Showing posts with label FX. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FX. Show all posts
Q and A: Week of Feb. 2
A: Season one of this wonderful FX drama/suspense series — starring Billy Bob Thornton, Colin Hanks, Allison Tolman and Martin Freeman — is now available on DVD. And Hulu recently announced that it has acquired the streaming rights for the series. No exact date has been announced, only that we should be on the lookout for it ahead of the series’ season two premiere this fall on FX.
Q: Can you tell me when “Game of Thrones” will be back for a new season? — Bobby T., via email
A: The phenomenal drama/historical-fantasy series will be back for its fifth season on April 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. HBO also revealed that “Silicon Valley” would be begin its second season at 10 p.m., following the “GoT” premiere, and season four of “Veep” will follow that at 10:30 p.m. All three series will have 10-episode seasons.
In the meantime, you can relive some of season four on the big screen in IMAX format before that. In limited release (about 150 IMAX theaters), the last two episodes of season four’s “Game of Thrones” will be shown the way lots of fans think it should be aired all the time: in movie theaters. Those who do attend these limited showings will also be treated to an exclusive trailer for season five. Check your local listings to see if it is on the big screen in your town. According to “Entertainment Weekly,” there have also been reports of a season-five preview special to air on HBO, perhaps as soon as February. Fingers crossed for that too!
Q: My husband recently introduced me to the “Evil Dead” movies. He heard they are making it into a TV series. Is that true? — Nancy P. in Indiana
A: Your husband heard correctly. Starz is bringing the series to the small screen via an original series called “Ash vs. Evil Dead,” which takes place after the action of the movie series. The series’ star and the director of “Evil Dead” — Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi, respectively — are set to return to the production, which will consist of 10 half-hour episodes. The story begins three decades later, where Ash (Campbell) is forced to face his demons and fight the Evil Dead yet again when a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all mankind.
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| Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt in Jurassic World |
Q: I know the project is all hush-hush, but is there anything you can tell me about “Jurassic World”? — George F., Montgomery, Ala.
A: Recently I spoke with James DuMont, who just finished another wonderfully disturbing season of “American Horror Story,” and who also plays a role in the sure-to-be summer blockbuster, which opens June 12. However, things are so hush-hush that he can’t even tell me what role he plays. This is what he could tell me: “I can’t tell you anything about story, plot, my character. I’ve signed all these very heavy-duty nondisclosure agreements up and down the street. But the good news to tell you is that it’s amazing. The cast is amazing. There are so many cool things about this movie. They got it right. Steven Spielberg’s on board. The director, Colin Trevorrow, is amazing. I think it’s going to be a really, really good movie. I’m just excited to be a part of a big movie like this.” Stop by tomorrow to read my entire interview with James.
Q: All last year I read rumors about a “Wet Hot American Summer” sequel, even on your Twitter feed, but I’ve seen neither hide nor hair of it anywhere. Is this really going to happen? — Megan M., via Facebook
A: I have good news for you, and for lovers of this outrageous and brilliant comedy everywhere. There will indeed be a sequel, but not in feature-film form. Netflix, which is quickly becoming my favorite outlet for original programming, has picked it up for an eight-episode limited series. And pretty much all of the film’s original stars will return: Elizabeth Banks, H. Jon Benjamin, Michael Ian Black, Bradley Cooper, Judah Friedlander, Janeane Garofalo, Nina Hellman, Ken Marino, Zak Orth, David Hyde Pierce, Joe LoTruglio, Christopher Meloni, A.D. Miles, Marguerite Moreau, Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, Marisa Ryan, Molly Shannon, Michael Showalter and Kevin Sussman. To say that I am excited about this doesn’t nearly cover the emotions I am feeling about this series. I’m thinking you’re feeling the same way right about now.
Q: I loved your interview with CCH Pounder about “NCIS: New Orleans” a few months back, and I love the show. Will it be back for another season? — Janice T., via email
A: “NCIS: New Orleans,” which is the No. 1 new TV series on broadcast television, has indeed received a second season pickup from CBS. “Madam Secretary,” which is the No. 2 most watched new series, and “Scorpion,” which is No. 3, have both also received a second season.
Q and A: Week of Jan. 12
“When” is told from the point of view of Maddie, a high school student who, when she looks at someone, sees a series of digits floating just above his or her brow, with the digits representing the date that person will die. She and her mom, struggling to make ends meet, use her talent to make extra money. Things get scary when a woman comes to ask about her sick daughter. While Maddie has good news about her daughter — she’ll get better and live a long life — the woman’s middle son is a another story. His deathdate is within days, he soon goes missing, and the FBI thinks Maddie is involved.
To enter to win an autographed copy of this book — which hits store shelves tomorrow, Jan. 13 — just answer this question: If Maddie could tell you your deathdate, would you want to know? There are four ways to enter (and you can do all four): Send a letter to Cindy Elavsky, KFWS, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475; email letters@cindyelavsky.com; follow me on Twitter (twitter.com/Celebrity_Extra) and tweet your reply to me; and follow my FB fan page and post your answer there.
Q: I thought I had read a while back that a movie about the life of Whitney Houston was going to be made. Is that still happening? — Freesia L., via email
A: It is indeed, and Lifetime is the station that will bring the story of the life of the critically acclaimed songstress whose life was tragically cut short in February 2012. Angela Bassett makes her directorial debut with the Lifetime Original Movie “Whitney,” featuring Yaya DaCosta (“Lee Daniels’ The Butler”) in the lead role, with Arlen Escarpeta (“Final Destination 5”) alongside her as Bobby Brown. The much-anticipated world premiere will be on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. “Whitney” chronicles the headline-making relationship between the iconic singer, actress, producer, and model Whitney Houston and singer and songwriter Bobby Brown, from the time they first met at the very height of their celebrity to their courtship and tumultuous marriage. Throughout it all, difficulties followed the superstar couple while they dealt with the overwhelming rewards and consequences of the fame and fortune created by Houston’s meteoric rise, which would soon overshadow them both.
Q: Is it true the J.K. Rowling’s latest book series is going to be turned into a movie? — Hal R., Albany, NY
A: Not a movie, Hal, but a series. BBC announced last month that they are going to adapt Rowling’s Cormoran Strike novels into a series, beginning with the first book, “The Cuckoo’s Calling.” Rowling will collaborate on the project in conjunction with BBC and Brontë Film and TV. Brontë Film and TV is also producing Rowling’s “The Casual Vacancy” adaptation, a three-part series that will air on BBC One in this February. There’s no word yet when either series will be available in the U.S., but I’m hoping they’ve worked out some sort of deal with PBS (or another station), where we get to see it here across the Pond a few months later that the Brits.
Q: When will “The Walking Dead” return from winter hiatus? I am going through serious withdrawals here! — Larry E., Orlando, Fla.
A: You’ll have to wait just a little bit longer, Larry. Season five continues on Feb. 8 on AMC. Series star Andrew Lincoln told “TV Guide” that this half of the season contains two episodes that are probably his favorite since the pilot episode. Sounds great to me!
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| Chris Pratt as Johnny Karate |
A: “Parks and Rec” will be back for a 13-episode seventh (and final) season tomorrow, Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. ET. The season begins in the year 2017, with the town of Pawnee not quite the same as when we left it in 2014. Chris Pratt’s fun-loving and dim-witted character of Andy stars in a Johnny Karate TV show (see pic on left); Leslie and Ben have toddler triplets; and Tom is a mogul of some sort. Jon Hamm, Rashida Jones, Rob Lowe, Megan Mullally and Natalie Morales will all pop up during the show’s final season.
Q: I keep hearing great things about the FX series “Fargo,” but I don’t have cable. Is it out on DVD, or is there another way I can watch it? — Frannie D., Springfield, Ill.
A: Season one of this wonderful FX drama/suspense series — which just won the Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television — stars Billy Bob Thornton (who also won for Best Actor), Colin Hanks, Allison Tolman and Martin Freeman, and is now available on DVD. And Hulu recently announced that it has acquired the streaming rights for the series. No exact date has been announced, only that we should be on the lookout for it ahead of the series’ season two premiere this fall on FX.
Q and A: Week of Oct. 14
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| Ed Weeks |
A: The slim and fit Ed Weeks did not have to pack on the pounds to play stress-eating Reed. The British actor wears padding to simulate his character’s weight gain. Since it’s a comedy, I suppose it’s OK that he didn’t get all Robert De Niro in “Raging Bull” on us for the role.
Q: I was reading somewhere that a cable network is planning to turn the movie “American Psycho” into a TV series. Is this true? If so, how is this even possible? — Tandy W., Bowling Green, Ohio
A: You heard correctly: FX is planning a series based on the violent, bloody, cult-classic comedy/drama that brilliantly spoke of the vanity and excess of the ’80s corporate cutthroat (literally and figuratively) culture. Word has it that the series will pick up in the present time, with crazy corporate killer Patrick Bateman now in his 50s, and he’s grooming an apprentice to be just like him.
Q: Whatever happened to the planned “CHiPs” movie? I’d heard a while back that the series was going to be remade into a feature film. — Danny A., via e-mail
A: Word about the production broke back in 2005, and even as recent as 2010, the project was in development with Warner Brothers to make a “CHiPs” movie, with Wilmer Valerrama attached to star as Ponch. However, the project stalled in the development phase, and no one has seen hide nor hair of it since.
In my opinion, the remake would need to be handled like Ben Stiller did with his “Starsky and Hutch” remake, or else I couldn’t see the concept working. This “CHiPs” stall-out seems to be catching: Seasons one and two of the original cop show have been released on DVD, but there’s no word yet on when season three will come out.
Q: I love “NCIS,” and was looking forward to the spinoff starring Kim Raver. It’s not anywhere on CBS’s schedule. Has it been scrapped? — Pauline F., Harrisburg, Pa.
A: Plans for “NCIS: Red,” which also would have starred John Corbett, have indeed been scrapped. But, don’t worry: If you need more “NCIS,” you’ll be happy to hear about plans for a spinoff set in New Orleans. This spring, CBS will air an episode of “NCIS” that will serve as the jumping-off point for the spinoff, and if all goes well, “NCIS: New Orleans” could very well appear on CBS’s 2014 fall schedule.
If you need more Kim Raver, she’s rumored to be reprising her role of Audrey Raines in this spring’s “24: Live Another Day” on Fox (along with Kiefer Sutherland and Mary Lynn Rajskub).
Q: I absolutely cannot wait until Nov. 22 when “Catching Fire” opens in theaters. Do you have any “Hunger Games” trilogy-related scoops for me? — Nina M., via email
A: I, too, am counting the days until “Catching Fire” opens. And now, with the knowledge of the casting news about the two-part “Mockingjay,” I am counting the days until those movies open, too. It seems that one of my favorite actresses, Julianne Moore, has been cast as President Alma Coin in the “Hunger Games Trilogy” finale. “Mockingjay, Part One” and “Part Two” are scheduled for release in November 2014 and 2015, respectively.
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| Catherine Bell |
A: I recently spoke with “The Good Witch’s Destiny” star Catherine Bell, and she told me all about this latest installment in the family-friendly series, which premieres Saturday, Oct. 26 at 9/8c and re-airs throughout the week. First, the reason she accepted the role: “I had been playing characters completely different from ’The Good Witch,’ and when I saw the script, I saw that this character was more like me than any I’d ever played. So that was appealing. And I was just offered the role; I didn’t have to audition for it. I’d never played anyone like her — I was the tough girl on ’Jag,’ and I was an Army wife, and I love it!”
Catherine gave me a little tease as to what this movie will bring for Cassie Nightingale: “Cassie’s been married for a little while. She’s got the two stepkids. Basically she’s got a birthday coming up, and she wants to get everyone together, but there are some problems brewing. Gwen’s son comes to town, and he’s trouble, and he’s creating some problems. One of my ancestors — who looks just like me and who lived in this small town 100 years ago — is the Gray Lady. She died in a mysterious way, and there are all these weird things happening that are lining up a little too much like the Gray Lady.”
Come back tomorrow to read my entire interview with Catherine.
Q: Is “Anderson Live” coming back? Please don’t tell me it’s been canceled. — Maryanne M., via e-mail
A: I am sorry to report that Anderson Cooper’s daytime talk show was canceled after airing for two seasons. The final show aired at the end of May.
READERS: In more Hallmark Channel news, I just received word that “Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove,” which stars Andie MacDowell, has been renewed for a second season, which will premiere some time in 2014. Hallmark Channel’s first-ever scripted primetime series has been smashing records for the channel since its debut this past July. Andie MacDowell, Dylan Neal, Teryl Rothery, Bruce Boxleitner and Barbara Niven will all return for the second season.
Q and A: Week of Aug. 6
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| Nicole Forester |
A: Kelsey Grammer’s political drama returns for its second sea¬son on Starz starting Friday, Aug. 17, for 13 all-new episodes. (In the week leading up to its premiere, Starz will be re-airing season one, so you can either get caught up on what you missed or refresh your memory.) I spoke with series co-star Nicole Forester, who plays Maggie, ambitious wife of Illinois State Senator Ben Zajac, and she gave me some teasers about what to expect this season.
“What you saw at the end of season one with Ben and Maggie is a good indicator of where they’re going, as far as Maggie taking the reins and doing whatever she has to do to keep her husband in a direction that will result in them going all the way to the Governor’s Mansion,” Nichole said. “This season is totally intense. Even though I’ve read the scripts and I know what’s coming, when I’m at home watching the episodes, I’m going: ‘Holy crap! I can‘t believe it!’ And there’s only going to be more of that in season two. Every episode is just loaded with surprises, and it’s just intense all the way around.”
Q: Can you tell me if “Justified” will be back for another sea¬son, and if so, when? Also, when will season three be out on video? This is my favorite show. — Peggy E., via e-mail
A: The Timothy Olyphant-starring Western crime drama will return to FX for a 13-episode fourth season in the beginning of 2013, although an exact date has not been given yet. If the release of the season three DVD follows in the pattern of the previous two, then it should be released in the weeks leading up to the season four premiere.
Q: I have not seen any information on Alex Trebek since the news of his heart attack in June. Is he out of the hospital? Is he back to taping “Jeopardy”? — Lori Engel, via e-mail
A: Alex’s heart attack, which he suffered June 23 after doing some work around the house, was a mild one. He was released from the hospital after a few days and is doing very well. He even returned to work last month to tape new episodes of “Jeopardy.”
Q: My wife and I have enjoyed watching “Memphis Beat” on TNT for the past couple of years, but we haven’t heard anything about its return. Any news would be appreciated. — David D., via e-mail
A: The crime dramedy starring Jason Lee was canceled by TNT in October 2011 after the show’s second season. The series is not yet available on DVD.
Q and A: Week of Jan. 10
Q: When will my favorite show, “Being Erica,” be back on SoapNet? It seems like it’s been forever! — Nicole S., Sacramento, Calif.A: Erin Karpluk (pictured) and cast will be back for another season of time-traveling psychotherapy on Jan. 26 on SOAPnet at 11 p.m. ET/PT. Erica has graduated to group therapy, which means the introduction of some new cast members (as well as few visits from some familiar faces). When I spoke with Erin recently, I asked her what viewers can expect in the highly anticipated third season.
“It’s the same show, but it seems like we just went deeper into everything, into all of Erica’s different relationships and with her therapy, she said. “This season is about transformations. New characters are introduced. There’s a character, Adam, that’s introduced. I won’t say anything too much about what their relationship is, because Erica and Adam ended up with a very strong connection to each other. A new doctor is introduced, Dr. Arthur.
“Kai returns; Cassidy returns; Erica’s sister, Sam, gets a boyfriend, Lenin. Barb goes through some serious life changes. Erica is mourning the loss of her relationship with Ethan in a very realistic way. And there’s also Erica’s budding business with Julianne. They’re trying to get 50/50 Press up and running, and that will bring a lot of comedy to the show.”
Q: I love the FX show “Justified,” especially its star, Timothy Olyphant. I saw that he guest-starred on a few episodes of “The Office,” which he was great in, but it got me nervous that maybe “Justified” had been canceled. Has it? — Gennifer G., via e-mail
A: Don’t you worry — you’re in for another season of gun slinging when “Justified” returns for its sophomore season on Wednesday, Feb. 9, on FX. Not only will Timothy return as U.S. Deputy Marshal Raylan Givens, we’ll also see some new faces. New cast members include Margo Martindale (“Mercy”), Jeremy Davies (“Lost”), Joseph Lyle Taylor (“100 Centre Street”) and Brad William Henke (“October Road”). They will all play members of the Bennett family, the biggest pot farmers in eastern Kentucky.
Q: Has “Medium” been canceled? — Frankie T., via e-mail
A: The struggling drama starring Patricia Arquette and Jake Weber has indeed been canceled for the second time. The first time was in 2009, when NBC dropped the show from its schedule and CBS picked it up. But CBS recently announced that it had reduced season seven’s episodes from 22 to 13, with the series finale airing on Friday, Jan. 21.
Q: I love the Syfy series “Haven.” Will it be coming back? — Mary D. in Oklahoma
A: Syfy has renewed the supernatural drama series (based on Stephen King’s “The Colorado Kid”) for a second season. The new season begins production in the spring and should start airing this summer (although a solid release date has not been issued).
Q and A: Week of April 26
Q: I thought Conan O’Brien (pictured left) was going to be heading to Fox with his late-night talk show, but now I hear he is going to TBS. Is this true? And is he taking over George Lopez’s timeslot? — Trista W., SeattleA: Conan recently announced that he will indeed be bringing his late-night-hosting duties to TBS. His show will air at 11 p.m., with George Lopez taking on the midnight timeslot with “Lopez Tonight.” However, make no mistake: There is no animosity in this timeslot switcharoo. George is the one who actively courted and pursued Conan to sign with TBS, and he couldn’t be happier that Conan accepted.
“I can’t think of anything better than doing my show with Conan as my lead-in,” George said. “It’s the beginning of a new era in late-night comedy.” With a reported eight-figure deal, as well as allowing Conan to own his own show (which he would not have been able to at Fox), the move to TBS was the most profitable, creativity-wise and monetary-wise.
Q: How is actress Maura Tierney doing in her breast cancer treatment? Will she be back on TV soon? — Greta D., via e-mail
A: Maura’s representative, Christina Papadopolous, said that the 45-year-old actress “has finished treatment and is doing very well, and is happy to move forward with the next phase of her life.” That next phase happens to be returning to the FX network’s action-drama “Rescue Me,” where she’ll return in 2011 for four episodes as Denis Leary’s love interest during the show’s seventh (and final) season.
Q: I was very upset to hear that Dixie Carter had passed away. She was the epitome of grace, beauty and talent. How are her friends and family doing? — Edith D., via e-mail
A: Not surprising, Dixie’s family is heartbroken by her passing on April 10 from complications of endometrial cancer at the age of 70. Husband Hal Holbrook released this statement: “This has been a terrible blow to our family. We would appreciate everyone understanding that this is a private family tragedy.”
Friend and former “Designing Women” co-star Annie Potts told People magazine: “Dixie Carter was a Goddess. The kind of wife and mother that every mother hopes their daughter will become, and the kind of friend that is absolutely irreplaceable. She loved fiercely and was adored in return.”
Q: Is James Van Der Beek getting married again? I’ve heard that he is, but didn’t he just recently get divorced from his first wife? — Ginger F., Port St. Lucie, Fla.
A: While the former “Dawson’s Creek” star hasn’t revealed if there are wedding bells in the future for him and girlfriend Kimberly Brook, I do predict plenty of diapers and pacifiers. James recently revealed via Twitter (the latest go-to forum for celebs to reveal personal, breaking news) that he and Kimberly are expecting their first child later this year.
Maura Tierney to Return to TV
Maura Tierney is returning to television in 2011, after successfully battling breast cancer since August 2009. Maura was originally cast in NBC's Parenthood, but had to bow out when she got word of her illness. She was replaced by Lauren Graham.Maura’s spokesperson, Christina Papadopolous, has confirmed the 45-year-old actress is doing well and will be returning to television. She revealed that Maura “has finished treatment and is doing very well, and is happy to move forward with the next phase of her life.” That next phase happens to be returning to the FX network’s action-drama Rescue Me, where she’ll return for four episodes as Denis Leary’s love interest during the show’s seventh (and final) season.
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