Friday, July 9, 2010

Britney Spears' "Glee" confirmed — plus a Michael Jackson Super Bowl tribute?
Ryan Murphy reveals that not only is his staff in the middle of writing an all-Britney episode, but the post-Super Bowl episode will be a tribute to an artist, possibly Michael Jackson.

Charlie Sheen's hearing pushed back to the day before "Two and a Half" filming
Sheen was expected to be in court on Monday, but now he'll face the judge on August 2nd, the day before he's do back on the "Two and a Half Men" set.

John Slattery: I was laughed at as I directed "Mad Men"
The Emmy nominee says of directing his first episode, Season 4's fourth: "It was challenging—a bit of an out of body experience to direct myself." PLUS: QVC will sell "Mad Men" clothing.

HBO orders "Death" pilot from "True Blood's" Alan Ball
The "Six Feet Under" creator will tangle with death oncea again in "All Signs of Death," a drama based on a crime noir novel about a crime scene stealer.

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HBO's whopping 101 Emmy nominations ain't all it's cracked up to be
The pay cabler is being hailed for cleaning up as the No. 1 Emmy-nominated network. "But," says Robert Bianco, "look at that number more closely, and you'll see that HBO is cleaning up in fields most of its competitors have deserted: the movie and miniseries categories. In series, where it once set the pace, it has only three major nominations ('(True) Blood,' 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' and Larry David). That's one fewer than 'Mad Men' — a show the network rejected — has all on its own."
Broadcast networks are back: TV networks proving that their model isn't dead yet
Only 4 minorities were nominated in major categories, including Tony Shalhoub
Emmy's messages: It's OK to be gay on TV, suppporting actors = guest stars?
Canceled "24" (a previous best drama champ) and "Law & Order" were bypassed
Can History channel's "The Kennedys" challenge HBO miniseries dominance?
"True Blood" breaks Emmy vampire curse
"Big Bang Theory's" snub: Is the TV academy anti-laugh track?
Cameraman Hector Ramirez becomes most-nominated person with 60 nods
Kathy Griffin: "I am now pitted against my archnemesis, Ryan f–ing Seacrest"
Julia Louis-Dreyfuss has mixed feelings after "CBS really squandered our show"
Sarah Palin's makeup artist gets an Emmy nom for "SYTYCD"

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Last week was an historic ratings low in TV-watching

"Pawn Stars" shop is getting bombarded by pranksters

Mia Michaels: Injured Alex Wong exits as possibly "SYTYCD's" greatest dancer ever

HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" will premiere Sept. 19

LeBron paid reporter to interview him (he wasn't paid by ESPN)

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

Accused extortionists want John Stamos' sex life exposed in court
Stamos' private life is fair game, argue the attorneys for the Michigan couple accused of extorting Stamos.

"Last Comic Standing" alums to become "Brothers From Another Mother"
Comedy Central is prepping a sitcom starring big guys — one black, one white — Lavell Crawford and Ralphie May in which they play brothers.

Susan Boyle launches YouTube talent search for a duet partner
"The Susan Search" is an international competition, requiring hopefuls to sing Silent Night.

LeBron James ESPN special was a throwback to old-fashioned TV
Even though "The Decision" was despicable and E!-like, it was also a reminder of how TV used to be, with constant plugging of sponsors. PLUS: More than 8 million watched — a higher rating than 95% of NBA games.

HBO's "Miraculous Year" nabs Lee Pace & Linus Roache
They're joining Oscar-winning the New York family drama from Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow.

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