Jeff Pfeiffer, Author at StayTuned Magazine

“Sharknado” blows again this Thursday on Syfy

July 15, 2013 Jeff Pfeiffer

Just as quickly as a real tornado can form and overtake its surroundings, so too did the social media storm that erupted around the Syfy Original Movie Sharknado last week. Somehow it ended up being a perfect storm that sucked in snarky Twitter commenters from all walks of life, although the movie’s title and premise really weren’t particularly unusual given their pedigree (really, was Sharknado any sillier than Mansquito or Sharktopus?). Perhaps Sharknado simply marked the point at which Syfy Original Movies broke through to a wider audience, even though they have been popular among their traditional young adult base for […]

Paula Deen comic book still in the works

July 11, 2013 Jeff Pfeiffer

Despite her recent controversy, media firestorm and loss of several sponsors — along with being fired from Food Network — due to her inflammatory racial comments, Paula Deen will still be the subject of a Female Force biographical comic book to be available this fall, according to publisher Bluewater Productions. “We do not condone [Paula Deen’s] use of racial insensitivities, and think that intolerance has no place in a just society,” said Bluewater’s president Darren G. Davis, “but despite her recent failings, we also strongly believe she still has a powerful story to tell; one that fits the female empowerment […]

NBC’s Brian Williams interviews Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman

July 10, 2013 Jeff Pfeiffer

Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman met with NBC News’ Brian Williams for his first television interview since the attack nearly three months ago that cost Bauman both of his legs above the knee. Bauman had been at the finish line of the race to cheer on his girlfriend at the time of the blasts, and is now learning to walk again on prostheses. In the interview, Jeff Bauman tells Brian Williams that he remembers seeing Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev at the finish line and provided a description of him to authorities, including the backpack he says Tamerlan […]

“Beware the Batman” offers new take on the Dark Knight

July 10, 2013 Jeff Pfeiffer

With a popular, long-running character such as Batman, it’s always possible to reinvent and reinterpret him in various ways — from a campy crusader to a grim protector; from a straight-up hero to a conflicted, nuanced avenger; and everything in between. Several of these variations seem to have been combined in the new animated series Beware the Batman, premiering July 13 on Cartoon Network as part of its Saturday morning “DC Nation” block. Given its time slot and apparent aim toward a more youthful audience, Beware the Batman does not get overly bleak and scary, at least from what I’ve […]

Key & Peele announced as 2013 TCA Awards hosts

July 9, 2013 Jeff Pfeiffer

The Television Critics Association (TCA) announced that Comedy Central stars Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, from the hit sketch comedy show Key & Peele, will co-host the 29th Annual TCA Awards Aug. 3 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, an invite-only event. “As professional journalists, we’ve followed the careers of Key and Peele since they broke on to the scene with Mad TV. Based on their comedic work on that show, they immediately caught our attention,” said TCA President Candace Havens. “We’ve noticed how they have honed their trade and elevated their sketches, as the freedom of Comedy Central allows them […]

National TV coverage of National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) begins July 14 on FOX Soccer

July 8, 2013 Jeff Pfeiffer

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) recently announced its 2013 national TV schedule, with FOX Sports Media Group offering exclusive live coverage of nine matches, featuring six regular-season matches and all three playoff matches, including the two semifinal games on Aug. 24 and the championship game on Aug. 31. FOX Soccer is set to televise one NWSL game per week over the final six weeks of the season, with each club appearing at least once on national television, leading up to the NWSL playoffs. The FOX Soccer NWSL coverage begins July 14 at 8:30pm ET, with an East vs. West […]

Univision announces Copa Oro 2013 Spanish-language coverage

July 2, 2013 Jeff Pfeiffer

Univision recently announced the schedule for its exclusive Spanish-language coverage of Copa Oro 2013 (Gold Cup 2013), the biennial soccer tournament and premier event for FIFA’s CONCACAF confederation. The network said that in addition to television coverage across various Univision properties, there will also be interactive platforms, including live-streaming of all Copa Oro 2013 matches made available to viewers in the United States and Puerto Rico at UnivisionDeportes.com. A schedule of Copa Oro 2013 live streams online is available here. Copa Oro 2013 kicks off Sunday, July 7, with live coverage of Canada vs Martinique, followed by two-time defending champion […]

Fourth of July 2013 TV programming

July 1, 2013 Jeff Pfeiffer

As America celebrates its 237th birthday over Fourth of July 2013, television networks will again have several programs of all types airing during the holiday, which falls on a Thursday this year but will perhaps carry over through the weekend for people able to take the Friday off. Various movies, music specials, documentaries, movie marathons and sporting events will air over Fourth of July 2013 week, and here are some notable ones. FOURTH OF JULY 2013 TV PROGRAMMING (All times are ET; check back for updates and additions.) 4th of July Music — July 2 at 12am through July 8 […]

Mark Burnett bringing sequel to “The Bible” series to NBC

July 1, 2013 Jeff Pfeiffer

NBC announced today that Mark Burnett, who already has a relationship with the network through his series The Voice and Celebrity Apprentice, will continue that relationship by bringing his follow-up to the smash-hit series The Bible to NBC. The Bible was a huge success for History channel this past spring when it aired its 10 parts, which covered Genesis through Revelation. It’s likely NBC is hoping for similar ratings results in this sequel, which has the working title of A.D.: Beyond the Bible. As he did with The Bible, Burnett (pictured) will be producing with his wife, Roma Downey (who […]

“Psych”: USA orders two additional Season 8 episodes and lets fans vote on a storyline

June 27, 2013 Jeff Pfeiffer

USA Network announced yesterday that due to the overwhelming popularity of its hit series Psych, it will be adding two more episodes to the show’s upcoming Season 8. Additionally, USA has opened up online voting to fans for the selection of a storyline to be featured in a Psych Season 8 episode. The results of the online voting will be announced when Psych returns to San Diego’s Comic-Con on July 18 (with the panel being moderated by Cary Elwes, who will guest-star again as master thief Despereaux in Psych Season 8). The Comic-Con presentation will also feature an advance screening […]