The much anticipated SNL episode featuring legendary “Golden Girl” Betty White aired last Saturday and brought with it some staggering numbers. The final numbers came in on Thursday, showing that an estimated 12.1 million people tuned in to the late-night sketch show to see White host, reports The New York Times. That number represents the second-largest audience SNL has had in the past sixteen years - sans the political parodies in 2008 – since 1994 when Steve Martin hosted and Eric Clapton performed. White’s SNL was not far behind Martin’s though, whose audience was 12.2 million.

Even more intriguing than the audience size was the demographic itself. 18-49 year olds represented the audience who watched White’s episode, and this demographic is the one that television shows attempt to target. In this demographic, last weekend’s SNL earned a 4.6 rating. Had White’s episode aired in prime-time, it would have beaten nearly every show except for “American Idol” and “Glee.”

The Twitterverse seemed to love White’s stint on SNL last weekend.

1. 
   tw3e_ just watched the betty white episode of SNL. it was fantastic! one of the best shows ever
2. 
   druggedllama Just got done watching the Betty White SNL show, and it was hilarious, best SNL I have seen in years
3. 
   bpcrook Just watched SNL with Betty White. Hilarious.
4. 
   AEHCeugene Just watched Betty White on SNL. HILARIOUS! She is amazing!
5. 
   JoeFigueroa83 I never thought I’d say this, but Betty White was one of the best hosts on SNL in a while. And she’s 88 years old. Go Betty White.
6. 
   trixiefaerie I can’t believe FB made Betty White host SNL that is all kinds of awesome!
7. 
   tastyvocals So I finally watched the SNL with Betty White last night. That was one of the funniest SNLs I have seen since the early-mid 90’s.
8. 
   mlrichard Betty White on SNL for Mother’s Day prompted me to watch the show for the first time this season. I <3 Betty White!
9. 
   NOW_Leader OMG the SNL episode w/ Betty White hosting is hilarious!!
10. 
    goaskmarti @codywillner Agreed, nothing like Betty White on #SNL – Love her – watch it again http://bit.ly/9lJuJr

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You could be seeing Conan O’Brien sooner than you think. Although the comedian and former late-night host isn’t able to appear on TV until after September 1, the New York Times’ Media Decoder Blog reports O’Brien’s could be going on a tour with live “shows” held in various cities. His representatives confirmed they are “formulating a plan to get him back in front of the public in a show that would have some elements of his television work combined with new stage elements.”

The show could take O’Brien all around the globe as, “O’Brien’s team has received ‘enormous interest from all over,’ said one of his representatives. We’ve heard from the U.K., Scandinavia, Australia, Toronto, everywhere; it’s been incredible.”

If the tour were to happen, it is believed “staff members from his NBC show would probably be involved, from members of the band to writers who will help Mr. O’Brien craft new material for the show.” A formal announcement is expected to come in a few weeks.

Twitter users were excited by the rumors even suggesting a few cities where the tour should stop:

1. 
   sugarquill This Conan tour thing is REAL. Real, I tell you. Commencing screamage.
2. 
   MitchelBookings seeing the news that Conan is going to do a live stage tour makes my night a lot better.
3. 
   TKfan27 If Conan does do this tour thing, he better come to PHOENIX!!!!
4. 
   debbieTKV @TKfan27 Conan on tour? That’d be crazy cool! How would that even work?
5. 
   AnuR83 Conan O’Brien to go on tour and do standup comedy?? I would be there in a heartbeat! Love him!!
6. 
   catnipmeow Conan on tour, yeah! *Hopes he plans a stop in Atlanta!* #imwithcoco #teamconan
7. 
   daviddonnan Just heard Conan may go on comedy tour. Would murder for tickets. This tweet may be used against me in court one day…
8. 
   Guitanii Conan O’Brien Could Go On Tour!!!
9. 
   indysuz13 Hey Conan, #indiana has a lot of great colleges that would be perfect for your upcoming tour. Make sure you check out @iubloomington. #coco
10. 
    ernestorivera I will do whatever it takes to see Conan when he goes on tour

1. 
   sean_okeefe If Conan Goes on Tour I’ll see him if he comes to Raleigh.
2. 
   BrennanAlmighty Conan going on a nationwide tour to visit fans? Sounds good to me.
3. 
   DolphinPM Come to Portugal! Please. I would love to see a Conan show RT @CBS6Albany: Conan weighing live tour; next stop, Europe? http://bit.ly/boyfP5
4. 
   girlalive1 @JoeCristalli If Conan goes on tour, he should seriously consider the Edinburgh Festival in August. It’s epic.
5. 
   B5Jeff Just found out Conan is going on tour. I know what my first purchase with my tax return will be. #teamconan
6. 
   sarawski conan on tour?! YES PLEASE
7. 
   phillip_nguyen conan going on tour? COME TO PORTLAND!
8. 
   BeerMeThatCD If/when Conan O’Brien goes on a live US tour I will buy tickets in a heartbeat.
9. 
   RobinettMktg Coco, how about a stop in #STL? RT @AdweekDotCom > @THR: Conan O’Brien weighing live tour http://ow.ly/19pi8
10. 
    joyhog Conan O’Brien is considering a live tour. Where can we buy tickets?

O’Brien and his team filmed their last “The Tonight Show” episode in January following a battle for late-night spots with NBC. Jay Leno, whose eponymous show ended earlier this month, will return to hosting “The Tonight Show” following the completion of NBC’s coverage of the 2010 Olympics.

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Lovers of the Food Network have something extra to look forward to this spring. According to the New York Times, Scripps–the same company that owns the Food Network–will debut a new 24-hour cooking channel, appropriately titled the Cooking Channel. This will replace the Fine Living Network, which has suffered from low ratings.

Food Network stars such as Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse and Rachael Ray will host shows on the new channel, which launches on Memorial Day. The channel plans to build upon the Food Network, creating shows covering a variety of topics, including brunch, food history, and low-calorie eating, among others. Scripps said their goal is to “grow the combined audience for these channels.”

The Twitterverse seems intrigued by the Cooking Channel, with many comparing it to the Food Network:

1. 
   nyike Food is not enough. Scripps adds cooking channel w Bobby, Emeril, Rachel headlining. Hope cablevision carries it http://bit.ly/d3RGfp
2. 
   sarah_o Man, i need to get cable again! RT@bflay check out NYT re new cooking channel. I will have a new show called Brunch with Bobby.
3. 
   savoryexposure So The Cooking Channel aka Food Network 2 is launching with headliners Rachel Ray’s Week in a Day and Bobby Flay’s Brunch? Really?
4. 
   JudithBishop Can’t wait to see B Flay’s mug on a new cooking channel.”We listened to the audience~They just wanted more”.That’s how we get into trouble.
5. 
   LouHoffman I thought ESPN was crazy to start ESPN2 so won’t weigh in on Food Channel spawning Cooking Channel http://nyti.ms/ca1cYI #media #tv
6. 
   shreddel From the NYTs: Here comes the Cooking Channel http://nyti.ms/9zmLRB how did I miss this yesterday, what about the eating channel?
7. 
   sham0020 Just in case the Food Network wasn’t covering it for you, according to @NYT starting this summer the Cooking Channel: http://nyti.ms/9qmGvc
8. 
   nicktheandersen Not really sure how I feel about “The Cooking Channel” : http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/19/business/media/19adco.html Necessary? Not sure.
9. 
   cougrr Woo! RT @NDornsife: YES! They’re making a “cooking” channel, Food Network 2. Reality shows will be on FN, cooking shows on Cooking Channel.
10. 
    singleguycooks Food Network spinning off Cooking Channel in May. So probably means even fewer cooking demo shows on FN.

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The New York Times reports the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) will have a reality show about the talk show queen’s final season.

Winfrey announced in November that she would end her syndicated talk show in September 2011, but a contract forbids her from hosting another talk show while “The Oprah Winfrey Show” is still on the air. Since OWN is launching a nine months before the series ends, the producers of the network found a loophole.

“Behind the Scenes: Oprah’s 25th Season” will be a weekly series that debuts at the same time as the network, showcasing behind-the-scenes footage of the talk show’s last season but doesn’t have O as a host.

Tweeps had mixed reactions:

1. 
   laermer Groan! Tuesday Oprah announces “Behind the Scenes: Oprah’s 25th Season,” a REALITY SHOW behind the scenes of her last year as Queen. (NYT)
2. 
   jasperschultz Oh, SNAP! RT @TVWithoutPity A reality show about #Oprah? That would require her getting introduced to reality first. http://ow.ly/13bTK
3. 
   dpompel Oprah will have reality show following last year of talk show.Doesn’t that feel redundant?
4. 
   realcougarwoman When Oprah is done with her show on ABC she will do a reality show on OWN about the end of her show. Always thinking!!
5. 
   NiraArora Oprah plans to film a reality series documenting the final season of her talk show. Behind the Scenes: Oprah’s 25th Season
6. 
   EyeOnSheridan Oprah Winfrey joins the Reality TV bandwagon, that’s about her own show! Billionaires can do whatever they want these days.
7. 
   yahtzzee gonna have my own reality show of me not watchin oprah’s new reality show
8. 
   WisenBeautiful Omg @Oprah Winfrey having a reality show… AMAZING!

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DirectTV and ESPN both have plans to introduce 3-D television programs in the next year, according to Media Week. While details are still being worked out, the Consumer Electronics Association predicts that only 5 percent of television sets sold this year will be 3-D ready.

DirectTV is eyeing a 2010 launch, perhaps even as early as March, while ESPN hopes you’ll be seeing the 2010 FIFA World Cup closer than ever, as they should be able to launch their network in time for the June face-off. ESPN is committed to the network through at least June 2011 and has already planned a minimum of 85 live events during the year, reports The New York Times’ Media Decoder. Also reportedly developing 3-D TV programming are IMAX and The Discovery Channel.

While the involved media companies are excited about this development, consumers seem a little split. The idea of 3-D TV is nice to some, but most seem concerned about the amount of programing available and the cost of the new equipment. Not to mention the glasses!

1. 
   enormus @willsmith 3DTV is just another “format resell” attempt. Not buying it.
2. 
   carlmaxim They say 3D TV is the future. Typical. I just bought a flat screen.
   #3dtv #technology #television #omgfacts
3. 
   sargant Idea: a 3DTV that doesn’t need glasses can be acheived by making a TV that exists in four dimensions.
4. 
   cstoller Yes 3DTV was quite the splash at ces, but its going to be driven by content which I think will be games. Looking fwd to gdc and e3
5. 
   drdogbert While I’m all for 3DTV – I have to echo the concerns of @sorola – what about us who wear glasses already? time to play the prejudice card
6. 
   aquinnm Technology in every nook. Excited to check out 3DTV, the Boxee Box, Litl and it all… Champion of CES.
7. 
   billfagley 3DTV? I don’t know if I want the cast of Jersey Shore IV in my home.
8. 
   morkjt Is it me, or is 3DTV completely un-appealing. http://bit.ly/6KO9cd

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Updated January 10: NBC confirmed today that the plan reported by Media Decoder is a possibility–but none of the players involved (Leno, Conan and Fallon) have agreed to it yet. Discussions are ongoing but the network did say “The Jay Leno Show” will no longer air at 1o p.m. after February 12.

Updated January 8: Although NBC didn’t confirm–or deny–the changes, Media Decoder is reporting “NBC has a plan in the works to radically alter its late-night television lineup, restoring Jay Leno to his old spot at 11:35 each weeknight.”

Under the discussed plan Leno would return to the 11:35 p.m. spot, but only in a 30-minute program. O’Brien would then begin at 12:05 a.m., but his show would remain an hour-long program. This would push Jimmy Fallon’s show back to 1:05 a.m.

The reported changes would not be scheduled to take effect until after the 2010 Olympics at the end of February. In response to queries about O’Brien’s future, NBC released a statement saying, in part, ““We remain committed to keeping Conan O’Brien on NBC.”

Originally published January 7.: After rumors swirled today that Jay Leno could be returning to NBC’s late-night lineup, the network has confirmed discussions are taking place with both the former “The Tonight Show” host and his replacement, Conan O’Brien.

The New York Times’ Media Decoder blog reports, “The late-night discussions at NBC are directly related to pressure that has been brought on NBC by its affiliated stations, which have seen ratings for their 11 p.m. local newscasts plummet this television season because of much-weakened lead-in audiences from the network in the 10 p.m. hour.”

While ratings for “The Jay Leno Show” are on par with what NBC promised advertisers, NBC did not anticipate the backlash from affiliated stations. The affiliates are used to the 10 o’clock slot being filled with highly-rated dramas, whose viewers would typically then stick around for the news.

O’Brien has experienced rating troubles since taking over “The Tonight Show,” which airs after the local news. Media Decoder said O’Brien “has trailed the CBS late-night star David Letterman by about 2 million viewers a night – Mr. Leno had easily been the winner in that time period previously.”

A decision on whether Leno will in fact return to his old time slot–and what that would mean for O’Brien–is not expected to be made today.

Twitter users were mostly against Leno’s possible return to ‘The Tonight Show”:

1. 
   deucepower939 Conan O’Brien out as Tonight Show Host, to be replaced by Jay Leno… In other words they’re replacing one bad show with an even worse one.
2. 
   jjmayotte Lots of rumblings about Jay Leno taking back The Tonight Show and Conan O’Brien getting the axe! I say axe Fallon and move Conan back there!
3. 
   RatPackSopra Wondering if NBC teases Jay Leno’s return for 6 months this time? What abt Conan O’Brien, do they just say Sorry Charlie?
4. 
   JonNilles No one that isn’t 80 thinks Jay Leno is better than Conan O’Brien….I hope NBC doesn’t blow this.
5. 
   stevethefirst Screw you, Jay Leno! You’re the Joe Lieberman of late night. Just retire! You had your time. Leave Conan O’Brien alone and fade away.
6. 
   antonjackson Jay Leno better not be replacing Conan O’Brien’s time slot. C’mon NBC.
7. 
   SouljahSingh Forget about Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien; Watch The Daily Show With Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report. They’re so much better and funnier!!!
8. 
   jeffdcohen @msager Well, s**t. Can I just say for the record that Jay Leno is not funny, and NBC would be idiotic to boot Conan for him?
9. 
   countingtofive This Jay Leno stuff makes me unnecessarily angry.
10. 
    peterhassett I’m willing to kill someone over this Jay Leno/Conan O’Brien thing.
11. 
    Rastailian I’ll be deeply disappointed if the Leno rumor is true. Did Jay talk to Brett Favre about retirement or something? #Iloveconan #backoffleno 0
12. 
    mjmunden Holy shit, Conan O’Brien may get fired, because Jay Leno is going back to his old time slot and show. What the f**k NBC?
13. 
    luketadams NBC, if you screw over Conan like this you are dead to me! Jay Leno isn’t funny!!! NBC, stop looking backwards and start looking forward!!!
14. 
    Keols #Conan O Brien is so much better at what he does than Jay Leno, NBC better not put Jay back on his old time slot
15. 
    Bluegrassish I swear if they replace Conan O’Brien with Jay Leno I will write an angry letter to 30 Rock or whatever place I have to.

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A new edition of “Iron Chef” premiered Sunday with Michelle Obama opening the White House garden to the  competing chefs. The contestants had to literally dig out the key ingredients–vegetables–for their dishes, reports The New York Times and CBS News.

Food Network personality Bobby Flay and White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford were teamed up together and beat renowned chefs Emeril Lagasse and Mario Batali.

Tweeps who saw the episode–and even those that didn’t– commented:

1. 
   kirilith I was incredibly impressed by last night’s Iron Chef America. I cannot wait to get into the new apartment and start growing my own veggies.
2. 
   creativemuffin i am so bummed food network is off air for us right now…i was loking forward to iron chef with white house chef! how unfreakingamerican
3. 
   hotwingforgery @synchra lol like all we watch is food network while we work! FLY ACROSS COUNTRY FOR IRL IRON CHEF W/US!
4. 
   maruloves is sad she missed Iron Chef America. Darn.
5. 
   santi_sunshine i forgot. if i missed an important show, don’t check twitter til i’ve seen it. *sighs* iron chef was ruined.

1. 
   patriciagajo just saw iron super chef smackdown: comerford (white house chef)/flay vs. batali/emeril. mum thinks winner was fixed. could it be?
2. 
   g4h Anyone get sense veggies were disguised rather than celebrated? RT @ObamaFoodorama White House Iron Chef America http://tinyurl.com/ybpnjnk
3. 
   jewgravy Michelle Obama was special guest on “Iron Chef America.” Too bad the much-hyped “secret ingredient of national importance” was bald eagle.

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After a “doomsday” countdown to a midnight December 31 deadline and an hours-long extension, Fox parent company News Corporation and Time Warner Cable have reached an agreement that will keep Fox programming on the air for millions of subscribers, The New York Times reports.

The broadcast network and the cable service provider spent months disputing how much Time Warner should pay Fox for each subscriber. As the two sides feuded about the price, subscribers and fans of Fox shows like “24,” “American Idol” and “Glee,” worried they would lose out in the end.

A number of people turned on their televisions after midnight eastern time and were surprised to find they were still getting the Fox channel and its extensions like FX and FNC. Both sides soon released statements that they extended the deadline and were continuing talks. Nearly 20 hours after the original deadline, both parties announced they had reached an agreement.

Some Twitter users are breathing a sigh of relief while others are venting frustration:

1. 
   arm_candy Haha I forgot that was supposed 2 happen 2day RT @LaGirlShay: Ha!! Fox is still working on my timewarner I knew it would be ok!
2. 
   MrsDeWinter_2 I want neither FOX or TW to win this stupid stalemate. Sick of networks and providers taking (dwindling, mind you!) audiences hostage.
3. 
   TheDalyPlanet TWCable did not pull the Fox networks. We will keep updating this mess as it continues. No solution yet, just an extension. Isn’t this fun?
4. 
   BasenjiBailey @jeffTWC congratulations and thanks for working out a deal with Fox.
5. 
   joeypatterson 13 million sighs of relief. They won’t lose their Fox Reality shows. RT @CNN: Fox, Time Warner Cable reach agreement. http://bit.ly/5aRTyK
6. 
   cherylfenton TG! gotta have my jack bauer power hr RT @cnnbrk: Fox-Time Warner Cable deal averts program disruption for subscribers. http://bit.ly/6nNR47
7. 
   MattMtvguy Time Warner Cable and FOX worked things out. I. Am. Shocked.
8. 
   FearthePhenom RT @bcuban Time Warner Cable, Fox Announce Deal on Broadcasts http://bit.ly/5ZhT16 — yes! Nip/Tuck isn’t being taken away!

1. 
   TBBF I knew that Fox was gonna avert the cable problems, it wasn’t to their advantage
2. 
   anthonyw_dmn Right before the Sugar Bowl. RT @nytimes: Time Warner and Fox Reach Cable Deal http://bit.ly/4zcKZw
3. 
   elshoes Fox and time warner have come to terms! This means I won’t have to worry about missing glee come april
4. 
   MikeyDamage @epltalk AP reports TWC and Fox made a deal. FSC isn’t being pulled. YAAYYYY!!
5. 
   ryan_the_great Great news for customers RT @cnnbrk: Fox-Time Warner Cable deal averts program disruption for 13 million subscribers. http://bit.ly/6nNR47
6. 
   LadyANickster @mandyrtn will do. surprised i can watch it since they were suppose to pull fox off the air today
7. 
   SusieTVaddict Couch potato status intact RT @BuzzEdition: ►Time Warner Cable, Fox Announce Deal on Broadcasts http://bit.ly/5ZhT16 via @bcuban

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After five seasons, the last episode of “Jon & Kate Plus Eight”  aired on TLC Monday night, the result of months-long drama that led to Jon and Kate Gosselin’s divorce, according to a report from EW.com.

The New York Times reports that nearly 4.3 million viewers tuned in to watch the series finale, which followed Kate as she took the children to an organic dairy farm and then Jon as he and the kids helped a fire department raise money by selling lemonade. Jon and Kate also gave separate, direct-to-camera interviews (as had become the typical format since the parents’ separation), explaining their version of how the show’s popularity affected their lives.

Many tweeters were relieved that the show was brought to an end and saddened that reality television claimed the happiness of the one-time charming family:

1. 
   KristaLovesJB__ misses Jon and Kate Plus 8
2. 
   TheEmofreak333 Jon and Kate is soo last season…lol…shutup about them! Theyre annoying and stupid!!! theyre just parents nothing special about them!
3. 
   DaveMorrison68 Who watches Jon & Kate?? They are old news. Bring back the fix and flip shows!
4. 
   OneCrazyMamaof4 Dh and I watched the final episode of jon and Kate last night… DH said he sees alot of himself in Jon and a lot of me in Kate…
5. 
   Momto3blessings Ok just now watching jon & Kate from last night…grr…I hate him for now taking Cara and Maddy to the lemondade stand!
6. 
   mdetura My GF has left for Thanksgiving. 1st order of business: deleting Jon and Kate season pass from the TiVo. 2nd: a happy dance
7. 
   arianne_april Awwe, watching the last show of Jon and Kate Plus 8 :/
8. 
   Haley_Lauren Jon and Kate finale was soooo sad last night…I’m really gonna miss that show…and I was a faithful viewer BEFORE the ridiculous split
9. 
   Mollayx0 haha awhh watching the last jon and kate episode made me wanna cry. i luff those kids lol. k ima stop.
10. 
    iamthatiam1978 #dontmeantobrag but i watched jon and kate without throwing up
11. 
    LuAnn_Norris @torianddean Kate was beautiful and serene and Jon was basically all about “ME”! Sad though because he lost the best thing in his life! Her!
12. 
    JoeFlez why does jon and kate plus 8 have to end?

TLC first announced filming had been suspended and a lawsuit against Jon in October, shortly after they retitled the show “Kate Plus 8.”

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The ever-present Mickey Mouse has been a static icon in pop culture for years, but he may be getting a makeover, The New York Times reports.

With worries that Mickey might merely become a corporate, consumer icon, Disney is making attempts to alter his traditional image for a generation who has grown up with computer-generated images.  Disney hopes to reignite love towards the icon by using an edgier version of the character in a new videogame.

Tweeps are having a wide range of mixed reactions to the news:

1. 
   blawzy0329 #MickeyMouse is not evil! Shut up! Shut up! @badluckcampbell
2. 
   MeeyeonPark Is it just me or does #mickeymouse look like he’s doing some Meth? http://yfrog.com/83ppalj
3. 
   lornasoonhee Wow, they’re giving Mickey Mouse a make-over? I guess he IS 81 years old, about time! http://bit.ly/4gN7rN #disney #mickeymouse
4. 
   AHGreenwood @Quickning re: #mickeyMouse & #branding: Give the little rat a new T-shirt that says: “iMickey, uConsumer” Done. Gimme my rebranding check.

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