Friday, February 5, 2010

Howard Stern on "Idol"? It's probably not going to happen
The shock jock yesterday spilled the beans that he had an offer to take over somebody else's show, and Page Six revealed this morning that show is "American Idol." A source tells Page Six, "They know he would be great TV and would clash with the other judges such as Ellen DeGeneres and the contestants. 'Idol' will do what it takes to sign him." But it's probably not going to happen because Stern is scared of flying long distances (that's why he wouldn't do Conan's final week), he is not keen on living in California (he hasn't been on the West Coast since the 90s) and he prefers to stay in New  York, close to his 80-something parents. Howard Stern, at age 56, has also mellowed out — he's big into charity and recently adopted a pussy cat — since embarking on a decade-long relationship with now-wife Beth Ostrosky.  Finally, why would Fox want to put somebody like Stern on a family show that's big in middle America?

Fox mulls putting Conan on FX on weekdays, Fox on weekends
With Fox divided over Conan O'Brien at 11 p.m., one possibility has emerged. According to TV Guide, Fox is considering giving Conan a four-night-a-week FX show that will have a weekend version on Fox. But what will happen to Wanda Sykes? PLUS: NBC has removed all Conan content, including TonightShowWithConanOBrien.com.

Emmys may scrap tape delay, airing live in Hollywood for the 1st time
People who actually live in Hollywood won't have to wait three hours to watch the Emmys anymore, according to a plan proposed by NBC. The Peacock found success in eliminating the tape delay from the Golden Globes broadcast, and the network is seeking to do the same when it broadcasts the Emmy Awards on Aug. 29. The plan is being spurred by the increasing use of Twitter, which would spoil the winners for West Coast viewers.

Expect a lot of Kim Kardashian shots during the Super Bowl
Kardashian's engagement to New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush means will likely get many shots of her chewing on her finger nails. PLUS: Super Bowl pits Kim's fiance vs. "Kendra's" husband.

"Idol's" Helium Girl is a reality TV vet
Nicci Nix (watch here) — the girl who flew 14 hours from Florence, Italy — has also appared on "Fear Factor," "Making the Band," "Next" and "Date My Mom."

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NBC's 30 Rock cook defends her Black History Month fried chicken menu
Leslie Calhoun, who is black, has been begging to put up a special Black History month menu for years. So she was naturally upset by accusations that the menu was racist. "I don't understand it at all," she says of the controversy. "It's what I eat." PLUS: Wanda Sykes on Leno mocks NBC's menu.

Nick to make comedy based on Jessica Simpson's dad's life
Joe Simpson will produce the sitcom about a psychologist raising two daughters in Texas.

Report: Jon Gosselin will let TLC film his kids if lawsuit is dropped
It's clear that Jon is itching to make money but is barred from doing so by the TLC litigation.

Ex-NBC employee Al Franken gets revenge on the Peacock in Senate grilling
The former "SNL" star yesterday grilled Jeff Zucker over the merger with Comcast. "I worked for NBC for many years," he said. "And what I know from my previous career has given me reason to be concerned — let me rephrase that, very concerned — about the potential merger of Comcast and NBC Universal."

"Chuck" promises to be "huge and jaw-dropping" for the rest of the season
"We have to top what we did at the end of last year, and I think we will," says Josh Schwartz, who points out that ratings have been solid so far this season.

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"Puppy Bowl VI" will feature rabbit cheerleaders, hamster blimp pilots

Rumor: "Desperate Housewives" to write off Teri Hatcher next season?

Here are some Super Bowl alternatives

Boy George's life to become a BBC drama series

Watch Jimmy Kimmel's Tim Tebow Super Bowl response ad

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