August 2009

August 20, 2009

How "The Office" is dealing with Pam's pregnancy
Jenna Fischer plans to model her character's pregnancy after her sister, who's pregnant in real life. As for Jim, John Krasinski says, "He’s pretty aware of how great being a father can be … and how scary."


Watch CBS' video ad in a magazine

It takes five seconds for the ad to play when you open up the mag.


Did Tyra Banks wear a wig for her natural hair show?

She vowed to go weave-free, but apparently not wig-less.


Katy Perry's manager cuts power off during Aussie TV interview

He pulled the plug on the lights because he didn't like one of the questions.


Hot blonde conservatives to fill in for Elisabeth Hasselbeck on "The View"

While Elisabeth is on maternity leave, Meghan McCain and E.D. Hill will fill her spot.


"Small Wonder" finally coming to DVD

The late '80s comedy starred Tiffany Brisette as a Vicki the robot.

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ODDS & ENDS

August 20, 2009

"60 Minutes" plans Don Hewitt tribute Sunday night

Jerry Seinfeld to salute Bill Cosby with the Mark Twain Prize

"Dexter" season premiere has been leaked on BitTorrent

NFL and NBC extend "Sunday Night Football" through 2013

"Idol's" Danny Gokey is close to signing a record deal

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

August 20, 2009

It's a jarring to see "Project Runway" on Lifetime with "Real World" producers
"What's jarring is the marriage between the series and its new home," Ginia Bellafante says of tonight's premiere. "'Project Runway' is Barneys; Lifetime is Kohl’s," she points out. "The cable outfit that broadcasts 'Army Wives' and 'Reba' reruns maintains an ethos that says, 'Viewer, I see your cellulite; I’m down with your fibromyalgia; I know your menopausal misery.' Strikingly, however, while 'Project Runway' has been decidedly non-ageist in the past, drawing from designers at different stages in their careers, the current season is loaded with the unwrinkled: 9 of the 16 competitors are under 30, possibly a function of the fact that the casting is now conducted by Bunim/Murray, producers of 'The Real World.'"
Don't worry: The same ole Tim Gunn is still there — with his signature tough love
It's actually alarming that so little has changed with the move to L.A. and Lifetime
"Runway" makes full use of its new setting, milking L.A. for its self-perceived glamour
Gunn didn't want to watch "The Fashion Show" // Ex-designers: Where are they now?
Even construction workers were pestering Gunn about "Runway's" return
Bunim/Murray vowed not to mess with success // 7 things you didn't know about judges

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August 19, 2009

Paula Abdul is not talking to "Idol," says her manager
Paula's manager, David Sonenberg, says that there have been "no discussions whatsoever about 'Idol,'" adding that Paula is looking into other projects.


Philly school board OKs Tony Danza as a teacher

The "Who's the Boss?" star will co-teach a class with a certified teacher, according to the Philly Inquirer. Only students who volunteer for the class will be allowed to enroll.


Richard Hatch may have been jailed for not clearing several non-"Today" show interviews

In addition to Matt Lauer, the "Survivor" winner also talked to a local radio station and "Access Hollywood" — apparently without getting permission, which is why he was sent back to prison.


"Deadwood's" Sol Star lands on "Lost"

Actor John Hawkes has been cast as Lennon, the scruffy and edgy president of a foreign corporation.


Oprah Winfrey kicks off the season with Whitney Houston

Oprah is calling it "the most anticipated music interview of the decade."


Lifetime renews "Drop Dead Diva"

Season 2 will air next year with 13 episodes.

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http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20090819_Tony_Danza_approved_to_teach_at_Northeast_High.html

August 19, 2009

"Dancing" hooks up Tom DeLay with Cheryl Burke
"After two dance sessions I can tell you Cheryl Burke is the most patient person I have ever met," says DeLay.


VH1 yanks "Megan Wants a Millionaire" Web content in wake of model's murder

With one of its finalists on the run, VH1 has also delayed the show, saying in a statement: "Given the unfortunate circumstances, VH1 has postponed any future airings. This is a tragic situation and our thoughts go out to the victim’s family." PLUS: Contestant was convicted of assaulting a woman in 2007.


CBS will let you watch videos — inside a magazine

An upcoming issue of Entertainment Weekly will feature the first-ever video advertisement. "This has never been done before," says CBS marketing chief George Schweitzer, adding: "We're saving the print industry."


Shelley Long joins "Modern Family"

The "Cheers" alum will play Ed O'Neill's ex-wife.


Paula Abdul warns: "Dont believe everything that you read!!"

So does this mean she's not talking to "Idol"?


"Melrose Place" books Channing Tatum's wife

Jenna Dewan will appear in a multi-episode arc as a young movie studio exec.


Listen to Heidi Montag's new single

It's called "Body Language."


Ashton & Demi tweet "Beautiful Life" nakedness

Check out the girls — and the guys.

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August 19, 2009

"60 Minutes" creator Don Hewitt dies
Hewitt, who died today at 86 of cancer, created a monster TV hit when "60 Minutes" debuted in 1968 with its mixture of hard-hitting stories and celebrity profiles. As the NY Times reports, "Within a few years, '60 Minutes' had achieved something that had heretofore been the province of comedies like those featuring Jackie Gleason and Lucille Ball, as opposed to news programs: it became a ratings juggernaut, taking up residence among the top 10 shows on prime-time television for more than two decades, and earning the network 'maybe $2 billion,' Mr. Hewitt once estimated. At its peak, in the 1979-1980 television season, it was seen in an estimated 28 million homes each Sunday, according to Nielsen Media Research."
Watch CBS News' Hewitt tribute // Hewitt produced Nixon-Kennedy debate
Hewitt practically invented TV news // It's been a sad summer for CBS News


BBC making a Lehman Brothers TV docu-dram, starring James Cromwell

"The Last Days of Lehman Brothers" will document the final weeks of the investment bank.


"Today": Why was Richard Hatch sent back to prison after we got permission?

The "Survivor" winner's sister says Hatch was sent to jail because, as a sheriff's deputy said, "he did an interview." But Matt Lauer says the "Today" show went through the proper channels and got permission in advance of speaking to Hatch. Lauer also played an unaired clip of Hatch saying he had permission to speak to the media.


Will TLC let Jon Gosselin join the "Divorced Dad's Club"?

The "Jon & Kate" star reportedly wants to star in his own reality show, but the cable channel might not let him, especially after he appaently violated his contract's morals clause.


Happy birthday, Matthew Perry! — now all the "Friends" are in their 40s

Today is the Big 4-0 for the youngest "Friends" star. Says Perry: "40 is the new 39."


"Prison Break's" Sucre becomes a "Southland" cop

Amaury Nolasco will play the aggressive new partner of Detective Lydia Adams.


"Family Guy" takes on "Entourage"

"Hug this out, bitch"!

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August 19, 2009

ABC buys script from "Project Greenlight" winners
Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton from "Project Greenlight's" Season 3 have had their TV show idea, "Clive Barker's Hotel," picked up after a bidding war. The "Feast" writers have gone on to much success after "Greenlight," penning four "Saw" sequels.


FCC launches a blog

The new Blogband.gov blog will be accompanied by a Twitter feed.


How "thirtysomething" paved the way for "Lost," "Mad Men" and "The Wire"

Ed Zwick considers dramas with their own unique voice "our spiritual descendants."


Gina Torres joins "Gossip Girl" as Vanessa's mom

The "Alias" and "Firefly" star, who's married to "CSI's" Laurence Fishburne, will play the warm and outgoing Gabriela Abrams.


"Lost" is looking for Lennon

The show is casting a character who's "scruffy, edgy, charismatic, and slightly stir-crazy."


NYC cabbie to shoot TV pilot

Wall Street trader turned taxi driver Mike Puerto has spent the past decade pitching customers on his TV show idea — "M&A," for mergers and acquisitions. Now it appears that a pilot is going to be made.


"Top Chef" kicks off Season 6 in Vegas

This season's competitors include two brothers — Michael and Bryan Voltaggio.

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ODDS & ENDS

August 19, 2009

Claim: Fox is using focus groups to decide if Paula should return to "Idol"

"Sesame Street" will tackle the recession with a special

TNT orders 2 more "Leverage" episodes for this summer

Nickelodeon opening an amusement park in New Orleans

Independent Film Channel is reuniting Monty Python in NYC

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

August 18, 2009

Richard Hatch sent back to prison hours after "Today" interview
The Federal Bureau of Prisons wouldn't say why the "Survivor" winner was back behind bars after his interview with Matt Lauer was broadcast this morning.


Police want VH1 reality star who skipped town after his wife was found dead

"Megan Wants a Millionaire" finalist Ryan Alexander Jenkins is preparing to submit to authorities after the woman whom he married early this year was found stuffed in a suitcase. It's unclear if they were still married at the time of her death.


iTunes has a future "Mad Men" episode available now

Did AMC accidentailly post the unaired episode?


Buzz Aldrin to accept an Emmy award for NASA

NASA is being honored with the Philo T. Farnsworth Award for the 1969 moon landing broadcast.


Showtime to tell the story of the American Football League

NFL Films is working on a five-part documentary on the AFL in honor of its 50th anniversary, titled: "Full Color Football: The History of the American Football League."


Drowned microphone got Chima the "Big Brother" boot

Producers got fed up with Chima after she purposefully destroyed her microphone, a "big violation."

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August 18, 2009

Britney Spears wears a bikini for her Letterman Top 10
Watch a preview of tonight's list: "Top Ten Ways The Country Would Be Different If Britney Spears Were President." **UPDATE: Watch Britney's entire Top 10 list.


"All My Children" going HD

The long-running soap will debut a new hi-def look next year.


Parents TV Council upset with "Mad Men"

Sunday's episode got a TV-14 rating when, the PTC contends, it deserved to be rated for mature audiences only.


Jeff Goldblum steps out with his "Lost" girlfriend — who's 35 years his junior

The 56-year-old Goldblum is dating 21-year-old Tania Raymonde, who played Alex on "Lost."


Aaron Carter is the fave to win "Dancing" — Tom DeLay is the least favorite

Carter, Mya and Macy Gray have the highest odds, while Debi Mazar, Kelly Osbourne and DeLay have the lowest odds.
Donny Osmond partnered with Kym Johnson
Natalie Coughlin went to college with her partner, Alec Mazo

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August 18, 2009

"Idol" nabs Joe Jonas and Kelly Clarkson for guest-judge slots
Both are close to signing a deal, but no word yet on which cities they'll each appear in. UPDATE: Jonas will judge the Dallas auditions.


Nicole Kidman lands on "Project Runway"

She'll appear on the "All-Star Challenge" special on Thursday night.


"Family Guy" mocks "The Office" and its other Emmy rivals

Says Stewie: "Six years in, and they're still doing a documentary about that place." PLUS: Watch "Family Guy" tackle "Flight of the Conchords."


Watch Chima's profane final "Big Brother" day

"You guys can suck a d–k," she tells "BB" producers in a preview of tonight's episode.


Is "Entourage" lifting dialogue from "Sex and the City"?

The similarities are uncanny…


"The Jay Leno Show" channels "Blair Witch" for movie theater promos

Watch the "horror" video featuring Fred Armisen.


James Marsters joins "Caprica"

The "Buffy" alum will reunite with Jane Espenson, playing a terrorist leader in at least three episodes.


Oliver Stone to tell the "Secret History of America" on Showtime

The Stone-produced 10-part series will delve into the underreported stories of the past 60 years.

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August 18, 2009

"SYTYCD" choreographer arrested for sexual assault
Salsa dance instructor Alex Da Silva, 41, was arrested this morning and charged with four counts of forcible rape, two counts of assault with intent to commit rape and two counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object, according to the L.A. Times. Da Silva is being held on $6.2 million bail.


Tom DeLay: "Conservatives can have fun, too"

That was the House majority leader Tom DeLay this morning on "GMA," where he explained his decision to hoof it up on national TV. DeLay, in an interview with USA Today, said he hopes "Dancing" shows another side to his "Hammer" image. "I can't answer the phone," he says. "My e-mails are out of sight, I can't keep up with my Facebook, and TV reporters have been outside my house since this morning. I knew Dancing was popular, but I didn't know it was this popular." PLUS: 5 dance steps DeLay won't be using.


Jon Gosselin's girlfriend: "The Lyin' Channel" won't say "Jon & Kate" broke up 1 year ago

Hailey Glassman says, though, that "no network owns what I can and cannot say."


"Celebrity Rehab" played a part in McSteamy nudity tape

Kari Ann Peniche says fellow "Celeb Rehab"-er Mindy McCready stole her hard drive containing the nude video after filming of the VH1 show. According to TMZ, "Last month there was a summit between Eric (Dane), Rebecca (Gayheart), Kari Ann and Mindy. Their reps hammered out a deal as to who got what on the hard drive. Eric got full rights to the video and everyone assumed that was that … until the tape surfaced on the Internet yesterday."
Lawyer insists this is not a sex tape // Is there a "Grey's Anatomy" curse?


Paula says she has something lined up as rumors persist she'll return to "Idol"

Has Fox opened up negotiations with Paula?


Here's your first look at "Idol" judge Victoria Beckham

At the Denver auditions, she told one singer: "I don’t want to shatter anyone’s dream, but there’s nothing wrong with constructive criticism."


ABC enlists "Friends" co-creator to bring "The Time Traveler's Wife" to TV

The movie that grossed nearly $20 million is set to become a TV series, with "Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman at the helm. The network says that the project has actually been in the works "for years."

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August 18, 2009

Richard Hatch: I was convicted for being gay; prison made me less arrogant
The "Survivor" champ tells Matt Lauer that prison "reduced his arrogance," but he's still bitter that he had to face time — especially since he feels that he was prosecuted and found guilty because of his sexual orientation. "My personal opinion: He discriminated against me,” Hatch said. “I do believe that. I don’t think you or anyone else could deny that we, as homosexuals, face discrimination.”


Shaquille O'Neal: How we came up with "Shaq Vs."

He says of the show premiering tonight on ABC: "There are two classes of male. The great athlete and the guy who sits on the couch and thinks it's easy and saying, for example, when I miss a free throw, 'I know I could do that.'"


Author of "Andy Roddick Beat Me with a Frying Pan" claims "Shaq Vs." was stolen

A lawsuit is pending over a claim that the ABC reality show was ripped off from author Todd Gallaghers' book.


Penelope Ann Miller joins Ray Romano's "Men"

She'll play Romano's ex-wife in TNT's midlife crisis drama.


Mr. Belding isn't angry he was excluded from "Saved by the Bell" reunion

Dennis Haskins, who's now 58, says the exclusion from the People magazine reunion has actually resulted in "ten times" the publicity. PLUS: Mr. Belding is releasing a karaoke DVD, "Karaoke with your Favorite Principal."


Ex-personal assistant sues Patricia Heaton

Former personal assistant Jennifer Lee claims she was overworked and underpaid — and when she was fired, Heaton refused to pay her.


Recession has made "Flipping Out" star more human

This season, Jeff Lewis has a "reality check."

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ODDS & ENDS

August 18, 2009

Letterman invites Britney Spears to read tonight's Top 10 list

Tyra Banks gets "naked" in Times Square // Tyra will go weave-free on "Top Model"

GQ captures dirty Erin Andrews for photo shoot

"Brothers" nabs guest-star Kim Kardashian

O.C. "Real Housewives" newbie Lynne Curtain may lose her home, too

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

August 17, 2009

"Dancing with the Stars" wanted Bill Clinton, before reaching out to Tom DeLay
"Dancing" set out to get a politican this season, and former President Clinton was the show's "dream booking," says exec producer Conrad Green. He adds that a call was placed to Clinton's office, and "I think the phone was quickly thrown down." As for DeLay, it turns out the indicted former congressman is an avid fan of "Dancing." "Within 10 minutes (of calling him) we were done," says Green pointing out that DeLay dances with his wife and his daughter is a professional country-and-western dancer. PLUS: Capitol Hill is "bemused"; DeLay has been working with a personal trainer for months.


"Mad Men" debuts to big ratings

About 2.8 million watched last night's Season 3 premiere, up from 2.1 million.


"Smallville" gets new villains: The Wonder Twins

Plus, check out Brian Austin Green as Metallo.


A McSteamy sex tape?

Eric Dane has been found cavorting naked with wife Rebecca Gayheart and former Miss USA Kari Ann Peniche. PLUS: McSteamy's lawyer threatens to sue.


Shania Twain is poised to be the next "Idol" guest judge

She is expected to sit in for the Chicago auditions.


"True Blood's" Godric speaks

Danish actor Allan Hyde says he barely had to audition for the role.

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August 17, 2009

"24" is working on a contingency plan in case it's canceled
"We have a scenario that would work well (if it's the end]," says exec producer Evan Katz. "But we also have a bunch of scenarios where the show could go on in different ways…. We’re remaining flexible." PLUS: "Alias" baddie David Anders joining "24" for Season 8.


How will Tom "The Hammer" DeLay fare on the "Dancing" floor?

The Republican former House majority leader — who was forced out of office in 2005 amid scandal — "is known less for twinkle-toed grace than brutish ferocity," reports Lloyd Grove, who uses DeLay's 2007 memoir to find clues on his "Dancing" potential. PLUS: Does a polarizing figure like DeLay risk alienating "Dancing" fans?


In 2006, Tom DeLay sent a "Dancing" e-mail endorsement against Jerry Springer

The Republican sent out an e-mail back in the fall 2006 endorsing Sara Evans as somebody who "represents good American values in the media" while "ultra liberal talk show host Jerry Springer" did not. Evans, as you'll recall, went on to quit the show because her marriage was falling apart.


Jessica Simpson denies her dad is lobbying for her to replace Paula Abdul

"There is absolutely no truth to this," says her rep.


Will Cartoon Network drop "Cartoon" from its name?

That's the rumor going around as a slew of new live-action have failed to reverse a ratings slide.

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August 17, 2009

Report: Paula Abdul wants back on "Idol" — and she's mad at "Ugly Betty" producers
TMZ says Paula is reconsidering her options after backing away from joining "Dancing with the Stars" or "Ugly Betty." In fact, she pulled the plug on her "Ugly" guest stint after producers leaked the news, according to TMZ.


Oops!: "NYC Prep" stars dress like Hitler

Their excuse? Sebastian and Gabe had just seen "Inglourious Basterds."


HBO making a Rolling Stones-inspired comedy

The series would be based on the memoirs of Andrew Loog Oldham, the Stones' former producer and manager.


"Gossip Girl" dad Matthew Settle likes to skateboard in dangerous NYC traffic

The 39-year-old actor says it's the most authentic way to get around town.


No more free T-shirts!: TLC blurring out Jon Gosselin's logos

The cable channel won't let Gosselin promote Ed Hardy on "Jon & Kate."

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August 17, 2009

"The Wire" writer: It's wrong to watch with subtitles
George Pelecanos says that subtitles on "The Wire" remind him of the captions used when black guys would speak in the movie "Airplane!" "We wrote it so audiences would have to work at it!" he says. "We were not going to compromise in making it immediately accessible for everyone."


Olympic Channel delayed

The U.S. Olympic Committee is postponing plans for its own network so it won't hurt the efforts to bring the 2016 Olympics to Chicago.


ABC puts up fake real estate ads to promote "Cougar Town"

They look like any other real estate ad, featuring a photo of Courteney Cox and the name Jules Cobb Real Estate.


Watch original "SNL" auditions

For Phil Hartman, John Belushi, Dana Carvey, Will Ferrell and Jim Breuer.


Steve Harvey joins "Good Morning America"

The comedian will report on family and relationship topics.


WWE are using celeb guest-hosts to plug their new projects

Is the wrestling ring the new talk show couch?

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ODDS & ENDS

August 17, 2009

Robert De Niro returned for Jimmy Fallon's 100th show

Kelly Clarkson & LeBron James team up for a "Get Schooled" special

Mary Murphy warns of a potential catfight if Paula joins "SYTYCD"

Twitter is having a real-time impact on "Real World D.C." filming

Shaquille O'Neal is already thinking a 2nd "Shaq Vs." season with Usain Bolt

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

August 17, 2009

Matthew Weiner explains "Mad Men's" return date
"I really wanted to go back in there and say, okay, it's six months later, the British have taken over, and Betty is still pregnant," he says of last night's premiere. "I wanted to deal with the fact that there is a hope that when the baby comes, everything will be okay. She made that decision by keeping the baby. She made the decision when she got the letter he wrote, which was really beautiful, but it was also an 'Oh, s–t' moment where she didn't know what to do. So the ball's in her court now, and I wanted to see him trying. So that's really what's going on. I wanted to hit the ground running with that all in place."
Rich Sommer gives a "spoilery" tour of the "Mad" set // "Mad Men" takes Times Square
Premiere was about wishes // Where were women? // Was "lesbian" widely used?
Jon Hamm's girlfriend, Jennifer Westfeldt, wants to make a cameo appearance
Why ladies love Hamm // How to read like Don Draper // Season 3 Online extras
Meet Mad Men Yourself's illustrator, a comedian from the Upright Citizens Brigade
"Mad Men" is theater on TV // Read everything Don Draper said in Season 1
Stolichnaya vodka and London Fog get season premiere product placement
Silence is golden on "Men" // "Mad" vs. Woodstock // How to "Mad Men" your home
The Tech of "Mad Men" // "Mad Men" is the truest example of style over substance
Bryan Batt talks about last night's "Mad" scene // Theme was birth: Was Don reborn?

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