A weblog of TV news and criticism
Is Boston Rob the best "Survivor" player ever?
"16 and Pregnant" now has a 32-year-old grandma
Bristol Palin's reality show gets a "Bachelorette" spin, thanks to Jimmy Kimmel
"GMA's" Summer Concert Series: Debbie Gibson & Tiffany on stage for 1st time
"I'm really going to miss them all," Jackie Earle Haley says of his "Human Target" co-stars
Hugh Grant almost replaced Charlie Sheen on "Two and a Half Men"
Grant was "deep into final negotiations" to join the CBS comedy, according to Deadline Hollywood, "until he pulled out last night at the last minute due to creative differences." Grant was supposedly offered $1 million an episode. Deadline reports that CBS still hopes to get an "A-lister" to replace Sheen.
Tucson's NBC affiliate won't air "Law & Order: LA's" Gabrielle Giffords episode
The boss of KVOA in Tucson says "the Tucson community is still going through the healing process, adding that the episode has too many similarities to "that horrible day."
Oprah's final day will feature Will Smith & wife Jada
The couple will appear on the May 25 "Oprah" finale.
Phil Keoghan gets a promotion as he signs on for more "Amazing Race"
Keoghan's new deal with CBS will make him a co-executive producer on the CBS reality show. The deal will also allow Keoghan to develop other shows for CBS.
Check out "The X Factor's" boxed-in stage
This is just the audition round stage. "The X Factor" will get a new stage when it settles into its CBS Television City home.
Brandi Glanville joining "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"
Bravo is expected to announce that Eddie Cibrian's ex will join the Bravo series, according to People. The magazine also notes that Robbie Wililams' wife, Ayda Field, was also approached about joining the show. PLUS: Jay Mohr to blog "Real Housewives" for Bravo's website.
Bristol Palin: I didn't have plastic surgery — "I had corrective jaw surgery"
"Yes," she says of her new face, "It improved the way I look, but this surgery was necessary for medical reasons…so my jaw and teeth could properly realign…I don't obsess over my face"
"General Hospital" leads in Daytime Emmys, Pat Sajak & Alex Trebek to be honored
PBS and ABC had the most Daytime Emmy nominations. This year's ceremony will present the hosts of "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!" with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Mos Def joins "Dexter"
He'll play an ex-con who found religion and encounters Dexter Morgan.
Why did Fox dump so many bubble shows?
"Human Target," "Chicago Code" and "Breaking In" weren't hits, but they did have devoted fans.
What happened to Fox pilots "Locke & Key" and "Exit Strategy"?
J.J. Abrams collaborators Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman were behind the two projects. While "Locke & Key" will be shopped to other networks, "Exit Strategy" starring Ethan Hawke might make it on the midseason schedule. PLUS: Fox's rejected pilots include those starring Cheech Marin, Ana Ortiz and Lauren Ambrose.
Judge tosses Hayden Christensen's lawsuit accusing USA of stealing "Royal Pains"
Christensen and his older brother had claimed they pitched the network on "Royal Pains."
"The Voice" ratings tumble 19% with new 10 pm start, but it beat "Glee"
About 10.3 million watched "The Voice" last night, compared to 9.1 million for the "Glee" prom.
Did "Glee" say "sh*t"?
The cover of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" seemed to air with the S-word intact.
Hugh Laurie: "House" Season 8 looks like the end of the show
"That's as far as they've got me for," he says.
The Situation's dad blasts his "Jersey Shore" son for abandoning his family
Frank Sorrentino released not one but two videos expressing anger at his "Jersey" son, claiming fame got to his head and that he received oral sex at work. PLUS: Sammi's jewelry line and perfume coming soon.
"Fringe" promotes Seth Gabel to series regular
The promotion comes after he recurred the past two seasons.
Jeff Probst: "Survivor" couldn't vet Phillip, but he did offer Kinko's-looking documents
He also tells the ladies of "The Talk" that "Survivor" is running out of filming locations and that, no, he's not replacing Regis Philbin. PLUS: Probst says Julie Chen would win "Survivor."
Watch Ed Helms' "SNL" promos
With Fredward and Edward.
"Cougar Town" stars make a cameo on "Community"
See if you can spot which them in these photos.
Another "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" couple splits
Taylor Armstrong has reportedly left her "icy" husband, Russell.
Paula Abdul fans upset after Cheryl Cole sits between her and Simon Cowell
Some "X Factor" audition attendees were shocked when Paula wasn't sitting next to Simon on the 2nd day. "I resent the heck out of Cheryl 4 screwing up the reunion of the century! Why?" one Paula fan wrote on Twitter. PLUS: Paula refusing to pay her agents over "X Factor" deal.
Chelsea Handler on 50 Cent: "We dated, very casually"
"He's a very sweet, nice guy," she tells Piers Morgan "… I was sampling, kind of, the atmosphere, seeing what was out there, and I was satiated."
"Bachelorette" contestant had wife who drowned under mysterious circumstances
Ashley Herbert is being told by the contestant's mother-in-law to stay away from him, saying "I just feel he had something to do with (her) death."
"Doctor Who" boss angry over "vandals" who leaked storylines
"You can imagine how much I hate them. I wish they could go and be fans of something else," said exec producer Steven Moffat.
NeNe Leakes to Donald Trump: "Stop playing with me"
"I am one of the biggest personalities on the show and I walked off," she says. "That's a problem for Mr. Trump, because people want to tune into see what Ms. Big Personality has to say. But she left, honey! He says, 'She'll regret this for the rest of her life.' Really? Stop playing with me.'"
Why did "The Good Wife" give Sarah Silverman such a dramatic role?
Turns out Silverman was offered a role as a comedian, but she wanted to do something different. "We're Sarah Silverman acolytes," says co-creator Robert King.
Andy Samberg "breastfeeds" on "Today"
Watch his appearance with Kathie Lee and Hoda. PLUS: Samberg will swim with sharks for Shark Week.
Charlie Sheen ex-goddess poses for Playboy
Porn star Bree Olson yesterday submitted to a "classy nude photo shoot."
MTV's "The Buried Life" cast lands a book deal
The reality stars will tell all next year in a book about their endeavors.
Fox cancels "Human Target," "Breaking In" and "The Chicago Code"
"Lie to Me" and "Traffic Light" have also been officially canceled.
Fox picks up 5 shows: "Alcatraz," "Bones" spinoff, Zooey Deschanel
J.J. Abrams' "Alcatraz" starring Jorge Garcia will join "The Finder," Jamie Pressly's comedy "I Hate My Teenage Daughter," "Family Album" starring Mike O'Malley and Rachael Harris and the sitcom "The New Girl" with Zooey Deschanel on Fox's fall lineup.
Is "CSI:NY" doomed?
The youngest "CSI" spinoff is a prime candidate for the CBS chopping block.
"Glee's" Matthew Morrison not an "Idol" fan
Morrison would never audition for "Idol," he says, because he prefers the "journey" of a music career. "Sometimes, I get frustrated with shows like 'American Idol,' shows that just create people like that, like you get instant fame," he says. "I don't think that's the way to go about it. I don't think you really appreciate what you have if you can get it that way."
Why doesn't "Idol" have openly gay singers like "The Voice"?
Mark Burnett has allowed "The Voice" to focus on its contestants' sexuality. But on "Idol," according to Fox, "sexual orientation is irrelevant to the competition, the decision to reveal sexual orientation has always been a choice made entirely by each individual contestant. PLUS: "The Voice" had a massive database of undiscovered talent.
Listen to Charlie Sheen's new "Winning" song, featuring Snoop Dogg
Proceeds from the single will help victims of the Southern tornadoes.
Oprah will devote 2 of her final 8 episodes to James Frey
Next Monday, with just eight shows to go, Oprah Winfrey will delve into what she is touting as "the biggest controversy in Oprah show history."
Detective on "Real Police Women of Maricopa County" arrested for domestic violence
Deborah Moyer, who appeared on the TLC reality show last year, allegedly scratched her estranged husband on his chest and head.
CBS taps Wayne Brady for Daytime Emmys, Michael Chiklis for "Boston Pops"
Brady will host the Daytime Emmys on June 19, while Chiklis will host the "Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular" on the 4th of July.
Check out the high school prom photos of Ellen, Julie Benz, Carrie Ann Inaba
People has also acquired prom photos from Tyra Banks, Bethenny Frankel, Sarah Hyland, Paula Deen, Ali Fedotowsky, Lisa Ling, Tori Spelling and more.
How The Lonely Island got Michael Bolton to spoof himself in an "SNL" Digital Short
"We just begged him," says Andy Samberg. "Over and over again until he finally cracked."
Teresa Giudice charging $75 for "Real Housewives" fans to party with her
The "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star is throwing a Season 3 premiere party on Monday.
Granny dancing to Michael Jackson becomes a "China's Got Talent" sensation
Watch Bai Shuying, 65, unleash her MJ dance moves.
"Becoming Chaz" is one of the most thought-provoking films of the year
The Oprah Winfrey Network documentary follows Cher and Sonny Bono's daughter Chastity as she becomes a man. PLUS: It gets old pretty fast.
Ryan Seacrest's big salary hurt "Idol" profits
Is Bio's Bristol Palin reality show a sign that her mom isn't running for president?
From Khloe to Aaden: How reality TV influences baby names
Claim: The Situation's "Jersey Shore" spinoff isn't going to happen
Gary Coleman is still not buried, nearly 1 year after his death
Fox renews "House" for its 8th and likely last season
Creator/executive producer David Shore is also expected to return for Season 8. The renewal of "House" was held up by months of negotiations over the show's license fee. But with Laurie under contract for one more year, Season 8 is expected to be the last for the Fox hit medical drama. PLUS: Hugh Laurie anxious to leave "House" to concentrate on playing the blues.
CBS sets the debut of "Big Brother" and "Same Name"
"Big Bro" returns July 7, airing once again three times a week. "Same Name," which has celebrities trading places with people with the same name, premieres July 24.
Neil Patrick Harris "honored and stoked" to return as Tonys host
CBS confirmed Harris' hosting gig, with Harris saying, "we've got a fantastic mix of live performances, a few secret surprises, and since they’re closed for retooling, we're using all the rigging equipment from 'Spider-Man.' What could possibly go wrong?"
Oprah may be bound for the Broadway stage
"I have a stack of plays in my bag right now that I am reading," says Oprah, who recently met with producers. PLUS: Rosie's OWN show will air on SiriusXM
"Idol's" parent company sold for $509 million to a private equity firm
All of CKX Inc's properties, including "Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance," will go to Apollo Global Management.
Report: "SNL's" Jason Sudeikis is not the father of January Jones' baby
The "Mad Men" star's baby daddy is allegedly somebody from the set of "X-Men: First Class."
University of Chicago to hold a conference on "Jersey Shore"
Topics for the one-day conference, scheduled for Oct. 28, include: "What, exactly, is the Guido?" and "Fetish and metonymy, or, The Situation as man/abdominals."
Bart Simpson's voice sparks controversy with Scientology-inspired school program
Nancy Cartwright was recently in Springfield, Illinois to talk to legislators about her character-building "Good Choices" program, which is based on an L. Ron Hubbard book.
Hines Ward mocks his run-in with police on "Dancing"
Before a commercial break, Kym Johnson ordered him off the stage with her hand shaped like a gun. PLUS: "Hines" dances with cops, and ABC forced to bleep Kirstie Alley's S-word.
Kristen Wiig tells Letterman of her failed "SNL" bits
Why did Lorne Michaels reject "Joan Hawaii: P.I."?
"The Lion King" meets "The Wire"
Watch a five-minute synopsis of all five seasons of the HBO series using the Disney movie. PLUS: Osama bin Laden killing was a triumph of the "Lester Freamon" types, not the Jack Bauers.
Bubble shows: Which ones will survive?
Will NBC clean house and dump "Chuck"?
WEtv renews "Braxton," adds "Texas Multi Mamas" and "Cupcake Girls"
WEtv has also picked up "Family Restaurant" about a family-run Chinese restaurant and "The Willis Clan" about a family of 12 kids.
Lance Reddick coming to "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"
The "Fringe" star will guest in the upcoming season.
"SVU" teams up Adrian Pasdar and Bryan Batt
The "Heroes" alum and "Mad Men" alum will guest on an episode revolving around wine.
"The Office" finale adds yet another big name: Warren Buffett
The billionaire investor will interview for Michael Scott's job, appearing in the season finale with Jim Carrey, Ray Romano, James Spader, Catherine Tate, Will Arnett and Ricky Gervais.
"House" closing in on renewal as Robert Sean Leonard and Omar Epps reup
With renewal for a likely final season imminent, only Lisa Edelstein is left unsigned for next year.
Taylor Momsen and Jessica Szohr won't return to "Gossip Girl"
Both actresses will no longer be series regulars in Season 5, but have been invited back as guest-stars. Meanwhile, Kaylee DeFer has been promoted to series regular.
Fox renews "Family Guy" and "The Cleveland Show"
"The Griffins and the Browns have become cornerstones of our Sunday nights, and we can't wait to find out what new adventures Seth, Mike and Rich cook up for them next season," says Fox entertainment boss Kevin Reilly.
"Bones" spinoff "The Finder" may fill in during Emily Deschanel's maternity leave
Fox is considering running "The Finder"-themed "Bones" episodes while Deschanel is out for six to seven weeks.
If "The Voice" is renewed, NBC won't bring it back till January
NBC is exploring a once-a-year run for the singing competition, like "American Idol's" schedule.
Rob Lowe: Why I'm putting myself for the lead actor Emmy
He explains on Twitter: "Having 3 guys from the same show all submit in "supporting"didn't seem like a good idea in Pawnee. #spreadthewealth"
PBS announces its fall slate: "Women Who Rock," Ken Burns' "Prohibition"
Also coming to PBS: "Give Me a Banjo" narrated by Steve Martin and "The Fabric of the Cosmos."
Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant chain accused of being filthy
Food inspectors found out-of-date meat and E.coli at one of the TV chef's British restaurants.
"Lost's" Nestor Carbonell visits "Wilfred" on FX
He's joining a wealth of guest-stars on the Elijah Wood series, including Rashida Jones and Ed Helms.
Albert Brooks tries to kiss Letterman on the lips
Does he succeed? Stay tuned to "The Late Show" to find out. UPDATE: Watch the kiss!
"Bachelor Pad 2" will feature Vienna Girardi, Justin Rego, Rozlyn Papa
Jake Pavelka's ex, "The Bachelorette" wrestler and "The Bachelor" contestant who had an affair with a producer (allegedly) will all be part of Season 2. PLUS: Mike Fleiss: "The Bachelorette" will feature "the biggest douchebag ever!!!"
Colin Hanks joins "Dexter"
He'll appear in a major Season 6 arc, but it's unclear which side he'll be on.
Season finale ratings: "Brothers & Sisters" up, "Apprentice" & "Amazing Race" down
The ABC drama was up 25% over last week, which could boost its chance for survival. "The Amazing Race," meanwhile, posted its worst finale ratings yet, while "Celebrity Apprentice" saw its lowest numbers of the season.
Rob Lowe will compete as an Emmy lead actor for "Parks and Rec"
Despite his small role on the NBC comedy, Lowe has submitted himself for the lead actor race for this year's Emmys.
Jerry Seinfeld: I can't bear to watch "Seinfeld"
"I don't really, in fact I don't at all," he says of watching his hit sitcom. "I think because as much as I enjoy the humor of it, it kind of reminds me of how hard it was to do. I can't seem to get that part out of my head and just enjoy the show, but I'm working on it because I would like to watch them more. When I watch them, I see my face and I see how I was struggling."
On cable, reality TV is giving way to more scripted programming
Scripted shows, unlike reality television, can become add prestige to small cable channels while commanding premium advertising rights.
Daytime TV will never see another person dominate like Oprah
Why? As Katz Media president Bill Carroll notes, "When she came on the air, most cities had only two or three TV stations and cable penetration was relatively low. Many channels didn't exist."
10 ideas for a Charlie Sheen-less "Two and a Half Men"
How about "One and a Half Men and a Baby"?
Meet the mom whose children created "Weeds" and "Will & Grace"
Rhea Kohan, a novelist, is the mother of "Weeds" creator Jenji Kohan and "Will & Grace" co-creator David Kohan.
Adam Arkin is coming to "The Closer"
After directing an episode in 2009, he'll appear on the TNT series playing a Bernie Madoff-like character.
Black ex-"Apprentice" candidate says Trump "doesn't like educated African-Americans"
"Apparently he doesn't like educated African-Americans very much," says Kevin Allen, who was a Final Four contestant in Season 2 before he was fired for being "over-educated."
Has "The Amazing Race" become like the lottery?
Producers seemed to have squandered away a great cast. PLUS: Winners speak.
Despite a ruptured cyst, Ralph Macchio will go "Dancing" tonight
Cheryl Cole's accent: Will American "X Factor" viewers find it too thick?
Ryan Murphy explains why "Glee" is singing "Friday"
"Storm Chasers" captured the Alabama tornado outbreak
Watch the new bluesy "True Blood" trailer
Bristol Palin lands a reality show — she'll live with "Dancing's" Kyle Massey
The Bio Channel show will follow Palin as she moves from Alaska to Los Angeles with son Tripp. Cameras will follow as she moves in with "best friends" Kyle Massey and his brother, Christopher.
MTV musical coordinator shot to death execution-style in back of the head
LAPD this morning found Gabriel Aron Benmeir, who has worked on "Punk'd" and "Nitro Circus," face down in a pool of blood.
Matt Lauer: I have no plans to leave "Today"
"I have a long-term deal with NBC," said Lauer, whose contract expires Dec. 31, 2012. "I'm gonna be here for a while."
Does Donald Trump crave black women fighting on "Celebrity Apprentice"?
The forced-upon dynamic between NeNe Leakes, Star Jones and LaToya Jackson highlighted Trump's problems with women and race. PLUS: Leakes says: "Trump was doing things to accommodate Star and not me."
Donald Trump denies he's a racist: I hired a black "Apprentice" in 2005!
"I am the least racist person there is," said Trump on Fox News, as he pointed out Season 4 winner Randal Pinkett. "And I think most people who know me would tell you that. I am the least racist, I've had great relationships."
Susan Lucci will play another "All My Children" character
Starting Thursday, Lucci will play Erica Kane and Jane Campbell, a doppelganger who will wreak havoc in Erica’s life "in every possible way." This marks the first time Lucci will play another role on "AMC."
Justin Bieber responds to Marg Helgenberger calling him a "CSI" brat
"it's kinda lame when someone you met briefly and never worked with comments on you," Bieber said on Twitter. "I will continue to wish them luck and be kind."
Kid Rock will submit to a Comedy Central roasting
The rocker has agreed to be roasted in August.
"Entourage" wooing Charlie Sheen, signs up "Big Bang's" Johnny Galecki
Creator Doug Ellin is aggressively pursuing Sheen for the final season. Meanwhile, Galecki will play himself next season, while Christian Slater, Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony will also make cameos.
"Jersey Shore" filming delayed due to the Italian president's visit to Florence
Reports that production was shut down due to a lack of permits are false. MTV is trying to avoid the hoopla of the president's visit on Thursday.
Regis Philbin to publish his memoir
Reege will reflect on his "Live!" career in a book due out this fall.
Tina Fey brings Sarah Palin back to "SNL"
Darrell Hammond as Donald Trump joined her for a Republican debate sketch. PLUS: Michael Bolton does an "SNL" digital short with The Lonely Island, and was this "SNL's" best episode of the year?
"South Park" tackles the Royal Wedding
The Canadian royal wedding.
"Khloe & Lamar" blamed in part for Lakers meltdown
L.A. Times columnist Bill Plaschke thinks the E! reality show was a big distraction: "Also swept aside was the idea that Odom can win a championship while being Mr. Hollywood. You say that the 'Khloe & Lamar' show didn't hurt his postseason? I say he had 10 points and two rebounds Sunday while being ordered off the court after a cheap fourth-quarter shoving knockdown of Dirk Nowitzki."
Matthew Morrison will sing one of his songs on the "Glee" season finale
Dr. Schue will sing "Still Got Tonight," which was co-written by "Idol" champ Kris Allen.
Listen to Steven Tyler's first-ever solo single
The "Idol" judge released "(It) Feels So Good" where else but on Ryan Seacrest's show.
"Today" announces Meredith Vieira-Ann Curry transition
"This is a difficult day for me," Vieira said this morning in announcing her departure from "Today" in June. She'll still, however, remain with NBC News, working on other projects. It was also announced that Curry will replace Vieira, Natalie Morales will replace Curry as news anchor and Savannah Guthrie will co-host the 3rd hour of "Today."
Paula Abdul sits next to Simon Cowell as "X Factor" auditions begin
"If Paula had not worked out, I would have canceled today," Simon said Sunday after he and Paula reunited to cheers at the opening day "X Factor" auditions at USC. Sitting next to Paula was big-haired Cheryl Cole, with L.A. Reid to her right. "I'm thrilled, exhilarated — beyond exhilarated — and terrified," said Paula. "It's been three years since he and I have sat next to each other. I really missed him. It's awkward and wonderful and beautiful all at the same time." On Twitter, Paula also described working with Cole and how Simon and her got "back to our good old relationship." PLUS: See photos of "The X Factor" judges arriving, and Cowell claims no one turned him down, and is L.A. Reid the mean judge?
"Jersey Shore" filming delayed after Florence, Italy yanks some permits
The mayor of Florence has already begun cracking down on where filming can take place, forcing the producers to delay filming by at least a week.
Marg Helgenberger: Justin Bieber behaved like a brat on "CSI"
Not only did he put his first through a cake but he also locked a producer in a closet, Helgenberger revealed on French radio.
Another "Amazing Race" wedding
Winners Meghan Rickey and Cheyne Whitney tied the knot over the weekend in San Diego. PLUS: "Amazing Racers" celebrate the show's 10th anniversary — check out Boston Rob's photos.
Showtime teases "Dexter" Season 6
"Nothing can prepare you for what comes next."
"SNL" says goodbye to Osama bin Laden
"The Americans will never catch me."
Paula Abdul expected to join "X Factor" on Sunday
According to the Associated Press, Paula will appear at Sunday's taping even though it's not clear if she has signed a deal to join the Simon Cowell show. UPDATE: The deal is done.
Bill O'Reilly to guest on "Rizzoli & Isles"
The Fox News host will play a "potential murder suspect."
Military Channel sets a Navy SEALs marathon
In wake of the Bin Laden raid, the Military Channel on Sunday will show six hours of "Navy SEAL Training" plus "Navy SEALs: Untold Stories."
"The X Factor" will be co-hosted by Nicole Scherzinger … and Steve Jones!
Simon Cowell has named ex-model British presenter Steve Jones as co-host along with Scherzinger, who worked last year on the British version of "X Factor." Reportedly, Scherzinger didn't work with proposed co-host Corbin Bleu. Meanwhile, Paula Abdul's deal isn't done but she's been asked to show up Sunday anyways. PLUS: Watch Ricky Gervais electrocute Jones and check out Becki Newton flirting with him.
Scott Baio to play a TV Land "Daddy"
The 50-year-old Baio is returning to the sitcom world in "Daddy's Home," playing a stay-at-home dad.
Lifetime's Kate Middleton joins "Californication"
British "William & Kate" actress Camilla Luddington will play a nanny for Evan Handler and Pamela Anderson next season.
FX taps Charles S. Sutton for "Powers"
He'll star in the police procedural set in a world where superpowers are common.
"Fringe" producers explain the stunning season-ender
How big a change will we see next season? PLUS: What hardcore sci-fi-ery!, and "Fringe" thanks its fans.
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