Truth and Rumors: The Reality Behind TV's Most Famous Myths

Product Description
This series explores comedy, science fiction, reality television, and many other genres, offering a fascinating and entertaining look at the shows that have formed America's real favorite pastime.When you first heard it, you couldn't believe it: Jerry Mathers, from "Leave It to Beaver", had been killed in Vietnam; Mikey, who would eat anything as the Life cereal tyke, had eaten too many Pop Rocks and exploded. How did these outrageous TV legends get started? In the course of this compelling work (supplemented with many interviews with the people implicated in these rumors) author Bill Brioux exposes the reality behind the stories that circulate in our culture. Through these stories (both true and false) he sheds a revealing light on just what role rumors play in contemporary society and what role our society plays in regard to these rumors.

About the Author
Bill Brioux is former Los Angeles bureau chief for the Canadian edition of TV Guide. He writes the Toronto Sun's daily television column, which has won two Edward A. Dunlop Awards for critical writing.