Includes bibliographical references and index.

How false was it? the show that spawned the most myths: the tonight show starring Johnny Carson -- Can we talk?: other famous talk show rumors -- Ward, I'm worried about the beaver: TV rumors involving child stars -- Lucy, you've got some 'splainin' to do: a couple of persistent I love Lucy myths -- Set phasers for stun: some enterprising Star Trek legends -- The naked truth: they don't call it the boob tube for nothing -- A word fromour sponsor: rumors and myths and commercials -- Would you believe? : strange stories from the 60s -- That 70s show: growing up with the Brady Bunch and The Partridge Family -- Monkee business: are upi a believer? check out these Monkee Myths -- Final jeopardy: game show myths and tumors -- Too much drama: urban legends about animated series -- Strikes, spares and misses: TV's most enduring sports myths -- This just in: urban myths about newscasts -- Miscellaneous myths: items that simply defy categorization -- Smile when you say that, Pardner: TV's greatest Western whoppers -- Super lie: A rumor that spread faster than a speeding bullet -- Stars on ice: Stars who supposedly died on television.