Q and A: Week of May 30
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| Alicia Silverstone |
A: Alicia and husband Christopher Jarecki welcomed 7-pound, 15-ounce baby-boy Bear Blu Jarecki into the world on May 5. She posted the details on her website, thekindlife.com: “We are all three in love! I’m so grateful to this community for all the love, support, good wishes and happy vibes you’ve sent me during my pregnancy.”
Q: I was thrilled to see CMT’s disaster-relief concert benefiting victims of the tornadoes that affected the Southeast this past April. How did the idea come about, and how can I help? — Jan H., via e-mail
A: Living legend Hank Williams Jr. was the main brainchild behind “Music Builds: The CMT Disaster Relief Concert,” which aired May 12 on CMT. When I spoke with Hank recently, the Louisiana native and sometimes-Alabama resident told me why he felt he had to do something to help.
“This is about the victims, the people who are affected,” Williams said. “I really want this to hit home. There was a guy down there I know — I know the whole North Alabama, Birmingham, Muscle Shoals, been in Tuscaloosa forever, off and on — and he really put it in a nutshell. He said, ‘It’s not about the homes and the vehicles, we’re looking for our children and wives and fathers and mothers this morning.’ And the death count is still rising. It’s one small little thing for me to raise money for the Red Cross.”
If you want to help those devastated by the storms in the Southeast, you can donate any amount by going to americanredcross.org/cmttelethon, or you can text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation to support the Red Cross disaster-relief efforts.
Q: Will “Harry’s Law” on NBC be renewed? I sure hope so; it is one of the best new shows on TV this year. — Bob and Ann B. in Florida
A: NBC just announced that it has renewed David E. Kelley’s legal comedy-drama series starring Kathy Bates for a second season. Word of “Harry’s” renewal comes hot on the heels that NBC decided to pass on the “Wonder Woman” reboot, which also was created by the aforementioned David E. Kelley. NBC also passed on the Don Johnson-starring vehicle, “Mann’s World,” which I was looking forward to seeing if only because of my long-standing crush on the series’ star. Fans of the “The Event” also will get no closure, as NBC declined to renew it for another season. However, spy-drama “Chuck” will return for its final season this fall. (Remember, to find out if your favorite show is returning, or to see what new shows the networks are offering, go here for all the info.)
Interview: Danielle Konya Is a Sweet Avenger
This weekend, millions of Americans will be celebrating Memorial Day outside, eating hamburgers and hot dogs fresh from the grill. As a vegan myself, I was thrilled to get the chance to interview Danielle Konya — vegan baker, chef and star of Animal Planet's summer series, "Sweet Avenger" — and I hope this column will inspire you to put one less animal product on your plate this weekend. Celebrity Extra: Was there a specific epiphany that lead you to become a vegan? Or was it a culmination of events and realizations? How did you first decide to do that?
Danielle Konya: It was a very specific moment. I was out for dinner and I saw a lobster being boiled alive. It was just one of those nice restaurants that had a big, open kitchen and I was kind of staring off into the kitchen, and I saw them take the lobster and throw it into the pot. And I wasn’t really even thinking about it. I was just kind of watching the chain of events, and it made this really loud crying noise and then scratching to get out of the pot. And it was just the moment that I connected the suffering of animals as our food choices.
CE: A lot of people are vegetarian, but they're not quite vegan, but you researched everything and came to harsh realizations about the dairy industry, yes?
DK: I think if anyone researched what happens in the dairy industry, they would wish for those cows to be meat, because it is just a life of suffering.
CE: How long have you been vegan?
DK: Almost 20 years. I was 17 at the time, and I’ve just never been able to turn a blind eye — ever. It’s one of those things that once you learn it you can never unlearn it. I guess it’s been my life’s goal to make people more aware of the ramifications of their food choices. Because it effects the world around them.
CE: And when you mention the lobster — that brings to mind the Maryland crabs. My mother is from Maryland and when I would go up there to visit, they would cook them and I would hear that noise, they would say: “Oh, that’s just air being released from their shells.” I guess so the kids wouldn’t be scared to know the crabs are screaming, and if I had known I probably would have become a vegan back then too.
DK: You know, I was actually questioning what I heard for quite some time, and it wasn’t until a few years later that I had read that a lobster has one of the most painful deaths, because it takes a few seconds for the hot water to get deep under their shells. And they can actually retaliate against it for a few seconds. So, you get even more disturbed.
CE: How did you translate your veganism into deciding to open Vegan Treats Bakery? That’s a huge decision to start your own business.
DK: I was just trying to find a way to satisfy my own sweet tooth by making vegan desserts. My mom would always bake, and I tried to emulate her and relate some of her recipes, but minus the egg, minus the milk. And I quickly realized that people loved it. Friends would come over and ask, “Hey, did you make any vegan treats?” So, that’s where the name came from and how it stuck. I quickly realized that it was the magic wand to get people to listen or to get them to eat vegan. It was like this magical tool and it completely was like a light turning on.
You can talk to people about being vegan all day long, but the second you give them cake, all of a sudden they are paying attention. I noticed that early on and I thought, this is the best medium ever.
CE: Did you approach Animal Planet to do this or was it vice versa? How did the idea for "Sweet Avenger" come out?
DK: They approached me. They called me last summer and said they were possibly interested in doing a TV show, and could they come down and meet with me. And then all the events unfolded since then.
I was really excited that it was Animal Planet. That was the pinnacle thing for me that Animal Planet was calling. It wasn’t just any network. This was a network that I cared about, that I watched religiously, I know all of their shows and am a big fan of them. I was completely floored.
CE: I know that animal-rights awareness is a driving force behind you wanting to do the series and why you want to do it to bring it to everybody else. What are some other reasons behind it and things you hope to accomplish with your series?
DK: I guess I’m just hoping that people could make small choices. I want them to understand that their small choices make big changes. So, even if someone left the show thinking, “Hey, maybe I’ll try some almond milk on my cereal in the morning.” I feel like those small changes have a huge global impact. I’m hoping to just make people aware and teach them that compassion starts with their fork.
For me, it’s completely about animal welfare, but I feel like it’s not the only reason to be vegan. I feel like there’s also a second reason for the health benefit. Or a third reason even environmental concerns. So, I’m trying to tap into whatever could sway people.
CE: What are some health benefits that you’ve learned yourself that you’ve noticed?
DK: I have more energy than I know what to do with. I think that’s one of the big things. People around me are like: “What is wrong with you? Do you ever slow down?” But I feel that eating a diet that’s so rich in nourishment, it’s really easy to have a lot of energy and feel really good. I feel like that’s a big thing.
I think for me too it’s these little things that drive me insane. Like the statistics, you just can’t not look at them. How one species becomes extinct every 60 seconds due to the destruction of our rainforest, and the No. 1 reason for that is livestock production. One-third of our lands is used for livestock. I can’t sleep at night knowing these facts.
CE: What can you tell me about what viewers can expect from "Sweet Avenger"?
DK: The viewer will quickly realize that it’s not just another baking show. It definitely goes a lot deeper than that. It talks about conservation and what it means to eat vegan and how it affects our planet. It also dives really deep into the details about my personal life: my humanitarian efforts and my adoption with my daughter, Brittany. I feel like people will learn a lot about the bakery, the comradery between the employees, the world around them. It just not your ordinary baking show.
CE: Vegan baking has come a long way in the past few years. What would you say to skeptics who would assume you can’t bake unless you have eggs, butter and milk. What would you say to them?
DK: The desserts speak louder than my words, and I would encourage them to try it. Because they will quickly learn how wrong they are. Or tell someone it’s vegan afterward they eat it, because they would never believe it.
CE: How do you juggle being a Mom, a businesswoman and now a TV star? I know you have more energy, but how do you find the time in a day to do it?
DK: I don’t know. I guess just one day at a time. I’ve always had a little bit more on my plate than I could ever possibly handle, and I kind of just take on one task at a time till I get it all done. I utilize the people around me who are helping me and do the best I can.
CE: I know that you have some celebrity clients who love your food, and since I do write a celebrity column, I was wondering if you could tell me some of the celebrities who have given your baked goods some rave reviews?
DK: Alicia Silverstone is a huge fan. She was working on Broadway and we were delivering Peanut Butter Bombs to her on the set. We do bake for a ton of different bands. Pretty much the vegan community is synonymous with a lot of rock stars. We bake for Alkaline Trio and AFY and Bayside. We’ve even done Paramour and No Doubt and Eddie Vedder. As far as actors and actresses, we’ve done a birthday party for Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter, Apple. We’ve even baked for Dennis Kucinich a couple of times. He’s the only vegan member of Congress.
History Channel Greenlight's Costner's The Hatfields and the McCoys
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| Kevin Costner, "Hatfield" star and co-producer |
The miniseries, to be produced by Leslie Greif’s production company, Thinkfactory Media, and Kevin Costner as producing partner, will chronicle the bloody hostilities between two clans that escalated to the point of near war between two states.
“The Hatfields and the McCoys is a classic tale of American history. These are names that are widely recognized, yet few people know the real story that made them famous. We are thrilled that Kevin Costner, one of the most iconic American actors of our time, will be starring as Devil,” Ms. Dubuc said. “At History, part of our legacy — and indeed one of the reasons we are enjoying such great success right now — is our ability to look at the many stories of history through a contemporary lens. Working with Leslie Greif, I am confident that History will reacquaint viewers of our generation with this fascinating and timeless saga of courage, sacrifice and family love amid insidious plots and endless intrigue.”
“The Hatfields and the McCoys has been a passion project of mine for over 20 years, and it was realized the day I met Nancy Dubuc, she made a dream come true when she shared the same enthusiasm and vision for this epic American drama,” said Greif. “And then to be privileged and fortunate enough to have a superstar like Kevin Costner as “Devil” is beyond anything I could have imagined. And now thanks to History, this timeless and iconic tale will finally be told.”
Said Mr. Costner: “Everyone knows the legend of the Hatfields-McCoy feud, but few know the true story of what occurred to make the two families become mortal enemies. As an avid history fan, I am thrilled to join with Leslie Greif and History in this dramatic retelling of a classic and timeless tale that is forever immersed in the folklore of our country.”
The Hatfield-McCoy saga begins with Devil Anse Hatfield and Randall McCoy. Close friends and comrades during the Civil War, they returned to their neighboring homes — Hatfield in West Virginia, McCoy just across the Tug River border in Kentucky — to increasing tensions, misunderstandings and resentments that soon exploded into all-out warfare between the two families. As hostilities grew, friends, neighbors and outside forces joined the fight, bringing the two states to the brink of another Civil War.
Their story also includes: a tempestuous love affair between Hatfield’s son and McCoy’s daughter, which had disastrous consequences; the execution of McCoy’s three young sons in retaliation for the Rasputin-like murder of Hatfield’s beloved brother; a New Year’s Massacre of the McCoy clan and burning of their home, which also sparked international headlines; a public clash between state governors; and ultimately the involvement of the United States Supreme Court.
In My Own Words: Flavor Flav
To all of my fams (I’ve taken the ‘n’ out of fans and replaced it with an ‘m,’ because a fan doesn’t do anything for me but cool me off when I’m hot and a ‘fam’ is one that supports me), I thank you all for making me who I am today. Without y’all, I would just be an ordinary person in the street, no different and no better than anyone else - the only thing that makes me different is my job description. My life has taught me that nothing is really easy. Everything in life you want can come to you, but you really, really have to earn it and deserve it. You only get to live physically once in this lifetime, so while we are living this one time - we need to make the best of it. When we die, we become nothing but memories to other people and we want to leave them the best memories ever.
If I could influence and mentor today’s youth, based on my past experience, I would tell them that I made some very serious mistakes in my life. I would like for everyone in the world to read my book about the mistakes I’ve made, so hopefully they won’t make the same ones.
I have always been told I have a lot of interesting things to say and stories to tell. I've often thought about doing my own talk show. If I did, I would probably use the style of Arsenio Hall, but a Jerry Springer or Maury Povich style show should be a lot of fun. I have been asked if I would ever do Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice Show and my reply to that is it would be a pleasure to once again see and talk to Donald Trump. If I do come out with my own show some time, all I can say is... 'Once again, Flavor Flav has reinvented himself.'
Anyway, I decided to write a book. My new book is called Flavor Flav: The Icon The Memoir (Farrah Gray Publishing). My book is edgy, compassionate and often hilarious! My book is a thrill ride from the heights of my stardom to the depths of my despair and Yo! I'm still here to tell it. I've been down some pretty dark holes - but somehow I always found the strength to climb back out of them.
I get asked about regrets but I have no regrets in my life and I would change nothing. The reason is because it took the past to bring the future, and if I was to change something in my past then today I might not be able to teach what I’ve learned.
I want to add that I think Ascot/Aston’s In My Own Words (IMOW) is a great idea for celebrities to say in their own words how they feel about their life and what’s going on in it. That’s why we, Public Enemy, made a record called Don’t Believe The Hype, which means…don’t believe everything you read or hear. The best source for the true information is ‘from the horse’s mouth!’
God bless you all with your life, your future, your goals, and your families. And once again, I thank you for making me who I am today - Flavor Flav: The Icon.
God bless and peace to all. See y'all on my book tour!
Flavor Flav
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Interview Outtakes
Most of the time when I am conducting an interview with a celebrity, I have more interview material than space for printing the interview. Here are some blurbs from stars that did not make it to the print version of the interview, but were too good not to publish.
Jennie Garth (on deciding to compete on “Dancing with the Stars”): I had like a moment of insanity when I said yes to that. I didn’t realize, sometimes you get yourself into things and you are like, “What have I done?” And that was definitely one of those things for me, but once you are in, you can’t get out. I just had to keep moving forward. I had to keep going. It was go-time, and I had to go. It ended up going well — much better than I thought — but every moment, every turn, was unknown to me. I was in unknown territory. But it was fun, and it was exhilarating. It was challenging, and it was kind of freeing in that I really feel that I could do anything.
Jaime Pressly (on doing a wrap-up or reunion show for “My Name Is Earl”): I would be game to go back to that set and work with those people any day, any time. And I think everybody else that was a part of the show would say the same thing. It was the greatest job I’ve ever had and the greatest group of people that you could ever ask to work with. They all hold a very dear place in my heart, and I miss them all terribly.
Erin Karpluk (on similarities between her and her character on “Being Erica”): I like that when life gets her down or she stumbles in life, she is able to pick herself up, dust herself off and keep going. So that is something that I have learned personally from her. I've heard from friends and family that there are certain quirks and mannerisms that are my own that come out in the character. Usually any kind of awkward moments she is having is probably pretty authentically Erin, because I find that I can be awkward in life, and I’m not afraid to make mistakes. That is something of me that I bring to the character. And then on a dramatic level, anything to do with family is something that I can just draw upon from real life. The one thing that Erin and Erica both are is we are very committed and empathetic toward our loved ones. My family and my friends mean more to me than anything. I feel very lucky to have that connection in my own personal life, so I can draw upon that in my acting experiences. The fact that I work with such wonderful cast members, it just makes it so easy for us to have that connection. It’s like a real family I have now when I go back to Toronto to shoot. It’s really lovely to go back to those actors and create those connections.
Ross Thomas (on working with Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid on “Soul Surfer”): It was a bit surreal, to be honest. They both are icons in their own right and a pleasure to work with. Helen is an avid surfer — surfing is what really brought us together. Dennis is interested in learning and getting good. At first, he played golf on his days off, but we got him hooked, and he became a surf junkie. I think that really carried over into our performances, that sense of family.
Jane Seymour (on her children in the biz): My son, Johnny, one of the twins, is becoming a rock star. He is about to be signed by a major label. He’s writing this amazing music. He’s extraordinary. He’s the lead singer and the lead guitarist. I’m just in awe of his talent. Then my oldest son, Sean Flynn, he’s 25, he does the most extraordinary photographic art. Collectors have already been buying his stuff. He was studying to be a filmmaker and all of a sudden, the next thing I know, he’s doing this really unique, extraordinary photographic art. One of my daughters, Katherine Flynn, is an actress. She also writes great comedy. She ended up staring opposite me in a movie called “Perfectly Prudence” for the Hallmark Channel just recently. She was fantastic in it. She played my daughter. Of course, it wasn’t much of a stretch. But it was fun, because she had a lot of scenes with Joe Lando who, of course, was my “Dr. Quinn” co-star.
Heather Locklear (on flexing her comedy chops on “Saturday Night Live” in the ’90s): That was my favorite! That was my most favorite thing I’ve done where you could see that I’m funny. I had such a great time doing it. And that “Melrose Place” take-off was so funny. So perfectly perfect. I have a meeting coming up for something soon, something funny, so we’ll see.
Mark Pellegrino (on the variety of the roles he’s played): Well, I’m glad that it is happening that way. Some folks would like to say that I’ve played bad guys. I think if I play the bad guy, I try to — I can never look at myself as a bad guy. I always try to bring out the good and the moral and the right that the person is going for, so hopefully any variety that I’m able to bring to a role just happens because I’m trying to find the human thing and not act in an archetypal way.
Eric Winter (on possibly working with wife, actress Roselyn Sanchez): You know, I don’t know. If the right project ever came up, and it made sense, then sure. I mean, we’re not completely against it, but it’s one of those things that a lot of couples — sometimes you keep it separate, but if the right opportunity presents itself, then who knows?
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| Jennie Garth |
Jaime Pressly (on doing a wrap-up or reunion show for “My Name Is Earl”): I would be game to go back to that set and work with those people any day, any time. And I think everybody else that was a part of the show would say the same thing. It was the greatest job I’ve ever had and the greatest group of people that you could ever ask to work with. They all hold a very dear place in my heart, and I miss them all terribly.
 | |
| Erin Karpluk |
Ross Thomas (on working with Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid on “Soul Surfer”): It was a bit surreal, to be honest. They both are icons in their own right and a pleasure to work with. Helen is an avid surfer — surfing is what really brought us together. Dennis is interested in learning and getting good. At first, he played golf on his days off, but we got him hooked, and he became a surf junkie. I think that really carried over into our performances, that sense of family.
 |
| Jane Seymour (by Charles Bush) |
Heather Locklear (on flexing her comedy chops on “Saturday Night Live” in the ’90s): That was my favorite! That was my most favorite thing I’ve done where you could see that I’m funny. I had such a great time doing it. And that “Melrose Place” take-off was so funny. So perfectly perfect. I have a meeting coming up for something soon, something funny, so we’ll see.
 |
| Mark Pellegrino (by Eric Williams) |
Eric Winter (on possibly working with wife, actress Roselyn Sanchez): You know, I don’t know. If the right project ever came up, and it made sense, then sure. I mean, we’re not completely against it, but it’s one of those things that a lot of couples — sometimes you keep it separate, but if the right opportunity presents itself, then who knows?
Q and A: Week of May 23
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| Joseph Lyle Taylor |
A: Joseph’s next role is that of Martin Chisholm in the feature film “Seven Days in Utopia,” which also stars Melissa Leo, Robert Duvall and Lucas Black. Joseph told me a bit about the film: “It’s really a heartfelt movie about this kid, played by Lucas Black, finding himself. I play his father. It’s such a pretty script.
“My character rides his son hard to do his best in golf and makes him practice and this and that. He ends up giving him some bad advice, and his son ends up not winning the tournament, takes off and that is where he meets Robert Duvall (who plays Johnny Crawford) out in Utopia. He learns some life lessons out there, and he comes back and tries to make amends with his father. It’s really touching.” (Check back later this week to read our full interview.)
Q: When will one of my favorite shows, “Drop Dead Diva,” be back for its next season? — Gennifer T., via email
A: Well, you don’t have long to wait! “Drop Dead Diva” returns to Lifetime Television for its third season on Sunday, June 19. For those who haven’t seen the show, “Diva” is a one-hour comedic drama that tells the story of a shallow wannabe model who dies in a sudden accident, only to find her soul resurfacing in the body of a brilliant, plus-size and recently deceased attorney, Jane. This season’s guest stars include Paula Abdul, Kathy Griffin, Wanda Sykes, Clay Aiken, Lance Bass, Amanda Bearse, Tony Goldwyn, Howard Hesseman, Sharon Lawrence, Jennifer Tilly, Quinton Aaron and more.
Q: I was watching a new sitcom on ABC called “Happy Endings,” and the actor who plays Dave looks very familiar. What else might I have seen him in? — Jerry G., via email
A: Well, I remember Zachary Knighton best as Bryce from the shouldn’t-have-been-canceled show “FlashForward.” I also rewatched “The Prince and Me” recently, and realized that he plays one of Julia Stiles’ brothers in that movie. He’s also had guest roles on “House, M.D.” and “Bones,” as well as “Law and Order” and “Law and Order: SVU.” Stop me when something sounds familiar ….
Q: What has my favorite actress, Meryl Streep, been up to lately? — David R. in Alabama
A: Meryl is busy filming “The Iron Lady,” where she plays the U.K.’s first female prime minister, Margaret Thatcher. Word from the set is that her portrayal is astonishing, and her transformation is absolutely stunning. Look for “The Iron Lady” in late 2011, just in time to be considered for the Oscars.
CBS's Fall 2011 Line-Up
CBS 2011 Fall Schedule:
•Monday:
8 p.m. "How I Met Your Mother
8:30 p.m. "2 Broke Girls"
9 p.m. "Two and a Half Men"
9:30 p.m. "Mike & Molly"
10 p.m. "Hawaii Five-O"
•Tuesday:
8 p.m.: "NCIS"
9 p.m. "NCIS: Los Angeles"
10 p.m. "Unforgettable"
•Wednesday:
8 p.m. "Survivor: South Pacific"
9 p.m. "Criminal Minds"
10 p.m. "CSI"
•Thursday:
8 p.m. "The Big Bang Theory";
8:30 p.m. "How to Be a Gentleman"
9 p.m. "Person of Interest"
10 p.m. "The Mentalist"
•Friday:
8 p.m. "A Gifted Man"
9 p.m. "CSI: NY"
10 p.m. "Blue Bloods"
•Saturday:
8 p.m. "Rules of Engagement"
8:30 p.m. comedy rerun
9 p.m. drama rerun
10 p.m. "48 Hours Mystery"
•Sunday:
7 p.m. "60 Minutes"
8 p.m. "The Amazing Race"
9 p.m. "The Good Wife"
10 p.m. "CSI: Miami"
CBS executives described the crime thriller "Person of Interest," which will inherit the "CSI" time slot on Thursday, as the network's highest-testing pilot in 15 years. The premise: A billionaire (Michael Emerson of "Lost") and a former CIA agent (Jim Caviezel) team to prevent crimes.
"A Gifted Man" is a medical fantasy about a surgeon (Patrick Wilson) who gains advice from his deceased ex-wife (Jennifer Ehle). Julie Benz of "Dexter" and Margo Martindale of "Justified" co-star.
"Unforgettable" follows a former police detective (Poppy Montgomery of "Without a Trace") who has superior autobiographical memory. That condition allows her to remember every day. Actress Marilu Henner, who also has that ability, is a consultant on the drama.
The sitcom "2 Broke Girls" presents the friendship of a waitress (Kat Dennings) and a wealthy woman (Beth Behrs) who has fallen on hard times. The show comes from Michael Patrick King ("Sex and the City") and writer-comedian Whitney Cummings, who will star in the new NBC sitcom "Whitney" this fall.
"How to Be a Gentleman," inspired by a book with that title, depicts the friendship of a personal trainer (Kevin Dillon of "Entourage") and an etiquette columnist (David Hornsby of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"). The cast includes Mary Lynn Rajskub of "24." Hornsby is also an executive producer.
For midseason, CBS has "The 2-2," a drama about rookie New York police officers from executive producer Robert De Niro. "Undercover Boss" will also be back midseason.
•Monday:
8 p.m. "How I Met Your Mother
8:30 p.m. "2 Broke Girls"
9 p.m. "Two and a Half Men"
9:30 p.m. "Mike & Molly"
10 p.m. "Hawaii Five-O"
•Tuesday:
8 p.m.: "NCIS"
9 p.m. "NCIS: Los Angeles"
10 p.m. "Unforgettable"
•Wednesday:
8 p.m. "Survivor: South Pacific"
9 p.m. "Criminal Minds"
10 p.m. "CSI"
•Thursday:
8 p.m. "The Big Bang Theory";
8:30 p.m. "How to Be a Gentleman"
9 p.m. "Person of Interest"
10 p.m. "The Mentalist"
•Friday:
8 p.m. "A Gifted Man"
9 p.m. "CSI: NY"
10 p.m. "Blue Bloods"
•Saturday:
8 p.m. "Rules of Engagement"
8:30 p.m. comedy rerun
9 p.m. drama rerun
10 p.m. "48 Hours Mystery"
•Sunday:
7 p.m. "60 Minutes"
8 p.m. "The Amazing Race"
9 p.m. "The Good Wife"
10 p.m. "CSI: Miami"
CBS executives described the crime thriller "Person of Interest," which will inherit the "CSI" time slot on Thursday, as the network's highest-testing pilot in 15 years. The premise: A billionaire (Michael Emerson of "Lost") and a former CIA agent (Jim Caviezel) team to prevent crimes.
"A Gifted Man" is a medical fantasy about a surgeon (Patrick Wilson) who gains advice from his deceased ex-wife (Jennifer Ehle). Julie Benz of "Dexter" and Margo Martindale of "Justified" co-star.
"Unforgettable" follows a former police detective (Poppy Montgomery of "Without a Trace") who has superior autobiographical memory. That condition allows her to remember every day. Actress Marilu Henner, who also has that ability, is a consultant on the drama.
The sitcom "2 Broke Girls" presents the friendship of a waitress (Kat Dennings) and a wealthy woman (Beth Behrs) who has fallen on hard times. The show comes from Michael Patrick King ("Sex and the City") and writer-comedian Whitney Cummings, who will star in the new NBC sitcom "Whitney" this fall.
"How to Be a Gentleman," inspired by a book with that title, depicts the friendship of a personal trainer (Kevin Dillon of "Entourage") and an etiquette columnist (David Hornsby of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"). The cast includes Mary Lynn Rajskub of "24." Hornsby is also an executive producer.
For midseason, CBS has "The 2-2," a drama about rookie New York police officers from executive producer Robert De Niro. "Undercover Boss" will also be back midseason.
ABC's Fall 2011 Line-Up
ABC’s fall primetime schedule is as follows (all times listed are Eastern); new shows are in bold (if a show is listed in the description section, but not in the line-up, then it is a midseason replacement):
MONDAY:
8:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars”
10:00 p.m. “Castle”
TUESDAY:
8:00 p.m. “Last Man Standing”
8:30 p.m. “Man Up”
9:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show”
10:00 p.m. “Body of Proof”
WEDNESDAY:
8:00 p.m. “The Middle”
8:30 p.m. “Suburgatory”
9:00 p.m. “Modern Family”
9:30 p.m. “Happy Endings”
10:00 p.m. “Revenge”
THURSDAY:
8:00 p.m. “Charlie’s Angels”
9:00 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy”
10:00 p.m. “Private Practice”
FRIDAY:
8:00 p.m. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
9:00 p.m. “Shark Tank”
10:00 p.m. “20/20”
SATURDAY:
8:00 p.m. “Saturday Night College Football”
SUNDAY:
7:00 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos”
8:00 p.m. “Once Upon a Time”
9:00 p.m. “Desperate Housewives”
10:00 p.m. “Pan Am”
NEW FALL AND MIDSEASON SERIES:
DRAMA
“CHARLIE’S ANGELS”
Everyone deserves a second chance -- even a thief, a street racer and a cop who got in a little too deep. After all, the three women who solve cases for their elusive boss, Charlie Townsend, are no saints. They’re angels... Charlie’s Angels.
Set in Miami, this fun, glamorous, action-packed take on the 1970s smash hit series introduces us to three new angels, all fearless detectives, head-turning beauties and close friends. There’s Abby (Rachael Taylor), a Park Avenue princess who became a world-class thief. Then there’s Kate (Annie Ilonzeh), a Miami cop who fell from grace, losing both her career and her fiancé. Finally there’s Gloria, a disgraced army lieutenant who has a way with explosives. When one of the angels’ missions ends in Gloria’s tragic death, Charlie persuades them to partner with Gloria’s childhood friend, Eve (Minka Kelly), a street racer with a mysterious past. They may not know each other yet, but one thing’s for sure -- Abby, Kate and Eve will always have each others’ backs.
“Charlie’s Angels” stars Annie Ilonzeh (“General Hospital”) as Kate Prince, Minka Kelly (“Parenthood,” “Friday Night Lights”) as Eve, Rachael Taylor (“Grey’s Anatomy”) as Abby Sampson and Ramon Rodriguez (“The Wire,” “Daybreak”) as Bosley.
Written and executive-produced by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar (“Smallville”), “Charlie’s Angels” is also executive-produced by Drew Barrymore (“Charlie’s Angels” movies), Leonard Goldberg (the original “Charlie’s Angels”) and Nancy Juvonen (“Charlie’s Angels” movies). It’s directed and executive-produced by Marcos Siega (“Vampire Diaries,” “Dexter”). “Charlie’s Angels” is produced by Millar/Gough Ink, Flower Films and Panda Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.
“GOOD CHRISTIAN BELLES”
The soap returns to Dallas in this wicked new drama that shows that you can go home again... but only if you’re ready to face the sins of your past.
Amanda Vaughn (Leslie Bibb), once the ultimate high school “mean girl,” is forced to return home in disgrace after her marriage ends in scandal. Amanda is nothing like the girl she was 20 years ago, but as her old classmates reacquaint themselves with the new Amanda, will her home town welcome her with open arms or seek revenge? No one in this town is a saint, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a heart. As Amanda and her teenage kids try to adjust to their new lives, the ladies from her past alternate between sympathy and scheming.
“Good Christian Belles” stars Leslie Bibb (“Iron Man”) as Amanda Vaughn, Kristin Chenoweth (“Pushing Daisies”) as Carlene Cockburn, Annie Potts (“Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,”“Joan of Arcadia”) as Gigi Stopper, Jennifer Aspen (“Rodney”) as Sharon Peacham, Miriam Shor (“Swingtown” “Damages”) as Cricket Caruth-Reilly, Marisol Nichols (“24”) as Heather Cruz, Brad Beyer (“Jericho”) as Zack Peacham, Mark Deklin (“Lone Star”) as Blake Reilly and David James Elliott (“JAG”) as Ripp Cockburn.
Based on Kim Gatlin’s hit book, Good Christian Bitches, “Good Christian Belles” is executive-produced by Darren Star (“Sex and the City”), Robert Harling (“Steel Magnolias”) and Aaron Kaplan. The pilot is written by Robert Harling and executive-produced and directed by Alan Poul. “Good Christian Belles” is produced by ABC Studios.
“MISSING”
Becca Winstone (Ashley Judd) learns that her son, Michael, disappears while studying abroad, and it’s a race against time when she travels to Europe to track him down. A surprising turn of events reveals just how far one mother will go to protect her family. Exotic locations and thrilling twists will keep you riveted in “Missing.”
How far would you go to save the only thing you have left in the world? At 8 years old, Michael watched as his father, CIA Agent Paul Winstone, was murdered. Now 10 years later, Paul’s wife, Becca, is faced with the reality of her son growing up. When Michael is afforded the opportunity to study abroad, his mother reluctantly agrees it’s time to let him go. Just a few weeks into his trip Michael disappears, and Becca immediately suspects foul play. When she arrives in Rome, she begins piecing together the clues left behind. It isn’t long before the kidnappers realize they’ve picked a fight with the wrong woman. Becca Winstone has a secret of her own -- before Paul’s death, she was also a lethal CIA Agent. But if she wants to find her son alive, Becca will have to rely on old friends and reopen old wounds. Her resourcefulness, skill and determination will be put to the test – but a mother’s love knows no limits.
“Missing” stars Ashley Judd (“Double Jeopardy,” “Kiss the Girls”) as Becca Winstone, Sean Bean (“Game of Thrones”) as Paul Winstone, Cliff Curtis (“Trauma”) as Dax, Adriano Giannini (“Oceans Twelve”) as Giancarlo, Nick Eversman (“Cinema Verite”) as Michael Winstone and Tereza Voriskova (“Borgia”) as Oksana.
“Missing” comes from writer Gregory Poirier (“National Treasure: Book of Secrets”) and executive producers Gina Matthews, Grant Scharbo (“The Gates”), Steve Shill (Emmy winner for directing “Dexter” who will direct episodes of “Missing”) and James Parriott (“Sons of Anarchy”). “Missing” is produced by Stillking Films.
“ONCE UPON A TIME”
From the inventive minds of “Lost” executive producers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis comes a bold new imagining of the world, where fairy tales and the modern-day are about to collide.
And they all lived happily ever after – or so everyone was led to believe. Emma Swan knows how to take care of herself. She’s a 28-year-old bail bonds collector who’s been on her own ever since she was abandoned as a baby. But when the son she gave up years ago finds her, everything starts to change. Henry is now 10 years old and in desperate need of Emma’s help. He believes that Emma actually comes from an alternate world and is Snow White and Prince Charming’s missing daughter. According to his book of fairytales, they sent her away to protect her from the Evil Queen’s curse, which trapped the fairytale world forever, frozen in time, and brought them into our modern world. Of course Emma doesn’t believe a word, but when she brings Henry back to Storybrooke, she finds herself drawn to this unusual boy and his strange New England town. Concerned for Henry, she decides to stay for a while, but she soon suspects that Storybrooke is more than it seems. It’s a place where magic has been forgotten, but is still powerfully close… where fairytale characters are alive, even though they don’t remember who they once were. The epic battle for the future of all worlds is beginning, but for good to win, Emma will have to accept her destiny and fight like hell.
“Once Upon a Time” stars Ginnifer Goodwin (“Big Love”) as Snow White/Sister Mary Margaret, Jennifer Morrison (“House MD”) as Emma Swan, Robert Carlyle (“The Full Monty,” “Trainspotting,” “SGU Stargate Universe”) as Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold, Lana Parrilla as Evil Queen/Regina, Jamie Dornan as Sheriff Graham, Jared Gilmore (“Mad Men”) as Henry, Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/John Doe and Raphael Sbarge as Jiminy Cricket/Archie.
“Once Upon a Time” was written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, who are also executive producers, along with Steve Pearlman (ABC’s “V”). The pilot is directed and executive-produced by Mark Mylod (“Entourage”). “Once Upon a Time” is from ABC Studios.
“PAN AM”
Passion, jealousy and espionage... They do it all – and they do it at 30,000 feet. The style of the 1960s, the energy and excitement of the Jet Age and a drama full of sexy entanglements deliciously mesh in this thrilling and highly-original new series.
In this modern world, air travel represents the height of luxury and Pan Am is the biggest name in the business. The planes are glamorous, the pilots are rock stars and the stewardesses are the most desirable women in the world. Not only are these flyboys and girls young and good looking, but to represent Pan Am they also have to be educated, cultured and refined. They’re trained to handle everything from in-air emergencies to unwanted advances – all without rumpling their pristine uniforms or mussing their hair. There’s Dean (Jonah Lotan) – a cocky, charismatic and ambitious new pilot – the first of a new breed not trained in the war. On the sly against company policy, he’s dating Bridget, a stunning beauty with a mysterious past. A rebellious bohemian, Maggie (Christina Ricci) turns into a buttoned up professional for work so she can see the world. Rounding out the crew are flirtatious Collette (Karine Vanasse), the adventurous Kate (Kelli Garner) and, finally, Laura (Margot Robbie) – Kate’s beauty queen younger sister, a runaway bride, who recently fled a life of domestic boredom to take to the skies.
“Pan Am” stars Christina Ricci (“Penelope”) as Maggie, Kelli Garner (“Going the Distance”) as Kate, Karine Vanasse (“Polytechnique”) as Colette, Margot Robbie (“Neighbours”) as Laura, Jonah Lotan (“24”) as Dean and Michael Mosley (“Justified”) as Ted.
Jack Orman (“ER,” “Men of a Certain Age,”), Tommy Schlamme (“The West Wing,” “Parenthood,” “Mr. Sunshine”) and Nancy Hult Ganis (“Akleeh and the Bee”) are the executive producers of “Pan Am.” Orman is also the writer, with Schlamme directing. “Pan Am” is produced by Jack Orman Productions, Out of the Blue Entertainment and Shoe Money Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.
“REVENGE”
Wealth, beauty and status define the people in this town, but one woman is willing to destroy everyone for the sake of revenge.
Emily Thorne (Emily Van Camp) is new to the Hamptons. She’s met some of her wealthy neighbors, has made a few new friends and seemingly blends into the town. But something is a little odd about a young girl living in a wealthy town all on her own, and the truth is that Emily isn’t exactly new to the neighborhood. In fact, this was once her old neighborhood, until something bad happened that ruined her family and their reputation. Now Emily is back, and she’s returned to right some of those wrongs in the best way she knows how – with a vengeance.
“Revenge” stars Madeleine Stowe (“We Were Soldiers,” “The Last of the Mohicans”) as Victoria Grayson, Emily Van Camp (“Brothers & Sisters,” “Everwood”) as Emily Thorne, Gabriel Mann (“The Bourne Identity”) as Nolan Ross, Henry Czerny (“Mission: Impossible,” “Clear and Present Danger”) as Conrad Grayson, Ashley Madekwe (“Secret Diary of a Call Girl”) as Ashley Davenport, Nick Wechsler (“Roswell”) as Jack Porter, Josh Bowman (“Prowl”) as Daniel Grayson, Christa B. Allen (“13 Going on 30”) as Charlotte Grayson and Connor Paolo (“Gossip Girl”) as Declan Porter.
“Revenge” is written and executive-produced by Mike Kelley (“Swingtown”), along with executive producers Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey (“Twilight”). The pilot is directed and executive-produced by Phillip Noyce (“Salt”). “Revenge” is produced by ABC Studios.
“THE RIVER”
“The River” follows the story of wildlife expert and TV personality Emmet Cole. Emmet set course around the world with his wife, Tess, and son, Lincoln, while filming what would become one of the most popular shows in television. After he goes missing deep in the Amazon, his family, friends and crew set out on a mysterious and deadly journey to find him.
Famed explorer Dr. Emmet Cole (Bruce Greenwood) went looking for magic deep in the uncharted Amazon and never returned. The shocking truth about his disappearance is out there, somewhere, just waiting to be discovered. To the millions of kids who grew up watching his nature show, Dr. Cole was a hero. To his own son, Lincoln (Joe Anderson), he was more of an enigma. Now, six months after he vanished, Lincoln is finally ready to bury the past when Dr. Cole’s emergency beacon suddenly goes off. At the urging of his mother, Tess (Leslie Hope), Lincoln reluctantly joins her on a search for his father. To fund the rescue, they agree to let Dr. Cole’s cagey ex-producer, Clark (Paul Blackthorne), film the mission documentary-style. The mixed crew of old friends and new acquaintances includes the sexy and resourceful Lena (Eloise Mumford), loyal mechanic Emilio (Daniel Zacapa) and lethal bodyguard Captain Kurt Brynildson (Thomas Kretschmann).
“The River” stars Bruce Greenwood (“Star Trek”) as Emmet Cole, Joe Anderson (“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Parts 1 and 2”) as Lincoln Cole, Paul Blackthorne (“Lipstick Jungle”) as Clark, Paulina Gaitan as Jahel, Leslie Hope (“24”) as Tess Cole, Eloise Mumford (“Lone Star”) as Lena, Shaun Parkes (“The Mummy Returns”) as Adjay, Thomas Kretschmann (“King Kong”) as Captain Kurt Brynildson and Daniel Zacapa (“Resurrection Blvd.”) as Emilio.
“The River,” from Amblin’s Steven Spielberg, Daryl Frank and Justin Falvey, showrunner/executive producer Michael Green (“Heroes,” “Kings”), is also executive-produced by Oren Peli (creator of “Paranormal Activity”), Zack Estrin, Jason Blum and Steven Schneider. Teleplay by Michael R. Perry and Michael Green, story by Oren Peli & Michael R. Perry and Michael Green. The pilot is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and produced by ABC Studios.
“SCANDAL”
From the creator and executive producers of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice” comes a drama revolving around the life and work of a professional crisis manager and her dysfunctional staff.
A former media relations consultant to the President, Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) dedicates her life to protecting and defending the public images of our nation’s elite. After leaving the White House, the power consultant opened her own firm, hoping to start a new chapter -- both professionally and personally -- but she can’t seem to completely cut ties with her past. Slowly it becomes apparent that her staff, who specialize in fixing the lives of other people, can’t quite fix the ones closest at hand -- their own.
“Scandal” stars Kerry Washington (“Ray”) as Olivia Pope, Henry Ian Cusick (“Lost”) as Stephen Finch, Columbus Short (“Stomp the Yard”) as Harrison Wright, Guillermo Diaz (“Half-Baked”) as Huck, Darby Stanchfield as Abby Whelan, Katie Lowes as Quinn Perkins, Tony Goldwyn (“Ghost”) as President Fitzgerald Grant and Jeff Perry (“Grey’s Anatomy”) as Cyrus.
“Scandal” was written by Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice”). Rhimes and Betsy Beers (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice”) are executive producers. Paul McGuigan is the director. “Scandal” is produced by ABC Studios.
COMEDY
“APARTMENT 23”
After a naïve Midwestern girl’s big city dreams are dashed her first week in New York, she finds herself living with her worst nightmare in this hilarious, contemporary comedy about a female odd couple who are surrounded by an outrageous cast of characters.
June (Dreama Walker) moves to Manhattan for a dream job and the perfect company apartment, only to have them disappear in a puff of reality, thanks to a CEO from the Bernie Madoff school of embezzlement. Deep in debt and out on the streets, June scrambles to land a job and place to live. It seems her luck has turned around when she gets hired at a coffee shop and finds Chloe (Krysten Ritter), a charming, vivacious roommate... with the morals of a pirate. She swindles June out of all her savings, but she and her snarky friend, James Van Der Beek (playing himself), soon learn that, just because June’s naïve, she isn’t stupid. June ingeniously turns the tables on Chloe, who is so shocked about being scammed herself that she decides to pull June into her colorful band of friends. Sure, it’s all dysfunctional, bizarre and overwhelming, but so is New York City. And with the help of Chloe and the other oddballs around her, June might just learn the survival secrets she needs to make it there.
“Apartment 23” stars Krysten Ritter (“Breaking Bad,” “Gilmore Girls”) as Chloe, Dreama Walker (“The Good Wife,” “Gossip Girl”) as June, Eric André as Mark, Michael Blaiklock as Eli and James Van Der Beek (“Varsity Blues,” “Dawson’s Creek”) as James Van Der Beek.
Created and written by Nahnatchka Kahn (“American Dad”), “Apartment 23” is executive-produced by Kahn, Jason Winer (“Modern Family”), Dave Hemingson (“American Dad,” “How I Met Your Mother”) and Jeff Morton (“Modern Family”). Winer is also the director. “Apartment 23” is a production of 20th Century Fox Television.
“LAST MAN STANDING”
Today it’s a woman’s world, and this man’s man is on a mission to get men back to their rightful place in society.
Tim Allen returns to ABC in this new comedy from Jack Burditt (“30 Rock”). Men may have built civilizations, invented the locomotive and created ESPN, but they’re about to find out that it’s not a man’s world anymore. You can’t get manlier than Mike Baxter. He’s the marketing director for an iconic outdoor sporting goods store, he loves to have adventures while he’s traveling for work and, of course, he drives a pick-up truck. While Mike is king of the hill at work, he’s the odd man out in a home that is dominated by women -- namely his wife, Vanessa, and their three daughters, 22- year-old Kristin, 17-year-old Mandy and 14-year-old Eve. After being a stay-at-home mom for years, Vanessa recently returned to the workplace and was quickly promoted (much to the dismay of her primarily male co-workers). As a result of Vanessa’s increased work load, Mike is pulled into more hands-on parenting than ever before.
The show stars Tim Allen (“Home Improvement”) as Mike, Nancy Travis (“So I Married an Axe Murderer,” “Three Men and a Baby”) as Vanessa, Molly Ephraim as Mandy, Alexandra Krosney as Kristin, Kaitlyn Dever as Eve and Hector Elizondo (“Chicago Hope”) as Ed.
“Last Man Standing” was written by Jack Burditt (“30 Rock”), who also serves as executive producer with Tim Allen, Becky Clements, Marty Adelstein (“Prison Break”), Shawn Levy (“Night at the Museum”), Richard Baker (“The Santa Clause,” The Santa Clause 2”) and Rick Messina (“The Santa Clause,” The Santa Clause 2”). John Pasquin (“Home Improvement,” “The Santa Clause”) directed. “Last Man Standing” is from Twentieth Century Fox Television.
“MAN UP”
Three modern men try to get in touch with their inner tough guys and redefine what it means to be a “real man” in this funny and relatable comedy.
Will’s grandfather fought in WWII. Will’s father fought in Vietnam. Will plays Call of Duty on his PS3 and drinks non-dairy hazelnut creamer. So what happened to all the real men? They’re still here -- they just smell like pomegranate body wash now. Meet Will (Mather Zickel). His evolved, sensitive nature is why his awesome wife, Theresa (Teri Polo), married him. But Will and his friends find themselves wondering -- in a world of Axe ads and manscaping -- what does it really mean to be a guy anymore? Will is more interested in finding the perfect gift for his son Nathan’s (Jake Johnson) 13th birthday than in doing his job selling insurance; sensitive soul Craig (Christopher Moynihan) still pines for his college ex, Lisa; and Kenny (Dan Fogler) clamps down on his anger and asks himself, “What would Tobey Maguire do?,” when his ex, Brenda (Amanda Detmer), starts seeing a guy (Henry Simmons) who is everything he’s not and much better looking. After Craig crashes Lisa’s wedding to try to win her back, they are all faced with an opportunity to Man Up and be like their forefathers.
The show stars Christopher Moynihan as Craig, Mather Zickel (“The Cape”) as Will, Dan Fogler (“Balls of Fury”) as Kenny, Teri Polo (“Meet the Fockers”) as Theresa, Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”) as Brenda and Henry Simmons (“Shark”) as Grant.
“Man Up” comes from writer/executive producer/actor Christopher Moynihan (“100 Questions”), executive producer Victor Fresco (“Better off Ted”), Ron West and Kelly Kulchak of Tagline Television (Psych) and director Beth McCarthy-Miller (“SNL,” “30 Rock”). ”Man Up” is produced by ABC Studios.
“SUBURGATORY”
Single father George only wants the best for his 16-year-old daughter, Tessa. So when he finds a box of condoms on her nightstand, he moves them out of their apartment in New York City to a house in the suburbs. But all Tessa sees is the horror of over-manicured lawns and plastic Franken-moms. Being in the ‘burbs can be hell, but it also may just bring Tessa and George closer than they’ve ever been.
Tessa (Jane Levy) and George (Jeremy Sisto) have been on their own ever since Tessa’s mom pulled a “Kramer vs. Kramer” before she was even potty trained. So far, George has done a pretty good job of raising Tessa without a maternal figure in their lives, but suddenly he’s feeling a little out of his league. So it’s goodbye New York City and hello suburbs. At first Tessa is horrified by the big-haired, fake-boobed mothers and their sugar-free Red Bull-chugging kids. But little by little she and her dad begin finding a way to survive on the clean streets of the ‘burbs. Sure, the neighbors might smother you with love while their kids stare daggers at your back, but underneath all that plastic and caffeine, they’re really not half bad. And they do make a tasty pot roast.
The show stars Jeremy Sisto (“Law & Order”) as George Altman, Jane Levy (“Shameless”) as Tessa Altman, Carly Chaikin (“The Last Song”) as Dalia Royce, Allie Grant (“Weeds”) as Lisa, Alan Tudyk (“V”) as Noah Lerner and Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) as Dallas Royce. Ana Gasteyer (“Saturday Night Live”) guest stars.
Emily Kapnek (“Hung”) writes and executive-produces this bitingly ironic single-camera comedy. “Suburgatory” was directed by Michael Fresco (“Raising Hope”), who also executive-produced the pilot. It is produced by Warner Bros. Television.
“WORK IT”
This high-concept comedy centers on two unrepentant guy’s guys who, unable to find work, dress as women to get jobs as pharmaceutical reps. Not only do they pull it off, but they might just learn to be better men in the process.
With unemployment an ongoing issue and women now outnumbering men in the workforce, the new comedy series “Work It” follows two alpha males who realize the only way to beat the current “mancession” and land a job in pharmaceutical sales is to pass themselves off as women. Combining all the best elements of the workplace comedy, the buddy comedy and the family comedy, “Work It” centers on Lee Standish (Ben Koldyke) -- a quick-witted and likable family man who used to be a top car salesman until he got laid off -- and Angel Ortiz (Amaury Nolasco) -- a single, hot-headed ladies’ man with no filter -- who quickly learn there are fundamental differences in the worlds of men and women that go beyond teetering in high heels and tightening up with Spanx. Lee and Angel are determined to keep their ruse going for as long as they can -- and keep their newly found jobs — in this smart, funny and relevant look at male and female relationships at work, at home and socially. Being a better man sometimes means having to be a better woman.
The show stars Ben Koldyke (“How I Met Your Mother”) as Lee, Amaury Nolasco (“Prison Break”) as Angel, Beth Lacke (“Happy Hour”) as Connie, John Caparulo (“Chelsea Lately”) as Brian, Rebecca Mader (“Lost”) as Grace, Rochelle Aytes (“Detroit 1-8-7”) as Vanessa, Kate Reinders (“Sherrie”) as Kelly, Kirstin Eggers (“Aussie and Ted’s Great Adventure”) as Kristin and Kacie Lynch (“Barney and Friends”) as Kat.
“Work It” was written by Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen (“Friends,” “Rules of Engagement”). Reich and Cohen are the executive producers. Beth McCarthy Miller (“Saturday Night Live,” “30 Rock”) is the director. “Work It” is produced by Bonanza Productions, Inc. in association with Summer School Productions and Warner Bros. Television.
RETURNING SERIES
DRAMA
“BODY OF PROOF”
When the brilliant and driven neurosurgeon Dr. Megan Hunt (Dana Delany) suffered a car accident resulting in a unique condition where she could no longer perform surgery, her life as a neurosurgeon was over. But a new one began as a Medical Examiner for the City of Philadelphia. Megan applied her vast medical knowledge and her personal tenacity to the art of solving murders. These cases challenged her not just professionally but personally, as on more than one occasion she came face to face with her past, and in one case in particular she was compelled to perform life saving emergency surgery. Along the way, she earned if not the affection, at least the grudging respect of her colleagues both inside the Medical Examiner’s Office as well as the Police Department. She did all this while at the same time attempting to mend her relationship with her 12-year-old daughter and manage an at times contentious relationship with her ex-husband.
“Body of Proof” stars Dana Delany stars as Dr. Megan Hunt, Jeri Ryan as Dr. Kate Murphey, John Carroll Lynch as Detective Bud Morris, Nicholas Bishop as Peter Dunlop, Sonja Sohn as Detective Samantha Baker, Geoffrey Arend as Dr. Ethan Gross and Windell D. Middlebrooks as
Dr. Curtis Brumfield.
Dr. Curtis Brumfield.
The series is created by Christopher Murphey and executive-produced by Murphey, Matthew Gross, and Sunil Nayar. “Body of Proof” is produced by Gross Entertainment and ABC Studio
“CASTLE”
When viewers first met Richard Castle -- a famous mystery novelist and divorced father raising his teenage daughter, while being kept grounded by his Broadway diva mother -- he was creatively blocked. But when the NYPD questioned him in connection with a series of murders staged to imitate crime scenes from his books, Castle found inspiration in NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, a bright and aggressive homicide detective with a fascination for odd and offbeat cases stemming from the years-old unsolved murder of her own mother. Though they instantly clashed, sparks of another sort began to fly, leading both to danger and a hint of romance as Castle stepped in to help find the copycat killer. Once that initial case was solved, Castle and Beckett continued to investigate strange homicides in New York, combining Castle’s writer intuition and Beckett’s creative detective work.
Now after three seasons, Castle and Beckett’s relationship has grown even stronger as they’ve dodged bullets, captured killers, and solved countless murder cases due to their unorthodox partnership. But in the explosive Season 3 finale, which saw the killing of NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery – who was revealed to have a connection to the unsolved murder of Beckett’s mother -- Castle witnessed the shooting of Beckett and, as she lay on the ground with life fading out of her, it’s unknown if she’ll survive...
The series stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as Detective Kate Beckett, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito, Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan, Molly Quinn as Alexis Castle, with Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers.
“Castle” is produced by ABC Studios. Andrew Marlowe is the show’s creator/executive producer, along with executive producers Rob Bowman, David Amann, Laurie Zaks and Armyan Bernstein.
“DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES”
Winner of both the 2005 and 2006 Golden Globe® Award for Best Television Series
-- Musical or Comedy – “Desperate Housewives” is a primetime soap with a truly contemporary take on “happily ever after.” The series, which takes a darkly comedic look at suburbia -- where the secret lives of housewives aren’t always what they seem -- began with Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong) inside her perfect house, in the loveliest of suburbs, taking her own life. Commenting from her elevated point of view, she took us into the lives of her family, friends and neighbors.
-- Musical or Comedy – “Desperate Housewives” is a primetime soap with a truly contemporary take on “happily ever after.” The series, which takes a darkly comedic look at suburbia -- where the secret lives of housewives aren’t always what they seem -- began with Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong) inside her perfect house, in the loveliest of suburbs, taking her own life. Commenting from her elevated point of view, she took us into the lives of her family, friends and neighbors.
“Desperate Housewives” stars Teri Hatcher as Susan Mayer, Felicity Huffman as Lynette Scavo, Marcia Cross as Bree Hodge, Eva Longoria as Gabrielle Solis, Vanessa Williams as Renee Perry, Ricardo Antonio Chavira as Carlos Solis, Doug Savant as Tom Scavo, Kathryn Joosten as Karen McCluskey, Kevin Rahm as Lee McDermott, Tuc Watkins as Bob Hunter, with Brenda Strong as Mary Alice Young and James Denton as Mike Delfino. Also starring Charlie Carver as Porter Scavo, Joshua Logan Moore as Parker Scavo, Darcy Rose Byrnes as Penny Scavo, Madison de la Garza as Juanita Solis and Mason Vale Cotton as MJ Delfino.
Marc Cherry created the series. Cherry is executive producer, along with George W. Perkins, Bob Daily, Sabrina Wind, Larry Shaw, David Grossman, Matt Berry, Jeff Greenstein and Marco Pennette. “Desperate Housewives” is produced by ABC Studios.
“GREY’S ANATOMY”
“Grey’s Anatomy” is the recipient of the 2007 Golden Globe® Award for Best Television Series – Drama, and multiple Emmy nominations, including two for Outstanding Drama Series.
The doctors of Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital deal with life-or-death consequences on a daily basis -- it’s in one another that they find comfort, friendship and, at times, more than friendship. Together they’re discovering that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white. Real life only comes in shades of grey.
“Grey’s Anatomy” stars Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd, Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang, Justin Chambers as Alex Karev, Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens, Jr. as Richard Webber, Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres, Eric Dane as Mark Sloan, Chyler Leigh as Lexie Grey, Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt, Jessica Capshaw as Arizona Robbins, Kim Raver as Teddy Altman, Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery and Sarah Drew as April Kepner.
“Grey’s Anatomy” was created and is executive-produced by Shonda Rhimes. Betsy Beers, Mark Gordon, Krista Vernoff, Rob Corn, Mark Wilding, Tony Phelan, Joan Rater are executive producers. “Grey’s Anatomy” is an ABC Studios production.
“PRIVATE PRACTICE”
From Shonda Rhimes, the Golden Globe®-winning creator of “Grey’s Anatomy,” comes the story of a team of gifted doctors working together to change the lives of their patients for the better as they look to one another for friendship and love.
The doctors of Oceanside Wellness and Pacific Wellcare work on the most difficult cases, patients whose medical needs often pose moral and ethical dilemmas. Though they may heatedly disagree at work, and though their personal lives may complicate matters, at the end of the day, they are the best of friends, always ready to be there for one another.
“Private Practice” stars Kate Walsh as Dr. Addison Forbes Montgomery, Tim Daly as Dr. Pete Wilder, Audra McDonald as Dr. Naomi Bennett, Paul Adelstein as Dr. Cooper Freedman, KaDee Strickland as Dr. Charlotte King, Brian Benben as Dr. Sheldon Wallace and Caterina Scorsone as Dr. Amelia Shepherd, with Taye Diggs as Dr. Sam Bennett and Amy Brenneman as Dr. Violet Turner.
“Private Practice” was created and is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Mark Gordon, Mark Tinker, Steve Blackman and Craig Turk. “Private Practice” is an ABC Studios Production.
COMEDY
“COUGAR TOWN”
In her Golden Globe® nominated role as Jules Cobb, Courteney Cox stars in an ensemble comedy about life, family and friends in the critically acclaimed series, “Cougar Town.” Jules’ inner circle includes next door neighbor Ellie (Christa Miller), her sarcastic, unapologetic confidante; Ellie’s average, but loveable husband, Andy (Ian Gomez); Grayson (Josh Hopkins), her boyfriend/neighbor from across the street; Laurie (Busy Philipps), her younger, feisty protege; ex-husband Bobby (Brian Van Holt), a classic under-achiever, but full of heart; and Travis (Dan Byrd), her dry and witty son who more often than not is the adult observer amongst the group. Together, they make up “the cul-de-sac crew,” a dysfunctional, but supportive and caring extended family... even if they have a funny way of showing it sometimes.
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Annie Potts, photo by Bob D'Amico/ABC Unless you've been living under a rock these past few weeks, you know that ABC's new hour-... -
Throughout her career, Jaclyn Smith has been known as a trendsetter — whether it’s with her clothing, your hairstyles, etc. From Breck girl... -
When I think of Beth Littleford , the first thing that comes to my mind are those hilarious mockumentary-type interviews she did with celebr... -
(photo credit Geno Nicholas) The kids of West Beverly High School have finally graduated. Some will go to college; some will go right to wo... -
To most of her fans, Rachel Fine is known as the co-host of the weekly comedy news series “The Bonus Show” for Howard TV on Demand, the cab... -
Marshall Hilliard If you’ve tuned in to “General Hospital,” “Days of Our Lives” or “The Young and the Restless” recently, then you’ve seen a... -
For those of you who know Lacey Chabert only from her role of the young and sweet Claudia Salinger from the 1990s hit nighttime drama “Part... -
Courtney Thorne-Smith is no stranger to comedy. While she may have had her big break starring as Allison Parker on nighttime soap “Melrose ... -
Maura Tierney is returning to television in 2011, after successfully battling breast cancer since August 2009. Maura was originally cast in... -
Jim Carrey , 48, and Jenny McCarthy , 37, (pictured left, at Jim's Yes Man premiere) have taken to Twitter to announce their breakup. T...