Barb Oates
I’ve spent the last 30 years as a TV entertainment reporter and editor in chief of Channel Guide Magazine and OnDISH Magazine, in addition to serving as editorial director for ReMIND Magazine and TV Guide Magazine Puzzler. I’m an active member of the TV Critics Association, and was the 2010 award recipient of Women In Cable Telecommunications Inspiration Award (Greater Chicago Chapter). As a child of the ’70s, my go-to toys were Mrs. Beasley and the Sunshine Family. I enjoyed pretending with my grade school classmates that we were the girls’ version of the Bay City Rollers, but the British rockers stood little ground against my love affair with Andy Gibb and Donny & Marie. As for TV and movies, don’t even get me started on Little House in the Prairie and The Outsiders. As for other things pop culture, I’m still trying to figure out the Rubik’s Cube, and I’m still hoping the Captain’s Steak Joynt and that fabulous cheese fondue will see their return.I hope the memories and stories we share bring you a smile, laugh or provide you with new insight.
You Won’t Believe What It Took to Get Jacyln Smith to Guest Star on ‘The Love Boat’
The Angel had a high price for appearing on the then-new series.
June Lockhart Dies at 100: ‘Lost in Space’ Costar Bill Mumy Reflects on the TV Icon (Exclusive)
In June 2025, we asked the actor about his famous costar.
The CW’s ‘TV We Love’: The Surprising Classic Shows That Didn’t Make the Cut
“Every series we featured had to have a compelling backstory.”
‘Dick Van Dyke Show’ Star Larry Mathews Returns to New Rochelle to Celebrate TV History (Photos)
Larry’s graciousness and humility remind everyone why they loved him then — and still do now.
‘Welcome Back, Kotter’ Star Gabe Kaplan on the Show’s 50th Anniversary & Where He Is Now (Exclusive)
In a rare interview, the actor, comedian and poker pro reflects on the series’ legacy.
‘My Three Sons’ Star Dawn Lyn Makes Rare, First Public Appearance After Brain Coma
“I’m not trying to be morbid or anything, but these are the last of the regular cast members, the last surviving cast members. So we’re making TV history today.”
‘I Dream of Jeannie’ Star Barbara Eden on Breaking Larry Hagman’s Tooth And That Belly Button Scandal (Exclusive)
‘In this day and age, you would not believe that.’
Whatever Happened to Geri Reischl, the ‘Brady Bunch Variety Hour’s Fake Jan Brady?
Her role may be infamous, but she’s proud of her work.
Ann Robinson Dishes on Making ‘War of the Worlds’ & Spielberg’s Nod to Her in ‘E.T.’
Sci-fi actress Ann Robinson is one of the last living cast member of the classic 1953 film.
Want to Meet Larry Mathews From ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’? Now’s Your Chance!
Tickets are free to the public, but limited.
Was This the Saddest ‘Waltons’ Episode? Michael Learned Reveals That Filming It “Was Emotional” (Exclusive)
The entire cast was moved.
Happy 100th, June Lockhart! Inside the Secrets of Her ‘Lassie’ Contract & Other Amazing Stories
“I was forbidden to endorse alcoholic beverages, deodorants, laxatives, depilatories and feminine hygienics.”
Hal Linden Breaks Down the Secret Formula That Made ‘Barney Miller’ a Hit
“I was coming from Broadway and I thought I’ll be at home in front of an audience. It’d be easier. I was quickly dissuaded of that.”
Why Frankie Avalon Didn’t Want to Star in ‘Grease’ & His New Release of ‘Beauty School Dropout’ (Exclusive)
“I felt really uneasy, and I yelled, ‘Cut! I can’t do this, Randal.’”
’Knots Landing’ Reunion: The Younger Stars Who Played Olivia, Diana & Harold Tell All (Mirrors Down Divas!)
Who was the nicest cast member? Who tried to get someone fired? Plus, all about those hidden mirrors, and more!
‘The Waltons’ Cast Reunion: Why Were Those Family Dinners the Worst to Film?
One of the actors made a conscious effort to never eat the food.
‘Barney Miller’ Reunion: What Is the One Question Hal Linden Won’t Answer?
TV legends Hal Linden and Max Gail share their ‘Barney Miller’ memories at the Hollywood Show.
‘Scarecrow and Mrs. King’ & Rare Celeb Appearances Draw Crowds at the Hollywood Show in Burbank
“OMG, is it really you?”
Whatever Happened to the Cast of ‘Scarecrow & Mrs. King’?
The stars will reunite at the Hollywood Show on June 6-7.
Want to Meet Jerry Mathers From ‘Leave It to Beaver’? Here’s How, as Cast Prepare for Reunion!
Surviving cast members of ‘Leave It to Beaver’ will gather at the June Hollywood Show.
Meet Your New Best Friends: The Pop Culture Preservation Society
“If you have feelings about Marcia breaking her nose or John Travolta in that plastic bubble, then we should probably be friends.”
Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve’s True Love Affair: Will Their Movie Ever Get Made ?
“Somewhere in the world, there is a watch that’s inscribed from me to him.”
7 Weird Things You Didn’t Know About ‘The Brady Bunch Variety Hour’
Some cast members were grateful when the show was canceled.
Why Did Journey’s Steve Perry Originally Say No to ‘The Sopranos’ Using ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’?
Just days before airing the series finale, the show still hadn’t secured permission to use the song.
‘The Judd Family: Truth Be Told’ Director Shares What Broke Her Heart Most in New Documentary (Exclusive)
The family opens up about all their years of heartbreak, sorrow and joy.
Who Was High? Secrets Spilled at ‘Breakfast Club’ 40th Reunion Panel
Which famous scene in the film was almost entirely improvised?
Molly Ringwald Gets Emotional, Judd Nelson Talks Who Was Legal at “Breakfast Club” 40th Reunion
Emilio Estevez addresses why it took him so long to agree to a ‘Breakfast Club’ reunion.
‘The Ten Commandments’ Child Star Kathy Garver Reveals How a Lamb Peed On Her, and Other Behind-the-Scenes Stories
There’s only one actor in Hollywood — Kathy Garver — who can claim that an animal who peed on her lap just may have helped get her a larger role in Cecil B. DeMille’s ‘The Ten Commandments.’
Child Star Larry Mathews Shares Behind-The-Scenes Stories From ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ (Exclusive)
The actor who played Ritchie Petrie remembers life on set — including the day JFK was shot.
You’ll Never Believe Why ‘Leave It to Beaver’s Judy Hensler Left the Series (Exclusive)
Now 76, the former child star Jeri Weil sets the record straight on why she really left the series, and what life was like playing a tattletale.