How did the finale of “Larry King Live” go? King will share his views when he visits “Reliable Sources” this weekend. The program airs at 11 a.m. Sunday on CNN, which was the home of “Larry King Live.” King will be accompanied by his producer, Wendy Walker, who is the author of “Producer.”

“Reliable Sources” also offers a panel discussion on the year in the review. Joining anchor Howard Kurtz will be Lauren Ashburn, formerly of USA Today; columnist Thomas Frank of Harper’s Magazine; Steve Roberts, syndicated columnist and professor of media and public affairs at George Washington University; and political analyst Amy Holmes, who is also co-host of Talk Radio Network’s “America’s Morning News.”

Elsewhere Sunday:

***ABC’s “This Week” welcomes Gen. Peter Chiarelli, vice chief of staff of the Army. The other guests are the authors of “A Rope and a Prayer“: New York Times war reporter David Rohde, who was held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan for seven months, and his wife, Kristen Mulvihill. The program starts at 11 a.m. on WFTV-Channel 9. The program also features reports from Bob Woodruff about homeless returning veterans and from Terry Moran on an Israeli and a Palestinian working toward peace.

***NBC’s “Meet the Press” will interview White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett about the challenges facing President Barack Obama in the new year. A panel discussion reviewing 201o brings together former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw, Bob Woodward of The Washington Post, Peggy Noonan of The Wall Street Journal and presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. The program starts at 9 a.m. on WESH-Channel 2.

***CNN’s “State of the Union” welcomes White House press secretary Robert Gibbs; Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano; Gen. Michael Hayden(Ret.), former CIA director; and Vice Adm. Mike McConnell (Ret.), former director of National Intelligence. The program starts at 9 a.m. and noon.

***”Fox News Sunday” welcomes Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington. The program starts at 9 a.m. on WOFL-Channel 35. The panel will be Juan Williams, Bill Kristol, Nina Easton and former White House press secretary Dana Perino.

***”Fareed Zakaria GPS” tackles the theme “Restoring the American Dream.” The program starts at 10 a.m. on CNN and repeats at 1 p.m. The guests are Lou Gerstner, former IBM chairman and CEO; Eric Schmidt, Google Inc. chairman/CEO; Muhtar Kent, Coca Cola Company chairman/CEO; and Klaus Kleinfeld, Alcoa Inc. chairman/CEO.

***”Face the Nation” features five CBS correspondents: Chip Reid, Lara Logan, David Martin, Nancy Cordes and Sharyl Attkisson. The program starts at 10:30 a.m. on WKMG-Channel 6.

WFTV-Channel 9 tonight explored the possibility that forensic expert Dr. Henry Lee might leave the Casey Anthony case.

“It’s all because of money problems,” anchor Martie Salt said in introducing the story at the top of the 5 p.m. newscast. Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee Marie.

WFTV’s Kathi Belich asked defense attorney Jose Baez, “Is that going to be a big blow to the defense if Dr. Lee doesn’t testify?”

Baez walked away.

Later, Baez downplayed the issue when he talked to other reporters. Asked about the travel expense issue with Dr. Lee, Baez said he is getting an accounting of the expenses together for Judge Belvin Perry to review.

“We’re just talking about clerical paperwork,” Baez said.

After today’s court hearing, when asked directly if Dr. Lee will appear at trial, Baez said, “I have no reason to think otherwise. However, you know with any luck maybe we will have a judgment of acquittal and we won’t have to put on any case at all.”

Lee, who lives in Connecticut, wants reimbursement for his travel expenses as well as $7,500 for work last summer, WFTV’s Belich explained.

“Prosecutors can’t even  get Dr. Lee to commit to a deposition, which would have to be done before he would testify at Casey’s murder trial in May,”  Belich reported. “The defense claimed Dr. Lee helped  investigators find hairs in Casey’s car. If Lee drops out of the case, so could that defense claim that investigators weren’t thorough enough.”

WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer called Lee “a very powerful tool to raise reasonable doubt.” Lee is best known for his work in the O.J. Simpson murder case.

Continue reading Casey Anthony: WFTV asks if Dr. Henry Lee is leaving case over money; defense says it’s just a paperwork issue »

What was new in the documents released today in the Casey Anthony case?

Not a lot.

“Nothing in there that’s a real game-changer,” WKMG-Channel 6’s Tony Pipitone said.

But he said the documents suggest investigators are focusing on this issue: Was Caylee’s body dumped after Casey’s movements were limited? Casey Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter.

Pipitone said the documents released today show that searchers didn’t go far enough into the woods to look for the toddler. And Pipitone said the newly released documents heavily discredit the claims of  “one mentally ill woman who got some press notoriety by claiming the body was not there when she looked.”

Pipitone also looked skeptically at Krystal Holloway, “who claimed to the National Enquirer she was George Anthony’s mistress, something not supported by any evidence and denied by the Anthony family attorney.” Pipitone replayed footage of Holloway sharing her theories in a WKMG report.

Continue reading Casey Anthony: How credible is Krystal Holloway? »

Vice President Joe Biden will discuss taxes, bipartisanship and foreign policy on NBC’s “Meet the Press” this weekend. David Gregory questions the veep at 9 a.m. Sunday on WESH-Channel 2.

In the “Meet the Press” interview, Biden discusses WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and what WikiLeaks has done to U.S. foreign policy.

“This guy has done things that have damaged and put in jeopardy the lives and occupations of people in other parts of the world,” Biden tells Gregory. “He’s made it more difficult for us to conduct our business with our allies and our friends. For example in my meetings, I meet with most of these world leaders, there is a desire now to meet with me alone, rather than have staff in the room. It makes these things more cumbersome. And so it has done damage.”

“Meet the Press” offers a panel discussion with MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, NBC’s Andrea Mitchell, Republican strategist Mark McKinnon and Cory Booker, mayor of Newark, N.J.

Closer to home, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist looks back on his political career on “Facing Florida.” The program airs at 12:30 a.m. Sunday on WFTV-Channel 9 and repeats at 4:30 p.m. Sunday on WRDQ-Channel 27. Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte, president emeritus of Florida State University, talks about the need for openness in government.

Also on the Sunday guest list:

***ABC’s “This Week” welcomes Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind. The program starts at 11 a.m.  on WFTV-Channel 9. USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah is another guest. The panel discussion brings together George Will, Democratic strategist Donna Brazile, Rajiv Chandrasekaran of The Washington Post and Christia Freeland of Thomson-Reuters.

***CBS’ “Face the Nation” focuses on Afghanistan. The discussion features Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich.; Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala.; and Sen. Amy Kobuchar, D-Minn. The program starts at 10:30 a.m. on WKMG-Channel 6.

Continue reading Guest list: Charlie Crist on ‘Facing Florida’; Joe Biden on ‘Meet the Press’; Mitch McConnell on ‘State of the Union’ »

You’re going to see staffers from Sun Sports and Fox Sports Florida discussing Orlando Magic home games on WOFL-Channel 35.

“It started a week ago. It’s an experiment to see how it works,” said Amy Pempel, director of media relations for Sun Sports and Fox Sports Florida. This collaboration is possible because all the properties — WOFL and the regional sports networks — are owned by Fox.

WOFL viewers will see the sports reporters from the Amway Center between 5:30 and 6 p.m. on home game days. “We’re providing the content for them. They’re telling their viewers where to see the game, whether Fox Sports Florida or Sun Sports,” Pempel said. 

Here’s the upcoming schedule and the reporters viewers are likely to see:

Dec. 21 vs. Dallas – Megan Clementi (reporter, former Miss Florida/Magic dancer)
Dec. 23 vs. San Antonio – Jessica Blaylock (reporter)
Jan. 3 vs. Golden State – Matt Guokas (analyst)
Jan. 5 vs. Milwaukee – Dante Marchitelli (reporter)
Jan. 7 vs. Houston – Pat Garrity (pregame analyst, former player)
Jan. 19 vs. Philly – David Steele (play-by-play)
Jan. 21 vs. Toronto – Paul Kennedy (reporter/pregame host)
Jan. 24 vs. Detroit – Nick Anderson (pregame reporter, former player)

“America’s Most Wanted” this weekend will highlight that a viewer’s tip helped solve the murder of Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen.

The viewer’s tip prompted Beverly Hills police to go to interview Harold Martin Smith. When cops approached him, Smith shot himself to death in the head. Police confirm that the same gun was used in Chasen’s murder and Smith’s suicide.

The police say they believe Smith acted alone in a random act of violence against Chasen.

“America’s Most Wanted” airs at 9 p.m. Saturday on Fox (WOFL-Channel 35 locally).

In a statement, host John Walsh said, “I’m very proud that this loyal ‘AMW’ viewer had the guts to call our hotline to help solve this case. After 23 years on the air, it reconfirms my belief that an average person can make a difference.”

Police say the tipster could receive more than $100,000 in reward money.

How long can “Bones” go on?

Emily Deschanel, who plays Dr. Temperance Brennan on the Fox drama, says she doesn’t know, and it’s out of her control as an actor anyway.

“I have a contract for eight seasons,” she said in a conference call today with reporters. “I can’t believe we’ve been here six seasons. … There are so many wonderful shows that get canceled in the first season.”

She pointed to two reasons her series had a fan base in the early going. The show was inspired by a book series by forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs (who was named an expert witness this week by Casey Anthony’s defense team). And Deschanel’s co-star, David Boreanaz, had many followers from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel.” Deschanel said those fans followed “Bones” as it switched time slots.

“Kathy Reichs is very successful. So many people love her books,” Deschanel said.

Although “Bones” is loosely based on the Reichs’ books, Deschanel said, “If you’re a fan of the books, I think you’ll be a fan of the show.”

Continue reading ‘Bones’ bolstered by Kathy Reichs, David Boreanaz fans, says Emily Deschanel »

When the November ratings came out last week, we didn’t discuss Central Florida News 13.

But the cable news channel, which is available only to Bright House Networks customers, certainly has its fans, especially in the morning.

At 6 a.m. during the November ratings period, WFTV-Channel 9 and WESH-Channel 2 tied in the 25-to-54 audience, which is most important to news advertisers. Each station drew 31,000 viewers in that age group. (WESH simulcasts its news on sister station WKCF-Channel 18, where 3,100 additional viewers watched.) WKMG-Channel 6 was third with 18,700.

And then there’s Central Florida News 13, which  averaged 13,300 viewers in the 25-to-54 age group at 6 a.m., outpaced WOFL-Channel 35 with 8,800 viewers.

In November, Central Florida News 13 drew its most viewers at 7 a.m., when it averaged 22,000 homes.

The channel’s second best time slot was 6 a.m., when it averaged 19,000 homes. In the same time slot, WFTV was the leader with 58,900 homes, followed by WESH with 44,700 and WKMG with 22,500.

What was the biggest headline in the Casey Anthony case today? I’ll pick one from outside the status hearing.

Anthony defense attorney Cheney Mason told WESH-Channel 2 that the questioning of Texas EquuSearch volunteers was paying dividends for the defense. Mason estimated that 15 to 20 of 75 volunteers questioned said there was no was body at the spot where Caylee Anthony’s remains were later found. Casey Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter.

Mason’s point suggests that someone else deposited the toddler’s remains after her mother was in jail, WESH’s Bob Kealing explained.

Mason said he will give the list of witnesses to the court Friday, Kealing added.

But Kealing also quoted “one source close to the investigation” who is “highly skeptical of this new defense claim of all these witnesses that they’ve identified.”

And Mark NeJame, attorney for Texas EquuSearch, told Kealing that Mason’s comment was “preposterous.”

WESH, WOFL-Channel 35 and WFTV-Channel 9 highlighted Chief Judge Belvin Perry’s decisions during the status hearing. The defense must give the prosecution all the notes, photos and videos taken by defense experts. But Perry rejected the prosecution’s request to get the financial records for defense experts.

Later WFTV-Channel 9’s Kathi Belich asked defense attorney Jose Baez what the defense paid its experts before the defense ran out of money. Baez said the information was client-business dealings. “We do know that the defense spent almost $200,000 before taxpayers started picking up the tab for Casey’s defense,” Belich added.

Continue reading Casey Anthony: Defense claims success on finding searchers; Mark NeJame calls comment ‘preposterous’ »

Breaking news: A $15,000 cash giveaway paid off for WFTV-Channel 9 in the November ratings race, which ended Wednesday.

WFTV, which usually dominates news time periods, showed viewers the money at 6:45 a.m. to bolster ratings in the last three days of the ratings period. The result: WFTV tied an invigorated WESH-Channel 2 at 6 a.m. in the 25-to-54 age group, which is most important to news advertisers.

But WESH can boast that more people watch its news, which is simulcast on sister station WKCF-Channel 18. WESH and WFTV each averaged 31,000 viewers in the 25-to-54 group at 6 a.m. Via WKCF, 3,100 additional viewers in the demographic watched the WESH news team.

WFTV wasn’t shy about using the money to keep its bragging rights to winning every news time slot.

“It’s insurance,” WFTV General Manager Shawn Bartelt said of the $15,000. “I’m stimulating the economy. I’ve got three very happy people who won $5,000 before Thanksgiving. It’s a competitive business. We like to win.”

Bartelt said she used the money to offset other developments this month, including the later ending of daylight saving time, huge ratings swings from day to day for all the stations and Orange County schools’ being out this week.

WESH General Manager Jim Carter said a ratings win would be big for his station. A tie means that the NBC affiliate can claim victory in promotional spots, and in a release, that station described itself as “the outright leader” because of the WKCF simulcast.

Continue reading Cash-giving WFTV ties WESH in 6 a.m. November ratings race »

Here’s something to be thankful for this Sunday morning: “Face the Nation” will offer its annual chat with authors about America.

And the CBS program has rounded up an impressive list of writers: Edmund Morris, author of “Colonel Roosevelt” about Theodore Roosevelt; Ron Chernow, author, “Washington, A Life,” about the first president; Bob Woodward, author of “Obama’s Wars”; and Arianna Huffington, author of “Third World America.” The program starts at 10:30 a.m on WKMG-Channel 6.

Also on the Sunday public-affairs schedule:

***NBC’s “Meet the Press” will talk to Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., about North Korea, the START Treaty and TSA security measures. The panel discussion will bring together E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post, Peggy Noonan of The Wall Street Journal, Republican strategist Ed Gillespie and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. The program starts at 9 a.m. on WESH-Channel 2.

***CNN’s “Statue of the Union” offers unaired portions of Candy Crowley’s interview with former President George W. Bush and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. The program starts at 9 a.m. And Sen. John McCain will discuss North Korea, the don’t ask-don’t tell policy and the future of Congress.

***ABC’s “This Week” focuses on The Giving Pledge, a commitment by wealthy Americans to give most of their wealth to philanthropy. The guests are Ted Turner, Warren Buffett, Bill and Melinda Gates and hedge fund manager Tom Steyer. The program starts at 11 a.m. on WFTV-Channel 9.

***”Fox News Sunday” will present Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Claire McCaskill, D-Mo. The program starts at 9 a.m. on WOFL-Channel 35.

***”Fareed Zakaria GPS” features Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and former Reagan budget director David Stockman. The program starts at 10 a.m. and repeats at 1 p.m. on CNN.

***”Reliable Sources” talks to daytime host Rachael Ray and offers a discussion on cable news. Taking part in the discussion are Ana Marie Cox of GQ Magazine, Michael Shear of The New York Times and Paul Steinhauser, CNN’s deputy political director. The program starts at 11 a.m. on CNN.

***”Facing Florida” will feature U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, R-Fla.; Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos; and Cynthia Barnett, author of “Mirage.” The program airs at 12:30 p.m. Sunday on WFTV and at 4:30 p.m. Sunday on WRDQ-Channel 27.

***”The Agenda” welcomes U.S. Rep. John Mica, who will discuss his upcoming role as chairman of the House Transportation Committee. The program airs at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Central Florida News 13.

One of the biggest TV stories this season unfolded Friday night, but Fox dumped the headline without fanfare. “American Idol“ is shifting nights in the new year. 

Usually, networks treat bad news — such as a cancellation or an actor’s leaving a series — this way, putting out the headline late on a Friday so as to draw less press attention.

But moving “Idol” is a bold programming stroke by Fox. Not only will the show have new judges — Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler — but the performance show will play on Wednesdays. The results will be announced on Thursdays, where “Idol” will compete for viewers with “The Big Bang Theory” on CBS. Putting “Idol” on Thursday will bring Fox more lucrative movie advertising.

But where was Fox’s boldness in announcing the change?

The network had planned a conference call for reporters with “Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe for Friday afternoon. Fox canceled the call at the last minute, and for good reason. The real news was coming later; the network announced the schedule change until after 10 p.m. Friday.   

Fox’s midseason schedule also means new time slots for “Bones,” “Fringe” and “Kitchen Nightmares.” Another fall series, the low-rated “Running Wilde,” apparently has been canceled.

Continue reading Fox shifts ‘American Idol’: But where’s the fanfare? »

The Casey Anthony defense team scored a victory today. At issue: DNA tests at an out-of-state lab.

Here’s how stations explained that win on evening newscasts.

“The state panel that oversees the money spent on Casey’s defense was objecting to both the cost and lab that Jose Baez wanted to use,” WESH-Channel 2’s Amanda Ober explained.  “In the end, it was Baez who won out today.”

Judge Belvin Perry approved Baez’s request to spend $2,000 for DNA tests on shorts and a laundry bag found with Caylee Anthony’’s remains. Casey Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter. Perry said the money amount wasn’t exorbitant.

WFTV-Channel 9 anchor Martie Salt summed up the developments this way in the case of indigent client Anthony: “The agency that manages state money had argued that the tests could be done in a Florida lab. Judge Perry said the Florida lab didn’t have the correct certification to conduct the DNA testing.”

WOFL-Channel 35’s Holly Bristow explained that the only labs with the certification are owned by the state. “Casey’s defense team did not feel comfortable with that,” she said.

She talked to forensic expert Shelly Shaffer, who said, “If I was the defense I would probably do the same thing and send them to an impartial agency to get tested.”

Bristow added, “The judge understood that concern and he approved taxpayer money to foot the $2,084 bill to test two pieces of evidence found with Caylee Anthony’s remains.”

WKMG anchor Erik von Ancken said, “Anthony’s attorneys want to test two items, Caylee Anthony’s shorts and a bag found where the 2-year-old’s remains were located.  Judge Belvin Perry approved the spending of $2,000 to have an out-of-state lab check DNA on those items, saying that he wants to move things along toward trial.”

The trial is scheduled to start in May.

Gwyneth Paltrow was delightful tonight on “Glee” as substitute teacher Holly Holiday.

She also performed the night’s most entertaining number, a fresh, sassy rendition of Cee-Lo’s “Forget You.”

Then the Fox series went on a borrowing spree from musicals. An under-the-weather Will imagined himself doing “Make ‘Em Laugh” from “Singin’ in the Rain.” Bad move for the show: It’s simply foolish to mimic the funniest musical number ever committed to film.

Rachel and substitute teacher Holly strutted their way through “Nowadays” from “Chicago.” But the results were an anemic copy of the glitzy finale to the Oscar-winning film.

And the episode concluded with a new take on “Singin’ in the Rain” that mixed in “Umbrella” and united Will, Holly and the students. “Glee” tried something different on this one, but the splashy production number lacked joy.

As for the plot, Sue became principal for the night, compared herself to Richard Nixon and banned tater tots from the cafeteria. An outraged Mercedes  staged a protest modeled on “Norma Rae” — a cute bit of borrowing.

Paltrow’s teacher boasted, “I’m the cure for the common class.” Yet the fun-loving teacher revealed that she was actually clueless about the classroom.

Even so, the teacher took chances, and Paltrow kept her interesting. In a memorably dizzy scene, Paltrow dressed as Mary Todd Lincoln to lecture the students. I wish that “Glee” had shown more of that originality tonight.

Chris Wallace isn’t going anywhere. He will continue moderating “Fox News Sunday” after signing a multi-year deal with Fox News Channel.

Wallace said in a statement: “I am delighted to know where I’m going to be spending my Sunday mornings for the next few years — and to be part of an outstanding Fox News team covering the changing balance of power in Washington, the 2012 presidential election, and beyond.”

Fox wasn’t explaining precisely how many more years are in the new deal.

But Fox News honcho Michael Clemente raved in a statement: “Chris is a consummate journalist who is renowned in the industry for his hard-hitting interviews. We’re proud he is continuing that work at Fox News.”

“Fox News Sunday” airs at 9 a.m. Sundays on Fox-owned WOFL-Ch. 35.

George W. Bush has been making the talk-show rounds to promote his book “Decision Points,” but CNN will do something different when it talks to him.

Brother Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor, will join the former president to discuss politics, their upbringing and their father, former President George H.W. Bush.  They talk to Candy Crowley in a special “State of the Union” that premieres at 8 p.m. Sunday on CNN. The program will repeat at 11 p.m. Sunday and at 2 a.m. Monday.

On the Sunday morning talk circuit:

***Joe Johns will anchor the Sunday morning edition of “State of the Union” at 9 a.m. on CNN. The guests weighing in on the new balance of power in Washington will be Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas; Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va.; Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C.; and Rep. Heath Shuler, D-N.C. The program will draw analysis from Anita Dunn, former White House communications director, and former U.S. Rep. Tom Davis. The program repeats at noon.

***NBC’s “Meet the Press” will feature interviews with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and senior White House adviser David Axelrod. The program starts at 9 a.m. on WESH-Ch. 2. A panel discussion brings together former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan; former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, R-Ga.; former Rep. Harold Ford Jr., D-Tenn.; and Bethany McLean of Vanity Fair.

***”Fox News Sunday” features Axelrod and Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C. The program starts at 9 a.m. on WOFL-Ch. 35.

***ABC’s “This Week” will offer a debate on U.S. foreign policy between Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. There will be interviews with two members of the deficit commission: David Cote, chairman and CEO of Honeywell International, and Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D. The panel discussion brings together George Will, Paul Krugman of The New York Times, Ruth Marcus of The Washington Post and Robert Kagan of the Brookings Institution. The program starts at 11 a.m. on WFTV-Ch. 9.

***CBS’ “Face the Nation” welcomes Sen.-elect Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. The program starts at 10:30 a.m. on WKMG-Ch. 6.

***CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS” features George Shultz, the former secretary of state, treasury and labor. The program starts at 10 a.m. and repeats at 1 p.m.

***CNN’s “Reliable Sources” talks to Bill Carter of The New York Times about the the late-night TV war and Tina Brown, founder and editor-in-chief of The Daily Beast. The program starts at 11 a.m.

***”Facing Florida” will feature Sen. George LeMieux, Senate President-designate Mike Haridopolos, Mary Ellen Klas of The Miami Herald and John Kennedy of News Service of Florida. The program airs at 12:30 p.m. Sunday on WFTV and repeats at 4:30 p.m. Sunday on WRDQ-Ch. 27.

Homer and Marge Simpson will be staying in prime time.

Fox has renewed “The Simpsons” for a 23rd season.

“Like many 22-year-olds, ‘The Simpsons’ is extremely happy remaining at home, on Fox, and hopes it doesn’t have to go out into the real world for many years to come,” executive producer Al Jean said in a release.

The show marked its 450th episode in January. The renewal will bring the series total to 515 episodes. “The Simpsons” is the longest-running sitcom in TV history. Fox will air “The Simpsons” movie on at 8 p.m. Thanksgiving (locally on WOFL-Ch. 35).

After the Republicans’ big victories Tuesday, Republicans will be turning up on the Sunday morning shows. A quick look:

***”Fox News Sunday” features three important House Republicans: Eric Cantor of Virginia, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Darrell Issa of California. The program starts at 9 a.m. on WOFL-Ch. 35. The panel will be regulars Brit Hume, Mara Liasson, Bill Kristol and Juan Williams.

***Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky visits “Face the Nation” at 10:30 a.m. on CBS (WKMG-Ch. 6 locally). Another guest will be Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C.

***ABC’s “This Week” welcomes two important Republicans: Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana and Senator-elect Rand Paul of Kentucky. Another guest will be David Stockman, who was Ronald Reagan’s budget director. The program starts at 11 a.m. on WFTV-Ch. 9. The panel will be Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind.; John Podesta, president and CEO, Center for American Progress; political strategist Matthew Dowd, who is an ABC News contributor; and George Will and Amy Walter of ABC News.

***NBC’s “Meet the Press” will talk to two marquee-name Republicans: Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey and Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina. The program starts at 9 a.m. on WESH-Ch. 2. The panel will be Anita Dunn, former Obama White House communications director; Karen Hughes, former adviser to President George W. Bush; Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League; and Republican strategist Mike Murphy.

On the public-affairs front locally:

***”Central Florida Spotlight” looks at victorious candidates Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, Dan Webster and Sandy Adams. The guest will be former Congressman Lou Frey. The program airs at 12:30 p.m. Saturday on WFTV and repeats at 4 p.m. Sunday on WRDQ-Ch. 27.

***”Facing Florida” looks at the election results with Pete Dunbar and Screven Watson. The program airs at 12:30 p.m. Sunday on WFTV and repeats at 4:30 p.m. Sunday on WRDQ.

What did we learn in the latest document release in the Casey Anthony case? More details about the investigation for missing toddler Caylee and more details about the Anthony family.

WOFL-Ch. 35’s Holly Bristow highlighted that investigators trapped and traced phone calls to and from the Anthony family home as well as calls from the cell phones of Anthony’s parents, brother Lee, boyfriend Tony Lazzaro and former fiance Jesse Grund.

“More than two years later, it’s unclear if these efforts helped investigators,” Bristow said. “After all, it was Roy Kronk, a then-county meter reader who found little Caylee’s remains.”

WESH-Ch. 2’s Bob Kealing highlighted that investigators monitored Anthony family phones and cars in the months after Caylee was reported missing. Investigators focused on phones that Casey Anthony might use. Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee.

A therapist suggested that Cindy Anthony kick Casey out of the house when Cindy wasn’t allowed to see granddaughter Caylee, Kealing reported. “But Cindy refused, not being able to stomach the idea of her granddaughter being out on the street,” Kealing added.

Continue reading Casey Anthony: Casey’s reactions, Cindy’s writing draw scrutiny »

Look for Casey Anthony news on Election Day. More documents in the case will be released Tuesday, stations reported tonight.

“We are told they are both financial and investigative documents,” WOFL-Ch. 35 anchor Bob Frier said tonight.

“We’re told the documents will include more jailhouse letters sent to Casey as well as some of the family’s financial documents,” WFTV-Ch. 9 anchor Martie Salt said.

WESH-Ch. 2 reported that a thousand pages would be released.

Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee Marie.