'V' invades prime time TV again!

Can TV get any better for '80s fans? First a new Knight Rider returns and now this: The sci-fi series V is set to be remade and return to television as a miniseries and TV spinoff.

ABC is remaking the 1980s story about alien lizards "visiting" Earth, according to Variety.com. The new series will be written by The 4400 co-creator Scott Peters.

"Whenever I mention V to anybody, they still have a lot of good memories about the original movie and series," Peters told the trade journal. "Everybody has that imagery of their uniforms, or the visitor eating a hamster. It’s a science fiction icon and too good to pass up."

The original 1983 miniseries was a ratings triumph, sparking a sequel and a weekly TV series during the 1984-85 season. Original writer-producer-director Kenneth Johnson had been trying to find buyers for "V: The Second Generation," according to Variety, but he's not listed among those involved with the ABC version.

The new miniseries will revolve around a Homeland Security agent whose wayward son is attracted to the aliens upon their arrival, though more side plots are expected along the way.

[Photos from original V series]

Her birthday wish: Name of a good lawyer

Oh, this isn't good. Heather Locklear was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of driving under the influence in Montecito, Calif., according to the Los Angeles Times.

Locklear, who turned 47 years old last week, was arrested by the California Highway Patrol -- hey, CHiPs! -- after someone called 911 to report a woman driving "erratically."

Define "erratic"? Locklear reportedly drove "back and forth over a pair of sunglasses on the pavement and revving her engine. After leaving the parking lot, she stopped her car on the street and stumbled into the traffic lane, according to the caller, who followed Locklear out of concern," the Times reports.

Locklear was tested for alcohol consumption, but the tests were negative. Results are pending on other drug tests.

[Booking photo via Associated Press]

Which Heather Locklear reigns supreme?

Heather Locklear might have the most perfect '80s name of any star from our favorite decade. Sassy, yet razor-sharp. Of course, the rest of her ain't bad either.

Heather never gets her due for her work in the '80s, mainly because it was spread out over nearly every iconic TV show of the decade. She appeared on CHiPs, Eight Is Enough, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island ... even The Fall Guy. Not a bad resume for someone who turns 47 years old today.

But here's the thing: If you had to pick just one Heather Locklear of the '80s, and you had to pick between her two longest gigs, which would it be: Heather from T.J. Hooker ... or Heather from Dynasty? Let's break it down.

THE SHOWS:
T.J. HOOKER: It had William Shatner ... and Adrian Zmed, thus giving it instant Hall of Fame status as an '80s guilty pleasure.
DYNASTY: Oil barons! Sex! Deceit! Greed! More sex! How come an unrated version was never released on DVD?!?
ADVANTAGE: Dynasty ... I don't want to turn my back on Shatner, but man cannot live on Kirk alone.

THE CHARACTERS:
OFFICER STACY SHERIDAN: Sounds so close to Officer Stacy Spears. That would have worked out nicely.
SAMANTHA JOSEPHINE DEAN REECE CARRINGTON FALLMONT: With so many name changes, she sounds like a former Mrs. Spears. So just call her "Sammy Jo," because that almost makes her unsexy, though physics professors at MIT have already proved that's impossible.
ADVANTAGE: T.J. Hooker ... because who can say no to a woman who knows how to use handcuffs.

THE LOOK:
T.J. HOOKER: Hair parted right down the middle, feathered back. An innocent smile. Will you go to the prom with me, Officer Sheridan?
DYNASTY: It's like she walked straight in from her audition for Daisy Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard. Well, cut-off jeans work in Texas too. God bless the Lone Star State.
ADVANTAGE: Oh come on now, did you really think I was going to make a stand on this one?

[Publicity photo courtesy of Fox]

Welcome back, Michael Knight!

Rarely do '80s icons improve over time. Our favorite rockers find their knees and voices creaking. Those teen heartthrobs now more closely resemble the pasty and pudgy physique of the Pillsbury Doughboy. And the TV shows and movies we worshiped are remade, but usually only with the heart and funny bone as key missing ingredients.

So savor the total cheestacular satisfaction that you'll find if you decide to check out the new Knight Rider series on NBC, debuting tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

Here are some observations after checking out the season premiere in advance:

FIRST SOME HOMEWORK: If you missed the made-for-TV movie back in February, you can still catch it for free on Hulu.com. Watch it before the show to figure out the origin of the new K.I.T.T. and its new driver, "Michael Traceur" (Justin Bruening).

THE FEEL: The new show is like Mission: Impossible meets Beverly Hills Cop meets James Bond. Throw in a lot of sexy skin shots and you have "Baywatch in a car." But we're shallow ... so it works.

THE STORY: "Mike Traceur" is a former Special Forces soldier who served in Iraq. He's chosen by the car's inventor, "Charles Graiman" (Bruce Davison), to protect his daughter "Sarah" (Deanna Russo), who -- wouldn't you know it -- happens to be his ex-girlfriend. Why Mike? Because he's the son of "Michael Knight," who drove the original K.I.T.T. 20 years ago! (Didn't see THAT coming, did you?) Teamed up with the FBI, Traceur sheds his name and identity (taking on the "Michael Knight" moniker) and joins a secret organization to fight the bad guys. (Oh, my heart is beating so fast now. And not from all the Pudding Pops I ate while watching the show!)

SPEAKING OF K.I.T.T.: No longer a Pontiac Trans-Am, the new Knight Industries Three Thousand is a Mustang (a promotional courtesy of Ford Motors, naturally). With computer screens that magically pop into the windshield and an exterior skin that can repair itself through some bizarre bio-technology, it's the car we should have been dreaming about back in the '80s while we were sleeping in geometry class with our faces planted in our Trapper Keepers.

THE VOICE: I prefer Val Kilmer as the voice of K.I.T.T to the '80s version powered by William Daniels. Kilmer is smart without being smarmy, still getting an occasional zinger ("Michael, why are you speaking Pig Latin ... incorrectly?") but with a reassuring and comforting warmth that fits the tone of the made-over show. Kilmer hasn't sounded so human since 1985's Real Genius.

THE INTRIGUE: There are plenty of backstories here that will develop over time. Michael can't remember large portions of his service in Iraq, and his allies in the super-secret SSC organization might not be the friends he thinks they are. Just enough to keep viewers on their toes.

THE LAUGHS: The show leans on the supporting cast to provide the comic relief. Look for Knight Industries' back-office nerds -- played by Smith Cho and Paul Campbell -- to get most of the laughs.

THE HOFF: Oh yes, David Hasselhoff -- can't forget about him. The Hoff makes a short cameo in the pilot movie, a beautiful entrance framed by rays of sunshine and chirping birds and angelic harps. Will we see of him during the series? As Hoff tells son Michael, "I hope so."

[AP Photo/NBC, Mitchell Haaseth]

Wonder what 'The Hoff' is doing tonight...

The series premiere of the new "Knight Rider" hits NBC tonight at 8 p.m. (Eastern time). My guess is that David Hasselhoff will be throwing a nice little soiree at his luxury compound on Pluto or wherever the Hoff lives these days.

Hasselhoff played "Michael Knight" in the original TV series, which lasted 90 episodes from 1982 to 1986. He made a short but fabulously cheesy cameo in the TV movie in February 2008 that introduced the show's new characters. (His son will now drive KITT.)

Want to know if the new series is worth watching? Keep watching the blog for an advance review of the show later this morning once I get a chance to sit down in my REO Speedwagon concert jersey, blue corduroys and pocket comb and let the goodness sweep over me.

John Ritter's glow-in-the-dark legacy

Sometimes you truly don't see the genius until they're gone. At least that's not the case with the late John Ritter, who would have turned 60 today.

Ritter died on Sept. 11, 2003, but he left behind some real gems on TV and the silver screen, especially during the '80s.

TELEVISION: Wow, don't make me have to throw the words Three's Company at you. A totally unwatchable show, except for his role as Jack Tripper. You want to get obscure though ... can you name the spin-off? (Yes, Three's a Crowd in 1984-85.) But he also starred in Hooperman and ... three episodes of The Love Boat!

FILMS: I cherish Ritter in 1992's Stay Tuned, but if you haven't seen him as the reluctant CIA agent in Real Men (with James Belushi at his near zenith) or 1980's Wholly Moses (he was "Satan" for crying out loud!), then you really should visit your Netflix queue a little more often.

THE ULTIMATE HIGHLIGHT: Just the mention of 1989's Skin Deep usually triggers an outburst of childish laughter from anyone who has seen it. Think back. Way back. Think glow-in-dark. Think safe sex. Okay, just click here for the movie clip. (Slightly adult in nature, but still SFW I think.)

[AP photo]

'Everybody cut Footloose!'

If you didn't like Footloose, you really didn't experience the '80s at all, did you?

NBC's Today show reunited some of the cast of the 1984 flick on this morning's show. Kevin Bacon and John Lithgow are still high-profile, recognizable actors, but seeing Lori Singer again was really nice. She still looks amazing. ("There ain't nothing to do with me daddy, like it or not this is it. It doesn't get much better.")

Stay tuned until the very end of the YouTube clip to see another surprise guest.

Movie reunions? Surely you can't be serious

You gotta love NBC's Today show's latest ratings shtick. The morning news/entertainment show has been reuniting the casts of classic '80s flicks this week for a few much-needed moments of nostalgia.

On Wednesday, it was the cast of Airplane!, including Leslie Nielsen, Peter Graves, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jill Whelan and Robert Hays (via satellite).

The biggest revelation: Graves said he almost turned the role as the pilot of the doomed airplane.

"I did more than turn it down -- I read the script and threw it across the room," Graves revealed to Meredith Vieira and Al Roker. "I said, 'This is insane, and not only that, it's the worst taste I've ever seen.' "

On Friday, tune in to the Today show for a reunion of the Footloose cast!

Click here to read the full article on MSNBC.

[Photo from "Airplane"]

Don't take the 'Wonder' from our '80s

Here's some predictable news: NBC is planning a "Wonder Years" TV series that will take place in the 1980s.

The name of the series? Umm, just "'80s." (Hundreds of hours of debate probably went into deciding between "'80s" or "Eighties.")

According to TVguide.com, a one-hour pilot has been ordered. Former "Wonder Years" writer/producer Bob Brush will be in charge.

NBC says the series will be a cross between "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (probably with far fewer teenage abortions) and "The Ice Storm" (with twice the amount of adultery).

'80s fans don't cry (at least not on TV)

The Stuck in the 80s appearance on Penn & Teller's "Bull***t" show is now out there -- good luck finding it online -- and the stress level is returning to normal here in our glamorous headquarters building in downtown Shermer, Illinois.

Thankfully, I'm on screen for only about 90 seconds. And to clarify for the record: I'm 99.9 percent sure I'm not about to start crying when retelling my Spandau Ballet "True" story. Well, at least 90 percent sure. A good 75 percent anyway. Because anyone who knows me will testify that I NEVER cry about anything, right? RIGHT? (No fair queuing up the finale of "Field of Dreams!")

I'm still looking for a way to get the footage online. In the meantime, enjoy my new theme song for the week.

Tonight, 80s fans hide in fear

When you're an '80s addict, there are several things you get used to dealing with: scorn from family, cruel jokes by friends (I'm looking your way, Mr. Daly), contempt from coworkers (my "dance party Friday" playlist is a little heavy on Oingo Boingo).

But you're never prepared for national humiliation. And so it goes that tonight at 10 p.m., I must face the music on the Showtime cable channel when "Penn & Teller's Bull***t" show lampoons those who love the past. Titled "The Good Ole Days," our magicians-turned-social critics will fire away at those who love renaissance festivals, the 1950s, and yes, the 1980s.

The show's production crew filmed me (and Sean Daly) on a cold Saturday back in January. We did a short podcast -- the call-in show about first concert experiences (which never was used because the sound quality was way off) -- and they staged a bunch of goofy shots of me at my desk, writing the blog. Then they filmed a half-dozen takes of me walking into an '80s party. Thoroughly engaging? Not quite.

I fully expect that the barbs they toss at me will hurt me the most -- but they might also sting some of you, who find a certain solace in remembering a time when life was simpler, the music was better and we still had our whole lives in front of us.

Don't expect me to take it sitting down. And by that, I mean, don't expect me to take it sober. I'll be on the blog live tonight during the show if anyone has the heart to offer any condolences.

Believe it or not, another remake

"The Greatest American Hero" is the latest '80s remake announced by Hollywood this summer. The short-lived TV series will be re-imagined as a big-screen movie (though hopefully they'll keep the same killer theme song by Joey Scarbury).

Moviehole.net says the search is on for big-name stars to play the roles of schoolteacher/superhero Ralph Hinkley, FBI agent Bill Maxwell and lawyer Pam Davidson.

(I'm thinking Corey Haim for "Ralph," Alan Ruck for "Agent Maxwell" and ... Annabeth Gish for law-babe Pam.)

The plot would remain the same. Aliens bestow superhero powers -- and "magic jammies" -- on an unassuming schoolteacher, who promptly loses the instruction book for his new outfit. Comic hilarity ensues. (Hey, it was the '80s, we didn't need people lost on islands or lawyers-turned-prophets to entertain us.)

Original stars William Katt, Robert Culp and Connie Selleca recently told MTV.com that they've been asked to appear in cameo roles in the movie as well.

TOP 5 MEMORABLE LINES FROM GREATEST AMERICAN HERO:

5. "You're about as religious as a Las Vegas nightclub owner."

4. "You go in there and you know what's going to happen? You're going to be sent away for so long, when you get out this suit's going to actually be in style."

3. "It's a bird. It's a plane. It's ... Ralph Hinkley."

2. "Pam Davidson, my attorney, this is Bill Maxwell. We're in the superhero business together. "

1. "I mean I could kill the guy that designed this suit. Why couldn't it have... narrow lapels and a cutaway jacket? Why'd it have to be long johns and a cape?"

'Crockett, Tubbs ... in my office!'

Lately, I've been browsing through the archives of the Stuck in the 80s podcast collection, just curious to see how the show has changed over its three years.

This morning's big find: The incredibly entertaining -- and yet very informative -- episode about Miami Vice, featuring former St. Pete Times television critic Chase Squires. The podcast was released on April 27, 2006, just days before Chase left the Times to pursue a career running from mountain lions outside Denver.

It was only our 38th show, and Chase carries it. He's the ultimate "Vice" fan, and his passion for the show is what drove me to eventually invest in the complete DVD collection of the series. (And one of these days, if I can ever learn to stop spending every night worshiping "Fletch" and swilling amber beverages, I'll get around to watching them.)

In the meantime, click here to listen to our "Miami Vice" episode. And if you want to catch up on Chase's current exploits, check out his Dirty Thoughts blog. It's -- as I used to always say -- fantastiche!

'Can I still borrow your underpants?'

Anthony Michael Hall and Molly Ringwald met up at the 36th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Warren Beatty a few weeks ago in Hollywood. No telling if they chatted about a possible "Sixteen Candles" sequel, something Molly has been talking up for years now.

"It was something that I definitely wanted to do, but John Hughes wasn't interested, and I didn't feel comfortable doing it without his involvement," she recently told the media. "If we can get John to agree, I think it would be great. ... To me, the movie is '80s perfection."

Speaking of Molly, she's back in the spotlight again these days. And not for her signature red hair, film roles or enduring label as the "freckled face of the 80s" -- it's for a new reputation: Fashion diva.

The Los Angeles Times recently profiled Molly on the eve of her debut on TV's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager." In it, the writer follows Molly on a shopping trip during her return to L.A.

"I never thought of myself as a style icon," Ringwald tells the Times. "I wore all that vintage because my parents kept me on an allowance ... My style was based on necessity."

With the return of 80s nostalgia and fashion -- along with an economic recession -- we'll all be "going vintage" again. (Click here to read the full article.)

[Getty Images]

"It's good to have cable TV"

For those of you with actual social lives, I tip my cap. For the rest of us, it's Monday night and that's 80s night on cable TV these days, baby!

So many choices for today (all times Eastern):

• Funny Farm at 4 p.m. on AMC
• Look Who's Talking at 6 p.m. on AMC
• Beverly Hills Cop at 8 p.m. on Bravo
• The Princess Bride at 8 p.m. on AMC
• Beverly Hills Cop 2 at 10 p.m. on Bravo

But the official Stuck in the 80s recommendation for tonight? "History of the World Part 1" at 10 p.m. on AMC. I've seen it going on 50 or 60 times now, and it still kills me. And now that Harvey Korman, who played "Count de Monet" with such gusto, is gone, what better time to reacquaint yourself with his best 80s work.

TOP 5 LINES FROM HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART 1:

5. "Wait for the shake!"

4. "With the birth of the artist came the inevitable afterbirth - the critic."

3. "Ah, but the servant waits, while the master baits."

2. "Don't get saucy with me, Bernaise."

1. "It's good to be the king."

'What would we do, baby, without us?'

When you see this picture, here are the words that run through your mind -- like it or not:

"I bet we been together for a million years. And I bet we'll be together for a million more. Oh, it's like I started breathing on the night we kissed. And I can't remember what I ever did before."

Family Ties' Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross seemed like the perfect parents to me in the 80s (getting the slight edge over Heathcliff and Clair Huxtable, who weren't nearly as tolerant with their kids' antics as the Keatons).

Sure, they were ex-hippies who somehow managed to pop out an uber-smug Republican son, one ditzy daughter and ... well I'm not sure how to describe Tina Yothers' character. But here's something even freakier:

Did you know Gross and Baxter have the same birthday? No, not just the same calendar day. THE SAME DAY AND YEAR (June 21, 1947). And of course, that means they're both 61 today.

So here's my present. Click here to enjoy a collection of bloopers from "Family Ties." Sha-la-la-la.

80s movie showdown: Snake vs. Axel

Big choice on TV for Friday night, my fellow 80s couch potatoes. On AMC, it's Escape from New York. Or on Bravo, it's Beverly Hills Cop. Both start at 8 p.m.

Which one to pick? I own them both on DVD, but I'm still a fan of the serendipity of coming across the movies on TV.

Time to battle it out.

LEAD CHARACTERS:
Axel Foley: Eddie Murphy is funny, foul-mouthed and ... well, I can think of any other F words that apply here. Still, I like Eddie more in "48 Hours" and "Coming to America."
Snake Pliskin: Kurt Russell's best 80s role? I'm thinking it is.
Advantage: "Call me Snake."

THE PLOT:
New York is a prison: Brilliant. Too bad it's set in 1997. By then, the city was cleaned up.
Eddie's a cop in Beverly Hills: "Is this the man who ... wrecked the buffet at the Harrow Club?" Hell yeah.
Advantage: "The super cop bit ... was working."

SUPPORTING CAST:
Beverly Hills: John Ashton and Judge Reinhold both know they eat too much red meat.
New York: Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence, Isaac Hayes, Harry Dean Stanton.
Advantage: "A-No. 1! The Duke of New York City!"

THE LINES:
Beverly Hills: "We're not going to fall for the banana in the tailpipe."
New York: "Call me Plisskin."
Advantage: "I don't smoke Lucky Strikes. I smoke King-Sized Kents!"

So it's a wash. What did you expect? Just Tivo one and watch it later.

An uncommon 80s night on cable TV!

On Thursday night, you can watch Game 1 of the NBA Finals ... or you can veg-out Stuck in the 80s style on cable TV's AMC channel.

The lineup: The Princess Bride at 8 p.m. (eastern time) with director Rob Reiner and co-star Mandy Patinkin as co-hosts, then Karate Kid Part 2 at 10 p.m., and the vastly underrated Uncommon Valor at 12:30 a.m. (Are you really hard-core? Then watch Karate Kid 2 again at 2:45 a.m.)

We all love "Princess Bride" (and tonight's version will be full of insight and trivia from the guest hosts), but it'll be on TV again and again. What I really can't oversell is "Uncommon Valor." Gene Hackman, Fred Ward, Patrick Swayze and more. Still thinking of going to bed early?

TOP 5 QUOTES FROM UNCOMMON VALOR:

5. "It's taken me TEN YEARS to get that damn war out of his head!"

4. "Boy, you just bought the whole can of whup-a--!

3. "You usin' that oriental martial bulls--t on me's gonna get real expensive."

2. "You don't ever quit, boy. Not when it's for real!"

1. "If we meet again, then we'll smile. And if not, then this parting was well made."

Journey live! ... on the Ellen DeGeneres show

Anyone catch Journey and new lead singer Arnel Pineda performing live on the "Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Wednesday? Here's a clip:

Pretty amazing voice, Arnel. I've heard from those who caught the performance on TV that the band played one of their new songs after "Separate Ways." If anyone can find the clip, send me a link. Otherwise, here's a snippet of one of the new songs from the upcoming CD "Revelations." It's set for release on June 3.

A poll on Ellen's official website -- www.ellentv.com -- asks fans if they like Journey's new frontman. With more than 7,000 votes, 94 percent of respondents said yes.

Her name is Nicole and she dances on the sand

I'm not sure Simon Le Bon and his mates had Brazilian body wash in mind when they sang "Rio" back in the early '80s, but here it is.

Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls has recorded a throughly modernized pop version of the Duran Duran tune to promote Caress Brazilian Exotic Oil Infused Body Wash. (Or as I call it, "soap.") Click here to hear the song and watch the commercial.

(And click here to watch all my good memories of 80s music slowly slip away and die in horrible, twisted fashion with every new goof-ball commercial.)

A couple of Sharp Dressed Men

American Idol Season 7 winner David Cook seems pretty happy to be playing "Sharp Dressed Man" with ZZ Top during Wednesday night's finale. (Despite his '90s posturing, we always knew he was a child of the '80s all along.)

ZZ Top wasn't the only '80s act in the house. Bryan Adams and George Michael both brought down the house when they showed up on stage during medleys of their 80s hits.

(Plus, my final American Idol '80s connection of the year: Admit it ... Cook clinched this competition when he belted out his rendition of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" earlier this season.)

25 greatest TV theme songs of the 80s

The tunes defined our generation -- at least from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. every weeknight during our formative years.

Today, they serve as 30-second bursts of memories of the good old days, when the most drama we had was whether to feather our hair or krimp it. Or perhaps deciding which color corduroy pants to wear with our brand-new REO Speedwagon concert tees. (You never go wrong with navy blue!)

Welcome to the official Stuck in the 80s list of the 25 best TV theme songs from our favorite decade. We considered your input along with the expert advice of Times media critic Eric Deggans to fine-tune the final rankings.

Don't forget to listen to this week's podcast, which unveils our rationale for the top 10 TV theme songs. Click here to listen. Or click here to get all our shows for free via iTunes.

In the meantime, get in full couch-potato mode and set the remote control aside for this list.

TOP 25 TV THEME SONGS OF THE 80s:

25. Star Trek: The Next Generation [watch]

24. Taxi [watch]

23. Facts of Life [watch]

22. 21 Jump Street [watch]

21. Magnum P.I. [watch]

20. Dallas [watch]

19. Dynasty [watch]

18. The Love Boat [watch] 

17. Night Court [watch]

16. Full House [watch]

15. Charles in Charge [watch]

14. Moonlighting [watch]

13. It’s Garry Shandling's Show  [watch]

12. The Paper Chase [listen]

11. Pee Wee's Playhouse [watch] 

10. Hill Street Blues [watch]

9. The Cosby Show  [watch]

8. Square Pegs  [watch]

7. Greatest American Hero [watch]

6. The A-Team [watch]

5. Family Ties [watch]

4. WKRP in Cincinnati [watch]

3. Dukes of Hazzard [watch]

2. Cheers [watch]

1. Miami Vice [watch]

"Miami Vice" gets the nod over "Cheers" because it oozes the '80s from every pour. Jan Hammer's masterpiece can only be properly enjoyed in a white linen jacket, loafers and dark glasses.

So which TV theme songs did we miss out on?

'Square Pegs' finally wins popularity contest

It took 25 years, but die-hard fans of "Square Pegs" finally get their wish: The complete series will soon be available on DVD.

A very young (and far cuter) Sarah Jessica Parker starred in the TV series, which lasted only the 1982-83 season. The May 20 release date of the DVD set coincides with the debut of Parker's "Sex in the City" movie.

According to a review by the Washington Post, the three-disc set sadly lacks an audio commentary and deleted scenes. But a short documentary -- "Weemawee Yearbook Memories" -- reunites most of the major players (including Amy Linker, Jami Gertz and Tracy Nelson), who talk at length about the experience of making the show.

Tribute is also paid to actor Merritt Butrick, who played "Johnny Slash." Butrick, also known to "Star Trek" fans as "Dr. David Marcus" (and to "Zapped" fans as "Gary"), died of AIDS in 1989.

Among the highlights of the 20-show set are guest appearances by Bill Murray, Devo, Martin Mull, John Desmore and Tony Dow.

Willie and Scott ... friends forever

We recorded our epic "Top 10 TV Theme Songs of the 80s" podcast today, and now I'm stuck singing "Charles in Charge" at my desk over and over and over again. (And if click this link, now it's in your head too.)

Where did the song fall on the list? You'll have to wait for the weekend to hear the show and discover. However, I will reveal that, during an uncomfortable moment of silence in the show, I  confessed my never-dying admiration for the Scott Baio/Willie Aames dynasty of acting.

Which makes you wonder: How much longer must we wait for our podcast tribute to 1982's "Zapped?" Click here to see the never-released trailer for the movie.

Mrs. Garrett still teaches "Facts of Life"

Actress Charlotte Rae -- aka "Mrs. Garrett" on "The Facts of Life" -- has a cameo appearance in Adam Sandler's upcoming movie, "You Don't Mess with the Zohan."

We all know Sandler loves the 80s and squeezes as much classic music into each of movies as possible. But if don't want to spoil the surprise of Mrs. Garrett's role -- or if you just prefer not to toss your breakfast -- please, read no further ...

Last warning ...

"We make love together," the 82-year-old Rae told AP Television this week. "On a table from one to 10, I rate him, 'Not bad.' "

"Zohan" is set for release on June 6. In it, the AP says, Sandler plays an horn-doggin' Israeli commando who goes undercover as a hair stylist. No word yet on if he's capable of doing the trend-setting "Blair" look.

[AP photo]

Best TV theme songs? Believe it

Feel free to blast the fashion, hairstyles and music of our beloved 80s -- so long as you do it on another blog -- but there's one legacy of the decade that cannot be diminished:

It was the last decade of truly great TV theme songs.

From the simplicity of "The Cosby Show" to the bombastic orchestrations of "Dallas" and "Dynasty," TV in the 80s had it covered. (The one song that makes me song along every time? "Believe It or Not" from "Greatest American Hero.")

This week's Stuck in the 80s podcast will finally unveil our list of the Top 10 TV Themes of the 1980s. Think you know which one will emerge on top? You never know. I like to keep things interesting.

In the meantime, this is your last chance to nominate your favorite -- and least favorite -- TV themes. Write something clever with your nomination and we'll read the best comments during the show.

Fire away with your picks!

He'll give 'Rock of Love' a bad name

Here's some news to make the ladies swoon: Bon Jovi guitarist Ritchie Sambora is set to replace Poison's Bret Michaels on next season's "Rock of Love."

Season 2 of the too-painful-to-look-away reality show just wrapped up with Michaels choosing skank-a-licious Ambre Lake as his new girlfriend.

"Despite the first season being exposed as a fraud -- the winning contestant already had a boyfriend -- Michaels and Lake insists this time it is for real, and they are handing the show over to another single star," according to the brilliantly name Sleaze Roxx website.

Sambora, on the other hand, has already been through Heather Locklear and her gal-pal Denise Richards. And he thinks he'll do better picking anonymous women off VH1? Good luck, Richie. I'd take a double-shot of "Bad Medicine" before the season opener -- 'cause there ain't no doctor that can cure the disease.

[AP, publicity photos]

Gary Coleman has anger issues

Is anyone else still just plain dumbfounded by the phenomenon that is Gary Coleman? The video above are clips from his recent appearance on TV's "Divorce Court."

Gary, let me ask you a few questions: Are you totally bat-house insane or what? You married a 22-year-old in secret but now are divorcing on her a syndicated national TV show? Why don't you just behave like the other whacked-out '80s and just jump up and down on Oprah's couch? (One more question: Can I get your ex's phone number when the paperwork is complete?)

Gary, you're 40 years old now. Time to act like the rest of us: Sit home alone, watch reality TV and taste-test tiny bottles of vodka you bought on sale at the liquor store last night.

Will they play "Riding the Storm Out?"

Hey, REO Speedwagon fans. (And really, shouldn't that be all of us?) The band is performing live on the CBS  "Early Show" on Friday (May 2) from Greensburg, Kansas.

Greensburg was devastated by a tornado last year. REO's show is the finale for "Tragedy to Triumph: Greensburg Rising," a special week-long series on CBS highlighting a community's effort to rebuild.

Tune in between 7 and 9 a.m. to catch Kevin Cronin and the gang. The concert is free to the town's residents. However, if you want to donate to the cause, here's a web link.

SPEAKING OF KEVIN ... He's in the news today for a different reason. Cronin penned an essay for Newsweek magazine about his son Paris and his struggle with substance abuse: "My intention had always been to protect my boy from the very lifestyle in which his mother and I had been so overindulgent,"  Cronin writes. "But Paris had seen it all, and before long his cigarette smoking was morphing into far more dangerous habits." Click here to read the full piece.

The godfather of '80s television

This afternoon, the role of the Stuck in the 80s blogger will be played by Jane:

Cocktails and dreams everyone! Spunky Stuck in the '80s cub reporter Jane here, filling in for Mr. Spears, who is up to the top of his handsome head in packing material and moving boxes, furiously searching for the one with the towels in it, so he can finally take a shower. Dude, it's got to be there somewhere -- good luck!

Today we're celebrating the birthday of one of the seminal figures in television: the late Mr. Aaron Spelling, born April 22, 1923. (Alas, Spelling passed away in 2006. No word on whether the sea-plane sprinkled his ashes over a waving Mr. Roarke and Tattoo.)

Known now more as the father of media gadfly Tori and the godfather of "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Melrose Place," Spelling was first and foremost a man of the '80s. You couldn't turn on the tube in those days without encountering one of his programs on the screen. I should know -- I watched most of them.

From the one-two punch of "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island" on Saturday evenings, which I would tune in to before getting ready to go out to some late-night college party; to the original must-see TV of "Dynasty" on Wednesday nights; to the charming Nick-and-Nora throwback sleuths Jonathan and Jennifer Hart.

I did draw the line at watching some Spelling shows. He was also responsible for "Life with Lucy" -- the awful sitcom that served as Lucille Ball's last staring role. Nobody's perfect.

So grab a glass of champagne from Isaac, our friendly "Love Boat" bartender, and let's toast to ...

AARON SPELLING'S TOP 5 CONTRIBUTIONS TO 80s TV:

5. THE CATCH PHRASES: He provided us with "Da plane! Da plane!" ..  "Smiles, everyone, smiles" and "Love, exciting and new..."  True confession: I have Jack Jones crooning the "Love Boat" theme on my iPod. Shut. Up.

4. THE ULTIMATE 80s BABE: He signed not one, but two paychecks for Heather Locklear (T.J. Hooker and Dynasty), thus garnering the eternal gratitude of men young and old everywhere.

3. THE FASHION: He was single handedly responsible for the popularity of shoulder pads, huge jewelry pieces and shellacked, sky-high coiffures, thanks to the fashion-consciousness of "Dynasty" and its spin-off, "The Colbys." Admit it, you yourself sported one or all of these looks or dated someone who did.  This was the fashion of the day, and we were all slaves to it.

2. KIRK, YOU'RE STILL ALIVE, MY OLD FRIEND: He gave William "T.J. Hooker" Shatner and his hairpiece something to do during the '80s other than attending Star Trek conventions.

1. THE GUEST STARS: He kept half of Hollywood employed via the enormous amount of guest star opportunities on his shows. When those opening credits rolled for "The Love Boat" or "Hotel" or "Fantasy Island," you never knew whose name would pop up: Andy Warhol, Shirley Jones, John Ritter, Roddy McDowell, Carolyn Jones (who was married to Spelling in the '60s), Sonny Bono, Ethel Merman, Charo. The Screen Actors Guild must have loved this guy. As did the Retired Actors Home.

Here's to you, Mr. Spelling. Thanks for the memories.

Just can't get enough "Reunion?"

It's the ultimate guilty indulgence for the '80s nation: Cable's TV Land network's "High School Reunion" is planning a "cram session" for Saturday, April 5. Starting at 6 pm Eastern time, they'll rebroadcast all the episodes to date.

The reality show reunites more than a dozen classmates from the Class of 1987 at J.J. Pearce High School in Dallas. All the cliques are there: the jocks, the hotties, the geeks, the bullies. And just like in real life, some stars of the show have aged better than others.

The reunion takes place in Hawaii over a two-week getaway and is full of the usual dramas: jealousies, fights, parties, you name it. If you don't have TV Land or can't catch the cram session, the episodes also can be viewed at the show's official website, which has plenty of photos (past and present) and background to help fill in the blanks.

The site is worth visiting just for casual fans. There are clips from classic '80s TV shows, a trivia challenge and even an '80s radio station featuring only tunes from our decade.

Please, no Taco or Toto tonight!

Just when I thought American Idol was free of our beloved '80s ...

Tonight's show features contestants singing a song from the year in which they were born. That means tunes from 1978 (Michael Johns) through 1991 (Lil' Davie Archuleta). So as Donnie Iris once sang, here we go again. (We ain't learned our lesson yet!)

Don't put it past someone to try another Journey song, just to kiss up to Randy Jackson. Thankfully, nobody was born in the same year as a Paula Abdul tune. That's probably the only reason Simon will even show up tonight.

Here are the years in play tonight, along with each contestant and the song I'd pick for them:

• Michael Johns (1978): "How Deep Is Your Love?" -- Bee Gees
  
• David Cook (1982): "Jack and Diane" -- John Mellencamp
  
• Carly Smithson (1983): "Total Eclipse of the Heart" -- Bonnie Tyler
  
• Brooke White (1983): "Come On Eileen" -- Dexy's Midnight Runners (That ought to finish her off!)
  
• Kristy Lee Cook (1984): "Time After Time" --- Cyndi Lauper
• Chikezie Eze (1985): "Part-Time Lover" -- Stevie Wonder
• Syesha Mercado (1987): "Who's That Girl" -- Madonna
• Ramiele Malubay (1987): "Head to Toe" -- Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
• Jason Castro (1987): "Lean On Me" -- Club Nouveau
• David Archuleta (1990): The '90s? You're on your own, little guy!

"I love it when a plan comes together!"

Another '80s TV show is set for reincarnation as a big-screen project: "The A-Team" is planning a June 12, 2009 release with director John Singleton ("Boyz n the Hood", "Higher Learning") at the helm.

E! Online reports that the movie's plot will mirror that of the TV show, which ran from 1983-87: A close-knit band of four ex-soldiers, falsely convicted of a war crime, now for hire to solve your personal problems -- complete with chases, explosions and plenty of catchy dialog.

Nobody has been cast in the movie yet, though Woody Harrelson has been mentioned for the role of "Howling Mad" Murdoch, and Ice Cube has publicly said he wants the part of B.A. Baracus -- made famous by Mr. T.

"I wouldn't try to duplicate what Mr. T did, but I will have the same impact on you when you were little watching the TV show," Ice Cube tells Blackfilm.com. "I'm going to bring my own flavor to it and I am going to do the mohawk."

TOP 5 MEMORABLE LINES FROM THE A-TEAM:

5. "Shut up, fool!"

4. "You've been found sane?"

3. "I'm a bird! I'm a plane! I'm a choo-choo train! Touchdown!"

2. "I pity the fool who goes out tryin' a' take over da world, then runs home cryin' to his momma!"

1. "I love it when a plan comes together!"

"Kirk, you're still alive, my old friend"

What to hear something that will make you feel old and tired, as if the world were ending tomorrow (the opposite of the "Genesis Effect" for you Trekkies out there): William Shatner turns 77 years old today.

It's at this point that I usually make my case that today's birthday honoree enjoyed his finest days in the 80s. And I'll do that momentarily. But if you haven't seen Shatner's performance in 1998's "Free Enterprise," where he plays a (hopefully) comic version of himself, you're letting the best of life pass you by.

Still, between TV's "T.J. Hooker" and the Star Trek movies of the 80s, it's a wonder we don't call that the "Shatner Decade."

OK, that's pushing it. Still, what red-blooded (or green-blooded) life-form doesn't weep uncontrollably as Kirk breaks down during Spock's death in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan? That's where we all learn that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few ... or the one