Q and A: Week of Feb. 2

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Q and A: Week of Feb. 2

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 — 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.

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. 5

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 5

Q: I was so surprised that Daniel was killed in the winter finale of “Revenge.” Is he really dead? And when will the show return? I can’t wait! — Pamela F., via email

A: I was as shocked as you were by the death of the good-boy-turned-bad-turned-good-again Daniel Grayson. “Revenge” returned last night to ABC for all new episodes. [SPOILER] And if you watched, then you know he really is dead, and we got to see the reactions to Daniel’s death of our favorite folks in the Hamptons, including Daniel’s mom, Victoria (played by Madeleine Stowe) and his newly pregnant girlfriend, Margaux LaMarshal (Karine Vanasse). The word “revenge” is definitely going to be taken to all new heights. And although the character is indeed dead, Joshua Bowman reprised his role last night for flashback scenes. (I also was thrilled to see Henry Czerny reprise his role of Conrad Grayson in those flashback scenes during the winter finale, weren’t you?)

Q: I know that “Parenthood” ends after this season, but I didn’t know it was so soon. I haven’t seen a new episode since November. It can’t be over already, can it? — Jeremy T., via email

A: It’s almost over, but not quite. The show went on winter hiatus — that’s the new fad these days, don’t you know? — but it will return on Jan. 8 at 10 p.m. ET on NBC for its final four episodes.

Q: I was really into the ABC show called “Selfie,” but I think it was canceled. Is there any chance to see the remaining episodes? — Gina R., via email

A: ABC and Hulu have partnered to air the remaining six episodes of the low-rated comedy starring Karen Gillan and John Cho. By the time you read this, they all should be available for viewing at hulu.com and abc.go.com.

Q: I am in serious “House of Cards” withdrawal! When will it be back? — Tillie F., Atlanta, Ga.

A: The critically acclaimed original Netflix political drama — starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright — will be return for its third season on Feb. 27. At that time, all 13 episodes will be available for streaming.

Q and A: Week of June 9

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Q and A: Week of June 9

Q: Can you tell me what I can see Ben McKenzie in next? I loved him on “Southland,” and I really miss that series. — Hallie F., via email

A: Ben returns to series television this fall when he stars in Fox’s “Gotham,” which is a prequel series to the “Batman” movies. Ben plays a young James Gordon — the police official whom “Batman” fans know as an eventual ally to Bruce Wayne/Batman. The cast also includes Donal Logue, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Mazouz, Robin Lord Taylor, Camren Bicondova, Erin Richards, Sean Pertwee, Zabryna Guevara and Cory Michael Smith. The series’ executive producers are Bruno Heller (“The Mentalist”), Danny Cannon (the “CSI” franchise and “Nikita”) and John Stephens (“Gossip Girl” and “The O.C.”). Judging by the teaser trailer online, this is definitely something I’m going to watch.

Q: I had heard awhile back that Robert De Niro was going to star in an HBO drama series, but I haven’t seen anything about it since. Do you know if that’s still going to happen? — Donnie F., via email

A: Well, it is and it isn’t. The series is still happening, but Robert won’t be involved. “Criminal Justice,” a seven-hour miniseries based on BBC’s 2008 Peter Moffat drama of the same name, was supposed to star James Gandolfini. When James passed away in last June (after having already filmed the pilot), Robert was tapped to star in his place. However, Robert had to pull out due to a scheduling conflict, so John Turturro has stepped in to play the lead, Jack Stone, an unscrupulous New York City lawyer who defends a Pakistani man (Riz Ahmed) accused of murder.

Q: I keep hearing rumors that a new “Star Wars” will be coming to theaters. Is that true, or is it going to be a TV series? — Freddie T., Omaha, Neb.

A: This past year’s worst-kept secret in Hollywood was verified on April 29 when director J.J. Abrams posted a picture on starwars.com of the first table read for the feature film “Star Wars: Episode VII.” Cast members include Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, Andy Serkis, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega and Adam Driver. Of the movie, J.J. said in a statement: “It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. Everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud.” Fans don’t have to wait too long to see the much-anticipated film: Its scheduled premiere date is Dec. 18, 2015.

Q: Can you tell me if “Almost Human” will be back for another season? — John J., via email

A: Fox opted not to renew the sci-fi crime drama set in 2048, which centered on John Kennex (played by Karl Urban) and his android police partner, Dorian (played by Michael Ealy). The show had been gaining in the ratings race in recent weeks, however, there are too many new powerhouse drama series (like the aforementioned “Gotham”) that Fox has ordered to series that there just wasn’t room for “Almost Human.”

Q: Years ago, I used to watch “Project Greenlight” on HBO, and I really enjoyed it. Is it true that HBO is bringing the series back? Are Matt and Ben involved?— George S. in Kentucky

A: After being off the air for more than a decade, HBO has opted to bring back Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s filmmaker competition series for a third season. Ben revealed of the 2001/2003 series in a press statement: “‘Project Greenlight’ was ahead of its time. Now that technology has caught up to the concept, we thought it was a perfect time to bring it back. It is great having ‘Project Greenlight’ back at HBO.”

Q: Could you tell me when Longmire is coming back? — Terry and Pat V., via email

A: A and E’s highest-rated original drama of all time returned for a 10-episode third season this past June 2 at 10/9c. I recently spoke with series star, Cassidy Freeman (who plays Cady Longmire), and she gave me a little hint as to what to expect this season: “The first season of the show really set up who these character are. We got into the rhythm of having a crime every week or every two weeks, and then last season I felt like we started to see things happen to each of these characters, and the proverbial sh!t hit the fan. Last season’s tagline was: ‘A storm is coming.’ And now this season, the storm has come, and you’ll see how people deal with the wreckage. There’s going to be a lot of change. How do they put their lives back together? How do they fight to keep what they love?”

And speaking of love, will Cady and Branch continue to explore their on-again/off-again relationship? “Absolutely. It’s really, really complicated. At this point, it is no longer a don’t-tell-my-dad taboo. Now it’s more about if they really want to be together, and if they are each other’s priority.”

Check back Monday for my full interview with Cassidy.

Q: Is “The Killing” coming back for another season? I know it was canceled last season, and then AMC decided to give it a third season. Has it escaped death again? — Carl T., Seattle

A: In an almost-unprecedented move, “The Killing” has escaped yet another cancelation. This past September, AMC did indeed decide not to renew the crime/mystery drama for a fourth season, and that’s when Netflix stepped up to the plate. Netflix, which has been the series’ exclusive digital partner for all three seasons, will air a six-episode fourth (and final) season, with “The Killing” joining the ranks of superb Netflix original series like “Arrested Development,” “Orange Is the New Black,” “House of Cards” and many more. The complete fourth season of “The Killing” will be available beginning Aug. 1.

Q: Can you tell me if “The Carries Diaries” will return this fall? — Denise G., via email

A: Along with “The Tomorrow People” and “Star-Crossed,” the not-so-great-in-the-ratings “The Carrie Diaries” has been canceled by the CW to make room for new programming. “The Flash,” “iZombie,” “Jane the Virgin,” and “The Messengers” will join the CW’s growing lineup of supernatural and edgy dramas.

Q: I am amazed every week by “Hannibal,” especially the writing and all of the actors. Do you know yet if it’ll be back for another season? — Scott R., via email

A: The dark and brilliant psychological thriller — which stars Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen — will return to NBC for a third season (which is rumored to take place in France), most likely in spring 2015. Come back next week, when I’ll be sharing NBC’s entire 2014-15 schedule (with each networks’ schedules to follow in subsequent weeks).

Q and A: Week of Nov. 7

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Q and A: Week of Nov. 7

Kevin Dillon

Q: I’m writing to inquire about ‘Human Target.’ Is it coming back this fall, or maybe as a midseason replacement? At the end of the program last summer, it said it was the season finale, not the series finale. — Fran N. in Ohio

A: Everyone involved in a show is always hopeful that it will get picked up for another season, hence the wording of ‘season finale’ versus ‘series finale.’ After the second-season finale aired, Fox decided not to renew ‘Human Target’ for a third season. But hey, at least it got to have two seasons.


Even more of this fall’s new shows have been canceled after airing only a few episodes, including the CW’s ‘H8R,’ ABC’s ‘Charlie’s Angels’ (which will air its remaining produced episodes) and CBS’s ‘How to Be a Gentleman,’ starring ‘Entourage’ star Kevin Dillon.


On the critical list are NBC’s ‘Prime Suspect’ and ABC’s ‘Man Up!’ ABC’s ‘Pan Am’ started fairly well, but has been hemorrhaging viewers left and right. However, this seems to be ABC’s darling, so it might get the network support it needs to survive the season.

Q: When will ‘Merlin’ return for another season on Syfy? — Mary D., via Facebook

A: Syfy confirmed at this summer’s San Diego Comic-Con that ‘Merlin’ will return in early 2012 for its fourth season. However as of this writing, no firm date had been set. Also, BBC-One, which produces and airs the show first in the U.K., has approved a fifth season of the popular fantasy, and considering its good ratings on Syfy, there’s a great chance we’ll get a fifth season here as well.

Q: Is ‘Shark Tank’ gone from TV? I loved that show. Will it come back? —Anonymous, via e-mail

A: ‘Shark Tank’ will be back midseason 2012 on ABC for its third season, along with ‘Secret Millionaire,’ which returns for its second season. Producers for the hit entrepreneurial reality show have not yet announced an exact airdate for the season premiere of ‘Shark Tank,’ but if past seasons are any indication, expect it sometime between January and March 2012.

Q: What is going on with Netflix? Is it still going to be around, or is it going to be Qwikster? I am so confused. — Dee Dee T. in Georgia

A: Netflix recently reversed its decision — in a rare move of a big corporation actually listening to its customers! — of having two separate websites/companies for its DVD-mailing service (which was to be Qwikster) versus its streaming service (Netflix). Because customers did not want the hassle of having two separate accounts, movie queues and billing statements if they wanted both mail and streaming DVDs, they voiced their complaints, and Netflix listened. Look for everything at Netflix to remain the same — at least for the time being.