HERE’S A ‘STOCK’ TIP
Stockard Channing will be the new narrator of Animal Plan et’s “Meerkat Manor” when the series kicks off its new season, “The Next Generation,” June 6 (9 p.m.).
I don’t know if I’d label the new season “scandalous” (An imal Planet’s cutesy word) – let’s face it, people, these are animals we’re talking about here – but the hiring of the no-nonsense Channing seems to mesh with the narrative arc the network is pushing this new season (that last season’s death of matriarch Flower created a new hierarchy in the group).
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Forget the VH1 show title – last week was Stephen Col bert’s “Best Week Ever.” Comedy Central’s “Colbert Report,” going on location for its first time (to Philadelphia), averaged 1.5 million viewers – a new series record – and also shattered records in men 18-34 and persons 18-49.
Elsewhere, YES Yankee numbers are up 19 percent versus ’07 through the sea son’s first 15 games.
And can someone remind me again why “30 Rock” is considered a “hit”? 6.4 million viewers last Thursday night. Last, but not least: * Richard Engel named NBC News’ chief foreign cor respondent.
* Al Roker’s “Lend A Hand Today” charity trip last week raised a record $1 million.
* Radio: Q104’s Ken Dashow welcomes David Coverdale today and The Good Rats Thursday (5 p.m.).
* Tomorrow: The “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” tour lands at the High line Ballroom as their Season 1 DVD hits the shelves.
* Yo, NBC Raps: Congrats to NBC’s Lauren Kapp and husband Yaron Raps on the arrival of Jasper Graham.