Late-Night's New Faces
Brian Lowry

Beyond rewriting the rules of primetime, Jay Leno's shift to 10 p.m. signals the end of the "big tent" late-night talk show -- as TV talk disperses into narrower personalities, each with their own targeted audience.

Early Leno Returns Are Mixed For NBC
Brian Lowry

'Jay is doing fine,' the comic's new NBC boss, Jeff Gaspin, told the New York Times this week regarding 'The Jay Leno Show' experiment. Actually, based on a preliminary accounting -- and accounting is ultimately what motivated the move -- Leno is doing as well as can by expected, which isn't exactly the same as 'fine.'

2009 National Dog Show Will Spotlight Work of Therapy Dogs
Steve Dale

The National Dog Show, presented by Purina, will air in a two-hour special on Thanksgiving Day, following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC, 12 p.m. ET. Arguably, even more than the legendary parade, the dog show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, has a little something for one everyone in the family. That's a rarity on TV these days

Fox - White House Media War is Killing News
Anthony Rudel

When members of the Obama administration announced that they did not consider Fox a real news network, they were actually bringing attention to what has become the sad reality of real news gathering in this country: It's disappearing faster than contestants on Survivor

TV News Sensationalism: Everything Is Suspect
Mitch Albom

Back in 1949, a little girl in California fell down a well. As diggers tried to save her, a huge crowd gathered. The rescue attempt, which took several days, was broadcast nationwide on radio -- and followed anxiously on a new medium called television. Since that moment, kids and danger have been an irresistible lure for broadcasters

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.

Chef Academy
TV Reviews: Frenchmen Jean-Christophe Novelli is billed as having been voted the "world's sexiest chef."

Merry Madagascar
TV Reviews: Marking DreamWorks' second NBC holiday spec of the season, "Merry Madagascar" is merry, all right -- in a had-too-much punch, loud drunk at the Christmas party way.

Ann Rule's Everything She Ever Wanted
TV Reviews: Without giving too much away, let's just say her special soup packs an inordinately strong kick.

Collision
TV Reviews: The latest "Masterpiece Contemporary" production, "Collision" is an interesting idea but ultimately not compelling enough to draw the audience into its individual stories.

The Prisoner
TV Reviews: Features striking images and arresting moments but can't overcome a persistent lack of coherence.

Lopez Tonight
TV Reviews: Lopez will have to grow beyond his stand-up comfort zone to bless this with the gift of longevity.

The Wanda Sykes Show
TV Reviews: Without some fine-tuning, show provides a slim platform even for those who share her politics.

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."

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.

 

Tarses family to develop family sitcom
Pilot Watch: NBC comedy partners father and son -- The Tarses clan has come together to develop -- what else? -- a family comedy for NBC.

Winsberg set up at CBS, WB TV
Pilot Watch: Scribe locks two projects at separate studios -- TV scribe Austin Winsberg ("Jake in Progress") has lined up new projects at CBS and Warner Bros. TV.

CBS hears what 'Dad Says'
Pilot Watch: Popular Twitter account to get sitcom adaptation -- From Twitter to the tube: CBS has ordered a script for a domestic comedy inspired by the popular Twitter feed "Shit My Dad Says."

Tribeca gets two-year deal at CBS
Pilot Watch: George, Martin, Ridley writing NYC-set pilots -- Tribeca partners Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro are working on a trio of projects for CBS.

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."

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.

 

Comedy Central taps Oliver for series
Reality TV: 'Daily Show' correspondent to host 'Stand-Up' -- Comedy Central has given a six-episode order to a stand-up comedy series hosted by "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" correspondent John Oliver, premiering Jan. 8.

A&E, Saget discover America
Reality TV: New series will explore unusual side of U.S. -- A&E has greenlit seven episodes of "Bob Saget's Strange Days," a nonscripted hourlong skein that will feature the comedian exploring American society off the beaten path.

Live band gives 'Dancing' lift
Reality TV: Custom-made arrangements key to success -- Harold Wheeler, music director for ABC's hit "Dancing With the Stars," is already well into rehearsal at 9:15 a.m. Monday with his 17-piece band and quartet of singers for that night's live, two-hour show.

Channel 4 nixes 'Swap,' 'House'
Reality TV: Reality shows fall in U.K. ratings -- U.K. hybrid pubcaster Channel 4 is axing flagship reality show "Wife Swap" as part of a creative overhaul at the web.

Fox, Burnett team on 'Our Little Genius'
Reality TV: Kid's game show eyes midseason debut -- Brilliant fifth graders aren't enough for Fox, which has picked up a new gamer that revolves around even smarter children.

NBC in tune with 'Sing-Off'
Reality TV: Competish set for week-long rollout next month -- NBC has confirmed a week-long rollout next month for its a cappella competish "The Sing-Off."

Evolution Media boards 'Boys Club'
Reality TV: 'Housewives' producers turn attention to Atlanta -- Two of the producers behind Bravo's "Real Housewives" franchise are turning their attention to the boys.

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."

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.

 

'Tis the Season to Get Hooked on Vampires

The Twilight Saga... True Blood... The Vampire Diaries... Let's face it, we're addicted. For those who have yet to get in on the CW's newest hit series The Vampire Diaries, the network is giving viewers a chance to take on a whole new obsession this December.

Beginning December 14 through December 18, the CW will air all 10 episodes (two episodes a night) of the vampire series in consecutive order. It'll be the most delicious week of the holiday season and very low in calories.

Will you choose Team Stefan or Team Damon? After watching the first 10 episodes, choosing sides may be as difficult as that whole Edward/Jacob ordeal (I have yet to pick a side). One thing is for sure -- it's one of the hottest and most intense triangles on television right now!

In light of this vampire craze, I wonder if CBS is regretting canceling Moonlight so prematurely?

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

'Tis the Season to Get Hooked on Vampires originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 20:45:00.

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Heather Locklear Returns to Melrose Place This Week

The bitch is back and ready to make life miserable for anyone who dares to cross her -- Heather Locklear returns as Amanda Woodward on Melrose Place this week!

When we last saw Amanda, she and Dr. Peter Burns (played by real life boyfriend Jack Wagner) conspired with Michael Mancini to fake their deaths and the two appeared to live happily ever after in some beautiful tropical locale.... or so we thought.

Apparently paradise wasn't enough to keep Amanda happy. While I don't have details on what happened to Peter, I do know that she has a shiny new boyfriend and is running WPK Public Relations. Her very first scene is with Ella and Caleb, where she starts things off with a bang with the following statement:

"This L.A. branch is drowning in red like a steer in a slaughter house. Now when I hired you to give this place a makeover, I didn't mean smear it with lipstick and turn it into a five-dollar hooker. This office is pathetic."

Will Locklear's return be enough to save this ratings-challenged series from the almighty axe? I think it's safe to say that if there isn't a significant improvement in the next few episodes, Melrose Place won't be long for this world.

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

Heather Locklear Returns to Melrose Place This Week originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 19:54:23.

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Medical Drama Coming to the CW

No network is complete without the requisite medical drama series, and the CW is finally joining the ranks by adding one of their own to the primetime schedule.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the CW is forging ahead with HMS, an ensemble drama about a group of students at Harvard Medical School. And here's where it gets interesting -- Heroes star Hayden Panettiere is going to serve as co-executive producer.

Amy Holden Jones, who penned hit movies such as Mystic Pizza, Indecent Proposal and Beethoven, will write and produce the series, which was first shopped to the now-defunct WB five years ago.

^{Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images}

Medical Drama Coming to the CW originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at 21:56:13.

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An Interview with Kevin McKidd (Owen, Grey's Anatomy)

One of the most difficult aspects of being an actor on a television show that hasn't hit it big in the ratings department is wondering whether or not you'll still have a job at the end of the day. It probably makes life a bit stressful. Now imagine going from a failing series to one of the most successful shows on primetime.

Such is the case with Kevin McKidd. Two years ago, I spoke with the extremely charming actor when he starred on the NBC drama Journeyman, a fantastic series that had the great misfortune of airing during the infamous writers strike. NBC's loss turned out to be ABC's gain as this talented actor landed a role on Grey's Anatomy as Dr. Owen Hunt.

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to chat with Kevin once more about his role on the hit series and what's ahead for his character as Teddy (played by Kim Raver), a woman from Owen's past, arrives at Seattle Grace this week. Could this be the beginning of the end for Owen and Cristina, or is their love strong enough to survive the most difficult of circumstances? Grey's fans should brace themselves for a very bumpy ride over the next few months...

• Interview with Kevin McKidd
• More About Grey's Anatomy
• More Celebrity Interviews

^{Photo: Scott Garfield © American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.}

An Interview with Kevin McKidd (Owen, Grey's Anatomy) originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 22:46:47.

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36th Annual People's Choice Award TV Drama Nominees

The success of any television show depends on the fans (and the Nielsen ratings). It's hard not to feel helpless when nominations come out for other award shows since more often than not, your favorites don't get nominated.

Each year, the People's Choice Awards allow fans have the opportunity to let their voices be heard and choose the winner. One thing is clear -- TV fans are captivated by all things supernatural. If you want your favorites to win, you need to VOTE at the PCA website.

Although many of the nominees are perennial favorites, a few new shows and stars managed to get a nod this year. Did your favorites make the cut? Find out who was nominated for the annual People's Choice Award and then be sure to tune in when the winners are announced live on CBS on January 6, 2010.

• People's Choice Award Nominees
• PCA TV Comedy Nominees
• Last Year's PCA Winners

^{Photo Credit: Prashant Gupta/© HBO}

36th Annual People's Choice Award TV Drama Nominees originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 23:27:08.

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Another Show Bites the Dust...

Vampires may be in, but clearly witches are not quite as popular these days as they once were back in those Charmed days. Sadly, it looks as though the fabulous witches of ABC's Eastwick have cast their final spell.

According to Entertainment Weekly, ABC has chosen not to order the "back nine" for Eastwick -- which of course means that the series is done. Given that the show was consistently a ratings loser each week, the network gave the series an unusually long time to build up an audience. As a fan, even I have to admit that I knew the show was living on borrowed time from the moment the first set of ratings came out.

It looks as though ABC will air the remaining episodes, but I wouldn't be surprised if the show quietly slips off the schedule in the next few weeks.

• Canceled TV Dramas
• Renewed/Picked Up Dramas

^{Photo Credit: Bob D'Amico/ABC © 2009 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.}

Another Show Bites the Dust... originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 00:31:07.

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Gossip Girl Threesome Causes a Stir

Three may be a crowd in most relationships, but when it comes to Gossip Girl, it's simply the controversy du jour.

Since the very beginning, Gossip Girl has stirred the pot with racy storylines and jaw-dropping ads. However, the latest storyline, which involves major characters in a threesome, has sent the Parents Television Council (PTC) into an absolute frenzy. The group has targeted CW affiliates in an effort to stop them from airing Monday's episode.

The PTC issued a press release to the affiliates stating, "To include a storyline like this on a program that is expressly targeted to impressionable teenagers is reckless and irresponsible. We are asking each CW Network affiliate to use their common sense and preempt this episode."

What do you think about the CW's latest effort to lure in viewers with another scandalous episode of Gossip Girl? Should parents allow their teens to watch this episode? Is the PTC making a big deal over nothing? Sound off below!

^{Photo Credit: Timothy White ©The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.}

Gossip Girl Threesome Causes a Stir originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 00:00:37.

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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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The Simpsons Character Contest Winner

The votes are in and Peggy Black of Orange, CT has been selected by The Simpsons producers as the winner of The Simpsons Character Contest. Black created the character Ricardo Bomba (nicknamed "La Bomba"), a smooth-talking ladies' man from South America with a luxurious black mane, a chiseled physique and a voice as smooth as silk. By day, Ricardo works as a safety inspector at the nuclear power plant, and by night, he works Springfield's singles scene - melting women's hearts all over town. As the grand prize winner, Black won a trip to Los Angeles where she met with Simpsons producers and animators and worked with the team to bring Ricardo Bomba to life. Ricardo Bomba will make his small-screen debut in the "Million Dollar Maybe" episode of The Simpsons airing Sunday, January 31 at 8:00 p.m. on Fox.
Picture courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox.

The Simpsons Character Contest Winner originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 11:49:00.

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Rocky and Bullwinkle Turn 50

Join Rocky and Bullwinkle in celebrating their 50th anniversary! Moose and Squirrel have been battling Boris and Natasha since 1959 (for those who can't subtract). Rocky and Bullwinkle is one of the first cartoons I remember ever watching as a child, one that I can still watch with my kids and laugh. The show also introduced fans to several other characters. Learn more about the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons.
Picture courtesy of Classic Media.

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Rocky and Bullwinkle Turn 50 originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 00:00:52.

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"Pee" in South Park

Things at the water park are not what they seem. The boys' fun-filled day is about to turn deadly. Events are in play at Splash Town that signal the end of the world is upon us. Cartman tries to warn everyone, but no one will listen. Disaster is about to strike and the boys are in a race to survive. Based on the title of the episode, "Pee," I can imagine what the disaster may be. Ew. Watch the South Park season finale tonight on Comedy Central at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Picture courtesy of Comedy Central.

"Pee" in South Park originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 10:52:57.

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Drawn Together: The Complete Series on DVD

The DVD box set of Drawn Together: The Complete Series features all 36 Drawn Together episodes completely uncensored and includes The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie! red band trailer, audio commentaries by the cast and creators, behind-the-scenes interviews, a karaoke sing-along, deleted scenes and some pretty goofy board games. Compare prices for Drawn Together: The Complete Series on DVD.
Picture courtesy of Pricegrabber.com.

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Drawn Together: The Complete Series on DVD originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 00:33:41.

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Truth or Square Turns Out Well-Rounded

I had doubts that the recent Truth or Square special of SpongeBob SquarePants would be funny or clever. I was quite wrong. There's a reason the special drew 7.7 million total viewers, ranking as basic cable's number-one entertainment show for the week. Silly dialogue and songs were abundant, and the plot was reasonable. As I had suspected, and hoped, SpongeBob's marriage to Sandy had little to do with anything that happened. Besides SpongeBob decorating the Krusty Krab with toilet paper and mustard, the best part of the episode was the stop-motion animated opening sequence. My kids and I were mesmerized. What did you think? Check out clips at Nick.com.
Picture courtesy of Nickelodeon.

Truth or Square Turns Out Well-Rounded originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at 14:22:07.

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The Goode Family Returns

Something to look forward to in 2010! The Goode Family, the satirical animated series from Mike Judge, John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky, will debut on Comedy Central beginning January 6, 2010. The original comedy first premiered in May 2009 on ABC. The complete first season of The Goode Family will air on Comedy Central on Wednesday nights at 10:30 pm ET, giving vegans, lesbians, right-wing conservatives, Prius owners, Texas-rednecks and liberals-who-can-laugh-at-themselves a second chance to fall in love with the Goodes.
Picture courtesy of ABC.

The Goode Family Returns originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 00:06:34.

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Cartman as Commentator

Tonight on South Park, Eric Cartman seizes the opportunity to become the voice of change at the school when he takes over the morning announcements. His target is South Park Elementary's Student Body President, Wendy Testaburger. Cartman is asking the tough questions and gaining followers. Watch "Dances with Smurfs" tonight at 10:00 p.m. ET on Comedy Central.
Picture courtesy of Comedy Central.

Cartman as Commentator originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 13:24:45.

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Xavier: Renegade Angel on DVD

One of the craziest shows to air on Adult Swim is now available on DVD. Xavier: Renegade Angel is best watched when you're in an altered state of mind, even if all you do is spin around the living room until you're dizzy. So once youre ready, you can pop in this DVD that includes seasons 1 and 2. Compare prices for Xavier: Renegade Angel - Seasons 1 and 2 on DVD.
Picture courtesy of Pricegrabber.com.

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Xavier: Renegade Angel on DVD originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 00:27:05.

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Simpsons Scavenger Hunt Starts Tonight

Fox is paying "homarge" to 20 years of The Simpsons with an on-air scavenger hunt. Beginning tonight 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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Simpsons Scavenger Hunt Starts Tonight originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 00:03:56.

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Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show

Tonight Fox is premiering the sketch comedy/variety show/animated clip show that Microsoft was originally sponsoring, but pulled out after getting a gander at the raunchy antics. The commercial-free special starring Seth MacFarlane and his co-star Alex Borstein will highlight the duo's subversive and unique comedic sensibilities and feature original animation, live-action performances of Family Guy's most memorable musical numbers, comedy sketches and surprise celebrity guests. Watch Seth and Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET on Fox.
Picture courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox.

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Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show originally appeared on About.com Animated TV on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 11:20:45.

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TV / Movies for Teens