April 24 (UPI) — Turner Classic Movies says it has tapped actor Alec Baldwin to host its cinema-centric program “The Essentials.”
Joining Baldwin each week throughout the season will be one of three special guests: late-night television icon David Letterman; Baldwin’s former “30 Rock” co-star Tina Fey; or filmmaker William Friedkin.
“Together, Baldwin and his guests will introduce a hand-picked classic and offer color commentary on its cultural significance, its influence on other films, behind-the-scenes stories and their own personal reflections,” TCM said in a press release.
The new season of “The Essentials” is to premiere May 6. Baldwin takes over hosting duties following the death of Robert Osborne, who headlined the show from 2006 to 2015.
“I have some big shoes to fill hosting The Essentials, and I plan on doing Bob proud,” Baldwin said in a statement. “Dave, Tina and Billy each bring a unique perspective to the movies in our lineup, and they have some fascinating, and even surprising, insights to share as we shine a spotlight on some of our favorite ‘must-see’ films from over a century of epic movie-making.”
Letterman is a pompous philistine. He will try to inject his sophomoric humor ino the show and ruin it. I suppose he has a fan base though I doubt it coincides to the faithful and informed TCM follower.
Very poor choice. I will not be watching the Essentials anymore.
Who is running that channel. Tell me not Mankiewicz. He has no talent and he’s too coy by half. His father’s Jewish connections are his only lifeline to Hollywood. He’s loud, obnoxious and arrogant.
Mr Stahl is clearly myopic and sounds somewhat inchoate…An increase of his daily meds may be indicated. That he doesn’t like Letterman’s humor is unfortunate, but really just a personal choice. His ill-informed and crude observations about Mankiewicz speak for themselves; oh, and would some one please point out to him that Ben’s mother was born a Mormon…
Baldwin is a slimy no-talent left-wing windbag. Letterman is a liberal
asshole. Tine Fey is possibly the most over-rated comedienne in his-
tory. Give me Ben Manckiewicz over this crew of nobodies any time.