By Deanna Barnert

Special to MSN TV

When "The Talk" returns for a new season this September, Sharon Osbourne won't be at the table with fellow co-hosts Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Holly Robinson Peete and Leah Remini. The "America's Got Talent" judge is taking a break from her daytime gig to spend more time with her rocker hubby, Ozzy Osbourne.

Bing: Watch clips and episodes of "The Talk"

"I've kept it no secret that I really miss my husband," Sharon Osbourne told AOL TV. "He'll have been on tour for 18 months by the time it's over. I've spent a lot of time away from him. He gets a break at the end of September and so I've asked [the show] for a little break so I can be with him."

While CBS is remaining mum on her exit, Osbourne adds that she's not leaving forever. "I don't want to give [it] up," she continued. "It's a great, great show. We've all worked really hard over the last year. I'm not going to walk away from that. I just need some real good quality time to be with my hubby."

Bing: More about Sharon Osbourne

 

When Daytime Confidential first broke this story, the soap site had an unnamed source who claimed there was "tension on the set," centered around "Queen B" Julie Chen. The rumor goes that Chen, who is married to CBS head Les Moonves, was behind the oustings of former co-host Marissa Jaret Winokur, former executive producer Susan Winston and former Senior Vice-President of Daytime Barbara Bloom.

Needless to say, CBS had denied these speculations in the past and now, Osbourne is making it clear her upcoming break is not about drama on set.

"I'm very close to the women on the show," Osbourne told AOL TV. "I didn't think that I would be [because] none of us knew each other going into it. We just didn't know each other socially." 

Can "The Talk" survive without Osbourne's unique voice? It's hard to imagine who can fill the void, so stay tuned to see how CBS handles this bit of news.

"The Talk" airs weekdays on CBS. 

 

By Deanna Barnert

Special to MSN TV

 

Controversy queen Ann Coulter riles up Father Albert Cutié and his audience on the Monday, July 25, episode of daytime's "Father Albert." During the "Hot under the Collar" segment, Coulter warns against the dangers of single motherhood, argues that crime would decrease if there weren’t so many single moms and espouses adoption -- all of which set off a heated debate.

Bing: More about Anne Coulter

"A woman who gets pregnant out of wedlock, if she wants to do the best thing for the child, [the statistics are] overwhelming that she should give the child up for adoption,” Coulter says during her chat with Father Albert. "If you were in the womb right now and you could choose whether to be black, white, rich, poor ... the one thing you should hope for as a child in the womb is ‘My parents are married."

Never one to hold back, Coulter also insists, "Smoking is not as bad for you as being raised by a single mother."

When Father Albert points out how offended the audience is by her stance, Coulter counters, "Who’s the Christian here, Father? I care about the children. I care about how they are raised and for you to be encouraging women to have children out of wedlock and discouraging them from being sent to nice adoptive homes, I find shocking.”

Bing: More about Father Albert

The single moms in audience also get into the debate, as you can see in the "Father Albert" teaser below. As noted above, this episode airs Monday.

"Father Albert" airs daily on FOX stations in the New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Phoenix, Tampa and Minneapolis markets.

 

"You don't get to be bored." – Louie

One of the most appealing (and odd) traits of the persona Louis C.K. has adopted for his alter-ego "Louie" is his phlegmatic acceptance of every annoying and outrageous thing that happens to him. In the first section of the deceptively simple "Country Drive", on the way to visit a long lost great-aunt, he has to endure the usual aggravations of a long car trip with two kids, from the endless variations on "I'm bored!" to the pointless guessing games sabotaged by the little ones' impatience. But he never blows up, never loses his cool. Even though he may not be enjoying this small portion of his existence, he will stoically endure it as his chosen lot.

This attitude extends to his reaction when great-aunt Ellen drops dead in the kitchen during their brief visit. His face has no horror or panic, just rueful acceptance. After all, this same doddering old lady has just regaled (and horrified) Louie and his daughters with her flagrant racism. By positing this elderly relative to his children as a precious link to the past and a repository of wisdom, he now has to deal with explaining the ugly aspects of our (i.e. America's) past. This vignette segues beautifully into an extended stand-up routine about the difficulty of reading Mark Twain to his kids. Louis C.K. has enough smarts to appreciate the marvelous writing but enough honesty to at a loss about how to navigate the copious use of "the N word".  Exploring these themes with a light touch is something that "Louie" excels at doing, and "Country Ride" was a terrific example from start to finish.

• Louie's extended car-rock-out to The Who, complete with ridiculous air drumming and an abundance of white man's overbite, was a joyful thing to behold. It went on so long it crossed over from funny to weird to back to absurdly funny. Also, kudos to the two young actresses playing his daughters; their horrified expressions were spot-on.
• "Everybody dies" "How do you know? I didn't die."
• There was great use of small details in great-aunt Ellen's house, with the running water and the dirty glasses.
• "We have a rule that if they get their f***ing teeth brushed and their g*****n pajamas on by 7:30, I'll read a book."
• I also remember the scene with the dead cat that cures warts. Pretty gross.
• "These boys are racists and they're not nice boys. I think we can still enjoy the stories about the fishin' and the tradin'…"

 

At the same time that the jokes in "Wilfred" are getting funnier, the overall theme is getting clearer.  Each episode seems to be about Wilfred teaching Ryan a new life lesson, usually by the use of shocking behavior that puts in Ryan in situations ranging from highly uncomfortable to borderline life threatening.  We are witnessing a man who is forced to get off his butt and do something with his life; to act rather than be acted upon; to fully engage with others for the right reasons. And also fart jokes. Lots and lots of fart jokes.

"Respect" headed into the darkest parts of black comedy, with most of the humor dealing with death (including suicide), and the cynical view that most people do good things only because of how they want to be perceived by others. Of course it still wasn't entirely clear why Wilfred needed to snort up pills and pretend to smother an elderly lady with a pillow in order to make that point. But it was pretty hilarious watching him do it.

• With an admirable economy of words, Nick was quickly established as an insufferable "It's all about the kids" douche bag.  "Actually, I think of myself as post-racial." Barf.
• Dog behavior observations: "A walk, Ryan, which by definition means no destination. Even a cat knows that."
• Old people being disgusting and saying really dirty things. Wow, haven't heard that trope a million times.
• It was Bobby who was exposed to the mumps by kissing Millicent.
• "Maybe you should go back to where you came from. Right over there where you were standing. Before you came over here."
• There were some excellent quips from Wilfred regarding Ryan's slacker lifestyle, such as noting his status as a "land baron" in Farmville.
• It is my fervent hope that they develop this not-so-nice side of  Jenna.
• Final fart joke: too obvious to be funny, or so obvious it was funny?

 

By Deanna Barnert
Special to MSN TV

Rebecca Black's song "Friday" turned her into an overnight sensation in February, but even as her YouTube single went viral, the 14-year-old took hits from "haters" and critics who didn't like her sound. With Black's new single "My Moment" already spreading, she visited "The Early Show" Tuesday to blow off her haters and promote, promote, promote. 

Bing: More about Rebecca Black

During the interview, Black revealed that in searching for a follow-up to "Friday," she was looking for "that perfect song that tells off the haters a little bit, but still shows that you're a serious artist." She's confident she found that with "My Moment" and, as the the lyrics to her new single suggest, Black has no problem standing up for herself.

That doesn't, however, mean it was easy to stay positive when everyone was picking on her and "Friday." "It's hard, because you have to deal with bullying, being a teenager, anyways, and now, to have the whole world [bullying you] -- that's not normal," she said. "Luckily, the haters don't have to watch 'Friday' or 'My Moment.' They can turn it off if they want. They don't have to hate. It doesn't bother me anymore."

MSN TV is sure Black is over it -- making a cameo in a Katy Perry video, teaming up with Funny or Die and hosting a party on MTV will do that for a breakout star! 

"The best advice I can ever give is to not let [bullying] get to you," Black said. "It's OK to be sad about it for a little bit, but don't let it change you."

Here's a peek at Black's new video, in case you've missed it. "My Moment" hit YouTube Monday, and has already garnered more than 7 million hits. What's your take on Black's new track?

 

By Deanna Barnert
Special to MSN TV

Daytime star, "Dancing with the Stars" alum and New York Times-bestselling author Wendy Williams is leaving New York City behind and hitting the road for a 17-city nationwide summer tour. The “Say It Like You Mean It Summer Tour," named in honor of “The Wendy Williams Show” theme song, gives fans a chance to hang with Wendy -- or at least, see her in person as she gets in on local events.

Bing: More about Wendy Williams

“I am ecstatic about the ‘Say It Like You Mean It Summer Tour,’” Williams said. “There is no better way to make new friends than to visit them during the summer, and invite them to come and have some fun with us in their city.”

With 17 cities on the tour, Williams could roll into your town in a specially designed and decorated bus, stocked with fave items like her Wonder Woman mug and Shakeetha the wig head. (See schedule below).

The "Say It Like You Mean It Summer Tour" kicks off in Miami, Florida, the home of Williams' mom and dad, on Thursday, August 4. Then it's off to Tampa to play “drummer” on one of the long boats at the 10th Annual World Championship International Dragon Boat Races in Tampa and throw out the first pitch at a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game. Who knows what she'll get into next?

“The Wendy Williams Show” begins its third season in national syndication later this year on September 12.

Wendy Williams' 'Say it Like You Mean it' Summer Tour Dates
August 4          Miami, FL        
August 5          Tampa, FL        
August 8          Charleston, SC    
August 9          Charlotte, NC        
August 11        St. Louis, MO        
August 12        Cincinnati, OH    
August 16        Austin, TX        
August 17        Houston, TX        
August 19        Memphis, TN        
August 20        Birmingham, AL    
August 24        Chicago, IL        
August 25        Milwaukee, WI    
August 26        Minneapolis, MN    
August 30        Los Angeles, CA   
August 31        San Diego, CA   
September 1    Sacramento, CA   
TBD                  Boston, MA       

 

By Deanna Barnert
Special to MSN TV
Here's the lowdown on which daytime talkers will be hanging out with the Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Patrick Duffy, Rosanne Barr, Marisa Tomei, Aretha Franklin, John Legend, Clay Aiken, the "Entourage" posse and other celebs the week of July 18-22, 2011. You'll also find lots of Casey Anthony chatter in daytime this week, and don't miss Cee Lo Green's rocking visit to "Today."

Bing: More about 'Entourage'

"Live with Regis and Kelly"
Monday: Mila Kunis, Andy Grammer
Tuesday: Marisa Tomei, Hot Chelle Rae
Wednesday: Justin Timberlake
Thursday: Adrian Grenier, Aretha Franklin
Friday: Jeremy Piven, "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro, Thomas Kelly

Bing: Watch clips and episodes of 'Ellen Show'

"The Ellen Degeneres Show"
(Repeats)
Monday: Jenny McCarthy, Chris Harrison (1/12/11)
Tuesday: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Joel McHale, Drew Brees, Keri Hilson (1/25/11)
Wednesday: Jerry O'Connell (3/4/11)
Thursday: Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Lady Gaga (4/28/11)
Friday: Valerie Bertinelli, Greyson Chance, Miranda Cosgrove (3/9/11)

"The Gayle King Show"
Monday: Morgan Freeman, Bill and Giuliana Rancic, Kerry Sanders talks Casey Anthony
Tuesday: Jerry Ferrara, Andy Grammer
Wednesday: John Legend, Tom Pappa
Friday: Wedding dress designer Amsala

"The View"
Monday: Legal expert Ryan Smith talks Casey Anthony
Tuesday: Wendy Williams
Wednesday: John Goodman, Andrea Giovino
Thursday: La Toya Jackson

"The Rachel Ray Show"
Monday: Elizabeth Berkley
Tuesday: Heather Locklear
Wednesday: Rocco DiSpirito, Zachary Gordon

"The Talk"
Monday: Clay Aiken; Josie Bissett
Tuesday: Mayim Bialik, Patrick Duffy
Wednesday: Rosanne Barr
Thursday: Bruce and Kris Jenner
Friday: Kevin Nealon; Tammy Pescatelli

"Today"
Monday: Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis, Morgan Freeman, Giuliana and Bill Rancic
Tuesday: Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara and Jeremy Piven, Leslie Mann
Wednesday: Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone
Thursday: Aidan Quinn
Friday: Cee Lo Green performs, Tom Papa

 

By Deanna Barnert
Special to MSN TV

"All My Children" iconic faves David Canary (Adam Chandler), Julia Barr (Brooke English), Ray MacDonnell (Dr. Joe Martin) and Lee Meriwether (Ruth Martin) are the newest vets set to return to Pine Valley before the soap leaves ABC behind in September. With the list of returning alums growing by the day, there are even rumblings about Sarah Michelle Gellar!

Bing: Watch clips and episodes of 'All My Children'

Pine Valley's patriarch and matriarch, Joe and Ruth Martin, where last in town for Tad and Cara's wedding earlier this year, while Adam and Julia flew into the sunset in 2010, after David Canary decided to retire instead of making the move to Hollywood with the show. Now, they're all set to come home for one last visit.

 "I am thrilled to be back on the show personally and professionally for what will be an exciting and emotional time," Barr said. "I have no idea yet what brings Brooke back to Pine Valley, but trust that Lorraine Broderick -- 'AMC's' best head writer in the history of the show -- has something brilliant in the works.  I can't wait to see my old friends -- the cast and crew -- and dive into a week of shows that will hopefully bring pure satisfaction to fans." 

No specific air date has been announced, but dates have filtered in on other big "AMC" returns.

Eva La Rue (Maria Santos) returns to canvas next Tuesday, July 19. Josh Duhamel (Leo) will return for a few episodes in August. Jennifer Bassey (Marian), Kate Collins (Janet) and Melissa Claire Egan (Annie) hit town the week of August 25. Cady McClain (Dixie) was back in June, but isn't necessarily done with Pine Valley yet. Other returns announced include Thorsten Kaye (Zach), Carol Burnett (Verla Grubbs) and Leven Rambin (Lily Montgomery).

"Can't believe I'll only be able to play Lily Montgomery one last time," Rambin posted on Twitter. "[The] role is such a huge part of who I am as an actress and person. Taught me everything I know. Bittersweet if there was ever such a thing."

There are rumblings that Sarah Michelle Gellar (Kendall) could actually make a return, but Kelly Rippa (ex-Hayley) and Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo) told "Soap Opera Digest" they won't make the trip West for a final visit. Still no word from folks like Christian Slater, Kim Delaney, Amanda Seyfried and Mischa Barton, but "All My Children" fans are hoping to hear of more returns before the show's two-hour finale on ABC September 23, 2011.

UPDATE: Real life couple and fan favorites Alexa Havins (Babe) and Justin Bruening (Jamie) will also return to "All My Children" for several episodes, airing in September.

"All My Children" airs weekdays on ABC.