Bocephus: Boycott F&F (and ESPN)

“That’s exactly what I said!” Unrepentant, rebel country music superstar Hank Williams affirmed his call for a boycott of FNC’s top-rated Fox & Friends in his latest release. In response to ESPN’s apparent axing of his long-standing Monday Night Football promo after a controversial “Fox & Friends” interview, Williams retaliated with “Keep the Change,” a free download to his fans. In his new record, Williams complains that F&F twisted his words: then, he acerbically lilts, “Yeah, you can keep Fox & Friends and ESPN out of your homes, too [because] Bocephus and all of his rowdy friends and his song are out of there. Yes, sir!”

Yesterday, Williams visited The View to make his “apology.” In the course of the virtual lovefest, Barbara Walters did him to task for his call for his call for a boycott of F&F and ESPN. After pointing out that ESPN (like ABC, the home of The View) was owned by Disney, she remarked, “But, you are now telling people that Fox & Friends and ESPN, other people should boycott them.” Rather than offer amends, a somewhat embittered Bocephus responded, “That’s exactly what I said!”

Later in the day, Williams appeared on FNC’s Hannity.* When co-host Sean Hannity mentioned his The View reception, Williams gushed, “Oh, it was fantastic!” Subsequently, when Hannity asked him about his departure from ESPN, he strangely failed to ask him about his call for a boycott of Fox & Friends. Perhaps, it was understandable. All in the FOX family?

As the interview began to conclude, Hannity commented, “You know what, I love football….I’m gonna miss your open.” With a glint in his eye, Williams responded, “Well, stand by for 2012. It’s a free country with lots of options and lots of choices.” Hannity replied, “So, in other words, we may not have heard the last of Hank Williams, Jr., on football?” Grinning, Williams answered, “We’ve been contacted today. The song is mine, Sean!”

Subsequently, smacking his ring forcefully on the desk, Williams continued, “Let’s talk about the poll. They had a poll…’who would you like to have on do the Monday Night [Football] 53% me!” Chuckling, Sean jested, “You don’t look as good as Faith Hill but she does Monday Night Football.” Williams replied, “No, no, no, no! But, that’s another network. But, there are other networks.” Hannity replied, “Yes, there are. Fox is one of them!” Shaking his head emphatically, Williams answered, “Uh, yeah!”

“Ready for some non-ESPN football,” FOX fans? The answer sounded pellucidly clear. Ready for some Fox & Friends? Bocephus ain’t!

Author’s aside: For a related Carpe Diem story, cf. “F&F’s Bizarre Bocephus: Obama Like Hitler?“

Jerrick: F&FW’s Golden Goat

FOX’s new Morning Show with Mike & Aly (& Clayton)”? No, but FNC’s Fox & Friends Weekend viewers got a glimpse of the goatish golden era of their show this weekend with the return of F&FW‘s former co-anchor Mike Jerrick. The wizened satyr was in rare form as he brashly brought his metro Sexyback swagger to the F&FW set. Unlike the old days when he and Juliet Huddy somewhat reluctantly swapped salacious double entendres in front of a more priggish Julian Phillips on F&FW, Mike freely bantered bawdy innuendos about with both of his appreciative co-anchors, Alisyn Camerota and Clayton Morris.

Mike’s infectious risque humor was evident throughout the weekend. For example, Saturday, Mike and Clayton coaxed Aly into standing up and demonstrating a recent University of Texas study showing that men look at women’s faces for real relationships and their bodies for casual hookups: Subsequently, as a blushing Aly saucily posed for inspection by her male viewers, Mike partially hid her body with his pad and asked if they would like to marry “this woman” and then covered her face and queried if they would like to have a very quick relationship with her. Other salient instances were Saturday when Mike racily asked Aly if she wanted to blow up his (regular) tie during an inflatable tie story and Sunday when Mike, Clayton, and Aly regaled themselves and their audience with some of the most sexually suggestive remarks (pertaining to hammers and a drill during the “All American Handyman” segment) since the old days of Mike, Juliet Huddy, and Julian Phillips.

The old goat was back. And, he was golden as he reminded the audience of the halcyon days of Fox & Friends Weekend when the unfettered co-hosts fully embraced a zany, irreverent, and saucy take on the news. With little doubt, Mike will soon be more regularly gadding and gamboling about the F&FW studio with reckless abandon to the delight of his many fans.

FNC: Missing Mike?

From Gretchen’s “secret” to Janice’s plea, Philly Fox 29 host Mike Jerrick was back–or, perhaps, well on his way back. The former Fox & Friends Weekend co-host received an extra tight embrace from his former colleagues, especially, F&F femmes, anchor Gretchen Carlson and meteorologist Janice Dean today. The bad boy was back and the girls were loving every minute of it.

Welcoming Mike warmly as the show began, co-anchor Gretchen Carlson turned to him and cheerfully announced, “Mike Jerrick [is] back!” As Mike exclaimed, “Good to see you!” and eagerly kissed her cheek, Gretchen continued, “We haven’t seen each other for so long. Or, well, we see other but [have] not worked together.” When Mike then animatedly answered, “Yeah, yeah. It’s been three, four years, I think,” Gretchen turned to the audience and teased, “Coming up sometime during the show, I’m gonna share a secret about Mike Jerrick.” As Mike playfully tensed up and an off-camera floor crew member muttered, “Uh, oh!,” Gretchen added, “There’s many but I’m gonna share one secret.”

Apparently, Gretchen was right. When she segued to FNC meteorologist Janice Dean for her Hurricane Earl story, Janice laughed, “And, can I just say that most women around here have secrets about Mike Jerrick.” Chortling, Gretchen exclaimed, “No kidding!” When Janice concluded her report and tossed back to the co-hosts, Gretchen declared, “Mike’s speechless ’cause he’s wondering what your secret is.” Not quite so, Mike interposed, “I’m very scared about Janice’s secret.” Smiling and shaking her head, Janice sweetly responded, “We love Mike so much! It’s such a pleasure to see you.” Nodding her head, Gretchen concurred, “Very true.”

The lovefest continued unabated. Later, when Janice finished her final weather segment of the program and tossed to the co-hosts, Gretchen stated, “Earlier, I said there’s a secret about Mike Jerrick….I just want to say real quickly that when I started at Fox, you were the nicest person in the world to me. And that’s my secret.”* Seemingly incredulous at her innocuous revelation, Mike queried, “That was the secret?” Gretchen replied, “That’s my secret. And, I, I miss you not being here anymore but I still love you.” Interjecting, Janice pleaded, “We love you. Come back!” Chuckling appreciatively, Mike succinctly answered, “Okay.”

Perhaps, Mike shall–if Juliet Huddy, his television wife (FNC’s F&FW & FOX’s The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet), gets her wish, too. When the author Tweeted, “Would be fun to see Mike [Jerrick] back on w/ you sometime, too, Juliet replied, “Would love to be back on with Mike! Miss him terribly.”

Apparently, Juliet is not alone. And, perhaps, FNC had put out the word to F&F today. Welcome back, black sheep?

[Author’s aside: Today, even one of Mike’s most macho whilom colleagues was showing him the love this morning. During a segment promoting a retrospective on his journalistic work, Geraldo Rivera playfully slapped Mike on the the thigh repeatedly and remarked, “Nice to see you from Philly!” When Mike fondly recalled their spending time together on Fridays, Geraldo replied, “I miss that.” When he added that he had “stopped drinking, though,” Mike jested, “You did? Oh, we can’t hang out.” At least, not during off hours.]

*Fox & Friends – 09/03/10 (@8:42 a.m. ET)

Dead Show Airing?

A.M.: R.I.P.? After noting that American Morning co-hosts John Roberts and Kiran Chetry have seldom been seen behind the AM desk together lately and that a host of substitute co-anchors have been paraded before the AM audience, last week Carpe Diem asked, “AM: Shake-up Looming?” Yesterday, TheWrap.com answered in the affirmative–or, at least, indicated that it appears to be in the works. According to media expert Dylan Stableford (former Mediabistro.com managing editor and contributor to Salon, New York, and Rolling Stone), an inside source indicated that “CNN is testing a concept that would include personalities with dueling political ideologies and opinions” for “a new morning show pilot.”

Apparently, CNN/US prez Jon Klein has finally taken the blinders off. After trying to revitalize American Morning’s anemic ratings three years ago by bringing in seasoned journalist John Roberts and Fox News’ rising star Kiran Chetry, Klein’s endeavor has met with dismal disappointment. In fact, based on TVbytheNumbers.com’s figures and the author’s calculations, the total viewer ratings of 2010 (1st quarter) are identical to those of 2007 (1st quarter). Even more troubling, TheWrap.com reports that Nielsen numbers show that AM has declined 30% in 2010 in both total viewers and the prized 25-54 demographic.

According to Stableford, it is unclear what the purported changes mean for Roberts or Chetry. In the last few weeks, Roberts has been temped for by T.J. Holmes, Jim Acosta, and Christine Romans whereas Chetry has been filled in for by Sara Sidner and Kate Bolduan. In doing so, Klein has seemed to substitute AM regulars for Roberts and new faces for Chetry. Perhaps, he will keep this part of his formula but acribe to a more provocative, zanier, and, yes, “Friendlier” approach. [N.B. Roger Ailes’ Fox & Friends shellacked Klein’s American Morning by 4:1 (overall viewers) and by 3:1 (25-34 demog) in the latest numbers (03/09/10)]

As to Roberts and Chetry’s respective futures, a Klein canning could actually inure to their benefit ultimately. Roberts would be in a position to stake his claim anew to Uncle Walter’s seat if the old Tiffany network does not renew Katie Couric’s costly contract. And, Chetry may finally find redemption with her many fans at the top-rating cable news network if she is but granted Ailes’ absolution.

[Author’s aside: Since Chetry’s absences have been fewer than those of Roberts, Klein may be considering whether to keep Chetry. If so, he could use the former Fox & Friends (First & Weekend) co-host to guide CNN’s version of FNC’s morning news juggernaut.]

Hat tip to J$P (Johnny Dollar’s Place).

“Cougar” Carlson: Saved by the Bell?

Rowrrr! With baby-faced beefcake “Extra” weekday host Mario Lopez on the Fox & Friends curvy couch, co-anchor Gretchen Carlson appeared ready to pounce. Thoughts of her very own “Saved by the Bell” boy toy seemed to permeate the atmosphere as she and her co-host, Brian Kilmeade and Steve Doocy, interviewed Lopez and even into the show’s subsequent block.

Before the segment, Brian gave his sportscast and named Minnesota Viking quarterback “forty-year old Brett Favre” as his choice as his weekly “Brian’s Best Player.” In an aside, he joked, “Hey, forty-year olds get off the couch, put on a uniform and the eye black. You can still play!” Before he segued to Lopez’ interview, the forty-three old Gretchen groused, “You make Favre and forties sound like it’s ancient.” Brian deadpanned, “it’s very old.”

During Lopez’ interview, Brian asked, “Am I right [that] you were never a dancer until you gave it a shot on Dancing with the Stars [2006].” After Lopez said that he had not danced since he was a child of five or six, Gretchen racily remarked, “Well, let me just tell you, you still have the moves!”

Later, when the F&F producers put up a pic of Lopez donning ladies’ lingerie, a Merry Widow variant, for FOX’s Nip/Tuck series, Gretchen oohed, “Aww, man! She suggestively added, “I understand the inside story on this was that you didn’t like the way your feet looked in the shoes but that some people liked your butt.” Reddening, Lopez asked, “Wait, what inside story is that?” Before she could answer, Brian interjected, “Yeah, what is going on, Gretchen? What are your sources?” Undeterred, Gretchen continued, “That’s what I read. I read the chicks are envious of your butt.” Apparently, rather ready to move on, Lopez deflectively declared, “I did not know that but…I was surprised they found heels…for a size eleven shoe.”

However, in the very next block, Gretchen was still purring. As she and Steve discussed mammogram and self-exams in a health care segment with Dr. Mehmet Oz (the host of the Dr. Oz Show” jested, “By the way, Mario Lopez is back in the green room trying to learn from me how to examine breasts.” Randily, Gretchen exclaimed, “I think he knows!” Finally, as the segment concluded, Gretchen lustily eyed the camera and cooed, “I’m not kidding, ladies.”

Juliet Huddy: “I’m baaaaaaaack!”

The girl is back in town! Today, Juliet Huddy, the former co-host of the Morning Show with Mike and Juliet and Fox & Friends Weekend is back at Fox News with a new contract. Only a few hours ago, the leggy, blond beauty Tweeted, “Heading up to Fox Legal to sign a new deal. I’m baaaaaaaack! Been with FNC for 12 years. CRAZY.” Offering a clue to her plans, she added, “New segment on O’Reilly Factor — “Dumbest Things”. See you on Fridays!”

Juliet has been sorely missed since her departure to the broadcast network. Lately, her appearances as a substitute host on the morning and afternoon, a contributor on the O’Reilly Factor, and a guest on Red Eye have been a delightful reminder of her fab Fox & Friends days. Now that she’s back, hopefully, Bill Shine will add her to the Fox & Friends rotation, too. Her sexy, edgy, irreverent approach would be a welcome addition.

Welcome back, Juliet!

Hottie Huddy Reappears

FNC’s Juliet Huddy dumped her frump front last night in her return to Red Eye. Perhaps, responding to the author and her Twitter followers, she jettisoned her “priggish schoolmarm” attire (e.g., Live Desk Tuesday) and her very caz jeans-and-shoes style (a la an earlier RE appearance).* In their stead, the blond beauty re-embraced her hottie look: Juliet sported a sexy short, sleeveless golden dress and matching chic tall, strappy stilettos.

Perhaps, not so ironically, Juliet appeared on Red Eye just hours before her former FOX Morning Show with Mike and Juliet co-star Mike Jerrick made his triumphant return to Fox & Friends Weekend. Apparently, she wanted to remind her fans that she’s back, too. And in rare form.

*https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/bad-juliet-detention/

*http://twitter.com/#search?q=juliethuddy

Ebon Fox & Her Friends

Black beauty Dari Alexander, WNYW (FOX) evening new co-anchor, brought some much needed color to the set of Fox & Friends as she guest hosted for Gretchen Carlson today on the curvy couch. It was a welcome return to the past. (Ironically, former F&F Weekend co-host Kelly Wright also appeared as a correspondent.)

Since the departure of Lauren Green as F&F newsreader and Kelly as F&FW co-anchor, FNC’s popular morning show has largely been bereft of African Americans as central cast members. Of course, frequent black prominent contributors include political pundit Juan Williams, biz whiz Charles Payne, and “Bamboozled” hottie Angela McGlowan. Nevertheless, it would be positive to see an African American with a more permanent position on the program again.

In fact, no present crew member need be axed. The news reader job could seamlessly be brought back to F&F and/or F&FW. How about it, Bill?

Huddy: “Finalizing Things”

Waxing weary of chasing vixen Juliet down, Huddy hounds? Wondering if she will return to FNC’s Fox & Friends on a more frequent basis now that her FOX Morning Show with Mike and Juliet has been cancelled? Well, hearken to her siren call.

Yesterday, Juliet Tweeted, “Will have news soon on my professional future. Just finalizing things.”* With regard to her detractors, the blond beauty added, “[I]’m scared to read anything on websites/blogs. too much insanity. i want to respond to everything. not a good idea, so i just ignore.”* However, reassuring her Twitter followers earlier, she said, “All’s good, thanks for asking.”

The fox has left her scent: her hounds should soon find her!

*http://twitter.com/juliethuddy

Juliet: HN No-Show Again

Today Juliet Huddy, former co-host of FOX’s Morning Show with Mike and Juliet, was MIA. After Tweeting her followers last Sunday that she would be anchoring FNC’s Happening Now Wednesday through Friday of this week,* she failed to show not only today but also yesterday. Since that Tweet, she has not updated her site.

Perhaps, Juliet is still “recovering from a stomach bug.”* In her penultimate Tweet last Sunday, she indicated that she was supposed to work the day earlier but had to leave because she was sick.* However, with some of the negative rumors swirling on the Internet pertaining to her pending divorce from hubby Doug Barrett, some of her fans may get the wrong idea.

Juliet may well want to apprise her acolytes of the reason for her absences promptly and preemptively.

*http://twitter.com/juliethuddy

Juliet’s Lam to London

Tonight Juliet Huddy, former co-host of FOX’s Morning Show with Mike & Juliet, leaves her personal and professional problems behind in the States and seeks solace across the Pond with her BFF Julie Roginsky (a Democratic consultant and FNC political contributor). After announcing the end of her five-month marriage to Doug Barrett on the KiddShow.com Tuesday of last week and concluding her long professional relationship with Mike Jerrick as they did their final show together last Friday,* Juliet should get some desperately needed “r&r” in London with her proclaimed “savior.”** Apparently, fine food and potent potations are very much on the menu with Juliet’s soliciting suggestions from her Twitter followers “for great restaurants/bars/lounges.”**

Perhaps, the apparent acrimony between her & her hubby*** will abate as, hopefully, “distance makes the heart grow fonder.”

*http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/phillygossip/Foxs_Juliet_Huddy_reveals_shes_divorcing_on_Kidd_Chris_show.html

**http://twitter.com/juliethuddy

***http://www.nypost.com/seven/06182009/gossip/pagesix/huddys_marriage_ends_after_4_months_174784.htm

Juliet Mourns M & J: “Really Sad”

For Juliet, her Morning Show with Mike and Juliet has become the Mourning Show. Today Juliet Tweeted, “[J]ust got back from LA…getting really sad about last week of MandJ. [S]tarting to cry for no reason.”* Ever the trouper, she also ruefully stated, “[O]n virgin america flight home sat right behind hugh jackman who is a GOD. totally failed by not approaching him to be on our last show. too intimidated. terrible host.”*

This month may indeed seem to be full of dark clouds for Juliet as to the end of her FOX show with Mike Jerrick. However, hopefully, the silver lining for her and her faithful Fox & Friends fans is that she will become more of a fixture on F&F.

Juliet, you have always brought the fox to Fox & Friends!

*http://twitter.com/juliethuddy

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/CA6627733.html

Huddy Shines: “Welcome Back”

As Fox & Friends co-anchor Gretchen Carlson vacationed again today, the jaunty Juliet Huddy returned as guest host in fine form.  It was the smart, saucy lass’ second appearance since her FOX Morning Show with Mike and Juliet was not renewed. The former F&F Weekend co-host seemed right at home on F&F’s curvy couch.

As usual, Juliet exhibited a remarkable rapport with her co-hosts, correspondents, and audience. Co-anchor Brian Kilmeade was touchy-feely with her as he tested and complimented her knee reflexes and co-host Jayhawk Steve Doocy could not seem to get enough of her fun, flirty banter even as the camera panned away. Reporter Major Garrett revelled in his fellow University of Missouri Tiger’s appearance on F&F and Mike Emanuel gave her a hearty “welcome back to cable!” As to the audience, she was indeed welcome: A delightful reminder of the the devil-may-care attitude of Fox & Friends at its best.

After a protracted period of personnel misfires by FNC’s SVP of Programming Bill Shine, he seems to be finally getting it right. E.g., he kick started a faltering F&F Weekend by bringing veteran Alisyn Camerota back. And, now he is rejuvenating F&F by bringing back another star, Juliet Huddy, as guest host, at least. Good job, Bill!

Mike & Juliet: On Tap 4 F&F?

In less than six months, Fox News could deepen its talent pool with the addition of Mike Jerrick and Juliet Huddy, the fun and fervid duo of their recently cancelled eponymous morning talk show on FOX. According to Twentieth Television’s prez and coo Bob Cook, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet will not be renewed: Production of new shows will continue through June 2009 and the program will leave the air in the fall.

Even though the cast of Fox & Friends appears to have  been established and F&F Weekend seems to have regained its zest (with the return of the sexy, saucy veteran Alisyn Camerota), both weekday and weekend shows could well use experienced, talented, and confident fill-ins. As former F&FW co-hosts, Mike and Juliet have proved their abilities to not only fit the bill but add a zany spontaneity that seems to sometimes be missing on the current versions of the programs.

Hopefully, welcome back, M&J!

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