June 2010

June 10, 2010

Little People protest "Half-Pint Brawlers"
Specifically, the group the Little People of America is upset with the repeated use of the word "midget" on the Spike TV show.


Ryan Seacrest: CBS daytime talk show host?

Les Moonves and Seacrest recently chatted, and there are rumors that the CBS honcho offered Seacrest his own talk show plus a new home for his radio show. Seacrest, if you'll remember, bombed on daytime TV in 2004 with "On Air with Ryan Seacrest."


Watch the unaired "Big Bang Theory" pilot

Filmed in spring 2006, the original pilot featured two females — one of whom was more street-hardened compared to Penny — but not Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg or Kunal Nayyar.  The unaired pilot was also graced with the sounds of Thomas Dolby's "She Blinded Me With Science." (Watch Part 2 and Part 3)


"Breaking Bad's" Odd Couple explain why Justin Timberlake was a no-go

Bryan Cranston admits he offered "Breaking Bad" fan Timberlake a cameo on the show as Jesse's cousin, but the idea was nixed. "That's not a good idea," says Aaron Paul. "What are you talking about? Yeah, I know it's Justin Timberlake. JT. But … no." PLUS: Dean Norris & Conan O'Brien graduated from Harvard at the same time, 25 years ago.


Fox renews "The Cleveland Show" for Season 3

"Looks like somebody's gettin' some new rims for his Big Wheel!" says Rallo Tubbs.


"Big Brother" UK sends in a mole — dressed as a mole, with an "I am a mole" sign

This "Impossible Task" requires housemate/mole Mario to sabotage the other contestants without revealing what has already been revealed — that he is, in fact, the mole.


Claim: Ali Fedotowsky trying to drop 15 pounds off her "Bachelorette" body

According to Us Weekly, Ali was shocked to see her much fuller figure on TV.


Oprah Winfrey Network grants shows to Carson Kressley and Cat Cora

Also coming to OWN: "Confrontation: The Conversation."

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THURSDAY ODDS & ENDS

June 10, 2010

Sean Hayes dodges Newsweeek gay controversy

Nielsen reveals last season's ratings facts: 53% watch alone

Did Danielle Staub leak her sex tape? // Staub: I'll outsell Kendra

"The Office's" Dunder Mifflin sponsors a real-life rock tour

Susan Boyle is set to perform for the Pope

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

June 10, 2010

Trump really, really wants Lindsay Lohan for "Celebrity Apprentice"
Lindsay is seriously considering The Donald's offer, according to her mom. "Donald is a friend of the family," says Dina Lohan, "and producers of 'Celebrity Apprentice' have approached Lindsay to appear in the next season. She's deciding if she wants to do it or not, but she currently has three films in production, so she's very busy."


Star Jones writing a fictional "View"-inspired novel

In "The Lunch Club," the hosts of a "View"-like show "learn that a former colleague — who departed under mysterious circumstances, and is privy to all their backstage secrets — is coming back with a splash."


TV's funniest actresses talk comedy

What happens when Wanda Sykes, Sofia Vergara, Jane Lynch, Patricia Heaton, Courteney Cox and Felicity Huffman gather together?


John McCain says Snooki is "right"

The Arizona senator had a Twitter moment with the "Jersey Shore," saying: "@Sn00ki u r right, I would never tax your tanning bed! Pres Obama's tax/spend policy is quite The Situation. but I do rec wearing sunscreen!"


Judge Judy beats Oprah

Judy Sheindlin became the new daytime queen last month after topping Oprah Winfrey as star of the most-watched daytime show.


Jimmy Fallon and Craig Ferguson's late-night wave goes awry

The two 12:37 hosts had timed it to wave at each other at approximately 12:42. Problem was that Fallon was delayed a half hour by the Stanley Cup. (Watch Fallon's wave and Ferguson's wave.)


Beyoncé lookalike enters "Big Brother UK" house

Producers hope to grab worldwide attention with 23-year-old Rachael White, who looks just like Beyonce. PLUS: Check out "Big Brother UK" housemates dining high up in the air.

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June 9, 2010

David Hasselhoff submits to the Comedy Central roast
"Bring it on! I’m ready to take the heat," says The Hoff of his August 15th roast. He adds: "I’m honored that Comedy Central is going to get 'Hoff' on me."

June 9, 2010

"Glee's" season-ender among its best episodes, but …
"Journey," says Todd VanDerWerff, "felt like a fantastic culmination for a phantom season, a season that didn't exist, one that earned our desire to see New Directions triumph then made us feel genuinely bad when they didn't, when they realized they were good, but they weren't good enough just yet." As he points out, the Will Schuester of the season finale was totally unlike the Mr. Schu of the entire season.
A tear-jerker! // It was hard not to soak in the moment // Felt like a series finale
"Bohemian Rhapsody" may be one of the more bizarre things to happen on "Glee"
"Glee" is the new "Twin Peaks"! // Nearly 11M watched: Best freshman season-ender
"Glee" book prequel coming out // Fox creates "Superfan" experience for "Glee"
Lea Michele accused of being a diva, again // Did the glee club violate copyright law?

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June 9, 2010

John Stamos: I started watching "Glee" when they goofed on me
"I'm singing and dancing every day," he says of his new dentist role. "All day. So I hope they let me sing and dance a little."


"Grey's Anatomy" promotes Sarah Drew

The "Everwood" alum will become a series regular next season, as expected.


Ellen DeGeneres: I expect to be a "little harder" next year on "Id0l"

"Your first year anywhere," she says, "is going to be tough, because you're trying to figure out what your role is. I think next year my role will be to be exactly who I am, sometimes funny and sometimes serious, and I think I'll probably learn to be a little harder on people without being rude. But I think it was a fine line for me to walk this year."


Larry King's wife overdoses on pills

Shawn King's father found her unconscious after she took too many pills.


Why are there so many Indians on TV all of a sudden?

From "The Office" to "Community" to "Glee" and "Parks and Recreation," South Asians are all over the tube. By one count, there are now a dozen roles with an Indian face. So, why are Indians suddenly the "It ethnicity"? And are their roles coming at the expense of other Asian and ethnic groups?


"Justified" turns in a strong season finale

Last night's season-ender addressed its season-long themes of crimes within a family and the culture of criminality — at least until the final 10 minutes.
Season was great, but finale disappointed // Perfect from the start


Sarah Jessica Parker's "Work of Art" is a joke in the art world

"An inside-the-art-world kind of joke," says artist Ross Bleckner. "'Work of Art' completely mimics that other reality show, 'Project Runway.' But I am sorry to say that making a dress is not the same as making a piece of art….And the irony, or the joke if you will, is that the teacher-judges know that art, let alone 'great art,' will never be the result of a series of televised assignments; work produced in a classroom of sorts."
Watching artists paint on deadline is fun // "Work of Art" manages to work

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WEDNESDAY ODDS & ENDS

June 9, 2010

Gary Coleman's deathbed photo hits tabloids // Ex-wife included in his new will

Shot out of a cannon! Zipline!: ABC orders "101 Ways to Leave a Game Show"

Jerry Seinfeld mocks "Kourtney & Khloe"

Same-sex kissing is officially boring

Play paintball with the cast of "The Wire," for charity

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

June 9, 2010

Report: NBC worried over Jimmy Fallon's sharp ratings drop
Ratings for "Late Night" have fallen 20% in the past year, according to Page Six, which adds that NBC is responding by trying to boost Jimmy's profile. According to Page Six, "Recent Nielsen figures show Fallon's viewers have dropped to 1.63 million — a 20 percent fall from May 2009 — and he's being beaten by both his ABC rival Jimmy Kimmel and CBS's Craig Ferguson, whose May 2010 ratings were 1.72 million and 1.7 million, respectively."


5,000 Khloe Kardashian masks distributed at NBA Finals

A Boston Website distributed the masks outside last night's Game 3, in hopes of distracting Lamar Odom.


Danielle Staub sex tape images released

Do you really want to see the Jersey "Real Housewife" naked?


NBC Universal using store mannequins to win over Emmy voters

The Bloomingdale's displays at several Los Angeles malls feature everything from "House" to "30 Rock" and "Parenthood."


Paris Hilton dating "RJ Berger"?

The socialite was caught kissing MTV "Hard Times" star Paul Iacono, who's seven years her junior.


Rednecks get their own "Jersey Shore"

"Party Down South" is seeking Southerners who would "Holler if You're Blue Collar."


Lee DeWyze joins Twitter

"This is actually me," says the Season 9 "Idol" champ of his new personal account.

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June 8, 2010

John Stamos going "Glee"?
"Uncle Jessie" is in talks to play Will's rival in what could be jump-the-shark casting. UPDATE: "It's true," says "Glee" producer.

June 8, 2010

Coming to stores: "Glee" and "90210" clothing and products
While "90210" debuts a line of shirts and dresses, "Glee" will release everything from musical greeting cards to karaoke machines to pajamas.


Mark Wahlberg: "Entourage" to end with 6 episodes next year, followed by a movie

"I am more focused on making that movie than my own films," says Wahlberg, adding that the 2011 batch of episodes will be the series' last. "I just think we can make a great movie.


Ricky Minor makes his "Tonight Show" debut

Not only was there a whole new bandleader but a whole new band and a new theme. But Minor, who comes from "American Idol," is no stranger to "The Tonight Show." He has performed on "Tonight" at least 20 times, including on the old Johnny Carson "Tonight Show."


How much of Kurt's "Glee" story is based on co-creator Ryan Murphy?

"He does have a deep connection to those scenes," says Chris Colfer, "and when he’s describing to me what’s going to happen, or he’s directing an episode and stating what happens, you can tell it’s coming from a deeper place than just his imagination. I think because he is so connected to that relationship and had a relationship like that, that’s why it’s so valid on the show." PLUS: Fox execs don't fear "Glee" becoming a one-season wonder.


From "Cop Rock" to "Hull High": Why did many TV musicals fail?

"Before 'Glee,' musicals on television just had a lot of trouble," said Robert Morse, the "Mad Men" star who starred in the short-lived ABC musical "That's Life" in 1968. " 'Glee' hit it just right. I'm not sure what they did right that we and others didn't get right. If a person had the answer to that, they would be the head of a network."


"24's" Cherry Jones: Why I quit the Emmy race

"Honestly," she says, "it never occurred to me (or my two agents who know me well) to submit me this year. One of the lessons in life is to know when to leave well enough alone and be grateful."


Ty Burrell: Becoming a dad will definitely change my "Modern Family" role

"We've only had her for a couple months," he says of his adopted daughter, "but this will definitely change how I look at the character. In a weird way, I think I'm going to relate more to the characters played by Eric (Stonestreet) and Jesse (Tyler Ferguson), because we adopted our child and they're about the same age." PLUS: Watch Burrell and the Wienermobile.


Watch a preview of Jason Lee's TV comeback

He plays a cop by day and an Elvis singer by night in TNT's "Memphis Beat."

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TUESDAY ODDS & ENDS:

June 8, 2010

Teen Choice Awards taps Katy Perry as host

Tom Arnold: CMT sitcom star

Charlie Sheen will be glad to hear that "Two and a Half Men" is a hit in prisons

Devo lands on "Futurama"

Idris Elba joins "Big C" // BBC America picks up "Luther," starring Elba as a detective

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

June 8, 2010

TBS launches Conan "Tonight" Emmy campaign — to get him back on NBC
If Conan O'Brien does score an Emmy nomination for "The Tonight Show," he'll become a major part of this year's Emmy ceremony, which happens to be broadcast on The Peacock. Starting today, TBS is launching a campaign (check it out here) in places like Variety, with words like "Give this man one more thing to tweet about" and "Outstanding Achievement in the use of SPF 50." The ads are signed "From your friends at TBS," with no mention of NBC. PLUS: Tina Fey joins Conan on stage, pulls the Walker Texas Lever.


"Sparacus" star Andy Whitfield cancer-free and OK to return to work

"I'm raring to go," says Whitfield, who was diagnosed with Stage 1 non-Hodgkin lymphoma.


"Grey's Anatomy" promotes Jesse Williams to series regular

Also, expect Sarah Drew to become a full-time cast member next season, too.


Melissa Rycroft joins "Bachelor Pad" as co-host

The "Bachelor"/"Dancing" alum will join Chris Harrison in "The Bachelor" spinoff.


A "Real Housewives" sex tape?

Hustler is shopping a sex tape purportedly of Danielle Staub from "The Real Housewives of New Jersey."


TV's funniest actors talk shop

Read/watch what Ty Burrell, Aziz Ansari, Neil Patrick Harris, Ed Helms and Ted Danson have to say about the current state of sitcoms.

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June 7, 2010

Charlie Sheen's jail sentence hits "snag," reportedly over his work release
Sheen's jail sentencing was delayed until next month. Turns out Sheen isn't eligible for work release in a local theatre, according to Us Weekly, because he's not a local resident. He is, however, eligible to perform "useful public service," which Sheen apparently doesn't want to do. PLUS: Delay could affect "Two and a Half Men."


MTV apologizes for all the Movie Award F-bombs

By one account, more than 100 curse words were uttered last night. Said MTV: "While we aired the live broadcast with a delay, we were unable to mute every word that some might find objectionable.  All of these words will be muted in subsequent airings." PLUS: MTV Movie Award ratings drop from last year.


Katherine Heigl mistakenly up for "Desperate" Emmy

Dr. Izzie Stevens a "Housewife"!?


Check out 11 minutes of "Jersey Shore" Season 2

Here's your first footage of Snooki and the gang in Miami.


"Entourage": Watch the Season 7 music video trailer

With more footage of Vince's new hairdo.


Why do so many TV shows use the same prop newspaper?

The same newspaper has appeared on everything from "Married with Children" to "Modern Family" because it's much cheaper — and less of hassle — to use a fake newspaper than to get the rights to use a real one.


Gary Coleman death photos for sale

Four photos being shopped around supposedly show Coleman after his death. PLUS: New Coleman will found.

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June 7, 2010

Starz rescues "Torchwood"
John Barrowman and Eve Myles will return, as Starz becomes a co-producer on the BBC series.


"Seinfeld" reruns have made $2.7 billion since the show signed off

In the past 12 years, "Seinfeld" has become the most profitable 30 minutes in TV history.


"Dexter" will have a "unique relationship" with "mysterious" Julia Stiles

Showtime confirmed today that Stiles will appear in 10 episodes next season as a "mysterious young woman who forms a unique relationship with Dexter."


Fox's rejected "Breakout Kings" may land on A&E

The project from "Prison Break" exec producer Matt Olmstead follows a group of U.S. Marshalls and the escaped convicts they are trying to capture.


Vanessa Marcil returns to "General Hospital"

She'll reprise her Emmy-winning role as Brenda Barrett starting Aug. 11.


FX teams with Matthew McConaughy for "Kick Ass Militia"

The comedy, written by a McConaughey pal, follows two brothers on a Malibu compound — one a survivalist the other a free-loving cult leader.

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June 7, 2010

"Glee's" Matthew Morrison to record his first solo album
"I'm writing all the music for it. It's me and a big orchestra behind me," Morrison says of his "dance heavy" album, which will be recorded in London.


Fred Willard: I'll be back on "Modern Family" next season

"They said that I should be back, because they asked me for my photo to put in the hallway there on the set — that I'm part of the family now!" Willard tells TV Guide Magazine.


Freddie Prinze Jr. visiting "Psych"

He'll appear in one episode as a wealthy geek.


"Chuck's" Yvonne Strahovski joins Twitter

"I finally did it," she tweeted. This is me, the real Yvonne Strahovski and I have joined twitter. Now, how do I use this thing? :) "


Fox's marketing team grows "Good Guys" mustaches

The Fox employees have been growing the 'staches in anticipation of tonight's launch.

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June 4, 2010

Simon Cowell to stage "World's Got Talent"
NBC is on board for the special event, featuring 20 winners from some 80 "Got Talent" competitions from around the globe. "This has been Simon's dream," a source tells The Sun. "It will be the biggest reality show the world's seen." Cowell participated in a similar event around the "Idol" franchise in 2003, dubbed "World Idol."


Gary Coleman's parents drop fight over body; 1999 will found

"We just want him finally put away to rest," said his mom. Meanwhile, a 1999 will listing his ex-manager as executor has been found.


Katherine Heigl will compete for a "Grey's" supporting actress Emmy

Despite only appearing in a handful of episodes last season, Heigl feels she is Emmy-worthy this year.


Pauley Perette signs new multi-year "NCIS" deal

That leaves Michael Weatherly and Sean Murray without a contract to return next year.
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"Dog Whisperer" getting divorced

Cesar Milian and Ilusion, his wife of 16 years, have announced the end of their marriage.


Jonathan Groff: I was scarred by "Glee"

Groff says of his 5-inch season finale scar: "I was singing the Queen song Bohemian Rhapsody, dancers were flying all over the place and a girl’s heel got stuck into me and drew blood,’ he told me before joking: ‘I think at that very moment of contact I reached my highest notes."


Charlie Sheen will serve part of jail sentence at the theatre

Sheen's daytime work release will have him working at Theatre Aspen, where he'll coach actors and help in fundraising.

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June 4, 2010

"24" president refuses Emmy consideration; Terry O'Quinn submits
Was Cherry Jones unhappy with President Taylor's direction this past season? That would seem to be the speculation after she pulled herself out of this year's Emmy race. Meanwhile, "Lost" sar O'Quinn, who opted out of the Emmy race last year, is going to compete this year.


Chace Crawford busted for pot possession

The "Gossip Girl" star was arrested early this morning in his hometown of Plano, Texas with less than two ounces of marijuana.


"Burn Notice" and "Royal Pains" have record-setting returns

Their season premieres netted 6.6 million and 5.8 million, respectively.

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June 4, 2010

Gary Coleman's parents take legal action on his estate
Sue and Willie Coleman have applied for formal probate in regards to the late actors possessions and body. PLUS: Coleman's funeral on hold due to family feud.


Will Forte becomes the 3rd "SNL"-er to guest on "Parks and Rec"

He'll play a "Twilight"-obsessed Pawnee resident.


Sarah Chalke poised for CBS' "Mad Love"

Chalke is set to replace Minka Kelly in the NYC friends comedy that also stars Jason Biggs and Tyler Labine.


Rachael Ray fuming at Good Housekeeping for putting her on the cover

The magazine used images, without her permission, that were outtakes from her own mag, Everyday with Rachael Ray.


"FlashForward" fans to stage a mass blackout in front of ABC

On June 10, in front of ABC buildings in several cities, "FlashForward" fans will pass out in protest for two minutes and 17 seconds.


Next season is looking like the last for "Brothers & Sisters"

The show's cinematographer feels it's the last, and so does Rachel Griffiths: "In my negotiation, I asked, 'does 18 mean it's the last season?' I would love to know," says Griffiths. "I feel like this is the last season, but I don't know for sure."


Daniel Dae Kim: New "Hawaii Five-O" is more diverse than the original

The original, he points out, revolved around Jack Lord. But the new version is entirely an ensemble. "Take the fact that two of the four primary ensemble cast members are Asian, and that's a big step," he adds. "And I hope it's just the next link in a longer chain, until frankly, the time comes when we have shows that are toplined by an Asian or an African American or Middle Eastern actor, and nothing needs to be said about it, because it's so normal for that to be the case."


"Celeb Rehab" cast shaping up with Shauna Sand, a Pointer Sister and Jason Davis

Shauna Sand, if you never heard of her, is a former Playboy playmate, who will be joined by Bonnie Pointer. Also joining the cast: spoiled rich kid Jason Davis.


Julia Stiles: I'll be on "Dexter" all season

"I love that show, it’s such good writing," she says, confirming her guest stint. "You get to do even more than you do in a movie because you’re playing the same character for thirteen episodes!"

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FRIDAY ODDS & ENDS

June 4, 2010

Watch a preview of "Real World: New Orleans" sequel

Did GLAAD diss Ellen?

"Nut-job mothers" spawn TV's "Anti-Mom" craze

Canada will get TBS Conan at 1 o'clock in the morning

Is Roger Ebert going crazy on Twitter?

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

June 4, 2010

"American Dad" horse ejaculation may cost Fox stations $25,000 each
The FCC is proposing the fine after receiving more than 100,000 complaints for the Jan. 3rd episode.


ABC won't let "The View" take over Oprah's timeslot

Barbara Walters could've made millions of dollars had ABC let her switch over to the Oprah slot.


WE pays tribute to Rue McClanahan tonight with 8-hour "Golden Girls" marathon

"WE Remember Rue" will feature the best of Blanche Devereaux, from 5 pm to 1 am.


HBO cancels "The Life & Times of Tim"

Could the animated comedy land on Adult Swim, TBS or Comedy Central?


Olivia Munn makes her debut as "Senior Asian Correspondent" for "The Daily Show"

The half-Chinese G4 hottie made her debut on last night's show.


Work release may keep Charlie Sheen out of jail — at least during the day

Sheen is eligible for work release, which means he only has to spend nights in jail.


Neil Patrick Harris taps Nicole Scherzinger for "Rent"

The "Dancing" champ will star in a special Hollywood Bowl version of "Rent" under the direction of Harris.

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