For the past six months, journalist Neil Midgley followed around Steven Moffat, Matt Smith and the rest of the Doctor Who crew as they began to film the newest series. From the first table read where Moffat tells the 58 members of the cast and crew that “this will be the most scrutinized hour of our television lives” to the filming of the twelfth episode, he saw it all.

This is the first time fans get a real sense of the new stories, new doctor, new sonic screwdriver and new TARDIS. Above all else, we find out that Maffat’s goal for the new season is “for it not to be sh-t.”

I couldn’t have put it better myself.

The article itself is extremely in-depth – like a literary version of Doctor Who Confidential - and a must-read for any Doctor Who fan. So, in order to save space, I’ll just post some of the highlights here.

Matt Smith’s version of the Doctor

Smith is certainly his own Doctor. Less prickly than Eccleston and without the slapstick of Tennant, he brings an air of muddled intensity that’s a bit reminiscent of, say, Tom Baker (though without the stripy scarf).

Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) describing her connection to the Doctor

They’re two of a kind. They’re both a bit lost. Because Amy has no parents, she’s this Scottish girl in an English village. So they’re both lost souls that have found each other. And they both have a sense of adventure about them, and I think that’s what the Doctor loves about Amy. She has that spirit in her, and that fire. She keeps him on his toes.

A new sonic screwdriver (Tennant’s will be destroyed in the first episode)

It’s a very shiny metal toy with a green light and, when Smith flicks his hand, metal claws that pop out at one end.

The redesigned TARDIS

It must be three times the size of Tennant’s, on multiple levels with staircases in between. Less grubby than its predecessor, with a transparent plastic floor on the main level, its walls are resplendent with polished copper and its central column features a blown glass decoration that could be straight from Tales of the Unexpected. There are old car seats and downstairs – downstairs! – a swing. With a nod to Paul McGann’s Tardis, the central column features an old TV screen on an extendable trellis. It also has a 1980s-style computer keyboard, and a His-Master’s-Voice style trumpet speaker.

If you found any of the above interesting, I encourage you to read it in its entirety. The behind-the-scenes look as well as the intimate interviews with the cast and crew should easily put anyone with concerns about the new season at ease.

Looking back now, I don’t know why I was so hesitant of the upcoming season. Sure, there’s a new cast a crew, but it’s being spearheaded by Steven Moffat – one of the best writers Doctor Who has ever had. Instead of working with what was already there, he was given the opportunity to choose his Doctor, his companion and tell his stories… and have a TARDIS with a swing set (nobody’s perfect).

While I’ve yet to see any of the new season, I firmly believe that it will be as wonderful as all of the past episodes – even if there are Daleks.

What do you think of the sneak peek of season 5? Happy that there’s now a swing in the TARDIS? Sad to see the sonic screwdriver go?

Let’s hear it!

Catch the fifth season of Doctor Who when it premiers April 4 on BBC One (UK), April 17 on BBC America (US) and April 18 on ABC (Australia).

Care to talk more dual-hearted time travelers? Hit me up on Twitter @anthonyocasio

Source: Daily Telegraph

Those attending the upcoming WonderCon in San Francisco will not only be able to get their picture taken with Optimus Prime and Darth Nihilus, but will also be some of the first in the U.S. to see Matt Smith properly take over the reigns of Doctor Who. BBC America has announced that it will be premiering the fifth season of the show at WonderCon.

It appears that the powers that be are just as eager to show off the upcoming season of Doctor Who as fans are to see it. While BBC America has set up an advance screening at WonderCon, the BBC has once again trumped its American counterpart by putting together a national tour with stars Matt Smith and Karen Gillan traveling in a Doctor Who-themed bus to five locations across the UK.

At the locations fans will not only be treated to the fifth season (series in the UK) premiere, but also get a sneak peek at some exclusive footage and a 3D trailer. On top of all that, there will also be giveaways, photo-ops and a chance to meet the monsters of Doctor Who.

So, yeah, the WonderCon announcement is cool… unless you read what’s going on across the pond. But for you Who fans in the U.S.:

BBC America Presents the U.S. Premiere Screening of the new Doctor Who only at WonderCon!— On April 17 a new era of the BAFTA-winning series, Doctor Who, premieres on BBC AMERICA. From new lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, the series follows the adventures of The Doctor, the mysterious traveler who, with his human companions, journeys throughout all of time and space, facing a variety of foes and righting wrongs. This latest series sees Matt Smith’s debut as the new, Eleventh incarnation of the famous Time Lord alongside a new travelling companion, the enigmatic Amy Pond (Karen Gillan). Together they explore sixteenth century Venice, France during the 1890s, and the United Kingdom in the far future, now an entire nation floating in space. Doctor Who is television’s longest running science fiction series. Here’s your chance to see the very first episode weeks before it premieres! Doctor Who premieres Saturday, April 17, 9:00 PM ET/PT on BBC AMERICA.

Don’t worry if you’re not able to be a part of either advanced screenings as there will be a new trailer next week to help hold you over. If that still isn’t good enough, Screen Rant will also have an early review of the new season of Doctor Who to share in the beginning of April.

Anyone going to WonderCon who will be attending the Doctor Who premiere? Anyone from the UK that will be attending the amazing Doctor Who soiree? Anyone not looking forward to the new season?

For those attending WonderCon, catch the season premiere of Doctor Who April 3rd @6:30PM (w/ a replay at 7:45PM) in room 103.

Everyone else can wait until Doctor Who premieres in their country; April 4th on BBC One for the UK and April 17th on BBC America in the US.

Want to talk Doctor Who, Weeping Angels or Matt Smith? Hit me up on Twitter @anthonyocasio

Source: BBC America

As is common in the sci-fi series Doctor Who, the face of the doctor has changed again. This marks the 11^th time the Doctor has “regenerated” and with him comes  a whole new wardrobe and companion. The series took a much needed shot in the arm back in 2005 when Christopher Eccleston took over the role as the Time Lord. After one good season, Eccleston passed his sonic screwdriver over to David Tennant who successfully handled the role for the next 4 years.

Now Matt Smith is in control of the Tardis and together with his newest companion Amy Pond, played by Karen Gillian, the two are set for another season of time traveling through space. A couple of weeks ago we posted the first teaser trailer for the upcoming 31^st season of Doctor Who (5^th season of the modern version) and it looks like a ton of fun.

The BBC has recently released another teaser for the show, which debuts Easter 2010 and I’ve got to say, I’m a bit disappointed. The first teaser gave so much more information regarding the upcoming episodes that the 2^nd one sort of pales in comparison. I give them credit for being heavy handed on the green screen technology though.

We get a quick glimpse of the Doctor playing “mercy” with his companion Amy Pond, and a Weeping Angel, as well as getting surprised by a Dalek and all while recreating the skydiving scene at the end of Point Break.  Take a look below and then tell us what you think:

I’m really looking forward to catching the newest adventures but I must admit that I’m always wary when the actor playing the Doctor changes. I think writer/producer/director Neil Gaiman (Stardust) tweeted it best today when he said:

“You ALWAYS don’t like the new Dr Who. It’s a rule. You miss the last one. But after a few weeks (or less) he’s the Doctor. It’s inevitable.”

The first three episodes of the next season are as follows: “The Eleventh Hour” and “The Beast Below”, both written by Steven Moffat, followed by “Victoryof the Daleks” written by Mark Gatiss.

What do you think about the newest bow tie wearing Doctor Who and his lovely companion Amy Pond? Are you looking forward watching the next season or are you getting tired of the show?

The new season of Doctor Who debuts Easter 2010.

Follow me on Twitter @Walwus

Source: BBC, Blogtorwho

Today marks the day when the nominations for the 36th Annual Saturn Awards are given out. In case you’re not familiar with them, they are given out by The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (they also include TV shows and stage productions) so as a reader of Screen Rant I believe they’re right up your alley .

The awards will be given out on June 24th, so we have over four months to speculate and choose the nominees we’d give the award to. The categories range from the usual Best Film (separated into Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction etc) to Best DVD release and Best DVD Special Edition.

Keeping in line with all of the rest of the major awards, films like Avatar, The Hurt Locker and Inglourious Basterds have snagged a high amount of noms, with a couple of fan-favorites like District 9 and Star Trek also being included.

We have the full list of nominations for the Saturn Awards so what are you waiting for? Scroll down and find out what they are!

Best Science Fiction Film

The Book of Eli (Warner Bros)

Knowing (Summit Entertainment)

Moon (Sony Pictures Classics)

Star Trek (Paramount)

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Paramount)

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (20th Century Fox)

Best Fantasy Film

Avatar (20th Century Fox)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Warner Bros)

The Lovely Bones (Paramount)

The Time Traveler’s Wife (Warner Bros.)

Watchmen (Warner Bros.)

Where the Wild Things Are (Warner Bros.)

Best Horror Film

The Box (Warner Bros.)

Drag Me to Hell (Universal)

Frozen (Anchor Bay Films)

The Last House on the Left (Rogue / Universal)

The Twilight Saga: New Moon (Summit Entertainment)

Zombieland (Sony)

Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film

2012 (Sony)

Brothers (Lionsgate)

The Hurt Locker (Summit Entertainment)

Inglourious Basterds (The Weinstein Co.)

Law Abiding Citizen (Overture)

The Messenger (Oscilloscope Pictures)

Sherlock Holmes (Warner Bros.)

Best Actor

Robert Downey, Jr. (Sherlock Holmes) (Warner Bros.)

Tobey Maguire (Brothers) (Lionsgate)

Viggo Mortensen (The Road) (The Weinstein Co.)

Sam Rockwell (Moon) (Sony Pictures Classics)

Denzel Washington (The Book of Eli) (Warner Bros.)

Sam Worthington (Avatar) (20th Century Fox)

Best Actress

Catherine Keener (Where the Wild Things Are) (Warner Bros.)

Melanie Laurent (Inglourious Basterds) (The Weinstein Co.)

Alison Lohman (Drag Me to Hell) (Universal)

Natalie Portman (Brothers) (Lionsgate)

Zoe Saldana (Avatar) (20th Century Fox)

Charlize Theron (The Burning Plain) (Magnolia)

Best Supporting Actor

Woody Harrelson (Zombieland) (Sony)

Stephen Lang (Avatar) (20th Century Fox)

Frank Langella (The Box) (Warner Bros.)

Jude Law (Sherlock Holmes) (Warner Bros.)

Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones) (Paramount)

Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds) (The Weinstein Co.)

Best Supporting Actress

Malin Akerman (Watchmen) (Warner Bros.)

Diane Kruger (Inglourious Basterds) (The Weinstein Co.)

Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes) (Warner Bros.)

Lorna Raver (Drag Me to Hell) (Universal)

Susan Sarandon (The Lovely Bones) (Paramount)

Sigourney Weaver (Avatar) (20th Century Fox)

Best Performance by a Younger Actor

Taylor Lautner (The Twilight Saga: New Moon) (Summit Entertainment)

Bailee Madison (Brothers) (Lionsgate)

Brooklynn Proulx (The Time Traveler’s Wife) (Warner Bros.)

Max Records (Where the Wild Things Are) (Warner Bros.)

Saoirse Ronan (The Lovely Bones) (Paramount)

Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Road) (The Weinstein Co.)

Best Director

J.J. Abrams (Star Trek) (Paramount)

Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) (Summit Entertainment)

Neill Blomkamp (District 9) (Sony)

James Cameron (Avatar) (20th Century Fox)

Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes) (Warner Bros.)

Zack Snyder (Watchmen) (Warner Bros.)

Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds) (The Weinstein Co.)

Best Writing

Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell (District 9) (Sony)

James Cameron (Avatar) (20th Century Fox)

Spike Jonze, Dave Eggers (Where the Wild Things Are) (Warner Bros.)

Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci (Star Trek) (Paramount)

Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds) (The Weinstein Co.)

Alex Tse, David Hayter (Watchmen) (Warner Bros.)

Best Music

Brian Eno (The Lovely Bones) (Paramount)

Michael Giacchino (Up) (Walt Disney/Pixar)

James Horner (Avatar) (20th Century Fox)

Taro Iwashiro (Red Cliff) (Magnolia)

Christopher Young (Drag Me To Hell) (Universal)

Hans Zimmer (Sherlock Holmes) (Warner Bros.)

Best Costume

Colleen Atwood (Nine) (The Weinstein Co.)

Jenny Beavan (Sherlock Holmes) (Warner Bros.)

Anna Sheppard (Inglourious Basterds) (The Weinstein Co.)

Jany Temime (Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince) (Warner Bros.)

Michael Wilkinson (Watchmen) (Warner Bros.)

Tim Yip (Red Cliff) (Magnolia)

Best Make-Up

Barney Burman, Minday Hall,

Joel Harlow (Star Trek) (Paramount)

Joe Dunckley, Sarah Rubano,

Frances Richardson (District 9) (Sony)

Sarah Monzani (The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus) (Sony Pictures Classics)

Gregory Nicotero, Howard Berger (The Book of Eli) (Warner Bros.)

Gregory Nicotero, Howard Berger (Drag Me to Hell) (Universal)

Mike Smithson, John Rosengrant (Terminator: Salvation) (Warner Bros.)

Best Production Design

Rick Carter, Robert Stromberg (Avatar) (20th Century Fox)

Scott Chambliss (Star Trek) (Paramount)

Stuart Craig (Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince) (Warner Bros.)

Sarah Greenwood (Sherlock Holmes) (Warner Bros.)

Philip Ivey (District 9) (Sony)

Alex McDowell (Watchmen) (Warner Bros.)

Best Special Effects

Tim Burke, John Richardson, Nicholas Aithadi, Tim Alexander – (Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince) (Warner Bros.)

John DesJardin, Peter G. Travers, Joel Whist, Jessica Norman – (Watchmen) (Warner Bros.)

Volker Engel, Marc Weingert, Mike Vezina – (2012) (Sony)

Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh, Burt Dalton – (Star Trek) (Paramount)

Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros, Matt Aitken – (District 9) (Sony)

Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, Andrew R. Jones – (Avatar) (20th Century Fox)

Best International Film

District 9 (Sony)

The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus (Sony Pictures Classics)

Lorna’s Silence (Sony Pictures Classics)

Red Cliff (Magnolia)

Taken (20th Century Fox)

Thirst (Focus Features)

Best Animated Film

Disney’s A Christmas Carol (Walt Disney Studios)

Fantastic Mr. Fox (20th Century Fox)

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (20th Century Fox)

Monsters Vs. Aliens (Paramount/DreamWorks)

The Princess and the Frog (Walt Disney Studios)

Up (Walt Disney Studios/Pixar)

Best Network TV Series

Chuck (NBC)

Fringe (Fox)

The Ghost Whisperer (CBS)

Heroes (NBC)

Lost (ABC)

The Vampire Diaries (CW)

Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series

Breaking Bad (AMC)

Battlestar Galactica (SyFy)

The Closer (TNT)

Dexter (Showtime)

Leverage (TNT)

True Blood (HBO)

Best Television Presentation

Doctor Who: The End of Time (BBC America)

Alice (SyFy)

The Prisoner (AMC)

Torchwood: Children of Earth (BBC America)

The Tudors (Showtime)

V (ABC)

Best Actor in Television

Josh Holloway (Lost) (ABC)

Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) (AMC)

Matthew Fox (Lost) (ABC)

Michael C. Hall (Dexter) (Showtime)

Zachary Levi (Chuck) (NBC)

Stephen Moyer (True Blood) (HBO)

David Tennant (Doctor Who: The End of Time) (BBC America)

Best Actress on Television

Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad) (AMC)

Jennifer Love Hewitt (The Ghost Whisperer) (CBS)

Evangeline Lily (Lost) (ABC)

Anna Paquin (True Blood) (HBO)

Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer) (TNT)

Anna Torv (Fringe) (Fox)

Best Supporting Actor on Television

Jeremy Davies (Lost) (ABC)

Michael Emerson (Lost) (ABC)

Aldis Hodge (Leverage) (TNT)

Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) (AMC)

John Noble (Fringe) (Fox)

Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood) (HBO)

Best Supporting Actress in Television

Morena Baccarin (V) (ABC)

Gina Bellman (Leverage) (TNT)

Julie Benz (Dexter) (Showtime)

Jennifer Carpenter (Dexter) (Showtime)

Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost) (ABC)

Hayden Panettiere (Heroes) (NBC)

Best Guest Starring Role in Television

Bernard Cribbins (Doctor Who: The End of Time) (BBC America)

Raymond Cruz (Breaking Bad) (AMC)

Michelle Forbes (True Blood) (HBO)

John Lithgow (Dexter) (Showtime)

Leonard Nimoy (Fringe) (ABC)

Mark Pellegrino (Lost) (ABC)

Best DVD Release

House of the Devil (Dark Sky/Magnet)

Laid to Rest (Anchor Bay)

Not Forgotten (Anchor Bay)

Nothing But the Truth (Sony)

Pontypool (MPI)

Super Capers (Lionsgate)

Surveillance (Magnolia)

Best DVD Television Release

Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead (BBC America)

Torchwood: Children of Earth (BBC America)

Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles: The Complete Second Season (Warner)

Primeval, Volume 2 (BBC America)

Lost: The Complete Fifth Season (Buena Vista)

Life on Mars: The Complete Series (Buena Vista)

Best DVD Special Edition

Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut (Warner)

300 Complete Experience (Warner)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Blu-Ray) (Walt Disney)

District 9 (Two-Disc Edition) (Sony)

Terminator 2: Judgement Day: Skynet Edition (Lionsgate)

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (Two Disc Special Edition) (Fox)

Best Collection

Columbia Pictures Film Noir Classics, Volume 1 (Sony)

The Hannibal Lector Anthology (MGM)

Hellraiser Boxed Set (Anchor Bay)

Icons of Sci-Fi: Toho Collection (Sony)

Star Trek Original Motion Picture Collection (Paramount)

The William Castle Collection (Sony)

Similar to the Scream Awards, I really dig the Saturn Awards because of the types of films they celebrate. Often with awards like the Oscars and the Golden Globes, purely fun films that have every bit of merit as the serious ones get left out.

Here’s just some of my quick thoughts on who and what’s been nominated: I’m glad to see so many nominations for my favorite show Lost, racking up nine in total (nice to see Josh Holloway finally get recognition for his acting). I’m delighted to see Sam Rockwell get recognition for his fantastic performance in Moon (I was really annoyed that he didn’t get nominated for an Oscar).

I’m a little (no, A LOT) suspect of The Book of Eli, Transformers 2 and Wolverine getting nominated for Best Fantasy Film (and District 9 didn’t?!) and New Moon and The Box getting nominated in the Horror category (were either of those even horror movies?).

Which Saturn nominations do you agree and disagree with? Which nominees are you hoping snag wins come this June?

The Saturn Awards will be presented on June 24th, 2010.

Source: Collider

With production of the fifth series of Doctor Who underway, we can always rely on the fans across the pond to keep us abreast of what’s going on in the day-to-day filming. In this Doctor Who round-up we’ve got episode titles, filming at Stonehenge and Neil Gaiman writing and episode of the show.

Let’s start things off with the episode titles. In the most recent issue of the Doctor Who Magazine, head writer and executive producer Steven Moffat revealed the first episode titles of the new series and because I like you so much, I’ll throw in the fourth episode description, free of charge.

Episode 1: “The Eleventh Hour” – Will pick up from the regeneration in “The End of Time.” Expect to see new companion Amy Pond in a police uniform with Matt Smith still wearing David Tennant’s clothing.

Episode 2: “The Beast Below” – Not much information is known, but I’ll bet you it’s about some kind of beast below something. Any takers?

Episode 3: “Victory of the Daleks” – The TARDIS takes The Doctor and Amy to war-torn Britain in the middle of WWII. Not only do they meet Winston Churchill himself, but the Doctor comes face to face once again with his greatest enemy of all.

Episode 4: Title TBA – The Doctor and Amy emerge from the TARDIS to find the wreck of the Byzantium spaceship. Down below the Weeping Angels are stirring, but the Doctor has someone else to contend with; none other than the mysterious Professor River Song.

The next Doctor Who news comes from everyone’s favorite nerdy writer, Neil Gaiman, while accepting the award for “Best Comic” at the SFX Awards where he announced (with really obvious hints) that he’ll be writing an episode of Matt Smith’s second series as The Doctor.

“As anyone whose read my blog knows, I’m a big fan of a certain long-running British SF TV series. One that started watching — from behind the sofa — when I was three. And while I know it’s cruel to make you wait for things, in about 14 months from now, which is to say, NOT in the upcoming season but early in the one after that, it’s quite possible that I might have written an episode. And if I had, it would originally have been called “The House of Nothing”. But it definitely isn’t called that any more.”

The final Doctor Who tidbit comes from fan Scott Frankton who happened to  be camping out at a famous landmark. I’ll let him describe it in his own words and since this may or may not be a SPOILER I decided to leave it last.

Well it certainly was a mad thing to go to Stonehenge and see the filming, but I can’t tell you how amazing it was seeing the Neolithic stones list up in the mist laden night sky. This is going to be such an iconic and epic scene in the finale. I can’t wait to see it! We arrived there about 8.30, and there was nothing to see, lights had been placed around the stones, but hadn’t been switched on. Over the next hour or so dozens of cars arrived, a coach full of extras and [special effects technician] Danny Hargreaves amongst others. Things kicked off around 11pm with Matt, Karen (in that dressing gown again) and River Song all rehearsing a scene in the middle of the stones. Braziers, propane bottles and a smoke machine were also being used. Unfortunately after about 10 minutes the heavans (sic) opened. I do wonder why they waited so long to film when it was pitch black by 6pm and not a drop of rain in sight. I do hope they managed to brave the elements, cos the cold was more than enough for us to contend with just watching!

Check out the pictures he took below,

Click for full-size version

Click for full-size version

Click for full-size version

Phew!!! If that’s not enough Doctor Who news to tie you over, I don’t know what else to do… except to tell you this, “People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but *actually* from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint – it’s more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly… time-y wimey… stuff.”

Or this…

“Don’t blink. Blink and you’re dead. Don’t turn your back. Don’t look away. And don’t blink. Good Luck.”

Alright, the last one kind of freaked me out a little. I really need to stop writing this stuff in the middle of the night. What do you think of all this Doctor Who news? More River Song is a good thing in my book. I can’t believe they’re filming at Stonehenge!

Don’t miss the new series of Doctor Who this Spring on BBC One and BBC America.

Source: Gallifrey Base (registration required)

If the source close to the show can be believed, it looks like David Tennant’s first foray into American television is a flop as NBC will not be picking up the series Rex Is Not Your Lawyer. In fact, word from the source is that “the sets are coming down this week.”

Uh-oh. Not exactly what everyone expected to happen to everyone’s favorite dual-hearted time traveler, as Rex Is Not Your Lawyer was a show that everyone was talking about. I kept saying to myself, “If this is what David Tennant gave up Doctor Who for, it better be amazing.” Well, it looks like NBC didn’t find it so amazing, but who knows as the network is known to cancel shows even if they are good.

Still, all is not lost. Well, it is, but if you want to believe network propaganda, there’s still “a chance.”

Says the insider,

“The sets are on fold-and-hold. They will still be available if the show is picked up for the fall.”

Not really looking good. Sure, they’re on “fold-and-hold,” but so is the set of Seinfeld. Guess the Rex set will have good company. While you’re back there, tell Conan’s desk that I said, “Hi!” You know, just in case they bring back his show as well.

I really don’t know what NBC is going to do. If anyone is looking to sell a show, I have to say that you better run down there and pitch them your idea as they’ve got 5 slots they need to fill up, not to mention the shows that don’t make it past this season (which could be most of them). Too make things worse, after spending two years developing this show, Rex Is Not Your Lawyer was supposed start up this spring to fill in one of the 10PM slots left open by Leno.

Now it looks like the only thing it’ll be filling up will be the garbage bin. Guess my hope for a Torchwood vs. Rex Is Not Your Lawyer showdown is never going to happen.

C’mon Who fans, what say you about this news? Are you happy that Rex Is Not Your Lawyer is dead before it ever made it to air or is it better that it never saw the light of day? Do you think it would have been good or bad?

Source: Entertainment Weekly

In a decision that will either be regarded as brilliant or absolutely mad, it has been announced that Fox is developing its own version of the cult BBC show (and Doctor Who spin-off), Torchwood.

What could make this decision brilliant is that instead of making a mess of things (ala ABC’s Life on Mars), Fox is not only producing the show with BBC Worldwide Productions, but the original creator (Russell T. Davies) is set to write the script with the original production team (Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter) in tow.

Now, before any fans get riled up and start screaming that Fox (or Davies) is going to ruin their favorite show, there’s one more thing that could make this decision brilliant. Word is that John Barrowman, Captain Jack Harkness himself, may star in the U.S. version if Fox decides to order a pilot.

My thoughts? Oh, he better star in it! John Barrowman is Captain Jack and makes Torchwood what it is. Also, you’re messing with some Doctor Who stuff as well and I’m not going to have the network that brought us the “hilarious” television comedy Brothers mess with Doctor Who… and that’s just the start of why this might not go well.

There’s also the fact that Torchwood is already a show that’s been running for many years. They can’t exactly go back and retell the story from beginning, but they can’t pick it up after the events of “Children of Earth” either. So, they’re going to have to walk the fine line of appeasing old fans while being able to bring in new ones. Not exactly something Davies is known for.

They’ve also decided to change up the storyline to that of a more global setting instead of trying to make American audiences believe that everything alien occurs in Wales.

In case you don’t know what Torchwood is, I’ll refrain from scolding you and will instead show you the trailer for the amazing “Children of Earth.”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtYmtQfzueM

While I’m still up in the air whether this will be good or bad, I have a feeling that this was the only way Torchwood could go on. BBC was already a little weary of the show and that’s why they only had five episodes in their third season. I guess the only way to salvage the show would be to share the cost with an American counterpart. I’m completely comfortable with that reasoning.

I’m just a little worried about what RTD (Russell T. Davies) might do with a big budget. There’s also the fact that David Tennant’s new show Rex Is Not Your Lawyer might be up against a Doctor Who spin-off. Guess you just can’t get away from Doctor Who.

After RTD’s Doctor Who finale, do you think he’s up for a U.S. Torchwood series? Is this a good decision by Fox? They’ve not exactly been kind to shows of this nature. Would you watch this if Barrowman wasn’t involved? If you have to choose between Torchwood and Rex Is Not Your Lawyer, which show will you tune into?

Source: Hollywood Reporter (via Slash Film)

I’m not going to lie, my response to Matt Smith replacing David Tennant has generally been cold and his brief performance in “The End of Time” didn’t exactly do anything to change my mind. Still, I feel that I have been a little quick to judge and after watching this trailer a couple of times, something happened…

I started to get excited about the upcoming season.

Sure, there are the elements that everyone has been complaining about; vampires, Daleks and Weeping Angels (Oh my!). While I’m not too happy that Steven Moffat (the new head writer, executive producer and the man behind great episodes such as “The Girl in the Fireplace,” “Blink,” and “Silence in the Library”) has chosen to go down the “cool, hip” Twilight route with vampires, there’s nothing to tell me it’s not going to be an amazing episode (he has yet to fail, in my eyes).

Weeping Angels? Bring ‘em on! I loved them and if he’s found a way to bring them back in a great story, why not tell it? …And then there’s Daleks. Alright, maybe I’m not excited about everything, but who knows… it could be good. Right?

Let me be quiet for a bit so you can check out the trailer below.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnPUF8an-XE

OK, Ok, ok… I know what you’re going to say and you’re right. They’re not at all being shy about trying to shovel that “Geronimo” catch-phrase down your throat. Still, there’s something there that has me excited and I think it’s because Matt Smith, who almost instinctively gives off an “emo” vibe, is going to be a more dark and gritty Doctor than the previous two.

This is all speculation and I could be completely wrong, but there’s a scene in the trailer where he’s walking down the steps and, as our friends across the pond would say, “he had a face like thunder” (he’s angry).

In case you’re too lazy to click play, here are some stills from the trailer.

Don’t blink! …again

Team Edward! …oh, wrong thing.

I thought he doesn’t use guns? (except that one time)

So, what did you think of the trailer? Has this changed your opinion of Matt Smith? If not, what will it take? Even if you’re not a fan of Matt Smith, you can’t deny that you’ll be tuning into Doctor Who this Spring to at least check it out.

The 13-episode season 5 (series 5 in the UK) of Doctor Who is set to air in Spring 2010 on BBC One (UK) and BBC America (US).

Source: BBC

With the holiday season upon us, now is the time to sit back, relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Although, if you’re the part of the world where snow is common (like myself), you’re already sick of the white devil powder that covers everything. Fortunately, we’ve got more important things to worry about. What’s so important, you ask? Well, it’s just THE END OF TIME.

Not only the end of time, but also the end of an era. Since the 2005 return of Doctor Who, we’ve been blessed with two wonderful actors portraying the Doctor, Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant. It’s been over 4 years since we said goodbye to Eccleston and now the time is upon us again.

Time to say goodbye to David Tennant.

[Update: This will cover “Doctor Who: The End of Time” (Part 2).]

Click here to go to the second page and view the review of “Dr. Who and the End of Time” (Part 1)

After such an extremely disappointing first half, it’s hard to think that it could get any worse with part 2 of “The End of Time” and for the first 5 minutes into the second half, I started to think that it could. Then, the clouds cleared and Russell T. Davies was able to ever so slightly save himself for being known as the man who both resurrected and ruined Doctor Who.

While the second half was much better than the first, it still wasn’t “up to standard” with what Who fans have become accustomed to. I’m not going to lie, this past year hasn’t exactly been the best in terms of story, but it would be hard for any fan to deny that since its resurrection, Doctor Who has been top notch in terms of storytelling.

Maybe that’s why this overall special failed. In terms of storytelling, I didn’t really care about what was going on; Too many new things were introduced at once and they all began to just blend together and I started to ignore them.

The whole “medical fix-it machine,” cactus people, super hero Master (flying with his hands), stunt man Doctor (falling through the ceiling), Donna’s mind defense system, Time Lord beacon… it was just too much. It seemed as if Davies had thought of a scene, “the Time Lords returning” and was so excited about that idea that he just threw anything down to make it happen.

Still, this might sound like I didn’t enjoy the episode at all and that’s not the case; I truly enjoyed the episode. The last 20 minutes of the finale were worth sitting through every single special since last Christmas. When it comes down to it, the quality of the entire episode was secondary to what we I really care about: the ending. Somehow, I don’t know how, Davies pulled out a brilliant conclusion to this Doctor Who story.

From the moment that the Doctor stated, “it’s already started” I was hooked and couldn’t stop watching until it was over. With the words of “I’m going to get my reward” and him revisiting all the main characters, Davies got back his glory and I couldn’t have been happier about it.

This special is a perfect example why Davies needed to step down as head writer. While most of the episode was rubbish, there was enough brilliance peppered in to keep me watching and the ending of this episode was most certainly brilliant.

A New Doctor

Alright, I know everyone is going to have their thoughts on Matt Smith as the new Doctor, so here are mine: I’m going to wait and see. It’s as simple as that.

Yes, I’ll admit that his performance at the end was odd, but if you look back to the regeneration that revealed Tennant as the new Doctor, he wasn’t exactly winning any awards.

There are a lot of things that tell me this upcoming season is going to be bad, but Steven Moffat has written so many wonderful Doctor Who episodes that I just have to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Don’t I?

Click here to go to the second page and view the review of “Dr. Who and the End of Time” (Part 1)

‘Tis the season to be Jolly. Not because of the holidays (yuck, holidays) but because of David Tennant’s finale as Doctor Who and since everyone seems to be in the giving spirit, BBC America has bestowed upon us the gift of a three-minute sneak-peek at Doctor Who: The End of Time.

It was not a week ago that we learned the name of Tennant’s swan song, along with getting a 40-second teaser trailer. Now we’ve got three-minutes from the episode! With the way information keeps rolling out of the two “beebs” (BBC & BBC America), I’m guessing that by next week we’re going to have the entire episode available. Well, maybe not the entire episode, but hopefully the opening sequence .

Before we get to the actual clip, there’s also good news for the American audience. We already know that Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars is scheduled to air in America on December 19th and that in the UK, Doctor Who: The End of Time (part one) will air on Christmas Day. What’s the good news, you ask? Well, there will be no need to wait a month to catch up with our friend across the pond as BBC America will be airing part one of Doctor Who: The End of Time on December 26th.

Now, let’s get back to the clip that you came here to see. Check it out below.

It seems as if the Ood’s  have done pretty well for themselves since they’ve been freed only 100 years. With the Doctor being summoned back to the planet of the Ood, there’s no doubt that Donna, their savior, will be back in a big, bad way. Also, it looks as if the Doctor has somewhat returned to normal after his stint at the end of  “The Waters of Mars,” but something’s still a little off with him – maybe it’s just me.

While the dates of Doctor Who: The End of Time part one have been released for the UK and America, there have yet to be any announcements as to the dates of part two in either territory, but we’re promised it will be “over the holidays.” As always, we’ll bring you anything Doctor Who related as it is announced.

Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars will air December 19 on BBC America
Doctor Who: The End of Time (part one) will air December 25 in the UK and December 26 in America

Source: BBC America

While fans around the world are waiting to see the final moments of David Tennant as Doctor Who, the Doctor himself has already moved on and is set to star in the pilot for the comedic legal drama Rex Is Not Your Lawyer for NBC.

Created by Andrew Leeds and David Lampson (Stephen’s Life – never heard of it either), the show centers around Rex Alexander (Tennant) who is Chicago’s top litigator, but after suffering from panic attacks, he’s forced to step down from litigating and takes up teaching clients how to represent themselves in court.

Tennant need not worry about having to carry the hour-long program on his own, as Jeffery Tambor (Arrested Development, The Larry Sanders Show) has been tapped to co-star as Rex’s psychiatrist who also suffers from the same anxiety disorder. Where’s the comedy part? Well, it seems that Tambor will also become romantically involved with Rex’s mother.

After hearing about David Tennant leaving Doctor Who to do other things, I understood where he’s coming from; He’s a good actor and doesn’t want to be stuck in one role for his entire career. Sadly, he chose this move as his followup, going from Doctor Who – a show that’s loved by millions around the world – to a pilot that doesn’t sound at all that interesting or entertaining. I can’t even imagine how a show like this is going to work. It sounds like a mash-up of every genre… How could it possibly go wrong?

I’m not trying to be a “Negative Nancy” about this, but with NBC’s recent history of programming decisions, I have little hope that this program will make it to air, let alone be of a quality that would justify Tennant leaving his previous position.

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer is currently just a pilot. If it gets picked up, expect to see it this fall on NBC.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

While Americans were sitting at home on Sunday watching 60 Minutes, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Dexter, our friends across the pond in the UK were being treated to some of the best television known to man. In the UK, not only was Sunday night the start of the fourteenth season of the always wonderful motor program, Top Gear,  it was also the premiere of ”The Waters of Mars,” the second (of four) Doctor Who specials to air in 2009.

Unfortunately, for those in the US, you will have to wait until December 19th to see exactly what aquatic horrors lie on the distant red planet. So, for the sake of not being called names that make me cry (even though I’m extremely manly), I shall refrain from discussing any elements of “The Waters of March” until the special airs on BBC America.

Still, while those in the U.S. were not able to be a part of the 9.1 million viewers in the UK to tune in, there’s still some awesomeness that everyone across the world can enjoy.

As in typical Doctor Who behavior, the end of an episode not only brings the credits but also a preview of what’s coming next. I was afraid that there would be no preview because the next episode would be the first part of the two-part finale in which we will see the demise of our beloved Doctor by he who “will knock four times,” but in typical Russell T. Davies fashion, he delivers.

Instead of me babbling on about how great this teaser is, I’ll just let you check it out for yourself:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecQiw8fHj3E

I’ve seen this trailer about 20 times and each time I can’t help but get goosebumps. There’s something dark and powerful about these episodes. While last Christmas’ “The Other Doctor” and Easter’s ”The Planet of the Dead” were underwhelming, “The Waters of Mars” and this teaser really have me excited about what’s to come.

The quick glimpses of John Simm returning as the Master and Catherine Tate as Donna Noble have filled me with enough Doctor Who excitement to last me until Christmas.

…just better make sure that I have an ample supply of Kleenex stocked up as this Noël will be a teary one.

What do you think of the teaser? Does this have you excited? Do you think “The End of Time” will be a fitting end for David Tennant as the Doctor?

Let’s hear it, you Gallifreyan loving readers.

(Don’t forget that November 20 is the British charity appeal BBC Children In Need and with it we just might be treated to the opening sequence of “The End of Time.”)

Doctor Who “The Waters of Mars” will air December 19 on BBC America
Doctor Who “The End of Time” will air December 25 on BBC One (UK Only -- No date has been announced for the U.S.)

Fans of the Gallifreyan traveler can add one more thing to the long list of changes we can expect on the new series of Doctor Who premiering in 2010, as one surreptitious fan caught a glimpse of the TARDIS on location in a churchyard. And while it doesn’t appear to actually be bigger on the inside, there’s something different about our favorite time-traveling police box. Luckily, the furtive fan also brought along a camera so I don’t have to describe it (because I’m horrible at descriptions).

“There are lights and stairs.”

See!

While you’re not able to distinguish everything that’s been changed by looking at the photos, you can tell that they’ve added these small platforms that ascend to another level. Oh yeah, I think they’re called stairs (See! Bad description once again). If you look closely, you can see that they’ve added a second level in the main console area for the newly regenerated Doctor to peruse.

There are so many changes happening to Doctor Who that I’ve given up having a reaction to each and every one of them as they popped up. Although, I’ve got say that I’m not really a fan of adding stairs. Sure, the doctor has regenerated so he’s new. He’s picks up a new companion so she’s new. I just don’t see how that adds up to the interior of the TARDIS getting an upgrade. If the TARDIS is in the upgrade business, you would think that it would have fixed the chameleon circuit that has been broken for almost 50 years instead of focusing on adding a more cool/hip vibe to the control room.

Take a look at some of the pictures below for a closer look at what we can expect for our youthful Doctor and companion.

Am I over-thinking this? Sure, but that’s what I do and that’s what people love about me. (It’s also why I used to get beat up in high school, but we won’t talk about that. Well, not without a cup of hot chocolate with extra mini-marshmallows.)

Be sure to check out the renovated TARDIS on the new series of Doctor Who starting in 2010.

Source: Gallifrey Base (registration required) [via: io9]

Want to be part of Doctor Who history and redesign the TARDIS for the new series? Well, now you’ve got the chance as the television show Blue Peter is running a contest where viewers can submit their TARDIS console designs with one lucky winner (chosen by new Doctor, Matt Smith) getting the once-in-a-lifetime chance for their TARDIS console to appear in the upcoming fifth series.

There’s only one problem; Blue Peter is a children’s television show and you have to be between the ages of 6-12 to enter. Oh yeah, and live in the UK. Yeah, I’m angry as well. I haven’t wanted to be a British child this bad since I watched Worst Witch at the age of 7. (I soon realized that Worst Witch was about an all-girls witches academy and felt awkward about wanting be to a adolescent British girl.)

You may be asking yourself, “Why are they doing this?” Lucky for you, the editor of BBC’s Blue Peter, Tim Levell, has the answer:

“Doctor Who prides itself on surprising its viewers at every turn, and who better than a child to come up with the latest design of the TARDIS console?”

Well, Mr. Levell, color me surprised. That’s exactly what the new season of Doctor Who needs; a child set designer. Now, for those not happy about this or are still reeling after the announcement of the new logo earlier this week, don’t be upset as this will not be a permanent change to our beloved time traveling space craft. The winning TARDIS console design will be used by the Doctor in just one episode next series.

Check out the video of the contest announcement below. (It’s a pretty good watch, they talk with production designer Edward Thomas and we get to take some peeks at the Master’s sonic screw driver that will most likely be the cause of David Tennant’s regeneration into Matt Smith.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxx-VKoFM1M

For those that are between 6-12 and live in the UK, I hate you. Still, head over to the Blue Peter site to pick up the entry form and TARDIS console template.

Hmm… that only-one-episode thing has me thinking. If it’s a new TARDIS console that will be used by the Doctor and only for one episode, what’s going on in that episode? Did something happen where the world has been changed? Does its “child-like” design have something to do with it? Does anyone know where I can get the paperwork/surgery to pass myself off as a British child? (Cause I’ve got this wicked TARDIS design that involves sporks, bouncy balls and some old, individually wrapped, microwavable S’Mores from back in the day.)

Expect to see the winner’s TARDIS design when the new series of Doctor Who begins next year.

Source: BBC [via: SCI FI Wire]

There’s a new logo for Doctor Who in 2010

At the end of this year, we will see Matt Smith replace David Tennant as The Doctor, Stephen Moffat replace Russell T. Davies as head writer and executive producer and now the BBC has unveiled what will be the new logo for Doctor Who starting in 2010.

With everything becoming anew, they have also decided to change up the logo that has been with the show since its return in 2005. The simple, but memorable, logo we’ve become accustomed to will now be replaced with a more modern looking design featuring the letters DW forming the shape of Tardis.

The always wonderful Stephen Moffat had this to say about the new design.

“A new logo. The eleventh logo for the eleventh Doctor – those grand old words, Doctor Who, suddenly looking newer than ever. And look at that, something really new – an insignia! DW in TARDIS form!  Simple and beautiful, and most important of all, a completely irresistible doodle. I apologise to school notebooks everywhere, because in 2010 that’s what they’re going to be wearing.”

As a fan of Doctor Who and someone that’s not at all comfortable with change, I just don’t know how much more I can take. I’m ecstatic about Stephen Moffat taking over the show because he is the mastermind behind all time my favorite Doctor Who episodes; “The Girl in the Fireplace,” “Blink,” “Silence in the Library,” and “Forest of the Dead.” Yet, I’ve still yet come to terms about David Tennant leaving.

Still, this new logo is pretty amazing. I love everything about the design. It’s so simple that you can’t believe they haven’t done it earlier. I think this is one change I can definitely get behind. Also, you know what a new logo means? Oh yeah… a new opening sequence. I wonder if they’ll keep the theme song or mess with that as well. With everything changing, nothing is safe.

Only a show like Doctor Who could release a 24 second trailer for a new logo and have me watch it more than once.  Check it out below.

On November 20th, the BBC will be running their annual Children In Need charity drive in which a special clip/trailer from Doctor Who is expected to air. No word yet if it will be from the “Waters of Mars” special or the two-part Christmas special, where we’ll see David Tennant regenerate into Matt Smith.

What do you think? Are you happy with the new logo? Have you come to grips with Tennant leaving? What other changes do you think will be coming as we inch closer to the new series?

Let’s hear it!

The second of the four Doctor Who specials, “Waters of Mars” is expected to air in the UK sometime in November. No word yet on when it will air on BBC America.

Most people expected this and according to Digital Spy, the Daleks are back facing off against Doctor Who.

Showing up in London in World War II, the good Doctor and his companion meet Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who is using the Daleks to fight the Nazis.  Churchill has them painted up in green battle colors with Union Jack painted helmets.  That alone should be interesting to say the least.

The episode is written by Mark Gatiss and will be airing early on in the upcoming new season with Matt Smith and Karen Gillen.

I think this should be an interesting test of new actor and old chemistry.  Are they trying to seal the deal with the fans who are on the bubble about the new Doctor Who, hoping to bring new and old together with a familiar air of familiarity?

We’ll see how this pans out.  What thoughts are you harboring about this match up in the new Doctor Who season?  Anything good?

Source:  Digital Spy

Some cast members have been added to Steven Spielberg’s unnamed alien pilot on TNT, we have an interesting tidbit on Disney and a quick, condensed look at last week’s Summer TV ratings.

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Doctor Who Recognized By Guinness

The series Doctor Who has just been recognized as the most successful sci-fi series by the Guinness Book of World Records.

They base this on quantifiable items such as ratings, sales of DVD’s, iTunes traffic and books sold. Longevity of the series was also part of the recognition process.

Doctor Who premiered in 1963 and has had a sporadic but continued successful existence.

What sci-fi show has the longest consecutive running record?  Stargate SG-1.  It had a consecutive 10-year run.

Source:  Variety

Syfy Channel News

Warehouse 13 is proving itself a solid starter for the newly renamed network.

Warehouse 13 (WH13) hit new highs for a scripted series on the network.  They pulled in 1.8 million adults between the ages of 25-54 and 1.4 million adults aged 18-49.

In the 9 p.m. hour of Tuesday, Syfy actually delivered more viewers between that ages of 25-54 than ABC did, and more male viewers than both ABC and Fox.

It was the top scripted drama on cable to boot.

But that’s not all.

As numbers come in from the Live+7 ratings, (That’s live viewers plus DVR playback over the course of 7 days), the premiere of WH13 brought in approximately 4 million viewers.  Both WH13 and Eureka are doing some serious ratings numbers.

In fact, with both WH13 and Eureka, Syfy pulled in their best July numbers ever in its 17-year history.  Even Ghost Hunters International is doing its part and bringing in 1.9 million viewers.

Right now, it seems that their plans are on track to grow the network.  We just have to see if it will hold up over time.

If Warehouse 13 keeps going strong like it has, they’ve got a chance.

Source:  NBCUMV

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Burn Notice Gets Renewed

Michael Westen is going to continue to give us instructional guidance on how to make things for another 16 episodes.

That’s how many episodes USA Network has ordered for Burn Notice.  USA also ordered 16 episodes for the show Royal Pains.

Both shows are doing great, pulling in between 4 and 7 million viewers each.

Source:  Variety

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Dollhouse Guest Star News

Jamie Bamber (Captain Lee ‘Apollo’ Adama in Battlestar Galactica) is going to be a guest star on the season 2 premiere of Dollhouse.

Bamber’s character will be engaged in an assignment with Echo (Eliza Dushku) and her new handler, Paul Ballard (Tahmoh Penikett).  Wha!?  That’s all we have.

Season 2 will premiere on Friday, Sept 25th 2009 on Fox.

Source:  E Online

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Spielberg’s Alien Invasion Gets More Cast

Steven Spielberg’s unnamed alien invasion project that’s coming to TNT has more cast hoping on board.

Moon Bloodgood, Jessy Schram, Seychelle Gabriel and Maxim Knight will be joining Noah Wyle on the alien invasion pilot.

The show takes place just after aliens have wiped out most of humanity and focuses on a ragtag group of soldiers and people led by Noah Wyle as they struggle against the occupying alien invasion.

Is it me, or does this sound like something from Battlestar Galactica?

Source:  Sci Fi Wire

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Disney To Charge For Content

Disney is looking to start charging for it’s online content that ranges from movies to games and TV shows.

The premise is that they’re looking at a single web site that may be subscription based that will provide these products.

They’re already making revenue off their ventures on Hulu and iTunes and I suspect that the performance of these two outlets is what prompted this decision.

In what I find to be a rather insightful statement by CEO Robert Iger, he said:

“consumers spend $5 an hour at theaters to see movies, 75 cents an hour to read books, newspapers and magazines and 50 cents an hour to watch cable and satellite TV, but only 25 cents an hour to surf the Internet.”

“There’s plenty of room for people to spend more money on things that they’re doing online.”

Plenty of room?  Is that how they see us.  Web surfers with plenty of room to spend more money?  Nice.  Real nice.

Source:  Media Week

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Summer TV Ratings

Of the top 20 broadcast shows last week, NCIS was the best rated scripted drama in 3rd with 9.7 million viewers.  The Mentalist was 4th with 9.6 mil viewers & CSI: Miami brought in 8.5 million viewers.

Outside the top 10, CSI was 11th with 7.8 mil viewers, Law And Order:SVU was 12th and CSI:NY was in 15th.

On the cable side of things, Burn Notice was the top dog with 6.8 million viewers, The Closer was 2nd with 6.6 million viewers.  NASCAR was 3rd, Royal Pains 4th with 6.2 mil. and NCIS was 8th with 4.9 mil. viewers.

Source:  TV By The Numbers

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Chuck Online Hangout

During Comic-Con, the new website called ChuckMeOut.com launched during the Chuck panel at Comic-Con.

At ChuckMeOut.com, you can get behind the scenes clips from cast and crew, blogs from the set and social networking tools.

So go, enjoy and let us know what you think!

Source: NBCUMV

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Reader comments are always welcome here on Screen Rant.  Ask questions, leave opinions or just say hi!

When Northampton-born Matt Smith was announced as the new Doctor Who, the reactions from Screen Rant readers ranged from approval to disdain.  The age of the then 26-year-old actor dismayed some old-school fans while others, having faith in the casting call, are looking to take a wait-and-see approach.

Shooting has started for the new Doctor Who and as you can see, there in Cardiff, that’s how Matt Smith is going to look as the good Doctor.  Focus folks…  yes, that’s the Doctor’s new companion, Karen Gillian.

Again, we need to have some faith and see how it goes.  As I’ve recently discovered, actor interpretation and writing can really make or break a show.  I suggest patience until we see a few episodes with Matt Smith in it.

The new Doctor Who will be meeting his new companion in the first episode of the new season which airs in the spring of 2010 and being written by Steven Moffat.

Source: Sci Fi Wire

Wow, Comic-Con 2009 is already less than three weeks away. Seems like only a couple of months ago since we were there. Last year was a ton of work but also a blast (click here for our wrap up of the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con), and this year we’ll be providing even more extensive coverage for you with additional staff to cover the event.

Unfortunately if you want to attend this year and don’t already have tickets you’re probably out of luck as it’s been sold out for a while. But fear not, we’ll try to give you all the goods here on the site over the course of the event. It starts with preview night on Wednesday, July 22nd and runs through Sunday July 26th.

Included among the movies and TV shows that will be covered this year are:

• James Cameron’s Avatar (with 3D (rumored) footage from the film)
• The upcoming Sci-Fi alien invasion flick with a twist: District 9 (including an appearance by Peter Jackson).
• Mike Judge will be on hand to promote his new comedy Extract.
• The premiere of Mystery Team.
• Where the Wild Things Are.
• Tron
• Sherlock Holmes
• Jonah Hex
• 2012
• Thirst
• Ninja Assassin
• Lost
• The pilot for the TV series remake V.
• Doctor Who (with an appearance by David Tennant)
• FlashForward
• Caprica & Battlestar Galactica: The Plan

Oh, and of course Iron Man 2, for which I’m sure director Jon Favreau has something very special planned.

Also, this year Screen Rant has been invited to participate in the “Masters of the Web” panel (shocking, I know – I certainly didn’t expect it!). The panel will be moderated by director Kevin Munroe and will include an appearance by Brandon Routh and Sam Huntington, along with a preview of their upcoming film Dead of Night.

Here is the list of panelists:

• Robert Sanchez (IESB.net)
• Ryan Rotten (ShockTilYouDrop.com)
• Mike Sampson (JoBlo.com)
• Jeremy Smith (AintItCool.com)
• Brad Miska (Bloody-Disgusting.com)
• Drew McWeeny (HitFix.com)
• Devin Faraci (CHUD.com)
• Paul Christensen (MovieWeb.com)
• Wilson Morales (BlackFilm.com/AOL Black Voices)
• George Roush (LatinoReview.com)
• and me, Vic Holtreman (ScreenRant.com)

It will be held Thursday, July 23rd at 3pm – 4pm in Room 32AB.

Robert Sanchez of IESB.net organizes the panel and puts together what is arguably the most awesome party every year at Comic-Con: The Wrath of Con party (one of my highlights of Comic-Con).

Last year at the Masters of the Web panel tickets to the party were given away to some lucky winners. Here’s my favorite pic from last year’s party.

Doug Nagy, Alex Billington and me with the beauties from the movie 'Bitch Slap': Erin Cummings, America Olivo and Julia Voth.

As Comic-Con approaches, keep up to date with our San Diego Comic-Con updates (check the logo on the right) here on Screen Rant and on Twitter.com by searching for #sdcc or #cc09. I’ll be there along with SR writers Kofi Outlaw, Bruce Simmons, Rob Keyes (and maybe) Paul Young. We’ll be doing live-blogging, panel summaries and hopefully we’ll get you an exclusive or two.

We may try to schedule an impromptu dinner, probably on Sunday night, where we’ll get together to decompress after the whole thing. If you’re around downtown San Diego maybe you can join us. We’ll firm this up as we get closer to the actual date.

Anyway, we’re all looking forward to it and we hope you are, too.

UpDated 7-2-09

Last year at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con, the event was ruled by several big named movies that ranged from youthful vampires to illegal vigilantes.  TV was more a side-note than anything else.

This year at the 2009 Comic-Con, things will be a bit different as television programming seems to have a bigger presence than last year.

For instance, the Warner Brothers Television Group will have 11 different panels for their shows.  That’s a studio best for them.  ABC Studios will have 7 panels.  20th Century Fox will have 9 panels.

Do you think your favorite television show will be represented?

This year, I’m ready…  I hope.  So in preparation, I’ve started sifting through the network press releases and other resources, pulling it all together for myself.  I decided…  OK, maybe I was nudged a bit by Vic, to actually put it all prep info together here, for you, our loyal readers.

I’m done chatting.  Let’s take a look at what television panels are lined up for the 2009 San Diego Comic Con.

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Wednesday Evening, July 22nd:

6-9 p.m.:
Warner Brothers Television will be airing pilot previews this evening for the early-arriving crowd.

Human Target, V and The Vampire Diaries are the shows being previewed on this evening.

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Thursday, July 23rd:

Burn Notice, Time To Be Determined (TTBD)
This panel will feature Bruce Campbell and writers from the series.

Legend of the Seeker, TTBD

Psych, TTBD

5-6 p.m.: Dexter

8 p.m. – Special Screening – Green Lantern [UPDATED]
Catch a special screening of the 5th DVD in the Green Lantern series, titled Green Lantern: First Flight. It will have it’s world premiere in Ballroom 20.  That’s 5 days before it’s released to DVD!

Continue to the next page for Friday’s schedule