News and Quick Comments

LOS ANGELES — With two heavyweight shows leaving, Starz is preparing for its next life.
That will include a “Power” spin-off with Mary J. Blige’s music, plus a “Dangerous Liaisons” prequel and more. That comes just as Starz loses its giants:
— “Power” (shown here) starting Aug. 25. It will have 10 episodes, take a break, then start the last five in January. “Everyone is going to have a big opinion after those last five episodes,” said co-creator Courtney Kemp. “A BIG opinion.” There will also be a talk show, “Power Confidential,” after each hour.
— “Outlander,” starting its last, 12-episode season in January. Read more…

A lot of TV shows flash past me, some quite good and some rather awful
.Occasionally, however, one is so good that I have to stop and marvel. I’ve just seen the two-hour opener of Ken Burns’ eight-night “Country Music”; it is truly great television.
This won’t reach TV until Sept. 15 (opening PBS’ season), but let’s talk about why it’s so good. Read more…

Before pondering “Love Island,” we should remember that CBS is semi-sacred ground.
This is the land of Lucy and Letterman, the home of Murrow and Cronkite and “60 Minutes.” It’s the “Tiffany Network,” where Ed Sullivan gave us Broadway and the Beatles and where Norman Lear and MTM transformed comedy. It’s still the home of the Tonys and Grammys and Kennedy Center Honors.
And now it’s where Caro Viehwig, 21, explained that “my hair is my best quality.”
And where Alana Morrison, also 21, announced: “I got a nice butt. I really do.” Read more…