August 2010

August 9, 2010

"Glee" may not shave Matthew Morrison's head, after all
Ryan Murphy has apparently soured on the Britney Spears-inspired idea, after the secret was leaked.


"Idol" Casey James signs record deal

The Season 9 alum 3rd-place alum will record with Sony Nashville.


Is that "Bachelorette" Ali as a brunette — with a bong!?

Star magazine has apparently uncovered pics of Al; Fedotowsky in her party girl younger days.


Fantasia Barrino denies breaking up marriage

"Fantasia is certain that she is not responsible for the deterioration of (their) marriage," says her manager.


ABC renews "Shark Tank," with Jeff Foxworthy

Foxworthy will appear in three episodes of the Mark Burnett reality show.


Ryan Devlin returning to "Cougar Town"

To romance Busy Philipps again.

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August 9, 2010

Jimmy Johnson auditioned 3 times: "Survivor" saved my life
The first time he tried out he was rejected. The second time, for "Survivor: Gabon," the "Survivor" doctor found arterial blockage. So for his 3rd time auditioning, the NFL legend says he "started working out religiously" and changed his diet to lose weight.


"Mad Men's" worst episode?

Sunday's episode was equivalent to Tony Soprano going into a coma, says Matt Zoller Seitz.  "The bad news about 'The Good News,'" he says, "is that it's the show's first flat-out flop of an episode—easily the most awkwardly written, clumsily paced and disposable hour it has ever aired. It felt like a rough draft that inexplicably made it to air, minus the customary toothbrush-on-the-tiles attention to detail that makes even the most outwardly low-key and uneventful hour of 'Mad Men' deserving of exhaustive morning-after scrutiny." PLUS: Jon Hamm delivered an Emmy-worthy performance.


Protester greets Sarah Palin as she films her TLC reality show

Palin was filming in Homer, Alaska, when she was confronted with the sign, "Worst Governor Ever." PLUS: Levi Johnston signs reality TV deal.


Ex-"Real World"-er running for Congress is a tax deadbeat

Season 1's Kevin Powell, who owes the government between $615,000 and $1.3 million in taxes, says not paying his taxes makes him "uniquely qualified" for the job.


Sarah Palin greeted by protester while filming her TLC reality show

Palin was filming in Homer, Alaska, when she was confronted with the sign, "Worst Governor Ever."


TBS orders 90 more episodes of "Are We There Yet?"

That's after the sitcom from Ice Cube aired only 10 episodes.


Coming to "HIMYM": Ben Vereen & Wayne Brady — in a musical episode?

Brady returns as Barney's brother, and Vereen plays his dad.


More romance! Fox tweaking "The Good Guys" to attract more female viewers

A new female character will be added, as well as an emphasis on romantic relationships.


"24's" Annie Wersching gives birth to a baby boy

Freddie Wersching Full was born on Sunday with a full head of hair.

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MONDAY ODDS & ENDS

August 9, 2010

Bob Barker accused of pregnancy discrimination in latest "Price is Right" lawsuit

Anthony Zuiker, "CSI's" creator, returns to the "CSI" writers' room

Jerry Rice gives a "Dancing with the Stars" shout-out in his Hall of Fame speech

Watch the Taiwanese-animated "Jersey Shore" // Meet new cast member Deena

A "Quantum Leap" movie script is in the works, says Scott Bakula

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

August 9, 2010

"Survivor: Nicaragua" cast revealed: Old will have a level playing field
As expected, NFL on Fox star Jimmy Johnson is among this season's cast. Aside from the old vs. young twist, this season will also include a new Medallion of Power and less physical challenges so the old can compete with the young. "Once we decided it was going to be old versus young," says Jeff Probst, "we knew it couldn't be big physical challenges. One of the things that's kind of implied (in 'Survivor') is that the challenges have to be fair for everybody." PLUS: Watch video of the cast and Jeff Probst's prevew, check out their photos and read their details.


NBC "Age of Love" star's sex accusations led to Hewlett-Packard CEO's exit

Fifty-year-old cougar Jodie Fisher accused Mark Hurd of sexual harassment, which led to his resignation last week. Over the weekend, Hurd settled with Fisher.


"Chuck" nabs Bronson Pinchot

"Cousin Balki" will run into Chuck Bartowski in Italy in the 2nd episode of the season.


Watch Jake Pavelka's acting debut

Can the former "Bachelor" star act on "Drop Dead Diva"?


Will Kate Gosselin open the Emmys?

Rumor has it she'll be a main attraction at this year's ceremony.


Zach Gilford joining "Off the Map" as a series regular

Shonda Rhimes has tapped the "Friday Night Lights" alum to play a plastic surgeon in the drama set in South America.


Jane Lynch to "SNL"?

She's reportedly booked for October.


Fox delays "Human Target" by a week

Season 2 kicks off Oct. 1, instead of Sept. 24.


Meet MTV's 1st-ever Twitter Jockey

Plus-size-fashion blogger @gabifresh last night won the coveted job.

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August 7, 2010

It's official: "Entourage" will end next summer, may become movie
"The plan right now is we'll finish up this season, we'll do a shorter order for next season, we've talked about six," HBO's Michael Lombardo announced today. As for a movie, Lombardo says creator Doug Ellin "wants to do it when the story will make sense."


"Game of Thrones" will premiere in spring and get a Rolling Stone cover

One possibility for the fantasy series to roll out next March.


Coming to HBO: Springsteen doc, "In Treatment" in Oct., "Curb" & "Big Love" in 2011

Besides an "utterly riveting" Bruce Springsteen documentary, HBO also announced another Ricky Gervais standup special and the possibility of more "Ladies' Detective Agency" films.


"Boardwalk Empire's" Martin Scorsese always wanted to work in TV

"We hoped that there would be this kind of a freedom," he says of the TV drama revolution of the past decade. "I've been tempted over the years to be involved in (a TV drama) because of the nature of the long form," he added, "and the development of character and plot." PLUS: Steve Buscemi calls "Boardwalk" the job of a lifetime.


Fantasia Barrino accused of making a sex tape with someone else's husband

A North Carolina woman is claiming that her estranged husband had an affair with the "Idol" champ that was caught on tape.


Eric Mabius goes from "Ugly Betty" to South Africa for "Outcasts"

He says of his role in the South Africa-shot, 2040-set BBC America space odyssey: "It's probably one of the most fun characters I’ve ever played because he’s not black or white. He’s sort of the hero and anti-hero in this new place.

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August 7, 2010

Salahis sued
A PR firm is accusing the "Real Housewives of DC" White House crashers of skipping out on their $15,000 payments.


National Geographic Channel will launch "Big Cat Week"

The "Shark Week"-inspired week-long event is aimed at raising awareness of endangered lions, tigers and other felines.


Jason Bateman pitches Jennifer Aniston for "Arrested Development" movie

"Yeah, actually, there's a real good part for her," he says of his "Switch" co-star.


"Rome's" James Purefoy joins Starz's "Camelot"

He'll guest as King Lot. PLUS: Will "Camelot" be as racy as "Spartacus"?


Starz's "Torchwood" reboot will be called "The New World"

Russell T. Davies' "rebooted" spinoff hopes to lure new viewers, but will that come with extra nudity and violence?


Fuse gives TV shows to frontmen of Blink 182 and Gnarls Barkley

Blinks's Mark Hoppus will helm the interview show "A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus," while Cee Lo Green will deconstruct hip-hop songs on "Lay It Down."


Guess who's returning to "Spartacus" for Season 2?

Showrunner says of the season after the prequel: "Where the story goes is really something special."


Ben McKenzie to program Turner Classic Movies

The "Southland" star taped a guest programmer segment on TCM this past week.

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August 6, 2010

Snooki releasing a "Snooktionary"
Snooki revealed her literary plans this afternoon when the "Jersey Shore" cast met with TV critics. Asked about her arrest last week, Snooki said: "Stuff like that happens in Jersey. I didn't hurt anybody. I was in the drunk tank for a little bit. I had too many tequilas. What are you gonna do?"


"Golden Girls" will celebrate 25 years with a purse-shaped DVD box set

The seven-season collection is shaped like Sophia's purse and includes "Golden Girls" playing cards.


Thanks to "Mad Men," big underwear for women is making a comeback

Thongs are being discarded as many women opt for the "Bridget Jones" style of high-waist panties.


Original "V" star will revive her character

Jane Badler from the original "V" will reprise her role in a new incarnation of Diana.


Meet the polygamist family of TLC's "Sister Wives"

From the makers of "Jon & Kate Plus 8" comes a reality show about a Utah fundamentalist Mormon family consisting of a husband, his three wives and their pursuit of a 4th wife. PLUS: Check out the husband with his wives.


Watch the American "Top Gear" trailer

Does the History channel remake look as good as the BBC original?

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August 6, 2010

"Real Housewives of D.C." debuts to big ratings
About 1.6 million tuned in, just shy of the launch of the New Jersey "Housewives" last year and far ahead of all the other "Real Housewives" launches. The number is even more impressive considering we're in the middle of summer, when viewership is down.


MTV touts a less-hairy "Teen Wolf"

The newest "Teen Wolf," in fact, looks nothing like the Michael J. Fox version. He's "more of a sexier, sleek werewolf, that's not as hairy," said Tyler Posey, who plays the "Teen Wolf."


Why "Kids in the Hall" are reuniting on IFC

In "Death Comes to Town," debuting Aug. 20, the cast will tackle a murder mystery.


"Law & Order: L.A." hires a 2nd Deputy District Attorney

Actress Megan Boone will play Terrence Howard's deputy, while Regina Hall will fill the same roll serving under Alfred Molina.


NYC hotels are using "Gossip Girl" and "Mad Men" to entice customers

One hotel even offers "A Mad Affair at the Pierre" — for $970, you'll get a suite with Champagne, $150 of room service and a DVD Boxed set of "Mad Men."


YouTube sensation Fred's movie coming to Nickelodon Sept. 17

Watch the trailer for "Fred: The Movie."

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August 6, 2010

"Lost" 12-minute DVD epilogue leaked
Watch before it's yanked by Disney.

August 6, 2010

It's true: Kate Gosselin pals around with Sarah Palin on TLC
TLC confirmed today that Kate Gosselin and her kids will make a cameo on "Sarah Palin's Alaska," which debuts on Nov. 14. Palin and Gosselin hike together on glaciers and fish for salmon.

August 6, 2010

"Prison Idol"?: Discovery announces 2 jailhouse talent shows
"Talent Behind Bars" and Mark Burnett's "Dancing Behind Bars" are among the new prison-themed shows coming to Investigation Discovery, apparently inspired by Filipino prisoners. Says Discovery's chief: "Were not trying to be exploitative, we're trying to be entertaining."


Amy Poehler & Will Arnett welcome their 2nd son

Abel James Arnett was born this morning, joining 22-month-old Archie.


"CSI" invites France's First Lady to make a cameo

"Carla Bruni wrote to us to say she absolutely adored our show," exec producer Carol Mendolson tells a French publication. "So we would be delighted to offer her a part in our CSI film set in France."


Betty White responds to Cloris Leachman's "I'm so sick of Betty White" crack

"I love it," says White. "That’s the way Cloris and I talk about each other. We adore each other." PLUS: White used the same Snickers stuntwoman for "Community."


Why did "Mad Men's" art director opt for a brighter new office?

"The Sterling Cooper office was much more of a ’50s flavor, lots of wood, and muted and more staid tones," says Crhistopher Brown, the award-winning art director for the AMC series. "As we move forward into the ’60s, the new office allows us to push visual style forward as well. In the new office the predominant color is white — white floor, white ceiling. It has gone from dark wood to something much brighter and lighter. Colors in wallpapers are also brighter and punchier, and a little more mod. You can see how the future is creeping in."


A&E going "Beyond Scared Straight"

The cable network will look at confrontational approaches to juvenile crime prevention in a four-part sequel to the 1978 documentary. A&E orders "The Unexplained," a paranormal reality show from Doug Liman.


"Friday Night Lights" is done filming for good: How are its stars coping?

"It’s been weird," Connie Britton, in a chat with Kyle Chandler, says of wrapping two weeks ago on the 5th and final season. "I feel like it’s been a roller coaster. We actually haven’t really talked much. I feel like we were ripped from each other by circumstance."


Watch Rosie talk to Howard Stern about competing against Oprah

Oprah's new employee, Rosie O'Donnell, told the shock jock just last October that she always felt Oprah Winfrey was out of her league. PLUS: Watch Rosie question Oprah's sexuality.


Michaele Salahi: "I was Whoopied," but I'm moving on

"It was very demeaning and it hurt," the D.C. "Real Housewives" star says of her "View" encounter with Whoopi Goldberg. "I keep joking now — I was Whoopied. It was wild!" PLUS: Fact-checking the season premiere and will Salahis get reality spinoff?

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FRIDAY ODDS & ENDS

August 6, 2010

Bernie Mac's widow files a wrongful death lawsuit

Nigel Lythgoe wants Randy Jackson back on "Idol" // Is Randy fatter?

Paula Abdul flattered that Simon Cowell wants her back on "Idol"

Chris Harrison: Chris L. "a huge candidate" for "Bachelor" // Is job already his?

Courteney Cox filming a Gulf Coast PSA for her native Alabama

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

August 6, 2010

TLC orders a "Big Love" reality show — "Sister Wives"
"Sister Wives" will follow a Utah man, his three wives and 13 kids as they embark on adding a 4th sister wife — and her three children — to the family.


Paula Abdul is legally forbidden from returning to "Idol"

Her seven-figure "Got to Dance" contract with CBS specifically bans Paula from appearing on any other competition show, on network or cable.


Check out Israel's "The Office"

Watch a clip from the soon-to-premiere Israeli version of "The Office," which includes an "Arab warehouse manager, an ultra-Orthodox saleswoman and a bitter Russian accountant."


Edward James Olmos heads to "CSI:NY"

He'll guest as a former gang leader in his first TV role since "Battlestar Galactica."


Mary Hart took a 50% pay cut for her final season at "ET"

Hart was earning $5 million per year before this season, but "Entertainment Tonight" has been suffering from syndication woes.


"SNL's" Fred Armisen will star in an IFC comedy, produced by Lorne Michaels

"Portlandia" features Armisen and the city of Portland, Oregon, with guest stars Aubrey Plaza and Kyle MacLachlan.


Neil Patrick Harris: CBS standing in the way of a return trip to "Glee"

"I have bosses that make me sign contracts to keep me at one place for a long period of time, and understandably so," he says.


Seth MacFarlane to record a big band album

His album with Universal music will feature "swing arrangements of classic tunes."

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August 5, 2010

Justin Timberlake will play gay on "The Cleveland Show"
Will he fall in love with Jason Sudeikis?


"Lone Star" nabs Andie MacDowell for her 1st major TV role

MacDowell will play Jon Voight's love interest on the Fox series. Also joining the "Lone Star" cast is actress Rosa Blasi.


Report: David Geffen rejected "Idol's" judge offer

Simon Fuller vigorously pursued the legendary music mogul, but Geffen couldn't be convinced. PLUS: Would you go on an "Idol" cruise?


Watch Shaquille O'Neal as Justin Bieber's backup dancer

Behind the scenes of "Shaq Vs."


"Lost's" Michael Emerson's next gig is on PBS, playing a Puritan

Emerson makes a cameo in the six-hour series "God in America," which is from "Frontline" and "American Experience."


Joshua Jackson: I may appear on "The Vampire Diaries"

The "Fringe" star says he's been in talks with reuniting with "Dawson's Creek's" Kevin Williamson on his latest hit.


PBS special will be devoted to "The President's Photographer"

The National Geo documentary will include current White House photographer Pete Souza, who also served under Ronald Reagan. "Pete and I are like an old couple," says President Obama. "We certainly know each other, and we're family."


"How I Met Your Mother" casts Broadway's Laura Bell Bundy

The star of the new "Legally Blonde" musical, Bundy will play Robin's co-host, but she won't be Ted's season-long love interest.


Adult Swim's 1st "action comedy": "NTSF:SD:SUV"

Watch the parody from Funny or Die.

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August 5, 2010

Rosie returns to daytime — on the Oprah Winfrey Network
Rosie O'Donnell will be the star of "a fun, uplifting show," says the OWN network. "Rosie is an undeniable talent who has captivated TV audiences for nearly 20 years," says Oprah herself, in a statement. "She's a true original, who brings her authentic voice, dynamic energy and pure passion to everything she does." Adds Rosie: "It's an honor and a privilege to work with Oprah Winfrey on her network. I'm excited to be back on daytime television." PLUS: Rosie accused Oprah & Gayle of being a lesbian couple, so this partnership should be awkward.

August 5, 2010

Obama spent his 49th birthday dining with Oprah & Gayle
The president, Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King dined last night at a Chicago "bistonomic" restaurant.


"Star Trek" fan Martin Luther King Jr. talked "Lt. Uhuru" out of quitting

Nichelle Nichols recalls bumping into King the night after she resigned from her role as Lt. Uhura. After telling him she quit, Nichols says he told her that "Star Trek" was the only show his entire family watched. And he added, "You are part of history, and it’s your responsibility, even though it wasn't your career choice."


Vanilla Ice gets his own home improvement show

The '90s rap star sang "Ice, Ice Baby" on the George Lopez this week to promote his new DIY show "The Vanilla Ice Project," which debuts Oct. 14.


"West Wing" alum Richard Schiff joins the "Criminal Minds" spinoff

He'll play the FBI director on "Suspect Behavior."


PBS relieved by FCC indecency rejection

The president and CEO of PBS is relieved because programs like "The Blues" and "Frontline" had to undergo extra scrutiny due to bad language.


"Real Housewives of DC" is the most awkwardly contrived of the franchise

"The women in it are all trying too hard, and not just the margarine blonde who became infamous for trying the hardest," says Hank Stuever, referring to Michaele Salahi. Because of the White House gatecrasher scandal, he says, "The actual episodes of 'The Real Housewives of D.C.' are rendered irrelevant, as if they arrived too late. The show is an afterthought nobody needs to actually watch; the White House debacle is clearly reserved for the season's climax, weeks from now. The producers, who claim innocence, could not have made a luckier choice than Michaele. From the first episode, the show builds its case, providing her all the rope she needs."
Most offensive, idiotic "Real Housewives" cast yet // Where's the crazy?
"D.C." is more delicious than other "Houseiwives," thanks to Salahis
"Real Housewives" is really a "valuable sociological research tool"

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THURSDAY ODDS & ENDS

August 5, 2010

Viacom: "Jersey Shore" has been a big boost to our bottom line

Adam Shankman hints he might direct a Michael Jackson-themed "Glee"

"The Bachelor's" Chris Harrison will host the Miss America pageant

Now that he has a new kidney, "30 Rock's" Grizz Chapman is a donor advocate

Jimmy Fallon: My Emmy show will be like "Late Night" — "We've written it already!"

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

August 5, 2010

It's true: Mary Hart leaving "ET"
Hart, who turns 60 in November, will say goodbye to "Entertainment Tonight" after its upcoming 30th season. She's expected to be replaced by Lara Spencer of "The Inisder." "I've reached a point when I clearly realize it's time for a change," says Hart. "There are many things I want to do in my life and I'd better get on with them."


Nigel Lythgoe won't judge "Idol," but is open to 4 judges

"I am not going to be a judge on 'Idol,'" Lythgoe tweeted this morning. Instead, he's going to embark on a search that is "going to take a little while yet" for new judges. Though he wants to return to the three-judge format, he's open to four judges if it works out.


Reality TV fans get their own reality convention

Los Angeles will host the first-ever Reality Rocks Expo next year.


Whoopi Goldberg tells her side of the story in Salahi spat

"I make no apology for my choice words," she said on "The View" this morning, responding to an accusation that Michaele Salahi hit her. (watch the video)

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August 5, 2010

Nigel Lythgoe: I want Paula Abdul back on "Idol"
Could it happen? It would seem highly unlikely, since CBS now has the rights to Paula's services thanks to her new dance show. "I still love Paula," says Lythgoe, who is returning to "American Idol" as exec producer. "She's signed to CBS, probably exclusively, but I'd recommend we have her in a heartbeat."

August 4, 2010

"Breaking Bad" will return in July 2011 — Emmy ineligible next season
The 13-month break between Season 3 and 4 means that "Breaking Bad" won't be eligible for any Emmys next season, and Bryan Cranston won't be able to four-peat should he win an Emmy later this month. To satisfy the appetite of "Bad" fans, AMC plans to release minisodes before next season begins.


"Idol" hires music producer to mentor contestants

Accomplished usic producer Jimmy Iovine (watch his video), who's worked with everybody from Eminem to Brunce Springsteen and Dr. Dre, will not serve in a judging capacity. He'll just serve as a mentor.

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