Q and A: Week of Feb. 10

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Q and A: Week of Feb. 10

Q: Can you tell me if and when “Cedar Cove” will return for another season? — Richard O., Summerfield, Fla.

A: The Hallmark Channel has renewed the phenomenally successful series, which is based on the book series of the same name by Debbie Macomber, for a second season. The show’s first season made Hallmark Channel the No. 1 cable channel for Saturday nights during the 8 to 9 time slot. With internationally renowned actress Andie MacDowell leading the cast — which includes Dylan Neal, Teryl Rothery, Bruce Boxleitner, Barbara Niven and Brennan Elliott — season two of “Cedar Cover” promises more of the same drama, romance and fun. Season two will premiere in July; I’ll let you know as soon as I have an exact date for its return.

Q: Would you happen to know anything about the fantastic TV series “24” with Kiefer Southerland? I thought they were bringing it back, or at least making a movie. — Dick W., via email

A: I did report on this about six months ago, but since this is such a hot subject — I get tons of letters from readers asking me the same question — I’ll write about it again, with some new information to pass along. Fox is indeed airing a new version of “24,” which is called “24: Live Another Day.” This go ’round, it will be a 12-part series but will still cover the requisite 24 hours. Kiefer will return, as will Mary Lynn Rajskub, William Devane and Kim Raver.

Kiefer recently told the press that the series will take place in London, stating: “‘24’ has always had such a global sensibility, but to be able to tell this intense ‘24’-style story with the beauty of Europe’s history and architecture as the backdrop is going to be fascinating.” Fox’s entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly teased reporters that the show’s pickup intrigued many industry stars. “A lot of who’s who in Hollywood wanted to participate in this,” he revealed. The two-hour season premiere of “24: Live Another Day” is May 5 at 9/8c on Fox.

ABC's "Mind Games" stars (L to R) Steve Zahn as Clark, Christian Slater as Ross, Cedric Sanders as Latrell, Jaime Ray Newman as Sam, Megalyn Echikunwoke as Megan and Gregory Marcel as Miles. (ABC/Bob D'Amico)

Q: Can you tell me what Christian Slater is up to now? I recently saw his amazing performance in the movie “He Was a Quiet Man,” and it made me realize I really miss seeing him. — Veronica W., Hanover, Pa.

A: You have only about a month to wait before you can see Christian again on a regular basis. On Feb. 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, ABC will premiere a new series called “Mind Games,” which stars Christian and Steve Zahn. They play brothers Ross (Christian) and Clark Edwards (Steve), who are partners in Edwards and Associates, an unusual business based on the belief that people’s decisions are influenced by their environment in ways they’re not aware. By using the hard science of psychological manipulation, the brothers commit to solving their clients’ problems. With Clark’s expertise and Ross’s con-artist ways, the brothers use psychology and science to offer clients an alternative to their fates.

Q: I don’t think I can wait much longer for season four of “Game of Thrones.” — Carlos F., via email

A: Just hold on a little longer. The highly anticipated premiere of the hit fantasy/drama series is set for April 6 at 9 pm ET/PT on HBO. The TV series, which is based on the books series by George R.R. Martin, shocked audiences at the end of last season with the infamous “Red Wedding,” and season four’s 10 episodes will prove to be just as exciting. It will roughly be based on the second half of “A Storm of Swords,” the third book in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels. According to showrunner David Benioff: “I think [season four] is going to surpass season three. There are so many scenes we’ve been waiting for so long to do, and it just gets more and more fun to write for these characters. We’re very excited for it.”

Q: Any news about “Devious Maids”? — Pamela G., via email

A: I have two exciting bits to tell you: First, season two will premiere on Lifetime on April 20 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Second, Mark Deklin (whom you all know I LOVED on “GCB”) has signed on as a regular cast member. As of this writing, I don’t know whom he’ll play or how he’ll impact the season, but I’ll let you know as soon as I can drag the information out of him.

Q: I am a fan of “NCIS” and have wondered why Cote Pablo left the series. — Judy D., via email

A: Cote left the series for personal reasons, which she chooses not to expand on. On the possibility of returning, she told “TV Guide Magazine”: “The greatest thing about this last episode is that Ziva doesn’t die. As long as a character doesn’t die, the character can always come back.” Cody recently signed on to co-star in the film “The 33,” which is based on the events of the 2010 Chilean mine collapse.

Q and A: Week of Sept. 12

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Q and A: Week of Sept. 12

Anna Kournikova

Q: Can you tell me when my favorite show, “The Biggest Loser,” will be back for its next season? I can’t wait for it to start! — Edie T., via e-mail

A: The weight-loss competition/reality show will be back for its 12th season on NBC beginning Tuesday, Sept. 20 (8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET). This season sees “The Biggest Loser” with two new trainers: tennis star Anna Kournikova (who replaces Jillian Michaels) and celebrity trainer Dolvett Quince. Trainer Bob Harper and host Alison Sweeney will return, and they will be joined by 15 contestants competing in a “Battle of the Ages,” which groups contestants by age. There will be three teams of five divided by age: the youngest players, all under 30; the middle players, ages 30 to 49; and the older players, ages 50 and above.

Q: I loved “Spin City,” and I can find the seasons with Michael J. Fox as the star on DVD, but can’t find the seasons when Charlie Sheen took over. Do they ever plan to release those seasons? — Darren D., Spokane, Wash.

A: When Michael J. Fox retired from the successful sitcom after the fourth season, Charlie Sheen joined Heather Locklear and company, taking over as Deputy Mayor Charlie Crawford for the fifth and sixth seasons. The fifth season also was a who’s who of guest stars, including Marcia Cross, Kal Penn, Regis Philben, Raquel Welch, Dakota Fanning, Jason Priestley, Rosie O’Donnell, Seth Meyers, Scott Wolf and Alyssa Milano. Season five is finally available on DVD, and can be found online and wherever your favorite DVDs are sold.

Q: This spring I really got into Christian Slater’s new show called “Breaking In.” I was so sad when it was canceled by Fox. Now I am hearing it might not be canceled. Is that true? — Dylan F., via e-mail

A: In an almost-unprecedented reversal, Fox decided to uncancel the caper comedy that centered on a team that is hired by companies to break into their own security systems in order to find flaws and weak links. Back in May, all signs pointed to “Breaking In” coming back for the fall, but when the fall schedule was announced a short time later, the show was nowhere to be seen. After much behind-the-scenes negotiation, Fox announced in August that the show would be back for 13 episodes to begin airing midseason 2012.

Q: I was an avid viewer of the ABC show “V,” and especially loved the character of Father Landry. Can you tell me if I can see the actor who played him in anything else soon? — Vivian A. in Pennsylvania

A: Joel Gretsch, who played freedom fighter and priest Jack Landry on the ABC sci-fi show about aliens invading Earth, has risen from the ashes of “V” and can next be seen this fall on NBC’s “The Playboy Club” as a recurring character who clashes with Eddie Cibrian’s Nick Dalton.