel Search."

Universal Swivel Search will let you find programming that you like based on titles, actors, genres, or suggestions from other users. Sure, you can browse or search for actors or other keywords right now, but the new search feature won't require searching a specific database. My best guess is that means you'll be able to type in a show that you like and your TiVo will spit out a list of other shows you might want to record.

The bigger story is the fact that Universal Swivel Search will let you search for programs online as well as for shows that will be airing soon on television. The search will cover TiVo's online partners, ranging from Amazon Unbox to Rocketboom and other vlogs with TiVoCast channels.

(S01E01) Are you the only person on earth who isn't sick of the song "Don't Cha?" Well, you're in luck. You can hear it over and over again on the newest reality show from the CW.

Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll is the perfect show to audition for if you are too slutty for American Idol, too untalented for America's Next Top Model and too stupid for The Apprentice.

You may remember the host of the show, Mark McGrath as the lead singer of the band Sugar Ray. Personally, I have a hard time respecting someone who quits being one of the handsomest lead singers around to become a poor man's Chris Harrison.

Also, on hand, is the founder of the Dolls herself, Robin Antin. For you Blow Out fans, Robin is Jonathan Antin's more masculine sister. In the opening, Robin says the Pussycat Dolls are "always evolving." Sadly, that statement does not apply to Robin herself.

I think this is definitely one of those posts where some of you will say, "Wow, that's really cool" while others will say, "Why in the heck would I be interested in that?"

Someone, for whatever reason, has compiled a list of all (well most of) the operas and musical comedies produced for television during the last half century. The site was created along with the Indiana University Digital Library Program. You pretty much have to have some knowledge of opera or musicals in order to use it, otherwise you won't know what to search for. As I said, it's probably not everyone's cup of tea, but I had fun poking around the site. Besides, now I know that Carol Burnett played Calamity Jane in 1963. That kind of information will have to come in handy sometime.

[via Metafilter]

As part of its new, five-year initiative called PBS KIDS, the public television network is launching a nationwide search for someone to host its new preschool programming, which begins this fall. PBS describes the right person as someone "who embodies a warm, creative and charismatic approach to life-long learning and child engagement. And don't be too creepy." OK. I added that last line myself. The host will do more than just introduce the next show. He or she will act out language and musical segments and inspire the kids to think about what they're watching. PBS is considering current television talents and people in early childhood education for the job. You can find more information about the job here.