The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
67°F
Current Conditions
Broken clouds
View complete weather report

Color Scheme

Subscribe now

Simmons’ A&E show gets kissed goodbye

From left, Gene Simmons, Shannon Tweed, Nick Simmons and Sophie Simmons are ending their A&E reality series, “Gene Simmons Family Jewels.” (Associated Press)
From Wire Reports

The A&E Network is kissing Gene Simmons and his family goodbye.

The network and the KISS guitarist said that the “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” reality show is ending after seven seasons. Once one of the network’s top-rated shows, it has faded over time.

Simmons said that with KISS on tour and his other business commitments, he and his family have decided to move on from the show.

A&E said it thanked Simmons and his family for opening up their lives, warts and all.

Court: Sheridan wasn’t fired

A California appeals court says actress Nicollette Sheridan is not entitled to a new trial on her claim that she was wrongfully fired from “Desperate Housewives.”

But a three-member panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled Thursday that the actress should be allowed to file an amended lawsuit claiming she was retaliated against because she complained about her boss.

The court agreed with ABC attorneys that Sheridan’s contract simply was not renewed. Her attorneys had contended the evidence supports their theory that she was fired because she claimed she was hit in the head by series creator Marc Cherry.

Movie riffs making comeback

Talking back to movies used to attract annoyed stares or the glare of an usher’s flashlight. But now audiences in theaters, comedy clubs and even sports arenas are lining up to hear the heckles.

A generation weaned on the smart-alecky ’90s cult TV show “Mystery Science Theater 3000” is embracing the movie riff as its own comedic form.

The show’s creator Joel Hodgson and other cast members tour theaters with a popular live show, cracking jokes as schlocky horror and sci-fi movies play in the background.

Another group of “Mystery Science Theater” alums, the San Diego-based RiffTrax, performs live shows as well as online audio commentaries. And comedy clubs and cinemas from Kansas City to Seattle host their own sanctioned shout-fests.

The birthday bunch

Actress Maureen O’Hara is 92. Former Chinese president Jiang Zemin is 86. Actor Robert DeNiro is 69. Movie director Martha Coolidge is 66. Rock musician Gary Talley (The Box Tops) is 65. Singer Belinda Carlisle is 54.