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Jimmy Fallon is the most popular late night show host with a digital footprint to match. [Photo by Thomas Attila Lewis]
Yesterday Nickelodeon's "Dora the Explorer" celebrated its 10th anniversary. The groundbreaking series was the first animated Latina character on TV in a leading role. Today, she is seen by over 100 million kids around the world. The show airs in over 150 countries, and it is translated in over 30 languages. What was also remarkable about Dora is that she was neither a cutesy Strawberry Shortcake or sexed-up She-Ra female character - she's just intelligent, confident, and independent. Our two kids were brought up watching Dora but there was a very definite time when they had enough of the repetition and static animation style of the series. The Dora formula was easily parodied in "Saturday Night Live"'s "Maraka" by Robert Smigel which made us realize how unwatchable Dora had become.It's an achievement that Dora has made it to 10 years, but it's also a testament to failure that no other show for kids with a strong yet non-sexualized female lead character has manifest itself on Nickelodeon. Dora has made over $11 billion in merchandise sales so it's probably a no-brainer for Nick to keep the show going (without any significant changes). But to us, it's also a no-brainer for Nick to keep "Yo Gabba Gabba" going since it's a show with appeal beyond pre-schoolers as well as being enjoyable for parents to watch.
So, Nickelodeon, it makes sense for you to keep the profitable franchise going but it's obvious that you need to keep innovating with shows like "Yo Gabba Gabba" and a new show with a decent female lead. If you can do that then you might have another 10 years of good shows ahead of you.
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Jimmy Fallon is the top-ranked late night comedian when it comes to popularity and footprint: blogging, online video content, tweeting, and Ustreaming works. Running in second is Conan O'Brien who hasn't even had a show for most of the last year. Conan's replacement, Jay Leno, brings up the last 3rd of late night hosts. Very few people can do what Fallon does, and although he might not have had our full support when he started this venture, he's stepped up his game and performs admirably with the exception of his monologue (get some new writers!). We're looking forward to seeing him host the Emmys later this month, and were happy to talk to him at the Television Critics Association a couple weeks ago.
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The TV Junkie Plan: "Hell's Kitchen", "White Collar", "The Colony", "Louie", Kimmel (Sofýa Vergara, Gordon Ramsay), Ferguson (David Duchovny)
8:00pm Hell's Kitchen Fox - The final two contestants get a preview of the executive chef experience and are presented with a nerve-wracking challenge; the winner is announced
9:00pm White Collar USA - Neal is unknowingly hired to kill an insurance investigator.
9:00pm Swords: Life on the Line Discovery - Season Premiere. Capt. Scotty is crowded out of his favorite fishing spot; Capt. Linda vows to find fish or retire
9:00pm Warehouse 13 Syfy - Around the Bend
9:00pm Shaq Vs. ABC - Season Premiere.
9:00pm MasterChef Fox - The cooks must prove that they have mastered basic kitchen techniques; the judges reveal which cooks have made it into the top 14.
10:00pm The Colony Discovery - Dwindling resources and the addition of two outsiders upset the balance; colonists are attacked while scavenging for supplies.
10:00pm Rescue Me FX - When headquarters shuts down the house, the crew formulates a makeshift response to a nearby call; a face from the past stirs Tommy and Janet's emotions
10:00pm Covert Affairs USA - In the Light
10:00pm Chopped Food - Four women compete for the title of Chopped Champion; kabocha and sardines in appetizer round
11:00pm Lopez Tonight TBS - Actress Anna Paquin; WWE wrestler Randy "The Viper" Orton; WWE wrestler The Miz.
11:00pm Louie FX - Louie encounters a neighbor.
11:00pm Chelsea Lately E! - Actress Margaret Cho.
11:35pm The Tonight Show With Jay Leno NBC - Actress Anna Kendrick; actor Eli Roth.
12:05am Jimmy Kimmel Live ABC - Actress Sofýa Vergara; TV personality Gordon Ramsay; Christian Scott performs.
12:35am The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson CBS - Actor David Duchovny; author Dave Barry.
12:35am Late Night With Jimmy Fallon NBC - Actor Dylan McDermott; blogger Perez Hilton; Slayer performs.
