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No More Free Hulu?

Kofi Outlaw — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:08:53 +0000

Oh Internet, say it ain’t so!

Hulu – my utopia of free TV online – may soon become another run-of-the-buck paid subscription site (see header image)! (Sigh) It was only a matter of time, really…

Broadcasting & Cable brings us this chilling news, which supposedly originated from the mouth of News Corp. Deputy Chairman Chase Carey, who said during the Onscreen Media Summit that:

“It’s time to start getting paid for broadcast content online…I think a free model is a very difficult way to capture the value of our content. I think what we need to do is deliver that content to consumers in a way where they will appreciate the value. Hulu concurs with that, it needs to evolve to have a meaningful subscription model as part of its business.”

Aw heck, we all knew this day was coming when we’d hear those words spoken about our beloved Hulu – doesn’t it always happen that way with our favorite sites?

However… In my vast Internet experience our favorite sites stop being “our favorite sites” pretty soon after they start asking for membership fees. I know that more than a few of you out there have woken up one day to find your favorite online pop-in spot suddenly requiring you provide them a credit card number, sending you back to the search engine nexus typing in the words “free, streaming…”

…Aaaand I suspect that tradition won’t be changing for the small pool of TV shows and movies that Hulu currently offers. Despite all those clever commercials with celebrities posing as aliens using Hulu to mush our brains, there’s still enough solid cerbral material left in this guy’s skull to determine that Hulu would need to expand its range of content much, much, wider for me to consider buying into the service. I’m talking:

More popular cable series (even some premium channel shows for “platinum” members who pay extra).
Every network primetime show of the current season.
More GOOD movies (Better picks of old films; same-day and direct-to-video releases (at discounted cost); premium channel releases for platinum members).
Same-day airings of primetime TV shows (with ads, if necessary).
Bigger TV show archives (for when I go on an Arrested Development or It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia binge).
Exclusive “first looks” for movie trailers and making of featurettes.
Music videos and Popular news clips added to the lineup.
Make all content accessible to any digital mobile device or game system (ipods, smart phones, Xbox Live).
Embed and sharing capabilities on all shows/movies (at least clips).
Everything in HD.

Now THAT – combined with Hulu’s great interface – would be a service I would pay for.

While I agree with Carey in the sense that it’s time for companies to have a fair shot at pursuing profits in the online market, I do think said companies are still floating archaic ideas about how to convert their “digital dimes” into digi-dollars.

The Internet has always been based on one fundamental principle: Accomplish a lot with little effort. So, if I can have access to a bunch of movies and shows I watch; get sneak peeks on the hottest music videos or movie trailers; keep up with reports on the latest news clips everyone is talking about; spend my rainy weekends marathoning through old favorites; see everything in crisp HD and share it all with my friends… Why not fork out a reasonable fee to accomplish all that?

Try selling me Hulu as it stands now, and I’m going to tell you the names of all the TV network sites where you can watch the same shows for free (hint: just throw a “.com” behind the name of your favorite network) – or maybe the names of sites that will stream old movie favorites, legally, for free. Basically, I’m going to tell you that I really don’t need Hulu all that much after all…

What about you – is Hulu something you’d pay to keep? Or does the notion of shelling out for it make you say “Thanks but no thanks!”

Source: Broadcasting & Cable

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Joss Whedon To Direct An Episode of Glee

Bruce Simmons — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:40:56 +0000

When you think Joss Whedon and musicals, it’s not with dread. His more creative and unique entertainment venues have generated some very popular products. Some examples of those, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode titled “Once More, With Feeling,” and the latest, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.

Now, Joss Whedon will be adding Glee to his dossier of credits.

Fox ordered the back 9 episodes of the season of Glee and as a big fan of the show, Joss made sure there was so scheduling conflicts when asked by the studio to direct an episode. In fact, Joss had this to say about the news:

“Hey kids and parents of kids and super-old, like ancestor-old-but-not-dead-yet-type people, just poking my oversized head in to say that the rumors are true… unless something very odd happens in the next few months, I will have the privilege of shooting an episode of GLEE. Why GLEE? Because I love cops, serial killers and gritty urban drama (I haven’t seen the show yet). Why me? Because they’re struggling and can’t afford real directors.“

I definitely enjoy his style of side-stepping banter.

Dollhouse fans, DO NOT FRET. He’s lending his directing talent after he’s done with his work on Dollhouse this season.

On Joss Guest Directing

I don’t know if you know this, but Joss has guest-directed episodes of The Office and apparently, if it weren’t for scheduling conflicts, he was apparently super close to directing an episode of Battlestar Galactica.

Oh, By The Way

In case you haven’t heard, Jonathan Groff (Taking Woodstock, Spring Awakening) has joined Glee for up to 6 episodes.

Sources: Hollywood Insider, LA Times, Whedonesque

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Neil Patrick Harris Returns Emmys To Glory

Anthony Ocasio — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:28:08 +0000

After an amazing job hosting the Tony Awards this past June, Neil Patrick Harris was tapped to host The 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

How was he?

Yet again, pretty amazing. It seems as if he elevated the entire production to another level.

When the show first started and Neil came out singing, I have to be honest, I really didn’t enjoy it. I thought that while Neil has an amazing voice, the song just wasn’t anything great. Especially when compared to everything else that would happen during the course of the night.

Still, I didn’t give up hope. I love Neil Patrick Harris (NPH) and knew that ultimately he would do a great job. His background in acting, magic and Broadway created this perfect Doogie Howser showman. He didn’t disappoint. His jokes were great. His delivery was casual, but cool. I honestly believe that everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

I must take a moment to talk about the production value and set design. They were wonderful. I loved how everything was placed on the stage; from the orchestra to the control room, you could see everything as it was happening and the way they went in and out of commercials with the multi-camera views and the directors’ voice cueing up the next shot. Just great.

Alright, now back to the awards…

The show kicked off with “Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series” and good thing the hilarious Vanessa Williams showed her comedic prowess by being the only person not to go along with the joke of wearing goofy glasses during the nominee announcement. At that point I wasn’t so much interested as who was going to win because I had turned all my magical powers (What? I have them.) on making sure that she didn’t.

Luckily, that didn’t happen and the delightful, ball of energy, Kristin Chenoweth, came away with the award. She’s great and always puts a smile on my face. I was a big fan of Pushing Daises and was sad to see it get canceled. It seems like Brian Fuller just doesn’t have much luck with his television series. While always imaginative and playful, they just don’t last. First it was Dead Like Me and now Pushing Daises.

After that was “Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series,” of which 30 Rock was nominated for 4 out of the 5 spots. It’s really great that a show like 30 Rock gets the acknowledgment that they deserve.

Next was my biggest disappointment of the night, “Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series.” I have to be honest here and say that I’ve never liked Two and a Half Men. I don’t understand what’s funny about that show and for some reason it bugs me when people enjoy it (I know, I’m a horrible person). That being said, I do like Jon Cryer… as “Duckie” in Pretty in Pink, but nothing more.

I was so sad that 30 Rock’s Tracy Morgan didn’t win. I’m still not sure if I even thought he was the most talented actor in the group. I believe I just wanted to see what he had to say. I know that I can’t be the only one. I love just making things up and doing a horrible Tracy Morgan impression. You can say anything and believe he just might say it (”Live every week like it’s Shark Week”).

“Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series” followed and once again I was a bit disappointed. I love Sarah Silverman and felt that she didn’t necessarily deserve the award for her show, The Sarah Silverman Project, but because, in general, she always delivers the laughs. Case in point was her wearing a fake mustache while the camera was on her during the nomination announcement, but playing it completely straight. I had a feeling that Toni Collette would win. I had watched United States of Tara and completely give her credit for doing so many characters.

I just feel that my hatred of Diablo Cody skewed my opinion on this, but that’s her fault for being really horrible with her “hip” references. Ain’t that right, Baby Ruth, Mac & Cheese Daddy? (See… completely took those lines out of Juno 2: Judgment Day.)

At various times, the awards were broken up with little bits by NPH. Some of them involved Harlem Globetrotters, “The Best Seat in the House” and others, like this, involved him railing on how he didn’t win. With a live feed of Jon Cryer in the press room on all the screens, NPH asked a question from his pulpit on the main stage. He just wanted Jon to make sure that the envelope actually said “Jon Cryer.” It was a great way to break up the monotony that comes with award shows.

After a wonderful acceptance speech from Tina Fey about winning her Schmemmy last weekend, it was on to “Outstanding Directing In A Comedy Series.” The Office took the award for the episode “Stress Relief” and I’m content with that. I understand that this past season of The Office had many weak points. It always seemed that some great episodic storylines were always paired up with weak/unfunny subplots. “Stress Relief” is a perfect example of this. The opening of this episode always makes me laugh, but the great story line of Dwight screwing up got weighted down by that horrible Jack Black/Cloris Leachman illegal movie downloads subplot.

Rob Lowe came out, made some Dr. Vegas quips and then it was on to “Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series.” It was pretty obvious who was going to win. It was either going to be Tony Shalhoub or Alec Baldwin. I had a feeling it might Tony Shalhoub because Monk is ending. Nope, Alec Baldwin won it yet again and it’s completely deserved. He’s great on 30 Rock. Although, I don’t think he should count on winning it next year because I have a feeling Tony Shalhoub will be picking that up as a swan song to Monk.

That was the close of the comedy section until the big award, but they saved that for the end. Up next was reality and I’m not going to be so wordy with these awards. I’ll just make some comments.

(Pg 2 for winners in Reality and Drama)

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Netflix Alert: Some Shows Are Leaving The Service

Bruce Simmons — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:12:35 +0000

I know quite a few folks that enjoy their Netflix subscription. I know a few who swear by it. Yet they might want to start rethinking their allegiance, from what I’m seeing today.

It looks like NBC shows are being pulled from the Netflix schedule, and if your guess is as good as anyone’s guess, it could be due to Hulu’s push to generate income via their ad supported traffic scheme as more shows are headed there.

The shows that have been noted as disappearing are 30 Rock, Heroes and the newer Office episodes.

We’ll also be seeing some CBS content sliding off the Netflix schedule but for the moment, NCIS looks to be sticking around.

I wonder if Disney’s bucketload of money is behind this when they invested in the service? In what I’m seeing, ABC and NBC nets have the most advertising in their online and On Demand offerings. And if it’s working for these networks, you know we’ll be seeing more of this as time ticks on and other networks get on board with the practice.

As far as I’m concerned, this is both good and bad. Networks and advertisers were finding it harder to monetize their internet offerings and commercials. Add to that the fact that advertisers still get more bang for their buck on the tube, and I’m surprised to see how quickly advertising is taking root in streaming content. But as I watch the internet become more evolved in what they can do with ads and what they offer, you see where this is heading. The only issue I have is that I’m forced to endure commercials on Hulu. So I’ve started coordinating my snack runs to the kitchen accordingly.

Screen Rant readers who are Netflix subscribers: Double check your own listings and let us know what you are finding!

Source: Gizmodo

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TV News & Notes: 2009 Fall Schedule, The Office & More

Kofi Outlaw — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:17:15 +0000

Just a brief update on this Monday: Plan your prime time with the 2009 TV Fall Schedule; Smallville is getting another new guest star; A certain “Foxy” lady might be kicking off SNL this year; Learn how to catch up on all the NBC shows you missed last year (for free!); and speaking of NBC, how about a first-look photo of Jim and Pam getting married on The Office?

And as a bonus (because I love you) I let you know about the government’s “Cash for TV Clunkers” program.

Let’s get to it!

The Office

So we recently let you Office fans know when you can expect Jim and Pam to walk down the aisle – four episodes into the news season. And now we have the first official wedding photo!

The scene was shot at a church in Van Nuys, California on this past weekend and from the photos below you can see that Pam (Jenna Fischer) will be a lovely bride and Jim (John Krasinski) will be every girl’s hometown-sweetheart Prince Charming.

Pam as a beautiful bride.

Krasinski and Fischer shooting the wedding scene.

The Office Season 6 kicks off September 17 at 9/8c on NBC.

Source: TV Guide

Smallville

Actress Steph Song let it be known on her Twitter account yesterday that she will be playing the role of Roulette on the sixth episode of Smallville’s upcoming 9th season. In the DC Universe Roulette is a kick-ass madame of underground fighting tournaments, often using super heroes and/or villains as combatants.

Not sure how the character will be portrayed on Smallville, but I’ll sure tune in to find out!

The show returns on September 25th (that’s Friday now) @ 8/7c on the CW.

Source: Twitter

Saturday Night Live

Life & Style is exclusively reporting that “actress” Megan Fox will be the host kicking SNL’s 35th season on September 26th. Fox would naturally do the gig in order to further promote her upcoming high school comedy/horror flick Jennifer’s Body, and has reportedly been prepping to bring the yuck-yuck by doing a digital short with Andy Samberg.

I’m I the only one who thinks SNL could potentially be off to a bad start this decade year?

Source: Life & Style

NBC TV Rewind

Were there any NBC shows you missed and have been waiting to catch up on? If so, forget about renting the DVDs and just head on over to NBC.com – you can catch up on episodes from many of NBC’s TV lineup for free on the website.

Shows being offered include:

30 Rock
America’s Got Talent
Chuck
Days of Our Lives
Friday Night Lights
Great American Road Trip
Heroes
Kings
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
The Listener
Merlin
The Office
Parks and Recreation
The Philanthropist
Southland
The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien
The Wanted

(I know I’ve been waiting to catch up on Days of Our Lives )

Source: NBC

2009 Fall TV Lineup

As Summer winds down many of us will be reluctantly returning to the indoors with only the anticipation of our favorite shows return (plus a few good looking new entries) to brighten up our end-of-summer blues.

But where and when do we find our long-lost TV friends and family in the new TV season? Luckily, we have a list of the shows you want to see, as well as where and when you can catch them.

[Note: Shows are listed alphabetically]

Show (Net), Date time
20/20 (ABC), Sept. 11 at 10 p.m.
30 Rock (NBC), Oct. 15 at 9:30 p.m.
48 Hours Mystery (CBS), Sept. 26 at 10 p.m.
60 Minutes (CBS), Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.
90210 (The CW), Sept. 8 at 8 p.m.
Accidentally On Purpose (CBS), Sept. 21 at 8:30 p.m.
Amazing Race, The (CBS), Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.
America’s Funniest Home Videos (ABC), Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.
America’s Most Wanted (Fox), Sept. 12 at 9 p.m.
America’s Next Top Model (The CW), Sept. 9 at 8 p.m.
American Dad (Fox), Sept. 27 at 9:30 p.m.
Beautiful Life, The (The CW), Sept. 16 at 9 p.m.
Big Bang Theory, The (CBS), Sept. 21 at 9:30 p.m.
Biggest Loser, The (NBC), Sept. 15 at 8 p.m.
Bones (Fox), Sept. 17 at 8 p.m.
Brothers (Fox), Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.
Brothers and Sisters (ABC), Sept. 27 at 10 p.m.
Californication (Showtime), Sept. 27 at 10 p.m.
Castle (ABC), Sept. 21 at 10 p.m.
Cleveland Show, The (Fox), Sept. 27at 8:30 p.m.
Cold Case (CBS), Sept. 27 at 10 p.m.
Community [moves to at 8 p.m. on Oct. 8] (NBC), Sept. 17 at 9:30 p.m.
COPS (Fox), Sept. 12 at 8 p.m.
Cougar Town (ABC), Sept. 23 at 9:30 p.m.
Crash Course (ABC), Aug. 26 at 9 p.m.
Crimetime Saturday (CBS), Sept. 26 at 8 p.m.
Criminal Minds (CBS), Sept. 23 at 9 p.m.
CSI (CBS), Sept. 24 at 9 p.m.
CSI: Miami (CBS), Sept. 21 at 10 p.m.
CSI: NY (CBS), Sept. 23 at 10 p.m.
Dancing with the Stars (ABC), Sept. 21 at 8 p.m.
Dateline NBC (NBC), Sept. 26 at 8 p.m.
Defying Gravity (ABC), Already Started! at 10 p.m.
Desperate Housewives (ABC), Sept. 27 at 9 p.m.
Destination Truth (SyFy), Sept. 9 at 9 p.m.
Dexter (Showtime), Sept. 27 at 9 p.m.
Dollhouse (Fox), Sept. 25 at 9 p.m.
Eastwick (ABC), Sept. 23 at 10 p.m.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC), Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.
Family Guy (Fox), Sept. 27at 9 p.m.
FlashForward (ABC), Sept. 24 at 8 p.m.
Football Night in America (NBC), Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.
Forgotten, The (ABC), Sept. 22 at 10 p.m.
Fringe (Fox), Sept. 17 at 9 p.m.
Gary Unmarried (CBS), Sept. 23 at 8:30 p.m.
Ghost Whisperer (CBS), Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.
Glee (Fox), Sept. 9 at 9 p.m.
Good Wife, The (CBS), Sept. 22 at 10 p.m.
Gossip Girl (The CW), Sept. 14 at 8 p.m.
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC), Sept. 24 at 9 p.m.
Greek (ABC Family), Aug. 31 at 9 p.m.
Hell’s Kitchen (Fox), Sept. 29 at 8 p.m.
Heroes (NBC), Sept. 21 at 8 p.m.
House [2-hr] (Fox), Sept. 21 at 8 p.m.
How I Met Your Mother (CBS), Sept. 21 at 8 p.m.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX), Sept. 17 at 10 p.m.
Jay Leno Show, The (NBC), Sept. 14 at 10 p.m.
Law and Order (NBC), Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.
Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC), Sept. 23 at 9 p.m.
Lie To Me (Fox), Sept. 28 at 8 p.m.
Mad Men (AMC), (In progress) at 10 p.m.
Man Vs Wild (Discovery), (In progress) at 9 p.m.
Medium (CBS), Sept. 25 at 9 p.m.
Melrose Place (The CW), Sept. 8 at 9 p.m.
Mentalist, The (CBS), Sept. 24 at 10 p.m.
Mercy (NBC), Sept. 23 at 8 p.m.
Middle, The (ABC), Sept. 30 at 8:30 p.m.
Modern Family (ABC), Sept. 23 at 9 p.m.
Monk (USA), Already started! at 9 p.m.
NBC Sunday Night Football (NBC), Sept. 13 8:15 p.m.
NCIS (CBS), Sept. 22 at 8 p.m.
NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS), Sept. 22 at 9 p.m.
New Adventures of Old Christine, The (CBS), Sept. 23 at 8 p.m.
Numbers (Numb3rs) (CBS), Sept. 25 at 10 p.m.
Office, The (NBC), Sept. 17 at 9 p.m.
One Tree Hill (The CW), Sept. 14 at 9 p.m.
Parks and Recreation (NBC), Sept. 17 at 8:30 p.m.
Private Practice (ABC), Oct. 1 at 10 p.m.
Project Runway (Lifetime), Aug. at 10 p.m.
Psych (USA), Aug. 7 at 10 p.m.
Sanctuary (SyFy), Oct. 9 at 10 p.m.
Saturday Night Football (ABC), Sept. 5 at 8 p.m.
Saturday Night Live (NBC), Sept. 26 11:30 p.m.
Saturday Night Live Weekend Update (NBC), Sept. 17 at 8 p.m.
Scare Tactics (SyFy), Oct. 6 at 9 p.m.
Shark Tank (ABC), Sept. 29 at 8 p.m.
Simpsons, The (Fox), Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.
Smallville (The CW), Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.
So You Think You Can Dance (Fox), Sept. 9 at 8 p.m.
Sons of Anarchy (FX), Sept. 8 at 10 p.m.
Southland (NBC), Sept. 25 at 9 p.m.
Stargate Universe (SyFy), Oct. 2 at 9 p.m.
Supernanny (ABC), Oct. 16 at 8 p.m.
Supernatural (The CW), Sept. 10 at 9 p.m.
Survivor: Samoa (CBS), Sept. 17 at 8 p.m.
Three Rivers (CBS), Oct. 4 at 9 p.m.
Til Death (Fox), Oct. 2 at 8:30 p.m.
Trauma (NBC), Sept. 28 at 9 p.m.
Two and a Half Men (CBS), Sept. 21 at 9 p.m.
Ugly Betty (ABC), Oct. 9 at 8 p.m.
V (ABC), Nov. 3 at 8 p.m.
Vampire Diaries (The CW), Sept. 10 at 8 p.m.

Source: Cinemastatic

BONUS ITEM: Cash For TV Clunkers

Need a chuckle to get you through this current political/economic turmoil? Head over to TV Tango and have a look at their “Cash For TV Clunkers” program – a listing of the top 10 famous TV cars that could stand to be sent to the scrapyard.

Hilarious!

Source: TV Tango

That’s it for now. Talk to you again during the commercials.

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TV News & Notes: Dollhouse, Lie To Me & More

Bruce Simmons — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 03:47:49 +0000

We here at Screen Rant have so much TV news that we need to break it up into a few articles this week.

With that said, I thought in this extra chapter (or off-shoot of my weekly article), I’d bring some early news and information about Dollhouse, 24 and Lie To Me. I’ve also got some bits of news about the FX network shows Damages & Lawman. I finally wrap it up with some King of the Hill info, The Office news and a question to you, our faithful readers.

Dollhouse

This is an FYI to the faithful fans of Dollhouse: The 13th episode, called “Epitaph One” is now available on the US and Canadian iTunes sites.

More Battlestar Galactica Cast on 24

Watch out Jack, a Cylon is coming your way!

Callum Keith Rennie, (The Cylon Leoben Conoy from Battlestar Galactica) has been cast as Vladimir Laitana, a Russian mobster who shows up around episode 6 or so in the upcoming new season of Fox’s 24.

Vladiir is expected to team up with another mobster named Bazhaev, played by Jurgen Prochnow.

Source: TV Guide

Lie To Me

In the first season of Lie To Me, we watched the show develop its legs and tell us the tale of Cal Lightman, (played by the ingenius Tim Roth) the human lie detector, and his work group. We came to understand the science behind the premise of the show.

This upcoming season, show runner Shawn Ryan (The Unit) has come on board and will be taking the show towards a more character driven story. Some of the things coming up in relation to the character developments, or what we’ll learn more about are:

Lightman’s past.
The [Gillian] Foster-[Cal] Lightman relationship.
Foster’s (Kelli Williams) divorce, and her continued pursuit of the adoption process.
Lightman’s ex-wife (Jennifer Beals), will be back for a few episodes.
Mekhi Phifer will return as a series regular.

Lie to Me is inspired by the scientific discoveries of psychologist Dr. Paul Ekman, who can read body language clues to determine the truth of the matter in criminal investigations as we follow Dr. Cal Lightman, the world’s leading deception expert, as he solves cases.

Source: Chicago Tribune

FX Network Understands Nielsen Methodologies

If you remember, I loved the insidious nature of the legal drama Damages with Glenn Close. It was even recognized as an Emmy nominee. Yet the week-to-week ratings were low and FX president John Landgraf recognizes that people play catch up with their recording instrument of choice. Unfortunately, Nielsen doesn’t even acknowledge shows that are watched outside of a 7-day window. Other than that, he didn’t say much more, but I have to wonder if that was a precursor to kissing Damages goodbye? I hope not, I do happen to really enjoy that show!

Aside from that, FX is looking to extend their episode order of Rescue Me to a 22 episodes while they push more into a comedy based line-up for other nights and time slots. They seem prompted in this direction by the success they’ve had with of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which is starting its 5th season.

Personally, I think Sunny is a great fluke of comedic writing that’s pulled together and delivered by a great group of actors. I’m not sure they’re going to get more out other comedies. We’ll see what they have up their funny sleeves!

Despite their new comedy-based focus, they are looking to launch a new drama called Lawman starring Timothy Olyphant. Lawman is based on the Elmore Leonard stories and follows a U.S. Marshal who returns home to Kentucky after spending time in Miami.

Source: Variety

King of the Hill

FYI: King of the Hill is coming to a close after a 13-season run and its final episode will be a 1-hour series finale that will air on Sunday, September 13th.

Source: TV Guide

The Office

During a recent media get together, NBC let out some snippets of info about The Office.

Finally – Pam and Jim are going to head down the aisle after how long? 5 years! In fact, it’s going to happen pretty quickly and take place in the 4th episode of the new season.

The sixth season of The Office begins September 17 at 9/8c on NBC.

Now you know!

Source: E! Online

ABC’s Defying Gravity

I’ve completely overlooked the ABC sci-fi effort called Defying Gravity. I mean completely overlooked it as in not even watched it yet.

The show is set in the near future where 8 astronauts from 5 different countries are on a 6-year mission that covers an 8 billion mile journey.

I actually have a question for you, our readers! Has anyone taken a gander at this show? What’s your opinion? I’d love to hear if I should change my viewing habits to catch some episodes or not. Now’s your chance to give us at Screen Rant a review on Defying Gravity.

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Weekly TV Update – March 27th, 2009

Bruce Simmons — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:20:38 +0000

Due to technical difficulties beyond my control, the digital dog ate my homework. Or, I had to write this article twice! The digital dog just sounds more light-hearted than what the second line implies. Enough about my woes with technological gremlins.

There wasn’t a ton of news to report or snark on this week, so I had to dig up enough to make this yet another interesting read. Well, at least I think it is! I do have a few snippets that might be spoilers for The Office (Guest appearance) and Lost (Possible finale shoot notes).

Shall we get on with it?

Big Reminder:

The DVD movie, Stargate Ark of Truth will be on Friday night on The Sci-Fi Channel! Don’t forget!

Viewer Numbers From Last Week

As of Wednesday, these are some of the viewer estimates from some shows we like, and some we think you may follow.

The top performing show of the week was Wednesday’s American Idol which brought in just over 23 million viewers. After that, are some of the shows we’d be more interested in how they’re doing.

Show (Network): Number of viewers in the millions

60 Minutes (CBS): 17.04 (Would you look at that! People like the news!)
NCIS (CBS): 15.84
The Mentalist (CBS): 15.49
Desperate Housewives (ABC): 14.75
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC): 14.61
Two and a Half Men (CBS): 14.12
Criminal Minds (CBS): 13.74
CSI: Miami (CBS): 13.61
House (Fox): 13.13
CSI: NY (CBS): 12.79
Without a Trace (CBS): 11.87
Rules of Engagement (CBS): 11.42
Cold Case (CBS): 11.41
24 (Fox): 11.36
Castle (ABC): 10.97
Law & Order: SVU (NBC): 10.74
Bones (Fox): 10.52
Lie to Me (Fox): 10.26
Brothers & Sisters (ABC): 10.15
The Big Bang Theory (CBS): 9.69
ER (NBC): 9.47
Lost (ABC): 8.82
The Office (NBC): 7.95
Burn Notice (USA): 7.31
30 Rock (NBC): 7.02
Ugly Betty (CBS): 7
Heroes (NBC): 6.48
My Name Is Earl (NBC): 6.42
Better Off Ted (ABC): 5.50
Kings (NBC): 4.60
Dollhouse (Fox): 4.14
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox): 3.65
Smallville (CW): 3.29
Supernatural (CW): 3.15
Battlestar Galactica (SciFi): 2.4

Better Off Ted

As you can see the premiere of Better Off Ted wasn’t as big as ABC might have hoped for. Maybe things will pick up after basketball.

Some Of Our Faves

Though the Fox network had its usual low set of numbers for a Friday with Dollhouse and The Sarah Connor Chronicles, both shows had a small improvement from the week before. Supernatural also had some increase in viewers but Smallville had a slight drop.

Word on the street is that despite the numbers, Dollhouse may return next season. No promises Though.

Battlestar Galactice Finale

The highly debated two-hour series-finale of Battlestar Galactica brought in 2.4 million viewers last Friday. No, not big on the numbers compared to network, but good enough for cable networks. That number made it the most-watched episode since Jan. 6, 2006 and it outperformed the season three-finale by 56%.

Burn Notice

The second season-finale of the USA drama Burn Notice hit a record 7.31 million viewers in its Friday 10 p.m. time slot. Go Michael Westin!!

Sources: Media Week, TV By The Numbers, TV Guide

Nothing Says Canceled Like…

This is pure conjecture on my part, but from what I’m seeing, I feel that The Sarah Connor Chronicles is not coming back next season. I say that because Stephanie Jacobsen, (Jesse from The Sarah Connor Chronicles), has joined the cast of the Melrose Place pilot in the role of Lauren. Lauren is a med student who is a high-end call girl by night. (Now let’s see if you can get her accent out of your head now!)

On top of that, Brian Austin Green, is being reported as lining up a role in another CW pilot called Body Politic.

Granted, these two are not main characters and these shows are only pilots, but I’m guessing some contracts either allow for this, or have ended on TSCC. My feel is that the execs at FOX aren’t holding their breath for an additional season and specific characters are not going to be needed. I actually got that feel from the panel at WonderCon in ‘Frisco anyway.

TSCC did get their 2nd season from the advertisers, and again – my conjecture – because of the upcoming Terminator Salvation movie. With that movie fast approaching release date, the curiosity seekers have dwindled and the tie-ins that could be, are no longer.

Last weeks episode carried quite a bit of drama with it and I am enjoying it. Yet there’s only so far they can go with it.

In case you have the hots for additional news on the desperate reboot attempt of Melrose Place, other cast members reporting in are Colin Egglesfield, (All My Children), Michael Rady (Greek), Katie Cassidy (Supernatural), Ashlee Simpson (7th Heaven) and Jessica Lucas (90210).

Source: TV Guide

Speaking of Brian Austin Green

Brian Austin Green’s role as Derek Reese on TSCC may not be the only thing he’s possibly leaving behind! This is just shameless gossip, and a great excuse to add a nice picture to my post, but it’s been reported that Megan Fox moved out of the house she was sharing with Brian.

You know those moments that we look back on and reference about the “One that got away”? I think Green just took the cake on this one!

Guys, the line forms to the right!

Source: E Online

The Sopranos Creator Returns To HBO

David Chase, the creator behind The Sopranos, is coming back to HBO with a new idea in mind.

A Ribbon of Dreams is a mini-series that is set in 1913 and follows two very different men — one a college-educated mechanical engineer and the other, a cowboy with a violent past.

They form a partnership and become motion picture pioneers. Their journey is followed as the Hollywood film industry evolves from silent westerns to talking pictures and into the studio system of present day.

The premise initially seems kind of ‘meh’, but if you dwell on this, it may have a ton of potential with the various eras and lots of different people that may come and go through the series.

Source: TV Guide

No Heather Locklear Here

Even though the CW landed many of the veteran stars back on set for the 90210 reboot, they are having no luck getting Heather Locklear for their new version of Melrose Place. I think it might have been a matter of who is employed and who is not. Locklear has a few projects in the making.

The CW has tried to cover their tracks with this thinly disguised cop out press release:

“There wasn’t a way to bring her back that made sense.”

Riiight. I love PR. But some days it seems like it really is their job to get blood out of a turnip. (Have you figured out this was just another excuse to post a pretty face?)

Source: EW

Back Gets More Cast

CBS has two more stars for their new pilot titled Back. The CBS pilot will star Skeet Ulrich (Jericho) and the two new cast members are Sherry Stringfield (ER) and D.B. Woodside (24).

Back is about a man (Skeet Ulrich) who returns home after eight years. The catch? Everyone thought he died in the 9/11 tragedies, so he was reported as missing.

Sherry Stringfield is Ulrich’s wife. Upon his return, he discovers she’s moved on with a new hubby, which is classic Cast Away. (Man I hurt for him when Hanks returned home to find his wife off with a new hubby and kids.) With Ulrich’s return to this depressing scenario, he’s going to need a shrink. That’s where Woodside comes in. He will be playing that shrink.

Dang, I’m depressed for him already!

PS: Before you ask, no, I don’t know why he went away.

Source: TV Guide

The Office Guest Star

(Mild actor / story line Spoiler)

If I’m not mistaken, Idris Elba (The Wire, Rocknrolla), has started his 6 week guest stint on The Office.

Amy Ryan (The Wire, Gone Baby Gone), is also scheduled to show up as the H.R. goddess Holly Flax for the final episode of the season.

Source: E Online

Lost Season Finale Conjecture

(May be a mild finale spoiler)

It seems that ABC was advertising or seeking extras in Hawaii to play the parts of guests at a wedding on Lost. The timing of such an inquiry is not lost on a few. If schedules are on track, this is the time frame that they would be shooting the season-finale.

Now what would a wedding pertain to? Who knows. It could be a past wedding, or a future wedding. Or a future wedding from their past that is really the present yesterday? I think I just hurt my brain.

Eh, just thought I’d toss this snippet out.

Source: E Online

SOME FUN STUFF:

Next Top Model Gone Bad

Last week 4 people were injured and 2 hospitalized after a stampede of high heel cuties erupted in New York during a casting call for America’s Next Top Model.

At first I thought there was an impromptu makeup sale on the street corner.

It turned out that while hundreds of fashion model wannabe’s were lingering around in line to audition for the show, an argument had ensued. During or after the spat, a BMW either drove by or broke down near the mascara smeared mob and when it spewed some smoke, someone in the automotive-challenged hoard had yelled bomb, and the surge for pseudo safety was on!

The three that were arguing were arrested.

I really enjoyed the reference to this whole thing from the source article over on E Online:

“Fashion Week meets Thunderdome.”

I can’t imagine what a herd of spiked heels running might sound like.

Universal Pictures Has Some !!!!’s

The Advertising Standards Authority, (ASA) a London-based watchdog group, is asking British broadcasters to not air a commercial regarding the DVD release of the 2008 Angelina Jolie flick, Wanted. They’re saying that the movie glorifies and glamorizes gun violence.

Being that the ASA doesn’t get that people are not that stupid, Clearcast, the approving agencies for TV advertisements feels confident that viewers just might be able to distinguish the difference between the fantasy shooting action in Wanted vs. real life. What? You can’t curve bullets? Crap.

Per BBC News, Universal Pictures has replied with the most humorous statement:

“Maybe the ASA, which also banned the ‘Wanted’ posters last year, objects to a female lead handling the big guns, rather than the guns themselves.”

Though I have a hard time believing that was their official company line on the issue, I think Universal Pictures just made a fan out of me anyway.

Source: E Online

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Weekly TV Wrap Up – January 22, 2009

Bruce Simmons — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 06:25:20 +0000

Here’s the second post of our new regular feature: The Weekly TV Wrap Up.

The 2nd half of the 08-09 season is officially underway and I am pretty busy trying to watch so many of the new shows that have come out that my recorder is starting to smoke. This morning it said “EAS” and I had to reboot it. (I have no clue what EAS means.) I don’t think my recorder likes me anymore.

But with all the new shows coming up, there’s still news and events to report on. So let’s get this show on the road and get you caught up on some of the things going on behind the veil of our television glass.

Reminders:
1. The resident private eye / vampire, Mick St. John is back in repeats of Moonlight. Moonlight stars Alex O’Loughlin, Sophia Myles & Jason Dohring and will air on The Sci-Fi Channel, starting this Friday night, January 23rd.

2. Do you remember when aliens were taking people over and the infiltration was an insidious process that drove you nuts? If you’re thinking about the 2005 series, Invasion, yes, that’s what I mean. It too is going to get some air time in repeats on The Sci-Fi Channel starting this Friday, January 23rd. I liked the show when it was on. It starred William Fichtner, Eddie Cibrian, Mari Matchett and Lisa Sheridan (Whom I really enjoy watching!).

3. It never goes well when you ask your rag-tag fleet of surviving humans to accept an alliance with Cylons. And that is exactly what Admiral Adama is going to be finding out tomorrow night on Battlestar Galactica, in the episode titled “A Disquiet Follows My Soul”. Source: SciFi.com

News Tidbits:
4. Speaking of Battlestar Galactica, last Friday nights premiere episode did very well for NBC’s Sci-Fi Channel. At least as well as a sci fi show on Friday night is concerned. It brought in a total of 2.1 million total viewers. It ranked first in men 18-49 and men 25-54. Source: Media Week

5. CBS president Nina Tassler tossed out a few bones last week while talking to reporters that a pilot for the NCIS spinoff is happening. It will air as an episode of NCIS. That seems cost effective! Source: Variety.com

6. In that same chat, from item No. 5, Nina Tassler pointed out that though Eleventh Hour isn’t doing so good in the ratings department, they’re not ready to drop it yet. Rightfully so!

If you remember back in August we reported that Eleventh Hour was one of the most expensive shows ever made. $4 mil for the pilot and $2 mil per episode and they were committed up to at least 13 episodes. That’s why they aren’t throwing the towel in! It was a pricey gamble on an adaptation of a British mini-series. Source: Variety.com

7. If you’re a fan of NBC’s Chuck and Chevy Chase, you’ll be in heaven. Chevy Chase is guest starring in 3 episodes as a mega-billionaire tech mogul who is accused of stealing Chuck’s fathers ideas. Source: Hollywood Reporter

8. Speaking of Chuck, Scott Bakula has found himself a spot back on TV. He’ll be playing Zachary Levi’s dad in Chuck. His stint is scheduled to kick off for a few episodes in April. Source: EW.com,

9. The cast of Stargate: Universe continues to grow! They’ve added Justin Louis (Hidden Hills) to play Colonel Everett Young, the experienced Stargate team leader. Jamil Walker Smith (Hey Arnold) will play Sr. Sgt. Ronald Greer, a Marine with a temper. David Blue (Ugly Bette, Moonlight) will play Eli Wallace, a slacker genius. And finally, Brian J. Smith () will play Lt. Matthew Scott, the junior member of the Stargate team. Filming will start in the Spring with a targeted Fall 2009 launch. Source: SciFi Wire

10. NBC announced this last week the renewals for The Office, 30 Rock and The Biggest Loser for the 2009-2010 season. (How on this green Earth did Joelle actually end up staying. Egads!!!) Source: NBC

11. You keep asking about My Name Is Earl and at the moment, I’m thinking that no news good news? There has yet (At the time of my writing this article) to be any news as to NBC’s plans to renew My name Is Earl. As soon as I hear anything, you will know it. I can’t imagine they wouldn’t. Would they?

12. How bad is it when you get replaced by a cooking competition show? Ouch.

When Knight Rider closes out its ordered number of episodes, the reality cooking show Chopping Block will be taking its place. It will debut on Wednesday, March 11th at 8 p.m.. Talk about adding insult to injury. Source: Media Week

14. Bob May, the man who wore the “Robot” suit in the 1960’s sci fi show, Lost In Space, passed away last weekend. Our condolences to his family and friends. Incidentally, he was not the voice of Robot. May was just the power behind the flailing arms while Dick Tufeld voiced the Robot. In particular, one infamous phrase we all know and love, “Danger, Will Robinson! Danger, Will Robinson!” while May did all the flailing of his arms around! Source: Sci Fi Wire

15. As it stands, almost 7% of U.S. households will see “snow” when the “Digital Transition” kicks in on February 17th. Right now, there might be a delay in the transition, but as of right now, they seem to be moving along on schedule. Source: Media Week

Double-Talk Of The Week:
16. When asked about the dropped shows Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money, ABC’s President Steve McPherson says that they would have liked to air the end of those shows but “… because of the way the timing worked out, we weren’t able to“.

He said he wished they could have given the producers enough notice to write up finales. McPherson added that “For us, it was a frustration that we couldn’t find a larger audience – or that Nielsen couldn’t find a larger audience. I really love those shows. They delivered what they promised.”

Interestingly, it is being pointed out that the network did have sufficient time to give the show runners a heads up on making show ending episodes. If I were a guessing man, I’d say these shows probably aren’t coming back, even if they do have unaired episodes still sitting in the can. Source: EW.com

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