Wednesday, October 14, 2009

October 14, 2009

William H. Macy gets "Shameless" for Showtime
Macy will play an alcoholic single dad of six whose mom has run away, in a remake of the hit British series about a dysfunctionfal family that lives in a housing project in Manchester. "Shameless" is based on the childhood of Paul Abbott, who created "State of Play" and "Touching Evil" (both of which were remade in America). The original "Shameless" also starred James McAvoy in the first two seasons.  John Wells, who worked with Macy on "ER" will produce the project, which will be set in Chicago. (Watch the awesome "Shamless'" opening)


Viewers tune into "Dancing" without DeLay

Both of this week's Tom DeLay-less episodes saw their ratings rise without the former Republican majority leader. In fact, Tuesday's results show was the highest-rated of the season.


Starz picks up stars for "Gravity"

The comedy about suicide survivors will star Ving Rhames, Rachel Hunter, Krysten Ritter and Ivan Sergei.


"Big Love" gets a premiere date

Season 4, with the addition of Sissy Spacek, starts Jan. 10.


Coming to CW: "Memphis," "Backup Dancer," "Veronica Mars" creator

CW's development slate includes "The L Word" creator "Confessions of a Backup Dancer," the "One Tree Hill" creator's singing drama "Nashville" that is being created with Brad Paisley, "The March Sisters" and Rob Thomas' "Plymouth Rock" about a group of young people on a space ship.


ABC orders "The Gates"

The crime drama is set in a sleepy gated community.

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October 14, 2009

NBC names Jon Bon Jovi "Artist in Residence"
For the next two months, Bon Jovi will be exclusive to NBC, appearing on Leno, "SNL," Brian Williams and "Inside the Actor's Studio." Bon Jovi says he hopes this doesn’t jeopardize any" relationships with other media outlets, "but in a shrinking media environment, you have to kind of reinvent the wheel.”


Jorja Fox's "CSI" comeback gets extended beyond 5 episodes

No word on exactly how many episodes she'll return for, but it will be substantially more than five.


Report: "Jon & Kate" will end next month after running out of footage

"They will eek out what they  can in terms of more shows," a source tells Radar.


Did GQ give Betty Draper a boob job?

"Mad Men" star January Jones does not have "porno boobs" in real life.


"Mad Men" story editor is the latest to leave

Robin Vieth, who rose from Matthew Weiner's personal assistant to writer to story editor, has quit the show in the wake of writer Kater Gordon leaving.


Tina Fey on being a 24-year-old virgin

"There's nothing wrong with that," David Letterman tells her, pointing out that Fey lost her virginity to her future husband.


Fox apologizes to Jessica Simpson for mocking her weight

Says Fox in a statement: "Upon reflection, our poor attempt at humor was insensitive and we deeply apologize to anyone who might have been offended."


"The Cleveland Show" earns a full 2nd season

Fox had originally ordered 1 1/2 seasons for the "Family Guy" spinoff.


Fox Reality Channel is being shut down

The news that the 4-year-old channel is going off air in March comes one day after its Really Awards taped.

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October 14, 2009

Michael Jackson's 3 kids to appear on A&E reality show
But not all Jackson family members are happy that their involved with "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty." UPDATE: Katherine Jackson says kids won't appear on TV.


"Dancing" to honor Michael Jackson

Cheryl Burke will help choreograph the ballroom dance tribute for next Tuesday's results show.


Report: Jimmy Kimmel's staff not happy he's dating the head writer

Some feel that Molly McNearney isn't qualified for her job, got preferential treatment and abuses her connection with Jimmy.


Tracy Morgan rips his old "SNL" castmates in new book

Chris Kattan and Cheri Oteri get the brunt of hate in "I Am the New Black," while Morgan of course praises Tina Fey. "I had my finger on the pulse of urban comedy, but when I brought my act to 'SNL,' those mother——— just felt bad for me," he writes. "None of the cast I came up with saw this future for me. No, sir. All I have to say about that is, where's Chris Kattan now? Where's Cheri Oteri now? That b—- can't even get arrested." PLUS: On Tracy Morgan vs. Tracy Jordan: "Tracy Jordan is a part of Tracy Morgan; Tracy Morgan is not a part of Tracy Jordan."


Original dramas may suffer from "NCIS:LA's" popularity

Viewers would rather watch cookie-cutter copycats these days.


Tom Hanks comes through for Letterman

Watch his surprise cameo on last night's "Late Show."

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October 14, 2009

Benjamin Bratt joins "Modern Family"
He'll guest as Sofia Vergara's ex.


Ed O'Neill & Shelley Long almost became a "Cheers" item

Starting tonight, they'll play "Modern Family" exes. But O'Neill reveals that he was up for the Sam Malone part on "Cheers."


"SYTYCD's" Mary Murphy: I was abused for 9 years

She claims her ex-husband repeatedly raped and beat her, causing her to suffer a miscarriage. The ex-husband calls her calims "flat-out lies."


"Office" wedding dance makes a lot of money for Chris Brown and YouTube

Since last week's episode, viewership of the original wedding dance has tripled.


Bravo gives Jackie Warner another show

"Thintervention" will follow the "Work Out" star as she helps people lose weight.


Jon & Kate are both liars!

That $235,000 Kate Gosselin was complaining about last week? Turns out she had $55,000 of it, while Jon had $180,000.


"Nip/Tuck" just drags as its begins its final seasons

"Where once 'Nip/Tuck' crackled, it now whines and sighs," says May McNamara, "where once it shocked, it now plays nice (in the second episode there's a patient-related subplot, complete with Important Life Lesson, that would not be out of place on 'Grey's Anatomy'). Both the main characters appear firmly, if accidentally, on the path of self-discovery and righteousness, which, frankly, is just a big drag."
"Nip/Tuck" rebounds, returning to the heart of the show
Dylan Walsh says split-season scheduling is "really confusing, I know"

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ODDS & ENDS

October 14, 2009

Why is everybody going ga-ga for the "awful" "Cougar Town"?

Jane Lynch deserves all the recognition she's been getting lately

Rumor: Kobe Bryant's wife as an O.C. "Real Housewife"?

Fox Sports cartoon makes fun of Jessica Simpson's weight

Check out Susan Boyle's album cover

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