A weblog of TV news and criticism
"24's" end is a sure sign that the the big network dramas of 2000s are over
Happy 70th birthday, Chuck Norris!
Jimmy Fallon injured during martini race with Chelsea Handler
Thanks to "Parenthood," Asperger's syndrome Google searches go up
Seth MacFarlane wanted "Family Guy" to replace Cleveland with Mr. T
Corey Haim dies at 38 — Watch him in "The Two Coreys"
Haim, who was found dead this morning of a drug overdose, spent his final years filming an A&E reality show with a slovenly unemployed Corey Feldman that lasted from July 2007 to August 2008. It was canceled after its 1st season. Watch the first three episodes of that show. PLUS: Watch The Two Coreys in a "Nightline" interview.
Report: Fox close to ending "24"
This year's 8th season appears to be the last, according to Variety, which says that both Fox and 20th Century Fox TV are ready to end the Kiefer Sutherland series due to rising costs. Says Variety: "Studio and network execs declined comment — but it’s believed that the final decision will be made in the next day or two. Move is not a huge surprise, but still reps the end of an era for Fox." The end of the series doesn't mean the end of the franchise, however. Jack Bauer could be headed to the big-screen.
Letterman takes time on his show to thank the D.A.
"I was concerned," Dave said on tonight's "Late Show," "and full of anxiety and nervous and worried. And the people in the District Attorney’s office said, 'This will be handled professionally, this will be handled skillfully, and appropriately' … Well, the matter was resolved today, and they were exactly right – it was handled professionally, skillfully and appropriately."
Leno continues to top Letterman, but Dave beats Jay among important viewers
On Monday night Jay eked out a win over Letterman, but Dave won in the all-important 18-49 demo.
It's official: "Jersey Shore" is moving to Miami
South Beach will welcome the "Jersey" gang in the next few weeks.
Mark Saling denies "Glee" off-screen relationship with Naya Rivera
His rep is denying a TV Guide report: "Mark is not in a committed relationship at this time as his primary focus has been his work."
Keri Russell joins Will Arnett on "Arrested Development" creator's new Fox comedy
She'll play a charitable tree-hugger who attracts Arnett in "Wilde Kingdom."
Jimmy Smits joins Conan O'Brien's NBC "Justice" pilot
Smits will also co-exec produce the drama about aSupreme Court justice who leaves the bench to start his own private practice.
Mattel creates "Mad Men" Barbie dolls
Don and Betty Draper, Roger Sterling and Joan Holloway will each get their own dolls. But as Stuart Elliott notes, the dolls represent a departure for Barbie: "That two dolls represent a relationship outside wedlock, and Don Draper’s propensity for adultery, may be firsts for the Barbie world since the brand’s introduction five decades ago. But for the sake of the Barbie image, her immersion in the “Mad Men” era will go only so far: The dolls come with period accessories like hats, overcoats, pearls and padded undergarments, but no cigarettes, ashtrays, martini glasses or cocktail shakers."
ABC releasing a "Lost" encyclopedia
Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse will write the forward for the book, which will be released in hardcover on August 24.
Pilots go to Jason Biggs, Jerry O'Connell and Judy Greer
They'll star in, respectively, CBS' "True Love," CBS' "Defenders" and Fox's "Tax Man."
KISS: The kids' TV show?
A Canadian production company is teaming with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley on a TV series.
Jerry Seinfeld will fill in for Regis
Ludacris will sub for Reege on Wednesday, Seinfeld on Thursday.
Original "Melrose Place" cast members, reunited
Here's your first look at Heather Locklear, Thomas Calabro, Daphne Zuniga and Josie Bissett together from an upcoming episode.
Letterman extortionist pleads guilty, says sorry to Dave and Stephanie
Robert Halderman pleaded guilty this afternoon to one count of attempted grand larceny in the second degree. He was sentenced to six months in jail, five years probation and 1,000 hours of community service. After his hearing, Halderman said in a prepared statement: "I just wanted to say again I apologize to Mr. Letterman, his family, to Stephanie Birkitt, her family, and certainly to my friends and family. I will not be doing any interviews, and I thank you all for your patience." PLUS: Read Letterman's statement thanking the DA.
CBS renews "Undercover Boss"
Since its post-Super Bowl premiere, "Boss" has been averaging 18.7 million viewers.
"Spartacus" star has cancer, delaying filming on Season 2
Andy Whitfield will begin treatment immediately after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. "Spartacus" was set to begin shooting Season 2 later this month.
Charlie Sheen will be back on "Two and a Half Men" next Friday
The actor is expected to be out of rehab and back on the set March 19.
Conan's Twitter followee is going on Larry King Wednesday
Sarah Killen's 15 minutes of fame aren't over yet.
Report: Letterman's accused blackmailer will plead guilty today
The NY Daily News reports that in exchange for a guilty plea, Robert Halderman will receive a six-month jail sentence. He will also serve 4 1/2 years probation and do 1,000 hours of community service. Halderman is expected in Manhattan Supreme Court this afternoon.
"Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe joins Showtime's "The Big C"
The Best Actress nominee will be a recurring guest star in the first season.
Simon Cowell kisses his fiance on Leno, blushes and puts his money on Crystal
Check out his interview with Jay Leno. PLUS: Is Simon Cowell's empire really troubled?
Katherine Heigl goes brunette
The "Grey's Anatomy" star was spotted yesterday near the show's set with a new hairdo.
Animal Planet to turn Oscar-winner "The Cove" into a TV series
The best documentary winner focusing on the dolphin trade in Japan could become a TV show by the fall.
Andy Richter fills in for Regis, slams Leno and NBC
This morning, Kelly Ripa asked Andy — who, unlike Conan, is allowed to go on TV — if he still had any ill feelings toward NBC or Leno. "Um, yes. Yes, I do," Conan's sidekick responded to applause. "Why wouldn't I? Why wouldn't I? I mean, my God, I'd be some sort of self-hater…I mean, NBC definitely…everybody said they were gonna do something, and then they didn't. They all said years ago, 'We're gonna do something,' and then they didn't." PLUS: Richter says a tour is a "distinct possibility."
Oscar producer: We changed the opening number the night before
"I ripped out the entire opening of the show and changed it," Adam Shankman, who wouldn't give details, tells Ryan Seacrest. "It wasn't working." (MP3 link)
Ron Howard directs Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt
Check out their FunnyorDie video.
Fox sets summer schedule, moves "Lie to Me" to the summer
The network's summer schedule will feature "Lie to Me" (returning June 7), "SYTYCD," "Hell's Kitchen," the new drama "The Good Guys" and reruns of "Glee" every Wednesday night.
"Amazing Race" cop yanked off the streets amid cocaine investigation
Louie Stravato, who's competing on the current season, has been put on "Desk duty" after a police investigation into a cocaine distribution ring.
Lindsay Lohan sues E*Trade for $100M over "Milkaholic" ad
Check out the animated "Breaking Bad"
Hulu didn't promote a single Fox show last week
Here's your first look at John Barrowman getting "Desperate"
Creepy Bob Barker: A "Price is Right" montage
Nick Nolte teams up with Dustin Hoffman on HBO's "Luck"
This is the first regular TV role for the notorious Nolte in 34 years, when he appeared on the ABC miniseries "Rick Man, Poor Man."
SNL's "Lazy Sunday" — Live!
Jimmy Fallon got Andy Samberg and Chris Parnell to perform their viral hit, with the help of the Roots and the rest of the Lonely Island crew.
Jean Smart elected "Hawaii Five-O" governor
The former "24" first lady will play Gov. Pat Jameson in CBS' "Hawaii" remake.
Brittany Snow, ex-"24" star Sarah Wynter land pilots
Snow wills tar in NBC's David E. Kelly dramedy "Kindreds," while Wynter will join the ABC series "Cutthroat."
"Heroes" star Sendhil Ramamurthy jumps to USA
He'll play a CIA agent on "Covert Affairs."
ABC will keep "Castle" on Mondays after Sunday stint
"Castle" will still get a trial run in the "Brothers & Sisters" slot later this month.
Real-life "Glee" romance confirmed
Mark Salling and Naya Rivera are dating off-screen.
"Sopranos" creator to rock it on the big screen
David Chase's first major motion picture will be about a rock band in the '60s.
NBC renews Miss Universe and Miss USA
While Miss America is homeless, the two Trump pageants will keep their network home.
Comedy Central unveils the 1st-ever "South Park" deleted scene
The 13th season DVD set will be the 1st to include deleted scenes.
Jabba the Hutt meets "Parks and Recreation"
It's "Hutts and Rec."
Yup, "Will & Grace's" Sean Hayes is gay
Twelve years after shooting to fame playing Jack McFarland, Hayes finally talks about being gay with The Advocate. "I am who I am. I was never in, as they say. Never," he says.
ABC taps Rob Morrow and Tom Cavanagh for pilots
Morrow will star in Jerry Bruckheimer's legal drama "The Whole Truth," while former "Ed" star Cavanagh will play "Edgar Floats," a police psychologist turned bounty hunter.
MTV's "Skins" cast revealed?
The pilot of the Baltimore-set remake of the British teen series reportedly filming last week. Is this the cast?
Jay Leno reacts to his 1st week back, says he'll appear on "Marriage Ref"
Leno tells "Access Hollywood": "We learn… you know, (from) some mistakes, and we know what to correct. You just try to keep the energy up and keep it going and there’s a big cross section of America out there you have to appeal to, you can’t just (target) one demographic group and that’s the whole trick.”
"Pros vs. Joes" reunites enemies Donovan McNabb & Terrell Owens
The former Philadelphia Eagles teammates will appear on the Spike TV reality show, which this time around will pit NFLers who played college basketball vs. former NBA stars.
David Arhculeta writing his memoir
The "Idol" runner-up's book, due out June 1, has been titled, "Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perseverance."
Conan's sole Twitter followee offers to wed on his show
Nineteen-year-old Sarah Killen — who has received a Mac, wedding rings, wine, a dress, a limo and more as a result of Conan's tweet last Friday — says "he's changed my life." But would he serve as her fiancé's best man?
"Lost" meets "Baywatch"
What if the castaways had the "Baywatch" theme.
Kathy Ireland denies being drunk on the Oscar red carpet
Her bizarre behavior, she says, was the result of being happy to be there.
"Modern Family" in Hawaii
Check out the cast as they hit the beach.
Syfy remaking "Little Red Riding Hood" with Felicia Day
In "Red," a TV movie premiering in 2011, Felicia Day will star as a werewolf-hunting descendant of Little Red Riding Hood who brings her fiancé home, where he meets the family and learns about their business.
Google Search coming to Dish
A new test service will allow Dish users to easily search for programs with Google.
Oscarcast was a drag
Too much Clooney! Too much Streep! "An hour into the telecast of the 82nd Academy Awards, you couldn't help but hope that somewhere backstage at the Kodak Theatre someone was waving a script and yelling: 'Tempo, people, tempo.'" says Mary McNamara. "Despite everyone's best efforts, this year's Oscars seemed to suffer from a crisis of confidence. Although studded with entertaining and emotional moments, it just never seemed to get going."
Oscar ratings soar: 41.3 million tuned in, highest since 2005
Steve Martin & Alec Baldwin were seriously funny — best combo in 82 years
Hosts were dynamic, ceremony was bloated // Letterman deserves an apology
Neil Patrick Harris overexposed; producers gave themselves to camp excess
5 ways to fix Oscar: Stop hiring bad hosts, no more presenters under 25
Tom Hanks: We always planned to rush Best Picture
Tiger Woods jokes axed // Kathy Ireland's teleprompter snafu
The story behind Oscar's "Kanye moment"
Academy: We omitted Farrah Fawcett's name on purpose
Betty White: I'm going on "SNL"
Without offering details on whether she'll host or not, White said she'll appear on "Saturday Night Live. "I don't know why or how," she says of the fan support, "but it's been wonderful."
"Modern Family" can't stop driving Toyota
Despite the automakers' bad reputation, the sitcom has to continue filming scenes with Toyota cars as part of a product placement deal.
Taylor Momsen, 16: "I smoke, so what?"
The 16-year-old "Gossip Girl" star says: "Why do people give a s— what a 16-year-old girl who they’ve never met does? It’s not like I’m sitting there going, ‘Kids, you should go buy a pack of cigarettes.’ When I walk outside with a cigarette and someone takes a picture of it and puts it on the Internet, its not my problem. I’m just living my life and I’m not gonna live my life for other people.” PLUS: Matthew Settle & Kelly Rutherford bond off screen.
Report: NBC let "godlike" Seinfeld avoid "Marriage Ref" audience testing
Jerry Seinfeld was viewed as a savior at NBC — so much so that the Peacock let his reality show go from pitch to green light to production.
Watch Simon Cowell's revealing interview with Piers Morgan
The "Idol" judge tackled just about everything in a grilling from his "Got Talent" employee. PLUS: Simon slams Sting for criticizing him.
Simon Cowell calls Howard Stern in private
The "Idol" judge, according to the shock jock, wanted to "set the record straight" over comments he made slamming the idea of Stern as an "Idol" judge.
How homophobic is "SNL"?: Introducing the "SNL Homowatch"
Washington Post TV critic Hank Stuever has begun tracking the number of gay jokes per "Saturday Night Live" episode — the Zach Galifianakis episode had three. Pointing out that "SNL" likes gay and anal sex jokes, Stuever writes: "For years, I’ve been vaguely (in a teensy way) bothered by 'Saturday Night Live’s' complete dependence on sketches that make fun of being gay. I don’t know exactly why. I’ve written a little about this before — 'enlightened homophobia,' which is probably socially harmless (as is most televsion, really) but nevertheless irritates me."
Tony Danza cried 3 times during his 1st week of teaching
Danza has been filming his classroom reality show for six months, and he's loving it so far. "It would be hard in any case, but trying to do it as a TV show makes it even harder," he says.
"Big Love's" messy season comes to an end
"This year was a pretty spectacular creative failure," says Alan Sepinwall, who adds: "the show's storytelling this year has become such a ridiculous mess – trying to stuff what felt like three seasons worth of plot and character arcs into a 9-episode bag – that I'm finding it hard to care about any of it."
A new beginning // "Damages" vs. "Big Love" // Its dramatic credibility obliterated
What happens when vegetables watch TV?
It's official: Brooke Burke is the new "Dancing" co-host
Zach Galifianakis shaves beard during "SNL" // Zach tried to make "SNL" funny
ABC renews "Brothers & Sisters" for Season 5
Dr. Drew Pinsky is leaving his under-scrutiny hospital after 19 years
Jimmy Kimmel unveils the "Handsome Men's Club"
It's the post-Oscar show sketch featuring Ethan Hawke, Rob Lowe, Sting, Tony Romo, Ted Danson, John Krasinski, Keith Urban, Matthew McConaughey, Taye Diggs, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Gilles Marini, Josh Hartnett and one special surprise.
Fox renews "Fringe" for Season 3
That means the Thursday lineup will stay intact.
Early David Letterman: From bearded man to basketball player
Check out a montage of the early Letterman, from 1967 to 1980.
Neil Patrick Harris opens his 4th awards show in the past year
Harris — who in the past year has opened the Emmys, the Tonys, the TV Land Awards and, tonight, the Oscars — actually denied last week a report that he would be doing a duet with Martin Short at the Academy Awards, but he never said he wasn't going to show up at the Oscars. "I told you I wasn't doing a duet…," he wrote tonight on Twitter after his performance.
Pilots go to Scott Foley, Gayle O'Grady and the star of "Almost Famous"
Patrick Fugit, now 27, will join Debra Messing on ABC's "Wright vs. Wrong."
Kathy Bates ready for full-time TV gig
The Oscar winner is in talks to star in David E. Kelley's "Kindreds," playing a curmudgeonly patent lawyer role that was originally written for a man.
NYC cable customers get ABC restored 14 minutes into the Oscars
Disney, which had yanked the ABC signal, reached an agreement with Cablevision just as the Oscarcast was starting.
TBS teams up Mark-Paul-Gosselaar & Breckin Meyer
They'll play — what else? — attorneys in "Franklin & Bash." PLUS: Tim Meadows also lands TBS gig.
"Friday Night Lights" dumps "Landry"
Jesse Plemons' contract wasn't picked up and he won't return as a full-time cast member next season, but he might show up in reduced capacity.
Was Farrah Fawcett snubbed by Oscars for being a TV star?
The actress was left out of tonight's tribute, as was Bea Arthur.
Erin Andrews joins Twitter
The famed ESPN reporter turned "Dancing" star tweeted her first bruise from practicing with Maksim.
"Lost" composer Michael Giacchino wins Oscar
Giacchino, who won for his "Up" music, has been J.J. Abrams' main man when it comes to music, working on everything from "Alias" to "Fringe" to "Star Trek."
Conan's very special Twitter follower earns a Mac and a wedding ring
Sarah Killen, the only person Conan O'Brien follows on Twitter, says she had to give her permission, via MySpace, before Conan posted her name. Since then, she's been showered with gift offers.
Sarah Palin will star in the "reality show" that's really a travelogue
The reality show Mark Burnett is pitching a documentary in which Palin gives viewers an intimate look at Alaska.
Watch "Community" exec producer deliver the "bad news" about renewal
Cast members were led to believe, for a moment, that "Community" had been canceled, when NBC has just announced that it had been renewed for a 2nd season.
Jimmy Kimmel gathers A-listers for the "Handsome Men's Club"
Watch as Rob Lowe, Sting, John Krasinski, Matthew McConaughey, Lenny Kravitz, Gilles Marini and Josh Hartnett try to remove Kimmel from the "HMC" presidency. (Watch Part 1 of the skit, which airs in full after the Academy Awards.
"Regis and Kelly" help crack "America's Most Wanted" case
John Walsh's visit this morning led to the arrest of a murderer on the 15 Most Wanted List.
"Bachelor" Jake admits he and Tenley didn't have sexual chemistry
"Ok, I'll come clean: Physical and sexual chemistry are the same thing," he told Jimmy Kimmel. PLUS: Jake's ex says she has proof.
CNN gets Jeff Probst fills in for Larry King
The former "Access Hollywood" newsman talked about the Jaycee Dugard case and exotic birds.
Report: Brooke Burke wins "Dancing" co-host gig
According to Star magazine, the former "Dancing" champ will be announced as host on Monday's "GMA."
"24's" Annie Wersching is pregnant
The actress who plays Renee Walker didn't say when her baby is due.
NBC renews "The Office," "Community" and "30 Rock"
That means the entire Thursday comedy block, including "Parks and Recreation," will be back next season.
Conan is expected to announce tour next week, possibly via Twitter
San Diego will likely join Phoenix as part of the tour, which could be announced as soon as next week and may start on the West Coast.
Conan changes the life of a "random" Twitter follower
"I've decided to follow someone at random," Conan tweeted this afternoon. That random person was Sarah Killeen of Michigan, whose Twitter account swelled from 12 followers to more than 5,000 in an hour. Killeen even became a Twitter Trending topic worldwide. Her response: "I knew that randomness would pay off for me one day."
Cirie reacts to her "Survior" blindside
"Maybe I'm not as smart as people think I am," she says, "but I didn't realize at the time that I had a really good grasp on this game and things were going the way I wanted them to."
Hulu users tag Jay Leno with nasty words
On Hulu, Leno is being called "asstarded," "lying hack," "craptastic" and "vomit-inducing."
Claim: "Idol" has transformed Kara DioGuardi into Paula Abdul
Kara has totally morphed into Paula season, as Lisa de Moraes notes: "They have sexed up her look a lot — more toussled hair and she's adopted Paula's "Going clubbing after this" look. And they've moved her over next to Simon and suddenly she's doing the shoulder rub and stroking his arm and exchanging sexy banter with him on air — she's totally been morphed into Paula, except that she seems to know more about the music industry and, to her credit, is about to communicate her thoughts much better this season…."
"Grey's Anatomy" loses 2 docs
Robert Baker's Dr. Percy and Nora Zehetner's Dr. Adamson aren't returning next season.
NBC denies adding laughs to Sarah Palin's Leno visit
The Peacock, responding to a report on the liberal Daily Kos Web site, said Friday that "neither the audio nor the laughs were enhanced for Sarah Palin's segments on 'The Tonight Show' " this past Tuesday.
Jenna Elfman gives birth to her 2nd son
The "Accidentally on Purpose" star welcomed Easton Quinn Monroe Elfman on Tuesday.
Hurley's "Lost" music video
Check out "Party in the U.S.A." PLUS: A "Lost" drawing for each day of the year.
Conan O'Brien stage show tickets are already for sale before announcement
A Phoenix theater says it'll host a performance by Conan on April 30.
"Castle" rips Leno-Conan feud from the headlines, with the host of "Dancing"
Tom Bergeron will play a talk show host, Fred Willard will play his sidekick and "Lisa Simpson will play a comedy-club owner in the special April 26 episode.
"House" reruns will begin include extra special footage
Starting tonight, and recurring every Friday, "House" reruns will feature special behind-the-scenes commentary and footage.
Buzz Aldrin dances to "30 Rock"
The astronaut-turned-TV star is filming a cameo that will air May 11. PLUS: Buzz is counting on his "strong Swedish stock" to get him through "Dancing."
E! seems to be stoked that its "Pretty Wild" star is connected to celeb burglaries
The cable network is trumpeting the fact that one of its stars, Alexis Neiers, has pleaded not guilty to a string of celebrity burglaries.
Why did "SVU" cut Kathy Griffin's lesbian kiss?
Her same-sex smooch with Mariska Hargitay was missing from Wednesday's episode.
CBS: We might change William Shatner's sitcom name to "Shat My Dad Says"
CBS boss Nina Tassler also explains her network's obsession with Alex O'Loughlin: "He's certainly an incredibly talent, but we've also watched him develop and evolve," she says. "In our business, actors being given opportunities usually bodes well. George Clooney did well with all the chances he was given."
"Dexter" won't jump ahead in time
Season 5 will kick off immediately after the events in Season 4. PLUS: More from "Dexter" at PaleyFest.
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