Blogs&News
NewsWire
Bruce Willis and Best Friend Fight
January 31, 2007
No word on who paid whom -- which is weird -- but the “Moonlighting” star settled a lawsuit filed against his childhood friend over allegations the man tried to extort at least $100,000 from the actor, Willis' publicist said.
The lawsuit filed in August accused Bruce DiMattia, who was hired to maintain Willis' personal items and memorabilia, of extortion and violation of privacy.
The lawsuit claimed DiMattia ''was overcome by greed and jealous of his former friend's success'' and threatened to disclose personal information about the star unless Willis bought him a car and paid him $100,000.
America’s Got Brandy for $50 Million
Well, the police do, at least. And the police work for the government who is sort of America. Poor Brandy is being sued for $50 million by the parents of a woman killed in a freeway crash involving Brandy.
Oh how far she’s fallen from the days of being a “judge” of some kind on Regis’s “America’s Got Talent”. Did we hate that show, or what?
The wrongful-death suit claims Brandy was driving recklessly when her Land Rover struck the back of a Honda driven by Awatef Aboudihaj, 38, ''The Insider'' first reported.
No "Grey's" Departure for Knight
The rumors flew fast and furiously. T.R. Knight, unhappy with how Isaiah Washington's verbal gay bashing was being dealt with by ABC, was guitting "Grey's Anatomy".
No way!
Why on earth(!) would the most famous gay actor is the world today – thanks to his elegant and eloquent handling of verbal gay bashing by a co-star – leave his mega-hit show, “Grey’s Anatomy”?
He wouldn’t . But that hasn’t stopped the rumors from flying from MSNBC to all entertainment gossip sites. We hope that E Online is correct in dispute the facts. We have no reason to not believe them. And there is no reason why T.R. Knight would leave.
Is there?
Weeds Star Gives Birth
Kevin Nealon has welcomed the birth of his first child with his wife, actress Susan Yeagley. Gable Ness Nealon was born Monday night at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Nealon publicist Meredith O' Sullivan said in a statement.
''Mom, Dad and baby are all happy and healthy,'' she said.
Nealon, 53, gained fame during nine seasons on NBC's ''Saturday Night Live.'' The standup comic's current stint on Showtime's Golden Globe-nominated ''Weeds'' features him as a pot-smoking city councilman.
Yeagley's credits include ''Almost Famous'' and TV's ''Curb Your Enthusiasm.''
Armed and Cancelled
January 30, 2007
It was one of those ideas that you hear about and make a face. “So we have these b-list celebrities, and they get sworn in as cops in Muncie, Indiana.”
It could have been the surprise hit of the midseason, but unfortunately, it’s been cancelled after just four episodes.
Producers planned seven episodes of ''Armed & Famous,'' whose stars included former ''CHiPs'' star Erik Estrada, singer La Toya Jackson and Jack Osbourne. At least one unaired episode is to be shown this weekend on the cable channel VH1.
The show was broadcast on Wednesday nights, opposite Fox's top-rated ''American Idol.'' In its first week, the show ranked 44th in the TV ratings, but during its second week, it fell (like a rock) to a ranking of 70. All this according to Nielsen Media Research.
''It came down to ratings,'' CBS spokesman Chris Ender said Monday. ''Going up against 'American Idol' was a tall task for the show.''
Screen Actor's Guild Awards
January 29, 2007
Last night’s Screen Actor’s Guild Awards returned very few surprises.
Let's be fair though, if you'd told us the outcome several months ago, we would have laughed in your face. Before the fall season premiered, early buzz on both “Ugly Betty” and “30 Rock” centered around their unlikely chance of survival. And now, both of these shows garnered high awards at the event.
The winners included America Ferrera of ''Ugly Betty'' and Alec Baldwin of ''30 Rock'' as performers in comedy series, and Chandra Wilson of ''Grey's Anatomy'' and Hugh Laurie of ''House'' as performers in dramatic shows.
TV ensemble prizes went to ''Grey's Anatomy'' for drama and ''The Office'' for comedy.
McDonalds: Subliminal Advertising?
January 26, 2007
You may have heard about this YouTube clip that shows what some believe to be subliminal advertising for super-mega-chain McDonalds. And let's be clear: the McDonald's sponsorship deal with “Iron Chef America” is a pretty strong one, that's for sure, with the golden arches splashed over nearly everything within eye-shot of the camera.
The episode-in-question aired this past Sunday and showed a brief red flash, nearly invisible to the naked eye, at a point where two men are holding up glasses.
It quickly appeared on YouTube, slowed down to reveal that for one frame, the screen was showing the McDonald's logo with the words, ''I'm lovin' it.''
''It was a technical error on our part and not a subliminal message as suggested by a Web site running the slow-motion playback,'' said Food Network spokesman Mark O'Connor. ''It has been corrected for all future airings.''
The McDonald's logo usually airs where the network reveals sponsors for the program, he said. Nothing nefarious is suspected in the error, he said.
''We don't do subliminal advertising,'' said Bill Whitman, a McDonald's spokesman.
It’s funny, we werE all just sAying thaT A BIG MAC sounded pretty good.
Angry Letters to Good Morning America
Three groups are urging ABC News not to keep CNN Headline News personality Glenn Beck on as a ''Good Morning America'' commentator because they believe he's biased against Arabs.
The Arab American Institute, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and the Muslim Public Affairs Council all said Thursday they had written to ABC News President David Westin about Beck.
Quick catch-up: Glenn Beck has stated on his evening show on CNN Headline News that Arab and Muslim Americans are apathetic to terrorism. During an interview in November with Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison, the first Muslim member of Congress, Beck asked him to ''prove to me that you are not working with our enemies.''
(Ew.)
New 'Law + Order' Contracts
January 25, 2007
Fans of ''Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,'' have cause for celebration.
Series stars Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni have agreed to their new contracts. Not only will they both be getting a raise, they will be joined next season by an additional cast member, Adam Beach of the film Flags of Our Fathers.
''I'm thrilled that Chris and Mariska have decided to stay with a show that they've made an indelible stamp upon, as we move into our ninth season,'' series creator Dick Wolf said Wednesday in a statement.
The actors signed two-year deals with substantial raises that will mean annual salaries of more than $6.5 million each, Daily Variety reported, citing unidentified sources.
That increase will make Hargitay one of the highest-paid actresses in television, the trade paper said.
State of the Union: Ratings Gold
For one night, the President of the United States drew more TV viewers than ''American Idol.'' And that, actually, has us feeling pretty good .
An estimated 45.5 million people watched the president deliver his State of the Union speech before Congress Tuesday night, according to Nielsen Media Research. The speech was televised on nine different TV networks.
The Fox network's ''American Idol,'' which aired right before the president in most of the country, was seen by 32.6 million people.
President Bush’s speech was seen by 9 percent more people than his speech last year. ''American Idol'' viewership was up 8 percent over its pre-State of the Union broadcast last year.
More people watched the President speak on NBC, with 9.33 million viewers. Fox had 8.4 million, CBS 8 million and ABC 7 million, Nielsen said. On cable, Fox News Channel's coverage of the speech was seen by 4.6 million people, CNN had 2.4 million and MSNBC had 1.6 million.
We may be a notoriously divided country, but at least we're engaging in the process more than ever, and that can only mean good news.
“Man Laws” Suspended
January 24, 2007
They’re not bad ads, actually. Burt Reynolds and various sports figures sitting around a table going over “Man Laws” – and trying desperately not to sound too fey, while asking whether it’s okay to iron jeans or hug their friends.
But Miller Brewing Co. has put its popular ''Man Laws'' ads on hold while it goes back to comparing Miller Lite to competitors' beer in a new spot.
As popular as the ads have been, they haven’t sufficiently boosted sales of Miller's flagship product in the still-expanding light beer category to justify extending the campaign.
''The competition has intensified within the segment so we've made a decision to transition (the campaign) to point out how and why Miller is different from the others,'' said Pete Marino, spokesman for the Milwaukee-based brewer. Nearly half of Miller's sales come from Miller Lite.
Frasier and Ray’s Wife
The Hollywood Reporter is running an item about the possibility of Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton teaming up to play television anchors in a new series called "Action News." It is, though, very early for speculation.
Twentieth Century Fox TV has been trying to get both actors on board before they begin sending the script out for consideration. All in all, though, it sounds like a fairly good idea that's bound to make a splash.
Kelsey Grammer eared four emmys for his work on “Frasier” which ended in 2004, while Patricia Heaton took home two emmys for “Everybody Loves Raymond,” which wrapped in 2005. The producers of the project aren’t exactly a pair of slouches either. Christopher Lloyd produced “Frasier” and Stephen Levitan was a producer for “Just Shoot Me.”
It looks like a show we'd like to see. We'll fire up the DeathWatch for it.
Elizabeth and Oprah Talk about ABC and Babies
January 23, 2007
Elizabeth Vargas told Oprah Winfrey that she wasn't forced out as co-anchor of ABC's ''World News Tonight,'' but decided to step down when she became pregnant with her second child.
We hope this is true ‘cause it sure looked like the pregnant woman was pushed aside.
''I was finding it more and more difficult to do that job the way I wanted to do it, which is 100 percent ... and still be a great mother,'' Vargas, 44, said Tuesday on ''The Oprah Winfrey Show.''
Vargas, who is now co-hosting the network's newsmagazine, ''20/20,'' said she learned she was pregnant just before her co-anchor, Bob Woodruff, was seriously injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq on Jan. 29, 2006.
Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?
January 22, 2007
Fox has announced plans to produce a new game show wherein contestants prove not how smart they are, but how dumb.
Fox said that the show, bluntly titled, ''Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?'' will air sometime later this year, perhaps as early as the spring.
Adults will compete in a quiz based on questions from elementary school textbooks. Actual elementary school students will be on hand as ''experts'' for the adults to consult with.
Fox won a competition with other networks to buy the idea from Mark Burnett, executive producer of ''Survivor,'' perhaps because Liguori - not too modestly - said he was the only chief network television executive to answer all six questions from the show correctly.
Breaking News! The American Idol Judges are Cruel!
If you’ve not checked in with our “Make It Stop” post on American Idol, we suggest you check it out. We’re well on record about the fact that while this show is, yes, a television force that shows very little signs of ever slowing down, it’s the very lowest form of entertainment. Check out the post here.
In the meantime, get this: “American Idol'' judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul say they're no crueler than usual this year, and that people who audition should know what they're going to get.
''If you don't want to hear that, don't show up,'' Cowell told television writers at a news conference on Saturday.
The talent show returned with a storm this past week, with episodes on Tuesday and Wednesday attracting around 37 million viewers. The episodes featured auditions by the good, the bad and the awful from Minneapolis and Seattle.
Cowell, whose reputation for blunt, nasty put-downs was established at the series' beginning, was in peak form, telling one contestant that his singing was horrendous and he looked like a ''bush baby.'' Jackson told one contestant his audition was awful and perhaps ruined his business.
''You shouldn't be a vocal teacher,'' Jackson said. ''I wouldn't take vocal lessons from you, I wouldn't tell anybody to take vocal lessons from you.''
ABC Garner’s 8 GLAAD Noms
Strangely, the network whose hit show ''Grey's Anatomy'' has made headlines over an anti-gay slur used by Isaiah Washington, led nominees for this year's awards from an organization that monitors depictions of gays and lesbians in the media.
The network landed eight nominations from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, the group announced Sunday.
CBS garnered five nods, NBC three and PBS two. Among cable networks, CNN received four, Bravo and HBO three, and BBC America two.
''Grey's Anatomy,'' a medical drama, is nominated for outstanding individual episode.
The show itself has gotten unwanted attention since actor Isaiah Washington used a slur to talk about castmate T.R. Knight in an on-set dustup in October with co-star Patrick Dempsey, then used it again at this month's Golden Globes as he denied ever uttering it.
Meeting of the Guts
January 19, 2007
The long-awaited appearance between Stephen Colbert and Bill O’Reilly went down yesterday, and went off without a hitch. Except that Stephen Colbert stole a microwave from Fox’s greenroom.
Colbert has molded his tough-talking, America-defending persona as host of the satirical ''Colbert Report'' largely on the Fox News pundit. On his Comedy Central program, Colbert has often spoken reverently of O'Reilly -- or as he affectionately calls him, ''Papa Bear.''
''The Colbert Report'' and ''The O'Reilly Factor,'' the top-rated program in cable news, were taped one after another early Thursday evening, with ''The Factor'' airing at 8 p.m. and ''The Report'' at 11:30 p.m.
Appearing in the ''No Spin Zone'' of ''The O'Reilly Factor,'' Colbert remained in character.
''Who are you? Are you Colbert or Colbert?'' prodded O'Reilly, pronouncing the ''T'' in one case, leaving it silent in the other (as Colbert does on his program).
''Bill, I'm whoever you want me to be,'' answered the comedian.
Martha Stewart Angers the Neighbors
Can you imagine owning the trademark to the name of your town?
Turns out Martha Stewart's plan to trademark a line of furniture named for her new hometown has riled some of her neighbors.
Stewart's ''Katonah Collection,'' which includes a four-post bed and a tailored English sofa, is already on sale, and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. has a trademark pending for the name, according to a report in the The Journal News.
''We don't think it's a good idea for her to assert trademark rights over a name that's been in use as a place name since 1852,'' said William O'Neill, co-president of the Katonah Village Improvement Society. Katonah is named for a 17th-century Indian chief.
Update: Isaiah Apologizes
The heated controversy at ABC's top show, ''Grey's Anatomy,'' boiled over Thursday as the network rebuked co-star Isaiah Washington for an anti-gay comment and Washington issued a lengthy apology. Get the background on OUTzoneTV.com.
''We are greatly dismayed that Mr. Washington chose to use such inappropriate language at the Golden Globes, language that he himself deemed 'unfortunate' in his previous public apology…his actions are unacceptable and are being addressed,'' said a statement from the network.
In his apology Thursday, Washington acknowledged repeating the word Monday night.''
''I apologize to T.R., my colleagues, the fans of the show and especially the lesbian and gay community for using a word that is unacceptable in any context or circumstance. I marred what should have been a perfect night for everyone who works on 'Grey's Anatomy.' I can neither defend nor explain my behavior. I can also no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I've asked for help.''
Bill O'Reilly: “Sad and Pathetic”
January 18, 2007
Bill O'Reilly's criticism of NBC News as a liberal-leaning network is ''really kind of sad and pathetic,'' said Steve Capus, President of NBC News.
O'Reilly has said NBC News, as an organization, has gone sharply to the left. He cited the network's decision last fall to begin referring to the sectarian violence in Iraq as a civil war, a phrase the Bush administration has resisted.
Here’s where this gets sort of hilarious: O’reilly made his displeasure clear in a recent interview with NBC's Andrea Mitchell, and then later talked to a body language consultant who said Mitchell looked uncomfortable.
This must be the part that makes him sad -- that a “body language consultant” though Andrea Mitchell
looked “uncomfortable.” She’s a newswoman, she’s not supposed to look comfortable.
Justin’s Ladies
Five finalists have been named to compete for the chance to perform with ''SexyBack'' singer Justin Timberlake at the Grammy Awards. And they're all ladies.
Fans voting online at Yahoo! Music narrowed the field from 12 finalists in the ''My Grammy Moment'' contest for unsigned artists.
The five finalists, all women, are Africa Miranda, 30, of Montgomery, Ala.; Jillian Gaudious, 25, of Long Branch, N.J.; Brenda Radney, 22, of Staten Island, N.Y.; Robyn Troup, 18, of Houston, Texas; and Jessica James, 18, of Warner Robins, Ga.
''We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response we have received for our 'My Grammy Moment' opportunity, and the top five finalists reflect a diverse group of extremely talented singers,'' Recording Academy President Neil Portnow said in a statement Wednesday.
Katherine Heigl v Isaiah Washington
January 17, 2007
There is an open feud brewing between ''Grey's Anatomy'' stars Isaiah Washington and Katherine Heigl.
During an interview following the show's Golden Globe win, Washington denied his involvement in a heated on-set incident in October during which he allegedly used a homophobic slur.
''No, I did not call (co-star) T.R. (Knight) a faggot,'' Washington said. ''Never happened, never happened.''
Rather than soothing the situation, his comments left Heigl seething.
''I'm going to be really honest right now, he needs to just not speak in public. Period,'' Heigl told ''Access Hollywood'' at an after-party. ''I'm sorry, that did not need to be said. I'm not OK with it.''
Aniston Gets Dirty
Though it’s not getting the reviews that FX had originally hoped for, Courteney Cox’s new show “Dirt,” may have a few tricks up its (filthy) sleeves.
FX announced on Monday that Jennifer Aniston will guest-star in the season finale of the show, which is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27th. Cox and Aniston have been good friends since their days spent together on the mega-hit "Friends" and say they've wanted to work together again since.
"Dirt" follows the (evil) editor of a tabloid magazine, Lucy Spiller, (played by Courtney Cox, who also executive produces) as she attempts to wield supreme gossip-mongering power over a fictional Hollywood. Aniston will play a rival gossip editor named Tina.
The Gunn Gets Ugly
This was bound to happen.
Fresh on the heels of the announcement that Tim Gunn has signed a deal with Bravo (our parent network) to bring his book, “A Guide To Quality, Taste and Style” to television, the Fashion-guru, Parsons Dean turned "Project Runway" television star is no stranger to being in front of the camera. He has, in fact, stolen the hearts of the American reality-television audience.
So we were surprised and delighted to hear that at the beginning of next month, he'll be showcasing his acting chops -- appearing on ABC’s Golden Globe Winning "Ugly Betty." Mr. Gunn will participate in two episodes of the show, playing a Fashion TV reporter who covers a controversy that takes place at Mode, the show’s fictional fashion magazine.
Golden Globes: The TV Edition
January 16, 2007
Television awards have notoriously been overshadowed by the movie winners at the Golden Globes. But with such a star-studded crew winning the top awards, it's hard not to take them as seriously as other television awards, such as the Emmys.
Best Actor in a comedy series went to Alec Baldwin for his role as a megalomaniac TV network executive. The character has enthralled critics and even earned ''30 Rock'' a growing audience.
''I'm glad this isn't too heavy because I just had hernia surgery,'' Baldwin said after grabbing his trophy.
TMZ Goes TeeVee
Doubtless, you've heard ot TMZ.
TMZ.com is the site that’s been breaking a lot of celebrity news lately. These were the guys who brought you the "Mel Gibson anti-semetic rant" story last year, as well as "Michael Richards Goes Bananas." TMZ.com is the first click in the morning for any self-respecting gossip columnist.
In what we can only describe as an orgy of media corporations merging into one grand gossip spectacle, there is some news about website TMZ.com. The site, which is a joint venture between AOL and Telepictures Productions, will soon be airing on Fox and distributed by Warner Brothers.
The show, titled ''TMZ,'' will have a half-hour format on weekdays with a one-hour weekend version. It will expand on the website's format as a constantly updated tabloid providing ''a fresh, unvarnished look at celebrities and the world of entertainment,'' the show's co-executive producer, Jim Paratore, said in a statement.
IFC Pushes Envelope
The Independent Film Channel wants to blossom into a bona fide rabble-rousing flower.
When Evan Shapiro took over as general manager of the channel two years ago, he began his quest to establish IFC as a haven for free speech, a network that relishes taking on controversial issues. His slogan for IFC is ''TV, Uncut.''
''If cable does what broadcast cannot, IFC needs to do what cable does not,'' said Shapiro, who ran his own marketing company before working at Court TV and IFC.
It looks as though this is finally paying off.
One example is the recent documentary, This Film is Not Yet Rated, that explores the politics behind Hollywood's movie ratings system. Many people in television loved the idea but no one wanted to make it, Shapiro said. He reasoned that ''if we don't do this, we don't deserve to be the Independent Film Channel.''
End Near for Lost?
January 15, 2007
The ABC hit may be coming to a close. "Lost" creator Dam run as long as the "X-Files", and could wrap up in the next few seasons. Right now "Lost" is in the middle of season 3. The reason for a quick end? Continuing the series any longer risks viewer interest in following the show's many complex stories.
Other "Lost" news from the panel:
This marked the first time that there was a "Lost" panel with virtually the entire cast, plus creators/producers J.J. Abrams, Carlton Cruse and Lindelof. (Missing w run as long as the "X-Files", and could wrap up in the next few seasons. Right now "Lost" is in the middle of season 3. The reason for a quick end? Continuing the series any longer risks viewer interest in following the show's many complex stories.
Other "Lost" news from the panel:
This marked the first time that there was a "Lost" panel with virtually the entire cast, plus creators/producers J.J. Abrams, Carlton Cruse and Lindelof. (Missing were actors Terry O'Quinn and Naveen Andrews -- sign of a cast change? There was no acknowledgement of the two actors not being there.) There were several references to former cast members killed off, including Ian Somerhalder and Michelle Rodriguez. Moderator Jimmy Kimmel jokingly suggested that when an actor gets a DUI (which has coincidentally occurred with multiple cast members), they're written off. Producers downplayed any connection.
The producers confirmed they know what the mystery on the island is despite Kimmel's remark that the show is made up as it goes along. In response to the casting of Brian Emerson as Henry Gale, producers said they knew he was going to be an Other. However, when he clicked they made him the leader of The Others. Decisions like that are the extent of the series deviating from the original outline. Another example: the Matthew Fox character was killed off in the original script, but Steve McPherson objected, saying viewers will be let down after investing in a hero only to watch him be killed. Instead, Abrams's close friend and former "Felicity"/"Alias" co-star Greg Grunberg (now of "Heroes") played a character killed off in the pilot.
Kimmel asked the panel why, if Henry gets off the island, does he need Jack to perform his surgery? Cruse assured him this will be addressed in the first few weeks when "Lost" returns (16 consecutive episodes begin on 2/7).
When Elizabeth Mitchell was asked if she's good or evil, she admitted she didn't know. Nearly all of the cast, except Fox, said they don't know the plot's secrets.
When asked about a "Heroes" crossover with "Lost", Lindelof said it will never happen, because viewers wouldn't accept it. However, there is another "Heroes"/"Lost" connection through Lindelof's former "Crossing Jordan" executive producer, Tom Kring, who let Lindelof out from his "Jordan" commitment to write the "Lost" pilot. Kring then went ahead to create "Heroes".
Kimmel badgered the cast to reveal any of the twists. Lindelof said that any revelation typically is a letdown.
When Kimmel said that multiple characters have issues with their fathers and asked about that significance, Lindelof and Cruse looked at each other for a long period of time -- very uncomfortably -- suggesting this may be an accurate clue.
They said that unlike "Twin Peaks's" revelation of who killed Laura Palmer, there will be a wave of revelations at some point. Lindelof said, in response to critics and message board bloggers, there have been things reveleaed in seasons 2 (we saw the monster, learned about Kate's background), but he is conflicted that this doesn't satisfy fans. Producer Jack Bender admitted how killing off Somerhalder's character and the other cast members was very emotional for the close-knit cast. Upcoming plotslines will reveal the background of Jack's tattoos. Clips of upcoming episodes show Fox in bed with series guest actress Bai Ling.
Emile de Ravin looked visibly unhappy throughout the two-hour panel. This week's tabloids announce her imminent divorce from her husband.
Evangeline Lilly and Josh Holloway were the most lively and animated. Lilly even left the stage at one point -- announcing that she was headed to the restroom.
When Kimmel referred to his distaste for Michelle Rodriguez' character, the cast broke out laughing.
"Sopranos" Sets Ratings Record
January 12, 2007
A&E made headlines last year when they paid a record $2.5 million per episode for the syndication rights to HBO’s “The Sopranos”. Immediately after the high cost of the episodes stopped making news, critics began to wonder whether or not the show could succeed on a network that won't allow cursing or nudity.
But it looks like the gamble paid off. TVweek.com is reporting that Wednesday night's premiere of the show drew 4.27 million viewers, making it the highest rated premiere for an off-network show ever on cable television.
When "The Sopranos" originally aired, it was praised for an ability to make gritty mob life seem accessible through excellently written characters caught in desperately violent and often highly sexual situations. Critics were right to wonder just how far A&E would be toning down the show.
MTV Movie Awards: Now Live
Reality TV mogul Mark Burnett is a self-professed fan of the MTV Movie Awards. Now, in an effort to keep the 16-year-old awards show from getting too "stuffy," he’s agreed to executive produce them.
''They've become so well-produced that it doesn't feel as MTV as in the early days,'' Burnett said Thursday. ''MTV invented brevity in television, quick-cutting and (the idea) that anything could happen.''
Burnett, whose series include ''Survivor'' and ''The Apprentice,'' also has the task of boosting the awards show's audience, which has eroded since hitting a high of 7.1 million viewers in 2002, with less than half that - 3.2 million - watching in 2006.
MTV announced Thursday that Burnett will take over from longtime producer Joel Gallen for the annual ceremony, set for June 3. And in a move that many consider risky in an age of heightened FCC regulations -- the show will be broadcast live for the first time.
Steve Irwin: The Legacy
Yesterday was a busy day for the bereaved family of recently deceased conservationist and animal lover Steve Irwin, who was killed by a manta ray late last year, while filming off the coast of Australia.
As Irwin's daughter Bindi appeared on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” marking what many media outlets are calling her “American television debut,” Terri was busy giving interviews about the footage of her late husband’s death.
The only copy of the footage has been destroyed.
''There's standard protocols for examining certain evidence and that's no longer necessary, so we're very proud that Steve's last documentary is going to air and that's his last footage with wildlife,'' she said.
Steve Irwin died Sept. 4 in Australia after a stingray's tail pierced his chest while he was shooting two projects, including ''Ocean's Deadliest'' for the Discovery Channel.
Yvonne De Carlo Passes at 84
January 11, 2007
Of beloved television mothers, Yvonne De Carlo had an honored place. Her most noted role was the troubled mother Lily on “The Munsters.'' She passed away in Los Angeles Monday. She was 84.
De Carlo, whose shapely figure helped launch her career in B-movie desert adventures and Westerns, rose to more important roles in the 1950s. Later, she had a key role in a landmark Broadway musical, Stephen Sondheim's Follies.
But for TV viewers, she will always be known as Lily Munster in the 1964-1966 slapstick horror-movie spoof ''The Munsters.'' The series (the name allegedly derived from ''fun-monsters'') offered a gallery of Universal Pictures grotesques, including Dracula and Frankenstein's Monster, in a cobwebbed gothic setting.
Grease Is the Word
It isn’t even in rehearsals, they’re still casting, and yet…the Broadway-bound production of ''Grease,'' currently the focus of the NBC reality series, “Grease: You’re the One That I Want” has sold $1.3 million worth of tickets during the first two days tickets were on sale.
The $10 million revival starts begins preview performances July 24, most likely at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, after the Kevin Spacey revival of Eugene O'Neill's A Moon for the Misbegotten completes its limited engagement.
The 90-minute first episode of the TV series, called ''Grease: You're the One That I Want,'' on Jan. 7 averaged some 11.6 million viewers. They tuned in to watch Los Angeles and Chicago auditions for the leading roles of Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko in the upcoming stage production.
Jay Leno Gets Animated (Again)
It’s good to be the king.
Jay Leno has been heard as the voice of many an animated character', including roles in 'Cars,'' ''Ice Age: The Meltdown,'' and ''Robots.'' His first role as an animated human will come soon, when he lends his voice to Exodus;’ Film Group’s Igor, due in the fall of 2008.
The ''Tonight'' show host will be the voice of King Malbert, ruler of Malaria, in the saga of a mad scientist's hunchbacked assistant who dreams of winning the annual Evil Science Fair, Exodus Film Group said Wednesday.
The movie will also feature Jennifer Coolidge, Jeremy Piven, Molly Shannon, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese and Christian Slater.
O’Reilly v. Colbert: DeathMatch-Watch!
January 10, 2007
Big news out of Fox and Comedy Central yesterday. Big and amusing. On January 18th, Bill O'Reilly and Stephen Colbert will trade appearances on each other’s programs.
Colbert, who has essentially based his comic character every evening on O’Reilly’s sometimes maniacally self-important tirades stayed true to from in a statement.
''I look forward to the evening,'' Colbert said. ''It is an honor to speak face-to-face with a broadcasting legend, and I feel the same way about Mr. O'Reilly.''
Firefly Captain Expecting
The folks over at zap2it.com are reporting that Gina Torres, star of the brilliant but cancelled “Firefly” and wife of Laurence Fishburne, is expecting a child.
While Laurence Fishburne has two teenage children from a previous marriage, this will be the first child for the couple, who were married in 2002, but had dated for seven years prior.
The People Choose
We will admit that we kind of forgot that the People’s Choice Awards happen at all. It’s not that we don’t care about the people. It’s just that this time of year comes with an onslaught of Awards shows. And this is one of those awards that seem chosen by people we don’t know.
The awards used to be chosen by a gallup poll, until 2004, when the contest was unexplicably turned over to the hands of roughly “6000 entertainment enthusiasts” who chose the nominees that will be voted for online. It’s that 6,000 people that we’d like to have a word with.
The television winners for best show included “Two and a Half Men” (Best Comedy), “The Simpsons” (Best Animated Comedy), Grey’s Anatomy” (Best Drama), and “American Idol” (Best Reality Show).
Scooby Doo Creator Dies
January 09, 2007
Sad news out of Hollywood today: Iwao Takamoto, creator of the cartoon classic Scooby-Doo died at the age of 81.
Takamoto’s career spanned 6 decades and included the design of one of the greatest dog characters in the history of animation -- Scooby. He also assisted on several other animated projects for Hanna-Barbera and Disney; contributing to such classics as Peter Pan, 101 Dalmatians, “The Jetsons” and “The Flintstones.”
According to an Associated Press article, Takamoto named Scooby Doo for the final phrase in Frank Sinatra’s version of “Strangers In the Night” and came up with Scooby’s look by talking to a Great Dane breeder.
Donald Trump: Age Discriminator?
Richard J. Hewett never actually made it onto NBC’s “The Apprentice” – and he’s hopping mad about it. So what do red-blooded angry Americans do? They sue.
Hewitt is suing the real estate mogul-and-Rosie hater claiming he was turned away because of age discrimination.
Hewett was 49 when he was rejected in July 2005, and claims in his lawsuit that only two of the finalists covering six seasons have been over 40. He alleges Trump and the show's producers are in violation of the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
''People watching it get the impression that if you want to work for a big organization like the Trump Organization you have to be young,'' Hewett told The AP in a phone interview Monday. He's seeking unspecified damages.
Trump, in statement released by his spokesman, disputed Hewett's claims.
Tony Blair: TV War Criminal
The British TV channel behind the film "Death of a President" (which bombed in America earlier this year; it's a drama in which U.S. President George W. Bush was assassinated) is throwing a similar fictional spotlight on its own leader, Tony Blair. In the new project, after retiring, the prime minister faces a possible war-crimes trial.
''The Trial of Tony Blair,'' airs in Britain on Jan. 15. (The above photo is, no kidding, one of the press photos the creators are using...) The plot takes place in 2010. Hillary Clinton is the new U.S. president, and Gordon Brown, Blair's finance minister, has taken over as prime minister. Blair, haunted by the continuing carnage in Iraq, is tormented by an obsession with his legacy that blinds him to the looming threat of an indictment by the International Criminal Court.
Blair is played by respected British actor Robert Lindsay. (pictured above with finger)
Channel 4, the broadcaster that operates the digital channel More4, said the show was a ''comedy-drama,'' which would have some light moments. But the message was meant to be taken seriously, spokesman Gavin Dawson said.
''You want people to be provoked into thinking about the world around them,'' he said. Dawson said the show had been in the works before ''Death of a President'' generated enormous controversy _ and buzz _ for the station in Britain and abroad.
Your Cell Phone Rules
January 08, 2007
Around the same time that your cellular phone provider realized they could put a camera in a phone, they realized that a video camera would work just as well.
And if the last few months have proven anything, it’s that news corporations are catching on to the fact that people have cellphones just about everywhere. Michael Richards racist tirade, the hanging of Saddam Hussein, all of these things are proving that the revolution could, in fact, be televised.
Saddam's execution and Richards' flameout illustrate the growing power of cell-phone video as a news tool, not only to supplement stories but to change them.
''It brought to a fore the sense that wow, this is a ubiquitous technology,'' said Mark Lukasiewicz, NBC News vice president for digital media. ''Cameras are now in places where cameras never used to be. That's transformational.''
Rob Lowe Gets Extended
Zap2it is reporting that guest star Rob Lowe’s contract on the ABC series "Brothers & Sisters" will be extended through to the end of the season.
His appearance on the show happened to fall during the highest ratings of the season. Lowe plays a recently-divorced U.S. Senator, who seems to be building as a possible love interest for Calista Flockhardt’s character, Kitty.
This is good news for Lowe, whose “West Wing” follow up show “The Lion’s Den” failed spectacularly.
The show will feature a slate of guest stars for th rest of it’s freshman season, including "Sex And the City"’s Jason Lewis, as the love interest of Kevin Walker, the show's gay character.
Girls Not-so Wild
January 05, 2007
A judge on Thursday dropped most of the charges filed against Joe Francis. You remember Joe...
He’s the guy who takes a video crew down to Florida once a year for Spring Break and films drunken girls of dubious reputation showing whatever parts happen to jiggle.
The judge dropped most of the charges, citing that the evidence did not support the allegations involving the filming of a pair of underage girls at spring break. The claims were brought against Francis by two 17-year-old girls, who both allege that a ''Girls Gone Wild'' cameraman videotaped them in sexual situations on a Panama City Beach in 2003.
Law Suit Friday
The AP is reporting that an audience member has sued Oprah Winfrey’s studio because she was injured while rushing to her seat at an Oprah taping. Tayna Milner claims the studio failed to properly control the crowd of screaming, self-help-hungry, crazy ladies.
Milner (who fell and injured herself during the stampede) is seeking more than 50K in damages. The article didn’t say what injuries the woman sustained. But we can bet she didn’t get a free car that day.
Additionally, a Canadian man has sued the producers of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” because he didn’t win the $100,000 prize. Seems he was convinced that his friends and family back in Canada could vote for him online, but it turns out Canadians are banned from voting.
Screen Actors Guild Award Nominees
January 04, 2007
The nominees for the Screen Actor's Guild Awards are in! And we're all pretty excited by the prospects. The show will run on January 29th. And we'll be sure to report back with the winners. BUt here is the list of actors on television who have been nominated by their peers:
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin ("30 Rock")
Steve Carell ("The Office")
Jason Lee ("My Name is Earl")
Jeremy Piven ("Entourage")
Tony Shalhoub ("Monk")
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
James Gandolfini ("The Sopranos")
Michael C. Hall ("Dexter")
Hugh Laurie ("House")
James Spader ("Boston Legal")
Kiefer Sutherland, ("24")
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Patricia Arquette ("Medium")
Edie Falco ("The Sopranos")
Mariska Hargitay ("Law & Order: Special Victims Unit")
Kyra Sedgwick ("The Closer")
Chandra Wilson ("Grey's Anatomy")
Megan Mullaly's Show Pulled
After just five less-than-stellar months, Megan Mullally’s syndicated talk show is closing its doors.
"I am extremely proud of the show we created and am thankful for the passion and tireless efforts of (executive producer) Corin Nelson and the entire staff," Mullally said in a statement issued by our parent company NBC Universal.
Too bad. We always thought a talk-show featuring W&G’s “Karen Walker” sounded like a good idea.
Unfortunately, Megan Mullally was no Karen Walker. And by that we mean, we still have a lot of respect for the work she does as an actress, but the talk show made her seem uncomfortable. She always seemed to look like she was late for work, and the guests had really gotten sort of pitiful.
Barbara Stands By Rosie
Barbara Walters returned form her vacation to weigh in on the battle of words between Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump.
Walters, creator of ''The View,'' said Wednesday that she never told Trump she didn't want O'Donnell on the show, as he has claimed. ''Nothing could be further from the truth,'' she said.
''She has brought a new vitality to this show and the ratings prove it,'' Walters said of O'Donnell, who is on vacation this week. When she returns, Walters said, ''We will all welcome her back with open arms.''
Walters also took a moment to try to smooth things over with The Donald, who got all riled up when O'Donnell said on ''The View'' that he had been ''bankrupt so many times.''
''ABC has asked me to say this just to clarify things, and I will quote: 'Donald Trump has never filed for personal bankruptcy. Several of his casino companies have filed for business bankruptcies. They are out of bankruptcy now,''' Walters said.
"The O.C." Cancelled
January 03, 2007
The show that was credited with reinventing the teen soap-opera has been cancelled. In honor of the occasion, our own TV Lover has written a post about the whys and hows, as well as some suggestions about how you can join the fight to save "The O.C."
Broadcasting and Cable and TV Week are reporting that the last episode of the show will be the season four finale, airing on February 22nd.
The show originally premiered to “must-see” ratings and even critics loved its ability to capture an audience that crossed generations. Since then, every season has declined in ratings.
The show centered around a group of high school student's in Newport Beach, California, and followed their often complicated love lives (and the love-lives of their parents).
Said Josh Schwartz, the show’s creator: “This feels like the best time to bring the show to its close. Thank