Do Pop Culture References Limit The Shelf Life Of TV Shows?

TV writers have probably never wondered if dropping a Lindsay Lohan reference will affect viewers' interest in the show five or 10 years down the road, but today Salon television critic Matt Zoller Seitz raised the question after noticing his kids don't understand The Simpsons.
Should ABC Air Show Called Good Christian Bitches?
ABC is developing a pilot based on the novel Good Christian Bitches and predictably, the show is already being attacked for being offensive to both Christians and women.
4 Things Aaron Sorkin Puts In Every Show
The indefatigable Aaron Sorkin has inked a deal with HBO to write a show set in the world of cable news. It's tentatively titled "More As the Story Develops," which is not only boring, but loaded with self-important, unironic metaphor. Nevertheless, Sorkin is a skilled writer and HBO seems to know what they're doing…
Female Stupidity Theater
Everyone knows and agrees that Rock of Love: Bus is one of the greatest achievements in the history of television. But is enjoying some mindless laughs at the expense of fame-hungry female reality TV stars harmful to women?
TLC Finds Its New Jon & Kate
TLC will soon air "Sextuplets Take New York," a new reality show about a family with "America's first Latino sextuplets." Every episode will show a day in the life of the Carpio family, including some 50 diaper changes a day.
Elvira Returns To The Small Screen
Elvira (aka Cassandra Peterson) is back! And she's hosting a new show, titled "Elvira's Movie Macabre." Apparently, "Elvira will be every bit as relevant as the first day she burst onto the scene," says the CEO of Trifecta Entertainment.
Diablo Cody Is Coming To Fox
Diablo Cody has reportedly sold a comedy pilot to Fox titled "The Breadwinner." Details are being kept under wraps, but we're willing to bet homeslice will find a way to insert at least one ironic food-shaped telephone, honest to blog.
Own A Piece Of Lost History
Ever felt the need for Dharma beer? Here's your chance: the highly anticipated Official Show Auction & Exhibit will open in Santa Monica on August 21. Hurley's Camaro, Charlie's Driveshaft ring, and (best of all) Locke's compass are all available.
Malaysian Reality Show Has Contestants Vying For Imam Gig
A new Malaysian reality TV show has contestants performing some very unusual challenges, including preparing bodies for burial and counseling unwed mothers, all in the hopes of becoming an Imam. Kind of makes Fear Factor sound downright wussy.
Casting Call For "Nerd Girls" And/Or Aspiring Reality-TV Stars
Nerd Girls is currently casting "smart, sexy, and tech savvy" ladies for what promises to be a very-subtle pilot. Interested? If you're willing to embody a vision of both "pink heels" and "pocket protectors," here are the awkward details:
Jillian Michaels Reveals Psychological-Torture Exercise Plan
Admittedly, we did not watch Losing It With Jillian, as she can be a little scary. Claire Zulkey's review reinforces our belief: "Jillian starts screaming at [the family] like a sociopath: 'You can't have health; it's not for you!'" [Onion/AV]
Coming This Fall: Fewer TV Shows Created By Women
The major networks have announced their fall lineups and — surprise, surprise — only four out of 27 new shows were created by women. Plus, several current shows created by ladies or starring ladies were canceled. Boo. [Women & Hollywood]
Real L Word Preview: The Scoop On Lesbians' Vaginas
In the new trailer for Showtime's The Real L Word, the castmates say they hope the show portrays lesbians in a positive light. Unfortunately, the people behind the poster took that literally, and Photoshopped a sunset bursting from their vaginas.
South Park Creators Threatened
Trey Parker and Matt Stone have received a "warning" from a radical Islamic website that the "likely outcome" of their depiction of Muhammad (dressed in a bear suit) on a recent episode of South Park is murder. [FoxNews]
