November 2010

November 5, 2010

TLC's mantra for "Sarah Palin's Alaska": "It's not political"
A new website has launched promoting the very political reality show as non-political.


"Bachelorette" contestant committed suicide

Julien Hug wrote a suicide note before he died, his parents say in a statement: "In his letter to us he stated that he was suffering from acute depression and he felt it was his only way out."


Ex-"CHiPs" star Larry Wilcox pleads guilty to tax fraud

Wilcox faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine after pleading guilty as part of a plea deal reached with the U.S. Attorney's office. The 63-year-old was released on $50,000 bond and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 28.


Check out Gwyneth Paltrow on "Glee"

Here are photos of her singing an "Umbrella"/"Singin' in the Rain" mashup with Mr. Schuester. PLUS: Sue Sylvester getting married?, and watch "Glee" tackle Katy Perry.


Jennifer Lopez to "Idol" contestants: Don't sing my songs!

"It was cute, super entertaining and flattering, but no," she says. Don't do it! PLUS: Steven Tyler calls Kid Rock "jealous" and says, "We switch on being brutal."


Sean Duffy: "The Real World" didn't get me into Congress

"In regard to my campaign and talking about ideas, it hasn't really come into play much, except for the stories that are referenced by folks," says the elected soon-to-be Wisconsin representative. "It is a chapter, but I guess you can say we've turned the page." PLUS: "Real World: Boston" castmates: Why we wouldn't have voted for Sean.


Kanye West sympathizes with George W. Bush

Five years after saying the former president was a racist, resulting in the Bush's worst moment in president, West now says: "I think we're all quick to pull a race card in America. And now I'm more open…"


"Parenthood" is not getting canceled

So says exec producer Jason Katims, who insists that NBC pulling the show from December is part of the network being "extremely supportive."


"The Simpsons" should retire "Treehouse of Horror"

The 21st installment is just plain worn out.


Shiri Appleby: "Life Unexpected" is indeed ending

"I hate to bring the bad news but our little show is coming to an end," she says on Facebook, adding that the past two seasons have "been a little slice of heaven!"

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November 5, 2010

Spencer Pratt: Heidi and I faked our divorce in hopes of landing a UK reality show
After "The Hills" was canceled, they concocted a plan to get attention — and a British TV network almost bit.


Olivia Wilde: I'll definitely return to "House" this season

"It is a done deal," she says.


3-D Hologram TV could be the next big thing

Scientists have found a way to create a real-time image that can be viewed from multiple angles without glasses.


It's official: T-Bag making a "Breakout Kings" comeback

Robert Knepper is reprising his famous "Prison Break" character in the new A&E "Breakout" drama from the producers of the original "Break."


Judd Apatow's "Undeclared" debuts tonight on IFC

See Charlie Hunnam before he was on "Sons of Anarchy"! See Jay Baruchel and Seth Rogan before they were movie stars!


United unveils the Oprah Plane

It's officially called the "Oprah Winfrey Show Farewell Season Plane."


"SNL" won't release anymore season-long DVD sets

After releasing the first five seasons, "Saturday Night Live" is finding that it's too expensive to release DVD sets with music acts — and they refuse to release episodes with the music guests cut out.


Billy Ray Cyrus to star in TLC reality show welcoming home the troops

"Homecoming" will capture the shock and delight of troops returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.


Comedy Central paying tribute to Sam Kinison

"Back From Hell: A Tribute To Sam Kinison" will feature tributes from Chjris Rock, Kathy Griffin, Jay Leno, George Lopez and more to the legendary comic, who died in 1992.


Whatever happened to Brandon's crazy "90210" girlfriend Emily Valentine?

Chrisine Elise is now 45 and offering actings tips.


"Criminal Intent" fan found guilty of stalking Kathryn Erbe

Charles Nagel, 36, began stalking Erbe in 2008, sending out creepy messages about her.


National Geographic looks at "Great Migrations"

Alec Baldwin narrates the documentary that examines what happens when animals and critters travel miles upon miles.


Take a peek at the 2-disc "30 Rock" soundtrack

It includes music from Tina Fey's husband, plus an all-new song.


Conan "cuts" Justin Bieber, Pope, Lady Gaga, REO Speedwagon from his First Guest Poll

Also, Jack Nicholson is out….PLUS: Read Conan's Playboy interview, Andy Richter on "the true story" of Conan's move to TBS and Conan's ad rates are about the same as Leno and Letterman.

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November 4, 2010

FX is developing an illegal immigrant drama
The "Traffic meets Chinatown" series would follow an illegal Mexican immigrant hired to work as a private investigator.


NBC's 10 o'clock woes are being blamed for Leno's falling ratings

Jay Leno is suffering the same lead-in problems that Conan suffered last year with "The Jay Leno Show."


Watch a Chilean miner on Letterman

Dave also got Edison Pena to sing some Elvis.


Ryan Seacrest launches the Ryan Seacrest Foundation

Seacrest's new foundation will build media centers in pediatric centers to let children experience broadcasting firsthand. PLUS: Seacrest criticizes Meghan McCain for criticizing his Obama interview.


"Bad Girls" star in drug bust

Philly authorities say Catya Washington was arrested yesterday for illegally possessing cocaine, mushrooms, ecstasy and one firearm. PLUS: "Bad Girls" renewed for Season 6.


"Private Practice" star met with rape victims before tonight's episode

The show also sought the assistance of the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network during the entire writing process.


"Survivor" Alina: NaOnka "is even more disgusting than I thought"

"She has a major chip on her shoulder," says the latest booted "Survivor, "she’s unpredictable, cold and disgusting. She’s setting a bad example for the kids she works with."


Why "Undercovers" failed

The J.J. Abrams drama wasn't "Alias-y" enough, and its leads lacked star power.


Nick Lachey gets engaged to Vanessa Minillo

The pair have been dating since 2006, following Lachey's divorce from Jessica Simpson.

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November 4, 2010

NBC is giving up on "Undercovers"
The ratings-challenged J.J. Abrams drama won't get a full season, but there are plans to air at least three more episodes.


Oprah's Australian trip may be derailed by Qantas Airlines malfunction

John Travolta was supposed to fly Oprah's audience on a Qantas A380 Airbus, which Qantas today grounded after a plane suffered engine failure.


Jon Stewart beats Leno and Letterman in important viewers

For the month of October, "The Daily Show" drew more 18-49 demo viewers than David Letterman or Jay Leno.


ABC greenlights "Expedition Impossible," a Mark Burnett reality show

It's Indiana Jones meets "The Amazing Race," with teams of three instead of two.


"Private Practice" tackles the aftermath of rape

Tonight's episode is so powerful that it ends with a PSA.


Conan: Jay Leno could come on my show — as the musical guest

Why not? "He can come as the musical guest, because that I want to see," Conan tells Playboy. "No one knows he has an operatic range (sings as Leno)."


AMC posts "The Walking Dead" pilot online

Watch the 107-minute episode right now.


"Raising Sextuplets" dad will avoid jail as part of plea deal

Bryan Masche will plead guilty to two misdemeanor domestic violence charges.

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November 4, 2010

Former "Bacheorette" contestant found dead
Julien Hug, who competed for Jillian's affections just last year, was found in a remote area in Riverside County after disappearing on Monday.


Conan made his late-night return last night on "Lopez Tonight"

New TBS buddies Conan O'Brien and George Lopez hugged and spoke Spanish to each other. PLUS: Ryan Seacrest interviews — and is taller than — Conan, TBS will make  "Conan" episodes available online the next morning and Conan does Tumblr.


Watch 2 female dance partners on Israel's "Dancing with the Stars"

Gili Shem Tov and professional dancer Dorit Milman may be the franchise's first same-sex couple.


"Life Unexpected" creator is hopeful, but planning a "beautiful ending"

"The CW assured me yesterday that not being picked up is different than being canceled, so we're holding on to that and operating under that," says Liz Tigelaar.


A Chilean miner visits Letterman tonight

Edison Pena is making the "Late Show" visit before taking part in the New York City marathon.


"Community" will air 24 episodes this season

NBC has given the sophomore comedy two more episodes.


Joan Allen joins HBO's "Luck"

She'll star opposite Dustin Hoffman in the David Milch/Michael Mann horse-racing series.


Speidi facing bankruptcy

Heidi & Spencer have been forced out of their homes as they owe $2 million in back taxes.


Cybill Shepherd nabs "S#*!"-y role

She'll play a motivational life coach on "$#*! My Dad Says."


David Cassidy busted for DUI

Police say the 60-year-old former "Partridge Family" star registered a 0.139 and 0.141 on the breathalyzer exam.


Gwyneth Paltrow to sing sanitzed "F**k You" on "Glee"

Cee Lo Green's song will become "Forget You" on Fox. PLUS: William Shatner sings "F** You."

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November 4, 2010

Tina Fey resurrects her Sarah Palin impression
Watch her do a post-election Palin on Letterman.


Who will play John Boehner on "SNL"?

Dan Aykroyd played the future speaker of the House last year on "SNL," but which current cast member will take on the role? Jason Sudeikis?


Letterman beats Leno among important viewers

For the first time since Leno's return, David Letterman toppped Jay Leno in the all-important 18-49 demo.


"Supernanny" quits

Jo Frost wants to start a family, so she's giving up her reality show — both the British and American versions.


"Terra Nova" lays off most of its writing staff

Insiders, however, insist that the Steven Spielberg Fox series isn't in trouble.


Gary Collins wanted for hit-and-run

The former TV host allegedly hit a woman in Jackson, Mississippi.


Is Jon Hamm a bad actor?

A new video compilation of Don Draper saying "What?" on "Mad Men" may give credence to those Who question Hamm's acting chops. PLUS: In defense of Hamm and the "Today" show fails to identify a "Mad" alum.


Check out E!'s "Bridalplasty" promo

Where the winner gets cut.


Chelsea Handler will produce — not star! — in NBC comedy

Chelsea will stay on E! as she produces a show based on her three books.


Captain Awesome is Kate Walsh's "Boyfriend"

Check out the new video for the "Private Practice" star's new fragrance.


Real gun found on "Law & Order: L.A." set

The real LAPD had to be called out to the "LOLA" set after a cameraman spotted a gun yesterday in Culver City.

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November 4, 2010

Snooki snags her first movie role
The "Jersey Shore" star will make a cameo in the Hugh Jackman film "Movie 43." PLUS: Angelina is pulling the plug on her single and Angelina's attacker arrested.


Fox will debut "The Chicago Code" the day after the Super Bowl

The Shawn Ryan series will debut on Monday, Feb. 7.


"Storm Chasers" star dies

Did Matt Hughes commit suicide?


Ex-MTV reporter Gideon Yago now a producer of scripted TV shows

He's landed projects at AMC and ABC — one about newspapers, the other about West Point.


Oprah & Gayle poke fun at lesbian rumors

"Let’s just add to that lesbian rumor," Gayle joked during their Yosemite camping trip.


Soldiers to battle each other on Spike's "Most Lethal"

Says a Spike exec: "We are bringing together twelve of the best-trained combatants in the world for the most intense reality series on television."


NBA star ditches "The Good Wife"

Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls refused to get in a car that would take him to the studio on Tuesday.


"SYTYCD's" tWitch makes his "Bones" debut tonight

Emily Deschanel says of his cameo: "He'll ask after each take, 'Was that OK? Was that OK?' But he’s doing a fabulous job … and he’s just so fascinating to watch as a dancer."


"The Flintstones" meets "The Real Housewives of Atlanta"

In this Jimmy Kimmel mashup.


Fox taps Jane Lynch to host a holiday special

"TV's Funniest Holiday Moments: A Paley Center for Media Special" will air the day after Thanksgiving.


Watch a 22-year-old Jimmy Fallon make his TV debut

The long-haired Fallon appeared on Barry Sobel's 3-minute talk show on Comedy Central in 1996.


"Skins" star freaks out when her "Shameless" boyfriend is attacked

A 46-year-old man attacked the British "Shameless" star Elliott Tittensor outside of court, prompting screams of horror from "Skins" alum Kaya Scodelario.

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November 2, 2010

"Real World" alum Sean Duffy is headed to Congress
Duffy, the former "Real World: Boston" star and husband to a "Real World: San Francisco" star, tonight's won Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District seat.


Bad news for "Life Unexpected"

The CW won't be giving "LUX" a full season beyond its 13-episode order. The network, however, won't make a cancelation decision until May.


"Conan's" 2nd week guests: LL Cool J, Harrison Ford, Russell Brand

Jesse Eisenberg, Venus Williams, B.J. Novak and Rosario Dawson will also join Conan O'Brien for his 2nd week.


George W. Bush upset by Kanye West's Katrina telethon accusation

The former president calls the "George Bush doesn't care about black people" remark "one of the most disgusting moments in my presidency."

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November 2, 2010

"Skating with the Stars": Bethenny Frankel, Sean Young, Vince Neil
The other "stars" competing are Brandon Mychal Smith from "Sonny With a Chance," Jonny Moseley from "The Real World/Road Rules Challenge" and daytime soap star Rebecca Budig.


Molly Shannon to play an ex-nun on HBO

Her new project will be sort of like "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" meets "SNL's" Mary Katherine Gallagher.


MTV sorry for The Situation's transphobic "Jersey Shore" slur

The Situation and the "Jersey" reunion's host both referenced a Miami club patron as a "tranny."


This year's World Series was one of the two lowest-rated in history

Just 11.96 million watched the San Francisco Giants win their first championship since moving to the Bay Area.


TLC hands "LA Ink" 8 more episodes

Kat Von D will return in the spring to finish off Season 2.


Bret Michaels: I didn't sleep with Miley Cyrus' mom

Michaels, who has performed with Miley on stage, is denying a report that he had an affair with Tish Cyrus after shortly after he performed with Miley on stage.


Kurtwood Smith joins CBS' "Chaos"

The former "That '70s Show" dad will supervise rookie CIA agent Freddy Rodriguez.


"Idol's" Chris Sligh becomes a daddy

Keira Lennon Sligh was born on Halloween.


Charlie Sheen returns to the "Two and a Half Men" set to fist bumps and hugs

According to TMZ, it was as if nothing had happened.


Watch Pee-wee Herman host WWE Raw

The Miz vs. Pee-wee!

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November 2, 2010

Obama tells Ryan Seacrest he wasn't bothered by Jon Stewart's "dude"
The president's interview with Seacrest was very lightweight, as expected.


"Hot in Cleveland" reunites Mary Tyler Moore and Betty White

The last time they appeared together on a sitcom was 33 years ago on "Mary Tyler Moore." PLUS: "Hot in Cleveland" retuns Jan. 19.


ABC re-teams with Salma Hayek for another telenovela

Like "Ugly Betty," "Los Roldan" is a drama with comedic undertones. It follows a working-class man who gets a plush job after saving a wealthy woman.


Late-night study: Leno attracts Tea Partiers, only 35% of viewers know about "Conan"

A new poll finds that Jay Leno atttracts the most conservative audience in late-night.


Shonda Rhimes: "Off the Map" debuts Jan. 12

"Prepare to have your world rocked!," she says of her Wednesday medical drama entry.


"Two and a Half Men's" ratings rise amid Charlie Sheen's woes

Last night's episode was up 7%. PLUS: Charlie Sheen's porn star played "Charlie Sheen's hooker" in porn film.


"The Bachelor" Jake Pavelka introduces his new girlfriend

Her name is Meghan, and she's a wedding planner from Dallas.


"Amazing Race" is finally going HD

It took 10 years, but the "Race" will debut its HD edition next year.


Jon Stewart converts Keith Olbermann

The MSNBC host, after saying Stewart jumped the shark, opted to temporarily suspend his "Worst Persons in the World" segment in the wake of the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Hope. PLUS: Rally gets auto-tuned.

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November 1, 2010

Rainn Wilson may join the Oprah Winfrey Network
"The Office" star is in talks to do interstitials and webisodes for OWN, as part of a collaboration with his SoulPancake website.


Watch Conan's "Show Zero" — a whopping 5-minute pre-taped event

Hosted from his office earlier today with an audience of his staffers, Conan's "Show Zero" was a rapid fire affair, with barely any time to welcome guest Jim Parsons from "The Big Bang Theory." PLUS: "Glee's" Lea Michele joins "Conan's" opening night.


Another blog is becoming a sitcom: "Dealbreaker"

ABC has bought the rights to Dealbreaker, a blog and book about dating offenses from a pair of comedians.


Charlie Sheen and wife file for divorce

After 2 1/2 tough years, Brooke Mueller and Sheen are calling it quits citing "irreconcilable differences."


Demi Lovato enters rehab

The "Sonny with a Chance" star had to quit her tour due to "emotional and physical issues she has dealt with for some time."


"Charmed" star arrested at LAX

Police say Brian Krause was drunk and disorderly when he tried to board a plane.


About 2 million watched Jon Stewart's rally on Comedy Central

That's a big number, especially for mid-day on a Saturday. And 570,000 people viewed the live web stream of the event.


Whitney Cummings: I'm hosting MTV's New Year's Eve with "Jersey Shore" cast

"Plan accordingly while I get an IUD," she says of hosting the "New Year's Eve Bash."


"Sons of Anarchy" introduces appisodes

The "Sons of Anarchy" mobile app will fill in the blanks of SAMCRO's history.


"Terra Nova" finishes casting

Christine Adams from "The Whole Truth" will join the Fox series. PLUS: DW Moffet headed to ABC Family.


"Wheel of Fortune" announcer dies

Charlie O'Donnell, 78, has been saying "Wheeeeeeel of Fortune" from 1975 until his death — with the exception of an eight-year break in the '80s.

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November 1, 2010

Ryan Seacrest to interview President Obama
The "Idol" host has his first sitting president of the United States Tuesday "On Air with Ryan Seacrest."


Study: Your personality determines what you watch on TV

Creative people watch "Mad Men," rebels tune into "Family Guy and people who think they are superior to others catch "The Office," according to "psychographic ad targeter" Mindset Media, which studied 25,000 viewers across 70 TV shows.


"No Ordinary Family" saves Rick Schroder's life

He'll guest on a January episode, with "24's" Annie Wersching as his wife.


James Franco's next project: "Three's Company: The Drama"

Franco will do a "multi-media examination of the classic 70s sitcom" that will look at thes how from a "slightly oblique perspective."


Tonight's "SNL" special should be called "The Living Women of 'Saturday Night Live'"

Gilda Radner is woefully missing from tonight's "The Women of 'Saturday Night Live'"


Was Comedy Central wrong to profit from Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear?

Volkswagen, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and LG were the major advertisers for the event, as David Zurawik notes. "And," he adds, "that's one of the things that I think is most fascinating about the whole Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear: the way Comedy Central essentially commodified all those folks who showed up in the mall — using their presence to create a TV production that could be sold to advertisers for consumption by viewers like me in front of our screens."
?uestlove counts 200,000 // Keith Olbermann: Jon Stewart jumped the shark
Where to buy Stephen Colbert's star-spangled trousers


Sharon Osbourne: What a hypocrite!

Osbourne slammed the Marie Claire writer as a "bitch" for denouncing the obesity on "Mike & Molly." Yet this is the same Osbourne who said Susan Boyle looks like a "hairy a*shole" and a "smacked ass." PLUS: Sharon Osbourne may replace Piers Morgan on "Britain's Got Talent."


Asian-Americans getting their own family sitcom

"The Chin Chens" follows the hi-jinx of a Chinese-American dad, a Vietnamese-American mom and their three children. Chinese and Vietnamese investors are funding the Atlanta-based project, which will air on Colours TV.


Fired "Apprentice" lawyer wants her name cleared or she'll expose the show

If her name isn't cleared of lying, Mahsa Saeidi-Azcuy is threatening "to pull the curtains back on the cover-up and unleash a massacre on the participants involved if immediate action is not taken."


Why do game-show hosts tend to vote Republican?

From Drew Carey to Pat Sajak to Alex Trebek, many game show hosts are supporting right-wing candidates.

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MONDAY ODDS & ENDS

November 1, 2010

"The Walking Dead" has a big debut: 5.3M tuned in, AMC's biggest-ever premiere

What happens when Urkel & Jaleel White run into each other?

Denis Leary: "Rescue Me" will end with a shocking twist right before the final credits

Heidi Klum dressed as a purple alien with red hair for Halloween

Catch Conan's "Show Zero" tonight // VH1 Thursday airs Conan hosting "SNL" from 2001

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November 1, 2010

"American Idol" unveils its first Season 10 promos
Featuring Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Hicks and other "Idol" winners. PLUS: Report claims Paula Abdul wants to kick "Idol's" butt.


Does George Lopez have superior guests to "Conan"?

Lopez will make his midnight debut next week with Janet Jackson, Jayma Mays, Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx — guests who seem more interesting than Conan's "pretty pedestrian" lineup for his opening week. PLUS: "Conan" hopes to reunite "The Goonies" cast and Andy Richter feels vindicted by Jay Leno's low ratings.


Oprah Winfrey Network reveals launch, adds "The Judds" and "The O'Neals"

Oprah herself will introduce OWN at noon on New Year's Day with an hourlong special. OWN will also have two more reality shows starring celebrities: "Ryan and Tatum: The O'Neals" and "The Judds" with Naomi and Wynonna.


NBC heads to Napa Valley for a supernatural drama set in a winery

The ancient vines in "Vines" possess mystical powers.


Regular-season NFL game beats the World Series for the 1st time

Last night's matchup of the past two Super Bowl champions beat the 4th game of the World Series. In fact, last night was the first time "Sunday Night Football" aired opposite the World Series. In previous years, the NFL would take the night off out of courtesy for baseball.

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