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.
‘Family Affair’ at 60: Kathy Garver’s Favorite Episode
‘It’s lots of fun, lots of nostalgia, and lots of collecting memories and laughter.’
The Woman Behind the Aflac Duck, Toys ‘R’ Us Jingle & Herbal Essences Tells All
She was the creative forced behind behind iconic ad campaigns like Clairol’s ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’ and the Toys ‘R’ Us jingle.
Lindsay Wagner Was Fired by Universal — Then ‘The Bionic Woman’ Made Her a Star
She has a rough start, but landed the role of a lifetime.
Kathy Garver Remembers ‘Family Affair’ Child Star Anissa Jones 50 Years After Her Tragic Death (Exclusive)
‘[She was] a beautiful little spirit. She tried so hard to be herself,’ Kathy recalls about her friend and costar.
Fans Go Topless for Bryan Adams’ Closing Tour in the U.S.
From the second he took the stage, Bryan Adams brought the energy, humor and emotion, and left the U.S. with a memorable celebration.
Whatever Happened to Herman’s Hermits’ Peter Noone? He’s Still Rocking at 78
He channeled a good ‘Wis-con-sin’ accent and delivered an unforgettable two-day tour in the Dairy State.
Kurt Russell to Make First-Ever Appearance at Fan Expo Chicago, Plus William Shatner, Mel Gibson, ‘Supernatural,’ ‘The Boys,’ ‘Goonies’ and More!
See all the celebrities and cast reunions planned for the 2026 Fan Expo in Chicago August 14-16.
‘Little House on the Prairie’ Reunion Draws Devoted Fans & Stars to Walnut Grove (Exclusive Photos)
Cast and crew members celebrate, preserve, and share the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
How Well Do You Remember These Comedy Films From the 1980s?
Are you a 1980s Comedy film nut? Take our quiz and find out how well you remember these funny films.
How Well Do You Remember ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Star Michael Landon?
What was Michael Landon’s birth name? Take our quiz and find out!
Presidential 1776 Award: What It Is and Who Won This National Civics Contest
How would you rate in this live national civics test? High school students from across America will test their knowledge of American history.
7 Things You Didn’t Know About Coppertone Sunscreen & Its Famous Ad Campaign
Do you remember those Little Miss Coppertone ads?
How Well Do You Know ‘Charlie’s Angels’ Star Farrah Fawcett?
How many seasons was Farrah a regular cast member on ‘Charlie’s Angels’? Take our Quiz and find out!
Why These 20-Foot Giants Are Among Route 66’s Most Beloved Attractions
As Route 66 turns 100, Americans are hitting the road to rediscover these iconic giants.
How Lorenzo Lamas Stole His Role in ‘Grease’ From a U.S. President’s Son
‘I just wanted to die right there,’ Lamas recalls.
Celebrating Marilyn Monroe at 100: 26 Fun Facts From A-Z
From her ‘appendectomy’ to ‘Zelda Zonk.’
Clint Black Crashes Interview, While Lisa Hartman Black Reflects on ‘When I Said I Do’ Meaning
“When they pitched us, I was leaving getting Kleenex,” Lisa Hartman Black shares of the couple’s hit duo being the inspiration behind new film.
Ann Robinson Dishes on Making ‘War of the Worlds’ & Spielberg’s Nod to Her in ‘E.T.’
Sci-fi actress Ann Robinson passed away on September 26, 2025
Need to Get Rid of a Squatter? How to Contact Flash Shelton
‘They are people who have nice cars, they have good jobs.’
‘Family Affair’s Kathy Garver Reveals Love Stories of Classic TV’s Biggest Stars
The actress-turned-author shares Hollywood’s most endearing love stories.
MeTV’s Collectors Call Season 7 Starts With Some Game Show History (Exclusive)
Bob Boden has worked behind the scenes of the most popular game shows in history, and shares his collection of over 10,000 items.
7 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Actors Who Played Robin Hood
Errol Flynn remains the most famous man in green tights, but who will take up the mantle in summer 2026?
Nancy Travis Remarks on Chilling Parallels Between Van Oosten Kidnapping & Nancy Guthrie
Actress stars as Connie Van Oosten in Lifetime film.
When Debbie Reynolds and Lisa Whelchel Met in the Most Unlikely of Places
Lisa shares her story of meeting a Hollywood icon.
‘The Ten Commandments’ to Air on New Network
Additional airings planned for Palm Sunday and Good Friday.
Hal Linden Turns 95! TV Icon Reflects on Success and Legacy of ‘Barney Miller’
The actor takes us behind the scenes of ‘Barney Miller’ and the moments that make him most proud.
Who Didn’t Make the ‘Top Cowboys of All Time’ Issue? ReMIND Magazine’s Cowboy Issue Is a Western Winner
It’s high time you take a look at one of the finest cowboy magazines this side of the prairie!
Patrick Labyorteaux Opens Up About the Rejected ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Spinoff (Exclusive)
Plus, what it was like to shoot the tragic episode where his on-screen mother died.
‘Back to Future’ Cast Sets Record Straight on Eric Stoltz Firing
The actors reunited at the Hollywood Show convention to discuss the film’s two very different leading men.
Joan Collins, 92, Makes Rare Appearance at Hollywood Show
The actress was promoting her new film, ‘A Murder Between Friends.’