A weblog of TV news and criticism
"Idol" pushes Hollywood week back to accommodate Ellen and Simon
"We miss her desperately," Randy Jackson says of Paula
Pamela Anderson slips back into her "Baywatch" bikini
Billie Dee Williams hawks Miley Cyrus Tweet Plates
So far, "FlashForward" has been more "Heroes" than "Lost"
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.
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.
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."
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"
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
CBS News investigating the Letterman scandal
Armen Keteyian, the chief investigative correspondent for CBS News, has been tapped to probe the blackmail plot in a story that possibly could make it to air. CBS News reportedly doesn't want to be scooped by rival networks in the Letterman investigation, so it is approaching the scandal like any other. But don't expect suspect Robert Halderman to give an exclusive interview with his former employer. PLUS: Read Worldwide Pants' sexual harrassment policy, which allows inter-office sexual relationships.
Jake Pavelka confirmed as the new "Bachelor"
"The Bachelorette" star, who failed to win Jillian's heart, will become the 14th "Bachelor."
MTV may yank "Gone Too Far" after low-rated debut
The DJ AM reality show was barely watched and didn't seem to have any ads.
Seth McFarlane to star in live Microsoft-sponsored "Family Guy" special
"Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show" will mostly be used to plug Windows 7.
ABC picks up Matthew Perry sitcom
NBC failed to win the comedy featuring Perry as a 40-year-old with a midlife crisis.
HBO hooks up with "Gilmore Girls" creator
Amy Sherman-Palladino's new dramedy will chronicle three sisters who live in the same apartment building as their domineering mother.
Another woman sues Dr. Phil
Crystal Matchett claims Dr. Phi forced her to stay in a room with a naked man after brainwashing her.
Judge orders Jon Gosselin to return $180,000
He'll be in contempt of court if he doesn't return the money to he and Kate's joint bank account by Oct. 26.
Report: "Southland" planned to kick off Season 2 with a defecation
With rumors that TNT may burn off the canceled NBC drama's six remaining episodes, there's talk that Season 2 was unrelentingly dark.
D.C. "Real Housewives" trouble? Republican fundraiser, lobbyist exit show
Two of Washington's politically connected "Real Housewives" have left the show amid rumors that producers are having a hard time enlisting people who are tied to government politics.
Jay Leno sketch mocks 10 o'clock dramas
"Cops & Doctors" is a blend of "Law & Order" and "ER" with a hint of "Southland."
Returning early could end up hurting "Chuck"
If "Chuck" comes back as soon as this month, rather than in March, it won't benefit from the relentless NBC promotion during the Winter Olympics. Instead, "Chuck" will likely not get the promotion to bring in more viewers.
NBC allowed "Idol" to perform at Macy's Parade, so why not "Glee"?
NBC has also had no problem with Disney Channel's "High School Musical" as a Thanksgiving Day Parade performer, but the cast of "Glee" — who were set to sing "Don't Stop Believin'" — struck a nerve at the Peacock. As Lisa de Moraes points out, only the recent "Idol" winner would perform in previous Macy's parades, a star who will no longer be competing with NBC as the network gets a boost from featuring the star of TV's biggest show. "Glee," on the other hand, will benefit from starring in NBC's parade while possibly hurting the network. PLUS: "Glee" songs have no trouble with clearance.
Ryan Murphy responds, says he looks "forward to seeing a Jay Leno float"
NFL gives Fox's airing of Brett Favre vs. Green Bay Packers a primetime boost
Last week's Favre vs. Packers game on "Monday Night Football" scored cable TV's biggest-ever ratings. So today the NFL moved the November 1st rematch at Lambeau Field (Favre's old stomping grounds) from 1 pm to 4:15 pm, which means the game will end in primetime and, quite possibly, give Fox humongous ratings.
How did "NCIS" become No. 1?
"It defies all conventional wisdom,” media analyst Brad Adgate says of last week's No. 1 network show. "Shocked, surprised, amazed, might be the words for it — I can’t think of any show, in recent history, that has gotten a huge spike like this without any real notable changes."
TLC promos say: We have a "limited number of episodes" of "Jon & Kate" left
Monday's show featured a promo saying, "With only a limited number of episodes remaining, Jon and Kate spend quality time with those who matter." Does that mean the show is almost done, or that Jon is almost gone?
Judge orders Jon and Kate to work it out // Jon embracing Judaism
Was "The Office" wedding lifted from "HIMYM"?
Jim & Pam's wedding bore at least some resemblance to Marshall and Lily's nuptials in Season 2, as John Swansburg noticed: "Overwhelmed by the events leading up to their wedding, Jim and Pam steal away from the church, elope on the Maid of the Mist, and then return for the wedding ceremony. Sound familiar? In Season 2 of HIMYM, Marshall and Lily, overwhelmed by the events leading up to their wedding, steal away from the church, elope in a quiet park, and then return for the wedding ceremony. A case of borrowing, or just great minds thinking alike?"
"HIMYM" debuts a new Web site: ItWasTheBestNightEver.com
Watch "HIMYM's" Extreme-like video with Nuno Bettencourt
"V's" leading lady could return for ABC's remake
Jane Badler says she recently had lunch with one of the producers of the new "V."
Weekly World News coming to TV
The 30-year-old tabloid is developing a TV show that will include all its humorous trademarks, including aliens, Elvis sightings and conspiracies.
Bad casting, lack of controversy may have damaged "Dancing"
Add to that extra competition from "House" and "So You Think You Can Dance" and you probably can see why "Dancing with the Stars" has had its worst ratings since its premiere in 2005.
Is the cast too big? There are still 11 left… // Karina & Aaron deny romance
"The Ethicist" tackles the case of his former boss, Dave Letterman
New York Times "Ethicist" columnist Randy Cohen is a former "Late Night" writer who says: "Almost from my first days on the show, early in 1984, there was talk that Dave was catting around with employees, and that these women were willing — eager — partners. None felt coerced. None felt harassed …. it is noteworthy that over 25 years, we know of no former girlfriend who has taken legal action against this very wealthy, very public figure."
Letterman is a modern-day version of "Mad Men's" Roger Sterling
University may ban Letterman internships
Jimmy Kimmel denies telling Letterman jokes
Dallas TV anchor asks Oprah to apologize for Dr. Phil
Zach Braff confirms: I'm not dead!
Oprah gets Mike Tyson to cry during emotional interview
Australia is being urged to ban TV-watching for children under 2
"Mad Men's" January Jones says ex Ashton Kutcher didn't support her acting
Matthew Perry, 40, is making a comedy about turning 40
Perry, who became the last "Friends" star to enter their 40s on Aug. 19, will co-write and star in a project about a sports arena manager who suffers a midlife crisis when he turns 40. The project for Sony TV will be produced and directed by Tommy Schlamme of "The West Wing" and "Studio 60" fame. Earlier this year, Perry was working on the pilot about a talk show host called "The End of Steve," which Showtime declined to pick up.
"Glee" might go on tour
Fox entertainment boss Kevin Reilly says it could happen: "Certainly if these kids become stars in their own right, who knows? Live appearances. Albums. There’s lots of things that could happen."
Carrie Underwood to star in Fox variety special from "Idol" makers
David Cook, Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley will join her for the "Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special," which will air Dec. 7.
It's a girl for Heidi Klum
She and Seal welcomed Lou Sulola Samuel on Friday.
DVR ratings give many extra viewers to TV shows
"Heroes" and "90210," for instance, saw their audience grow by 26% and 35%, respectively. "Grey's Anatomy" added 3 million viewers, more than any other show.
Watch Neil Patrick Harris as singing "Batman" cartoon character
He lent his voice to "Cartoon Network’s Batman: The Brave and the Bold."
Fox promises to run all 13 "Dollhouse" episodes, thanks to a DVR boost
A 50% rise thanks to DVR viewership, Fox won't cancel the Joss Whedon series before it's done airing its Season 2 order. "It's one of the reasons that we brought 'Dollhouse' back; we knew it was DVR-friendly," says Fox's Preston Beckman.
"SpongeBob" gets married
Watch Mr. SquarePants and Sandy tie the knot.
Newark mayor going on Conan
After weeks of back and forth, Mayor Cory Booker will finally meet his "Tonight Show" nemesis on Friday.
ABC gives "FlashForward" a full season
The sci-fi series is beating "Survivor" among important viewers.
How would "Seinfeld" have dealt with Twitter?
JERRY: "Again with the Twitter?" GEORGE: "What? I can't tweet?"
"Real Housewives" heading to syndication next fall
Five days a week you'll be able to relive the "Housewives" seasons, city by city.
Did Letterman's alleged blackmailer actually commit blackmail?
As the New Yorker notes, "It’s perfectly legal for (Robert) Halderman to write, or threaten to write, a screenplay (or an e-mail to TMZ) exposing the fact that David Letterman had flings with 'Late Show' employees. It’s also legal for Halderman to ask Letterman for money as part of a business transaction. So why are the two things illegal when you put them together?" PLUS: Stephanie shows Dave her visit to Super Duper Weenie.
"Cougar Town" nabs Rachael Harris and Alan Ruck
They'll play husband and wife, and Courteney Cox's likely enemies.
Late-night is turning on Obama
Jon Stewart and Jay Leno wre among those mocking the president last week, following "SNL's" do-nothing sketch.
NBC: Cheaper Leno matches the ratings of ABC's expensive 10 p.m. dramas
Media analysts aren't surprised by Leno's ratings, which are about five million a night. Meanwhile, NBC, which will wait 1 year to judge Leno, points to ABC's 10 o'clock dramas — from "The Forgotten" to "Eastwick" — which perform around the ratings level of "The Jay Leno Show." PLUS: Viewers treat Leno as "Plan B."
"Grey's Anatomy" makes Kim Raver darken her hair
Producers don't want Raver to be a blonde when she becomes Kevin McKidd's possible love interest.
NBC bars "Glee" from the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
The department store invited the cast to perform, but reneged after NBC found out about it.
Many, many things are being named after Stephen Colbert
A bridge, a beetle, a hockey team, an ice cream flavor….
Now Jon Gosselin is accusing Kate of stealing their money
He claims she's made unauthorized withdrawals and is hiding $1 million, he claims.
Lindsay Lohan's dad hangs out with the "Plus 8" // Jon & Kate agree to shut up
"Millionaire" contestants are playing it safe due to the economy
As Meredith Vieira explains, "They're walking away earlier than they would before. They're satisfied with what they have. They're not going to gamble and risk dropping down."
It's time to turn "Nip/Tuck" into a comedy
Add a laugh track and some jokes, and the final episodes of the FX drama might just be bearable.
Tyra Banks is primetime's No. 1 female earner, Katherine Heigl is No. 2
Forbes ranks Marg Helgenberger No. 3, Eva Longoria No. 4 and Mariska Hargitay No. 5.
Emmy-winning "Mad Men" writer loses her job
Kater Gordan, one of "Mad Men's" many female writers who worked her way up from Matthew Weiner's babysitter to writting the Emmy-winning script for "Meditations In An Emergency," was let go for no reason at all.
Hilton historian aided "Mad Men" with its Conrad Hilton portrayal
"They wanted to know, was Connie Hilton a milquetoast, or was he charismatic and gregarious," says Mark Young, who runs the Hospitality Industry Archives at the University of Houston's Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management. Young says the show got additional details right, like the fact that the real Hilton was shopping for a new ad agency in 1963 plus the incredible view from the Rome Hilton. "The actor looks like him, though Hilton was a little beefier — not fat, just thicker," says Young. "We have old films of him. He was a very forceful speaker. Direct and matter-of-fact."
Jon Hamm injured by prop gun shot, tells Letterman about his softcore porn past
John Slattery fights NYC sanitation plans
Check out Christina Hendricks' wedding photos
More Sterling Cooper, please! // Don Draper: Hypocrite!
Kanye West skips out on BET hip-hop awards
CW airs a beer commercial for the 1st time
Oprah's ex-flight attendant sues over "Mile High" canning
USA Network stars pay tribute to "Monk"
"SNL" bashes Obama yet again // When did you stop watching "SNL"?
Jimmy Kimmel dating his staffer — is he pulling a Letterman?
Kimmel's rep confirms that Jimmy is dating "Jimmy Kimmel Live" c0-head writer Molly McNearney, a 31-year-old who has worked on the show since 2003. "After Jimmy and Sarah broke up, Molly and Jimmy both found themselves single, and they clicked," a source tells People. "They're really happy together." According to People, McNearney worked her way up from assistant to the executive producer, assuming her current job in May 2008.
"Mad Men's" Christina Hendricks weds
The 34-year-old Hendricks married fiancé Geoffrey Arend at a NYC restaurant on Sunday.
It's official: Lauren Graham replaces "Parenthood"
She'll replace Maura Tierney as Peter Krause's sister.
Meredith Grey won't miss a day of "Grey's"
Ellen Pompeo preshooting scenes before giving birth plus her early return means that Meredith Grey won't be absent at all this season.
"Friday Night Lights" gets mystical
Check out the new promo for "FNL."
Kate Gosselin files for chiild and spousal support from Jon
Says her attorney: "She needs relief in light of the draining of substantial marital assets in violation of the arbitrator's decision that the money should be used only for specific purposes."
"Chuck" could return later this month
The NBC drama may be bumped from its March premiere.
Humane Society is not on board Michael Vick's reality show
Despite a report in the L.A. Times, the Humane Society has no connection to BET's "Michael Vick Project."
"Southland" is being shopped to TNT
Both the show and the network are owned by Time Warner.
Report: Letterman's wife demanded public apology
But a source close to Regina Lasko tells Fox News that Monday's apology "wasn’t something Dave wanted to do at all…He wanted the whole thing to blow over," said the source. "But Regina told him he better make an apology to let everyone know how sorry he was for how much he hurt and humiliated her." PLUS: Robert Halderman thinks Dave slept with "six or seven" staffers.
NBC sued for allegedly stealing fonts
The Font Bureau, which has designed fonts for Apple and Microsoft, claims NBC didn't secure the rights for the fonts used in promos for "The Jay Leno Show," "SNL" and "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon."
"HIMYM" casts Chris Elliott as Lily's estranged dad
They'll reunite for a Thanksgiving episode.
Darrell Hammond: I "retired" from "SNL" — though I'll always be back
The long-time "SNL"-er says "I expect to do a lot more" sketches, despite his retirement, like impersonating Gov. Schwarzenegger last weekend on "Weekend Update."
Rod Blagojevich joining "Celebrity Apprentice"?
The former Illinois governor is expected to compete on Trump's reality show next season.
Why "Dollhouse" deserves to live
The struggling Joss Whedon drama, says Maureen Ryan, "sets out to do what network programs are supposed to do — to entertain — but it also examines thorny ideas about power, exploitation and gender. Few other shows on television are willing to do this."
"Real World" disclaimer: We can't guarantee that our cast is STD-free
Contestants in a D.C. "Real World" date auction had to sign a waiver absolving producers of any responsibility if they contract any sexually transmitted diseases from the "Real World" cast.
It was hard not to love "The Office" wedding
Usually, sitcom weddings stink, says Matthew Gilbert. But not this one. "I loved the hour from start to finish, he says. "It had just the right amounts of lightly cringy American "Office" moments and emotional pangs." He adds: "The overall effect was joyous and touching, giddy and cinematic. It was once of the best TV wedding sequences I've ever seen, and it did justice to the years of back and forth between Jim and Pam and the durable, loving rapport they have developed."
Best TV wedding ever? // They did it perfectly right // Chris Brown gets a boost
Niagara residents gather to watch the wedding // The whole episode was dead-on
Greg Daniels: Jim/Pam won't affect "The Office's" dynamics
1st Duggar granchild is born
Welcome to the world of "18 Kids and Counting," Mackynzie Duggar!
Rush Limbaugh to judge Miss America
The conservative commentator will be on the panel of seven judges for next year's TLC event.
Is "The O.C." cursed?
In just two weeks, Benjamin McKenzie and Mischa Barton saw their new shows canceled. Meanwhile, Adam Brody has dropped off the face of the planet.
Dr. Phil denies breast-groping lawsuit
A spokesperson says: "Dr. Phil is never alone in the House with any of these guests and all of his interactions are captured on video and/or audio tape."
"Young and the Restless" star Eric Braden quits over salary dispute
"If I signed a three-year f***ing deal, you honor it!" says the 68-year-old actor.
Women's blog sticks up for Jon Gosselin
As Kate continues to win the PR war, DoubleX.com calls Jon "a sort of mad prophet, the only sane voice in a sea of people who think it’s perfectly reasonable to raise eight children on a reality show, even in the middle of a horrendous divorce." Kate, meanwhiile, "seems to have lost sight of what’s best for her children; instead she keeps her focus on implementing genius crisis control."
Jon gave Cara an ATV!? // Let's quit paying attention to "Jon & Kate"!
War of words: Feuding Jon & Kate are ignoring the kids
What was Jeff Probst doing during the Probst-less "Survivor" challenge?
Heidi Klum denies farting on "Models of the Runway"
Here's a preview of DJ AM's reality show
From Moe's to Cheers to the Regal Beagle: What are TV's best bars?
Pricey "Trauma" should be NBC's next cancelation
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