MSN TV Blog: Programming

Bravo vs. Lifetime vs. Bravolifetime?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:25:44 GMT

We've seen "The Real Housewives of Orange County" and "The Real Housewives of New York," and we've heard about "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." Well guess what? Bravo is planning a fourth wave of conspicuous consumption with "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" and, even scarier, "The Rachel Zoe Project."

Between all the new housewives, SJP's fashion show, Rachel freakin' Zoe as a reality star and that Jo and Slade dating show I have to wonder, no, strike that, I couldn't help but wonder: Is Bravo trying to become Lifetime for my generation? Only "Top Chef" can save us now!

- Posted by Kate

Amy Poehler Won't Be Working for Dunder-Mifflin After All

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:32:10 GMT

Remember when I told you that Amy Poehler was starring in that spinoff of "The Office"? Well, I spoke too soon. NBC's reigning Prom King Ben Silverman clarified the situation at the TCA:

"In other news, NBC cochairman Ben Silverman confirmed that Greg Daniels ('The Office') is developing a new comedy — not a spinoff of 'The Office' — for 'SNL' vet Amy Poehler that'll bow this spring. That means the coveted time slot after the Super Bowl — which Silverman said in May would serve as the launching pad for the planned 'Office' spinoff — is now open; NBC has no plans, for now, on how to fill it. 'Amy is pregnant, so it'll be tough for her to turn a show around,' Silverman said. 'It's much more likely that the show will launch in March. Stylistically, it will look like 'The Office' but it's a different concept.' Silverman added, however, that he still hopes to pursue an 'Office' spinoff with Daniels."

Darn. I really would have liked to see Amy Poehler as a Dunder-Mifflin big wig. What new show could top that? Hmmm, maybe Greg Daniels is writing a sitcom treatment of "The Needlers: The Couple That Should Be Divorced." That would rock.

- Posted by Kate

Amy Poehler, Paper Pusher

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:43:26 GMT

Amy Poehler has all but confirmed that she's going to be the star of the upcoming "Office" spin-off:

"Speaking by phone Thursday shortly after her Emmy nomination for outstanding actress in a comedy series on 'SNL,' Poehler said she will join NBC's spinoff of 'The Office.' She's expected to star.

"'I can kind of confirm that I will be working in some capacity on that show,' said Poehler. 'I don't really have any other details yet.'"

I've been sort of lukewarm about the idea of an "Office" spin-off, but it's hard to see how it could fail with Amy Poehler at the helm.

- Posted by Kate

You'll Still Be Able to Keep Up with the Kardashians

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:29:42 GMT

E! has just renewed "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" for a third season. This doesn't surprise me. The show captures trashy decadence more perfectly than any TV show since..."Dallas?" Actually, I think it does "Dallas" one better, because it's "real." ("Living Lohan" might just give it a run for its money, though.)

- Posted by Kate

Get Ready for 'Hole in the Wall'

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:16:11 GMT

Fox is getting into the Japanese-style game show racket with a new show called "Hole in the Wall." Brooke Burns and Mark Thompson will host. So what's the deal? Well, it sounds like an very splashy version of Twister to me. From the press release:

"During each episode, two teams compete against each other in multiple rounds of play, facing various barrier walls speeding toward them with weird and wacky cut-out shapes. Each team must contort their bodies in unison to fit through the wall or be swept away into a pool below. As players struggle to strike a pose, points and dignity can be easily lost with a simple miscalculation. As the rounds progress and the pace heats up, mind over matter, quick thinking, coordination, agility and clever teamwork play a crucial role as each team strives to maneuver through walls literally closing in on them."

Production began this week, so "Hole in the Wall" could premiere as early as this fall.

- Posted by Kate

'Fat Sells' On HBO

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:15:30 GMT

Oscar winner Forest Whitaker is broadening his horizons. He's set to executive produce - and possibly direct - HBO's "Fat Sells" pilot. The show will chronicle the weird, glamorous and totally unregulated world of herbal weight loss supplements:

"Dave Broome, who created the show with scribe Gren Wells, knows a thing or two about the world of weight loss, having served as an exec producer on 'The Biggest Loser.'

"'It's the magic pill theory,'" Broome said. 'As a society, we don't care what the side effects are to these pills. I thought it would be an interesting world to look into, the fact that it's a market unregulated by the FDA.'"

Sounds pretty interesting, don't you guys think?

- Posted by Kate

'Sober Living' Might Just Keep Q List Celebrities...Sober

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:27:19 GMT

Dr. Drew Pinsky and company are thinking about doing a "Celebrity Rehab" spin-off called "Sober Living" in which former stars who are on the wagon attempt to stay aboard:

"The show, which would be a cross between 'The Surreal Life' and 'The Real World' would put a number of "Celebrity Rehab" alumni together in a luxurious Beverly Hills mansion for 30 days while they try to rebuild their careers without drugs and alcohol.

Like 'Celebrity Rehab,' the new show would prominently feature Dr. Drew Pinsky, who oversees the celebs during their stints in televised rehab."

Some of our favorite patients from season one have already been approached about doing the spin-off. Honestly, it's kind of hard to imagine any of them turning it down. What else are they doing?

- Posted by Kate

Can Ashley Dupre Become the Next Tila Tequila? Can Anyone?

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:27:02 GMT

Remember Ashley Alexandra Dupre? No? She was former New York governor Eliot Spitzer's illicit lady friend. Well, now she might be turning her fifteen minutes of fame into a whopping half hour. Ashley is reportedly in talks to star in her own reality show. E! has the story:

"A source tells E! News, however, that Dupré, 23, has been developing an unscripted show with production execs at L.A.-based Handprint Entertainment, the same company that has managed the careers of reality icons Nicole Richie and Pamela Anderson. One of the concepts being considered is a dating format.

"'They're talking to MTV about Ashley being the next Tila Tequila," says a source close to the project. (Handprint execs couldn't be reached for comment on the project; MTV declined comment.) News of Dupré's reality-TV aspirations comes less than a week after she abandoned her lawsuit against Girls Gone Wild CEO Joe Francis."

Tell me honestly now, does anyone reading this have any desire whatsoever to watch this (alleged) show?

- Posted by Kate

'Bored to Death' Will Take Semi-Ironic Self-Loathing to New Depths

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:31:12 GMT

The Hollywood Reporter has the details on HBO's newest dark comedy, "Bored to Death." The show will star Jason Schwartzman as a depressed hipster guy...I'm thinking this will be The Darjeeling Limited meets Garden State. Check it out:

"The Jonathan Ames-penned 'Bored' centers on Jonathan (Schwartzman), a struggling thirtysomething writer with a drinking problem in Brooklyn who, following a painful breakup with his girlfriend, decides to emulate his heroes from the novels of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. He takes out an ad pretending to be a private detective and starts taking cases -- solving some and making others worse."

It sounds promising, don't you think? How can you go wrong with neo-Noir? Production is set to begin in September, so the show could premiere as early as next winter.

- Posted by Kate

Yes, Bravo, You Can Have Too Much of a Good Thing

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:27:51 GMT

Okay, I like "The Real Houswives of Orange County" and I liked "The Real Housewives of New York City" too, but I was not pleased to hear that Bravo is putting out a third edition. Yup, "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" will be coming our way later this summer:

"An up-close and personal look at life in Hotlanta, 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' follows five glamorous southern belles as they balance motherhood, demanding careers and a fast-paced social calendar, and shows what life is like in the most exclusive areas of Atlanta. These driven and ambitious women prove that they're not just 'housewives,' but entrepreneurs, doting mothers and classy southern women. These ladies show the world what it takes to live large in some of the hottest zip codes in the south."

Ugh, come on. Wasn't The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood enough torture? And then they made it into that awful movie with Sandra Bullock! I'm getting a little tired of the same old thing here. When are we going to see "The Real Housewives of Pyongyang" or even "The Real Housewives of Cheyenne"?

- Posted by Kate

'Match Game' Is Looking Good

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:38:38 GMT

I'm not old enough to have seen the original version of "Match Game," and game shows aren't usually my thing anyway. That said, I'm intrigued by TBS' new version of the show. They've lined up a slate of genuinely funny comedians as panelists: Sarah Silverman, Norm McDonald, Super Dave Osborne, Scott Thompson (from "The Kids in the Hall"), Rashida Jones and Niecy Nash. They're shooting the pilot this week in Los Angeles, and there's no word yet on when the show will see the light of day.

What do you guys think, does TBS' "Match Game" have a shot at making it? Will Sarah Silverman be the new Vicki Lawrence?

- Posted by Kate

Matthew Perry Is Returning to TV

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:07:17 GMT

Matthew Perry has just inked a deal with Showtime. He and Peter Tolan have co-written a pilot called "The End of Steve," a dark comedy about a talk show host who's seeking redemption. Perry will play the title role.

Let's hope this project fares a little better than "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." Matthew Perry is a great character actor and I feel like he can pull off something a little on the dark side.

I'll keep you guys posted on when this pilot might see the light of day.

- Posted by Kate

Perhaps the Worst Selection of TV to Choose from Ever?

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:12:53 GMT

I know that summertime is not the best of times for TV, but wow.

Our broadcast viewing options at the moment I'm writing this:

"The Price Is Right Million Dollar Spectacular"

"Deal or No Deal"

"Wife Swap"

"So You Think You Can Dance"

And for most folks, a rerun of "America's Next Top Model."

Thankfully, the local CW affiliate has the Cubs on, but otherwise, that brings a whole lot of hurt.

- posted by Raoul

Get Ready for a 'Big Chill' Reunion on 'Damages'

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:24:07 GMT

William Hurt has joined the cast of "Damages." He starred alongside Glenn Close in "The Big Chill" as Nick, a disturbed radio psychologist. Now he'll play a man from Patty's past who's also a new client. Think he'll manage to be as creepy-crazy as good old Nick? I'm betting the answer is yes.

The sophomore season of "Damages" will begin production this summer and should air early in 2009.

- Posted by Kate

Would You Watch a 'Gossip Girl' Spin-off?

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:04:33 GMT

The producers of "Gossip Girl," flushed with the success of the show, are thinking about making another one. What? A "Gossip Girl" spin-off? It turns out there's one sort of built in for them:

"Producers are hoping to expand the popular CW show by either giving co-star Taylor Momsen her own series or by introducing a new character in the fall who is later spun off. Regardless of which actor is used, the story would likely draw on the arc of Momsen's character Jenny Humphrey in the "Gossip Girl" book series for inspiration.

"Humphrey is a self-esteem challenged outsider who struggles to fit in. In the books, a series of public embarrassments (such as appearing in a teen magazine wearing next to nothing) results in Humphrey having to either repeat ninth grade or find a new school. She elects to enter a boarding school and reinvents herself as a popular girl. Her story is told in a series of six "Gossip" spinoff novels called 'The It Girl.'"

A show all about Jenny, eh? I have to say, I'm worried. The more popular Little J gets the more annoyed I get. What do you guys think, can she carry a whole show? Would you watch?

Update: Producer Josh Schwartz is saying that this rumor is not true.

- Posted by Kate

'Little Mosque on the Prairie' Is Coming to America

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:50:36 GMT

Fox has just secured the rights to adapt Canadian comedy "Little Mosque on the Prairie" for American audiences. The show follows the lives of Muslim Canadians living in small town Canada, and it's sort of like "Amen" meets "Aliens in America," only funny.

I'll be curious to see whether the American version will manage to be funny and get edgy, or whether some of the bite and humor will get lost in "translation."

- Posted by Kate

Is the World Ready for 'Bromance'?

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:34:47 GMT

Yesterday I told you that Whitney Port of "The Hills" might be getting her own show. Well, today I'm here to tell you that Brody Jenner of "The Hills" is definitely getting his own show. It's called "Bromance." Brody is looking for a new BFF, er, "member of his entourage:"

"Along the way, contestants will be whittled down via 'Hot Tub Elimination Ceremonies' after which rejected 'bros' will be asked to leave the bachelor pad dripping wet in a swimsuit, luggage in hand. Bringing to mind various dating reality shows, contestants also will have shots at a 'group date' and 'alone time' with Jenner in every episode."

Would it help if I told you that Ryan Seacrest is one of the producers? No?

- Posted by Kate

'Dirt' Bites the Dust

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:59:09 GMT

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's all over for FX's "Dirt." At a charity event on Sunday Courteney Cox Arquette told reporters that the show has been canceled.

Obviously this is disappointing news. "Dirt" was funny, and it was weird. There aren't enough weird shows on these days.

- Posted by Kate

Jeffrey Tambor Gets Back to Being a Crook

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:42:49 GMT

Televisionary reports that Jeffrey Tambor just signed on for a recurring guest role on Rob Thomas' "Good Behavior." The show, based on a hit show from New Zealand, is about a family of crooks trying to go straight. Tambor will play a guy who works at the pawn shop - not exactly George Bluth, Sr., but at least it's not "guy who lives in weird apartment and has a crush on a woman out of his league." (Remember that show?)

Since it's been a pretty big week for "Arrested Development" alums, I fully expect to hear that Will Arnett has been cast in Rob Thomas' "90210," or maybe in a Lifetime Original Movie. I think he'd be great as either the inappropriate older dude who dates the Kelly character or as the crazy/jealous/stalking husband in an LMO.

- Posted by Kate

TV Tonight:Two Premieres and a Finale

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:03:38 GMT

We are just hours from the debut of two new programs: CBS's "Swingtown" and NBC's "Fear Itself."

"Swingtown" could be called "That Sex in the 70s Show," raising the question of whether CBS will be comfortable airing something more racy than its usual fare.

And by the by, if you're interested, you can watch a preview of the program here or read about how TV has treated that decade here.

"Fear Itself" is a horror anthology show. Earlier this week, I chatted with some of the people involved with it.

I haven't yet caught screeners of either, but I'll be sharing thoughts on both tomorrow.

On another front, Bravo crowns the winner of "Step It Up and Dance."

- posted by Raoul

'The United States of Tara' Is Coming to Showtime

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:25:50 GMT

Oscar winning screenwriter Diablo Cody is taking her talent show on the road. Showtime has picked up her series "The United States of Tara," a comedy about a wife and mother with dissociative identity disorder (a.k.a. multiple personality disorder). Toni Collette will play Tara and John Corbett (Aidan from "Sex and the City") will play her husband.

Production is set to begin over the summer.

- Posted by Kate

Casting Couch: Kim Cattrall and Harold Perrineau

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:11:12 GMT

Kim Cattrall might be a little typecast after her stint as Samantha Jones on "Sex and the City," but she doesn't seem to mind. Cattrall has inked a deal with HBO to star in and produce a new series, "Sensitive Skin." The show is an adaptation of a British hit, and Cattrall will play a middle aged woman (in New York City, of course) who "rediscovers" her sexuality.

Harold Perrineau is returning to ABC as a cop in their new show "The Unusuals." (I guess Michael really is gone forever, eh?) Perrineau will play Detective Leo Banks, a cop who's so worried about getting shot that he never takes off his Kevlar vest. I'm officially intrigued.

- Posted by Kate

'Crash:' It's Still Happening

Fri, 30 May 2008 13:27:58 GMT

Earlier this year there was an announcement that the Oscar-winning film Crash was being adapted for the small screen. Then for months we heard nothing. I started to assume it all fell through, but now The Hollywood Reporter has some casting details:

"Luis Chavez, Arlene Tur, Ross McCall, Brian Tee and Jocko Sims have come aboard the Lionsgate-produced series, which is based on the Oscar-winning film but features a different slate of characters."

This different slate of characters includes a poor immigrant, an actress turned cop, a Korean-American EMT, a driver for a big shot movie producer, and a devil-may-care cop. The show will air on Starz, but there's no word yet on when it's slated to start.

- Posted by Kate

Kate's Top 5 Summer Shows

Tue, 27 May 2008 15:42:41 GMT

I won't lie - summer TV can be bad. Sometimes I think I'd prefer reruns of even mediocre shows to some of the reality fare that gets rolled out during the long summer nights. (Cough: "Living Lohan," anyone?) There are bright spots, though, and here are five of my favorites:

	"My Boys" Who did PJ take to Italy? And will we finally see Lance, Steph's debt counselor-cum-boyfriend? "My Boys" returns June 12, and I can hardly wait!
	"Weeds" Remember when idyllic Agrestic went up in smoke? No more little boxes on the hillside. I'm very curious about what happens next for Ms. Nancy Pants. "Weeds" is back June 16.
	"Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List" Jessica! Jessica! It's been far too long since we've seen Kathy, Jessica, Tom, Tiffany, and Kathy's mom Maggie. (Not to mention Kathy's crazy gushing fans.) The show is back June 12.
	"The Next Food Network Star" You guys know I love my cooking shows, and "NFNS" is my favorite. What can I say, I have a love-hate relationship with Bob and Suzy. "The Next Food Network Star" is back for a new season on June 1.
	"30 Days" Yes, I know that Morgan Spurlock is kind of lame, but I still like "30 Days." He's turning the camera on himself once again to spend a month in a coal mine, but after that we'll get to see other guinea pigs thrown into lives very, very different from their own. "30 Days" is back June 3.

- Posted by Kate

Matthew McConaughey's Brother Strikes Gold

Tue, 27 May 2008 13:50:55 GMT

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Now that Memorial Day is behind us the summer reality fest starts in earnest. Have you heard of "Black Gold"? It's a show on TruTV about oil prospectors, and it stars...Matthew McConaughey's brother, among others. People has the story:

"Rooster is one of the good ol’ boys (he named his second son Miller Lyte after his favorite beer) starring in a new reality show from the producers of the gripping series 'Deadliest Catch' and 'Ice Road Truckers,' which offer a glimpse into the lives of men with some of the most dangerous jobs in the world.

"'Black Gold' (premiering June 18 on truTV) takes viewers inside the race to find oil in Texas. And while Rooster does not work on an oil rig, he supplies the pipes for the drills, which typically go down 10,000 feet below the earth’s surface. That’s a lot of pipe."

- Posted by Kate

Tommy Lee Gets Animated

Fri, 23 May 2008 14:24:00 GMT

Hey, wouldn't it be crazy if there was a cartoon based on the life and times of rocker Tommy Lee? Well, Fox doesn't think it's too crazy - they're doing it!

"The project revolves around a rocker who attempts to balance his crazy lifestyle on the road with a calmer existence at home. The character is distracted, however, by his tattoos - which come to life and are constantly trying to lead him down the wrong path."

His tattoos come to life? Seriously?!? This is either going to be a brilliant show along the lines of, say, "Family Guy" or an unmitigated disaster. What do you guys think? Would you watch the cartoon version of Tommy Lee?

- Posted by Kate

'Summer' Is Officially Here! Shall We Dance?

Thu, 22 May 2008 20:14:22 GMT

It may not be summer by the calendar - or the weather, at least in my neck of the woods - but summer TV is here.

"Dancing with the Stars" wrapped up this week, and "So You Think You Can Dance" has come right up to take its place. The show premieres tonight on Fox at 8:00. It's a two hour audition episode, so expect silliness and pratfalls and maybe some actual talent thrown in. We've got a season four preview video to get you in the mood.

"Last Comic Standing" also starts tonight at 9:30 on NBC. Maybe this season the winner will actually become a famous comic. Stranger things have happened, right?

- Posted by Kate

Is Dr. Phil Going Churchy?

Thu, 22 May 2008 16:26:22 GMT

First he tries to get everyone in America to lose weight, then he shows up at Britney Spears' hotel room, then he bails out that Florida teen who beat up her classmate out of jail. What can we expect next from Dr. Phil? Well, apparently he's found religion and he wants to bring it to your TV set:

"CBS Television...is developing a talk show that would be hosted by T.D. Jakes, head of nondemoninational church the Potter's House, who has made several appearances on the CBS-distributed 'Dr. Phil.' The project, from Dr. Phil and Jay McGraw's Stage 29, would center on such topics as relationships and family issues."

A new show, bankrolled by Dr. Phil, about relationships and family issues. Yikes. Do we really need another one?

- Posted by Kate

The Rumors Are True! Tori Spelling Is Headed Back to '90210'

Wed, 21 May 2008 17:47:25 GMT

Maybe you can never have too much of a good thing. Tori Spelling has signed on to appear in the pilot of the "90210" spinoff alongside former castmate Jennie Garth. So far, she's just a guest star, but who knows where things could lead? Ian Ziering, who played Steve Sanders, is also in talks with producers to appear in the spinoff.

Those of you feeling nostalgic for the original "90210" might want to check out some of the episodes we're streaming. (No, I did not just watch the one where Brenda meets Dylan in the middle of my work day. No indeed.)

- Posted by Kate

Was 'Moonlight' Doomed From the Start?

Tue, 20 May 2008 13:36:37 GMT

The Hollywood Reporter has a story about why "Moonlight" "had" to get canceled, and they're saying it's a lot more complicated than low ratings:

"If the 'Moonlight' episodes were entirely self-contained stories, like CBS lead-in 'Ghost Whisperer' and lead-out 'Numbers,' a pickup could have been tempting. But 'Moonlight' is semi-serialized, and ratings for such shows usually only trend one direction. Once viewers step out of an ongoing story line, they rarely step back in. This has been the case with 'Lost,' 'Heroes,' 'Battlestar Galactica' and, yup, that CBS harbinger of cult-TV doom, 'Jericho.'

"Serialized shows also tend to suffer if there's any major scheduling gap. Based on how its cult-driven, sci-fi predecessors have performed, it was extremely unlikely 'Moonlight' would return to higher numbers next fall. The show was going down by the head and CBS rightfully bailed."

Are so-called semi-serialized shows going the way of the dodo? Let's hope not. If this story is right about the real reason "Moonlight" got canceled - and I'm pretty convinced it is - then a lot of quality shows could be in trouble.

- Posted by Kate

Sneak Peek at Fox's Fall Schedule

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:49:47 GMT

Well, the Upfronts keep chugging along and that means all the networks are handing out their fall schedules. There isn't too much change over at Fox.

Mondays we'll get more "Terminator" and more "Prison Break." In January, we'll see a new season of "24" (finally!) and the premiere of Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse."

"House" stays on Tuesdays, and it'll be followed by "Fringe," a new sci fi show from J.J. Abrams.

Wednesdays you'll see "Bones," followed by "'Til Death" and "Do Not Disturb," a new comedy about the hotel biz.

Thursday is reality gross-out night: "Kitchen Nightmares" and "The Moment of Truth." "Hell's Kitchen" will return mid-season along with "Secret Millionaire," a reality series about rich people giving money to poor people.

Fridays will be devoted to "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" and "Don't Forget the Lyrics."

There will be some mid-season changes to Fox's beloved Sunday night comedy block. New shows "Sit Down, Shut Up" (high school, cartoon style!) and "The Cleveland Show" (boy loves girl, girl marries someone else, boy gets another shot years down the line) will start in the spring.

- Posted by Kate

Night of a Thousand (Okay, Ten) Finales

Thu, 15 May 2008 13:41:58 GMT

It's a busy night in TV Land. A lot of our favorite shows are bowing their last this season. (And there seem to be an awful lot of showdowns in the works.) Here's a quick and dirty guide to tonight's finales:

"Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?:" You'll have an hour to say goodbye. Let's hope someone goes home a big winner.

"CSI:" Warrick will be at the center of tonight's investigation. He's accused of killing a Las Vegas gangster and nobody's really sure if he did it...he's not even sure.

"Don't Forget the Lyrics:" Another hour-long finale. We've got an L.A. entrepreneur up at the mike - will he win $1 million?

"E.R:" We've got a drunk in the E.R. (Played by Steve Buscemi, no less!)

"Lost:" Tonight's episode is the first part of the season finale - we'll see the second part in two weeks. The (inevitable) showdown between the Losties and the Freighties starts tonight. (Showdown count: 1)

"My Name is Earl:" It looks like Earl and Billie might be in trouble! Will he choose his list over her?

"The Office:" The episode is called "Goodbye, Toby" and it looks like Dunder-Mifflin's favorite HR rep is leaving Scranton for good! There's a party, of course, and then we'll get to meet his replacement.

"Smallville:" Brainiac lures Lex into a showdown with Clark! Well, we know the show's coming back for another season, so I'm not too worried. (Showdown count: 2)

"Supernatural:" Sam and Dean head to New Harmony, Indiana for a showdown with Lillith. (Showdown count: 3)

"Without a Trace:" Five people with a weird connection are kidnapped from a coffee shop. Also, Sam's going into labor.

- Posted by Kate

CBS Also Shows Its Fall Plans

Thu, 15 May 2008 01:30:53 GMT

So now we know what CBS will be up to come the fall. Its new shows include:

"The Eleventh Hour" -- an "X-Filish" series about a government aid who looks into strange phenomena.

"The Mentalist" -- from what it sounds like, a twist on "Psych:" a celebrity psychic uses his powers of observation to solve crimes.

"The Ex List" -- a comedy about a woman who goes over the guys she's dated after a prediction that one of them was "the one."

"Project Gary" -- which features Jay Mohr and Penny Marshall as exes who are trying to move on with their lives.

and

"Worst Week" -- which is about a well-meaning guy who screws up a lot.

Among the series not coming back are "Moonlight," "Cane" and "Shark." The last is somewhat of a surprise to me, since the Crime Broadcasting System hasn't met a procedural it didn't like.

- posted by Raoul

Rumor Mill: Tori Spelling On '90210'

Wed, 14 May 2008 15:28:41 GMT

On Monday we heard that Jennie Garth signed on to play West Beverly High's guidance counselor on the new "90210." Now rumors are flying that another alumna is headed back to the small screen: Tori Spelling! The New York Times TV Decoder blog says her name is being "bandied about by producers." Deadline Hollywood Daily has heard similar rumors:

"I know there have been lots of rumors to this effect in celebrity mags and infotainment shows. But one of my reliable TV business sources is hearing that Tori Spelling is going to be in the "Beverly Hills, 90210" spinoff just picked up by the CW."

Interesting! I'll keep an eye on this one and let you guys know when anything becomes official.

- Posted by Kate

The CW Sets Up Its 2008-2009 Lineup

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:38:54 GMT

Here's the gist of the CW's presentation:

Mondays will feature "Gossip Girl" and "One Tree Hill."

Tuesdays will be neo-"90210" and a new series, "Surviving the Filthy Rich." (Which I would think is a better pairing with "Gossip Girl," but what do I know?)

Wednesdays will have Tyra Night: more "America's Next Top Model" and her new reality show, "Stylista." It's being billed as a cross between "The Devil Wears Prada" and a reality show, because people are competing for a job with a fashion mag.

Thursdays will stay the (mostly) same as now: "Smallville" (now with at least 50 percent fewer compelling characters!) and "Supernatural."

Fridays will be "Everybody Hates Chris," "The Game" and a "ANTM" rerun. Friday is kind of death night, but at least "Chris" got renewed.

"Reaper," meanwhile, is going to be ready to step in as a midseason replacement.

The press release doesn't mention "Beauty and the Geek," which reportedly has just completed its final season amid declining ratings.

- posted by Raoul

'How I Met Your Mother' Is Coming Back

Tue, 13 May 2008 19:25:05 GMT

Good news! CBS has picked up "How I Met Your Mother" for another season. This isn't too surprising, since the show got a huge ratings boost after Britney Spears' first guest appearance.

I didn't love Britney's second appearance as much as her first. I don't even think it's Britney's fault - the Abby character is awfully flat. It would have been something, though, if that wedding had really come off. Maybe next season. It's rumored that Britney will be back for thirds.

- Posted by Kate

CBS Cancels 'Moonlight'

Tue, 13 May 2008 18:54:15 GMT

I have some bad, bad news for you guys. CBS has done the unthinkable and pulled the plug on "Moonlight." I'm not sure what to say - I'm really surprised. I know you guys love this show, so feel free to mourn in the comments.

- Posted by Kate

It's Official: 'Scrubs' Is Definitely Moving to ABC

Tue, 13 May 2008 17:19:24 GMT

The rumors are true! "Scrubs" has breathed its last on NBC...and will be taking its rightful place over on ABC next fall. ABC execs are thrilled about "Scrubs," and pointed out how the show got moved around so much - 17 different time slots! - it never got the audience it deserves. It's got a Tuesday night time slot, so let's cross our fingers.

- Posted by Kate

ABC Says Goodbye to 'October Road' and 'Oprah's Big Give'

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:52:59 GMT

Well, Raoul has already shared some of the good news coming out of the Upfronts - yay for "Reaper!" - so I guess the bad news falls to me. ABC has canceled "October Road" and "Oprah's Big Give." "October Road" I'm not so surprised about: the show was already in second chance mode and didn't find a big enough audience. "Oprah's Big Give" is another story. Even with the weird ending, the show did pretty well in its Sunday night slot. I have to admit, I'm kind of mystified by this one. The New York Times' TV Decoder blog says that Oprah was the one who pulled the plug, not the network:

"'We loved that show, and we absolutely would have done another installment,' Mr. McPherson [Steven McPherson, ABC Entertainment President] said. But Oprah Winfrey’s production company decided not to continue with a second season. Her other project in development with ABC is on hold: “It’s in their hands — they’ve got a lot on their plate,” he said."

- Posted by Kate

High School Reunion, West Beverly Style

Mon, 12 May 2008 16:08:45 GMT

It's official! The "90210" spin-off is coming to The CW this fall! Even better? Jennie Garth has signed on for a recurring role as the school's guidance counselor. I think the spin-off has a lot of potential. Who knows, it could end up being even better than the original. The CW has Rob Thomas writing the pilot, and the show is supposed to air on Mondays along with "Gossip Girl."

I wonder if Jennie Garth signing on means we won't be seeing Tori Spelling on the show. That could be too much of a good thing. But I fully expect a Jason Priestly cameo - remember when he played Valerie's ex on "What I Like About You?"

- Posted by Kate

'Aliens in America' Canceled

Mon, 12 May 2008 13:10:42 GMT

Well, it was fun while it lasted. The CW has pulled the plug on "Aliens in America." I admit that I'm bummed about this one. The show took a while to find its footing, but the last few episodes I saw were genuinely funny.

This news isn't too surprising coming on the heels of The CW's decision to outsource their Sunday night airtime. Peace out, Raja and Justin.

- Posted by Kate

The CW Gives Up on Sundays

Fri, 09 May 2008 16:13:29 GMT

Variety is reporting that The CW is going to farm out its Sunday night programming next season. Basically, the network is negotiating with an unnamed media buyer to sell off a three hour block of airtime. The buyers will then develop their own shows...which will basically be vehicles for advertising.

Why are they doing this? Well, they haven't had much luck with their Sunday night programming. Remember the short-lived "Life Is Wild?" Or how about "Online Nation?" Yikes! If selling off Sunday night gives the network more resources to pour into its other shows (cough: "Gossip Girl") then I'm all for it.

- Posted by Kate

'Women's Murder Club' Is Probably a Goner

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:48:55 GMT

Although there hasn't been an official announcement yet, it doesn't look like ABC's "Women's Murder Club" is coming back for a second season. Kristin Dos Santos of E! reports:

"The upfronts aren't next until week in New York City, which is where all the official pickups and cancellations are set to be announced, but sources close to ABC have tipped me that while bubble show "Eli Stone" will get the nod for a season two, another hour-long drama, "Women's Murder Club," will not be returning."

That's some good news about offbeat drama "Eli Stone," anyway. Though it's always sad to see a show get the ax, I have to admit that I just couldn't get into "Women's Murder Club."

- Posted by Kate

In Which I Rail Against the Phrase 'Love Interest'

Thu, 08 May 2008 13:30:07 GMT

TV jargon isn't so bad. I don't mind "pilot," or "procedural" or even the somewhat odd "laffer." I draw the line at "love interest," though. Why do TV execs and journalists bow to that lame-o phrase? To my mind, "love interest" almost always means "someone who comes in and messes up the plot." And that's fine, but couldn't we say it another way? Potential girlfriend/boyfriend? Hot girl/guy? Heartbreaker? Eye candy?

Anyway, this is just my long-winded way of letting you guys know that David Sutcliffe will be back on "Private Practice" next season. He's playing Officer Kevin Nelson, a guy who Addison likes. Yes, indeed, her "love interest." (See, it just doesn't sound the least bit natural.)

- Posted by Kate

More 'Gossip' Next Season

Wed, 07 May 2008 19:45:28 GMT

Good news, guys! Kristin Dos Santos of E! is reporting that "Gossip Girl" will have a supersized 24 episode second season. There's bad news, too, or at least I think it's bad news: Michelle Trachtenberg is likely to be added as a regular cast member. Nothing against Michelle - in fact, I think she's a fabulous actress - but I'm still not loving Ms. Georgina Unsparks.

- Posted by Kate