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Rescue McGee

June 29, 2007

This week’s episode of “Rescue Me” had a wildly unexpected ending that left more than just fans shocked. Jack McGee, who played firehouse chief Jerry Reilly for three seasons, took his own life in the final moments of the episode.

And he’s as surprised as anyone.

“I worked with Denis for three years and change. Then he walked away from it and never said a word to me. Not that he said much to me in the year before that.” The veteran actor, and former firefighter, said. He went on to say that he was surprised that his character was killed off, and hurt that Leary never warned him.

Denis Leary, also the executive producer, responded: "It's amazing to me that actors can think that the end is not going to be around the corner."

What is next for the cast of “Rescue Me” remains to be seen, but we can be certain it will be full of more twists and surprises.

"Firefly" Lifts Off

The incredibly brilliant but canceled “Firefly”, written by cult hero Joss Whedon, was pulled off the airwaves far too soon, but a special screening happened earlier this week for a very select audience.

Astronauts on the International Space Station watched episodes of the former FOX sci fi show while floating miles above the earth’s atmosphere. The crew-- fans of the show, and of “Serenity”, the subsequent film-- brought the DVDs with them, and have been viewing episodes in their spare time.

It is good to know Browncoats are everywhere... even up in space.

'Ugly' Americans

June 28, 2007

The popularity of “Ugly Betty” has spawned a reality series, which may soon be picked up by VH1. “America The Ugly”, as it’s called, will feature unattractive women working in the high-pressure, high-glamour world or fashion and modeling.

In charge of the potentially humiliating proceedings is Becky Southwick, who is known in the reality television world for constantly chiding her modeling clients on her series “The Agency”, which also aired on VH1.

Will these women have the heart and pluck of the fictitious ‘Betty’? We may be tuning to VH1 soon to find the answer.

Oprah: The Store

Fans of Oprah Winfrey – and there are tens of millions of them – will soon have a pilgrimage site where they can buy all things Oprah.

Her company, Harpo, Inc., has announced that they will be building a 4,500 square foot retail store near Oprah’s Harpo Studios in Chicago, where her show is taped. The store, which is small by retail standards, is expected to carry some of the products now available on her website. Shoppers can expect to find everything from an African-designed basket to an iPod cover with the “Oprah” logo.

One can assume this storefront will attract attention from all over the world, and will be a destination for Oprah fans everywhere. Elvis fans have Graceland, Dolly Parton fans have Dollywood, and Oprah fans will have Oprah: the Store.

Trouble in the WWE

June 27, 2007

The news of Chris Benoit’s suicide, and the suspected murder of his wife and son, sent a shock through World Wrestling Entertainment. Known for their soapy storylines and flair for the over-the-top style and dramatics, the WWE had to cancel their programming on Monday evening, and had to admit one of their more popular stories would have to come to an end.

Vince McMahon, the head of the wildly popular sports-entertainment company, has long been a character (even though he’s been playing “himself”) in multiple WWE plot lines. Recently, though, he was “killed” in an attack on his limousine, which “exploded”. What the WWE had in mind for the end of the story, we will never know, because a terrible reality got in the way of all that fiction.

McMahon then had to come clean and admit that his death was, in fact, a hoax, and the three hour USA Network special, meant to honor him, would have to be canceled. While explaining the circumstances surrounding the cancellation, he called Benoit, who had been found in his suburban Atlanta home with his wife and child, “one if the greatest WWE superstars of all time.”

Washington's Crossing?

Is Isaiah Washington, former star of “Grey’s Anatomy”, coming to NBC? There are rumors that he may well be on his way.

Washington has been making headlines for months. Last fall, in an altercation on the set of “Grey’s Anatomy”, he reportedly called a cast member a derogatory name. Then, in an effort to quell the ensuing firestorm of bad press, he did a public service announcement, only to stir the drama up once more by commenting on the subject at this year’s Golden Globe Awards. Recently, he was let go from the show, ending a turbulent year on and off the set.

Now, though, it seems as though Washington may be back on the airwaves sooner rather than later, albeit on another network. While neither NBC nor Washington’s representative would comment, he did have preliminary meetings with the network. It is not clear at this time whether he would be hired onto the cast of an existing show, or asked to be part of a new project.

'Sci Fi' Insiders

June 26, 2007

The Sci Fi Channel is trying a new tactic in order to drum up interest in and attention for their fall lineup: they’re turning to the internet.

The network is hosting a press event exclusively for bloggers and their websites this week, revealing exclusive, behind-the-scenes information that they hope will quickly make the internet rounds, and get viewers excited for upcoming programs.

Shows such as “Battlestar Galactica”, “Stargate Atlantis”, Flash Gordon”, and “Eureka” will be featured at the event, which will wrap up this Wednesday in Vancouver, Canada. Stars from some of the shows were, and will be, in attendance, all in an effort to get as much video, photo, and editorial content up on the web as soon as possible.

The Sci Fi Channel's shows may explore the far reaches of space and other worlds, but the network knows the blogosphere is where to go to reach their fans.

Sorkin's Stage

Aaron Sorkin, creator of the acclaimed “West Wing” and the underappreciated “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip”, is returning to the theater next season with a Broadway production of his new play, “The Farnsworth Invention”.

Sorkin is no stranger to the stage, having written the hit drama “A Few Good Men”, which later when on to the big screen starring Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise.

The play, which may be produced in part by Steven Speilberg, centers on Philo T. Farnsworth, the young man who invented television, and his legal struggle against David Sarnoff, then the head of RCA. Says the LaJolla Playhouse, where the show was developed last spring, “The legal battle between Farnsworth and RCA would later become known as one of the great, tragic examples of legal and industrial force combining to crush a rightful patent owner”. The Broadway production will open this November.

Even when he’s not writing for television, it seems that Sorkin still enjoys writing about television.

Paris For Free

June 25, 2007

Paris Hilton, who is due for release from jail on Tuesday, has been awaiting word from her parents and staff as to who will pay the most for the exclusive interview upon her release. For some time it was assumed the Barbara Walters, who has been in close contact with the Hiltons since the incarceration began, would get the exclusive, but suddenly, the landscape shifted, and Paris suddenly found herself preparing for a free interview on cable.

What happened, exactly? Well… public opinion. The idea of Paris Hilton and her family, who are hardly struggling financially, reaping financial rewards for her time in prison rubbed many the wrong way. And as a bidding war erupted among a few of the networks, the prospect of Paris cashing in on her misfortune bothered many, and the money for the exclusive disappeared.

And so Paris Hilton will still get even more coverage than before, and will speak with Larry King on CNN this Wednesday evening. While she’ll do the interview for free this time, one can assume there’s more money coming her way very, very soon.

Miss President

Rumors are swirling that this season of “24” will have a very choice roll for a woman: the presidency.

According to TVGuide.com, it has been whispered that the president for this upcoming season will be played by a woman, and that casting will begin soon. A representative for the show warned, “Nothing about next season has been absolutely decided as of yet.

The popular FOX show, which slipped in ratings last year, is sure to come back this season with new, never-before-seen plot twists, stunts, and action. It is also rumored that another FBI agent, also a woman, will be added to the cast.

Is putting a woman in the Oval Office part of their new look? We will find out in the coming months.

Late Night Scare

June 22, 2007

Jimmy Kimmel, the host of ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" was rushed to the hospital Wednesday night right after the taping of his show.

He was given an emergency appendectomy upon arrival to the hospital in Los Angeles, and reports are that he’s in good condition.

Kimmel’s publicist reported, “The surgery was a success. The rest of this week’s taping of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ have been canceled until he is back on his feet. He is resting comfortably and is looking forward to getting back to work.”

Best wishes that the funny man gets well – and back on the air – soon.

Men of "The View"?

Rumors are swirling around the internet that the next co-host of “The View” could be a man.

Add to the list of contenders for Rosie O’Donnell’s replacement: Mario Cantone or Ross Mathews. Cantone is a regular visitor on the show, while Mathews is known mostly as “Ross the Intern” on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”. Both men will be guest co-hosting next month, which some speculate is a sign that both are currently in the running.

In the meantime, Barbara Walters is keeping quiet about her designs for the empty chair. She said it may not be until late July that any formal announcements are made.

In other “View” news, it seems as though the post-Rosie ratings didn’t take a dip, and the show is still going strong without her. Does that signal that the show will continue to thrive in her absence? The answer may lie in the mystery fourth co-host.

Hillary's Hit

June 21, 2007

Hillary Clinton’s spoof of the “Sopranos” finale is turning out to be the hit of the internet, and the talk of the town.

Clinton plays a Tony Soprano-type sitting down for dinner at a local diner, mimicking the final scene of the wildly popular HBO season. But chances are, you’ve probably already seen it.

According to her campaign, half-a-million visitors came to her site to check out her performance. Peter Daou, the Clinton team’s chief web head, said there was a huge spike in traffic, beating even the campaign launch.

The spoof goes so far as to include a cameo by “Sopranos” actor Vincent Curatola, who played Johnny Sacramoni on the series. On being part of the shoot, he said: “It’s not easy to stare down a U.S. Senator and… the former president of the United States, but… if the Leader of the Free World is a fan, and so is his wife the senator, I’m pretty happy with that”.

Even her Republican competition was impressed by her performance, and the attention it has drawn. Former New York City mayor and Republican presidential candidate Rudy Guiliani joked, “Think she’s trying to get the Mafia vote? I think most of them have lost the right to vote. I hope.”

This nod to one of television's greats may or may not win her some votes in the election, but it probably won’t win her any nods come Oscar season.

"Sex" on the Big Screen

Plans to make “Sex and the City” into a feature film have been on and off again more times than Carrie and Mr. Big. But some recent developments may finally get some commitment out of all the major players.

According to Variety.com, Chris Albrecht, the former HBO chief, reportedly still has a hand in making the long-rumored feature a reality. And while nothing is official (including his involvement in this project), we may be seeing the fabulous four on the big screen soon.

The project, which will be written and directed by the popular series’ executive producer, Michael Patrick King, was rumored to have hit turbulence because of drama among the cast. But apparently, all is well among the show’s four stars, and Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon are all ready to go.

Can we wait any longer? We’ve waited this long… what’s another year or two?

"The Closer" Opens Big

June 20, 2007

Things just keep getting better for TNT’s hit, “The Closer”.

The new season, which began on Monday night, broke its own record for most-watched series on ad-supported cable (“Sopranos”, because it’s on HBO, is in a different category). 8.8 million viewers tuned in to watch Kyra Sedgwick’s LAPD Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson earlier this week, breaking the current record of 8.28 million viewers, set by last year’s “The Closer” premiere.

Now in its third season, “The Closer” is also closing in on some key demographics. The numbers for the 25 to 54-year-old set is up this year, and the coveted 18 to 49 demo is up, too.

The episode itself involved Chief Johnson sorting through the ins-and-outs of navigating a new roommate, weathering some budget cuts in her department, and tackling a gruesome triple homicide in a fancy LA home. Viewers were glued to their tubes… that is, until TNT’s other series, the Treat Williams’ led “Heartland” came on, and half decided to change the channel.

The way things are headed for this hot show, there won’t be a Pop Autopsy in the Deputy Chief’s future for some time to come.

"Office" Games?

Now you can be a part of the action around the Dunder Mifflin office. If you can call it “action”.

The popular NBC sitcom “The Office” will soon be a video game, according to Variety.com. The game, which will debut this fall, will allow players to do different jobs around the office, and play pranks along the lines of what airs on the show. It will also feature video and audio from the series.

Because it isn’t nearly as complex as some more advanced videogames, “The Office” won’t be available for Nintendo’s Wii, Playstation 3, or the Xbox 360. Rather, it will be available for handheld consoles, PCs, and may be available for download from websites. If the game proves to be popular, we can expect far more of this in the near future.

But whether fans of the show will want to come home from work, only to pretend to work someone else… that remains to be seen.

Clark On The Move

June 19, 2007

Dick Clark Productions, founded by the man himself fifty years ago, is being sold to businessman Daniel Snyder, who’s becoming a growing presence in Hollywood.

DCP, which produces the Golden Globes, the American Music Awards, and, of course, the “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” special, will become part of Snyder’s Red Zone Capital Fund.

Snyder, who owns the Six Flags amusement parks and the Washington Redskins football team, started investing in the entertainment industry last year, when he signed a deal with Tom Cruise and his producing partner Paula Wagner, just after they left Paramount, but before they took over United Artists.

On the tube, Dick Clark Productions also rolls out “Bloopers” specials a few times a year, and produces the current hit “So You Think You Can Dance” on Fox. Their contract to produce the Golden Globes continues through 2011.

What changes will this bring to your television set? No one can say. We just hope Daniel Snyder doesn’t try to host the New Year’s Eve special from Times Square.

Judging Larry

For those who watched the emotional trials surrounding the death of Anna Nicole Smith, this should come as no surprise.

Judge Larry Seidlin, who famously wept during the reading of verdicts concerning the remains – and child – of Anna Nicole in Florida earlier this year, has resigned his post as county justice of Broward County. But here’s the catch: he might be coming to a small screen near you.

In his letter of resignation, Seidlin wrote: "it is now time for me to devote more of my daily life to my own young family and to pursue the many opportunities that have been offered to me outside the judicial system."

He went on to say he’d like to pursue opportunities in “the educational system, the media, and non-profit organizations”. Those statements, combined with his overdramatic -- some might say ‘unprofessional’ -- conduct on the bench when cameras were present, have led some to believe that he’s pursuing a career in television.

TMZ.com reports that the Judge’s rep said before the Anna Nicole trial: “it (is) the judge’s dream to have his own show”. He certainly made the most of his national televised courtroom, turning a small family court into something of a circus.

Will he be the next television judge? With all his melodramatic pontification and tendency to let the tears flow, maybe he’d be better on a soap.

Rosie Is "Right"?

June 18, 2007

Backstage at the Emmys on Friday, Bob Barker cast his vote for Rosie O’Donnell to take his place as host of “The Price Is Right”.

“She knows the show. There’s no doubt in my mind she could do the show… She told me she loved `The Price Is Right' and wanted to host it one day ”.

Barker, who retired from the long-running gameshow last week (and also picked up an Emmy for best gameshow host), has left producers looking for his replacement. “I believe they’re going to have a meeting with Rosie”, he said of the show’s producers.

The Huffington Post reports that Rosie wrote on her web site: “if they asked me I sure would”, when asked about taking the helm of the popular show, and goes on to say she’ll sit down to a meeting this week.

Whatever the outcome, the host chosen to “come on down” and replace Barker has enormous shoes to fill.

Ellen's Emmys

This year’s Daytime Emmy Awards, broadcast live on CBS last Friday, had a few surprises, especially in the “talkshow host” category.

In spite of all the tremendous press surrounding Rosie O’Donnell’s tenure at – and abrupt departure from – “The View”, and many critical opinions citing this season as one of the best the talkshow has ever presented, Ellen DeGeneres took home the award as best talkshow host. Overall, “Ellen” won six Emmys, while the hosts of “The View” continued their winless streak.

In other Emmy news, Bob Barker won his 19th award for best gameshow host, just after his final episode aired earlier that evening. “This proves that the judges had sympathy for an old man who doesn't have a job," said Barker.

James Lipton, host of “Inside the Actors Studio” was awarded a lifetime achievement award, and Genie Francis, who originated the role of Laura Spencer on “General Hospital”, took home the prize for best supporting actress.

“I’ve waited 31 years for this moment,” she said. For the legions of fans who have followed the “Luke & Laura” saga over the years, she’s not the only one.

Saving Studio 60

June 15, 2007

As fans of Jericho rejoiced last week when they received news that they’d saved their beloved show, supporters of other similarly troubled shows are taking note.

Today, Jack Myers at mediavillage.com has issued a call to arms for fans of “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip”. He asks if there are any fans out there who feel like a show of such high quality and intelligence is worth saving, and if they’re devoted enough to start a campaign to prove it.

The Aaron Sorkin series was well liked by the press, and has a committed fan base, just like “Jericho”, but the numbers never picked up, and NBC cancelled it earlier this spring. And now Myers, who is a fan of the show himself, has challenged like-minded television viewers to take action.

On his website he writes: “If you're a fan, send (my) column to at least two other fans you know (or you believe are fans) and ask them to send it to their friends. Ask them to register their vote to save Studio 60 at www.mediavillage.com.”

After CBS received tons and tons of nuts in order to save “Jericho”, one can only imagine what fans of “Studio 60” will think to share with NBC.

Lost, Not Abandoned

The seemingly endless debate about the final episode of “The Sopranos” has not been lost on other television writers. Two creators of the hit series “Lost” spoke publicly this week about their plans for the last three seasons of the show, and assured viewers they won’t be wondering if their cable cut out in the final moments.

"We will not be ending with a blackout," said Carlton Cuse, one of the creators. And while he obviously didn’t give any hints as to where the show is headed, he and co-creator Damon Lindelof said all the storylines will wrap up neatly as the show winds down.

That said, with a die-hard fan base like that of “Lost”, one can never expect to find the perfect ending for every viewer. "I'm not sure there is any ending that will satisfy everyone," Cuse said. "Our hope is that the ending will be ... the logical conclusion of the story."

One thing is certain: with all the plotlines currently going on the island, they definitely have their work cut out for them.

Trump Vs. Tramp

June 14, 2007

The Donald is heading back to the airwaves, this time courtesy of FOX. And this time, he’s drawing on his knowledge of the ladies. The owner of Trump Models and the Miss USA Pageant, Trump is developing a new reality series called “Lady or a Tramp”.

In the competitive show, hard partying ladies are thrown into an intensive "charm school", where they'll be taught high society etiquette. The ever-shy Donald may make on screen appearance in each episode to chart their progress, and eliminate those tramps that can’t cut it as ladies.

The Donald has a bit of experience in this department. Last December, rumors swirled around Tara Conner, the reigning Miss USA, claiming she was abusing alcohol and drugs. Trump, instead of firing her, sent her to rehab in hopes of setting her straight, and restoring her image.

While the show will focus on the lives of these party girls, rehab is not expected to be part of the program… at least, not this season.

Frankie's Passing

June 13, 2007

Frankie Abernathy, a co-star in the 2004 “Real World: San Diego” died earlier this week of an unknown cause. She was 25.

One of the more outrageous co-stars in recent “Real World” memory, she did not complete her time in the house because of roommate drama, and also because she missed her boyfriend, Dave. Frankie was also memorable on the series because he suffered from cystic fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, and helped bring national attention to the disease. She also called attention to the common, but often hidden, trend of young people cutting themselves. During the taping of the series, she cut herself with a kitchen knife.

In spite of her illness, she stayed buoyant, and once said on the show: "Tomorrow is a privilege, so live today like tomorrow isn't happening". Her mother said she received fan mail after her stint on the show, thanking her for helping to bring “cutting” into the public eye.

Frankie is the second Real Worlder to pass away after Pedro died of AIDS in 1994. She will be buried this Saturday.

Big-ger Brother

June 12, 2007

In an effort to squeeze every last drop out of the "Big Brother" summer craze, CBS is launching a live, unedited companion piece to the guilty pleasure, airing from midnight to 3am on Showtime's ShoToo. Because of the many cameras in the house, footage can be edited and aired live, and will be broadcast without censorship. "Big Brother: After Dark", as it's called, will show a side of the house unsuitable for network television.

Which means late night viewers can now expect explicit language and nudity in addition to the usual madness.

The new season, which will begin July 5th, will air the extra three hours from 9pm to midnight (in Los Angeles, where the show is taped) and starting at midnight on the East Coast. For those that prefer the online route, a monthly fee of $14.99 will pay for a live feed. Other ways to get your "Big Brother" fix this summer will include a mobile phone package for breaking news inside the house, and another season of "House Calls", an internet talk strip.

Hopefully, fans of the show will be satisfied with their many, many "Big Brother" options.

Bob Woodruff: Back in Action

After being wounded in Iraq in January 2006, ABC reporter Bob Woodruff has appeared on talk shows, news magazines, and morning shows. But now, less than two years after the attack that almost killed him, Woodruff is back reporting the news... from the Middle East.

Woodruff, who was the first U.S. news anchor to be wounded in Iraq, will be reporting on the refugee crises in Syria and Jordan, where Iraqis have fled the ongoing war. His reports will air on "Good Morning, America", "Nightline", and "World News with Charles Gibson". His first interview will be with a U.S. Army interpreter who was traveling with Woodruff when an IED exploded, nearly killing him. Omar, the interpreter, performed first aid on the scene and saved Woodruff.

Nearly being killed by a bomb, undergoing numerous surgeries, spending weeks in a coma, relearning how to walk, and back on the job less than two years later? We're impressed.

Hilton-Mania!

June 11, 2007

If you so much as glanced at a television since Friday morning, you know the whole story: the sheriff let her go, the judge got mad, he sent her back to the slammer, she cried for her mother, and was taken back to prison.

And why do we know this story: because everyone on television was talking about it.

It came as no surprise that Geraldo Rivera devoted his entire half- hour program to discussing the legal battle-- and ensuing media circus-- surrounding Paris Hilton's incarceration. But Ann Coulter talking about how the Democrats will use this story in the Presidential election? CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC doing around the clock coverage? Brian Williams covering it on NBC's "Nightly News"?

The story that is Paris Hilton's return to prison knows no television bounds.

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Tony Soprano: Out With A Whimper

The most surprising aspect of The Sopranos finale last night on HBO wasn't what happened, but what didn't. As the most acclaimed show in the history of television came to a close, audiences across the country wondered who would get whacked, and what would become of Tony Soprano?

But creator David Chase, who wrote and directed the final episode, did not let audiences off the hook so easily. What was hyped up to be a possible bloodbath, a Shakespearian grand finale, turned out to be a simple day-in-the-life of Tony Soprano. A visit to the hospital, a chat with his kids, a violent (but nothing out of the ordinary) hit.
All in a day's work.

Fans of the show have been debating how the series would wind down-- and who would meet their fate in the final episode-- since it was announced there would not be another season. The guessing game that has consumed fans for months stretched from online fan blogs to the New York Times, but few suspected that we would be left wondering even after the final moments.

But the episode was not without tension. With danger seeming to lurk at every turn, the six-year series came to a close with a normal family dinner at a cozy restaurant. Or was it? We will never know, and can only guess what the future holds for the Sopranos.

You're Fired!

June 08, 2007

The long off-camera drama that has surrounded the cast of "Grey's Anatomy" seems to have come to an end, just weeks after the season finale. Isaiah Washington, who scuffled with fellow cast member T. R. Knight earlier this year, and called him the "F" word, was fired from the show yesterday afternoon.

Washington reportedly said, "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!" when he heard the news of his termination. He may have been joking by referring to the famous line from "Network", but for many viewers and fans of the show, his behavior was no laughing matter, and the damage had already been done.

To his credit, Washington did to the PSA asked of him, but it proved to be too little, too late. What is next for him? No one can say.

But as "Grey's Anatomy" preps for another season, we can only hope that most of the drama stays on camera, and sticks to the script.

Tyler Perry: All Payne, All Gain

Tyler Perry, creator and star of the blockbuster "Madea" films, brought his golden touch to cable television with his new sitcom, "House of Payne."

The sitcom, which premiered Wednesday night on TBS, broke the record to become the highest rated basic cable sitcom in television history. The back-to-back episodes, which aired at 9:00 and 9:30, even beat out a network show, the CW's "One Tree Hill."

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JFK Was Shot!

June 07, 2007

Spoiling the fun for conspiracy theorists everywhere, HBO is putting together a mini-series about the assassination of JFK, claiming Lee Harvey Oswald really was the assassin all along. Executive produced by American history buff Tom Hanks, and Bill Paxton, the mini-series will argue that Oswald acted alone, debunking decades of theories, claims, and Oliver Stone films.

Based on "Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy", the massive novel by Vincent Bugliosi, the film hopes to prove once and for all that the findings of the Warren Commission that declared Oswald the one-and-only shooter were correct, and all the stories of mobsters, Cubans, "magic bullets", and Communists are the work of fiction.

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Princess Diana: Back On The Tube

Still one of the most popular faces on television, Lifetime Television is producing "The Murder of Princess Diana", a fictitious account of the circumstances surrounding her tragic death. Production will begin this summer in Luxembourg and Paris, and will hit the airwaves this August, just in time for the tenth anniversary of her fatal accident.

The first fictionalization of the subject for television, the film focuses on the story of an American journalist who suspects the car accident that killed her, her then-boyfriend Dodi Fayed, and their driver, was part of a conspiracy. She then travels to Europe to uncover the truth. Jennifer Morrison, who co-stars on "House", will play the sleuth.

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The Black Donnellys Go High-Def

June 06, 2007

With the somewhat surprising news today of “Jericho” being saved, fans of the NBC program “The Black Donnellys” have also reason to rejoice … sort of.

The drama about four young Catholic Irish-American brother’s involved with organized crime was pulled by the network in April, shortly after its debut. Only seven episodes aired to the public. Now, according to TVPredictions.com, the network HDNet will air all 13 episodes, including seven never before seen episodes.

The High-Definition network begins running “Black Donnellys” episodes on June 13 at 8 p.m. ET. It will air every Wednesday at the same time.

“Donnellys” -- and ain’t this just the trend now -- has attracted a strong online fan base with 35,000 petition signatures demanding its return to the NBC lineup.

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Nutty Jericho Fans Win!

This is the kind of story in the television industry that should happen more often -- or, to put it best, it doesn’t happen enough.

The fate of CBS cult favorite show "Jericho” is being reconsidered at the moment by the network after they summarily cancelled the show last month. Deluged with calls, messages and shipments of nuts from displeased viewers the big eye network may have actually gotten the point.

A source speaking on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorized to comment publicly, is saying that a decision to bring the show back -- probably for a mid-season run -- is imminent. Sources close to production inform that CBS is near a deal with “Jericho” producers.

"We are tired of the networks (not just CBS) tossing aside quality programming," was the message carried by Jericholives.com, one of several web sites protesting the cancellation. "Enough! We're going to fight for this one."

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Spike Lee Doesn't Forget

June 05, 2007

Acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee plans to return to New Orleans for HBO to follow up the stories told in last year's four-hour documentary about the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Lee, who accepted a Peabody Award at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel on Monday for directing ''When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts,'' said he's still not sure when that will be. Now is too soon, he said.

''The story is not over,'' he said backstage. ''It's still something that's evolving and we want to keep on top of it.''

His film was able to tell stories not often seen on television news because of the time he had to work with, and the ability to show things others couldn't. Some of his interview subjects asked if he minded if they cursed; he said it proved essential to conveying the anger of the event.

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Ugly Betty Owes Success to NBC Exec

Ben Silverman, newly crowned chief of NBC entertainment, was left in a precarious position at Monday night’s annual Peabody Awards. Silverman accepted a Peabody for his work on “Ugly Betty,” a major breakthrough show for rival network ABC.

Silverman and his production company helped remake the Spanish-language telenova for an American audience with growing success.

He said backstage that he plans to keep his executive producer credit on the series next season despite his NBC job. He won't be involved in planning episodes, he said.

In its freshman season on ABC Thursday nights, ''Ugly Betty'' won a Golden Globe award for best comedy. Its star, America Ferrera, was named best actress in a comedy.

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Jack Bauer Says Freeze!

June 04, 2007

Federal authorities have charged a Chicago man with copyright violations for allegedly uploading several episodes of Fox's ''24'' on the Internet before the show's season premiere earlier this year.

Jorge Romero, age 24 (irony), used a Web site to download the first four episodes of the sixth season of ''24'' and then uploaded them to LiveDigital.com, according to a federal complaint filed in Los Angeles on Friday.

The particular episodes appeared online more than a week before they debuted on Fox in January.

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Jeremy Sisto Joins Law & Order

Thanks to Fred Thompson’s Presidential bid, “Law & Order” now has a hole in its cast. To fill it producers have called on actor Jeremy Sisto.

Sisto, who starred on ''Kidnapped'' last season, will return to NBC as a detective on ''Law & Order,'' said Dick Wolf, the series' executive producer. The crime drama will begin its 18th year when it returns to the air in midseason.

Although Sisto guest-starred on the series' 17th-season finale last month as a defense attorney, he will be playing a new character with the New York Police Department. He is expected to replace Milena Govich, who played Detective Nina Cassady.

''I have watched Jeremy's career evolve and grow, and I am absolutely thrilled that he has decided to join 'Law & Order,''' Wolf said in a statement Friday.

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Battlestar Galactica: Final Season

June 01, 2007

What happened to all the good news in television? It seems as if everything we report these days has a twinge of sadness. Today, for example, when we were greeted with a press release informing us cult Sci Fi channel show “Battlestar Galactica” will be making its next season the final one.

Heading into its fourth year, executive producers Ronald Moore and David Eick issued a joint statement saying, “This show was always meant to have a beginning, a middle, and finally, an end.”

Fine, but can’t they make that middle part stretch out a bit longer? They’ve turned Baltar into some kind futuristic Vladimir Lenin socialist philosopher for frack’s sake, there’s like four new Cylons now, Starbuck may have found earth … we’ve completely gone ape-nerd, haven’t we?

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Police Perform Unplugged

MTV is giving viewers some new “Unplugged,” their live music series, by stepping into the past. The music channel announced the return of the popular program for the summer, with episodes featuring Police, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Mary J. Blige and John Mayer.

Unlike in the past, MTV will air the new shows on a series of channels, including VH1 and CMT.

Reuters reports that the 80’s heartthrob band will kick off the series on June 22 on MTV. Bon Jovi helped to usher in the acoustic driven format of “Unplugged” thanks to an inspired, striped-down performance on the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards.

The Police episode is reported to take place in mid-July in Miami. The band recently kicked off their Reunion Tour in Vancouver after an over 20 year hiatus. 2007 marks their 30th anniversary.

We, meanwhile, are still holding out hope for that Nelson “Unplugged” we’ve longed for unconditionally since 1990.