Posted at 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 31

PEDRO
7 p.m. Wednesday, MTV
Tune in or out? out of four

Posted at 6:50 p.m. Friday, March 27

MAKING OF ME: JOHN BARROWMAN
6 and 9 p.m. Sunday, BBC America
Tune in or out? out of four.

The star of the “Torchwood,” who grew up in the Chicago area, returns to the Windy City as part of his search to uncover the origins of his homosexuality. He believes people are born gay, and he consults scientists using state-of-the-art research to prove it. Barrowman also judges the talent show “Any Dream Will Do,” in which 50 actors compete to play the lead in a new production of the musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (4 and 7 p.m. BBC America).

Jill Scott and Desmond Dube star in "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency." HBO photo

THE NO. 1 LADIES’ DETECTIVE AGENCY
7 p.m Sunday, HBO
Tune in or out? out of four.

For a show involving crime fighting—and airing on HBO—this seven-episode series offers little darkness, instead remaining stubbornly positive as it moves at its own rambling tempo. In a word, it’s precious, like its lead character, Precious Ramotswe (singer Jill Scott), who begins sleuthing in her beloved Botswana. Scott shines, as does Anika Noni Rose as her fussy secretary. “No. 1” may be too sunny to keep HBO’s “Sopranos” fans happy, but Precious’ unrushed story is a refreshing, delightful change of pace.

LITTLE DORRIT
8 p.m. Sunday, WTTW
Tune in or out? out of four.

With times being so tough, you may not want to spend five Sundays watching this timely tale of chronic debt and financial ruin. This absorbing adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic offers a wonderful romance and riveting whodunit. Seamstress Amy Dorrit (Claire Foy) has lived her whole life in a debtors prison when she is summoned to work for cranky Mrs. Clennam (Judy Parfitt), whose estranged son, Arthur (Matthew Macfadyen), suspects may have caused the Dorrit clan’s troubles.

Posted at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5

“Pineapple Express” star Seth Rogen plays himself—sort of—on Sunday’s episode of “Family Guy.”

Rogen will voice the “Seth Rogen Gene” that is injected into Peter, who is participating in a series of medical experiments, Fox says. The gene “gives you the appearance of being funny even though you haven't actually done anything funny.”

Rogen isn’t in the clip above, but in it, a different Peter comes home after the experiments. I’d be offended if this wasn’t so hilarious. The episode airs at 8 p.m. Sunday on Fox.

Posted at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24

Ryan Kelley and Sigourney Weaver star in "Prayer for Bobby." Lifetime photos

PRAYERS FOR BOBBY
8 p.m. Saturday, Lifetime
Tune in or out? out of four.

Sigourney Weaver makes her TV movie debut in “Prayers For Bobby,” elevating the beyond the usual Lifetime weeper of the week.

Lifetime should feel fortunate to have Weaver, because the film, based on Leroy Aarons' true-life book, is none too subtle in getting its very important message across: Treating homosexuality as a sin or “abomination” does no one any good.

Weaver plays God-fearing Mary Griffith, whose idyllic late 1970s suburban life is shattered when her son, Bobby (a terrific Ryan Kelley, right), tells the family he's gay.

Quoting Bible passages and evoking eternal damnation, Mary tries to "cure" Bobby, causing him such emotional turmoil that the 20-year-old kills himself.

It’s only after the tragedy that a tormented Mary begins to understand her intolerance has wreaked havoc on the entire family. Searching for answers, she reaches out to the gay-friendly Metropolitan Community Church and the group Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Eventually she changes her anti-gay beliefs and becomes a fierce human rights advocate.

“Bobby” plays a little too simplistically, but thanks to Weaver, Kelley and a few other heartbreaking performances, its delivers a strong message about love and acceptance.

Posted at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10

The latest “Battlestar Galactica” Webisodes begin airing at Sci Fi’s Web site on Friday, and gay fans of the show are getting an early Christmas present.

I can confirm that two characters will be out—and making out—on Galactica.

But they can’t get married! Ha, just a little Prop. 8 joke there. These two characters don't actually make out, at least not in the first two Webisodes. But the do share a sweet kiss.

If you want to know who I'm talking about, click the link below. I’d hate to spoil it for anyone. (Not that close observers will be surprised about at least one of these dudes.)

Sci Fi will post two of the 10 new Webisodes, called “The Face of the Enemy,” each week, leading up to the Jan. 16 premiere of the last 10 episodes of the series on Sci Fi. After Friday’s launch, the Webisodes will be posted every Monday and Wednesday at 11 a.m.

According to Sci Fi, the Webisodes will give fans insight into characters for the upcoming Season 4.5.

I’ll say. “BSG” hasn’t presented a gay character since the “Razor” film, where Michelle Forbes’ Admiral Helena Cain was revealed to have had a relationship with the Cylon Gina (Tricia Helfer).

Let’s hope this new relationship doesn’t end as tragically as that one did.

Here’s Sci Fi’s description of the new Webisodes. The two I watched only begin to set up the tension to come:

“ ‘The Face of the Enemy’ follows the gripping action and suspense inside a stranded Raptor carrying a group of passengers including Lt. Felix Gaeta (Alessandro Juliani) and a Number 8 Cylon (Grace Park). When passengers suddenly start dying one by one in alarming ways, fear, panic and chaos erupt within the confines of the small ship, as they come to realize there is a killer among them. Michael Hogan (Colonel Tigh) and Brad Dryborough (Lt. Hoshi) also star.

OK, have you guessed who will be kissing on Friday? Read on.

Posted at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15

Ricky Gervais present his first U.S. stand-up special on Saturday. HBO photo

The weekend is packed with one-shot specials and movies. Here’s my take on a few of them.

RICKY GERVAIS OUT OF ENGLAND: THE STAND-UP SPECIAL
8 p.m. Saturday, HBO
Tune in or out? out of 4.

Shot last year in New York, this funny special has Ricky Gervais telling indelicate stories about his charity work—which he really hates talking about—and about various adventures involving, um, his and other’s private parts. The man behind the original “The Office” and “Extras” isn’t nearly as funny doing stand-up comedy is he is on those shows, but he’s still cheeky and mischievous enough to wring laughter out of AIDS, cancer, Adolf Hitler and peeing in a sink. Cheers, Ricky.

THE TWO MR. KISSELS
8 p.m. Saturday, Lifetime
Tune in or out? out of 4.

Lifetime is hitting “based-on-a-true-story” movies hard lately, and this one stands out just a teensy bit in the crowd. The Kissel brothers—Rob (Anson Mount) and Andrew (John Stamos)—died violent deaths just a few years apart. Rob’s wife, Nancy (Robin Tunney), was convicted of killing him; Andrew’s murder has yet to be solved. That’s not a spoiler, readers, because a dead Andrew explains those facts right off. Still, the evil that permeates their world is hypnotic.

Posted at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4

What’s happening at “gAyBC”? The network seems to be cleaning out its closet and throwing gay characters back into it.

The network has unceremoniously fired Brooke Smith from “Grey’s Anatomy,” EW’s Michael Ausiello reported Monday night. Smith played lesbian heart surgeon Erica Hahn on the ABC show. She and Dr. Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez)—Callica—have been romantically involved.

“I was surprised and disappointed when they just suddenly told me that they couldn't write for my character anymore,” Smith told Ausiello, adding that this Thursday’s episode would be her last.

ABC isn’t talking about the decision, but exec producer Shonda Rhimes denied Smith was fired because of any “gay panic.”

“Brooke Smith was obviously not fired for playing a lesbian. Clearly it's not an issue as we have a lesbian character on the show—Calliope Torres,” Rhimes said. (You can read her statement below.)

Smith’s character isn’t even being written out of the show. She’s just gone after Thursday. In future episodes, her gal pal Callie will deal with their breakup, according to Rhimes.

The decision to fire Smith reportedly wasn’t made by Rhimes, but by ABC executives. ABC also has stepped in to change another “Grey’s” storyline involving Melissa George (right with Ellen Pompeo), who is checking in this month as Sadie, a bisexual intern and friend of Meredith's who was going to become a love interest for either Callie or Erica.

Apparently the bisexual storyline has been dropped—shoving poor Sadie back into the closet. The news is similar at other ABC shows: Rebecca Romijn's post-op transgender character on "Ugly Betty" has been downgraded to a recurring role and "Dirty Sexy Money" has written out Patrick's transgender lover, played by Candis Cayne.

According to a tally released in September by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, ABC's fall schedule had seven gay men or bisexual characters, including the Callie and Erica, the most of any broadcast network. Not so anymore.

Is the network suddenly getting cold feet? Will Kevin and Scotty from “Brothers & Sisters” be the next to go?

I can’t wait to hear how ABC spins this crazy and offensive decision. Please post your thoughts about the end of Callica in the comments section.

Here’s the statement released by Shonda Rhimes:

“Brooke Smith was obviously not fired for playing a lesbian. Clearly it's not an issue as we have a lesbian character on the show—Calliope Torres. Sara Ramirez is an incredible comedic and dramatic actress and we wanted to be able to play up her magic. Unfortunately, we did not find that the magic and chemistry with Brooke's character would sustain in the long run. The impact of the Callie/Erica relationship will be felt and played out in a story for Callie. I believe it belittles the relationship to simply replace Erica with 'another lesbian.' If you'll remember, Cristina mourned the loss of Burke for a full season.”

DON'T MISS THE GAY TV PHOTO GALLERY, WHICH APPARENTLY NOW NEEDS UPDATING.

Posted at 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 23

The bizarre characters of “Sordid Lives” (l to r): L-R: Noleta (Carolina Rhea), Peggy (Rue McClanahan), G.W. Nethercott (David Steen), Juanita Bartlett (Sarah Hunley), Wardell (Newell Alexander), Bitsy Mae Harling (Olivia Newton-John), Sissy Hickey (Beth Grant), Ty Williamson (Jason Dottley), Latrelle Williamson (Bonnie Bedelia), LaVonda Dupree (Ann Walker), Earl "Brother Boy" Ingram (Leslie Jordan) and Dr. Eve (Rosemary Alexander). [Logo photo]

Tammy Wynette impersonator Earl “Brother Boy” Ingram is beside himself.

The country queen has died, and this drag queen doesn’t want to go on living. He plans to jump from a window at the mental institution where a therapist is trying to “de-homosexualize” him.

But he’s not the only person in his family with issues. His sister, Latrelle Williamson, can’t find their elderly mother, Peggy Ingram, who has gone to the prison to pick up trashy singer Bitsy Mae Harling.

Whew! And those are just a few of the crazy characters in “Sordid Lives: The Series,” which debuts at 9 p.m. Wednesday on Logo.

Based on the cult favorite film and stage play by creator-writer-director Del Shores, “Sordid Lives” follows two stories over its 12 episodes—of Hollywood hopeful Ty Williamson (Jason Dottley) and his wacky Texas family mentioned above.

The action flips between Texas and Hollywood, but the Texas segments are by far the best.

Ty’s story is the same tired gay coming-out tale we’ve heard before. Ty breaks up with an angry girlfriend. He says he’s confused about his sexuality, to which his therapist, played by Margaret Cho, says “Oh, trust me, honey, you are a big, old queer.” He meets a potential first boyfriend.

Much more interesting are the big-haired, Valium-popping antics of Ty’s Texas clan, including controlling mom Latrelle (Bonnie Bedelia), grandmother Peggy (McClanahan), great aunt Sissy (Beth Grant) and aunt LaVonda Dupree (Ann Walker).

The entire Texas cast, many of whom were in the film, are perfect in their roles, including Olivia Newton-John as ex-con singer Bitsy. Newcomer Caroline Rhea gets laughs as Sissy’s white-trash neighbor Noleta, who keeps a gun in her cookie jar.

But it’s Leslie Jordan, playing Brother Boy, who earns my biggest praise. He brings remarkable dignity to the role, considering that he’s dressed as Tammy Wynette, complete in a pantsuit, wig and horrible makeup, for most of his scenes.

PHOTOS: Top: The ghost of Tammy Wynette (Wynette's real daughter Georgette Jones) visits Brother Boy (Leslie Jordan). Center set: It isn’t long after Ty Williamson (Jason Dottley, left in 1st pic) meets Jacob (Ted Detwiler) before he’s no longer questioning his sexuality. Bottom: LaVonda (Ann Walker), Sissy (Beth Grant) and Latrelle (Bonnie Bedelia) are Valium-popping relatives. [Logo photos]

Posted at 12:30 a.m. Monday, May 14

DON’T MISS THE GAY TV PHOTO GALLERY

Scotty (Luke MacFarlane) and Kevin (Matthew Rhys) tie the knot on ABC's “Brothers & Sisters.”

The marriage of gay characters Kevin and Scotty in the season finale of ABC’s “Brothers & Sisters” was more than just a sweet moment that I loved watching.

In giving ABC its highest praise Sunday, GLAAD said the Kevin/Scotty ceremony was historical—the first wedding of two gay or lesbian characters in a prime-time scripted series.

And that was even before California OK’d gay weddings.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, which pushes for more visibility of gay characters on TV, ranked ABC at the top of its list of broadcast networks in hours where gay and lesbian characters were shown. Besides “B&S,” GLAAD cited “Ugly Betty” and “Desperate Housewives.”

The CW ranked second while CBS was third of the broadcast networks. Fox and NBC both received failing grades.

The second annual GLAAD Network Responsibility Index looked at 4,911 hours of primetime programming on the five major networks, plus 1,241 hours of original programming on 10 of the most-watched cable networks, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The index examined the quantity, quality and diversity of images of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people on TV.

FX topped the 10 cable networks, GLAAD said. According to the report, FX’s “Nip/Tuck” had one gay, lesbian or bisexual character in every episode. “Rescue Me” presented a storyline with a gay couple having a commitment ceremony and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” had a transgender character.

Showtime was second and HBO third among the cable networks.

Download a PDF of the full report.

Posted at midnight Thursday, July 9

Read my review of "Burn Notice."

Sharon Gless has put her stamp on many roles throughout her career—from Chris Cagney on “Cagney & Lacey” to Debbie Novotny on “Queer As Folk” to a short-but-memorable stint on “Nip/Tuck” as Colleen Rose.

She’s at it again in USA Network’s “Burn Notice,” playing Madeline Westen, the chain-smoking, hypochondriac mother to the series’ main character, burned spy Michael Westen, who is now stuck in Miami—too close to his mother. The series begins its second season at 9 p.m. Thursday on USA.

I recently chatted with Gless, who was taking a break during filming in Miami.

“I’m outside on a mosquito-infested porch and I’m in a mosquito suit,” she told me. “I’m glad there are no photographers.”

We talked about Madeline Westen and her other famous roles, how Gless feels about being a gay icon and the trouble with smoking.

CW: “Burn Notice” gained a following very quickly. Why do you think that is?

SG: Isn’t that amazing? Do you know what the demographics for this show are? [Ages] 10 to 80.

I was joking that it has something to offend everyone. I was just amazed. Take your hat off to [series creator] Matt Nix. He’s the genius who thought this up. His first time out and he hits pay dirt. And he’s a very nice guy too.

CW: Tell me about Madeline Westen.

SG: I’m really beginning to like Madeline more and more—I think just because I’m understanding her more and more. She’s obviously a pain in the side for her son. But I like her. I think she’s the most emotionally honest person on the show. Certainly whatever she’s feeling you get to hear about. She’s kind of the emotional glue.

She’s funny. She’s complicated—very manipulative. That’s fun. Obviously she has problems. She’s addicted to cigarettes, [she’s a] hypochondriac, but you still like her—at least I do—and I think the audience does.

She loves her son, despite how she behaves. She loves her son and she wants his attention. And wants his safety.

Posted at 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 27

I called Sharon Gless on Friday morning to talk about the July 10 return of the USA Network series “Burn Notice.” But this being gay Pride Weekend in Chicago, we kind of got sidetracked.

“Oh that’s great. I wish I were there,” she told me over the phone from Miami, where “Burn Notice” films. “Chicago is where ‘Queer As Folk’ was sneaked to me under a table. I was doing a play at the Victory Gardens Theater for one of your playwrights, Claudia Allen.

“I flew out of Chicago one day, went and saw the [‘Queer As Folk’] producers, came back and it was mine.

“Chicago has a very large piece of my heart.”

Gless cemented her standing in the gay community playing rainbow flag-waving mom Debbie Novotny in “Queer As Folk.” But she isn’t sure about being called a gay icon. Actually, it’s the “icon” part that troubles her.

“People have been using the words ‘icon’ and ‘legend’ around me in the past few weeks,” she told me. “I’m not old enough, am I?”

“It’s certainly flattering,” she continued. “I have a great affection for the gay community.”

Gless first rose to fame in the 1980s as Chris Cagney in the ground-breaking female cop series “Cagney & Lacey,” a role that she says had a huge lesbian following, mostly because viewers thought Cagney—and Gless—were gay.

“I mean, people still don’t believe that I’m not gay, and I don’t fight them. I just say, ‘OK, whatever,’” she said.

She says gay fans helped reverse a downward turn in her career post-“Cagney & Lacey.”

“I’ve always given credit to the gay community for keeping my career alive,” she said, adding that “Queer As Folk” changed not only her career, but also her life.

Gless said she feels honored to have played Debbie because of fan reaction and support. After episode tapings in Toronto, she said, fans would gather outside the studio and ask her for hugs. One young fan hugged her and began sobbing.

“All I could think about was the damage that must have been done to this boy. I held him for three or four minutes until he stopped crying.

“I was the lucky one who got to play that role.”

PHOTOS: Above, Sharon Gless stars in USA's "Burn Notice". At right, Gless as Chris Cagney on "Cagney & Lacey," and onstage in the Victory Gardens Theater's "Cahoots" in 2000. [ USA photo/CBS photo/Tribune file photo ]

Click below for more from Gless. And click here to read what Gless has to say about "Burn Notice."

VOTE IN REDEYE'S TOP SONG OF SUMMER ONLINE TOURNEY

Posted at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 11

Apparently Kathy Griffin’s feeling very A-listy these day: Girlfriend’s reps did not call me back to set up an interview with the reality star.

As Kathy herself would say: Whatever.

I was hoping to talk to the Oak Park native prior to the fourth season of her Bravo show, “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” which has its premiere at 8 p.m. Thursday. But no, I wasn’t connected with her.

I guess that’s what winning an Emmy Award does to a home girl. What am I, a D-list TV writer?

I feel like Kathy must feel when celebrities snub her on the red carpet. And hey, I’m even one of her gays.

Despite the diva-licious attitude, I still enjoy the rude, crude, obnoxious ’tude the comic brings to her show. Well, to her life. In the season opener, she goes off on Britney Spears, Oprah Winfrey and Discovery Channel’s “Planet Earth” series. (The series topped Griffin’s at the Producers’ Guild Awards earlier this year.)

She spares Anderson Cooper, the decidedly A-list personality with whom she hosted CNN’s New Year’s Eve in January. Despite her best efforts, she manages not to get a fatwa put on her during the telecast—but she can’t keep her posse from getting plowed. (They play a drinking game: Every time Kathy calls Anderson “Andy,” they have to drink a shot.)

The funniest bits are of Kathy with her boyfriend at the time, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak (right). She takes him to the Producer’s Guild ceremony, where she is presenting. It’s another A-list event for Kathy, but she lowers the bar—hilariously.

During the ceremony Kathy flips off other presenters and bags on everyone from Winfrey to Christina Applegate to “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller. Afterward, she and “Woz” are shown chatting in her limo.

“Woz could care less about Hollywood,” Kathy says in her voice-over. “But give him something nerdy to do and he’s like a kid in a candy store. A really, really, really rich kid in a very nerdy candy store.”

Cut to Wozniak as he tells Kathy people would make fun of her for not “hacking into [her own] iPhone.”

“Can you do it for me?” she asks.

“Welcome to App Store. You are now ready for third party applications ...” he says, reading the phone’s screen as he sets it up. Kathy looks at him glowingly, as if she’s falling deeply in love.

“You really have an aptitude for this,” she says. “You’re like a throbbing brain with a tie.”

Apparently the throbbing brain came to its senses. The pair has since broken up, according to news reports.

No, no, I’m just messing with you, Kathy. Love ya. Call me, ’K?

See Kathy before she joined any list here. Go to Scott Kleinberg's blog for all your iPhone news. But before you do, don't miss these video previews of "D-List" provided by Bravo.

In this video, Kathy gets a visit from Michael Levitt, producer of the Producers Guild Awards.

Posted at 12:37 p.m. Saturday, May 31

Calvin (Paula James, right) and new boyfriend Michael (Max Greenfield) get serious on "Greek." Click on the photo to view my Gay TV gallery.

So “Greek” got even gayer this past week?

I love it. And not just because I enjoy watching boys kiss.

Last night I finally caught up with my TiVo’ed “Greek” episodes and was overjoyed to see that the fun ABC Family series went there. Yes, gay college jock Calvin got his first screen kiss—at his fraternity’s party.

Calvin (Paula James) laid one on his new boyfriend—at least they seem to be after Monday’s episode—Michael (Max Greenfield).

I’m happy to report that, in my humble homo opinion, the state of gay representation on prime time TV is … mixed. (Don’t miss my Gay TV photo gallery.)

Yes, it’s a mixed bag. I think if you’re looking at quality, TV gets a big gay kiss. If you’re counting characters, well, TV can talk to the hand.

I’ve been under the impression for some time that there are tons of gay characters on TV. Then I realized it only seemed that way because I happen to watch almost all the shows with gay characters (Is that GayTVdar?).

Don’t get me wrong. I do believe that this past year TV took some great strides in introducing gay characters to mainstream shows—i.e. not gay-specific shows (“The L Word”) or shows on gay networks (Logo, Here!).

But if GLBT folks make up 10 percent of the general population, why not have 10 percent of all TV characters be gay?

According to GLAAD’s 2007-2008 diversity report, GLBT characters made up only 1.1 percent of all characters on broadcast networks. Out of 650 regular characters in scripted shows on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and The CW, only seven were gay.

I’m sure if you add up all the gay characters on the scripted cable shows that percentage increases—although I wasn’t able to glean those kinds of total numbers from the GLAAD report.

And I’m pretty sure that since that report, more GLBT characters have popped up in series. (Reality TV is another story; there have been tons of gay people in reality TV.)

ABC has been the leader in the effort—if you want to call it that—to get gay characters on TV. There’s a reason ABC swept the GLAAD Awards in April, winning best TV drama with “Bothers & Sisters,” best comedy with “Ugly Betty,” and best single episode with “Boston Legal.”

With GLBT characters in "Brothers & Sisters," "Grey's Anatomy," "Desperate Housewives," "Ugly Betty" and “Dirty Sexy Money," you might as well call ABC GayBC.

The writers on these shows do a decent job presenting these characters as well. GLBT characters are no longer relegated to being the freaks, the killers, or just the bitchy comic relief on shows. We’ve moved well beyond that, thankfully.

Even one of TV’s most stereotypical gay guys, Marc St. James (Michael Urie) on “Ugly Betty,” transcends the bitchy queen stereotype. Remember when Marc tried to come out to his parents, or his tender moments with boyfriend Cliff St. Paul (David Blue)? He’s a well written character—and hilarious.

(St. James, St. Paul, Suzuki St. Pierre—are all the gay guys on “Ugly Betty” named St. something for a reason? Discuss.)

Another stereotypical character—the closet case—can be found on “30 Rock.” And I’m not complaining there either. Devon Banks (Will Arnett) is a recurring character and a foil to Jack Donaghy—and I think he’s hilarious.

If we, as gay folks, can’t laugh at ourselves or how we used to be in some of these characters, then we’re just, well, wrong.

Especially when we have someone like Kevin Walker (Matthew Rhys, third from left) on “Brothers & Sisters.” Kevin is one of the best examples of a richly drawn, interesting gay character. He’s one of my favorite characters—gay or not—on TV.

What I really love about this show is that the writers don’t make Kevin’s storylines only about gay issues. He’s much more than the gay brother. Still, I love that he’s had many boyfriends, and that in the recent season finale he “married” Scotty (Luke MacFarlane).

And finally, back to “Greek.” This show’s writers have done a terrific job showing Calvin dealing with coming out and dating. He’s an interesting, multi-faceted character who knows he’s more than just “the gay guy.” And that’s the way he’s treated on the show.

Bravo.

Posted at 1:30 a.m. Monday, May 5

TV is having one big coming out party this week. Or something like that.

On Sunday's "Brothers & Sisters," gay boy Kevin Walker's Uncle Saul (right) finally came out, but seemed awfully sad about it.

It's about damn time, as far as I'm concerned. Viewers have known he's gay for quite awhile. Now the writers better make sure he holds his head up high and is happy to be out. I mean, Kevin and his cutie Scottie are having a commitment ceremony in next Sunday's season finale. That should show Saul that the family is cool about the gays.

But back to the OMGHG moment of the week: The most heavily touted outing comes Monday night when one of the “Gossip Girl” guys declares his homo-fabulousness. And according to all the "GG" commercials, it’s a shocker.

The blogosphere has been abuzz about the blessed gay event since TV Guide reported that one of the male characters is, in fact, gay. So which guy is it? Take the poll and keep reading.

I’m pretty sure I know who will come out—as anyone who’s heard actress Kelly Rutherford's spoiler interview also does. (Girl spilled. I wonder if she got in trouble.) But let’s pretend we haven't read anything, shall we, and examine the leading candidates.

I found several photos that suggest all the Upper East Side boys are flip-flopping all over the place. But here's what my gaydar is picking up on each of them:

DAN HUMPHREY
Played by Penn Badgley
In the “Gossip Girl” books, Dan bats for both teams. I’m not talking baseball here either, folks. Dan’s bisexual in the books, but he’s also not a nice guy like he is in the CW series. I'm sure the "GG" creators want to keep Dan very Seth Cohen-like—nerdy, sweet and hetero. My guess is Dan will not be tossing Serena van der Woodsen to the side to kiss any boys.

NATE ARCHIBALD
Played by Chace Crawford
I find this guy extremely attractive, which means he definitely is not gay. I’m never attracted to the gay guys—but that’s my problem and another story. Even though Nate’s way too pretty to be straight, nothing has hinted that he’s a Friend of Dorothy—not even his bromance with Chuck Bass.

Nate and Dan touch, um, coats.

Dan and Chuck get close enough to ...; Nate and Chuck share a laugh.

CHUCK BASS
Played by Ed Westwick
Chuck, Chuck, Chuck—the spitting image of a stereotypical bitchy queen. That orange trench coat he wore in last week’s episode absolutely screamed HOMO! And the way he looks at bestie Nate? Hmm, seems like Chuck wants more than a bromance to me. In the past he's even appeared to be throwing down with the Queen B herself, Blair Waldorf, for face time with Nate. (Although that may have been my own fantasy.) Lately, however, his overly hyper sex drive—which made me think he was trying too hard to be hetero—has cooled down. So he’s off the list for the time being. But I’ve got my eye on you Chuck.

ERIC VAN DER WOODSEN
Played by Connor Paolo
Serena’s twinky little bro rocks those blond highlights, don’tcha think? He’s shy, polite, and sensitive—I think they called it “light in the loafers” when I was growing up. There’s also that unexplained suicide attempt last fall: Everyone knows all gay people are unstable, right? (That’s sarcasm, letter writers.) Since his mom got engaged to Chuck’s dad, Eric’s been all smiles about having a new “daddy” and “big brother” Chuck (above). And besides, making Eric gay finally will make him interesting.

So my money is on young Eric. I sincerely hope the writers don’t make his coming-out story a tragedy. The whole process can be rocky, sure, but hopefully the writers handle the story in a responsible manner.

If you want to hear the scuttlebutt on the “shocking” part of this news, go to the jump. But please, please understand that although the info is unconfirmed, it could be a spoiler. So don't jump if you don't want to know the gossip.

Posted at 6 p.m. Friday, April 25

If you shrugged and thought “So what?” when you heard the news that Jimmy Fallon will succeed Conan O’Brien on “Late Night” when O’Brien takes Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show” spot in 2008, I’ve got a talk show for you.

In “The Graham Norton Show,” the saucy British TV host Norton gets away with gags no American talk show host would attempt. He’s like a naughty kid who gets to play in the entire candy store. He enjoys challenging his guests—most who are recognizable to U.S. viewers—to reveal the most amazing things.

He’s also keen on audience participation and hidden camera gags. In a great bit from last year, Norton’s camera was put on the shoulder of a woman at a speed dating event. Norton asked the men questions, and pushed a red rejection button when he didn’t like them. Some barely had the chance to sit down before he bounced them.

“GNS” is a campy, sexual, pop culture blender.

And when it airs at 9 p.m. Saturdays on BBC America, it’s just a week after its original British broadcast, so it’s still fresh and relevant.

This Saturday, Season 3 of the show premieres on BBC America with guests Kevin Bacon, Tony Curtis and Swedish pop star Robyn.

Curtis tells all about old Hollywood—how Elvis copied his style (uh huh), his affair with Marilyn Monroe and that he has used Botox. Norton gets Bacon to admit to Googling himself and finding a fan’s bizarre “tribute to Kevin Bacon” video. He also laments the movie that put him on the Hollywood map, “Footloose.”

“I go to Bar Mitzvah’s, weddings, parties, I have to go up to the DJ, give him 20 bucks and say, ‘Please don’t play this song,’ because inevitably the song comes on, everyone starts looking at me and a circle forms around me and I’m supposed to start performing like a trained monkey or something,” Bacon says.

Which gives Norton the perfect cue to get his audience on their feet for the “Footloose” dance. Watch the video above, and tune in at 9 p.m. Saturday. You’ll love it.

Posted at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16

Out gay actor Luke Macfarlane plays Scotty on “Brothers & Sisters.”

Luke Macfarlane not only plays gay on ABC’s “Brothers & Sisters,” he really is gay.

The actor, who is great as Scotty Wandell on the show, came out Tuesday in Canada’s Globe and Mail, saying he was worried about revealing his sexual orientation because he feared for his career.

“I don’t know what will happen professionally,” the 28-year-old told the newspaper. “That is the fear, but I guess I can’t really be concerned about what will happen, because it’s my truth. There is this desire in L.A. to wonder who you are and what’s been blaring for me for the last three years is how can I be most authentic to myself—so this is the first time I am speaking about it in this way.”

Macfarlane also dropped a big spoiler about the May 11 season finale of “Brothers & Sisters,” which returns with a new episode on Sunday. And it is too god for me not to repeat. Scotty will marry on-again, off-again beau Kevin Walker, who is played by straight British actor Matthew Rhys (in photo).

My first reaction is ... No way! My second? Nice. And maybe ABC will show them kissing.

“How exciting that we’re saying, ‘This can be part of the cultural fabric, now,’ because it is two series regulars, two people that you invite into your home and you see every week,” he told the paper. “It’s telling of the beginning of more waves and I’m very proud of that.”

“Most importantly, in portraying gay people, the more we realize it’s just like portraying anybody else,” he said. “Gay marriage, it’s not about two people being gay, it’s about two people who love each other and who have decided to commit to each other for the exact same reasons any other couple would get married.”

That’s right Luke, and congratulations.

Posted at 3 a.m. Monday, April 7

Last week I posted highlights of my interview with Chicago’s Ronnie Kroell the day after the finale of Bravo’s “Make Me A Supermodel.”

America didn’t pick Ronnie as its supermodel. Viewers chose Holly Kiser over Ronnie, Ben DiChiara and Perry Ullmann.

Ronnie and I chatted about a lot more than modeling and the show. We talked about dating, being gay, politics and his future. You can read the entire interview on the jump.

Above you’ll find Ronnie’s video goodbye from Bravo, and don’t forget to check out his photo gallery.

Follow "Make Me A Supermodel" from the beginning.

Posted at 3 p.m. Friday, March 4

Click the photo at left for new "MMAS" shots.

Ronnie Kroell didn’t know how popular he’d become in Chicago and the blogosphere until after Thursday night’s finale of “Make Me A Supermodel,” he told me on Friday.

“Literally [Thursday] night I got my cell phone back and got back to reality,” said the Morton Grove native, who explained that the finalists weren’t allowed phone calls or Internet access throughout the season.

Ronnie said the finale—especially just before Holly Kiser was named the winner—was nerve wracking.

“It’s hard to pinpoint one emotion [at that moment]. I think I went through them all,” he said. “All of our hard work came down to the one moment ... I was a little disappointed I have to say, but I have no regrets about the show.”

Ronnie was ready to fly home Friday. “I’m so excited [to go home],” he said, adding that the first thing he would do is “run and hug my family and catch up with my close friends.”

Ronnie, Holly and the other finalists—Ben DiChiara and Perry Ullmann—have been locked up in the model’s New York house since the finale was filmed a week ago. They foursome watched the entire season of the show, including when Holly called Ronnie “a fake.”

“I looked at her and said ‘I was going to write nice things about you on my last blog, but to hell with that,’” the 25-year-old told me. But the models are all friends, he said.

As far as Bronnie is concerned—that’s the bromance between Ronnie and Ben—Ronnie said they are the best of friends.

“Ben and I have such a close relationship. We’re brothers man. It was incredible how kind of a puppy crush turned into an incredible friendship,” he said.

Ronnie said he’s looking forward to his time off and won’t be rushing into any jobs.

“I need to take some time to just process everything,” he told RedEye. “I just want to feel things out, take some calculated risks and hopefully there will be some rewards.”

When I told Ronnie that he had won the poll on this blog, he laughed.

“I think Chicago is a little biased,” he said.

Ronnie and I chatted about boys (he’s single but his “heart is open”), being gay (he didn’t want to be the show’s “token gay”), politics (he likes Hillary Clinton) and some weird moments on the show (the Ginch Gonch look-see was “so weird”). I’ll tell you all that and more in a future post.

Follow "Make Me A Supermodel" from the beginning.

Final update at 10:25 p.m. Thursday, April 3

I've recovered from America's disappointing decision. What do you think of the result? Did America pick the correct winner in Holly? Please vote in the poll below or leave a message in the comment section. Click on the photo at left to see photos from the entire season of "Make Me a Supermodel."

Updated at 9:59 p.m.

Ronnie and Holly—the Final 2. Palpitations…

Holly, America has made you a supermodel! Ronnie’s out.

Oh well, congrats Holly. Don’t speak. She wouldn't have won if only you folks had voted. Ronnie, we still love you.

Posted at 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 28

Anyone else a little disappointed with Thursday night’s reunion special for “Make Me A Supermodel”?

I mean, I love Bronnie—that’s Ben and Ronnie—and their bromance and all, but please. Let’s hear about something else that happened this season.

The Bronnie bromance—or is it a bro-momance?—took a a huge chunk of the hour last night. The highlight was hearing Ben say that he didn't care what his prison guard co-workers back home thought about it. The sad part was that he knew it was probably putting a strain on his marriage. Yikes.

Bravo didn’t show much never-before-seen clips of knock-down, drag-out fights in the house. And don’t tell me there weren’t any.

Producers also failed to show more reactions from the Final 4—Ben, Ronnie, Holly and Perry—as they watched clips of the trash-talking.

Does no one care they are being bashed?

And when we finally got to something good—Niki calling out Tyson for playing favorites all season—producers glossed over it too quickly. Where’s the tension!?

Well, next week’s finale looks fun, if the clip below is any indication. Until then, Vote in the poll above as to who you think should win “Make Me A Supermodel.”

Click to see the photo gallery that I continue updating. I also e-mail chatted with Ronnie this week. And if you want to purchase one of those Bronnie T-shirts, go here.

Posted at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 27

Who do you want to win "Make Me A Supermodel"? Vote here.

There might be some cattiness when “Make Me A Supermodel” airs its reunion special at 9 p.m. Thursday, but don’t let that fool you.

Chicago native Ronnie Kroell told me that he and the other Final 4 contestants—that's Ben, Perry and Holly—are friends.

“There were some situations that arose out of misunderstandings and stress on everyone’s part, but that is part of being human,” he wrote in an e-mail. “I can proudly say that the final four have become the best of friends despite any comments we have made in prior episodes to negate that perception.”

Bravo's keeping the finalists locked away until next week's finale, but I was able to ask Ronnie a few questions via e-mail. His greatest friend, as fans already know, is roomie Ben. Their bromance is so well-known, they’re now being called Bronnie.

“Ben and I became close at callbacks back in October and continued to build upon our relationship in the house,” Ronnie wrote. “I genuinely did develop feelings for Ben because he is a good looking, smart, and enjoyable guy. Obviously, those feelings could never really go anywhere, but I think we have all desired something that we cannot have at some point or another.

“I attribute much of our closeness to the fact that we share the same zodiac sign and I have never met another Aquarian that I did not like.”

Hmm, I’m an Aquarian too ...

Anyway, Ronnie wrote that their bromance created a strong alliance. “We knew that together we could remain strong against the competition if we remained focused, kept a positive outlook and stayed out of drama.”

They didn’t stay out of all the drama. Remember their time in the snow when Ben talked trash about gays? Ronnie says they’ve worked through it.

“The truth of the matter is, we are all prejudice in some way,” he wrote. “Some prejudice though is rooted so deep that we are unaware of its presence, and it takes those that genuinely care about us to expose it and help us to grow.

“I learned after speaking with Ben that he meant no harm by his comments, but it was still hurtful and something that needed to be discussed. Having the ‘tough talk’ with Ben only strengthened our friendship, but when it was time to compete we knew that business was business.”

Read the entire interview on the jump. And to see what Ronnie told Metromix, click here.

Posted at 10:15 p.m. Thursday, March 20

Chicago's Ronnie Kroell survived his fourth elimination round Thursday, but will America vote for him to win Bravo's "Make Me A Supermodel?"

Or should I say, "Will the gays vote for him?"

"Ronnie—aww, he's so cute ..." said "Project Runway" winner Christian Siriano, who showed up to help the models with their catwalks. "A lot of people love Ronnie. Maybe it's all the gays who are loving him. I think it would be pretty sad if he didn't make it."

Yes, Christian, it would be sad. But as judge Cory Batista said, even if Ronnie doesn't win, he'll make a lot of money in the business.

Ronnie, his bro-momance Ben, Perry and Holly all completed their final photo shoots—naked!—and multi-look catwalks Thursday. Viewers will find out who wins in two weeks, on April 3. Next week all the model wannabes return to New York for a reunion show.

So, how about that photo shoot? The assignment was to be the elements—earth, air, water and fire. Apparently you can't be the elements with clothes on.

But no complaints here!

Ronnie played earth—a sexy, dirty wood nymph. Perry was water—a crazy, junk-tucked, dripping freak. Ben was air—hot and sexy air. Oh, and Holly was painted up as Blondie-meets-Cruella DeVille for fire. Flames were added to her head later. (I think the flames should have been added to her head.)

You can see the results on the "Supermodel" photo gallery. I've added tons more photos.

Holly for some reason has it in for Ronnie, maybe because he made it through voting at Shannon's expense. (Shannon looked downright shocked, didn't she? And Holly was pissed when Ronnie walked back into Model Manse.)

Later Holly told the judges that if Ronnie wins, she'll slit her wrists. Can I get that in writing?

The judges gave the kids props and final criticisms, including calling Ronnie fat ... Where's my stick? At this point does it really matter what the judges think anyway? I mean, have the best four models made it to the finals?

This is kind of a popularity contest—not that there's anything wrong with that.

Anyway, it was up to you folks, the viewers and, ahem, experts in what makes a supermodel, to decide their fates. Who did you vote for? Ben (from left), Ronnie, Holly or Perry?

Posted at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18

Yes, the wannabes of Bravo’s “Make Me a Supermodel” get starkers again on Thursday’s episode.

Check out a few of the photos courtesy of Bravo here.

Readers who are easily embarrassed needn’t worry, those parts do get covered up. It’s actually pretty interesting to see the gadgets—should I call them gadgets? garments?—that models use to cover up the naughty bits for a “nude” shoot.

Below you’ll find Bravo’s teaser to the episode. You won’t see Chicago’s Ronnie after the opening bit, because he and Shannon are up for the vote-off.

One of them will be going home at the beginning of Thursday’s episode. The other will be stripping. You know who you should have saved.

The models-in-training are visited by two guests Thursday—recent “Project Runway” winner Christian Siriano and supermodel Naomi Campbell.

It’s a good thing the show’s producers don’t allow the kids’ to have cell phones. OK, I’ll stop.

Here’s Christian:

Posted at 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 18

Check out this Ragstock commercial featuring Chicago's Ronnie Kroell, a contestant on Bravo's "Make Me a Supermodel." This is Ronnie's "before he was reality-star famous" clip.

Posted at 10:25 p.m. Wednesday, March 12

If you’ve been watching Bravo’s “Make Me A Supermodel,” you know that last week model wannabe Perry got a disturbing call from his girlfriend, Amanda.

She told him that a “huge story” about her had been “blown up” by the media, but she wouldn’t tell him more except that it wasn’t true. Perry had no idea what she was talking about, until now.

Here’s a clip of judge and co-host Tyson Beckford showing Perry the issue of the National Enquirer that claims Amanda and Britney Spears’ paparazzo ex, Adnan Ghalib, had gotten together.

“Is that my house?” Perry asks Tyson. Yikes.

Take a look, and tune in to a new episode at 9 p.m., Thursday:

Perry doesn’t need to worry too much. He’s always got Casey. Remember their steamy photo shoot?

Posted at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 11

Kristina, a beauty from Wheaton, Ill., gets a make-under on Tuesday's "Beauty and the Geek."

A reality show has to shake things up after several seasons, lest viewers start to tire of the same-ol’ gimmick.

“Beauty and the Geek” kicks off its fifth season at 7 p.m. Thursday on The CW with a makeover, and several make-unders.

Unfortunately, it loses some of its heart in doing so.

In the past, the “social experiment” paired hopelessly ditzy women with socially inept guys to compete as teams. Those pairings led the beauties and geeks to help each other. Eventually the women grew to be little less vapid and the geeks came out of their shells. And everyone learned a little mutual respect.

This year, the show pits the beauties against the geeks. The two teams will compete in a series of group challenges leading to elimination rounds until one beauty and one geek share a $250,000 grand prize.

This revamped competition doesn’t kill the sweetness generated by the beauty-geek pairings. That “they’re different, and that’s OK” feeling is still intact, even if it’s a little false. (Most of the women, it seems, have seen past seasons of the show and right away are eager to “help” the geeks.)

The real disturbing and heartless moment of the premiere is the preparation for the first challenge. The teams must go to a bar and get phone numbers from members of the opposite sex. (Not fair for poor “Gaysian” geek Greg—but that’s another story.)

To level the playing field, the women are made to look geeky, so they can’t rely on their beauty alone to secure the digits. Several beauties get fake bad complexions. Several get ratty hair and big noses. One woman is put into a fat suit.

The guys think it’s funny, even though the make-unders kind of mock issues that make many of them and countless others insecure in the first place. For most people, these problems can’t be peeled off at the end of an episode.

That’s a little disturbing coming from a show that claims to have heart.

Self-proclaimed “Gaysian” Greg (left)—the show’s first gay geek (that we know of)—has a breakdown before being consoled by two beauties. I have my doubts that law student Tommy (right), who says he’s a “sweater-vest enthusiast,” is as geeky as he claims.

Updated at 7:45 a.m. Friday, March 7

Voting has ended for this week. I hope you all cast those Ronnie ballots.

I think this is Ben's week to go home. Things not working in his favor include the bad attitude toward the Bloomingdale's job, his arguing with Nikki and Tyson, and the fact that he told them if he's sent home, oh well.

Working in his favor is that viewers may want to keep the Ben-Ronnie bro-momance alive. I think Casey, although he's been called "dead in the eyes" and always seems uncomfortable, is still beautiful enough to keep voters' interest.

See you next week.

Posted at 11:15 p.m. Thursday, March 6

Before we go any further, time to vote to save Chicago Ronnie on Bravo's "Make Me a Supermodel." Go here to vote.

OK, now that you are done with that—why is Ronnie in the Bottom 3! I thought he rocked his second catwalk and I didn’t think the first one was even that bad. Jennifer Starr, you are WRONG!

Anyway, the judges also said he didn’t impress the clients. I recall, and on replaying the TiVo, that the Bloomies gal said he could really sell, was making eye contact and looked great in the pink Paul Smith, etc… So what, he said the P-word—polyester. What’s so wrong with that? Poly is one of the greatest inventions ever.

I think Ben, Casey and Perry should be in the bottom three. The first two earn it because of their tragic boringness. And Perry? Well, he bugs.

I can’t even give you a play-by-play of the episode, I’m so annoyed.

I’ll just say that Holly is still fierce. Shannon is almost fierce. Ben should never refuse an assignment, and should definitely not argue with Tyson and Nikki. Nuh-unh. And Casey needs to mellow out. Pretty face, but the boy is messed up in his head.

Ronnie and Ben sort of made out as part of the video lookbook assignment. Apparently it wasn't hot enough: They were not asked to continue.

One thing I forgot to tell you: Frankie was sent home at the beginning of the episode.

Also, the Ronnie-Ben bro-momance has inspired an online community to kick off a festival of fan fiction.

Posted at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 1.

The Torchwood team, plus one: Toshiko (Naoko Mori), Ianto (Gareth David Lloyd), Captain Jack (John Barrowman), Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), Gwen (Eve Myles) and Owen (Burn Gorman).

I’m a little late bringing this news to the blog, but I wanted to make sure those of you who haven’t watched the video preview of tonight’s “Torchwood” are made aware. (You'll find the clip in the player above.)

Freema Agyeman, who played Martha Jones on “Doctor Who” last season, brings the character back with a three-episode arc on the “Who” spinoff beginning tonight.

The 28-year-old actress says she’s happy to resurrect Martha.

“She’s coming back and going to Torchwood. It’s an excellent idea. I feel really privileged and chuffed,” Agyeman told Western Mail.

“A lot has changed in Martha’s life,” Agyeman told the newspaper. “She’s finished her studies, there’s her new job, she’s in a relationship. She’s a lot harder because of everything she experienced but she is still the same person with the same connections.”

Those connections include Captain Jack (John Barrowman), with whom she “saved the world” on “Doctor Who.” In Saturday’s “Torchwood” episode, called “Reset,” Captain Jack calls on Martha to help the Torchwood team investigate several mysterious deaths of seemingly unconnected victims.

Martha goes undercover at a medical testing center led by the sinister Prof. Copley (left), played by Alan Dale of “Ugly Betty.” Copley will stop at nothing to discover medical breakthroughs. That includes using aliens to create a “fix” he calls “reset.”

Agyeman does a great job mixing it up with the “Torchwood” stars, especially Burn Gorman, who plays ladies man Owen Harper. The two challenge—and of course flirt—with each other.

Posted at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28

Click on the photo at right too see Ronnie's gallery.

Bromance or bro-momance?

Anyone who has been following Bravo’s reality show “Make Me A Supermodel” is no doubt familiar with the story of gay model wannabe Ronnie Kroell and his straight fellow contestant and roomie Ben DiChiara.

They hang out together, help each other with their workouts and runway walks. They encourage and support each other, tease and cajole, do each other’s pedicures. (Maybe not the last one.)

As I and many others have been writing, they’re in a bromance.

Or are they?

My talented RedEye co-worker, Tracy Swartz (who is not a gay man, but has written about bromances), tells me I’ve been using the wrong term for the boys’ mutual admiration society. She says that a gay man and a straight man can’t have that relationship. Only two straight guys--bros--can share a bromance, she says.

What Ronnie and Ben have, Tracy insists, is a bro-momance. (Tracy has a way with made-up words.)

As much as I love her term, I disagree with Tracy’s rule that a gay/straight friendship can’t be called a bromance. I have friendships with straight males that I’d call bromances. We mutually admire each other, hang out but have no desires to “take it to the next level.”

We’re bros, plain and simple. No kissing, just kidding around.

I’ve also had bro-momances, which I think are awfully one-sided affairs. If I’m getting Tracy’s definition correct, a bro-momance involves the ’mo digging the bro a bit beyond the boundaries of “hey buddy, let’s drink some beers and wrestle on the floor.”

It’s kind of a sad and unfulfilling relationship. You’re really into this guy who you know you never can be with and ... I don’t miss high school or college.

Tracy’s right about one thing: Ronnie and Ben’s “fling” is more bro-momance than bromance. That is, if we’re to believe what we’ve been watching. Earlier in the season Ronnie said he has real feelings for Ben. Ben, who is married by the way, apparently told Ronnie that he’d experiment with a man if he got enough drinks in him. (Wouldn’t most straight men, really?)

So bromance vs. bro-momance? One Urban Dictionary definition says a bromance is “a non-sexual relationship between two men that are unusually close.” One says the term “describes the complicated love and affection shared by two straight males.”

I don’t think a bromance can be only between two straight males.

I’m curious to see what you think. Please vote in the poll above, and feel free to leave a comment on the board below.

Whatever you want to call it, the Ronnie and Ben “fling” may be cooling this week after Ronnie tossed Ben to the dogs (cats?) on the catwalk last week.

When Tyson asked who he thought should be in the Bottom 3, he said Ben didn’t do very well. Shocking! Ben’s currently on the chopping block. Watch the video preview to this week’s episode below.

Posted at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26

Jimmy Kimmel unleashed his video retaliation against gal pal Sarah Silverman on his post-Oscar show Sunday night.

In response to Silverman’s earlier spoof video titled “I’m (Bleeping) Matt Damon,” Kimmel rounded up a who’s who grouping of stars for his own video, called “I’m (Bleeping) Ben Affleck.”

Both videos are hilarious and already viral hits. Now the big question is: Who got the better deal, Jimmy or Sarah?

The fake Kimmel-Damon feud started because Kimmel announced at the end of each “Jimmy Kimmel Live” that he had to bump Damon because he ran out of time. When Damon finally got on the show as a guest, he pretended to throw a fit when he was cut off because of time constraints.

Damon got his video revenge with Silverman in the “I’m (Bleeping) Matt Damon” video, which has been viewed by 8 million people since she introduced it on Kimmel’s show a few weeks ago.

Kimmel introduced his clip on Sunday, warning Damon, “You take something you love from me and you can damn well bet I’m going to take something you love from you, too.”

When it was over, Affleck joined Kimmel onstage.

“We let it out in a big way,” he said. The “couple” suggest possible nicknames: Bemmy, Benimmy and Jen.

“I’m glad we did it this way,” Kimmel said. “I didn’t want my family to find out in the tabloids. It’s not gay when two men are really in love.”

It’s pretty amazing Kimmel was able to enlist so many stars—from Brad Pitt to Josh Groban—to take part.

Watch both videos here, and then tell me who got the better deal. Would you rather be hanging with Damon or Affleck?

Jimmy gets Ben

Sarah gets Matt

Posted at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20

Here is Ronnie's photo gallery

The flirty friendship of Chicago Ronnie and Ben on Bravo’s “Make Me a Supermodel” has become the bromance of the moment.

The boys kick off a story in the current issue of Entertainment Weekly that asks if reality TV has changed America’s attitudes about gays. The article calls their bromance “one of the most provocative relationships on televison.”

The story brings up many examples on reality TV gays—from Norm on the first season of “The Real World” in 1992 to MTV’s “A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila.” It brings up a recent poll in which the majority of college freshman now approve of gay marriage.

Anyway, about the Ben and Ronnie. Well, at least Ronnie. He’s on the chopping block again on Thursday. If he isn’t voted off (which we all hope he isn’t), he’ll join the other wannabes as they pose with … a snake. Check out the video clip below.

Posted at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13

I’m hoping that Chicago’s Ronnie Kroell doesn’t get sent home in the opening minutes of this week’s “Make Me A Supermodel.” I want to see him emote. That’s right, the wannabes are learning how to act this week.

“A supermodel is more than just a clothes hanger,” Tyson says.

Prove it. Here’s a sneak peek of the episode, which airs at 9 p.m. Thursday. Notice how Ben defends his bromance bro, Ronnie.

Check out Ronnie's photo gallery

Posted at 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7

Ronnie (left) didn't do well, while Ben turned things around and won.

I just added new photos to Ronnie's photo gallery

I’m in shock.

Chicago’s Ronnie Kroell and his boyfriend—I mean roommate—Ben, celebrated their birthdays early in Thursday’s “Make Me A Supermodel.”

Then the party ended.

After his worst runway work on the series—at New York Fashion Week no less—Ronnie was bumped to the bottom three by the judges.

What, for one bad week?

“You improved up to now, but this week you kind of fell back,” judge Tyson Beckford said.

Say what? He’s been a star up to this point.

Ronnie, Frankie and the perpetual bottom feeder, Katy, are in the bottom three. Do you think the judges made the right decision? If you have an opinion, leave a comment below.

And after you watch the catwalk video, read on for more highlights from the episode.

Posted at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7

Chicago Ronnie walks the catwalk during Fashion Week.

Thursday’s assignment for the glamazons on Bravo’s “Make Me A Supermodel” will be “all about Fashion Week,” host Niki Taylor says.

And it’s all about the catwalk too—and more cattiness, if the video preview below is any indication. Niki says that the models will be judged only on their runway work this week, not a photo shoot.

The models attended Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City just last weekend. They mixed it up with real models during the weekend at real runway events.

Chicago Ronnie and the guys strutted for R. Scott French and the women modeled for the FORM show.

Posted at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30

Jonny Lee Miller, as "Eli Stone," gets a private concert from George Michael.

George Michael is driving Jonny Lee Miller crazy, and the teasing makes gay TV.

Did I say “gay”? I meant “great.”

Actually, both words work.

In ABC’s whimsical new dramedy airing at 9 p.m. Thursdays, “Eli Stone,” Miller plays the title character, an ambitious lawyer who begins to hear organ music, then Michael’s song “Faith.”

Later, Eli’s making love to his fiancé but stops when he once again hears Michael singing. Eli falls out of bed and runs into the living room, where he finds Michael in concert on his coffee table.

What do the hallucinations mean?

Eli’s neurologist brother discovers Eli has an inoperable brain aneurysm, and says that the condition is causing Eli’s delusions and freaky behavior. Eli’s acupuncturist, Dr. Chen, believes Eli’s visions are leading him on a journey of discovery. He calls the atheistic Eli a modern-day prophet.

That sets up the central conflict of the show. Forced by his visions to reconsider the life he’s leading, Eli starts questioning his definition of success. Is he a prophet, or does he seek profit?

Shortly after his visions begin, Eli meets a single mother who claims that a preservative in a vaccine made her son autistic. She wants Eli to sue the pharmaceutical company, which happens to be a client of his own San Francisco law firm, where standard operating procedure dictates that he represent the vaccine corporation and screw over the little gal.

Bolstered by his new, budding spirituality, Eli takes the case.

“Eli Stone" is full of idealism and quirkiness. It can be downright manipulative actually. But with its wry humor and snappy back talk, it doesn’t come off as too precious or cartoonish.

Jonny Lee Miller is winning as Eli, and a strong supporting cast is led by the divine Loretta Devine as Stone's no-nonsense secretary. You can’t help but love seeing “Alias’” Victor Garber, playing Eli’s stone-cold serious boss, singing and dancing in one of the “Eli Stone” fantasy moments.

And let’s not forget George Michael. The gay icon isn’t a one-hit wonder in “Eli Stone.” His song “Freedom” is central to a future episode.

I’d recommend “Eli Stone” for Michael’s appearance alone, but I happened to enjoy the show’s quirkiness and humor.

Posted at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25

Sparks fly when Capt. Jack (left) and Capt. John reunite on "Torchwood." Watch a video clip from the Season 2 premiere in the video player above.

“Torchwood” is back and gayer than ever.

The dark, dirty and delightful sci fi soap opera, which returns for its second season at 8 p.m. Saturday on BBC America, is one of the few shows that isn’t specifically about gay folks to have a gay person as its lead character.

Not only that, but the actor who plays “omnisexual” (he likes men, women, aliens) Capt. Jack Harkness is out gay actor John Barrowman, who grew up in Joliet.

Capt. Jack’s a dashing, immortal--and very sexual hero. He’s an action hero in more than the traditional sense of the word.

The time-traveling hottie gets all kinds of action in Season 2’s premiere, which means there’s a lot of one of my favorite things--boy-on-boy kissing.

Posted at 1 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 3

Ronnie, you're in. Angelica, Igor and Karol, you're out.

O.K., I'm stealing Heidi Klum's catch phrase. But Bravo's "Make Me A Supermodel" is on the same network as "Project Runway."

Chicago-area model-hopefuls Igor Galijasevic, Angelica Gromow and Karol Jarzabek were eliminated Wednesday from the Bravo show's casting special.

Ronnie Kroell will be the only contestant from Chicago striking poses when the model competition begins Jan. 10. The 24-year-old U of I poli-sci student will live with the other 13 models in New York as they compete for $100,000 and a modeling contract with New York Model Management when the show officially launches Jan. 10.

The names on help viewers figure out which of the 14 hopefuls made it, but I think I've got the list correct after rewinding several times: Aryn Livingston, 20, Lownesboro, Ala.; Ben DiChiara, 22, Nashville, Tenn.; Casey Skinner, 19, Atlanta, Ga.; Dominic Prietto, 25, Orange County, Calif.; Frankie Godoy, 20, Miami; Holly Kiser, 21, Coeburn, Va.; Jacki Hydock, 21, Cleveland; Jay McGee, 22, Roswell, Ga.; Katy Caswell, 21, Auburn, Ala.; Perry Ullmann, 22, L.A.; Sarah Swartz, 20, Miami; Shannon Pallay, 22, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Stephanie Bulger, 21, Plano, Texas

You can learn more about them, and view their photos, at bravotv.com. Starting next week, you'll be able to vote each week to keep Ronnie in the running.