From the daily archives:

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

August 12, 2009

Emmy relents, will air all 28 awards live
After two weeks of mounting criticism over a plan to pre-tape some awards, the TV academy and CBS "wussed out" and will air the ceremony completely live, resulting in a boring as ususal awards show.


Brazilian crime TV show host accused of hiring hitmen to boost ratings

“Canal Livre" host Wallace Souza raised suspicions when he was always first at crime scenes.


Best Buy will not make good on its $9.99 52-inch TV

The $3,399.99 set was accidentally listed online at just $10 early this morning.


Lewis Black hired as a "Big Bang" professor

"The Daily Show" regular will appear in episode 2 as a Caltech entomologist.


Meet the new batch of (shorter) "Next Top Models"

This year's crop includes one model who's 5'3".


Kourteney Kardashian pregnant as her E! reality show debuts

How will this affect "Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami"?


Jennie Garth joins Twitter

You can follow the "90210" star @thejenniegarth.


Jessica Simpson's hairstylist to star in her VH1 reality show

She and BFF Ken Paves are traveling the world for "The Price of Beauty."

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August 12, 2009

Ben Stiller submits himself to "Man vs. Wild"
Stiller wanted to join Bear Grylls after seeing Will Ferrell on the Discovery Channel show.


Paula Abdul could be all over ABC

TMZ reports that Paula met yesterday with ABC entertainment president Steve McPherson, talking about going on "Dancing with the Stars," "Ugly Betty" and possibly her own show.


Ernie Hudson joins "Heroes"

He'll play a Baltimore detective in a recurring role.


Omarosa: I'm becoming a preacher

The former "Apprentice" star is joining the United Theological Seminary to train to become a minister. “I feel like God is calling me," she says. "He’s been calling me for two years and I can’t ignore it."


Jay Leno cleared of violating writers' strike rules

The former "Tonight Show" host had come under fire for his monologues during the strike.


AMC buys "The Walking Dead"

Frank Darabont is on board to transform the comic book into a TV series.

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August 12, 2009

Kris Allen credits Adam Lambert with giving him helpful music advice
"He was listening to some things of mine," says the "Idol" champ. "He had some good things to say, some critiques to say as well. We do that to each other. … We're just trying to help each other out."


"Bachelorette's" Wes: Ed talked about having a girlfriend

Other castmates, including Reid, have come forward to slam Ed Swiderski in the new Us Weekly.


"Top Model" joins "Ugly Betty" to replace Wilhemina's daughter

Yaya Dacosta from Cycle 3 will take over the role of defiant daughter Nico.


"Sons of Anarchy's" Henry Rollins is terrified of motorcycles

The punk rocker says he won't be riding a bike: "Not on the show and not in real life. No, they terrify me. I've got no interest in that kind of thing, at all. Skydiving and motorcycles are not where my courage lies. I need to get some courage."


Why "NYC Prep" is superior to "Gossip Girl"

Among Anne Becker's seven reasons is the fact that the teenagers are actually teens: "There's just no substitute for actual teen angst and while we admire the lengths Hollywood actors go to to appear as if they're still in high school (ahem, Penn Badgely's 22 and his on/off-screen Gossip girlfriend Blake Lively turns the same age at the end of the month), there's really just no substitute for the angsty tumult so painfully evident in the faces of those truly in their pimply-faced years–even if daddy's so rich he can by them all the Chanel cream and facials necessary to erase all traces of them."
Does "NYC Prep" deserve another season? // Jessie: I learned I have thick skin

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August 12, 2009

Did "Family Guy" intentionally make the abortion episode to boost DVD sales?
Seth MacFarlane knew Fox was going to air it, but the "controversy" surrounding the abortion episode is sure generating a lot of publicity for the DVD, which will include the episode as an extra.


"Naked Chef" used a stunt butt for his "American Road Trip" promo

Jamie Oliver was too conscious about showing his naked behind in the promo where he played each member of the Village People. So he hired an actor to play his butt.


Jenna Fischer talks about producing a P.I. show

"The Office" star turned TV producer wants her new show, based on San Antonio private eye Charlie Parker, to be like "Magnum P.I." or "Columbo" in tone.


"Wire in the Blood" is getting Americanized

CBS plans to remake the British crime drama that ended its run last year. "Wire" was a mainstay on BBC America.


Regis Philbin grills Kate Gosselin

In a pre-taped interview that will air Thursday, Reege went off-script and asked Kate if she would ever go back to hubby Jon. “I can’t and won’t answer that,” said an uncomfortable-looking Kate, stating firmly, “I keep certain things private, and that’s one.” PLUS: "Today" denies Kate was a diva.


"Dancing with the Stars" enacts new rules to avoid injuries

Contestants won't be allowed to train for more than five hours a day, says Cheryl Burke. "After every two hours, you have to have a 30-minute break," she adds. "And we have to have one full day off a week."

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ODDS & ENDS

August 12, 2009

Regis' "Millionaire" saves ABC from record-low summer ratings

Could "Dancing with the Stars" feature both LaToya and Jermaine Jackson?

MTV renews "It's On with Alexa Chung"

Miley Cyrus' stripper pole sparks parental debate — and a Twitter war

Also available on Hulu: "21 Jump Street"

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