Q: Was "Kojak" based on anything?
"Kojak" was based on a couple of things, actually.
Most directly, it was a continuation of the popular and award-winning telefilm "The Marcus-Nelson Murders," which aired in 1973 on CBS. That film introduced audiences to Detective Theo Kojak, an honest cop who suspects some of his fellow detectives of framing a young black man for murder. The film, in particular the character, was a hit, and so later that year CBS premiered the "Kojak" series.
Shark Tank, on ABC
In this popular reality series, aspiring entrepreneurs and inventors are given the chance to pitch their ideas to the "Sharks," a panel of investors and business moguls who will decide whether they want to work on a company with them.
More 'Better': Pamela Adlon is back with Season 4 of 'Better Things' on FX
Pamela Adlon and Diedrich Bader in "Better Things"
When asked about "Better Things," a show she not only created but runs, writes, produces, directs and stars in, Pamela Adlon ("Californication") had this to say: "My life has changed exponentially because of this show. It's not just another job for me, it has completely cracked open my whole life."
Down the rabbit hole: Mystery series 'Dispatches from Elsewhere' premieres on AMC
Richard E. Grant as seen in "Dispatches from Elsewhere"
An alternate reality hiding just below the surface of the world we see every day is about to be revealed. On Sunday, March 1, a new mystery series, "Dispatches from Elsewhere," premieres on AMC, and it follows a group of strangers on a journey of discovery that blurs the lines between what's real and what's not.
More 'Better': Pamela Adlon is back with Season 4 of 'Better Things' on FX
Pamela Adlon and Diedrich Bader in "Better Things"
When asked about "Better Things," a show she not only created but runs, writes, produces, directs and stars in, Pamela Adlon ("Californication") had this to say: "My life has changed exponentially because of this show. It's not just another job for me, it has completely cracked open my whole life."
Superstore, on NBC
America Ferrera stars as Amy, the manager of a superstore in this sitcom. She works to hold together her quirky team as they handle everything from annoying customers to secret shoppers, and the drama of their personal lives. Ben Feldman also stars.
SEAL Team, on CBS
This two-part mid-season premiere stars David Boreanaz as Jason Hayes, the leader of Tier One, a team of highly trained Navy SEALs that put their lives on the line when danger strikes. Max Thieriot, and Toni Trucks also star in this hit military drama.
Q: Is comedian Tina Fey related to the disturbed gentleman riding in her car in those Allstate Insurance commercials?
Theirs is a professional relationship, but it's an ongoing one. Technically, the "disturbed gentleman" is the star of those ads -- Tina Fey was just doing a guest turn. That means it's a reversal of their previous arrangement.
Mixed-ish, on ABC
This "Black-ish" spinoff follows a young Rainbow Johnson (Tracee Ellis Ross/Arica Himmel). After moving from a hippie commune to the city, Rainbow and her family deal with culture shock and being a mixed-race family in middle-America in the 1980s.
Homeland, on Showtime
Still in Afghanistan, Saul (Mandy Patinkin) arranges to make a deal in this rebroadcast of the popular drama. Meanwhile, Carrie (Claire Danes) has a meeting and Haqqani (Numan Acar) learns about problems that are occurring back home.
