August 2009

August 6, 2009

"Idol" keeping 4-judge panel; Katy Perry, Posh Spice, others will fill in for Paula
Mostly female pop stars will take over for Paula Abdul when "Idol" auditions begin filming tomorrow in Denver. "Our intention is to have guest judges be female pop stars, female performers, female artists, and between now and January we will come up with a permanent solution on what we will do…and a replacement for Paula," said Fox entertainment boss Peter Rice.  Reportedly, Victoria Beckham is being paid $260,000 for her one-off appearance.


"SYTYCD" interested in Paula — but not as a full-time judge

Nigel Lythgoe says he'll meet with Paula Abdul this weekend in Las Vegas this weekend.  "I've been trying to get her since season one," he says. "I don't know anybody who's had her experience as a dancer, as a choreographer, as a performer, as a judge."


Did Kara DioGuardi pull an "All About Eve" on Paula?

Back in January, Linda Stasi urged somebody to rush a copy of "All About Eve" to Paula. And it turns out, the past season of "Idol" ended up playing out like that 1950 classic, in which the younger unknown takes the job of the more famous actress who had mentored her. "The show ended up looking to me like a desperate talent competition — not between the finalists, but between Paula and Kara," says Stasi. "Paula, fighting for her life towards the season end, got out there and worked her tail off performing her new song in a skimpy classic showgirl outfit. But on the finale, it was Kara's cheesefest-of-a-song that finalists performed."
Fox: Paula won't be back: "It's over. No question. It's over"
Paula to "The View"? // How about Jessica Simpson as "Idol" judge?
Report: "Idol" staffers threw a party celebrating Paula's exit
Nigel Lythgoe: "Idol" is bigger than any one person, and it will go on
Paula might've walked away for $11 million to $17.5 million
The 30% raise Fox offered was a lot less than fellow "Idol" stars were making
Paula will never get paid that huge salary again // Paula got shafted!


Will "The Jay Leno Show" damage "comic" Brian Williams' credibility?

The NBC News anchor already hosted "Saturday Night Live," but should he be doing a regular comedy gig?


TV's richest stars include Kiefer, Kyra Sedgwick, Seacrest and Charlie Sheen

TV Guide's annual roundup of TV star salaries lists Kiefer Sutherland as the higest-paid drama star, Charlie Sheen as the richest sitcom star and Kyra Sedgwick as the best-paid cable star.


Gordon Ramsay to present "Cookalong Live"

The live Fox show will demonstrate how to cook a three-course meal in 60 minutes.


"Celeb Rehab's" Tom Sizemore arrested for domestic violence

A fight with an unnamed women allegedly became physical. The actor has been there, done that before — he was convicted in 2003 of hitting then-girlfriend Heidi Fleiss, who also will appear with him VH1.

[Permalink]

August 6, 2009

Mindy Kaling spills the beans on "The Office" wedding
Will Jim and Pam actually get married in the office?


Letterman beats Conan for the 4th week in a row

It's Dave's longest winning streak over "The Tonight Show" since 1995.


"The Jay Leno Show" launches with Rihanna, Jay-Z, Kanye West

They'll be the show's first musical performers.


Eli & Peyton Manning are coming to "The Simpsons"

Also on tap: Jackie Mason, Bob Costas, Angela Bassett and Sarah Silverman.


"Gunsmoke": The movie?

CBS Films is remaking the Western TV show with the writer behind "National Treasure."


Fred Armisen needed an intervention for his "Intervention" addiction

Even "Mad Men" star/Fred's fiancee Elisabeth Moss couldn't put up with his constant need to watch the A&E show.


Who will win "SYTYCD"?

Kayla or Brandon? PLUS: "SYTYCD" meets the press.


"CSI:NY" nabs Skeet Ulrich

He'll appear in a three-episode guest stint.

[Permalink]

August 6, 2009

Meadow Soprano's favorite show? "Real Housewives of New Jersey," of course
What happens when Jamie-Lynn Sigler watches the show with her Jersey friends?


Louis CK hired as a "Parks and Recreation" police officer

The "Luckie Louie" star may also enter into a relationship with Amy Poehler's character.


Joss Whedon: Angel "would kick the s**t out of" Edward Cullen

"Boreanaz would have him down in a heartbeat," says Whedon. "No offense, cause he's hot."


Laura Dern joins "Amazing Racer's" HBO comedy

"Enlightened" will show Dern determined to do good in a comedy from "Amazing Race" star Mike White.


"Family Guy" will table read the abortion epiosde

The cast will do the special reading an event next week targeting Emmy voters.


"The Bachelorette's" mom is furious at Anderson Cooper

"Gosh, that's awful — how dare he?" was Jillian's mother's reaction to his question about how many of the contestants she slept with.  PLUS: Jillian is not Ed's type!?

[Permalink]

ODDS & ENDS

August 6, 2009

Kate Gosselin to sit down on "Today" for her 1st post-separation interview

Joss Whedon already has a story idea for a "Dr. Horrible" follow-up

Would you marry Don Draper?

Watch Doctor Who kiss Captain Jack at Comic-Con

Ashlee Simpson: Don't expect to see Pete Wentz on "Melrose Place"

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

August 5, 2009

A slimmer Leno details his new show, admits it was right to leave "Tonight"
“I got in a bit of a rut," Jay Leno says of his last gig. To prepare for his new job, Leno has taken to jogging four miles a day, resulting in a 12-pound weight loss. The new show, he says, will be greener, with a “Green Car Challenge” and a set built with recycled cloth. The show will start with a monologue, with one or two guests thrown into the desk-less set. Each night will end with a comedy bit like "Jay Walking." Leno also appeared to be very confident in his new project because, as he puts it, "I'm rich now." He adds: “If we go down in flames, we’ll be laughing all the way down."
Leno: I never seriously considered jumping to ABC or Fox
Brian Williams WILL be featured, as well as The Dan Band and D.L. Hughley


"True Blood's" Rene joins "Terrier"

Michael Raymond James will star opposite Donal Logue in the FX series.


"Supernatural" makes Paris Hilton a guest star

Details of her appearance are being kept under wraps.


NBC regrets calling Conan the "king" of late-night

"I think it was premature," admits NBC's late-night chief, who adds that he's "not disappointed in Conan's ratings at all."


Katharine McPhee goes blonde

The "Idol" runner-up changed her hair color for her new album.


Will "White Collar" become another USA success story?

Matt Bomer stars in yet another odd-couple action-comedy, this one revolving around a con artist and an FBI agent.

[Permalink]

August 5, 2009

"Stargate Universe" is a totally different series with "Battlestar" aspirations
"Other than the Stargate (ship), which is still very much the core, a whole lot is different from the old series," says show creator Robert Cooper.


NBC's "Mercy" says there's room for yet another female nurse show

"Yes, there is a lot of nurse stuff going on. Why not?" says Michelle Trachtenberg, referring to the recent nurse shows like "Hawthorne" and "Nurse Jackie."


Turner Classic Movies will celebrate film genres

The cable channel will launch a series of one-hour specials called "A Night at the Movies."


"Fraggle Rock" movie is still in the works

Jim Henson's son, Brian, who is co-CEO of the Jim Henson Company, says the film is "still in very active development. Very active development. That has a very strong script."


Syfy teams with Bryan Singer for 2012-themed miniseries

The six-hour series would revolve around the 2012 doomsday prophecies surrounding the Mayan calendar.

[Permalink]

August 5, 2009

"True Blood" couple are engaged
Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer have announced plans to get married.


Ebert & Roper's replacements have been replaced

E!'s Ben Lyons and TCM's Ben Mankiewicz have been kicked out of their "At the Movies" seats after just one year on the job. Replacing them are New York Times chief movie critic A.O. Scott and Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips.


"Southland" is getting less serialized

Next season the focus will be on Ben McKenzie and Regina King.


Harper's Bazaar gives Susan Boyle a glamorous makeover

Check out her first major magazine spread.


NBC explains "Heroes" budget cuts, promises "Parks and Recreation" will be "funnier"

NBC's Angela Bromsted noted that "Heroes" has had to slash its budget $300,000 to $500,000 per episode. As for "Parks and Recreation," she says, “It will still be a mockumentary but it will be funnier."


Many "Idol" viewers tuned in just for Paula's "insanity"

As Mary McNamara notes, "TV is about eyeballs, not morality, and in terms of television value these days, it’s hard to beat insanity. Certainly a lot of people watch 'American Idol' for the music and the performances and to hear what a person really needs to have to make it as a star. But they also watch for the breakdowns and the crack-ups and the strange shape-shifting relationship between the judges." PLUS: Randy Jackson is "shocked."

[Permalink]

August 5, 2009

"Community" creator: We're not mocking community colleges
"It is a humble character," says Dan Harmon, the show's creator, who attended a community college at age 32 because his girlfriend was a student. "I compare it to the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It's ambition exceeds its grasp," he said of community colleges. "I have never taken pleasure in pointing at things and saying, that is underprivileged, therefore it is funny." PLUS: Joel McHale will still host "The Soup."


NBC explains the failure of "Kings"

In the future, the network will only pursue big idea shows that audiences will latch on to.


NBC execs have trouble defining the Peacock brand

Is it quality scripted shows or bad reality TV or Jay Leno? PLUS: NBC execs weren't read to meet the press.


Adam Rodriguez's "CSI: Miami" future in jeopardy?

The actor might not return full-time for Season 8.


"Trauma" will cut down on the special effects after the pilot

"We're not going to blow up the world every week," says the show's producer.

[Permalink]

August 5, 2009

NBC would love to have Paula Abdul
NBC reality boss Paul Telegdy is "absolutely" interested in Paula. "Is it something I have given thought to? Yeah. I think she is a huge talent," he says.


NBC moves "Friday Night Lights" to next summer, Leno will be judged on a 52-week basis

In addressing critics, NBC's Angela Bromstad also responded to the Conan O'Brien situation by saying the "true test is going to come this fall." PLUS: "Chuck" will return in March.


Steven Spielberg may get his own Discovery channel

Oprah has her own Discovery channel, and now Spielberg is in talks to create a digital network devoted to "high-end non-fiction series and documentaries."


NBC's "Day One" could get the ax after Season 1

As NBC exec Angela Bromstad explained to critics, "We've always looked at Day One as a big event for us and not necessarily a show that would be an ongoing, returning show for a second season."


Report: Elle Macpherson's bad acting worries "The Beautiful Life" producers

It's not Mischa Barton producers are worried about. It's Macpherson, who apparently doesn't have the acting chops for her big "TBL" role.


Shonda Rhimes jokes about a "Private Practice" ghost

"Maybe she's a ghost," said while Amy Brenneman was present as TV critics visited the show's set yesterday.


Why "SYTYCD" beats "DwtS"

Dance critic Sarah Kaufman says "So You Think You Can Dance" is superior to "Dancing with the Stars" because it "offers an education, teaching viewers that the dance profession is not about pampered divadom, nor does it rest on achieving a look or aping a style."


Read everything Tracy Jordan said on Season 1 of "30 Rock"

After transcribing everything Tracy Jordan said in Season 3, the Unlikely Words blog has decided to tackle Season 1.

[Permalink]

August 5, 2009

Paula Abdul was "vital" to "Idol," and her exit leaves the show "badly hurt"
So says Verne Gay, who points out that Paula was a key component that even Kara DioGuardi can't replace. He writes: "Paula, as a judge, star, presence, indefinable something on this show, was vital to its success – that goes without saying  – but particularly vital to that indefineable thing known as 'chemistry.' She made Simon Simon, Randy Randy.  She was that extra dimension, that human, relateable element. That she sometimes, oftentimes, babbled, or misspoke, or said silly things…that babble, that silly stuff, WAS OUR SILLY STUFF. Paula was the relateable judge. She was the audience stand-in."
Good riddance!: "'Idol' needs Abdul far, far less than she needs 'Idol'"
Can she take back her resignation? // "Idol" is losing what made it fun to watch
Report: Fox shocked when Paula turned down 2nd offer // She demanded $20M?
Watch Paula's best bits // Her best and worst moments
"Idol" fan tells a "bummed" Seacrest she'll quit watching
Kris Allen: "We love you" // Paula is still welcome as "SYTYCD" guest-judge


Eddie Van Halen will play guitar on "Two and a Half Men"

Chuck Lorre personally approached the Van Halen star for a cameo.


Jay Leno's new correspondents: D.L. Hughley … AND Brian Williams!?!

The NBC News anchorman will reportedly become a special "correspondent" for the show, joining comics like Jim Norton, Mikey Day and Rachael Harris.


NBC: 80% of the public know about the "The Jay Leno Show"

Leno’s comedy bits have appeared or will appear in movie theaters, airplanes, gyms, elevators and in New York City taxi cabs.


Woman sent to prison for her bad "Bridezillas" behavior

Authorities say that aspiring actress Karee Gibson, 21, violated her parole when she displayed out-of-control behavior on "Bridezillas." Gibson, for her part, says she was just acting on the reality show.


Shaq tries to egg on Lance Armstrong for a "Shaq Vs" battle

Armstrong's response, on Twitter: "Hey @the_real_shaq, you don't want none of this.."

[Permalink]

August 5, 2009

Claim: Ed cheated on "Bachelorette" with 2 women after popping the question
Exactly eight days after he proposed to Jillian, Ed Swiderski allegedly slept with his former girlfriend, according to Us Weekly. A day later he texted a different woman to "bring beer and condoms." PLUS: Ed denies any transgression: "We're clearly being targeted because we're happy."


There won't be a "Gossip Girl" spinoff

CW boss says she's given up plans to spin off the series.


"The Young and the Restless" renewed with budget cuts

The show's producers were recently told to cut down on the show's expenses.


James Earl Jones becomes a "House" dictator

He'll guest as the president of an African country.


"Dexter" is "under pressure" in new promo

Also, check out the "World's Most Killer Dad" poster.


"Got Talent's" Grandma Lee: I had a threesome with Piers & The Hoff

"It was awesome," says the 75-year-old grandmother, while displaying their underwear.

[Permalink]

ODDS & ENDS

August 5, 2009

Leighton Meester says sex tape "is not real"

Vanity Fair meets "Mad Men": Read Q&As with Jon Hamm and January Jones

"Weeds" & "Nurse Jackie" turn in their best ratings of the season

CW boss insists: Men do watch our network

"The X Factor" judges wowed by singer with Asperger's Syndrome

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

August 4, 2009

Paula Abdul confirms: I'm leaving "American Idol"
Paula just wrote on her Twitter page: "With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to #IDOL. I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all… I'll miss nurturing all the new talent,but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day1become an international phenomenon … What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me … It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month … I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all."
Fox confirms Paula's exit: "She's a tremendous talent and we wish her the best"
A bad decision?: Paula filled a clearly-defined role, Kara & Randy duplicate each other
Paula will be  missed: "There was a sweetness to her that the other judges miss"
Seacrest: "I am shocked and saddened" // "I can't imagine the panel without puala"
Paula, the crazy train: She "lent an unpredictable air to an often predictable program"
Report: Fox offered Paula more than $5M/year, but not a Seacrest-level raise


Chandra Wilson crossing over to "Private Practice"

Bailey will visit "Grey's Anatomy's" sister show for Episode 3.


Syfy picks up "Alphas"

The show about a team of ordinary citizens who possess hyperdeveloped neurological abilities was originally developed for NBC.


Snoop Dogg will compete on "Millionaire," so will Rachael Ray

Others competing on the 10th anniversary edition include Vanessa Williams, Sherri Shepard, Katy Perry, Rachel Ray, Steve Nash, Lauren Conrad, Patricia Heaton, Shawn Johnson, Wynonna… and a “surprise guest.”


"Top Chef" has its own bottle of cabernet

The Bravo show gave members of the media a bottle of "Top Chef"-brand Cabertnet Sauvignon.


"Jimmy Kimmel Live" joins the Twitterverse

Kimmel is probably not tweeting himself, but his sidekick Guillermo already has his own Twitter feed.

[Permalink]

August 4, 2009

Is this the new "Ugly Betty"?
America Fererra was photographed today on the "Betty" set looking far from "Ugly" (scroll down for more photos). Last week EW reported that ABC is testing a "classier" look for Betty. "In particular, execs are showing test audiences two scenes from early in the season, both featuring a newly glamorized Betty working at her new job as Mode’s associate features editor," reported Michael Ausiello.


CW wants to remake more old shows

Remakes bring a “built-in brand equity,” the CW's Dawn Ostoff admitted Tuesday. “There are other shows we’re looking at, but we can’t talk about it yet." She did say, though, “We’re not going to be doing the ‘The Dukes of Hazzard.'"


D.B. Sweeney joins "Criminal Minds"

He'll play a U.S. Marshall in a six-episode arc.


CW doesn't want "Smallville" or "Supernatural" to end just yet

Regarding "Smallville," CW boss Dawn Ostroff says, "I think the producers have done a great job coming up with really good storylines this year, but I do think the show still has a lot of life yet to it."


CW was apparently only concerned about whether Mischa Barton could work

Her health prolbems "didn't really come up," said CW president Dawn Ostroff. "We were just concerned that she would be able to be ready for production. She was. Not even an issue." PLUS: Ashton Kutcher says Barton is in no danger of being replaced.


"All My Children" moves from NYC to L.A.

Will Susan Lucci also make the move?

[Permalink]

August 4, 2009

None of the new "Melrose Place" stars had ever watched the original version
It was also revealed at the "Melrose" press session that producers are still holding out hope for Heather Locklear. "The door is always open for Heather Locklear," said one producer. PLUS: CW hands out "Melrose" flasks.


"Bachelorette" not bothered by the women claiming Ed strang them along

“I am not destroyed!” says Jillian Harris.


Study: TV is the worst kind of inactivity for kids

U.S. and Spanish researchers studied 111 children between the ages of 3 and 8, and found that of all the forms of inactivity they examined, watching TV was the worst. "These results show that sedentary behavior, and more specifically television-viewing, is related to blood pressure independent of body fat or obesity level," said one of the researchers.


Directors join writers in expressing fury over Emmy changes

The changes, the DGA says, constitute a "material breach."


Adam Lambert fans are throwing sex toys on stage

"It's really getting creative," he says. "It's exciting. I think they really want me to play with these toys during the number."


"Vampire Diaries" isn't rehashed "Twilight," producer insists

CW wanted a vampire show in wake of the "Twilight" craze. And though the new series from "Dawson's Creek" creator Kevin Williamson is based on a book series that pre-dates "Twilight," he insists that "Diaries" isn't a ripoff. "The premise is the same — girl meets vampire — but once we're past that premise," he says. "Really quickly we're telling stories about a small town and who is this vampire who comes to town and stirs it up."

[Permalink]

August 4, 2009

"Jon & Kate's" ratings drop, but the numbers are still huge for cable
About 4.1 million viewers tuned in Monday, less than half of the 9.8 million who watched the season premiere. PLUS: Is Jon dating the babysitter?


CMT buys syndicated "5th Grader"

Jeff Foxworthy will also host the new version of "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?"


North Korea releases Lisa Ling's sister

Laura Ling and a fellow Current TV journalist Euna Lee were pardoned thanks to the efforts of Bill Clinton.


The N is taking to the "Catwalk"

The soon-to-be TeeNick network has optioned the rights to the book series from "The Cheetah Girls" author Deborah Gregory.


"Life Unexpected": Too warm and fuzzy for the CW?

Producers hope "Life" brings back memories of the old WB.


Kelly Rutherford settles custody battle

She and her ex-husband have decided to live in New York while she's filming "Gossip Girl."

[Permalink]

August 4, 2009

Emmy faces irrelevance, producer warns
Don Mischer defended the pre-taping of eight awards, saying the show had to be shaken up or become irrelevant. Only 12 million watched last year's Emmys, a record low. "We are trying to keep the Emmys alive as a major television event," he said. "It may drift away from that and become a niche event. It may come to that. … The writing is on the wall, and every other award show knows it."
"Medium" exec: Changes make writers irrelevant // Neil Patrick Harris defends changes


Alyssa Milano's "Romantically Challenged" getting a midseason slot

The ABC sitcom pilot was left off of the fall schedule, but ABC is expected to order 13 episodes for the spring.


Heidi Klum admits she doesn't watch "Project Runway"

Asked if she's seen Bravo's "The Fashion Show," Klum responds: "I don't watch TV. I don't even watch 'Project Runway,' to be honest."


Mischa Barton missing from "The Beautiful Life" at the press tour

But producer Ashton Kutcher says not to worry: "She was never unavailable for a day of work."


It's a good thing "Nurse Jackie" hasn't received "Mad Men"-level hype

With its low profile, the Edie Falco drama is in no danger of overdosing on its own mystique.


Lou Ferrigno: "Dancing" star?

The "Incredible Hulk" star says producers "loved the idea of having me on the show."

[Permalink]

August 4, 2009

"Tonight Show" announces "Conan, Please Blow Up My Car" contest
The "Cash for Clunkers" campaign has inspired this bit of product placement, which will award the winner a brand-new Lexus.


CBS predicts broadband is the future, leaving DVRs in the dust

CBS research guru David Poltrack thinks that most people will eventually watch TV shows that have already aired through their Internet connection.


Lil Wayne's 10-year-old daughter shopping a reality show

Reginae Carter, who is also the daughter of T.I.'s girlfriend, could become the next Miley Cyrus with a show about a preteen singing group.


Grant Show is now open to appearing on "Melrose Place"

"We've been talking, but nothing solid," Show tells TV Guide. "I'm not opposed to it."


Christina Hendricks astounded that many "Mad Men" fans don't think Joan was raped

"It illustrates how similar people are today, because we’re still questioning whether it’s a rape," she says. "It’s almost like, 'Why didn’t you just say bad date?'" PLUS: Check out Hendricks in Esquire.

[Permalink]

August 4, 2009

Nickelodeon unveils its new "splat"-less logo
Do you like Nick's new "rounded typeface"?


Regis Philbin says "Millionaire" will come back with some tweaks

"Now we have time limits on the answers from the questions, and we have added an expert to the show, a well-known person, probably mostly from the news area," he says.


"24" adds another newbie

Actor Bashar Rahal will play a general from "Kamistan."


CBS may also dump "As the World Turns"

"It is also having ratings challenges," says CBS' Nina Tassler. "It is hard to say (if it is safe)."


Lorraine Bracco: "Sopranos" movie isn't dead yet

Bracco says she and other cast members have talked to David Chase "to give him a kick in the booty to get it right. "I want us to be like 'Sex and the City' or 'The Bourne Identity,'" she says. "I want to make a million of them."


Shaq tells David Beckham: "I challenge you lil man" to appear on my reality show

"There's no way you'd score on me … how many goals did you score for the Galaxy?" Shaquille O'Neal says, challenging Beckham to appear on his "Shaq Vs." reality show. So far, Beckham won't agree to do the show.


Will any real-life "good wives" appear on "The Good Wife"?

Julianna Margulies says: "I think all of those women" — Jenny Sanford, Silda Spitzer, Elizabeth Edwards, Hillary Clinton — "are way too classy to ever rumble about any of it." PLUS: Margulies slapped Chris Noth so hard she left a mark.

[Permalink]

ODDS & ENDS

August 4, 2009

Can 2 "NCIS" shows take down "Idol? CBS hopes so…

Lauren Conrad & Kim K to judge "ANTM" // Tyra Banks unveils photoshopped "ANTM" pic

What's it like to play the Food Network's Wii game?

"Lost University's" main campus will be on the Season 5 Blu-ray disc

"I'm so angry … She was evil," Joan Rivers says of roastmaster Kathy Griffin

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]