Here’s something that might be fun to argue about over the holidays.

We’re coming up on the close of 2010 and an era that has run roughly 60 years.  That is, the cultural domination of the broadcast networks via their prime-time schedules.

But with literally thousands of channels available to consumers via cable, satellite and the Internet, the idea of a few broadcasters deciding what Americans would watch and when they would watch it is starting to look almost quaint.

Still, the networks have provided lots of programming over the last 60 years that will live on in the cultural memory for decades more.  So, with 60 years worth of programming to choose from, I decided to create one ultimate schedule that would represent the best of an era (clearly I have...

First of all, I’m not out to kick Charlie Sheen when he’s down. I sincerely wish him godspeed in getting past his personal problems and turning his life around -- which right now might be viewed as a lesson in how money can’t buy happiness.

So, here’s the situation.

NBC is facing an affiliate revolt against “The Jay Leno Show” at 10 p.m. because the show’s low ratings are seriously hurting their 11 p.m. newscasts.

Leno has, thus far, refused the 8 p.m. slot previously offered by NBC, but he likely would accept a reinstatement as host of “The Tonight Show” at 11:35 p.m. The problem is current host Conan O’Brien (with ratings troubles of his own) will not go quietly back into the late night.

Though each host is having a difficult time in his current slot, both are proven ratings winners in other circumstances – and other networks (notably ABC and Fox) would jump at the chance to scoop up either one and cause additional headaches for the Peacock....