Larry Gelbart dies at 81
As the writer/producer behind the TV series "M*A*S*H," Gelbart was responsible for one of the most popular shows in TV history. Gelbart, who died this morning of cancer, also had key roles in the early years of television in the 1950s, writing for Sid Caesar. Said Alan Alda: "Larry's genius for writing changed my life because I got to speak his lines — lines that were so good they'll be with us for a long, long time; but his other genius — his immense talent for being good company — is a light that's gone out and we're all sitting here in the dark."
D.A. rejects Tila Tequila case
The San Diego district attorney didn't have enough evidence to prosecute San Diego Charger Shawne Merriman. Tila Tequila is now planning to file a civil suit, saying the D.A. made a "reckless decision."
ABC Family renews "10 Things I Hate About You"
Season 2 is likely to premiere in January. PLUS: "Ruby & the Rockits" has been canceled after one season.
"CSI: Miami" reveals how Horatio Caine got his sunglasses
The season premiere goes back to 1997, when Caine's CSI unit was formed.
"My Boys" renewed for Season 4
TBS will bring back the comedy next summer.
"How I Met Your Mother" becomes a film noir
With Robin Scherbatsky as a femme fatale.
Rod Blagojevich selling autographed Jimmy Kimmel seat on eBay
"You can do whatever. You can give the money to charity. I don't care what you do with it," Kimmel told the ex-Illinois governor on last night's show.
After packing last night's "Sunday Night Football" season premiere with Leno promos, NBC is going one step further during Sunday night's game between the Packers and Chicago Bears. Throughout the game, Al Michaels will name-drop Leno and the stadium's video board will show spots featuring Leno in a half-Packers/half-Bears jersey. And according to Variety, "Throughout Green Bay's Lambeau Field, the Peacock plans to strategically place fans wearing football jerseys (in Packers colors) with Leno's name and either a '10' — his new timeslot in most of the country — or a '9' — his slot in the Central time zone. Others will be in the crowd with painted faces promoting the show."
Fox yesterday explained how it came to picking Ellen DeGeneres as Paula's replacement after watching her on "SYTYCD" — and how "Idol" would've reverted back to three judges had she turned the network down. Fox said they considered her hosting of "Idol Gives Back" two years ago and the grand marketing opportunity of having "Idol" contestants on her talk show. "All of a sudden it hit us, 'I wonder if she's interested,'" says Fox reality guru Mike Darnell. "Not only was she interested, but she was incredibly enthusiastic. She's not only a great name, but she's terrifically talented and loves music. And in addition we get someone who already adores the show, instead of having to talk them into doing it."
Alan Ball is taking full advantage of cable's season-long arc, says Matthew Gilbert. "While 'Hung' wandered among nonstarter plots – do we care about Ray’s kids’ romantic lives? – 'True Blood’ has expertly kept a number of rich, directed plotlines going at once," he says. "Even while a few different supernatural powers have come into play, including shape-shifting and brainwashing, the show has not succumbed to the glut of paranormal cross-purposes that helped make 'Heroes' unwatchable."
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