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Fall Premieres Are Almost Here

© F. Colin Kingston

A Television Pioneer Passes AwayAllen Funt, creator and long time host of CANDID CAMERA passed away on September 5th due to complications from a stroke he suffered in 1993. Funt, 84, was host of the series for over 40 years. It debuted on radio as GOLDEN MICROPHONE. At one time or another the series aired on ABC, CBS, and NBC. It first debuted on television in 1948. A new version of the series currently airs Fridays on CBS. Peter Funt, son of Allen, and Suzanne Somers co-host. The series will air a tribute to Allen Funt will air on CANDID CAMERA on September 24th.

Merger ManiaThe merger of major media corporations continues. Last week it was announced that VIACOM and CBS were joining forces. CBS owns television and radio stations in all the major markets, several cable networks etc. VIACOM owns Paramount Studios and UPN among others. Rumor has it that NBC is on the verge of purchasing Paxson Communications, owners of the family-oriented PAX-TV Network. We will have more on this merger mania and the impact it will have on viewers in a future column.

TV Premier WeekWhile some of new fall television series have already premiered, the bulk of them will begin to make their debut this week. In honor of the new fall season my television viewing recommendations will focus on some of the noteworthy premieres.

Saturday, September 18th THE PRETENDER, NBC, 9:00 - 10:00 p.m., PST Former James Bond star George Lazanby guests as Jarrods long lost father in this engaging repeat.

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, NBC, 11:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ricky Martin guest star.

Sunday, September 19th 60 MINUTES, CBS, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., PST The grand daddy of all television newsmagazines has their season premiere.

JUDGING AMY, CBS, 9:00 - 10:00 p.m., PST Many television critics say this is one of the most promising new series of the fall. Amy Brenneman and Tyne Daly star as a judge and her overbearing mom.

Monday, September 20th 7th HEAVEN, WB, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m., PST The Camden clan begins their fourth season. This episode finds oldest son Matt moving out of the house.

SAFE HARBOR, WB, 9:00 - 10:00 p.m., PST The creators of 7th HEAVEN came up with this family series about a widower, his four sons and mother who live in a small Florida town.

Tuesday, September 21st BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, WB, 8:00 9:00 p.m., PST The season premier finds Buffy battling a telepathic demon.

ONCE AND AGAIN, ABC, 10:00 - 11:00 p.m., PST