OFFBEAT: Andy Cohen signing book that includes Lansing's Harry Smith

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Host Andy Cohen (left) with CBS Newsman Harry Smith on the Set of Cohen's Bravo Show "Watch What Happens Live"

Host Andy Cohen (left) with CBS Newsman Harry Smith on the set of Cohen's Bravo cable talk show "Watch What Happens Live."

OFFBEAT: Headmistress-turned-murderess Jean Harris dies at 89

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Michael Essany Interviews Psychic Sidney Freidman on his "Seven on Ridge" TV Talk Show

One of the first guests on Michael Essany's "Seven on Ridge" debut episode at the Sept. 15, 2012 taping was Sidney Freidman, a mentalist and psychic.

VU grad previews late-night challenge to TV talk show icons

VALPARAISO | More than 400 people showed up Tuesday at Valparaiso University, eager for a glimpse of how a local TV talk show host plans to challenge two late-night heavyweights.

OFFBEAT: 'The Doyle & Debbie Show' and country fun must leave Chicago May 27

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

The Cast of "The Other Half" NBC Talk Show in 2001

Mario Lopez (left to right) is shown in a 2001 promotional photo with Dick Clark, Danny Bonaduce and Dr. Jan Adams for their daytime talk show series "The Other Half."

Anderson Cooper and Mother Gloria Vanderbilt on the set of "Anderson" Daytime Talk Show

Anderson Cooper, whose popular syndicated daytime talk show 'Anderson' has been renewed for a second season, interviewed his mother Gloria Vanderbilt for an episode that aired in fall 2011.

OFFBEAT: Reader asks about Vanderbilt column and 'Anderson Cooper's Mom'

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: From Grammys to local comedy, region ranks high on entertainment

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: 'The Doyle & Debbie Show' taking break from Chicago to perform for Conan O'Brien

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Lucy's 100th birthday celebration set for this weekend

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Oprah Winfrey at Final Show Taping

Oprah Winfrey used the final episode of her talk show to have a "heart to heart" chat with the audiences who have watched her Chicago-based show for 25 years.