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A Father's Day Quiz: Beloved TV Dads

BuzzSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:30:09 -0700

Surely you remembered that this Sunday is Father's Day (and if you didn't, well consider this your reminder!), and in honor of the yearly day for dads, test your knowledge of some of television's best, worst and most interesting fathers.

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Top 10 Most Memorable TV Dads

BuzzSugar — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:16:04 -0700

Father's Day is fast approaching, so what better time to honor some of the most memorable television fathers? I've compiled a list of my top 10 dads (and a few father figures) to go along with my great movie dads list from the other day. There were so many stern, sweet and just plain goofy men to choose from, ranging from Sandy Cohen on "The OC" to George's dad on "Seinfeld" to Al Bundy on "Married with Children," so be sure to let me know your favorites. Here's who made my final cut:

No. 10: Philip Drummond, "Diff'rent Strokes"
Philip Drummond often went around with an expression of good-natured surprise. He was utterly patient with his one natural child Kimberly and his two adopted boys Arnold and Willis. The three kids somehow found their way into crazy stressful situations (riding in cars with strangers, bank holdups, learning how to "just say no" to drugs, etc.), and then there were the hand-wringing moments, like when Philip was in the hospital after a car crash and had amnesia! But the sweet, even-tempered Philip Drummond always bounced back, and provided a supremely healthy living environment for all his kids - both adopted and natural.

No. 9: Joey Harris and Michael Taylor, "My Two Dads"
Nicole's hot city apartment with its spiral staircase and giant high-heeled chair more than made up for her strange and awkward situation: With her mother deceased, joint custody was awarded to both Joey and Michael, both of whom had had a thing with Nicole's mom. The way I saw it, Nicole had the best life, living with two dads who were remarkably opposite. There was the hot, free-wheeling dad (Greg Evigan) who could totally show her how to lighten up and party, and the uptight nervous dad (Paul Reiser) who could help her with school and who was great for anxious comedic relief. Plus, if Nicole ever needed womanly advice, "Night Court"'s Judge Margaret W. Wilbur was there to lend a hand. Besides having lost her mother, she had an awesome arrangement!

Eight more if you read more

No. 8: Jason Seaver, "Growing Pains"
To some extent, we have Jason Seaver to thank for giving stay-at-home dads a good name on TV. By working from home while his wife took a series of journalism jobs, Jason was present for all of the misadventures of his two troublemaking sons and brainy daughter.

No. 7: Henry Warnimont, "Punky Brewster"
Everybody's favorite multi-colored multi-print orphan, Punky Brewster, showed up in Henry's apartment building and they were instant soul mates! Well, okay, she had to grow on Henry a little bit. And even then she was a major handful. But still, one could not hope for a funnier, cuter, more loyal little girl, and Henry knew this, even if he was kind of on the elderly, grouchy side. The two made an unlikely - but heartbreakingly adorable - pair, and I'm not sure I miss any TV duo the way I miss Punky and her Henry.

No. 6: Steven Keaton, "Family Ties"
For some reason, one of my earliest TV memories is watching Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox) tell his father, Steven, to stop acting like it was the 1970s. But Steven never really stopped being a hippie, and I always got a kick out of watching him try to reconcile his flower-child, liberal, public-television perspective with the views of his stodgy, conservative kids.

No. 5: Charles, "Charles in Charge"
OK, so Scott Baio's Charles wasn't technically a dad. But as a live-in babysitter for not one but two different families, he helped all the Pembroke and Powell kids through their awkward years - while also nabbing a perfect girlfriend, reigning in eccentric best friend Buddy, and rocking many a pair of suspenders. What child of the '80s didn't secretly want "Charles in charge of our days and our nights"?

No. 4: Jack Bauer, "24"

Jack Bauer is gruff and grumbly, fierce and loving, protective and sweet. His relationship with daughter Kim (Elisha Cuthbert) is rocky at times, and he puts her life in danger more than a lot. But the thing is, Kim is one character who can always (always!) pout, "My dad is coming for you - and he's gonna make you pay!" and totally be right about that. Every time Jack Bauer saves his blonde-haired little girl (who's actually like, 25 years old), I have to cheer.

No. 3: Homer Simpson, "The Simpsons"
Possibly the greatest television oaf of all time, Homer's belching, beer drinking and crude humor might not make him the best role model. But he's always done his best - however bumbling he may be - to show Bart, Lisa and Maggie that he cares for them. I mean, what other father would demand that his son cut school so they could steal grease together? That's love.

No. 2: Danny Tanner, Joey Gladstone and Jesse Katsopolis, "Full House"
Unsure of how to parent his three little girls after his wife's death, Danny Tanner did the only thing he could think of: He recruited his best friend and his wife's little brother to move in. As a result, Danny, Uncle Jesse and Uncle Joey teamed up for eight cheesy but wonderful seasons chock full of life lessons. No matter how serious the topic - drinking, drugs, abuse, meat loaf - it was nothing that couldn't be resolved with a heart-to-heart between Danny or the Uncles and their girls. I loved how almsot every episode seemed to freeze-frame on a father-daughter hug.

No. 1: Cliff Huxtable, "The Cosby Show"
Was there any doubt Cliff would be my No. 1? He was the kind of dad we all wanted (and some of us were lucky enough to have): stern but sensitive, endearingly goofy, and serious without being preachy. He was close to his son, Theo, but also knew how to navigate the challenges of raising four daughters. It's no wonder he was your favorite sitcom dad, and it's going to take one heck of an amazing TV father to ever knock him from this perch.

"24" and "The Simpsons" photos courtesy of Fox
"Full House" photo Source
"Punky Brewster" photo Source
"My Two Dads" photo Source
"Charles in Charge" photo Source
"Growing Pains" photo Source
"Family Ties" photo Source
"Cosby Show" photo Source

Grey's Anatomy Rundown, "Holidaze"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

As evidenced in my holiday TV sneak peek, this week's episode of Grey's Anatomy puts the doctors on a fast track that starts on Thanksgiving eve and runs through New Year's Eve. As we all know by now, the Seattle Grace surgeons aren't always big on merriment, but the holidays are always the perfect time to bring out the truth in feelings and relationships.

Meredith bonds with the Chief while Mark learns that he has a teenage daughter. Bailey has a confrontation with her father and Teddy and Owen's sexual tension comes to a head. To read all about it, just read more.

As the episode opens, the Chief is trying to justify his drinking to Meredith - explaining that his alcoholism was "misdiagnosed" and that he was actually suffering from situational depression. (Um, right.) It's unclear whether Mere takes his word for it because she believes him or feels like she has to, but she accepts his mentorship. Later she bites off Thatcher's head when he suggests that the Chief shouldn't be drinking, and by NYE realizes that he does have a problem, but continues to keep it a secret. There is one good thing that comes from it: Derek and the Chief finally make amends after duking it out all season.
Bailey does her best to avoid acknowledging the holidays because she's afraid to tell her parents about her divorce. Instead, she gladly dives into work - until her father makes a surprise visit on Christmas Eve. After watching Miranda perform surgery, he delivers a way harsh speech about being ashamed of her decision to "break" her family and put work first. At Christmas dinner (with the whole Seattle Grace crew, no less), Miranda finally puts her foot down and tells her dad that she's not willing to settle for a bad relationship. Did anyone else want to slow clap, at this point? Because I did.
Mark gets a blast from the past when a buxom blonde appears at the hospital claiming to be his daughter. (I kind of love that her name is Sloan). Mark isn't exactly thrilled with feeling old, joking that "death has come to call." Lexie is also troubled by the news at first, and I couldn't blame her for slicing her finger when Mark drops the bomb that Sloan is moving in. Two months later, he hasn't made any progress, and it's clear that his daughter isn't exactly a cup of tea. Just when Mark finally gets the nerve to kick her out, Sloan reveals that she's pregnant with a baby of her own. Instead of contemplating his potential grandpa status (talk about feeling old), Mark's paternal instincts kick into gear with impeccable timing and he comforts her. Sidenote: I find it interesting that Mark handles the situation exactly how Quinn wished her parents had on Glee this week - stroking her hair, assuring her that everything would be okay.
Teddy is already coming between Cristina and Owen's relationship, even if just with pages. Still loving her new cardio god, Cristina is happy to be Teddy's bitch (as Alex calls her) and work as a team - until she catches Owen giving Teddy meaningful glances. Owen confronts Teddy and reveals that he had feelings with her when they were overseas together, and in turn Teddy confesses that she's always been in love with him. They are literally this close to kissing, but Owen says he loves Cristina and runs to her instead. Despite their passionate makeout sesh at the end of the episode, I still have an ominous feeling about Cristina's kiss with Avery (who is still giving her flack about her relationship with Owen).

What's your verdict on this week's episode? Are you sad to put Grey's aside for six weeks? Did it put you in the holiday spirit or did it all seem a bit premature? Don't forget to keep the conversation rolling in the Grey's Anatomy McAddicts group in the Buzz Community!

Link Time! Omarosa Is Searching For a Husband

BuzzSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:30:30 -0800

Omarosa is looking for love with a new reality TV show. But the biggest surprise? The Donald is helping her - Defamer

An Inglourious Basterds prequel is brewing - Marc Malkin

Uh-oh, Mad Men fans. For those romantics hoping for a Don and Betty reconciliation, chances sound grim - Daily Beast

Cobra Starship's new video is a "Hot Mess" - HitFix

Cute Reunion actor Sean Faris is joining The Vampire Diaries - Ausiello Files

Who's your favorite female author? - TresSugar

Holiday movie preview! - Moviefone

Death Cab For Cutie performs "Meet Me at the Equinox" at a Hot Topic store. Teen girls' minds explode. - Stereogum

Twitter phenom Sh*t My Dad Says is being made into a TV show - TV Squad

New York Magazine's 40 songs that define the Brooklyn sound right now - New York Magazine

Rewind: This Week's Buzz

BuzzSugar — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:00:54 -0800

We have four movies hitting theaters this weekend, including The Box, Precious (check out my interview with star Gabby Sidibe), The Men Who Stare at Goats, and A Christmas Carol if you want some early holiday cheer.
Speaking of the holidays, if you're already thinking up presents, I've got suggestions for your mom, dad, and grandma.
In Twilight-related news: I asked you to speculate which New Moon actor would have the biggest post-Twilight career. Plus, Books of Twilight member audreystar had a few words of advice for the Breaking Dawn screenwriter.
I took a peek at two highly anticipated film trailers: Angelina in Salt and a very beefy Jake Gyllenhaal in Prince of Persia.
Angelina also popped up on my list of 10 favorite actors with famous parents!
Weezer's new album came out. I gave it my review and watched their performance with Leighton Meester.
Alec Baldwin had a good week: First, he got tapped to host the Oscars alongside Steve Martin, and he's reportedly getting a new love interest on 30 Rock - Julianne Moore!
V premiered, so I asked for your opinion on it - and on these 10 TV shows that transitioned to college.
Don't forget that Sunday is the season finale of Mad Men! But don't be sad, there's always their Office doppelgangers.

Photos courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Movies, and Source

Link Time: Watch Kris Allen's Video For "Live Like We're Dying"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:39 -0800

Kris Allen's music video for "Live Like We're Dying" is here - Music Mix

Jemaine Clement says that he and Bret may not return for Flight of the Conchords because they're dads now - Vulture

New Moon's Jamie Campbell Bower thinks Tim Burton should direct Breaking Dawn - MTV Movies Blog

Watch Jay-Z and U2 perform "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" in Berlin - Pitchfork

Five Mad Men spinoffs that would be great ideas - TV.com

Jim Carrey's new website may freak you out - MTV Movies Blog

JJ Abrams is directing and exec-producing the pilot for his show Undercovers for NBC - Coming Soon

Top Chef Masters is cooking for the cast of Modern Family today! - Steve Levitan's Twitter

This week's Parks and Recreation brings up an interesting relationship issue - TresSugar

Stephen Frears reunites with his High Fidelity screenwriter D.V. De Vincentis for Lay the Favorite - Cinematical

Buzz Gift Guide: Goodies For Grandma

BuzzSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:30:00 -0800

Let the holiday gift lists keep rolling: Yesterday, I gave you my picks for dad, and today I'm tackling grandma. Sure, she pretty much likes anything you give her, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't put thought into her presents to show your appreciation.

Classic movies, Mary Tyler Moore, and TV game shows always seem like a safe bet, or if yours is like mine and can never find her reruns of King of Queens on the tube, I've thrown in a handy-dandy TV Guide subscription. I'm thinking of giving her that along with a Betty Draper tee - just so she can remind people of who the original 60s glam housewife really was.

Oh, and once you're done buying for grandma, don't forget to check out all of the gift guides across the Sugar network.

Link Time: Hugh Jackman Not Hosting the 2010 Oscars

BuzzSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:30:24 -0700

Hugh Jackman has declined to host next year's Oscars - Moviefone
Spoon has announced their next album, Transference, due in January - Pitchfork
Fox has renewed American Dad for a sixth season - Coming Soon
This Is It has been certified fresh by critics - Rotten Tomatoes
Need a last-minute Halloween costume? Check out these ideas inspired by TV characters! - TV.com
Cop the '70s style from upcoming movie The Box - CasaSugar
John Rhys-Davies isn't going to be in The Hobbit prequel as a dwarf - MTV Movies Blog
Glee's Matthew Morrison, AKA Mr. Schuester, has plans to release a solo album - Access Hollywood
The first Lost promo for season six is not terribly exciting - Vulture
Get a load of the Today show hosts as the cast of Star Wars! - Best Week Ever

Mad Men: This Week's 5 Maddest Moments

BuzzSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:30:33 -0700

Far fewer feet were cut off in this week's episode of Mad Men, but there's still intense imagery. The way the episode kicks off, with a bloody Don, Peggy in bed, and Betty on a fainting couch, you know this installment, "Seven Twenty Three," is going to be explosive.

To talk about the episode and see my five maddest moments (spoilers ahead!), just read more.

The Flash Forwards: Peggy, Don, and Betty are all shown lying down somewhere in vastly different situations - clearly these are the three paramount plot lines for the episode. I have to say, I really liked the subtle drama of the flashes.
Old Yeller: What's with Don yelling at the women in his life? Peggy is the first victim of his wrath when she dares to ask for a spot on the Hilton account. Then he shouts at Betty at home for having an opinion about his contract. What crawled up his gray flannel suit?
Duck, Duck, Peggy: When I wondered how Duck Philips would turn up this season, I did not think it would be in bed with Peggy. Duck's seduction of Peggy really only seemed like it was to get her to Gray; I didn't see a sexual thing coming. I mean, his name is Duck. He's not exactly the smoldering Lothario that Don is. Listening to his dirty talk is weird - even though it's pretty clean, it still scandalized me. The two tense encounters Peggy has with the main men in her life - Pete and Don - seem to be what make her vulnerable enough to have a "go-round" (I know, what?!) with Duck, who's sort of the anti-Don (Très has even more questions about this one-night stand). P.S. I love that no one notices that Peggy comes to work the next day in the same outfit she wore the day before. Classic.
Burt Blackmails: Am I dense for just not caring that much about the Conrad Hilton account? It's kind of cool to see real-life people integrated into the storyline, but he only appears to be there to press the contract issue. Right when I was telling my TV, "We get it Don, you don't like to be tied down," little old Burt Cooper shows up in Don's office and makes a reference to his knowledge of Don's true identity. And by making a reference, I mean he blackmails Don into signing the three-year contract. Burt's play is the most interesting thing about the contract; I'm glad it's finally wrapped up.
Don and the Bad Scene: You know you're having a bad trip when your dead, abusive dad shows up, tells you hillbilly jokes, and insults you. From the flashes of Don bloody and face down in a motel room, you know Don's headed for trouble when he leaves the house. He really sticks his foot in it this time; somehow, taking two barbiturates washed down with whiskey while driving seems excessive, even for Don. Fine, Don: no one can control you. Getting punched in the back of the head and then robbed is what his flash built up to; is this some kind of a rock bottom, or is he still on the way down? (By the by, it's realistic by now, but the fact that there's no fallout with Betty when Don takes off, stays out all night, and comes back with a facial wound cracks me up.)

So do you think we're going to see more of this Don/Dick Jekyll and Hyde thing? I won't be surprised if we do; the first scene of this season recalled Don's beginnings as Dick. What else were you intrigued by? Betty's involvement with the politician? Miss Farrell's somewhat bizarre interaction with Don about hitting on her? To talk more about the show, join the Mad Men Group in the BuzzSugar community!

Photo courtesy of AMC