Monday, October 19, 2009

October 19, 2009

"Extreme Makeover" creator Balloon Boy's dad lied to me last month
Tom Forman, who produces "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," says he met with "liar" Richard Heene last month about a possible project. Heene promised Forman that he didn't pitch his project to anybody else, when in fact he tried to sell the same show idea to TLC. PLUS: Heene's reality show has a theme song.


"Green Acres"/"Addams Family" theme song writer dies

Vic Mizzy, 93, created catch theme songs that have endured.


"Big Brother" winner charged with drug dealing

"BB9" champ Adam Jasinski was charged today in U.S. District Court in Boston with possession of oxycodone pills with intent to distribute.


NBC spins off "The Biggest Loser's" Jillian Michaels

She'll travel across the country and help the overweight in "Losing it with Jillian."


Judge doesn't bar Rod Blagojevich from "Celebrity Apprentice"

But the federal judge in the ex-Illinois' governor's case is worried that he'll shoot his mouth off.


"Lie to Me" earns 3 more scripts despite slow start

The 2nd-year drama hasn't been producing great ratings, despite having "The Shield's" creator as showrunner.

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October 19, 2009

David Hasselhoff may do an American version of his UK family reality show
A&E is looking to sign The Hoff and his family to a reality show that will probably be similar to British TV's "Meet the Hasselhoffs."


Joss Whedon to direct a "Glee" episode

“Joss directed one of the great musical episodes in the history of television on Buffy,” says Ryan Murphy, “so this is a great, if unexpected, fit. I’m thrilled he’ll be loaning us his fantastic groundbreaking talent.”


Michelle Obama to make a quick "Jay Leno" cameo

She'll respond Friday to Leno's "10 at 10" questions via satellite.


"Bored to Death" creator asks Twitter followers if he could watch at their house

Even Jonathan Ames has trouble getting HBO.

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October 19, 2009

Rod Blagojevich may lose "Celeb Apprentice" gig
Federal prosecutors want the former Illinois governor yanked from the Trump show because they're concerned the reality show will taint his jury.


ABC promoting "V" with giant Vs in the sky

Skywriters will put up the Vs starting Friday at 26 landmarks nationwide.


"SNL" is stuck in the past — and too dependent on Kristin Wiig
"Too many of the bits that are funny are either retreads of older bits or about subjects that were originally funny 20 years ago," complains Leslie Gray Streeter of Saturday's episode. "I don’t get it – a show that’s so deliciously pointed and timely during election season can’t rouse more than a couple of news and issues-related bits any other time? Even the cold open, featuring the president’s shirt-ripping mad alter ego 'The Rock Obama,' was funnier the first time. And there’s still entirely too much reliance on Kristin Wiig – what was the point of hiring two more female actors if they’re almost never seen or heard from?"


Which network will buy the Balloon Boy family reality show now?

NBC? Fox? TLC? Will the reality show be filmed before or after the parents go to jail? PLUS: Balloon dad has criminal past.


Wilmer Valderrama will play the "Dog Whisperer" in Fox comedy

The sitcom will be inspired by the life of Cesar Millan.


Check out the naked Marge Simpson

Here are explicit pics from her Playboy spread.

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October 19, 2009

ABC lifts ban on "The Jay Leno Show"
"Apparently, the boycott has been lifted," Leno said Friday before welcoming his 1st ABC guest, "Brothers and Sisters" star Rachel Griffiths. "They realize we are here to stay. We are doing well. We welcome ABC back to the fold. And we hope to promote other wonderful ABC shows like 'Lost' and FlashForward.'" PLUS: NBC affiliates continue to suffer.


TV's Volunteerism Week starts today

More than 100 shows on network and cable TV will feature storylines or PSAs about volunteering.


Ray Romano bids $16K to dine with "Everybody Loves Raymond's" creator

The auction was held as part of a fundraiser to aid an arts school that helps kids in L.A.'s Skid Row.


Two cable networks are interested in burning off "Southland"

TNT is said to be one of the interested parties, but will "Southland's" new network be interested in producing new episodes?


Horshack returns to high school as an acting teacher

"Welcome Back, Kotter" star Ron Palillo is now teaching freshmen and sophomores at a Florida charter school devoted to the entertainment industry.


IFC acquires "Arrested Development"

The Independent Film Channel hopes "Arrested" fits nicely with the complete series of "Monty Python's Flying Circus," which it also recently picked up.

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ODDS & ENDS

October 19, 2009

Japanese candid camera show uses gunfire to prank its mark

Move to Fridays gives "Ugly Betty" low ratings

Fox picks up "Rehab," a comedy

Claim: Will Smith is begging BBC for cameo on "EastEnders"

NFL overrun canceled last night's "Cold Case"

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