BLACK-ISH VS JEW-ISH............NEW TV SHOWS IN 2014

Racism is still an ugly word. Nevertheless, "muck is money" and that's where the "Suits'" minds run rampant. The BLACK-ISH series is being billboarded by its TV host, NBC, as another "Cosby type show."Venerable Bill" probably doesn't think kindly of having his valuable reruns pissed on by a newcomer without credentials. And he'll be crying all the way to the bank. The new entry, JEW-ISH, is only in submission, that is, on paper to be developed into a pilot. The series is based on a former best-selling book by Mrs. Yetta Bronstein, "The President I Almost Was," an autobiography by a Jewish mother from the Bronx who ran for President in 1964, against Barry Goldwater and Lyndon Johnson. She lost the election by a landslide, but captured more write-in votes than Johnny Carson, Betty Boop and Porky the Pig. Yetta's book was a best-seller in England and the British book critic, Cassandra, said 'it's the best American satire on politics since Sinclair Lewis' "Babbitt." In the USA Mrs. Bronstein's book, first published in hardcover by HAWTHORN BOOKS, was sold to AVON BOOKS for a paperback edition at the highest price ever paid back in 1965. She also recorded "I Want To Hold Your Hand"that was selected by Sir Paul McCartney as "best cover song" for a Beatles album of their greatest hits. Not bad for a former Presidential loser. "JEW-ISH," the TV series has a story line that features her husband Morris, teen-age son Marvin and her older sister Sadie (think Bea Arthur) who live in the same Bronx apartment and are constantly at odds with one another. Morris drives a taxi on the all-night shift; Marvin plays the drums loudly; and Sadie still smokes her uncle's pipe. He, Uncle Milton, was in ladies underwear (both senses of the word) and committed suicide after going bankrupt during the great 1929 depression. The first time he tried to die, the car in his garage, with the hose attached to the tailpipe, ran out of gas. The second time, the #104 bus stopped just in time as he lay in the street. The third time was successful after he suffocated between the breasts of a former female employee. She measured 26-42-38. Mrs. Bronstein is the titular head of this dysfunctional family (think The Friedmans), but has a contagious, sometimes wicked, sense of humor. She also offends everyone. For example, her first words entering the butcher shop are: "Take your fucking foot off the goddam scale!" And she always answers the phone, "I am the lady of the house. Why are you bothering me?" (Think "Keeping Up Appearances"). The angst in this family of four is a rampage of rhetoric out of control. It's hilarious, sad and sometimes admirable. Viewers will be mesmerized from week to week. So far, the only mild interest in sponsorship has come from Pfizer's Viagra division. So, don't hold your breathe, but stay tuned anyhow.