Ernie Kovacs is a television legend. But, like many who garnered fame mostly from a talk show environment, once they are off the air? Their star fades. Of course, Kovacs did skit comedy that was way way ahead of its time… think proto-Montly Python… The skit comedy of Kovacs is still hilarious today.

Anyway Keith Olbermann moderates a panel with Joel Hodgson (Mystery Science Theater 3000, a certain descendent of Kovacs), Roger Smigel (comedian and writer), George Schlatter (of Laugh-In), and Jolene Brand (Kovacs cast member). Other guests are planned for this panel, titled, It’s Been Real: The Works Of Comic Genius Ernie Kovacs.

The event will include screenings in addition to the panel. Kovacs work has been archived at the Paley Center since the eary 70s.

For more info head to www.paleycenter.org. or to www.erniekovacs.com.

Frank Martin’s, For Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots, tells of the sacrifices and courage of African-Americans in service to their country. In many cases these stories have gone untold.

The documentary is hosted by Halle Berry, introduced by Colin Powell, narrated by Avery Brooks and executive produced by Louis Gossett Jr. The U.S. Army was integral I in making the film.

The film is a nominee for an NAACP Image Award. The film starts at the beginning of American History with the death of Crispus Attucks. If you do not know who Attucks was, and you are an American, shame on you.

Check local listings in February. For more information head to www.forloveofliberty.org

A six DVD collection of the work of the fabulous Ernie Kovacs comes out on April 19. It is sort of sad that more people don’t know about Ernie Kovacs. His television show wason for 4 years (the show that "took" anyway..there were other short duration shows!) but its impact was extensive. Kovacs tragically died in 1962 in a car accident. He also contributed to numerous other programs including The Tonight Show. He was offbeat in the extreme and so far ahead of his time it is almost hard to imagine some of the skits got on television. He influenced the likes of Johnny Carson and Pee Wee Herman but a lot of it always reminded me of Monty Python as well, or even SCTV. I have no proof other than my own sense of humor, however, for this last one!

The six DVDs come via Shout Factory and if you order from them direct there is a seventh disc. This includes thirteen hours of Television content, much of which hasn’t been seen for decades (including guest hosting of The Tonight Show).

Kovacs was survived by his wife (and co-star), Edie Adams. Adams appeared in such films as The Apartment, Lover Come Back, It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World and even Up In Smoke. Adams passed away at the age of 81 in 2008. Without her Kovacs' work might have vanished.

This is the first comprehensive box set ever on Kovacs and you can get it for $69.97 ($54.99 if you get it direct). I am getting one and if you love comedy, great skit comedy particularly, this is a must have. I would compare him to some of the great comedians of all time.

Order from Shout Factory HERE.