Survivor and the Endless Gaze and more books about TV to put on your radar

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Survivor and the Endless Gaze and more books about TV to put on your radar

As a lifelong fan of television, I find myself absolutely thrilled by the plethora of upcoming books that delve into the lives and careers of some of my favorite TV personalities.

Are you usually engrossed in a book? I feel you! I’m always on the hunt for the next tale or realm that will captivate my thoughts and curiosity, taking me on a delightful journey whether it’s a romance or fantasy novel. However, there are moments when I find myself yearning for non-fiction. Narratives can be found in books that delve into real-life people and events too. History, in particular, is intriguing, especially when it comes from someone who lived through those times or an author equally passionate about the subject as you are.

Entertainment and TV books to add to your reading list

Survivor and the Endless Gaze and more books about TV to put on your radar

Survivor and the Endless Gaze by Sallie Tisdale

Title change and a new afterword have been made to “The Deception Behind the Truck: Survivor, Reality TV, and the Unending Gaze.” This book is an excellent read for avid fans of “Survivor” or anyone curious about what lies beneath the surface of this popular CBS show. It explores our fascination with reality TV, delving deep into why we find ourselves engrossed in other people’s edited lives, spending countless hours watching them compete and judge each other under the watchful eye of the camera. Author Tisdale dissects this obsession, providing insights that go beyond just the reasons for our continued viewing and investment. She delves into lesser-known fan practices, the intricate game within “Survivor,” and discusses areas where the show could improve in addressing underreported instances of racism and sexual assault.

Now available in paperback.

What’s Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack

In a special treat for fans of the enduring political drama, “The West Wing,” stars Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack are offering a behind-the-scenes look at the show’s creation. This book offers untold anecdotes from on and off set, along with an in-depth examination of what went into making a series that continues to resonate powerfully on TV and in real-life politics. As more people rediscover this classic series, which ended almost 20 years ago, the Bartlet Administration’s legacy remains as strong as ever. Fitzgerald and McCormack further enrich the experience by sharing their insights on favorite episodes and stories from the show’s production days.

Enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate this book, as it comes with a foreword from Aaron Sorkin and an introduction penned by Allison Janney.

Available now in hardcover and digital audiobook.

Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel’s Tween Empire by Ashley Spencer

The Disney Channel, as we once knew it, has significantly changed, a fact that is undeniable. However, there was a golden era when this channel held the title of the most-watched cable network during primetime hours, and many millennials cherish those memories with nostalgia. As we reminisce, we can’t help but delve deeper into this nostalgia, but it’s also accurate to say that at its peak, Disney was more than just a channel—it was a well-oiled machine. Disney played a pivotal role in shaping the stars we recognize today, guiding them through their formative years in a manner worthy of study.

Available on Sept. 24, 2024 in hardcover, e-book, and digital audio.

Star Trek: Open a Channel: A Woman’s Trek by Nana Visitor

Actress Nana Visitor from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is preparing to guide readers on a journey through six decades of the franchise’s history, focusing on the female perspective. The book delves into the roles of women both behind and in front of the camera, examining how they have been portrayed and the impact they made on the various Star Trek series. As numerous observers have pointed out, the franchise has played a dual role in mirroring societal values at the time and depicting the future that creators aspired to create, beginning with the trailblazing casting of Lt. Uhura, portrayed by Nichelle Nichols, back in 1966.

Available Oct. 1, 2024 in hardcover and e-book.

Survivor and the Endless Gaze and more books about TV to put on your radar

The Sopranos: The Complete Visual History by Ray Richmond

25 years have passed since The Sopranos first graced our screens, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture and television history. It’s a perfect moment to delve into a visual chronicle of this remarkable series, featuring stunning images, archival materials, and insightful interviews with the creator David Chase, cast members such as Edie Falco, Steven Schirripa, Lorraine Bracco, and crew members. This book follows Tony Soprano’s story and explores how the show has shaped television and pop culture as a whole. Notably, it also pays tribute to the late James Gandolfini.

Available Oct. 15, 2024 in hardcover.

Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show (While also in an Actual Cult!) by Bethany Joy Lenz

Bethany Joy Lenz is best recognized for her role as Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill, however, the actress’s real-life experiences during filming were starkly different. As her career ascended, so did turmoil in her personal life due to a cult she unknowingly joined. In her memoir, Lenz guides readers through this period as she became increasingly involved with The Big House Family and gradually lost control over her own life. Described as both darkly humorous and candid, the book chronicles Lenz’s journey without sugarcoating the trauma she endured, which significantly affected her beliefs about faith and God. Lenz emphasizes that it was only upon becoming a mother that she managed to break free from the abuse, but the path to that decision was filled with challenges.

Available Oct. 22, 2024 in hardcover.

50 Years of Happy Days: A Visual History of an American Television Classic by Brian Levant and Fred Fox, Jr.

This coffee table art book is a must have for fans of Happy Days, the American sitcom that brought us an iconic theme song and “The Fonz.” Readers can expect to get a behind the curtain look at the show from season to season thanks to two of its longest-serving writer-producers Brian Levant and Fred Fox, Jr.

To mark the 50th anniversary of this program, we’ve compiled a captivating account filled with behind-the-scenes stories from the set, exclusive photographs seldom seen before, and fresh insights from cast members, crew, and creators in new interviews. The book is introduced by Henry Winkler, who shares fascinating tales about the show that catapulted him, Ron Howard, and Robin Williams to fame, with some anecdotes included.

Available Nov. 5, 2024 in hardcover.

Survivor and the Endless Gaze and more books about TV to put on your radar

Norman Lear: His Life and Times by Tripp Whetsell

When Norman Lear, a giant in television production, passed away at 101 years old, we lost a pioneer who significantly shaped the landscape of TV, particularly comedy, during the late 20th century. His work as a writer and producer broke new ground, allowing for more open and frank discussions on the small screen. In the 70s, sitcoms like “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” “Maude,” and others dared to tackle tough subjects that had previously been taboo on TV. These included race, class, politics, sexuality, and religion. By doing so, they sparked conversations among Americans about these topics in a more candid and honest manner.

Tripp Whetsell’s study delves into Lear’s seven-decade professional journey, examining his works through investigation and discussions. This exploration focuses on the groundbreaking era in television that Lear led, an era marked by his shows which weekly invited underrepresented communities into homes during primetime hours. These shows provided a unique platform for viewers to recognize their own lives and explore different lifestyles simultaneously. The book serves as both a homage to Lear and a chronicle of the entertainment industry during the zenith of his career.

Available in Nov. 12, 2024 in hardcover and e-book.

Welcome to Pawnee: Stories of Friendship, Waffles, and Parks and Recreation by Jim O’Heir

Actor Jim O’Heir from “Parks and Recreation” is eager to invite fans for an intimate, backstage peek into the comedy that brought joy to viewers. Prepare for more “whimsical shenanigans and unyielding optimism” as he guides readers through memorable scenes on set, as well as heartwarming moments when the cast became like a family, celebrating birthdays and gathering around backyard bonfires. Stars such as Rob Lowe, Retta, Chris Pratt, along with showrunners Greg Daniels and Mike Schur, will join him in this exploration of what made the comedy so endearing and maintained smiles on viewers’ faces.

Available Nov. 19, 2024 in hardcover, ebook, digital audio, and CD.

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2024-08-14 20:24