Carlos Watson Goes "Off Topic" This Weekend

Carlos Watson's "hip and fun" CNN special, "Off Topic," premieres Sunday at 10pm. The political analyst, whom some critics have called a "rising star," talks to Shaquille O’Neal, Heidi Klum and Barack Obama during the talk show. Watson has appeared prominently on CNN's political coverage, and his "Inside Edge" segments have grown in number.

"A follow-up episode of 'Off Topic' will air on Dec. 12," WWD says, "and producers hope to take the program weekly next year." But it true his executive producer quit in September? One insider asked me last month: "Does the term 'ethically challenged prima donna' mean anything to you?"

> Plus: Gawker hopes Watson is "devoured by wild boars."

Kudlow & Cramer: Reaction From E-Mailers

> Is it true that Kudlow and Cramer's contract is coming to an end in December -- and that in the words of an anonymous tipster, "they dislike each other so much that Jim Cramer is willing to walk away from his 1 million dollar a year (for 3 years) deal that is on the table"?

> "Yeah, all these program changes might bring CNBC out of 0.0's to a comfy 0.1." And: "K&C had a better early evening time slot last year and bombed. Crawl back under your rock."

> "I don't know about the average working person, but my working butt isn't home to watch anything, let alone CNBC, until at least 7PM," Kevin e-mails. "By airing K&C at 5, CNBC automatically eliminates a wife-range of potential viewers who simply are not home at that time...Why air the show at a time when it's target audience is in their office, working?"

Kudlow & Cramer: CNBC's "Most Under-Utilized Asset"

In an e-mail to TVNewser, an anonymous executive producer says that "CNBC should consider making better use of their most under-utilized asset:" Kudlow and Cramer. "They are wasted in the 5:00 to 6:00 PM slot. And they can do far more than business," the person writes. "Each of the hosts has about 30 IQ points on the average anchor. They actually know some history, and have a large capacity for absorbing and explaining complex information. Sure, Cramer can be shrill. And Kudlow is so far to the right it sometimes seems he wants to repeal the 20th century. But, really, how much can you hate a guy who has the guts to dress like he raided the wardrobe trunk of a summer stock production of 'Guys and Dolls?'"

His suggestion: "Move the program to prime time -- and beyond business, a la Lou Dobbs. Capitalize on the hosts' personality-driven strength. Build up a core of regulars, a la Imus. Promote heavily across NBC properties. Add water and stir. It will work. Trust me."

O'Reilly Sex Suits: Mackris Ready To Settle?

"Andrea Mackris may be ready to settle her sex-harassment battle with Fox TV host Bill O'Reilly," the NY Daily News reports this morning. "Mackris' lawyer, Benedict Morelli, made a back-channel overture to O'Reilly's team on Tuesday, according to a source close to O'Reilly." More...