For reasons which will become apparent later, I recommend printing this puzzle out.
It’s hard for me to think that I’ve already been doing this for twenty weeks. It really doesn’t feel that long, does it? Thanks for sticking with me for so long, and welcome to any new solvers.
And as always, if you think you’re missing something after you’ve finished solving, spend a few more minutes with the puzzle, and then check out the solution button above. And don’t forget to share the puzzle!
Neville Fogarty 
I see what you did there. Cute. That was a very nice revealer & trick. One gripe. Thought the 30A/27D junction was a bad choice. I realize you like pop culture, but, come on, you have to give those of who do not religiously watch TV at least a fighting chance at inferring the answer. These were both complete mysteries to me, and there were five or six letters that could have fit. You could have made 39A a certain president without detracting from your theme. End of mini-rant. :-)
I meant 38A of course. Clumsy morning fingers.
I agree that the down one’s a toughie if you’re not of a certain age. The across answer’s much more well known – in addition to “How I Met Your Mother,” he’s known for TV’s “House,” filmdom’s “Harold & Kumar” and a member of Pres. Obama’s administration. He’s been referenced in the NYT on multiple occasions, e.g., so I can’t feel too bad about this entry. That said…
I honestly did not even see that opportunity! C would’ve been much friendlier, and I think preferable. Well spotted, Norm.
One thing I really like is how accepting you are of what I hope comes across as constructive criticism. Happy Friday! I really do look forward to your puzzle each week.
That’s how I take it, Norm, and I’m glad to get it so that I can write better puzzles in the future. And since you’re here each week, I figured it wasn’t just pure rage :)
Neville–
Thanks for your puzzles.
Is there a button I can click to make a donation?
Jack
Glad you’re enjoying the puzzles, Jack!
Thanks for asking – I haven’t set anything like that up yet. I’ll keep you posted if I decide to do something like this, though. :)
Gorski-esque in its clever use of the visual element
Liked the puzzle a lot.
For the record, I, too got messed up at 38A/27D. Right idea, but a slight misfire on getting the right consonant.
I was stuck in that same spot. I had no idea about 27D, but I knew 38A, so it was solvable. Like Bruce, I wasn’t 100% sure of the consonant. I was pretty sure that I knew the across consonant, but that made the down word look funny. Bottom line, good puzzle!