106.5 million watched the Super Bowl — the largest audience in TV history
The Colts vs. Saints beat the series finale of "MASH," which drew 106 million viewers in 1983. That's up from the 98.7 million viewers last year and is a perfect ending to an NFL season of monster ratings. As Lisa de Moraes points out, CBS "owes a big wet kiss to Mother Nature who had rendered millions of potential viewers housebound Sunday night with a weekend snowstorm that buried the mid-Atlantic region."
"Undercover Boss" nabs 38.6 million viewers
That's the 3rd-highest post-Super Bowl audience ever. Next week: Hooters CEO goes undercover.
Letterman's Super Bowl ad helped Leno but was a slap to Conan
The ad (which Conan was invited to participate in) seemed to completely erase the whole Conan vs. Leno mess, says Matthew Gilbert, who notes that the ad implied that David Letterman wasn't really sympathetic to Conan after all. "It negated the massive 10 p.m. 'Jay Leno Show' debacle, as if the big late-night controversy has never stopped being a duel between Oprah's two big children, Leno and Letterman," says Gilbert. "It showed Leno as a good sport, willing to sit there while Letterman mocked him. And the ad implied that Letterman doesn't truly feel defensive of Conan O'Brien — that Letterman's expressions of sympathy for O'Brien during the past few months were just part of some big promotional game." PLUS: CBS loved the spot so much it was expanded from 10 to 15 seconds.
CBS apparently didn't plan for a Saints Super Bowl victory
The historic New Orleans win was accompanied by only quickie shots of Bourbon Street, and nothing else.
"Leverage" hosts "thug camp" for the unemployed
The Portland casting workshop helped unemployed construction workers who might consider a future in acting.
Has the NFL used up its pool of old rockers for Super Bowl halftime?
The Who didn't shine in their halftime performance, perhaps it's time to get a bit younger? (But not Bon Jovi young.)
Dave Grohl's 10th appearance sets an "SNL" record for musical guest
Grohl has appeared on "Saturday Night Live" over the past two decades with six different bands, including Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers, Tenacious D and Them Crooked Vultures.
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Howard Stern says he's considering "Idol" gig: "I'm gonna tase Ellen"
Stern said this morning if he judged "Idol," he would've told Carrie Underwood to lose weight and the competition would lift elements from "The Biggest Loser." "There's not a better job on the planet than judging a f—–g karaoke contest," the shock jock told his listeners this morning. "It might be possible, we'll see." He added: "A $100 million to judge a karaoke contest? Yeah, I think I would do that show for $100 million. It would be the best thing that happened to me. What a cush job: $100 million for four months. Who wouldn't take that?"
Listen to Stern talk "Idol" and "that bitch Ryan Seacrest" Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3
"Dancing" wants John Stamos
Stamos is Karina Smirnoff's dream dancing partner. But when the show approached the "Full House" star, Stamos said he was recuperating from working on "Bye Bye Birdie."
MTV's new logo drops "music television" tagline to appeal to millennials
Says the network: "The logo is part of MTV’s re-invention to connect with today’s millennial generation and bring them in as part of the channel."
Jeff Probst blasts "I'm a Celebrity," says there will never be a celeb "Survivor"
"I'm a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here" is a "bullsh*t show," it's a "terrible show, poorly produced, with idiots. PLUS: Why some "Survivors" didn't make "Heroes vs. Villains" cut.
"The View" finds that politics is a big ratings draw
Talking politics on daytime TV used to be a no-no, but not anymore.
"Chuck" going back to the future with Christopher Lloyd
Lloyd will playa therapist who treats Chuck.
MTV clamping down on "Jersey Shore" personal appearances
The cast could face strict fines or legal action for their lucrative appearances at bars and nightclubs. PLUS: Pauly D offered $50,000 to walk bride down the aisle.
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Conan will likely get less money from Fox, but more patience
A potential deal between Conan O'Brien and Fox will have to be unprecedented in the late-night world, according to Joe Adalian, who explains: "If Coco is to find a home on Fox, both parties need to act as if they're launching a business together — with shared risk and mutual reward. That means managing expectations, committing to a long-term plan and figuring out a way to ensure nobody gets soaked if the whole venture simply doesn't click with viewers."
Conan staying in L.A.? His NYC condo is for sale for $35 million
Ex-Conan staffers are pissed at "immoral" NBC
Dick Cavett weighs in on NBC-Conan mess // "I'm with CoCo" designer meets Conan
Why "The Bachelor" will always be white
As Newsweek's Joshua Alston notes, that's just the way our society is: "People still overwhelmingly date and marry within their own race. White people are the majority in this country and, therefore, the best audience to target from a ratings standpoint, and there's risk in alienating viewers who may have less enlightened views on interracial couples. Could they cast a black man? Sure. Would it be smart to? Probably not. The Bachelor is one of many pop-culture artifacts that highlight the uncomfortable gap between the way we'd like to think of racial integration and the way it actually is."
Sarah Silverman's shot at Jimmy Kimmel: I'm no longer a chubby-chaser
"The guy I'm dating now, who is so awesome, is not my typical fare," Jimmy Kimmel's ex says of her relationship with "Family Guy" writer Alec Sulkin. "He's really skinny. Usually I like pudgy, macho-ish guys. But I think I mistook macho-ish for strong, emotionally. And I think it's really the opposite."
"SVU" boss: Christopher Meloni is sticking with "Law & Order"
Neal Baer insists Meloni isn't leaving, despite a quote by Meloni (since taken down) in an Australian newspaper in which he says "12 years is enough."
"Heroes" cast expects renewal, despite low ratings
"I don't know if we're coming back or not – I expect that we are," says Jack Coleman before tonight's season finale, "I hope that we are, I anticipate that we are. We have opened a new volume and I think we will wade into that new volume." Meanwhile, Hayden Panettiere says next season will be awesome.
From "Heroes" to "Ugly Betty": When critically acclaimed shows burn out
They aren't the only TV shows to start hot then go cold. Remember "The Apprentice," "Twin Peaks" and "In Living Color"?
"Kendra" upset after her hubby blew crucial Super Bowl play
Her husband Hank Baskett's choke job was a game-changer for the Colts and Saints.
Betty White scores best Super Bowl ad
That's according to USA Today's annual Ad Meter. PLUS: Men sure got emasculated and the best and worst ads.
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It was Dave's idea, Leno wore mustache and sunglasses, NBC flew Jay to NYC
That shocking "Late Show" Super Bowl ad featuring David Letterman, Oprah Winfrey and Jay Leno was shot with the strictest of secrecy — so much so that Leno was snuck into the Ed Sullivan theater last Tuesday during the middle of a taping wearing a mustache, glasses and a hooded sweatshirt. The whole idea was Letterman's — and he got Oprah to agree immediately. Leno, though, had to get the approval of his NBC bosses, who flew him out on a Peacock corporate jet last Tuesday night when "The Jay Leno Show" was preempted for "The Biggest Loser." Upon seeing each other for the first time in years, the rivals greeted each other cordially, according to Letterman executive producer Rob Burnett. "It was very friendly, very professional, totally cordial,” said Burnett, who added that he thought the ad would help them both, despite promoting "The Late show." “You could tell these were two guys who have known each other for a long time." PLUS: Burnett said CBS approved the secretive operation, which "would make the CIA proud."
Letterman wanted Conan in the ad, but nothing ever came of it
Oprah tweets: "Yes that was REAL D, J and me"
Letterman lands Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees for Monday
Dave has landed the first talk show interview with the New Orleans Saints QB, who beat Dave's Indianapolis Colts.
Kim Kardashian defeats "Kendra" in battle of Super Bowl beaus
Kim K's fiance Reggie Bush and his New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl, while Kendra Wilkinson's hubby Hank Baskett of the Colts botched an on-side at the start of the 2nd half. (Watch Kim kiss Bush after the game)
ABC bringing Michael Chiklis back to TV with "No Ordinary Family"
The former "Shield" star is teaming with "Brothers & Sisters" producer Greg Berlanti. exec producing and starring in "No Ordinary Family," a drama about an ordinary family that suddenly has special powers. Chiklis' last major network role was on NBC's "Daddio" in 2000, which was developed by ABC entertainment boss Steve McPherson.
"Lost's" Daniel Dae Kim will stay in Hawaii for "Hawaii Five-O"
He'll play Detective Chin Ho Kelly in the CBS remake of the '70s classic.
Bud Light Super Bowl ad pokes fun at "Lost"
Complete with an Evangeline Lilly lookalike.
2 "Dancing with the Stars" NFL-ers elected to the Hall of Fame
Season 3 winner Emmitt Smith and Season 2 runner-up Jerry Rice will become permanent members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August.
2 "Dancing with the Stars" NFL-ers in legal trouble
Season 7 "Dancing" star and Showtime employee Warren Sapp was arrested Saturday for allegedly beating his girlfriend (here's his mugshot), while Season 9's Michael Irvin is being sued for a 3-year-old alleged rape. Sapp, who currently works for the NFL Network and Showtime's "Inside the NFL," was immediately yanked from his NFL Network duties.
A "Glee"-"Sons of Anarchy" crossover!?
"SoA" creator Kurt Sutter wants to see it happen, perhaps jokingly.
"Friday Night Lights" star Zach Gilford jumping to ABC
He'll star in the pilot for "Matadors."
Andrew Shue weds "Weekend Today" anchor
This is the 2nd marriage for the former "Melrose Place star, who has three sons from a previous marriage.
"SNL's" new game show: "What is Burn Notice?"
Well, what exactly is the USA drama about?
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"American Chopper" canceled
The Teutuls' final episode will air on Thursday at 9 o'clock amid legal action that Paul Sr. is taking against Paul Jr. A rep tells TMZ: "The Teutuls will always be a part of the Discovery family and we congratulate them on a tremendously successful series run."
Conan's "Tonight Show" set, 2 weeks later
Former "Tonight Show" blogger Aaryon Bleyaert spent his final day working for NBC on Friday capturing what's left of Conan O'Brien's NBC set. Friday, he says, was the last day for 99% of the stafff — "badges, parking passes, office keys, work blackberries… It all had to be turned in today. It was 'NBC.. You Later' Day. It was 'Don't Let The Door Hit You Where The Big Zucker Split You' Day. It was 'Hey, Get The F**k Out And Don’t Steal Any Company Property, You A-Holes' Day." (Check out more photos)
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Howard Stern on "Idol"? It's probably not going to happen
The shock jock yesterday spilled the beans that he had an offer to take over somebody else's show, and Page Six revealed this morning that show is "American Idol." A source tells Page Six, "They know he would be great TV and would clash with the other judges such as Ellen DeGeneres and the contestants. 'Idol' will do what it takes to sign him." But it's probably not going to happen because Stern is scared of flying long distances (that's why he wouldn't do Conan's final week), he is not keen on living in California (he hasn't been on the West Coast since the 90s) and he prefers to stay in New York, close to his 80-something parents. Howard Stern, at age 56, has also mellowed out — he's big into charity and recently adopted a pussy cat — since embarking on a decade-long relationship with now-wife Beth Ostrosky. Finally, why would Fox want to put somebody like Stern on a family show that's big in middle America?
Fox mulls putting Conan on FX on weekdays, Fox on weekends
With Fox divided over Conan O'Brien at 11 p.m., one possibility has emerged. According to TV Guide, Fox is considering giving Conan a four-night-a-week FX show that will have a weekend version on Fox. But what will happen to Wanda Sykes? PLUS: NBC has removed all Conan content, including TonightShowWithConanOBrien.com.
Emmys may scrap tape delay, airing live in Hollywood for the 1st time
People who actually live in Hollywood won't have to wait three hours to watch the Emmys anymore, according to a plan proposed by NBC. The Peacock found success in eliminating the tape delay from the Golden Globes broadcast, and the network is seeking to do the same when it broadcasts the Emmy Awards on Aug. 29. The plan is being spurred by the increasing use of Twitter, which would spoil the winners for West Coast viewers.
Expect a lot of Kim Kardashian shots during the Super Bowl
Kardashian's engagement to New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush means will likely get many shots of her chewing on her finger nails. PLUS: Super Bowl pits Kim's fiance vs. "Kendra's" husband.
"Idol's" Helium Girl is a reality TV vet
Nicci Nix (watch here) — the girl who flew 14 hours from Florence, Italy — has also appared on "Fear Factor," "Making the Band," "Next" and "Date My Mom."
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Charlie Sheen will be charged with a felony
Specifically, Aspen authorities will charge the "Two and a Half Men" star with felony menacing for the Christmas Day incident involving his wife on Christmas Day, according to TMZ. In addition, Sheen is expected to be charged with misdemeanor assault. TMZ says the complaint won't be filed until late Friday or early Monday morning.
It's true: NFL just loves "Idol" singers
"American Idol" singers seem to always perform at big-time NFL games. This year, it'll be Chris Daughtry before the game and Carrie Underwood singing the National Anthem. PLUS: Check out Ellen on "Idol" judging table.
Watch Ashton Kutcher's "SNL" promos
"Be sure to check out Ashton on 'That '70s Show.'"
"Lost" Season 1 vs. "Lost" Season 6
Watch a side-by-side comparison of the Oceanic flight.
Budweiser relents, allows Clydesdales on Super Bowl
A whopping 70% of fans voted to bring back the popular commercial.
NBC celebrates Black History Month … with fried chicken!!
NBC's 30 Rock menu from today offered fried chicken and collard greens to celebrate Black History Month. The Peacock realized the error, and within hours the fried chicken was replaced by grilled chicken.
Watch a preview of The Who's Super Bowl performance
At this afternoon's press conference, Pete Townshend defended he had a right to perform, despite his arrest for child pornography.
"Mad Men's" Bryan Batt has designed "The Hef" for Playboy
The limited-edition loveseat will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Playboy club.
"Ugly Betty" has fewer episodes to remove Betty's braces
“The braces are coming off," says Silvio Horta, as he describes the pressure that "Betty" faces now that the final season order has been reduced from 22 to 20 episodes.
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