October 2009

October 30, 2009

"SNL" taps "Mad Men's" Betty Draper and Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Following Taylor Swift's double act next week, January Jones will host "Saturday Night Live" on Nov. 14 with the Black Eyed Peas. Joseph Gordon-Levitt will host Nov. 21 with the Dave Matthews Band.


Jon Gosselin & Hailey Glassman are on a "break"

The split happened after Jon consulted recently with famed Michael Jackson Rabbi Shmuley Boteach.


"Community" reunites Anthony Michael Hall and Chevy Chase

It's been 26 years since they made National Lampoon's "Vacation" together.


"Survivor" Liz predicts: Male chauvanist pig Russell will self-destruct

"Russell has his vulnerable ego and he never wanted to feel as if any woman was showing him up," says Elizabeth Kim. "He was intimidated. In many ways, I was eliminated because I was a threat, pure and simple."


Courteney Cox to romance Scott Foley

He'll appear in three "Cougar Town" episodes.

[Permalink]

October 30, 2009

Why is NBC News producing a "Jon & Kate" special?
Natalie Morales' TLC interview with Kate Gosselin on Monday gives NBC News final approval. But why is an esteemed news operation even bothering with "Jon & Kate."


JoAnna Garcia visits "HIMYM"

The "Privileged"/"Gossip Girl" star will play Ted's college buddy, Maggie.


Ryan Seacrest's accused stalker facing felony charges

Seacrest is seeking a restraining order against Chidi Uzomah.


Regis & Kelly spoof "The Bachelor" breakup

Reege was Jason Mesnick and Kelly played Melissa Rycroft, but who played Molly?


Report: E-mails prove an Jon Gosselin & Octomom reality show

Jon may hae denied it, but Radar Online has proof that he actually considered doing a show with Nadya Suleman.


Matthew Morrison is 1st "Glee" star to release a solo album

"It’s going to be different," he says. "I would consider it a classier Justin Timberlake album. It's going to be me and a big orchestra, but also with beats."

[Permalink]

October 30, 2009

Police arrest Ryan Seacrest's alleged stalker
The man with a knife who attacked Seacrest's security guard in Orange County last month has been arrested inside the E! building, where Ryan tapes E! News.


Eddie Murphy to visit "Top Model" — as an audience member

He'll be there to cheer on his daughter, Bria Murphy, for the season finale.


Harvard will offer a "The Wire" class next year

Noted sociology professor William Julius Wilson will teach a class that will use the HBO series as a case study for poverty in America.


"Funny or Die" moving to HBO and YouTube

Will Ferrell's Web sites will host a series of half-hour shows called "Funny or Die Presents."


"Dexter" has become TV's most addictive show

And it can only get better when John Lithgow and Michael C. Hall, two masterly actors pitted against each other in a match to the death.


Lifetime losing "Project Runway" viewers

Down 20% from its premiere, "Runway" on Lifetime has started losing the key 18-49 female viewers that has been crucial to its success. PLUS: Cindy Crawford to guest judge.


Harrison Ford watches "Brothers & Sisters" by himself

Calsita Flockhart says she doesn't like watching herself on TV: "For me it's mostly about the process, and once you shoot an episode, there's something anticlimactic about watching. I watched some of 'Ally.' Sometimes I thought they were great and sometimes I couldn't bear watching myself. I have to watch it at the right time of day. I certainly can't watch a show I'm in before I go to bed. It would drive me crazy."


GSN, TLC, A&E, Syfy: It's the Great Cable Gobbledygook

These days, it seems like nearly every niche cable channel is shaking up their identity to capture young viewers. That's why GSN is no longer the Game Show Network and why TLC isn't about "learning."

[Permalink]

ODDS & ENDS

October 30, 2009

Why did Hugh Jackman reject the Oscars?

Heidi & Spencer dress as Jon & Kate // Tyra Banks puts on Kate wig

Is NBC pushing "Heroes" to wrap it all up?

Washington, D.C. station will show uncensored breast exams

Heidi Klum gets naked in chocolate for her "Heidilicious" book

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

October 29, 2009

Dennis Hopper has prostate cancer
The "Crash" star has completed filming Season 2, and is expected to concentrate solely on treatment.


Travel Channel could be worth $1 billion

The sale of the channel is expected to exceed $900 million.


"Lost's" 1st final season trailer contains not a lick of new footage

Check out 15 seconds of recycled scenes.


"American Dad" renewed for 6th season

Seth MacFarlane's animated comedy will be around through the 2010-11 season.


San Francisco will miss "Trauma's" $3 million an episode

The canceled NBC drama was a boon to the local economy.


"Airplane Repo" men land their own Discovery reality show

From "Dirty Jobs" creator comes this dangerous worldwide reality show following plane and helicopter snatchers.


"Dancing's" Joanna Krupa will split Playboy cover with Chelsea Handler

While Handler keeps her clothes on, Krupa will appear in the buff.


"Vampire Diaries" shocker

Did what just happen really happen?

[Permalink]

October 29, 2009

Can "Table for 12" replace "Jon & Kate"?
TLC's newest multiples reality show will feature a family with two sets of twins plus sextuplets.


"Gossip Girl's" Blake Lively & Penn Badgley: Getting engaged!?

The step-siblings/former boyfriend and girlfriend are expected to announce their engagement soon, possibly over the holidays, according to gossip Bill Zwecker.


Elizabeth Mitchell: "I cried for a couple of days" after "Lost" dumped me

Evangeline Lilly, she says, comforted her by drinking with her until they passed out on the couch.


"Family Guy"-averse Microsoft sponsors other politically incorrect shows

The company has spent millions on ads on "Two and a Half Men" and "South Park."


Is TV violence against women really a problem?

The Parents Television Council trumpeted its findings that there were 429 instances of violence against women on television between February and May. Yet that 429 figure only represents 11% of the 3,840 total acts of violence the PTC found.


Report: CW asks NYC socialite to "create more drama" for her reality show

Will Tinsley Mortimer be acting on her "reality show" by picking fights in public?

[Permalink]

October 29, 2009

Is Joel McHale's smugness ruining "Community"?
McHale is charming, but not charming enough to save "Community" from tonight's worst episode yet, says Robert Bianco. "The truly worrisome problem tonight … isn't so much the rut as the fact that what few laughs there are all come from the supporting players," he says. "McHale's once-likable con-man Jeff is quickly devolving into a smug, unmitigated, unaccountably self-satisfied jerk. It's as if the writers have fooled themselves into thinking they can let McHale do anything, or nothing, and the actor's charisma will compensate." PLUS: "Community" has evolved to become a very, very funny show.


Rumer Willis enters into a "90210" lesbian relationship

Which straight character will she hook up with?


Jerry O'Connell to write a memoir about being a dad

Rebecca Romijn's hubby is titling his book, "Cry, Feed, (Make Love to Wife), Burp."


Did Kate Gosselin use Ellen to "panhandle" for a new ring?

Kate apparently wants her fans to buy a special ring that would replace her wedding ring. PLUS: Jon Gosselin smokes — and consults a rabbi.


How did Sunday edge out Thursday to become TV's biggest night?

According to Ad Age, "Thursday remains important to any advertiser who has a weekend event to tout — a movie opening or an important sale at a particular retail outlet. Sunday, due to the sheer numbers it attracts, stands as a good night to drive awareness of new goods and services."


"The Wire" curriculum is helping Boston's at-risk teens

Sonja Sohn, who played Detective Shakima Greggs on the HBO series, is behind a program that is taking youngsters involved in the criminal system or at risk,  "and for at least five hours a week for at least six weeks, show them episodes," reports the Boston Globe. "After each show, the participants, with the help of at least two facilitators, would receive worksheets listing questions designed to spark in-depth discussions about the parallels between the young viewers and the characters on the screen." PLUS: Why Sonja Sohn is using "The Wire."


FX's "The League" is like a sociopathic "Sex and the City" for men

In short, the fantasy football comedy is not for everybody, says Glenn Garvin. "If you're sensitive about deviant sex, for instance — or even normal sex, if it's had in restaurant restrooms — you might want to give the show a pass. If drug use to the point of catatonia seems inappropriate as a springboard for humor, you probably shouldn't tune in," he says. "If emotional bullying, sexual blackmail and jokes about developmentally challenged puppies offend you — in short, if you have a shred of human decency — The League is not for you."
How is it possible to screw up sex and football this badly?
It's like a Judd Apatow comedy — without the women or lessons learned

[Permalink]

ODDS & ENDS

October 29, 2009

"Glee" goes Gold with "Don't Stop Believin'," selling 500,000 downloads

"Bones" will reunite Zooey & Emily Deschanel on Dec. 10

Chelsea Handler reveals her Playboy cover on Leno

"Desperate Housewives" hires Homer Simpson to crash plane into Wisteria Lane

Katy Perry to host MTV Europe Music Awards

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

October 28, 2009

Conan has lost 47% of Leno's viewers from this time last year
The new "Tonight Show" is down in the ratings "across the board" in all age categories, according to the New York Times, blaming factors such as Letterman's revival, Leno's lead-in and the simple fact that viewers don't like Conan. The "Tonight" ratings have also hurt Jimmy Fallon while Craig Ferguson's numbers have gone up.


Parents TV Council counts 400 violent acts against women on network TV

The instances of violence counted earlier this year is up from just under 200 during the same timespan in 2004.


"Trauma" canceled

NBC won't pick up the San Francisco medical drama after it completes its 13-episode run.


NBC expands "Chuck's" season to 19 episodes, may bring it back in January

Six more episodes of "Chuck" were needed in place of "Southland" and, possibly, "Trauma."


Brian Williams cancels Leno comedy bit from violent Afghanistan

With violence escalating in the region, Williams won't do "10 @ 10." Instead,David Gregory from "Meet the Press" will fill in.


D.C.'s "Real World" house includes a Reagan bedroom and Lincoln boudoir

Peek inside the house courtesy of the Washington cast.


Adam Lambert has to defend album cover for those who don't get the joke

"Thank you to those who appreciate and understand that the album cover is deliberately campy," he tweeted. "It's an homage to the past. It IS ridiculous."


"The Office" music video goes live

Watch "Subtle Sexuality" featuring Kelly Kapoor.

[Permalink]

October 28, 2009

Jon Gosselin's girlfriend: He emotionally abuses me
"He has 'mantrums,'" says a teary Hailey Glassman, who's a decade Jon's junior, in an interview with "The Insider." "I shouldn't have to put up with being emotionally abused. I cry and say, 'Why are you so mean to me?' He takes it out on me." She adds: "We're at a point now where I don't know why I love him."


Susan Boyle will launch her album on QVC

If you buy it on the home shopping network, you'll get a bonus DVD of rare footage.


"Desperate Housewives" could see Season 9 under new Marc Cherry deal

The "Desperate" creator has will stay with the show through the 2012-13 season, two years past his last contract.


Report: "Brian McKnight Show" runs out of money, unable to pay some staff

About 20 employees have filed non-payment complaints against the show.


Oliver Platt joins "The C Word"

He'll play Laura Linney's hubby in Showtime's cancer comedy.


VH1's Obama-inspired "Dad Camp" will teach young daddies to be fathers
"The Biggest Loser" crew is working on the series inspired by President Obama's message last year for fathers to "step up" and take responsibility for their children.


McDreamy's cologne unveiled

Patrick Dempsey shows off "Unscripted" on Letterman.

[Permalink]

October 28, 2009

Revamped "Scrubs" premieres Dec. 1
"Scrbus" 2.0 will air on Tuesday night on ABC.


Jimmy Kimmel tells Melissa Joan Hart: You are so 1996!

After her "Dancing" elimination, Hart didn't like being asked about "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch."


"Smallville" reveals Superman's dad

Check out Julian Sands as Jor-El. PLUS: "Smallville" wants a Season 10.


BBC's "Being Human" is becoming American

Syfy has ordered a remake of the sci-fi drama about three 20-something  roommates who happen to be a ghost, a vampire and a werewolf.


Fox to introduce the Brett "Favre-Cam" on Sunday

Viewers will have the chance to watch his every move during Sunday's game.


Here's your first look at Heather Locklear on "Melrose Place"

Amanda's back!


Anthony Edwards makes TV "comeback" in "NYC Marathon"

The former "ER" star will act like he's running.


In case you missed it: "24's" Season 8 trailer

Monday's link down, so here's Grandpa Jack Bauer again.

[Permalink]

October 28, 2009

Larry David under fire for urinating on Jesus
The Catholic League is lashing out at this week's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" episode, in which Larry's urine ends up on a painting of Jesus Christ. "Was Larry David always this crude?" asks Catholic League president Bill Donohue. "Would he think it's comedic if someone urinated on a picture of his mother?" HBO's response: "Anyone who follows Curb Your Enthusiasm knows that the show is full of parody and satire."


Parents TV Council warns potential "Family Guy" live show sponsors

Anybody stepping in for Microsoft will feel the PTC's wrath, the conservative watchdog announced yesterday.


BBC hires Lindsay Lohan

She'll present a documentary from India on child trafficking.


Claim: Jon Gosselin will date Octomom for a reality show

A former "Cheaters" producer tells In Touch Weekly he's working on "Jon – Kate = Jon + Octomom," a reality show pairing the parents of multiples. "I heard that Nadya has an insatiable desire to spend time with Jon and to put their families together," he says. "And I had the idea that this could be a very entertaining fiasco." UPDATE: Rep says it's not happening. Too bad.


VH1's Ryan Jenkins fiasco prompts 1 background checker to sue another

A company called Collective Intelligence was hired by "Megan Wants a Millionaire" to screen its contestants. But Collective only screens U.S. citizens, and since Jenkins was Canadian, the company outsourced the background check to another company called Straightline International, which couldn't find a criminal record on Jenkins.


Only on TV do the police always get help from wacky outsiders

From "The Mentalist" to "White Collar" to "Castle"…


D.C. "Real Housewives" will have at least 1 black female

Prominent Washington real estate agent Stacie Turner, who is African American, was recently spotted flying to Paris with a camera crew.

[Permalink]

October 28, 2009

Henry Ian Cusick settles "Lost" sex harrassment lawsuit
A former production staffer sued "Desmond Hume" in April for allegedly grabbing and touching her inappropriately.


"Lost" reveals guest-star William Atherton via Twitter

Carlton Cuse tweeted: "Damon and I are die hard fans of this impeckable actor who keeps the barr high and just signed to guest star on the show. Life is good!"


"It's Always Sunny" star predicts: "Phillies in five"

"I'll take Phillies in six," adds Rob McElhenney, who plans to be present for all three World Series games in Philadelphia, "but I just don't want to watch it on TV. I'd rather be there."


Elvira speaks!

The 58-year-old Mistress of the Dark talks Halloween. She'll wake up on "Medium" this Friday.


Bravo is lobbying for Michelle Obama to wear "Real Housewives" clothing

Will the First Lady wear a She by Sheree frock?


"Dexter" and "Mad Men" shared the same storyline on the same day

Was it a coincidence that both Don Draper and Dexter Morgan had the same experience on Sunday?


Brandy & Ray J to star in VH1 family reality show

"Putting my family on–they've been in the game before me so getting them together as one team, it's going to be explosive and something special," Ray J tells VIBE. "People can kind of see where we've been and where we're going and our connection together."

[Permalink]

October 28, 2009

Leonard Nimoy may be done with "Fringe"
"I've done three appearances for them," he says. "I don't know if I will do a fourth."


Maksim Chmerkovskiy blasts "Dancing" for "insane" season

"It's insane," he says. "This season is one of the hardest things ever. I think it will be re-thought during the off-season."


Carrie Ann Inaba: "That was a traumatic night!"

"I was shocked at Melissa and Mark," she says. "I saw some potential. I saw some sort of growth happening with her."


Artie Lange destroys on Jimmy Fallon on "CBS"

The Howard Stern sidekick basically took over Fallon's show last night, mistaking Fallon for a CBS show because he thought he saw somebody "banging interns" backstage. Lange, who also sat in when Olivia Munn was the guest, was so crazy he prompted Susan Sarandon to ask, "Are You High?"


Kate Gosselin makes awkward appearance at Maria Shriver's women's conference

The "Jon & Kate" star was invited to last night's event long before her marriage fell apart. PLUS: Kate renews nursing license.


Why Mia Michaels left "SYTYCD"

"I wasn’t able to really focus on anything else," she says. "Now I’m really focusing on these other projects that I can’t pass up. I think that’s pretty much the main reason why I left the show."


"Gossip Girl" vs. "The O.C."

Why Josh Schwartz's New Yorkers compare to the family from Orange County.

[Permalink]

ODDS & ENDS

October 28, 2009

Watch what happens when Craig Ferguson suffers a power failure

Jimmy Kimmel saves Ellen from giant panda

Tyra Banks puts the "Top Models" in blackface

Adam Lambert explain album cover to Oprah on Thursday

Britain's "Dancing" is trying to woo Richard Gere

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

October 28, 2009

It's Coach Taylor vs. the world as "Friday Night Lights" returns
The end of Season 3 set up Season, which premieres tonight on DirecTV, perfectly, says Alan Sepinwall. "Worn-down facilities, no boosters or budget to speak of, and a pathetic roster of talent — a situation Eric, ironically, helped create as the Panthers' coach, when he approved a gerrymandering plan that would keep all of the town's best football prospects on the "west" side of Dillon — has dramatically increased the series' underdog quotient."
Cost-cutting refelected in cast // Kyle Chandler: "It’s a little bit of a Horatio Alger story"
"FNL" as thoughtful, restrained as ever // "Buddy Garrity" likes the fresh blood
Connie Britton: Writers get to wrap everything up by 5th season, if it's the last

[Permalink]

October 27, 2009

Adam Lambert's album cover is SO over-the-top
“Glam is back!!!”


"Glee" going on a tour of stores next week

The cast will appear in locations in New Jersey, New York and Los Angeles to promote the new "Glee" CD.


ABC cancels sky-polluting "V" stunt

The "V" skywriting at 26 locations was seen to be environmentally unfriendly.


"Jon & Kate" is over

Last night's Q&A with Kate was apparently the last episode under the "Jon & Kate" banner.


Idris Elba: NBC producer

"The Wire" and "Office" alum is teaming with "Battlestar Galactica's" David Eick on developing a series about a vigilante lawyer.


NBC extends "Trauma" for 3 more episodes

The San Francisco series showed a ratings spike last night.


Power outage forces Craig Ferguson to tape by flashlight

The lights went out while Ferguson was interviewing Alicia Silverstone.


"Precious" star is set to join "The C Word"

Gabourey Sidibe is in talks to play Laura Linney's student in the Showtime cancer comedy.

[Permalink]

October 27, 2009

It's confirmed: "Cougar Town" will reunite ex-"Friends"
Lisa Kudrow will guest-star as Courteney Cox's dermotologist.


Female Letterman ex-writer: Dave created a "hostile work environment"

Nell Scovell, who in 1988 became the 2nd female writer hired by "Late Night," blasts Letterman in Vanity Fair: "Did Dave hit on me? No. Did he pay me enough extra attention that it was noted by another writer? Yes. Was I aware of rumors that Dave was having sexual relationships with female staffers? Yes. Was I aware that other high-level male employees were having sexual relationships with female staffers? Yes. Did these female staffers have access to information and wield power disproportionate to their job titles? Yes. Did that create a hostile work environment? Yes. Did I believe these female staffers were benefiting professionally from their personal relationships? Yes. Did that make me feel demeaned? Completely. Did I say anything at the time? Sadly, no."


E! reality star accused of burglarizing Lindsay Lohan and other celebs

Alexis Neiers, 18, one of four teenage girls allegedly involved in a string of celebrity burglaries, was arrested last week on the set of her E! reality show. Neiers was filming a pilot about aspiring actresses with her family. E!, which has an exclusive interview with Neiers, says that the reality project might be "jeopardized" by her arrest. Meanwhile, her sister is stunned. "My family is in so much debt," she says. "If this TV show falls through, you don't know how bad this is going to be."


Oscars may pick multiple hosts, but will they be outshined by Ricky Gervais?

With Gerais set to host the Golden Globes — and possibly grab all the buzz from the Academy Awards — word has come that Hugh Jackman has rejected a 2nd stint hosting the Oscars. But the L.A. Times reports that "producers are leaning toward a multiple-host format, which would team a pair of hosts who would have different strengths and different generational appeal."


Ricky Gervais a terrible choice? Golden Globes may regret its host pick

As Julian Sancton points out, "Gervais has made his distaste for celebrity reverence patently clear. His humor is not Hugh Jackman chummy or Neil Patrick Harris slick. It’s biting and uncooperative. You get the feeling from his irrepressible giggle that he’s only out there to amuse himself, and his caustic barbs—while hilarious—can get under people’s skin and make them uncomfortable. After all, his biggest hit, The Office, draws its humor from awkward, cringeworthy silences—not exactly the ideal tone for an awards show."


Gordon Ramsay: I got a face job thanks to Simon Cowell and U.S. success

"Simon Cowell suggested that now I'm a success in America, I should do something, so I had a filler put under the deep crevices. It hurt," says Ramsay, who's showing off his new face in the Daily Mail.


NBC's "Age of Love" bachelor gets engaged to Jennifer Esposito

Two years after his cougars vs. kittens stint, Mark Philippoussis has found his true match in Esposito.

[Permalink]

October 27, 2009

Brian Williams will do his 1st Leno comedy bit from Afghanistan
The "NBC Nightly News" anchor is one of "The Jay Leno Show's" many "contributors."


"Lost" will take a break for the Winter Olympics

The final season will debut in March, air through mid-February, then it'll go on hiatus until March. UPDATE: ABC won't confirm "Lost's" scheduling.


Damon Lindelof won't spill the beans on the "Lost" final promo poster

But as he films Episode 6, Lindelof will say that the final episode will definitely be the end of "Lost" — there won't be a movie.


Another "SYTYCD" injury

Following Billy Bell leaving the show due to mono, Noelle Marsh won't be able to perform tonight due to an anke injury.


Study: Kids watch 28 to 32 hours of TV each week

Nielsen research has found that kids ages 2 to 5 watch more than 32 hours a week of TV, while children ages 6 to 11 watching more than 28 hours.


Barry Levinson: Why don't networks care about Saturday nights?

"Somehow the networks decided to forfeit Saturday nights," says the "Homicide" producer. "You have a massive audience, they're available and they can't find anything to watch."

[Permalink]

October 27, 2009

Why don't networks embrace the sci-finess of their sci-fi shows?
"Dollhouse," "FlashForward," "Fringe" — all three have suffered from their networks being hesitant to embrace their genre appeal.


"The Goode Family" gets a 2nd chance on Comedy Central

They'll rerun the original 13 episodes in January, with a possible pickup looming with good ratings.


David Spade defends using dead Chris Farley in DirecTV ad

"It is a clever homage to my friend and a movie ('Tommy Boy') that we loved doing," he says.


Richard Hatch tells "Today" he was the victim of a "witch hunt"

The "Survivor" champ described his recent imprisonment as "the worst time of my life in prison." The sheriff responds: He's a liar.


Bill Cosby saluted with Mark Twain Prize for humor

Jerry Seinfeld, who led the kudos for Cosby last night, called the comedian "the guiding light of my career." In fact, Seinfeld said he has all of Cosby's record albums on display at his home.


Kate Gosselin wants to do movies, says TV is a "normal, natural place for me to be"

The "Jon & Kate" star said in her Q&A special last night that she's not giving up on television — and that she'd love to do a movie, possibly voicing a cartoon character. PLUS: Kate spinning too much, plus Kate will sit for another Q&A for next week's episode.

[Permalink]