Why Do I Mistrust Fox? Let Me Count the Ways
Leonard Pitts Jr

Fox News is in a class by itself. In its epidemic inaccuracy, its ongoing disregard for basic journalistic standards of fairness, its demagogic appeals and its blatantly ideological promotions it is, indeed, unique -- a news source in name only. That's not just an opinion: a 2003 study found Fox viewers more likely to be misinformed than those who get their news elsewhere.

Reality TV Breeds New Star System
Brian Lowry

The rise of reality contestants has occurred gradually, even within a genre only a decade old in its current guise. At first reality players seemed like highly disposable commodities -- people who could be counted on to flame brightly if the show featuring them caught on before returning to their lives, perhaps a little richer and with a story to tell the grandkids. Only now, because of the unquenchable demand for programming and recognizable 'talent,' ...

Dan Rather's Spacy Broadcasting Odyssey
Brian Lowry

Thinking about Dan Rather always brings to mind an observation about the entertainment business by the agent Pat Faulstich, who was fond of saying that the best job you'll ever have is the one that precedes the one you always wanted. For Rather, his career apex might actually have come when he was a hard-charging network correspondent ...

Jay Leno

The Jay Leno Show: Leno Saving the Best for Last
Cynthia Littleton

In some respects, 'The Jay Leno Show' is a lot like Leno's 'The Tonight Show' turned upside down. Leno's best-known comedy bits, such as the 'Jaywalking' segment, his riffs on headlines and 99-cent Only Store advertisements, run in the final quarter-hour of NBC's most talked-about new fall series.

70th Anniversary of First Televised NFL Game

Seventy years ago, the NFL and NBC tried something that would change football, and television, forever. On October 22, 1939, the Brooklyn Dodgers hosted the Philadelphia Eagles at Ebbets Field. The contest marked the first time pro football was broadcast on television.

Monday Night Football Celebrates 40th Season

NFL Monday Night Football kicks off its 40th season on September 14 with an "AFL 50th Anniversary" doubleheader on ESPN and a new face in the broadcast booth!

Sci Fi Network to Develop New Take on 'Alien Nation'
Michael Schneider

Sci Fi is developing a new take on "Alien Nation," the 1988 feature that previously spawned a spinoff series on Fox. "Alien Nation" centers on the partnership between a veteran cop and his alien detective partner, set against the larger tale of alien "newcomers" who move to Earth and attempt to assimilate into society.

Discovery Channel explains Nitty-Gritty of Dirty Jobs
Liz Wolgemuth

Throughout the course of the Discovery Channel show "Dirty Jobs", Mike Rowe, 47, has parachuted into incredibly dirty jobs, including coal miner, shrimper, and even skull cleaner, paying tribute to the value and integrity of manual laborers as he sloshes around in knee-high nastiness right beside them. A recent interview with Mike Rowe about Dirty Jobs ...

Fresh Reality TV Shows Try to Find Spot on Crowded Sked

Finding a spot is the big challenge right now for first-season reality TV programs. After all, there are only so many hours in the day to watch television, and viewers tend to be loyal to their favorite show, even if it's a little long in the tooth.

NBC Puts a Royal Spin on Latenight
Brian Lowry

Most of Craig Ferguson's audience was doubtless mystified when he used his opening segment to ridicule NBC's press release proclaiming Conan O'Brien "the new king of late night."

Oprah Winfrey Network Brand Bucks Cable TV Tide
Brian Lowry

Determined to find hits, cable TV networks keep breaking out of narrowly defined brands. In stark contrast to this, there's the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN for short), a channel so committed to its brand -- the daytime host's "Live your best life" mantra -- that the specific nature of its programs remains something of an afterthought as the venture readies for next year's debut.

'Breaking Bad' -- Am I the Only Person Watching This Great TV Show
Liz Smith

After having its maiden run shortened by the writer's strike, 'Breaking Bad' recently capped a breathtaking second season that delved deeper into the show's world of moral ambiguity and unintended consequences," writes Variety's pundit Brian Lowry.

Ann Rule's Too Late to Say Goodbye
TV Reviews: Lifetime Movie Network is following its elder sibling into the true-crime.

Fanboy and Chum Chum
TV Reviews: Title turns out to be significantly more inviting than the actual show.

V
TV Reviews: "V's" maiden voyage rates near the top of the alphabet.

Place of Execution
TV Reviews: ITV import has a rather interesting take on the fascination with salacious crimes.

Poliwood
TV Reviews: Approach is somewhat messy and occasionally self-serving.

The League
TV Reviews: A crude but consistently funny half-hour that's a bull's-eye with FX's male-skewing audience.

The 1930s (American Experience)
TV Reviews: Series offer several eerie parallels between the Great Depression and recent economic issues.

Friday Night Lights
TV Reviews: A new group of student-athletes have arrived in this football crazy Texas town.

Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins From Outer Space
TV Reviews: Hardly destined to make anyone forget Linus and the Great Pumpkin.

The Jeff Dunham Show
TV Reviews: The talented ventriloquist returns to TV in a weekly program.

White Collar
TV Reviews: With "White Collar," USA looks dressed for success.

Lock 'n Load
TV Reviews: "Lock 'n Load" is a reality show lacking a point of view that fires one big blank.

On the Case With Paula Zahn
TV Reviews: Turns out Dostoevsky was really on to something with "Crime and Punishment."

Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut)
TV Reviews: Docu traces the group from pre-TV origins through its movies and eventual disbandment.

Occupation
TV Reviews: Pulls few punches in conveying the lingering misfortune and corruption associated with the Iraq adventure.

Sorority Wars
TV Reviews: For those willing to succumb to the movie's odd little world, it's not without its charms.

Discovering Ardi
TV Reviews: "Ardi" squarely falls in the better-angels/"Planet Earth" category.

30 Rock
TV Reviews: This inside-TV comedy might very well be the "Murphy Brown" of its day.

Nip/Tuck
TV Reviews: The series return for its sixth-season arc of 10 episodes in reasonably solid fashion.

Secret Girlfriend
TV Reviews: Adapted from the Web, "Secret Girlfriend" is in essence comedy as single-player videogame.

Variety.com - TV Reviews
The premier source of entertainment news. Turn to Variety.com for timely, credible articles, reviews and analysis of film, TV, music, theater, video, gaming and movie and television production -- information vital to your showbiz career.

 

Rosenbaum to lead 'V'
Pilot Watch: Sci-fi show gets change in showrunner -- Just as viewers got their first peek at new sci-fi drama "V" on Tuesday, the show has undergone a change at the top.

Kirstie Alley set to go unscripted for A&E
Pilot Watch: Actress ready open up life for reality series -- Kirstie Alley is set to join the docuseries ranks; thesp is close to signing on to star in an unscripted show for A&E.

Sleuthing magician casts spell on NBC
Pilot Watch: Fesman to write pilot; Jon Amiel to direct -- NBC is conjuring a drama series revolving around a crime-solving magician.

Gabourey Sidibe circles 'C Word'
Pilot Watch: 'Precious' star may take guest spot in pilot -- Gabourey Sidibe, star of Lionsgate's "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," is in talks to appear in the Showtime pilot "The C Word."

TV Land orders up pilots
Pilot Watch: Network branches out into original programming -- TV Land is in the market for homegrown sitcoms.

NBC deals with Carolla, Cheadle
Pilot Watch: Half-hour comedies find home at Peacock -- NBC is looking to stock up on laffs, cutting deals for a half-hour comedy starring Adam Carolla, a laffer from "The Simpsons" alum Bill Oakley and a project from Don Cheadle and "Boondocks" creator Aaron McGruder.

Fox plots on robbers and polygamists
Pilot Watch: Two new hour-long dramas in the works -- Fox is prepping a new take on the British series "Daylight Robbery," and has another hourlong in the works about a polygamist.

Michaels to host 'Loser' companion
Pilot Watch: NBC orders eight episodes of 'Losing It' -- NBC's extending its "Loser" strategy, picking up a new show starring "The Biggest Loser" trainer Jillian Michaels.

ABC nears 'Gates' deal with Fox
Pilot Watch: Drama might be shot overseas -- ABC has cut a deal with Fox Television Studios and Little Engine for a 13-episode order of a drama dubbed "The Gates."

'Burn Notice' scribe gets Fox pilot
Pilot Watch: Watkins to write, exec produce with Tollin -- "Burn Notice" scribe Ben Watkins has set up a drama project at Fox and 20th Century Fox TV about a undercover femme investigator who battles her own identity issues.

A&E's manic for Radha Mitchell
Pilot Watch: Network with pilot order to drama -- A&E has given a pilot order to a Fox Television Studios drama to star Radha Mitchell as a femme LAPD detective struggling with bipolar disorder.

ABC picks up more 'FlashForward'
Pilot Watch: Network orders 25 episodes for first season -- ABC has given a back-nine episode pickup to "FlashForward."

Showtime streams kudos contenders
Pilot Watch: Orgs to view shows online for voting purposes -- Following streaming of its programs to members of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for the Emmys, Showtime has made its wares available online to other groups as well.

CBS takes shine to 'Flashpoint'
Pilot Watch: Network picks up 13 more episodes -- CBS has picked up an additional 13 episodes of "Flashpoint."

Abrams's spy spec generating heat
Pilot Watch: ABC, NBC, CBS bidding on pilot -- J.J. Abrams is spying a new adventure/action series, triggering a bidding war at several networks -- with NBC the victor.

FX fuels up more originals
Pilot Watch: 'Terriers,' 'Lights Out' get 13-episode pickups -- FX is batting a thousand this year with pilots now that the cabler has given 13-episode pickups to dramas "Terriers" and "Lights Out."

Sonnenfeld brings comedy to ABC
Pilot Watch: 'Daisies' director to helm 'Greatest'-esque pilot -- Barry Sonnenfeld is shepherding a half-hour laffer for ABC and ABC Studios that revolves around a harried mother who finds a special suit that gives her super powers.

Viewers return to tube
Pilot Watch: Premiere-week promo push pays off -- Premiere week inspired a glimmer of optimism in even the most jaded network executives (well, unless they were at NBC).

CW high on 'Fly Girls'
Pilot Watch: Network teams with Virgin on show -- They were once called "stewardesses," until the less sexist term "flight attendant" came into fashion. Now, the CW has a new name for them: "Fly Girls."

MTV goes 'Ape' for puppets
Pilot Watch: Network greenlights 'Grey the Bunny' spinoff -- MTV has greenlit puppet-populated project "Warren the Ape," a spinoff of erstwhile Fox and IFC series "Greg the Bunny," for a 2010 launch.

Variety.com - Pilot Watch
The premier source of entertainment news. Turn to Variety.com for timely, credible articles, reviews and analysis of film, TV, music, theater, video, gaming and movie and television production -- information vital to your showbiz career.

 

ABC finds time to 'Dance'
Reality TV: 'Eastwick' to be pre-empted for Janet Jackson -- ABC is making more schedule shifts, finding a home for new reality competish "Let's Dance" and making room later this month for a news interview with Janet Jackson.

Kirstie Alley set to go unscripted for A&E
Reality TV: Actress ready open up life for reality series -- Kirstie Alley is set to join the docuseries ranks; thesp is close to signing on to star in an unscripted show for A&E.

Fox cooking up 'Masterchef'
Reality TV: Ramsay to co-produce cooking competition series -- "Masterchef" has come to the States.

Oxygen takes 'Dance' for soph season
Reality TV: Magical Elves to produce reality dance-off -- Oxygen has picked up a second season of "Dance Your Ass Off," with Magical Elves onboard to produce.

ABC adds to 'Shark Tank'
Reality TV: Already-shot footage used to create episodes -- ABC will use already-shot footage to produce two more episodes of reality skein "Shark Tank."

TruTV picks up Langley prison series
Reality TV: Project is set for a January bow -- "Cops" producer Langley Prods. is headed back to jail -- this time for a new TruTV series set in Las Vegas.

'Desserts' on 'Top Chef' menu
Reality TV: Bravo sweetens franchise with new spinoff -- Bravo's "Top Chef" is finally getting its "Just Desserts."

Reality producer lands Lego
Reality TV: Messick to develop reality programs for franchise -- Reality producer Scott Messick has partnered with the Lego Group to develop nonscripted programming related to the toy building-block franchise.

Bravo offers second helping of 'Masters'
Reality TV: 'Top Chef' franchise to return in 2010 -- There's more slicing and dicing to come on "Top Chef Masters."

'Brother' winner admits selling pills
Reality TV: Reality TV star caught selling oxycodone -- The winner of reality TV show “Big Brother� has confessed to using his $500,000 prize to buy thousands of oxycodone pills and resell them, authorities said.

Michaels to host 'Loser' companion
Reality TV: NBC orders eight episodes of 'Losing It' -- NBC's extending its "Loser" strategy, picking up a new show starring "The Biggest Loser" trainer Jillian Michaels.

NatGeo spinoff replaces Fox Reality
Reality TV: 'National Geographic Wild' to air by March 31 -- Fox Cable Networks is prepping to replace the Fox Reality Channel with a new spinoff from its successful National Geographic Channel.

Bravo ready for 'Thintervention'
Reality TV: 'Work Out' star Jackie Warner gets fitness series -- Bravo is developing an unscripted series revolving around Jackie Warner, the central figure in its fitness docudrama, "Work Out."

Gosselins in court for divorce battle
Reality TV: 'Jon and Kate' stars appear in front of judge -- Estranged reality couple Jon and Kate Gosselin are back in court over their acrimonious split.

'Challenge' is too much for Botswana
Reality TV: Web pulls racy reality show -- It's a mystery that even detective Mma Precious Ramotswe from HBO's Botswana-set "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," may not be able to solve.

'Runway' poised for vidgame makeover
Reality TV: Game to first launch on Nintendo's Wii -- Atari will help the Weinstein Co. make "Project Runway" a little more realistic for fans with a videogame version set to bow next year.

Showtime streams kudos contenders
Reality TV: Orgs to view shows online for voting purposes -- Following streaming of its programs to members of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for the Emmys, Showtime has made its wares available online to other groups as well.

Bravo's 'Housewives' to hit D.C.
Reality TV: New Jersey edition to get second season -- Bravo has announced it will bow a new version of its "Real Housewives" franchise in Washington, D.C., while picking up its New Jersey edition for a second season.

'Top Chef' preps for seventh season
Reality TV: Bravo renews hit reality show for 2010 -- "Top Chef" is sharpening its knives and returning for a seventh season.

Sony, Burnett to visit 'Fantasy Island'
Reality TV: Duo to turn classic show into reality series -- Smiles, smiles, everyone: Sony Pictures TV and Mark Burnett are partnering to turn "Fantasy Island" into a reality series.

Variety.com - Reality TV
The premier source of entertainment news. Turn to Variety.com for timely, credible articles, reviews and analysis of film, TV, music, theater, video, gaming and movie and television production -- information vital to your showbiz career.

 

Showtime Sets Return Dates

The first inch of snow has yet to hit the ground on the east coast, but fans of the various Showtime series can now look forward to something more than warm weather when their shows return this spring.

Those of us who are desperately in need of a Nurse Jackie fix won't have to wait until next summer to find out how she's going to get herself out of that major predicament (which included a suicide attempt) when the series returns on March 22.

Henry VIII will marry his sixth and final wife, played by Nip/Tuck star Joely Richardson, and plunges further into madness in the last years of his life as the final season of The Tudors gets underway on April 11.

• Winter/Spring 2010 Premiere Dates

^{Photo: Courtesy of Showtime Networks}

Showtime Sets Return Dates originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 23:47:03.

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Is Numb3rs Next to Go?

The mighty axe is getting warmed up over at CBS and it looks as though Numb3rs may be their first victim this season.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, CBS has decided to cut the episode order for their long-running procedural drama Numb3rs from 22 to 16. It's important to note that the network has not officially canceled the series, but fans should prepare themselves for the worst-case scenario.

Are vampires, aliens and psychics taking over primetime? Are we finally starting to show signs of boredom with crime dramas? Well, it's no wonder since we've been inundated with crime/procedural/forensic dramas over the last 10 years. Television viewers have been begging for something different, something that will take us away from the real problems of day-to-day life and transport us to a world created by an absolutely brilliant writing team.

A new trend has begun and seems to be scoring well with those elusive Nielsen families....

Of course it certainly helps that shows such as True Blood and The Vampire Diaries have some of the best looking creatures of the night we've ever seen on television!

^{Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS ©CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.}

Is Numb3rs Next to Go? originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 22:58:04.

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President Logan Returning to 24

Over the last seven seasons, 24 has elected some of the most memorable presidents on television, but easily one of the most entertaining (and evil) of the bunch was Charles Logan.  After his character meet the wrong end of his ex-wife's knife in season 6, Gregory Itzin is heading back to a living room near you for a multi-episode arc as season 8 gets underway this January.

So, what brings the villainous former president back into the fold? President Taylor will very reluctantly be forced to ask for Logan's help with an "escalating international diplomatic crisis" when a plot to assassinate Middle Eastern leader Omar Hassan (played by Anil Kapoor) is uncovered.

When asked about pairing up Itzin with fellow Emmy nominee Cherry Jones (President Allison Taylor), executive producer Howard Gordan said, "The opportunity for these two remarkable actors to share the stage was simply too compelling to pass up."

Will TPTB bring back the equaly entertaining Martha Logan? I've got my fingers crossed...

Season 8 of Fox's 24 is set to premiere on January 17 and 18 in a two-night, 4-hour special event.

^{Photo: ©Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Joe Viles/FOX}

President Logan Returning to 24 originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 23:43:57.

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NBC Ends Trauma

Where have all the NBC viewers gone over the last few years? When will the network have another big Heroes-type hit on their schedule again? After five airing, NBC has pulled the plug on their new medical drama series Trauma.

According to Zap2It, NBC hasn't officially canceled the series, but has chosen not to order the back nine. The network will air the remaining episodes throughout the fall. Heroes fans should take note that the ratings for Trauma were just slightly less each week. Could the epic drama be on its last legs despite a creatively excellent season? Let's just say that fans should probably enjoy what little time we have left.

Fans of NBC's Chuck have reason to celebrate in light of Trauma's demise -- EW reports that the network has ordered an additional 6 episodes, bringing the season total to 19. The series had been slated to premiere in March, but thanks to this development, it's likely that Chuck will begin this January. Score one for the geeks!

^{NBC Photo: Mitchell Haaseth Copyright © 2009 NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.}

NBC Ends Trauma originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Sunday, November 1st, 2009 at 20:52:09.

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Rumer Willis Gets a Gay Storyline On 90210

Rumer Willis is about to get a major character bump in the coming months on 90210 when her character Gia begins a lesbian relationship with a series regular.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Gia and Adrianna, who has had her fair share of issues, are about to get into a very serious relationship. After overcoming drug addiction, giving up her baby for adoption, falling for Navid, falling for Teddy (only to get blown off), breaking up with Navid (who now wants absolutely nothing to do with her), it would be an understatement to say that Adrianna has been through the ringer. Could a relationship with Gia be just what she needs?

90210's executive producer Rebecca Sinclair told EW, "This isn't a fling. We're coming at this [relationship] from a genuine place and not going, 'Let's do a titillating story that will grab some promotion.' This is a real aspect of teenager life that's interesting ... And there's been a real void in the 90210 universe in terms of gay and bisexual characters."

From drug abuse, date rape and eating disorders to teen pregnancy, parental neglect and even difficulties funding a college education, the original series always managed to address major issues facing teens and young adults. The new series has already tackled several issues, and adding a gay storyline to the fold is an excellent way to explore a topic many teens/young adults might be afraid to address in their day-to-day lives.

What do you think about 90210's latest storyline? Sound off below!

^{Photo: Michael Desmond/THE CW ©2009 The CW Network. All Rights Reserved.}

Rumer Willis Gets a Gay Storyline On 90210 originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 23:14:25.

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Fox Gives 24 Fans a Sneak Peek

Anyone looking for a much-needed Jack Bauer fix? With less than 3 months to go before "Day 8" gets underway, Fox is giving 24 fans a sneak peek into the new season.

After coming dangerously close to breaking up with 24, I decided to give it one more chance before doing anything rash and was pleasantly surprised by yet another additively wonderful season. Will the new (and possibly final) season keep fans glued to the tube? The 45-second preview certainly got my interest piqued.

The new season finds Jack happier than we've ever seen him. He has embraced the role of retired grandpa to Kim's adorable little girl, recovered from that pesky bioweapon exposure and is all set to move to Los Angeles to be closer to his family. In typical fashion, a new evil has arrived (in New York City) and it'll be up to Jack to save the day one more time.

Mary Lynn Rajskub, Cherry Jones and Annie Wersching are returning for the new season, bringing with them new cast members Freddie Prinze Jr., Jennifer Westfeldt, Nazneen Contractor, Anil Kapoor, John Boyd and Chris Diamantopoulos.

Season 8 of 24 will premiere on Fox in a four-hour, two-night event beginning January 17, 2010.

• Watch the Season 8 Preview
• More About 24

^{Photo Credit: ©Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Michael Muller/FOX}

Fox Gives 24 Fans a Sneak Peek originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 22:33:09.

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George Clooney Bringing Drama to TNT

TV and film mega-star, director, producer, writer, Oscar winner -- Does George Clooney's talent hold no bounds? Apparently not. Clooney's latest venture brings him to TNT to helm a new crime drama series titled Delta Blues.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Delta Blues is coming to a living room near you courtesy of Clooney and partner Grant Heslov's Smokehouse Pictures and Warner Horizon. The series follows a eccentric cop from Memphis who lives with his mother and spends his spare time entertaining people as an Elvis impersonator.

The pilot was written by Liz Garcia (Cold Case) and Josh Harto, both of whom are expected to share in the executive producing duties.

No word on when we can expect this new drama to premiere -- or if Clooney is planning to make an appearance. Show of hands for those who would love to see him dressed like Elvis....

^{Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images}

George Clooney Bringing Drama to TNT originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 22:14:56.

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Fox Puts Dollhouse On the Shelf

Another one bites the dust -- well, not quite, but let's just say that the future isn't exactly bright for Fox's Friday night drama Dollhouse now that the network has yanked it off the schedule for November sweeps.

After four dismal outings on Friday nights, Fox has pulled Whedon-helmed drama from the primetime lineup for November sweeps. The show is expected to return on December 4 with back-to-back episodes for 3 weeks before going on hiatus once again. The remaining 3 episodes are slated to air sometime in 2010 (if at all).

Let's face it, unless it's a show on CBS, the likelihood of surviving on Friday nights is slim to none. The 18-25 demographic are probably out at parties, on dates, hanging out with friends, etc., and families in the older demo probably don't have the time or desire to watch television after a long week.

Whatever the case may be, it's just not a popular night for television, so I'm not sure why the networks continue to expect their shows to be a ratings bonanza and then cancel/shelve them when they turn out to be a ratings dud.

Dollhouse wasn't the only Friday casualty -- Fox also wrecked a little havoc on the comedy side. For the time being, reruns on House will air on Fridays through November.

^{Photo: ©Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Kurt Iswarienko}

Fox Puts Dollhouse On the Shelf originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Sunday, October 25th, 2009 at 20:11:18.

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Melrose Place Evicting Two Residents

Two residents at 4616 Melrose Place have received their eviction notices -- Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (Violet) and Colin Egglesfield (Auggie) have been ordered to vacate their cozy apartments this January.

In an exclusive interview with E! Online, Egglesfield claims to have been informed this week that his character would be written off the show. TPTB told him that the network felt his character was, "a little too dark, with his alcoholism. They felt like in the landscape of Melrose they wanted to change the tone of the show."

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, executive producers Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer say that both characters leaving the series was "the original plan going into the development of the show." Slavkin also states "they knew ahead of time [that leaving was a possibility], it wasn't a complete shock."

With Heather Locklear heading to Melrose Place in a few weeks, the plan is to end the Sydney Andrews murder-mystery and move the show to a lighter place. New characters are heading onto the canvas, including a love interest for Amanda Woodward (what happened to Peter Burns?).

There's a big murder coming up on the show -- could Auggie or Violet be the victim/murderer? Did one of them murder Sydney? Stay tuned -- the fun is just beginning!

^{Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images}

Melrose Place Evicting Two Residents originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Friday, October 23rd, 2009 at 22:21:06.

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The CW Sticks With Vamps and Tramps

Now that we're more than six weeks into the new season, the networks are making those crucial decisions as to who they want to stick around for the remainder of the season. CW fans can breathe a sigh of relief now that the network has picked up The Vampire Diaries for a full season, and ordered five more episodes of Melrose Place.

The full season renewal for The Vampire Diaries really is a no-brainer for the network since the series has been a major ratings success week after week, especially given the stiff competition in that time slot. The ratings for Melrose Place have been dismal (the latest episode brought in 1.5 million viewers), which has many wondering why the CW would order five additional episodes....

Heather Locklear

While the network would never admit that they're pinning their hopes on one person, history has proven that Locklear has brought tremendous success to a dying series -- in fact, Aaron Spelling used to call her his good luck charm. Will she help save this delicious drama from that almighty axe? We'll find out when the beautiful blond returns to Melrose Place on November 17.

^{© 2009 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.}

The CW Sticks With Vamps and Tramps originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 17:44:56.

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SpongeBob SquarePants Marries Sandy?

I love SpongeBob SquarePants, but this Truth or Square special smacks of a sitcom stunt, trying to pull in ratings. The press release says,"First there was the intimate tea party in the tree dome. Then, there were all those playful karate chops, and the ripped pants? For years SpongeBob and Sandy were just friends, but we've always wondered... could there be something more? Would these two ever end up together as sponge and wife?" Ugh. I feel the influence of Jon and Kate in this publicity. Hopefully, Truth or Square will be smarter and funnier that I'm expecting. Find out tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET on Nick.
Picture courtesy of Nickelodeon.

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SpongeBob SquarePants Marries Sandy? originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 00:34:58.

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Jaroo.com for Free Cartoons

Jaroo.com is a new website that streams old cartoons for free. It's Hulu.com, but for kids. Supposedly. Looks to me like it's really more for grown-ups hoping to capture some Saturday-morning-cartoon nostalgia. Regardless, you'll find gems like Strawberry Shortcake, Liberty's Kids and Inspector Gadget.

Jaroo.com for Free Cartoons originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 00:35:00.

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Harley Festival in South Park

Everyone agrees they've had enough of the loud and obnoxious bikers that have arrived in South Park. The boys are taking on the Harley riders. They thrown down the "F word" and the game is on. Watch "The F Word," premiering tonight at 10:00 p.m. ET on Comedy Central.
Picture courtesy of Comedy Central.

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Harley Festival in South Park originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 00:38:04.

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The Clone Wars Season 1 Released Today

The ratings busting first season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars is released today. Dig deeper into the first season of The Clone Wars with a look behind-the-scenes. The four-disc set contains all 22 episodes, including seven extended Director's Cuts, plus a production journal and much more to satisfy fans. Compare prices for Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Complete Season One on DVD.
Picture courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner Home Video.

The Clone Wars Season 1 Released Today originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 00:47:49.

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The Simpsons On-Air Scavenger Hunt

Fox is paying "homarge" to 20 years of The Simpsons with an on-air scavenger hunt. Beginning Monday, November 9 and continuing through Friday, November 13, fans can watch Fox each night to find Simpsons shout-outs, tributes and clues featured in primetime programming and on-air promos. There are lots of prizes, including a trip to L.A. to sit in on a table read. For complete official rules, guidelines and more information, visit www.fox.com/scavengerhunt.
Picture courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox.

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The Simpsons On-Air Scavenger Hunt originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 12:03:52.

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New Episodes on Adult Swim

Though Fox is airing baseball tonight, you can watch new episodes of Titan Maximum and The Venture Brothers on Adult Swim. The block starts at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Picture courtesy of Adult Swim.

New Episodes on Adult Swim originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Sunday, November 1st, 2009 at 18:24:36.

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The Simpsons Halloween Trivia Quiz

Happy Halloween! That phrase seems like an oxymoron. Perhaps we should wish each other, "Frightful Halloween!" or "Raise the dead!" However you choose to celebrate the holiday, include this fun ten-question trivia quiz about the "Treehouse of Horror" episodes on The Simpsons.


Photo courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox.

The Simpsons Halloween Trivia Quiz originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at 00:56:54.

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Weekend DVD Pick: Adult Swim in a Box

Don't be overwhelmed by the number of discs or the price. Adult Swim in a Box is a fantastic addition to any personal animated TV collection, not only becuase it features some of Adult Swim's best series, but also because the set includes never-aired shows with crazy titles, such as Cheyenne Cinnamon and the Fantabulous Unicorn of Sugar Town Candy Fudge. The bottom line is you get your money's worth in entertainment. So get the frat boys to chip in and enjoy. Compare prices for Adult Swim in a Box.
Picture courtesy of Adult Swim.

Weekend DVD Pick: Adult Swim in a Box originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 12:05:44.

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American Dad Gets Approval

In a press release today, Fox announced it has ordered a sixth season of American Dad. I can't believe it's been on so long. American Dad is the new King of the Hill, delivering solid comedy every Sunday under the radar. Catch up on American Dad episodes with this episode guide.
Picture courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox.

American Dad Gets Approval originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 10:15:59.

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Microsoft Breaks Up with MacFarlane

Previously I mentioned that Microsoft would be the sole sponsor of an upcoming Family Guy special. Looks like Bill Gates, or someone who works for him, actually watched the show and decided it wasn't the kind of show they should be backing. The AP is reporting that Microsoft backed out of the deal, after seeing the already-recorded special. Fox is searching for a new sponsor for the commercial-free special. May I suggest Enzyte?
Picture courtesy of John Shearer/Getty Images.

Microsoft Breaks Up with MacFarlane originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 16:44:17.

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TV / Movies for Teens