October 2011

October 17, 2011

Don Johnson may star in an HBO drama about a suicidal game show host
Johnson is producing the project with the writer of "Temple Gradin."


Zachary Quinto inspires an ABC News anchor to come out on air

"ABC World News Now's" Dan Kloeffler joked that he'd like to date the former "Heroes" star.


Fox passes on Rob Corddry's sitcom

"Little in Common," which followed three families raising kids, was to star Heather Graham, Kevin Hart and Gabrielle Union.


"New Girl" and "2 Broke Girls" are neck and neck as highest-rated new sitcoms

DVR use has boosted Zooey Deschanel's ratings.


Jamie Bamber lands another guest TV gig

Not only will the "Battlestar" alum appear on "House" but he'll also visit "Body of Proof."


Fox considering a "Zombieland" TV series

The 2009 film is set to become a half-hour comedy.


Syfy orders school ghost stories show from Mark Burnett

Former students will recount their real-life ghost tales in "School Spirits."


"Full House" stars reunite for a web series

Dave Coulier and Jodie Sweetin are currently filming "Can't Get Arrested."


Camille Grammer puts her Colorado mansion on sale

The "Real Housewives" star's other home can be had for $7.9 million.


Conan live-streaming 3 women living on his set

Three people are "renting" Conan's studio and appearing on the creepy "Crash At Conan Cam."

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October 17, 2011

Brian Williams hopes NBC viewers confuse "Rock Center" with "30 Rock"
"People could tune in expecting to see Tina," he says. "I think the name confusion can only help us, right?"


Canada's "Jersey Shore" scrapped

"Lake Shore" was to feature different cast members of varying backgrounds.


"Big Love" creators' next HBO drama combines an interracial relationship and a robot

"China Doll" centers on a white guy, his Asian American wife and a humanoid robot.


Why is TV more welcoming to openly gay actors than the movies?

Television, unlike movies, is a more flexible testing ground than movies, especially since it has many more roles available, says Matthew Gilbert. Plus, openly gay actors are usually part of an ensemble (think Chris Colfer and Neil Patrick Harris). TV also capitalizes less on a character's sexuality.


Britain's "X Factor" is falling apart without Simon Cowell

The hit show has lost 2 million viewers amid claims of "meddling" by judge Kelly Rowland. PLUS: Which U.S. "X Factor" contestant has a Whitney Houston connection?


MTV renews "Ridiculousness"

Rob Dyrdek’s series will be back for Season 2.

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October 17, 2011

"The Walking Dead's" problem: Its characters are too nice, obvious, dull
The AMC series returned last night with a frustrating problem — everything about it is great except for the poorly conceived characters, says Matt Zoller Seitz. "The show's main problem is its lack of compelling characters," he says. "It isn't a question of whether or not they’re “likable.” They are likable. If they lived on your block you'd say good morning to them, maybe even invite them to a party. That’s the problem, actually — they're likable to a fault."
Gory thrills or character drama?: "Walking Dead" has an identity crisis
5 things "Walking Dead" should do in Season 2 // Sarah Wayne Callies on Season 2
Another fan video: "The Waddling Dead" featuring a penguin
"The Talking Dead": "It's weird that it exists, but even more weird that it's OK"
"Sons of Anarchy" vs. "Walking Dead": Battle of the headlines


"Family Feud" gets dirty with a question of swallowing

Featuring a pastor's wife and the mention of sperm.


"Hot in Cleveland" hooks up Laura San Giacomo and Sandra Bernhard

The pair will play a lesbian couple, as San Giacomo reunites with "Just Shoot Me!" castmember Wendy Malick.


Janice Dickinson coming to "90210"

She'll play herself judging a student design competition.


"Dukes of Hazzard's" Tom Wopat joins "A Gifted Man"

He'll play Margo Martindale's husband.


Salman Rushdie calls "Game of Thrones" "very addictive garbage"

In a new interview, the noted author says of "Game of Thrones" that, "in the end, it's well-produced trash" and that "everybody loves 'The Wire' and I think it's okay, but in the end it's just a police series."


Thomas Gibson gets a new "Criminal Minds" love interest

Former "Dirty Sexy Money" star Bellamy Young will guest star.


HBO looks back at Harry Belafonte's life

"Sing Your Song" delves into the life of Belafonte as a singer, actor, activist and humanitarian.


"Glee's" Mike O'Malley sells "Prodigy Bully" sitcom to Fox

Malley is teaming with John Wells on the school series based on one-minute shorts.


"South Park's" Mr. Hanky: The Official Mascot of Rectal cancer?

A rectal cancer sufferer is petitioning Matt & Trey to make Mr. Hanky the official spokesman for the disease.


Kelly Osbourne feuding with Christina Aguilera

"She called me fat for years," says Osbourne. "I was never that fat," Osbourne says of Christina's recent appearance.

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October 17, 2011

FX renews "Sons of Anarchy"
The FX series will return for a 13-episode 5th season.


"The Walking Dead" breaks cable records

About 7.3 million watched last night's season premiere, 11 million if you count Sunday's repeat.


Mark Consuelos joins "I Hate My Teenage Daughter"

Kelly Ripa's hubby will romance Jaime Pressly.


"The X Factor" a hit on Sunday, "Pan Am" continues to tumble

Meanwhile, "Desperate Housewives" tied its worst-ever ratings.


"Revenge" adds a "Lost" Other

Kioshi Takeda will play a Japanese businessman on "Revenge."


Watch "Supernatural's" "Buffy" reunion

With James Marsters and Charisma Carpenter.

[Permalink]

October 17, 2011

George Lopez working on another family sitcom
The new show, he says, will be the opposite of his ABC comedy "George Lopez."


Steve Carell to address Princeton graduates

"The Office" alum will be next year's Class Day speaker.


ABC signs Marlon Wayans to star a cop comedy

A buddy cop comedy with brothers as partners.


Ryan Seacrest gets Justin Bieber & Lady Gaga for "New Year's Rockin' Eve"

They'll be joined by Pitbull for Dick Clark's annual TV special.


Donal Logue lands on TNT

The "Terriers" alum is joining action/adventure drama "Gateway."


ESPN signs Jon Gruden to a 5-year "Monday Night Football" extension

The new contract keeps the Super Bowl-winning coach off the market through 2016.


Watch Dan Wheldon on Letterman

This year's Indy 500 winner, who died yesterday in a fiery racing crash, paid a visit to racing aficionado Letterman's show in June.


Comedy Central books Andrew Daly for "Review" show

"Review With Forrest MacNeil" will feature the "Eastbound & Down" alum reviewing life experiences by living them.


"Hannah Montana" star busted for DUI

Mitchel Musso, 20, who played Oliver Oken on the Disney Channel series was arrested early Sunday morning while driving his Mercedes.

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October 17, 2011

"SNL" taps Emma Stone, Charlie Day and Jason Segel for November
"It's Always Sunny" star Day gets Maroon 5 on Nov. 5, Stone will host the Nov. 12 episode with musical guest Coldplay. Jason Segel hosts Nov. 19 with Florence + the Machine.


E!'s Giuliana Rancic: I'm battling breast cancer

The "Giuliana & Bill" star learned of her diagnosis while preparing for IVF treatment.


Jamie Bamber heading to "House"

The "Battlestar Galactica" alum will play a patient with a dark secret on the Nov. 7 episode.

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October 16, 2011

"Sesame Street's" YouTube channel hacked with porn
The "Sesame" channel was taken down today after hackers replaced the children's videos with pornography.


"Idol" alum Paul McDonald marries Nikki Reed

The couple first met in March while McDonald was still on "American Idol."


"Survivor" Rupert will announce Saturday if he'll run for Indiana governor

Says Rupert Boneham: "I want to show Indiana that I think I would make a great governor. I know I would make a great governor." PLUS: Jonny Fairplay's ex turns down VH1 reconciliation reality show.


"SNL" plays the "Lifetime Game Show"

Saturday's episode also gave Drake, who "was begging" to act, a chance to appear in several sketches.


WEtv cameras were rolling as Shannen Doherty wed for the 3rd time

Premiering in January, "Shannen Says" will chronicle her romance with photographer Kurt Iswarienko.


Bill Clinton appears in a Funny or Die video

Watch the sketch from William J. Clinton Foundation's 10th anniversary celebration, featuring Matt Damon, Ted Danson, Kristen Wiig, Sean Penn, Jack Black and Ben Stiller.


Anderson Cooper's talk show is a hit — but it would've been a flop 10 years ago

"Anderson's" 1.8 million viewers is great these days, but Oprah attracted 10 million in her heyday.


Introducing "The Walken Dead"

A zombie virus that makes you quote Christopher Walken.


"Community" creator: I — not NBC — opted to run last week's episode out of order

Read Dan Harmon's blog post addressing fan conspiracy theories over "Remedial Chaos Theory." PLUS: "SNL's" Taran Killam to guest on "Community."


"Party Down's" Ken Marino lands on "Happy Endings"

He'll play a therapist.


McDonald's is getting an in-store TV network, from Mark Burnett

McTV will feature programming from BBC America.


Check out "Veronica Mars" alum Jason Dohring on "Ringer"

The former Logan Echolls makes his debut on Tuesday.


The Situation files lawsuit over "GTL"

The "Jersey Shore" star wants to take down a website using "GTL" — MyGTLFuel.com.

[Permalink]

October 16, 2011

Zachary Quinto: I'm gay
The former "Heroes" and "24" star says he decided to go public with his sexuality following the suicide of 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer.

October 15, 2011

Charlie Day will host "SNL" with musical guest Maroon 5
The "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" star's "Saturday Night Live" episode airs Nov. 5.

October 14, 2011

NBC making "Grimm" available to the show's Twitter followers
Follow "Grimm" on Twitter, and you'll get a direct tweet with information on watching the pilot in advance.


Happy 60th anniversary, "I Love Lucy"

Lucille Ball's classic sitcom debuted on Oct. 15, 1951.


Study: 40% of smartphone and tablet owners multitask while watching TV

The most common activity: checking e-mail.


Andy Bernard's "Office" problem: He's not that funny?

With Andy, you feel the pity without the humor, says Alan Sepinwall. "I'm starting to think that the biggest problem with Andy as the branch manager isn't how much he's like Michael," he says, "but the most significant way he's not like him: where giving Michael Scott power made him a funnier character than he would have been were he just another salesman, Andy has somehow become less funny since the promotion." PLUS: Andy's backstory wasn't interesting, and read Jim Halpert's guide to throwing a garden party.


"X Factor" contestants sing outdoors, but it sounded like they were in a studio

"It felt like they were all recorded earlier and everyone was lip syncing," says Lisa de Moraes of last night's episode. "This show is the most fake-looking singing competition I have ever seen. And, while we're at it, do we actually believe that's Paula Abdul's house? And Nicole's? etc…."


Simon Cowell: Nicole Scherzinger is like Jessica Rabbit with Daffy Duck's brain

“If you were gonna draw a cartoon of the most beautiful girl in the world, it wouldn't be far off (from her)," Cowell tells Wendy Williams.


How many TV shows have a "black best friend"?

"You know these people," says Eric Deggans. "They are the cool, often-accomplished, world-wise characters who help the confused lead character, who is always white, understand the world and their own troubles. They provide a handy, entertaining way to explain the story, help out the lead character in crucial moments and move the plot along when needed."


Charlie Sheen, Ray Romano and Steve Carell were TV's highest-paid actors last season

And all three are no longer on TV, despite appearing on Forbes' list of highest-paid actors.


When did "Showrunner" become a popular word?

The common term for the person in charge of a TV show began to rise in the late 1980s. PLUS: Who are the Top 50 showrunners?


Denise Richards hangs with Charlie Sheen before filming "30 Rock"

The divorced couple was spotted together last night in NYC — Sheen was in town pitching "Anger Management." Richards later tweeted a photo of her in "30 Rock" makeup room.


Fox announces the first 2-hour "America's Most Wanted" special

"50 Fugitives, 50 States" airs on Oct. 29.


Brenda Song will become Miley Cyrus' sister-in-law

Miley's brother, Trace, proposed to "The Suite Life" star.


How much of "Chelsea Settles" is faked?

The new MTV reality show seemed to doctor some aspects of its "reality."


Guy Fieri accused of being homophobic, anti-Semitic, lecherous

Those are the allegations leveled by David Page, the former "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" producer who is suing the Food Network. Read more about his allegations here.


Shonda Rhimes sells a 1980s-set dramedy to Fox

"Wildwood," written with former "Veronica Mars" producer Diane Ruggerio, follows a teen who poses as an adult to work in a bar.


Eion Bailey joins "Once Upon a Time"

He'll play "The Stranger."


Catherine Bell separates from her husband

The "Army Wives" star has been married for 17 years.

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FRIDAY ODDS & ENDS

October 14, 2011

History channel tonight unleashes "Hairy Bikers"

Food Network's "Chef Hunter" has unemployed chefs competing against each other

"Bachelor Pad" contestants are tested for STDs

Oprah Winfrey Network sends Lisa Ling to tackle "Amateur Porn" on Sunday

Kurt Sutter slams "Sons of Anarchy" TV bloggers on Twitter

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]

October 14, 2011

"The Walking Dead" is less predictable, more frightening in Season 2
"The show seems somehow sleeker and better paced," Hank Stuever says of Sunday's 2nd season debut. "Characters may now be people first and archetypes second. This has the subtle but immediate effect of making 'The Walking Dead' less predictable and more frightening." He adds: "As zombie fare goes, 'The Walking Dead' has found just the right mix of believable terror and goopy gross-out. There’s a fine line to it: Some prefer their zombie movies to err on the side of crass humor and excess splatter. Others prefer the shuffling, inexorable realism 'The Walking Dead' offers."
There's no evidence of Frank Darabont's absence in the 1st few episodes
"Walking Dead" still disappoints with writing for humans // 5 things to remember
More character development this season // No one is safe
"Godfather of all Zombies" George Romero has never watched "Walking Dead"
Robert Kirkman explains "The Governor" // Comics Hidden in Season 2 videos

[Permalink]

October 14, 2011

NBC making "Grimm" available to the show's Twitter followers
Follow "Grimm" on Twitter, and you'll get a direct tweet with information on watching the pilot in advance.


Happy 60th anniversary, "I Love Lucy"

Lucille Ball's classic sitcom debuted on Oct. 15, 1951.


Study: 40% of smartphone and tablet owners multitask while watching TV

The most common activity: checking e-mail.


Andy Bernard's "Office" problem: He's not that funny?

With Andy, you feel the pity without the humor, says Alan Sepinwall. "I'm starting to think that the biggest problem with Andy as the branch manager isn't how much he's like Michael," he says, "but the most significant way he's not like him: where giving Michael Scott power made him a funnier character than he would have been were he just another salesman, Andy has somehow become less funny since the promotion." PLUS: Andy's backstory wasn't interesting, and read Jim Halpert's guide to throwing a garden party.


"X Factor" contestants sing outdoors, but it sounded like they were in a studio

"It felt like they were all recorded earlier and everyone was lip syncing," says Lisa de Moraes of last night's episode. "This show is the most fake-looking singing competition I have ever seen. And, while we're at it, do we actually believe that's Paula Abdul's house? And Nicole's? etc…."


Simon Cowell: Nicole Scherzinger is like Jessica Rabbit with Daffy Duck's brain

“If you were gonna draw a cartoon of the most beautiful girl in the world, it wouldn't be far off (from her)," Cowell tells Wendy Williams.


How many TV shows have a "black best friend"?

"You know these people," says Eric Deggans. "They are the cool, often-accomplished, world-wise characters who help the confused lead character, who is always white, understand the world and their own troubles. They provide a handy, entertaining way to explain the story, help out the lead character in crucial moments and move the plot along when needed."


Charlie Sheen, Ray Romano and Steve Carell were TV's highest-paid actors last season

And all three are no longer on TV, despite appearing on Forbes' list of highest-paid actors.


When did "Showrunner" become a popular word?

The common term for the person in charge of a TV show began to rise in the late 1980s. PLUS: Who are the Top 50 showrunners?


Denise Richards hangs with Charlie Sheen before filming "30 Rock"

The divorced couple was spotted together last night in NYC — Sheen was in town pitching "Anger Management." Richards later tweeted a photo of her in "30 Rock" makeup room.


Fox announces the first 2-hour "America's Most Wanted" special

"50 Fugitives, 50 States" airs on Oct. 29.


Brenda Song will become Miley Cyrus' sister-in-law

Miley's brother, Trace, proposed to "The Suite Life" star.


How much of "Chelsea Settles" is faked?

The new MTV reality show seemed to doctor some aspects of its "reality."


Guy Fieri accused of being homophobic, anti-Semitic, lecherous

Those are the allegations leveled by David Page, the former "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" producer who is suing the Food Network. Read more about his allegations here.


Shonda Rhimes sells a 1980s-set dramedy to Fox

"Wildwood," written with former "Veronica Mars" producer Diane Ruggerio, follows a teen who poses as an adult to work in a bar.


Eion Bailey joins "Once Upon a Time"

He'll play "The Stranger."


Catherine Bell separates from her husband

The "Army Wives" star has been married for 17 years.

[Permalink]

October 14, 2011

Larry Hagman battling cancer, but will still work on "Dallas"
The 80-year-old Hagman says he's facing a highly treatable form of cancer. Yet he is expected to report to work on Monday, when production on the TNT reboot of "Dallas" begins. "As J.R. I could get away with anything — bribery, blackmail and adultery," Hagman says in a statement. "But I got caught by cancer. I do want everyone to know that it is a very common and treatable form of cancer. I will be receiving treatment while working on the new Dallas series. I could not think of a better place to be than working on a show I love, with people I love. Besides, as we all know, you can't keep J.R. down!"

October 14, 2011

ABC cancels "Charlie's Angels"
The rebooted drama arrived with low ratings, dropping every week — except for last night, when it saw a slight uptick.


Ryan Phillippe joins "Damages"

The former "One Life to Live" star returns to TV on a role yet to be revealed.


Anthony Kieidis' life inspires an FX series

A TV series based on the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman's autobiography "Scar Tissue," which HBO has been developing for three years, has moved to FX. PLUS: FX buys "Justified" boss' "The Americans" as well as Dennis Lehane's "Bunker."

[Permalink]

October 14, 2011

"Person of Interest" hosting a "Lost" reunion
Alan Dale (AKA Charles Widmore) will reunite with Michael Emerson.


MTV shows the Italians hating on "Jersey Shore"

On last night's episode, the cast was hit with ice and called, by a crowd, "piece of sh*t."


"X Factor" dips, "Charlie's Angels" rises slightly

Meanwhile, "Prime Suspect" and "Whitney" were down despite NBC repeating last week's episode earlier this week.


Bethenny Frankel absolved: She didn't sell her cocktails for $8.1 million

Turns out a report on "$120 million lie" was wrong, as Frankel's numbers still hold up.


Ricky Gervais replacing "An Idiot Abroad" with "The Short Way Round"

Karl Pilkington's next adventure will feature him on a moped and little person Warwick Davis "in a basket on the front."


More "Celebrity Apprentice" rumors: George Takei, Adam Carolla, Arsenio Hall

Can they compete with the likes of Teresa Giudice, Debbie Gibson and Clay Aiken?


"Community" bringing back Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Will his character remarry Shirley?


"Roswell's" Jason Behr lands on "Breakout Kings"

He'll play a convicted rapist and murderer who escapes from prison.


Fox buys a drama from "My So-Called Life" team

Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick have sold "Confessions of a Contractor," which is supposed to mix "My So-Called Life" with "Desperate Housewives."

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October 13, 2011

NBC reunites "NYPD Blue" creators for a legal drama
Steven Bochco and David Milch will re-team for a Washington, D.C.-set drama about a charismatic "rainmaker" lawyer with a dark secret.


Cinemax halts production of "Transporter" after star Chris Vance is injured

Vance was injured during filming of an action sequence, but it's unclear what exactly happened. The show will be shut down for two week, but it's unknown when Vance will return.


Watch Anna Faris' "SNL" promos with Drake

And featuring Jason Sudeikis.


Friday night dead?

Fridays have become a wasteland of TV programming, the 2nd-least viewed night of the week.

[Permalink]

October 13, 2011

Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst signs on to become a CBS sitcom star
Limp Bizkit frontman, who only has a handful of acting credits including a guest stint on "House," is developing a comedy about an ex-rock star that has been referred to as "Douchebag."


Hulu: We're no longer for sale

After hoping to fetch $2 billion, the online video site took itself off the market due to, according to a statement, a "unique and compelling strategic value to its owners."


David Boreanaz never said his affair strengthened his marriage, his rep says

The "Bones" star's reported admission to an Australian magazine was taken out of context, at a "Bones" press conference, according to Boreanaz's rep.


CBS signs up Aasif Mandvi to create and star in a sitcom

"The Daily Show" correspondent would play a divorced marriage counselor who dispenses relationship advice.

[Permalink]

October 13, 2011

Casey Anthony gets an "E! True Hollywood Story"
Anthony's episode will air on Wednesday.


ABC dusts off an unaired game show as an NBA replacement

"Million Dollar Mind Game," which has been on the shelf for more than a year, will debut Oct. 23.


Tim Allen's sitcom success: Is it the "traditional values"?

Is "Last Man Standing's" 13 million viewers a reflection of our political and cultural times?


"Gossip Girl" is so big in China it is being remade for Chinese TV

A Chinese version of "Gossip Girl" is reportedly set to premiere next summer.


See Katie Holmes as Slutty Pumpkin on "HIMYM"

Check out her photos of her Halloween guest spot as Ted's love interest.


Netflix deal, worth nearly $1 billion, will make CW a profitable network

The nearly $1 billion deal puts the CW in the black, says CBS boss Les Moonves, who oversees the CW. "It essentially makes the CW a profitable enterprise," he says.


What is Debbie Allen like as a "Grey's Anatomy" mom?

Jesse Williams says Catherine Avery "has a lot in common with her in that she is a bit of a narcissist, she's incredibly meddling and all-knowing…" PLUS: Debbie Allen on her new role.


How AMC can win back its reputation

Five tips, including: "1. Quit with the remakes and adaptations."


Is "Degrassi" a minor league to American network TV?

"Degrassi" alums include Nina Dobrev of "The Vampire Diaries," Shenae Grimes from "90210" and Landon Liboiron from "Terra Nova."


Why parents should should allow babies to watch TV

Doctors' prohibitions on toddler TV watching makes no sense, says Farhad Manjoo. "After digging into several studies," he says, "I found that there’s little to support a zero-tolerance policy on screen time. First, the prohibition against television for babies is based on shaky evidence."


Meet a "TV Armorer"

Ryder Washburn's family business provides weapons to TV shows such as "Law & Order."


Get a "Breaking Bad" fix by watching "The X-Files"

"Breaking Bad" creator wrote 29 "X-Files" episodes, including one starring Bryan Cranston. PLUS: "Breaking Bad" is sorely missing the geeky chemistry, and check out a vintage "Breaking Bad" poster.


Anderson Cooper caught napping at jury duty

Is juggling two shows finally getting to Cooper? PLUS: Cooper works at Boston Market.


Poll: 67% of New Jersey residents dislike "Jersey Shore"

Even voters under age 35 think the MTV reality show is bad for the state.


NBC teams with Kenny Ortega for a Latin dance studio drama

The Miami-set drama will focus on a multi-generational Latino family who run a dance studio.


Julianne Hough: How I met Ryan Seacrest

Both "Dancing with the Stars" and "American Idol" are neighbors on the same studio lot, and Julianne Hough tells Jay Leno they'd always bump into each other. "I always knew he was poking," she says, "I always knew his intentions."


Trump wishes Rosie nothing but success

"I felt badly that her ratings were so bad," says The Donald. "Actually, I would like to see her be successful because everything Oprah does, ultimately, is successful, so I think Rosie will be successful."

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THURSDAY ODDS & ENDS

October 13, 2011

"Modern Family's" Muppets storyline was not product placement

"Jon & Kate Plus 8" is among Tina Fey's favorite shows

How did "Boardwalk Empire" make Paz de la Huerta naked and pregnant?

With baseball's bumping of "X Factor," does God hate Simon Cowell?

HBO teases "Eastbound & Down" Season 3

[Click to read the rest of Odds & Ends]