What a difference a year makes.  Last summer, Ben was the king of L.A. and riding high…well, some things never change.  Our favorite NBC non-suit, who prefers the barroom to the boardroom, is on shaky ground and rumored to be looking for a way out of his contract with NBC’s encouragement.  But nothing gets Smirky Silverman down.  Fresh from a month in Beijing, Ben is back in town and ready for business. Well, maybe not business but definitely action.

From: Ben Silverman
To: Jeff Zucker; Ron Meyer

Subject: Reenergized!!!!!!!
China Beach was just what I needed for some R&R and to get my head back in the game.  Don’t want to get too philosophical but sometimes, you need to be around a billion people to find yourself and I feel like a new man, man.  I know the fall lineup is looking a little gimpy but I think that it’s all about positioning and highlighting.  Plan to be hands on in meetings (but not like last time, hope Katie’s over it) and very visible in town.


From: Ben Silverman
To: Ryan Seacrest

Subject: 2Nite
Am jonesing for some action.  Loved the Asian/muscle babe combo of the Olympics but need to refresh palate with some good old trashy American girls.  Let’s meet up tonite @ Hyde for some easy pickings.  Silverman out!


From: Ben Silverman
To: Teri Weinberg

Subject: Strategy Session
Need to meet up @ Coach and Horses for pow-wow asap.  Stop by Saul’s place first for pick-me-up.


From: Ben Silverman
To: Elisabeth Murdoch

Subject: Yacht
Wanted to say thanks again for the hospitality and for being so cool about those nights that I blacked out.  Seasickness pills really don’t go well with Ambien and Mai Tai’s.  Looking like it’s time to say “NB-Cing you later” and would love to talk more about Fox-iness soon. 

From: Ben Silverman
To: Norman Brokaw

Subject: Re: Advice
Thanks for your thoughts about game plan.  Since Beijing, I feel very Buddhist, like fluidity is a natural state and we shouldn’t try to control life but to just let it happen to us.  Kind of gentle samurai type deal (same country, right?)  Also, do you think the Bugatti Veyron is a good investment?


From: Ben Silverman
To: Jennifer Aniston

Subject: Welcome back to the P-cock
Jen, I’m sooooo glad you’re doing the 30 Rock cameo.  I know you’re a big movie $tar but NBC will always have a place for you.  Speaking of place and cameos, isn’t it time to put all that sexual tension to bed?  You like reforming bad boys and I’d love to let you try. 

From: Ben Silverman
To: Robert Downey Jr.

Subject: Sponsor
Let me know when you have an opening in your roster.  Am thinking about short term fix (ha, thought you’d like that!)


Mali Perl can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   She thinks Seacrest/Silverman in 2012 is a sure thing.