A weblog of TV news and criticism
Dr. Phil shakes things up, leaves the studio for the new season
"I've lost control in my life," admits Kate Gosselin // Watch Kate co-host "The View"
Tom "The Hammer" DeLay dances with a hammer for "Dancing" promo
NFL broadcaster mocks Whoopi Goldberg's looks
"Big Brother" won't invite Chima to the reunion
Kanye West ambushes Taylor Swift on the VMA stage
An apparently drunk Kanye stormed the stage (watch the video) after Swift won the best female music video award. "Yo, Taylor, I'm really happy for you, and I'm going to let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time," he shouted. "One of the best videos of all time!" PLUS: Read Kanye's apology posted on his blog: "I'm sooooo sorry…"
Tina Fey wins an Emmy for her Sarah Palin impression; Justin Timberlake wins, too
The Creative Arts Primetime Emmys also recognized Michael J. Fox and Ellen Burstyn for their guest roles on "Rescue Me" and "SVU," respectively.
ABC goes ahead with "Gavin and Stacey" remake, plus 2 other sitcoms
The alphabet has ordered a pilot for the popular Britcom.
Eric McCormack planning a sitcom comeback, and a Lifetime movie
The former "Will & Grace" star is shopping a sitcom in which he plays a widower with eccentric friends.
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.
Watch the "Seinfeld" cast filming "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
HBO goes behind the scenes of the reunion. PLUS: Larry David picks this weekend's NFL games.
Rutina Wesley: "Sometimes I cry" over "True Blood's" success
The actress says she hopes her role will pave the way for other black actresses. "I'm living a dream. I'm so crazy about this show and everything about it," she say. "I get so overwhelmed sometimes I cry."
Erin Andrews screamed "I'm done, my career is over"
Watch an excerpt from her interview with Oprah, which aired today.
"Survivor: Samoa" contains lies, lies, lies
Meet Russell, whom CBS describes as "the most diabolical villain 'Survivor' has encountered yet."
Take a tour of "The Jay Leno Show" set
PLUS: Did NBC photoshop Leno?
"NYC Prep" star may have been forced out of her prep school
Camille Hughes is reportedly switching schools after a backlash over the Bravo reality show.
"The Bachelorette's" Jillian & Ed are moving in together on Tuesday
"I'm all packed up and ready to go. I'm pumped up and excited," she says, debunking rumors of infidelity.
Judge grants Audrina Patridge a temporary restraining order
A disturbing man was recently arrested outside her house.
"Vampire Diaries" delivers CW's best premiere ratings ever
About 4.84 million watched last night's debut, which topped last year's premiere of "90210." PLUS: "Vampire" stars arrested for flashing motorists.
Craig Ferguson close to extending his "Late Late" run through 2012
The two-year extension would put him in line with a new contract between CBS and Letterman that's in the works. PLUS: g on his autobiography, "American on Purpose."
Casey Wilson jokes about her "SNL" firing: I was phat, not fat
"I had an amazing time on 'SNL,' and these rumors are completely untrue," the 28-year-old Wilson says in a statement. "And to clarify, the issue isn't that I'm too fat, it's that I'm too phat. Can I get a WHAT-WHAT!" PLUS: 21 other "SNL" cast members who only lasted one season, from Damon Wayans to Ben Stiller.
Packers fans will be wearing Leno jerseys during "Sunday Night Football"
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."
NBC selling Leno ads at low prices // Are viewers really falling asleep earlier, as NBC claims?
Leno doesn't care if NBC is patient or not: "Whatever you want, babe. Not my problem"
It took just over 2 weeks for "Idol" to reel in Ellen
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."
Why is Simon Cowell still silent about Ellen's hiring?
Ellen's hiring has the slight stench of "Focus-Group Casting"
Claim: "Privately, Paula is very upset" // Kara: Ellen will "bring so much"
Report: "Idol" began considering Ellen in May when Simon was her guest
How will Ellen deal with "Idol's" "Gaydar scrambling parade" of contestants?
Ellen doesn't bring much to the table // But she did host "VH1 Divas"
Despite breakup, Maksim & Karina will still dance together at Emmys
The "Dancing" stars will perform in a segment honoring reality TV.
LL Cool J writes a song based on his "NCIS" character
CBS will promote the L.A. spinoff with the tune "NCIS: No Crew Is Superior," which is now available on iTunes.
So long, "King of the Hill"!
The animated series from Mike Judge and Greg Daniels comes to an end on Sunday after 13 years, though four episodes will remain unaired.
IFC's "Dinner With the Band" will mix eating and rocking
The half-hour series will feature bands chatting over a fine meal.
"Underrated" Don Knotts gets tribute to bolster his legacy
An all-day panel on Sunday will pay tribute to the late "Andy Griffith" and "Three's Company" star, whose popularity has been waning in recent years.
Fran Drescher: Cable news host?
"The Nanny" is reportedly in talks with MSNBC and Fox for her own talk show.
Tim Gunn's "Making It Work" book due out in June
The "Project Runway" star is writing "Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Instructions for Making It Work." PLUS: Gunn is a hit at comic book store signing.
BBC's "Wizard of Oz" reality show will search for Dorothy — and Toto
Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest reality project will feature dogs competing for the Toto role.
Russell Brand tries to seduce Sherrie Shepherd
The VMA host made "The View" star a bit uncomfortable with his sexual advances.
Screech sued over unpaid taxes
"Saved by the Bell" star owes $21,000 in property taxes, according to court papers. The 32-year-old also had his car repossessed.
Check out David Hasselhoff's new British reality show
"Meet The Hasselhoffs" follows The Hoff as he travels the UK.
"The Price is Right" finally has its own Web site
Check out the all-new PriceisRight.com.
"True Blood" has been a model of storytelling this season
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."
Ryan Kwanten: I may have used George W. Bush as a model for Jason Stackhouse
Sam Trammell: "Seeing yourself run while you’re naked is the worst"
Season's Top 5 moments // Michelle Forbes surprised by all the crazy things she's done
Did Oprah drop the F-bomb during her season premiere?
Lisa Kudrow or Paula Abdul: Who should replace Maura Tierney on "Parenthood"?
William Hurt & Ethan Hawke sign up for "Moby Dick" miniseries
Dad: My daughter was offered $5,000 to say she slept with Ellen Pompeo's husband
Letterman beats Conan for the 9th straight week
Paula's response: "I think Ellen will b a gr8 judge on Idol"
"Ellen DeGeneres is wildly funny and talented in her own right," Paula Abdul said in a statement. "I wish her and the show only the best of luck."
Cancer treatment forces Maura Tierney to quit "Parenthood"
Tierney, who appeared in the NBC show's pilot, says she's still optimistic about her treatment for breast cancer. NBC delayed "Parenthood" from this fall to midseason because of her treatment.
Record companies sue "The Ellen DeGenerres Show"
Ellen used more than 1,000 songs on her show without permission, the world's largest record companies claim in a lawsuit filed Wednesday.
Judge tosses Seinfeld cookbook lawsuit
A federal judge ruled that Jerry Seinfeld's wife did not rip off content from another cookbook.
NBC denies "SNL" fired Casey Wilson because of her weight
"There's absolutely no truth at all to the rumors regarding Casey Wilson," said an NBC spokesperson. "Her contract was simply not renewed."
"Friday Night Lights" returns Oct. 28 (on DirecTV)
Peter Berg will direct the 3rd season premiere of "FNL," whose NBC run may not begin until next summer.
"Secret Millionaire" jumps from Fox to ABC
The uplifting reality show appears to be a better fit on the network of "Extreme Makeover."
Why Ellen DeGeneres will make "Idol" a better show
She'll have all of Paula Abdul's strengths but none of her weaknesses, says Ramin Setoodeh. He says the hiring "could very well be one of the most brilliant casting decisions on TV. Until last night, most Idol fans (myself included) were still furious at Paula Abdul's premature dismissal from the show. They were demanding boycotts and write-ins, and they were ready to hate her replacement, whoever she may be. Now the Idol world has been turned upside down. Nobody can hate Ellen. She's the most lovable woman on TV, and she might even make American Idol a slightly better show."
Ellen signed a 5-year deal with "Idol" — after signing a 3-year deal with her talk show
Ellen tells Ryan Seacrest: Fox and I haggled over when to spill the beans
"I'm not going to be mean," says "compassionate" Ellen
"Hell to the no"!: Ellen likely signals the end of "Idol" as we know it
Randy: Ellen could be the panel's voice of the people // Fans have mixed reactions
Ellen asked Simon about a job opening in May // Will Ellen outshine Simon?
It's official: Networks and advertisers unite to form a Nielsen rival
Fourteen companies, including Procter & Gamble, CBS and Disney, will come up with a better way to measure viewership across many platforms. The partnership has been dubbed CIMM for Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement.
"SNL" will follow Megan Fox with Ryan Reynolds, Drew Barrymore, Gerard Butler
"Saturday Night Live" will kick off Season 35 with four straight weeks of shows, with musical guests U2, Lady Gaga, Regina Spekter and Shakira.
Study: TV increases intelligence
The University of Illinois and Britain's University of Surrey jointly studied 170 viewers, and found that they had a better understanding of complex political issues after watching shows like "Lost," "24" and "The Simpsons."
Washington, D.C.'s "Real World" declared boring
It's been 10 weeks since MTV started filming in D.C., and the housemates have been on their best behavior when it comes to the neighbors. The D.C. "Real World"-ers are so dull that an Anti-Real World D.C. blog has apparently given up following their antics, or lack thereof.
What if CW remade "Seinfeld"?
What would a Gen Y version of Jerry and the gang look like?
"Behind the Music" is back with more active and black music stars
Three of the six new episodes cover hip-hopers, starting tonight with Lil Wayne.
Watch Kathy Griffin as Kate Gosselin
In "Kate is Enough: The Kate Gosselin Story," featuring George Takei as Jon.
Cops are investigating "America's Got Talent" finalist
Recycled Percussion drummer Justin Spencer allegedly embezzled nearly $200,000 from a New Hampshire company.
Take a peek inside the Showtime house
The "Californication" bedroom is part of the NYC exhibit in which 14 architects and designers try to reimagine Showtime shows.
NBC promo admits "Heroes" has been pretty bad
But this season, NBC promises that the show's producers will be "back at their best."
Fox buys "Texts From Last Night"
A "Big Bang Theory" writer is developing a sitcom based on the Web site that allows readers to post embarassing text messages.
"Familiy Guy" earned 179,997 FCC complaints in March, thanks to the PTC
Conservative media watchdog Parents Television Council got its followers to send protest letters over the March 8 episode en masse. "Should a Sunday night cartoon show YOUR children bestiality, gay orgies and babies eating sperm?" a PTC alert declared.
Turkish police free 9 women duped into appearing in a fake "Big Brother"
Natalie Coughlin reveals: "Dancing" ladies will do the salsa and foxtrot
Tyra Banks devotes an entire "Tyra Show" to periods
BBC may show the 2012 London Olympics in 3D
Rosie & Star Jones are NOT starring on a reality show together
"Vampire Diaries" carves its own path from "Twilight"
"At first look," says Ginia Bellafante, "'The Vampire Diaries' has the feel of something more permissive and less morally rigid than the “Twilight” franchise, which certain sophisticated 14-year-olds I’ve known will disparage as they march back to their rooms to read the Brontës or 'The Bell Jar.' But the show subtly delivers its own lessons: that indiscriminate sex is emotionally destructive, that developing mechanisms of resistance builds character."
"Vampire" as good as "Twilight" // Surprisingly well acted and visually stunning
"Dawson's Vampires" gets old fast // "Vampire" has a self-referential jokiness
Ian Somerhalder loves playing the bad boy // "Vampire" will hook you after 1 episode
"Idol" picks Ellen DeGeneres as Paula Abdul's permanent replacement
Ellen will take over for Paula Abdul next season as the show's 4th judge, according to a Fox statement released Wednesday evening. “I’m thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol,” Ellen said in a statement. “I’ve watched since the beginning, and I’ve always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I’ll save from not having to text in my vote.” Exec producers Simon Fuller says DeGeneres' "love of music and understanding of the American public" would bring "a unique human touch to our judging panel." Exec producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz adds that Ellen will bring "immense warmth and compassion" to the judging panel.
Watch Ellen's "Idol" announcement // Ellen is a breath of fresh air
Ellen not quitting "Ellen": "I'm going to have a day job and a night job"
Ellen is a great (and more coherent) choice, but will Kara diminish her role?
Ellen was bad on "SYTYCD"// Did Fox purposefully go for a star bigger than Paula
Jump the shark!: Ellen isn't qualified to judge a music show
Should "Idol" have gone younger than Ellen, who turns 52 in January?
Adam Rodriguez jumps to "Ugly Betty," at least for 5 episodes.
The "CSI: Miami" star will appear in at least five episodes this season as an old flame of Betty's sister Hilda.
Peggy Lipton joins "Crash"
Rashida Jones' mom will play the estranged ex-wife of Dennis Hopper's character.
"The Office" wedding will include some "True Blood"
Anna Camp will appear as part of Pam's bridal party.
Tyra Banks gets testy with "Nightline"
A question about Janice Dickinson and Paula Porizkova's nasty comments set the "Top Model" host off at Cynthia McFadden.
"King of the Hill's" final episode will air on Fox — instead of on DVD or syndication
Fox has completed a deal to air the long-running animated series.
Katherine Heigl adopts a baby girl from Korea
The "Grey's Anatomy" star and her hubby are following in her sister's footsteps in adopting a baby from Korea.
NBC teams Bryan Fuller & Bryan Singer for "Sellevision"
They'll work on adapting the Augusten Burroughs for TV.
Susan Boyle coming to "America's Got Talent"
The "Britain's Got Talent" star will perform on next week's finale.
"Modern Family" getting an Edward Norton boost
The big-time movie star will guest in November as a famous bassist whom Julie Bowen's character hires as an anniversary surprise.
"Sons of Anarchy" returns to huge ratings
About 4.3 million watched last night's Season 2 premiere, the largest gain by a 2nd season show in FX history.
CBS orders a 12th "Big Brother"
Ratings have been up, up, up this season, so "BB" will be back next summer.
Emmycast hopes to add "electricity" with a live band onstage
Musicians will perform onstage for the first time in years.
Watch the "Dancing" stars in action
Meet the cast all dressed up as they film their promos — watch Part 2.
Video: Paula Abdul at an employment agency
It's part of a "VH1 Divas" promo.
"Melrose Place" reboot disappoints with just 2.3 million viewers
On a positive note: "Melrose" was the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter last night, but that's not too hard to accomplish. PLUS: Laura Leighton on the big twist
"Amazing Race" casts poker players, Harlem Globetrotters, Asperger's sufferer
The 15th batch also includes a former Miss America, married yoga instructors and dating country singers. Asperger's sufferer Zev Glassenberg, 26, will be racing with his best friend: “I don’t think the fact that I have Asperger’s will hinder me,” he says. “I do tend to think outside of the box, so it might help us. It’ll be weird going into these social situations around the world. I might not take it all in right away, but I know I’m racing, so I’ll probably get past it really fast.”
Young people are rejecting reality shows for scripted TV
That's according to the annual Youth Trends Fall Television Preview Report, which found that teens and college students are anticipating the season's new batch of scripted shows over reality.
White House slams Fox for choosing "SYTYCD" over Obama
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs chided Fox during an appearance on Fox News Channel: "I do hope the viewers of Fox will find a way to watch the speech tonight. I know that the network, instead of dealing with the reality of millions of people on health insurance reform, have decided to show a reality show called something like, 'So you think you can dance.' … I do hope that people will check into the reality of what’s going on in America rather than the distraction of a reality TV show."
"Next Top Model's" short cycle isn't always apparent
It's not always clear from tonight's 13th-cycle premiere that every model is 5-foot-7 or under.
How did Katey Sagal react to her pivotal "Sons of Anarchy" moment?
On her pivotal moment: "Well you know, it’s always sort of the job of the actor to make real make-belief circumstance. In this particular case, it required me to visit some pretty dark places but just seemed to hang around with me after I left work." PLUS: What was Sagal's hubby/"Sons" creator thinking?
Tony Danza begins teaching, but not every student has heard of him
"I don't even know who that is," said one student at the Philadelphia-area high school that Danza began teaching at yesterday. Another student, though, said Danza was "cool" and "down to earth." Before teaching, Danza wrote on his blog, "I am scared, but so are most of the other teachers I have met." PLUS: Read the Daily Danza, Tony Danza's teaching blog.
"SYTYCD" is back — why it's TV's best dance show
Its first fall season debuts tonight, with its anti-Ryan Seacrest of a host returning.
Claim: "SNL" told Casey Wilson to shed 30 pounds over summer
According to E!'s Ted Casablanca, "she didn't drop a damn pound. And that's when she was axed, we're told."
Study: 25% of households watch TV shows online
That's up from 20% last year.
Jay Leno: TV is dying; rival networks don't want their stars on my 10 o'clock show
"It's trash talk," says Leno. "They all vowed none of their guests will be on our show. Okay. But if the show does reasonably well, look, we're all here to benefit television." He adds: "Television is dying, it's not doing well. We either can all support one another or we can all go back into our little cave and pretend like we're the only thing on."
Oprah's season premiere could raise Chicago's chances of landing the Olympics
The shutting down of a major street for 2 1/2 days for "Oprah's own Opening Ceremony" was seen by some as a major marketing opportunity. Crowds waited more than 12 hours to watch the taping featuring the Black Eyed Peas and Oprah proclaiming Chicago as "the most fabulous city in the world." PLUS: Oprah did a lot of shilling during the block party.
Oprah on Jaycee Lee Dugard: "This is the one I want. I want that interview"
Charlie Sheen demands meeting with Obama over 9/11 cover-up
VH1 renews "The T.O. Show"
FX promotes "It's Always Sunny" with naked Danny DeVito
Ellen Degeneres opens the season with a "SYTYCD" number
Reality show seeks Michael Jackson impersonators
"Glee" is brilliant at blending earnestness and sarcasm
Watching 'Glee' is fun," says Tim Goodman. "You always get the sense that Murphy's keen sense of winking at the cliches – jocks versus nerds, cheerleaders versus the less beautiful, the put-upon teachers, etc. – is something he pursues with, pardon the pun, real glee. He takes convention and flips it on its head. But that would be easy to do in a dismissive, completely ironic way. What Murphy does with 'Glee' is give it an earnestness that blends nicely with the knowing sarcasm. He creates dramatic story lines while endlessly skewering the comedic mother lode of high school, and then wraps it all up in a musical."
"Glee" is pure, unadulterated revenge for the losers // Not every viewer will be pleased
Is "Glee" too edgy for the mainstream? Overdoing the quirky? // Is it too "Nip/Tuck"?
Football player didn't sing // "Glee" was Lea Michele's 2nd Hollywood audition
Tyra Banks unveils her weave-free hair
She also posted a photo of her "REAL hair" on her Twitter page.
"Jon & Kate" saw Dr. Phil; Jon suspected Kate had an affair with her bodyguard
In a "Primetime" special tonight, Jon further bashed his future ex-wife, saying he suspected she had an affair (even though he had no proof) and that Kate deliberately "separated" him from his mother and brothers. He also said that the couple saw Dr. Phil to save their marriage, but only got advice on how to save the show.
Ross the Intern returns for "The Jay Leno Show"
Leno also announced a slew of new comic correspondents including Nick Thune, Brian Unger, Liz Feldman, Owen Benjamin and Maria Franklin.
"Criminal Minds" gets Gavin Rossdale to play a serial killing rock star
He'll guest as a Goth rocker who also works as a serial killer in his spare time.
Peter Gallagher lands on USA
"The O.C." dad will play the CIA director on "Covert Affairs," supervising CIA trainee Piper Perabo.
Judd Nelson nabs "Psych" role
He'll play a CDC researcher this fall.
Fox goes after a sci-fi Western
"Chuck" exec producer will make a "Planet of the Apes"-like series about a "a gunslinger caught between worlds."
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