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Freaks and Geeks Goes to the Movies
May 31, 2007
There has probably never been a show in the whole history of television with as short a run but as deep a fan base as “Freaks and Geeks.” To this day we scratch our heads as to why this series isn’t in full syndication or, at the very least, not reran before and after the President's State of the Union address.
Too far?
''Freaks and Geeks'' didn't even last a full season on NBC back in 1999 and 2000, but its enduring legacy can be seen throughout one of this summer’s most talked about comedies.
Knocked Up in theaters Friday, was written and directed by Judd Apatow, who was the executive producer of ''Freaks and Geeks.'' In casting his film, he essentially stockpiled actors from the beloved show about two bands of early '80s high school misfits.
Deadwood Star Lightens Up
HBO’s “Deadwood” may unfortunately be over but co-star John Hawkes relationship with the network is not. We all know Hawkes from his role as the earnest businessman Sol Star on the gritty western drama “Deadwood.” Now HBO fans will have to get used to the actor in a much different light.
The actor is jumping on board a comedy pilot being produced by funnyman Will Ferrell and his long time collaborator and former "SNL" head writer Adam McKay.
Actress Katy Mixon (The Quiet) , Danny McBride (the upcoming Hot Rod), and Andrew Scoundrels (“Reno 911”) are also part of the cast. The comedy, titled “East Bound and Down,” is about an ex-baseball pitcher (McBride) who moves back home after his career ends. He can only land a job as a substitute gym teacher at … you guessed it, his old high school.
McBride co-created the project and will serve as an executive producer. Ferrell and McKay are show producers under the umbrella of McKay’s Gary Sanchez Production company.
The “Deadwood” star is set to play McBride’s brother.
Lewis Black Presides Over Comedy
May 30, 2007
Comedy Central announced a slate of new shows being put in production, headlined by “The Daily Show” regular Lewis Black’s “Root of All Evil.”
Presumably, in the show Black will grow increasingly outraged and terse over a political issue, shaking belligerently until his hands flutter so uncontrollably he lifts himself into space.
Actually "Root of All Evil," will take place in a courtroom setting of which the passionate funnyman will preside. Show guests and host will debate one another.
Speaking of the last name Black, another comedian, Michael Ian Black, also has a Comedy Central show in development. It’s called “Michael Ian Black Doesn’t Understand,” said to be a sketch comedy and, judging by the title, keen on establishing some name recognition for its star.
Life on Mars: British Invasion
The British keep coming! The British keep coming!
It’s nothing new by now of course. Our mates from across the pond have invaded our pop culture with everything from The Beatles to “The Office.” But while music has never had the need to be retranslated and scripted for American consumption, British television has.
Usually this gave us a sense of dread: the American remake of “Coupling,” for instance (although we’ve seen the BBC version and it wasn’t the bees knees either). Then along came “The Office” which inconceivably smashed every instinct we had on the matter. Our outrage waned to tolerance, then, eventually, complete acceptance.
We may not be quite as in love with the British original drama “Life On Mars” as we were with “The Office” but, with help from Tivo and a BBC America marathon last year, it’s pretty darn close.
Carol Burnett vs. Family Guy
May 29, 2007
It seems Carol Burnett will not have her day in court. The 74 year-old comedian who previously presented a $2 million copyright infringement lawsuit over the use of her cleaning woman character in the animated series “Family Guy” is seeing it dismissed by a federal judge.
U.S. District Judge Dean Pregerson said in a written tentative ruling Friday that he planned to dismiss the lawsuit against 20th Century Fox. He will issue a final ruling later.
The 74-year-old comedian sued the studio in March, contending that the Fox show didn't have her permission to include her Charwoman character in an April 2006 episode.
Charwoman? Was that her name? Seth MacFarlane and his “Family Guy” writers certainly traffic in some obscure references. Although they should scratch any references to Dorf on Golf just to be safe.
Commercialization
The old ad game ethos that television is about the commercials has never rung more true in today’s age of digital recording and iTunes downloads. In fact, some of the most creative thinking in television has nothing to do with the actual shows, but with the commercials that run between them.
Fueled by a growing sense of desperation, networks are inserting games, quizzes and mini-dramas into commercial breaks. They're incorporating more product pitches into programming. Two experimental programs without traditional commercial breaks will premiere this fall. NBC has even called on Jerry Seinfeld for help.
This is all being done to stop viewers with DVRs from fast-forwarding through advertisements, or to circumvent those that do. Adding to the urgency, this week Nielsen Media Research begins offering ratings for commercial breaks, instead of just the shows around them.
''We all need to become more creative in how we incorporate sponsors into a program,'' said Ed Swindler, executive vice president for NBC Universal ad sales. ''No one on the creative side or the business side wants to make commercials intrusive, but we do need to commercialize efficiently so viewers can afford to get free television.''
Bud Bundy Finishing School
May 25, 2007
Actor David Faustino has chosen to put the bud in Bundy. The former “Married with Children” star most recognized for his role as Bud Bundy in the long running sitcom was previously arrested on May 12 for disorderly intoxication and marijuana possession.
The intoxication charge was however dropped on Tuesday by State Attorney’s who cited his initial arrest as sufficient punishment for the charge.
Faustino still faces the marijuana charge, of which he has pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled for July.
Donald Trump Weighs in on The View
After this week’s on-air slugfest on “The View” between Rosie O’Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck there was only one person to turn to for an opinion: The Donald.
Trump, who in the past very famously exchanged insults with Rosie and has also questioned Hasselbeck’s intelligence, took the high road about the on-air tiff complementing both women on their determination and beauty.
We were so kidding just then.
''I've always said Rosie is very self-destructive,'' Trump said Thursday in Chicago. ''... As far as Elisabeth Hasselbeck, I've always said she's probably the dumbest person on television, but when she called me ... obnoxious, she was probably right.''
Jericho Fans Fight Back
May 23, 2007
Ever since news of post-apocalyptic drama “Jericho’s” cancellation hit the wires dedicated viewers everywhere have started online petitions of 60,000 signatures; there have also been e-mail write-in campaigns, a MySpace page, phone-in campaigns, and our personal favorite a “Nuts to CBS” campaign that, reportedly, resulted in close to 2 tons of peanuts being delivered to CBS headquarters.
Seriously, with a base like that you mean to say there was no room to grow an audience?
It seems that the impassioned pleas from fans have at least sparked a response from CBS; dare we say an unprecedented one from their entertainment chief Nina Tassler. On the “Jericho” message board on cbs.com she wrote to fans how touched she was by the response and says CBS hopes to let fans know how the show would have ended.
Stone Phillips: Postdated
The man whose name best describes his jaw line will not be returning to NBC News. Anchor Stone Phillips of “Dateline NBC” will be dropped by the network, in a cost-cutting move when his contract expires at the end of June.
Phillips won't formally be replaced. His co-anchor, Ann Curry, will continue and other ''Dateline NBC'' reporters will serve as on-air hosts when the news magazine presents stories they're working on, the network said Tuesday.
''It's been a wonderful 15 years,'' Phillips said in a statement issued by NBC. ''I'm profoundly appreciative of the many friends and colleagues, past and present, who have been a part of the 'Dateline' family. This is a great news division with a bright future. I wish the people of NBC News all the best.''
Phillips was teamed with Jane Pauley, who left NBC is 2003, for much of his time at ''Dateline NBC.'' At its peak, the newsmagazine churned out as many as five episodes a week. Stone gained a considerable reputation for his stolid demeanor and impenetrable speech inflection, most notably emulated by comedian Stephen Colbert.
Prison Break Star Pleads Guilty
May 22, 2007
In an ugly and sad twist of fate the role assumed by actor Lane Garrison in the Fox show “Prison Break” will soon turn into his real life. The actor pleaded guilty Monday to vehicular manslaughter and drunken driving in a crash last year that killed a teenage passenger.
Garrison, 26, faces up to up to six years and eight months in state prison when he is sentenced in August. He remains free on $100,000 bail.
He was driving a 2001 Land Rover on Dec. 2 when he lost control and rammed a tree. The crash killed Vahagn Setian, 17, a Beverly Hills High School student. There were two other passengers, both 15-year-old girls, who thankfully survived.
Setian's family said in a statement that they support the prosecution recommendation that Garrison serve time in state prison.
Paula Abdul's Misstep
Paula Abdul broke her nose over the weekend after she fell while trying to avoid stepping on her Chihuahua. Straight up. Is this why Paris always carries hers in a purse?
Abdul was recovering from the mishap and will appear on ''American Idol'' Tuesday and its season finale Wednesday, publicist David Brokaw said.
''She's a little sore, but is doing fine,'' he said.
Super Bowl "House" Party
May 21, 2007
Are you ready for some laconic, unconventional medical practitioners? Are you ready to party?
Admittedly, that sounds a bit crammed in but it hasn’t stopped FOX from giving their medical drama “House” the lead-in to end all other lead-ins. The network announced on Thursday that “House” is to air after next year’s Super Bowl, scheduled for Feb. 3.
The announcement was an unusual move for FOX considering that most networks who have Super Bowl broadcasting rights wait until the season has begun before picking a show to program after the big game, this year to be Super Bowl XLII.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith Go to Town
Some television projects do not go down without a fight. Such is the case with “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” an ABC produced big-budget drama pilot that was not picked up by the network at upfronts last week.
“Smith” is of course based on the movie of the same name starring … wait a minute, we just had their names. Crap. You know, those two actors? One is really good looking and the other one is also really good looking. They met on set. It was in a bunch of papers. It’ll come to us.
Any-who, producers at Regency TV were smart enough to include an early release provision as part of their deal with ABC and are presently shopping the drama around town to other networks.
Ludacris Brushes from Right to Left
May 18, 2007
If you’ve ever seen a Ludacris music video then you’re aware already how fully animated the 29-year old performer can be onscreen. So it won’t come as much of a surprise to hear his voice in an upcoming cartoon cameo in the 400th episode of “The Simpsons.” What might surprise you is what his portrayal will be.
The rap star will voice a tube of toothpaste called “Luda-Crest” that raps in an informational video watched by brainy Lisa during an annual dental checkup. The episode airs Sunday night on Fox.
Rapping toothpaste? Kids today.
Tim & Eric Hearts Shrek 3
There was that while ago Sunday when we had had one too many late night cookies with milk here at the BBC HQ and stayed up to watch Adult Swim’s “Tim & Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” on the Cartoon Network.
What we witnessed was … actually what the hell was that? We still aren't sure. But we laughed so that was enough.
That’s why we were very excited to discover on Boing Boing today these hilarious YouTube videos of the comedy duo celebrating this weeks movie release of Shrek the Third.
In a series of promo videos Tim and Eric think that Shrek the Third is going to be awesome. “The wait is ogre,” announces Eric with all the deadpan delivered enthusiasm humanly allowed before betraying signs of depression. They offer up Shrek testimonials, give us some Shrek mobile phone advice, report live from Shrek 3 headquarters, and hold court in an illuminating discussion about Shrek with reverential quotes like this one from Tim:
“It’s amazing to think that there … you know … that we even lived in a time before Shrek was on.”
Awesome.
Now may also be a valuable time to mention that Tim & Eric have absolutely no affiliation with the movie Shrek the Third.
Cancelled: Veronica Mars
May 17, 2007
We would like to have a word with the CW network … preferably alone … and in a back alley somewhere. Fresh off the heels of “The Gilmore Girls” finale the network has pulled the plug on “Veronica Mars” despite rumors of continuing the cult favorite but shifting the focus of the storyline.
And suddenly we have absolutely nothing to watch on Tuesday nights.
We fell head over for “Veronica” and its lead character played by Kristen Bell -- a wisecracking teenage private eye who hounded suspects and solved capers in the fictitious setting of Neptune, California for three seasons. Veronica was a modern update of Nancy Drew, with less sugar and way more guy problems.
The show hinged on the smart, supportive relationship shared between Veronica and her father: sheriff-turned-P.I.-turned-sheriff again Keith Mars, played by Enrico Colantoni.
The other key players included Veronica’s on/off boyfriend Logan Echolls (Jason Dohring), her best friend from high school Wallace (Percy Daggs III), and the wonderfully aloof former sheriff Don Lamb, played by Michael Muhney.
24 + 24 = Renewal
May 16, 2007
Fox network has given Keifer another 48 hours to prevent the world from exploding (probably twice) by renewing the drama that tracks one eventful day in the life of counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer for at least two more seasons.
The series, which won the best-drama Emmy last year, saw its ratings slip this season but remains a key part of Fox's schedule.
Producers have said they intend to make some changes for next year but will keep the show's daylong-crisis approach intact.
"We're re-creating the series," executive producer/showrunner Howard Gordon said. "It is going to be a real-time thriller. Beyond that, it's an open book."
Ricky Gervais Is Ready to Rock
If you’re a fan of the original British version of “The Office” then you’re already aware of Ricky Gervais’s considerable musical ability. Who can forget David Brent’s timeless acoustic song “Free Love Highway,” with timeless lyrics like “… the loving is free and the freeway is long …”
Ricky’s comedic turn on the “The Office” and HBO’s “Extras” drew the admiration of filmmaker and original This Is Spinal Tap cast member Christopher Guest, who played guitarist Nigel Tufnel in the cult movie directed by meathead himself, Rob Reiner.
According to a report on PR-Inside.com, Ricky has been asked to appear on stage with the spoof band for a July concert performance. It is believed the comedian will introduce Spinal Tap but it is possible he might also perform.
Cancelled: The Class and Jericho
It’s not been an easy week here at BBC HQ. With the network upfronts assault on full display shows have been made grist to the mill, including some viewer favorites like “The Gilmore Girls,” “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” and “Veronica Mars.”
Unfortunately, the blows just keep coming. While unveiling it’s new fall schedule today CBS also announced the cancellation of the comedy “The Class” and the nuclear apocalypse drama, “Jericho.”
“Jericho” started out strong last fall for CBS. However, like ''Lost'' on ABC and ''Heroes'' on NBC, many viewers abandoned the show after it went on a long midseason hiatus. Unlike those shows, it didn’t get the chance to stick around next year.
''We lost a lot of steam,'' said Kelly Kahl, CBS' chief scheduling executive. ''I know we had loyal viewers ... but the show sort of lost its engine and wasn't performing.''
Warner Bros. Produced show “The Class” also got the axe today despite our earlier plea for a second chance. The comedy, which had begun to grow a small audience, seemed to find it’s groove after a shaky first few episodes but ultimately the network hype surrounding it right out the gate seemed to weigh it down at the end.
Donald Trump on the Backburner
May 15, 2007
Donald Trump isn’t used to being left out of big events but the Donald was noticeably absent from the big NBC upfronts on Monday.
According to TheStar.com, the network is prepared to cut ties with Trump’s business reality show The Apprentice but has elected to wait in case they should need him at the last minute.
No mention was made of the Donald during Monday’s annual upfront, a fate worse than death for most television shows. NBC executives were non-committal however when asked about The Apprentice not willing to rule out a last minute scheduling for the show.
The Cavemen Cometh
Has there been a more loopy and hilarious run of commercials than those Geico caveman ads? Urbane Cro-Magnon’s who have relationship talks on their balcony, whine to their therapists, and argue with pundits on chat shows? We don't think so and ABC thankfully agrees.
On Tuesday the network rolled out it’s new fall schedule with some major shakeups, the most interesting of which being “Cavemen,” a half-hour sitcom inspired by the Geico car-insurance ads depicting modern day cavemen who “struggle with prejudice on a daily basis as they strive to live the lives of normal thirty-somethings in 2007 Atlanta.” According to Zap2it.com, the show is slated to air on Tuesday nights along with “Carpoolers,” about employees who commute together.
Among the other big announcements from ABC is that the “Grey’s Anatomy” spin-off “Private Practice” will air next fall on an all-new Wednesday night schedule, one of 11 new series the network plans for next season. “Practice” features Dr. Addison Shepard, who leaves Seattle for work in Los Angeles. A special ''Grey's Anatomy'' that effectively served as the show's pilot was seen by 21 million people earlier this month.
Veteran TV actors Merrin Dungey, Tim Daly, Taye Diggs and Amy Brenneman will join star Kate Walsh in ''Private Practice,'' which will air at 9 p.m.
Fred Thompson’s Presidential Pardon
Is it so much to ask that our Presidential hopeful’s formulate a comprehensive foreign policy in the Middle East, establish a safety net for our social security system, and really nail that scene outside the courthouse with Sam Waterston before the director loses magic hour? I guess so.
Word is from PoliticalDerby.com that former Tennessee senator turned actor Fred Thompson, who might be jumping back into the political arena as a Republican presidential candidate in ’08, does not expect to return to “Law & Order” next season, according to NBC's top entertainment executive.
NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly claimed no insider knowledge of Thompson's political plans, but his statement indicated the seriousness of Thompson's presidential musings. The former Tennessee senator has been making speaking appearances and blogging on issues in recent weeks as he considers a candidacy.
''It's pretty clear that Fred is going to be leaving the cast of the show no matter what,'' Reilly said at a news conference on NBC's fall schedule.
Heroes Spins Off
May 14, 2007
“Save the time slot, save the show.”
Maybe it should be “Heroes” new mantra? The wildly successful drama is spinning off with a fill-in show called “Heroes: Origins” that will air during the original “Heroes” hiatus.
“Heroes” and several other network shows have suffered from the long lay-offs between episodes in the winter months, experiencing audience drop offs and lost interest in storylines. The spin-off aims at retaining that audience attention.
“Heroes: Origins” will introduce a new character each week, and viewers will select which one stays for the following season. Combined with “Heroes,” the two series will have 30 new episodes combined.
The spin-off will air in the same “Heroes” Monday night timeslot during the original’s hiatus.
Tell us what you think? Will you be tuning in to vote for your favorite new hero next season?
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip: Cancelled
It’s time to write the epitaph for “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.” The ratings maligned critical darling finally met its maker today at the NBC upfronts.
We detailed earlier this month that despite the show’s return on May 24th to the NBC airwaves it was returning only after May sweeps, putting “Studio 60” squarely in limbo.
Creator Aaron Sorkin’s past rating success with the show “The West Wing” never translated to his primetime drama about a fictional live sketch comedy show and it’s two linchpins, head writer Matt Albie played by Matthew Perry and producer/director Danny Tripp played by Bradley Whitford, also of “West Wing” fame.
Tracy Morgan: “I Want to Impregnate You”
Liz Lemon won’t be pleased with this one. Tracy Morgan, the NBC sitcom star of “30 Rock” and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member, has had a misdemeanor battery complaint filed against him by a South Florida disk jockey.
Yuleika De Castro told police that Morgan smelled of alcohol as he touched her shoulders and arms, kissed the back of her head, Miramar Police Department spokesman Bill Robertson said.
De Castro, whose on-air name is Sandy Domingo, said she filed the complaint because she felt ''violated'' and ''dirty.''
''He said he wants to impregnate me,'' Domingo told The Associated Press.
Friday Night Lights Scores 2nd Season
May 11, 2007
The boys from the Dillon Panthers have survived the cut. NBC today renewed “Friday Night Lights,” along with picking up 4 other new drama series.
The critical darling, championed by us, about a Texas high school football team and their set upon head coach struggled in the Wednesday 8 p.m. time slot. NBC Entertainment president Kevin Reilly indicated previously that the show would return for a second season, perhaps in a different time period -- most rumored to be Fridays.
Not so lucky on the other hand was “Crossing Jordan,” which was effectively axed by the network after a 6 year run. The fate still remains open for other NBC shows “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” and “Scrubs.”
Bob Barker's Prime-Time Farewell
Bob Barker’s retirement is not going unnoticed by CBS. The 83 year-old legendary daytime game-show host who is set to tape his last “Price Is Right” episode on June 6 will be honored by the network next week with a pair of prime-time specials celebrating his five decades on television.
''After 50 years in show business and 35 years on CBS, we want to give Bob a prime-time send-off befitting of an entertainment icon,'' Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment, said in a statement.
Barker says he picked ''just the right time'' to say goodbye to the cameras. ''I do not have any regrets about retiring. Isn't that strange? I expected to have second thoughts.''
There will be clips of Barker's appearance as a ''cowboy Romeo'' on ''Bonanza'' and memorable moments from past ''Price Is Right'' seasons, including a montage of overexcited contestants falling down and various men and women who've kissed and mightily hugged the affable host.
The prime-time specials, set to air at 8 p.m. May 16 and 17, also feature snapshots from Barker's personal collection, including pictures of his mother, his wife and a photo of the fitness buff himself jogging shirtless on a Biloxi beach. ''When I saw that picture, I said, 'Get it out in every city in the country,''' Barker recalled. ''I said, 'I've never looked that good before and I'll never look that good again.'''
Everybody Loves Raymond's Almost Reunion
May 10, 2007
The Barone brothers are back together but not for a reunion episode.
Ray Romano and Brad Garrett will pay tribute to veteran Hollywood agent Sam Haskell at a May 17 dinner in his honor. TV mom Doris Roberts will also be in attendance.
Haskell is the former head of worldwide television for William Morris, who specialized in ''packaging'' clients and ideas to take to the networks for possible shows. ''Everybody Loves Raymond'' was one, along with ''Murphy Brown'' and ''The Cosby Show.''
Tom Selleck Joins Las Vegas
Tom Selleck is used to cushy locales in his television career. The actor, who played the brawny but easygoing Hawaiian detective Thomas Magnum on the hit CBS drama “Magnum, P.I.” from 1980-88, is getting ready for another: Las Vegas.
Selleck will join the cast of the NBC drama "Las Vegas" next season, playing a billionaire with a mysterious past who becomes the new owner of the show's centerpiece hotel, the Montecito Resort & Casino, the network said Wednesday.
The actor is coming to the series at the same time that James Caan, who starred as the casino's chief executive, is departing. Caan, who had previously announced he would leave after the season finale in March, will be back for the premiere next season, NBC said.
Fate of Veronica Mars
With the fix already in for “The Gilmore Girls” we’ve been keeping a steady eye on the CW networks plans for “Veronica Mars,” it’s other Tuesday night show. Will it be back on the CW schedule for 2007-08 despite some lackluster ratings and an extended hiatus to make room for reality competition show “Pussycat Dolls Presents: The Search for the Next Doll?”
“We’re very much on the bubble,” explained show creator Rob Thomas. “I will say that the reports of our demise have been exaggerated. We are very much in the hunt for a shot next year.”
According to Variety, since “Veronica’s” return from hiatus May 1 the show has averaged 2.35 million viewers and retained 62% of its 18-34 lead-in from “Gilmore Girls” -- down from its CW premiere in October, when it drew 3.37 million viewers and held 77% of the 18-34’s.
Thomas has not pitched the tent in yet however, confirming rumors of a possible jump in time next season that would take Veronica away from her college setting and into the FBI.
A Decline in TV Viewership
May 09, 2007
“Where are the viewers?” is probably a question being asked by a lot of television execs these days with “Where did our advertiser’s go?” being the next.
In TV's worst spring in recent memory, a startling number of Americans drifted away from television the past two months: More than 2.5 million fewer people were watching ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox than at the same time last year, statistics show. Everyone has a theory to explain the plummeting ratings: early Daylight Savings Time, more reruns, bad shows, more shows being recorded or downloaded or streamed.
The networks argue that viewership is changing, not necessarily declining. Some advertisers respond that they are no longer willing to pay full price up front to reach viewers that may not tune in later.
Scariest of all for the networks, however, is the idea that many people are now making their own television schedules. The industry isn't fully equipped to keep track of them, and as a result the networks are scrambling to hold on to the nearly $8.8 billion they collected during last spring's ad-buying season.
''This may be the spring where we see a radical shift in the way the culture thinks of watching TV,'' said Sarah Bunting, co-founder of the Web site Television Without Pity.
Events like ''American Idol'' on Fox (which is owned by News Corp.) and ''Dancing With the Stars'' on ABC (owned by The Walt Disney Co.) are doing the most to prop up the industry but the bottom line is the television industry doesn’t have suitable metrics for tracking a television audience far less inclined to view programming upon its initial airing.
Lost: No Longer
May 08, 2007
“Lost” was only supposed to be the title of the series not the actual plot the joke goes. That’s what many dedicated but frustrated fans have been saying over the past two seasons about the unique ABC drama.
At Brilliant we generally ignore such pooh-poohing since we are still terribly committed fans of the groundbreaking series. Still, we love the news (and hate the news) that executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse have set an end date for the show.
Typically, that kind of news would be a reason to grieve however the end date set isn’t until 2010, an entire winter and summer Olympics away.
Last January, “Lost” producers said they were talking with the network about setting an end date.
''We always envisioned “Lost” as a show with a beginning, middle and end,'' Lindelof and Cuse said in a statement. ''By officially announcing exactly when that ending will be, the audience will now have the security of knowing that the story will play out as we've intended.''
Kristy Swanson Channels Anna Nicole Smith
A character in the Woody Allen film Crimes and Misdemeanors relates in a scene that the formula for comedy is “tragedy plus time.” It’s a good thing “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” is a drama.
According to Zap2it.com, the ripped-from-the-headlines storyline, to air on Tuesday, May 8, will tackle the Anna Nicole Smith saga with an episode subtitled “Bombshell.” Guest star Kristy Swanson will play an ex-stripper and widow to an elderly billionaire who dies shortly after her son does -- and also after giving birth to a daughter.
And no her character’s name is not Mana Micole Mith.
Ty Pennington: Hammered
The world fell off of its axis today when another celebrity was arrested for DUI in Los Angeles. This time it was Ty Pennington.
The host of ABC's ''Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,'' apologized to his fans and co-workers Monday after he was arrested for investigation of drunken driving.
''I made an error in judgment,'' Pennington said in a statement released through his publicist, Stan Rosenfield.
At least now we know what goes on in that “secret room” at the end of every show. We noticed he was smart enough to give his design team an extra shout out in his statement. No doubt they go a little less extreme with the nail gun on those days Ty “has a migraine.”
Bo Duke: Car Salesman
May 07, 2007
The most expensive item ever sold on eBay is no longer your dining room table. A version of the General Lee _ a 1969 Dodge Charger made famous in the television show ''The Dukes of Hazzard'' _ fetched a winning bid of nearly $10 million Friday in an online auction.
Actor John Schneider, who played the blond heartthrob Bo Duke in the show, sold the car, which was not featured in the original show but carries the signatures of the cast.
Schneider, 47, said Friday that he expected bidding for the orange coupe, which has ''01'' on the doors and is emblazoned with the Confederate flag, to go for $3 million at most.
''In my wildest dreams, two people would get into a bidding war at about $2.5 million ... and I would have been delighted with that. However, I'm three times as delighted as that now,'' he laughed.
HBO Honcho Albrecht Arrested
Celeb fueled Las Vegas boxing matches are not know for their civility and this past weekend was unfortunately not an exception.
Chris Albrecht, the chairman and chief executive of HBO, was arrested early Sunday on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend outside the MGM Grand casino hours after a boxing match aired by his company, authorities said.
Albrecht was in Las Vegas for Saturday night's fight between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr., held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and broadcast on pay-per-view by HBO.
Officers assigned to the fight reported seeing Albrecht fighting with a woman identified only as his girlfriend in the MGM Grand's valet parking lot shortly after 3 a.m., said Las Vegas police spokesman Officer Bill Cassell.
Gilmore Girls Gone
May 04, 2007
In television nothing is as depressing or bittersweet as losing a good show. We received sad news today of such an event when the CW network announced on Thursday that “Gilmore Girls,” the sharp-witted saga of an independent mother and daughter, will end its run after seven seasons.
The show, which last year moved to the CW network created by the merger of WB and UPN, will air its final episode May 15 at 8 p.m. EDT, CW and producer Warner Bros. Television announced Thursday.
''Gilmore Girls,'' starring Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel and created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, ''helped define a network and created a fantastic storybook world featuring some of television's most memorable, lovable characters,'' CW and the studio said in a joint statement.
They thanked fans for their ''passionate support'' promised to give the show ''the send-off it deserves.''
Ratings had dipped this season for the series, which lost Sherman-Palladino as its guiding hand because of a contract dispute.
The drama with comic overtones followed the lives of single mom Lorelai Gilmore (Graham) and her equally bright and beautiful daughter as they grew up together, struggled through romances and tried to find their place in the world.
Rapid-fire patter, the series' hallmark, delighted fans but took a toll on its cast.
Bobby Bacala’s Bedtime Story
Fans know Steven Schirripa as underling mobster Bobby “Bacala” Baccalieri on the hit HBO series “The Sopranos.” This season alone we’ve seen him murder a man at a laundromat and punch his boss Tony in the face during a game of Monopoly. Now he wants to tell your kids a story.
Schirripa has signed a development deal with Nickelodeon for an original TV movie based on his book “Nicky Deuce: Welcome to the Family.”
The book was co-written by the actor and focuses on a suburban teenager shipped away to Brooklyn to stay with his Italian grandmother. The Brooklyn native Schirripa will executive produce and expects to play the character Uncle Frankie, who might be a gangster.
In addition to “Nicky Deuce” and its sequel “Home for the Holidays,” Schirripa and his co-writer Charles Fleming also authored the “Goomba” book series.
Do you think one of the guys from Blues Clues gets wacked first, because we’ve got even money on it being SpongeBob? With a name like “SquarePants” he’s got to be connected.
A Move for The Office
May 03, 2007
NBC wants Thursday night back and they’re moving "The Office" to get it done. Beginning tonight and next Thursday, "The Office" will extend into the 9 o’clock time slot, a half-hour already home to two big ratings programs: "Grey’s Anatomy" and "CSI."
NBC, which once dominated Thursday night programming with a whole host of shows, from "The Cosby Show" to Seinfeld, has had rating success this year with a string of critically acclaimed comedies, including "My Name Is Earl" and "30 Rock."
According to Variety, NBC is competitive in the 8 o’clock hour of Thursday but then has a noticeable decline following. Adding a super-sized "The Office" to 9 o’clock would create a difficult choice for viewers but the distinctive themes in each program may give each show room to co-exist.
NBC still has the option to move "The Office" back to an 8:30 slot if the rating crunch is too much, but it’s worth the gamble.
MTV Awards Land on The Strip
The most garish spectacle this side of "The Super Bowl" is moving to Las Vegas. The MTV Video Music Awards are synonymous with debauchery, so it makes sense that the annual event has found a new home in Sin City -- Las Vegas.
After broadcasting from New York last year, the awards will air live from the Palms Casino Resort on Sept. 9. But the network promises the awards show will not be a one-day offering but a three-day bash with several events leading up to the big night.
''We really want to showcase a lot of new talent ... and have performances all around town, really driving into the show on Sunday,'' the show's executive producer, Jesse Ignjatovic, told The Associated Press on Wednesday. ''It's going to be a full weekend event.''
Tom Poston, 1921-2007
May 02, 2007
As big fans of the lazy-eyed, sharp-witted Bob Newhart -- we were very saddened to hear of the death of Tom Poston, the tall, pasty-faced comic who found fame and fortune playing a clueless everyman on such hit television shows as ''Newhart'' and ''Mork and Mindy.'' He was 85.
The actor made numerous appearances in variety shows, sitcoms, and films. On ''Mork and Mindy,'' Poston was Franklin Delano Bickley, the mindless boozer with the annoying dog. On ''Newhart,'' he was George Utley, the handyman who couldn't fix anything at the New England inn . Previously, he had appeared on another Bob Newhart vehicle ''Bob,'' where he played the star's dim-bulb former college roommate.
''In ways I don't like to admit, I'm a goof-up myself,'' Poston continued. ''It's an essential part of my character. When these guys screw up it reminds me of my own incompetence with the small frustrations of life.''
Bob Newhart remembered Poston as a ''versatile and veteran performer and a kindhearted individual.''
''Tom was always the 'go-to guy' on 'Newhart' in addition to being a good and longtime friend,'' Newhart said in a statement Tuesday.
Poston, who was married to Suzanne Pleshette of ''The Bob Newhart Show,'' died Monday night at home after a brief illness, a family representative, Tanner Gibson, said Tuesday. The nature of his illness was not disclosed.
Danny DeVito’s New Liqueur
May 01, 2007
One of last year’s most infamous television talk show moments is being bottled and placed on sale: the YouTube video of Danny DeVito acting, um, “less than sober” with the ladies from “The View.”
The 62-year-old actor/director made a loopy appearance on the daytime talk show last November, saying he'd had a late night out with George Clooney.
''I knew it was the last seven limoncellos that was going to get me,'' DeVito said on the show.
It turns out the people at Limoncello were listening.
DeVito is now launching Danny DeVito's Premium Limoncello, which was unveiled Monday at the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla.
His 60-proof liqueur, to be launched later this year by Harbrew Imports Inc. of Freeport, N.Y., is the ''best limoncello you ever tasted,'' DeVito said in a statement.
‘Studio 60’ Returning Soon
We’ve been getting a lot of questions about the fate of “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” – and though we work at NBC, we found ourselves just as boggled as everyone else. That is until last week, when NBC broke the news that the Aaron Sorkin drama will be returned to the airwaves on Thursday, May 24th at 10pm.
Here’s the part that zap2it.com pointed out about the return of the show – it returns the day after the May sweeps period comes to an end, which will also be a week after the NBC upfronts.
So, for now, the show remains in limbo, although most of the show’s critics and insiders say that a second season looks exceptionally slim. We’re torn around the Brilliantbutcancelled offices. On the one hand, we really love the writing. One has to admit, for all of Sorkin’s pontificating, the guy knows his way around dialogue.
On the other hand, it is kind of a snoozefest. What’s your take?
Elizabeth Hasselbeck: Pregnant
Elisabeth Hasselbeck, a co-host on ''The View,'' is pregnant again. She announced the news Monday on the daytime ABC talk show.
Hasselbeck, 29, and her husband, pro football player Tim Hasselbeck, have a 2-year-old daughter, Grace.
''When you said you had an announcement, my heart sank!'' joked Barbara Walters, co-host and creator of ''The View.''
Last week, Rosie O'Donnell announced she was leaving the show in June because she and ABC, owned by The Walt Disney Co., couldn't agree on a new contract.
''We're going to be lonely without you, so Tim and I thought we should get busy and, you know, maybe make a little co-host,'' Hasselbeck said.
She said the baby is due in November.
''And what is November?'' asked Walters.
''Sweeps!'' said O'Donnell.
''Yes, sweeps!'' Walters replied.
''Perfect timing,'' O'Donnell said.
For more on Sweeps, check out our explanation here.
Wilmer and Idol?
Wilmer Valderrama and the producers of ''American Idol'' are getting into business together. The actor, who starred in Fox's ''That '70s Show'' and has branched into production (MTV's ''Yo Momma'') and movie roles (''Fast Food Nation''), will develop and possibly star in series projects for Fremantle Media North America.
Valderrama, 27, and producing partner Danny Villa will establish offices at Fremantle in Burbank for the actor's WV Enterprises, his publicist said Monday. The ''first-look'' deal with Fremantle includes both scripted and reality shows.
Valderrama is set to star in a feature film version of the series ''CHiPs'' as ''Ponch'' Poncherello, the motorcycle-riding California highway patrolman originally played by Erik Estrada in the 1970s show.
Fremantle is the production arm of media conglomerate Bertelsmann AG's RTL Group.
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