Showing posts with label TBS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TBS. Show all posts
Q and A: Week of Oct. 1
A: As we saw in the season-two finale, Gillian Anderson’s character, Dr. Bedelia du Maurier, was more than just Hannibal Lector’s psychologist — she’s his getaway buddy (possibly lover?). Executive producer Bryan Fuller confirmed that Gillian has been bumped up from a recurring character to series regular. He also teased that when the show returns in 2015, it will be one year after Hannibal and Bedelia jetted off to Europe (after the bloodbath that he caused at his house), and that the show will feel like “a pilot for a new series starring Mads Mikkelsen and Gillian Anderson.”
Bryan Fuller told TVLine.com: “The cast and crew of ‘Hannibal’ are positively giddy to be welcoming Gillian to season three as a series regular. A striking presence on stage and screen, she brings wit, grace and intelligence to every role she embodies. Screenwriting is so much easier when you’re inspired by a great actor, and Gillian has filled the ‘Hannibal’ writers room with wonderful inspiration. I can’t wait for audiences to see her make a bigger meal out of ‘the Cannibal’ than ever before.”
Q: “Banshee” is my all-time favorite TV series that airs on Cinemax. I’ve watched seasons one and two several times, and have bought the DVDs for both seasons. Can you please tell me when season three will return? — John F., Palm Springs, Calif.
A: “Banshee” will return for a new season in early 2015. The series — which is executive-produced by one of my favorite authors, Jonathan Tropper, and one of my favorite screenwriters, Alan Ball — centers on Lucas Hood, an ex-con and master thief who tracks down Carrie Hopewell, his former lover and partner in crime, who is now the wife of the Banshee, Pa., prosecutor. Lucas becomes Banshee’s sheriff and continues his criminal activities, even though he’s being hunted by the criminals he betrayed years earlier.
A bit of a spoiler for you: Jonathan Tropper revealed that while Proctor still will be an important nemesis for Lucas, Chayton will be back in a big way. Also, Dennis O’Hare, whom I loved on “True Blood,” will guest-star on one episode.
Q: Will “Cougar Town” be back for another season? — Carly T., via email
A: The Cul-de-Sac Crew will return to TBS for its sixth and final season in early 2015. SPOILER ALERT: Brian Van Holt, who plays the hilariously dim-witted Bobby Cobb, will be leaving the series early, with his final appearance in the season-six opener.
Q: I was happy to read in your column that “Beauty and the Beast” would be returning, but I haven’t seen it on the CW’s fall schedule. — Tina R., via email
A: The cop drama/romance/fantasy series will return for a third season as a midseason show, which means sometime in early to spring 2015.
A: It has indeed been made into a movie, now retitled “The Wedding Planner Mystery,” and it will premiere on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 9/8c. The show stars Erica Durance (“Smallville”), Brandon Beemer (“Days of Our Lives”) and Andrew Walker (“When Calls the Heart”). I spoke with Brandon recently, and he told me about working on the film and with Hallmark and with the lovely and talented Erica Durance.
“I’ve always heard that Hallmark was a great, great network to work for. They run a tight ship. They know exactly what they want, and they know exactly what they are doing. I read the script, and I thought it was pretty fun, and it was good. I also loved the fact that I’d be working in Vancouver. I’ve never been to Vancouver. I was very grateful. So I went to Vancouver and had one of the best times shooting a project that I’ve probably ever had. The people were so great. And Vancouver was so awesome.”
Q: I just got caught up on season one of HBO’s “True Detective,” and I wondered if you could give me any scoop about season two. — Kyle L., via email
A: I can tell you that Colin Farrell and Vince Vaughn have signed on to star in next season’s hit HBO series, which is rumored to be about the “bloody murder of a corrupt city businessman found dead the night before a major transportation deal.” It will involve three police officers from different cities working together. There is no casting news yet on who will play the third police officer, who is said to be a female character.
Q: Can you give me any info about the latest 007 movie? Is it still happening? — Paul T., via email
A: The 24th James Bond film is indeed happening, Paul, with actors Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris returning, along with director Sam Mendes. They start shooting in December, with an anticipated fall 2015 release date. Sam confirmed that the latest film with be the second of a two-part project, meaning it will be a continuation of “Skyfall.”
READERS: I have some exciting book-to-series news for you. Hulu announced that it has ordered a nine-hour series adaptation of Stephen King’s 2011 bestseller “11/22/63,” a thriller in which high-school English teacher Jake Epping travels back in time to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The series is being developed by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions. Of this latest project, Stephen King said: “If I ever wrote a book that cries out for long-form, event-TV programming, ’11/22/63’ is it. I’m excited that it’s going to happen, and am looking forward to working with J.J. Abrams and the whole Bad Robot team.”
Q and A: Week of Sept. 2
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| Rebecca Wisocky as Evelyn Powell on Lifetime's Devious Maids |
A: I am also obsessed with the show, so I am happy to report that Lifetime has renewed “Devious Maids” — the network’s fastest-growing drama ever — for an even more devious second season. The Marc Cherry/Eva Longoria-produced mystery/comedy/serial drama, inspired by the hit telenovela “Ellas Son la Alegria del Hogar,” will have a 13-episode second season in 2014. And along those lines, read on:
Q: So far, my favorite new show of 2013 is “Devious Maids.” Can you give me any clues as to what to expect for the rest of the season, especially for my favorite character, Evelyn Powell? — Kimberly T., St. Louis, Mo.
A: You’re not alone, Kimberly. The Lifetime network show is breaking records and taking names; since its debut in June, each week has seen a steady increase in viewers, myself being one of them. And I also can’t get enough of Evelyn Powell, and especially her scenes with husband Adrian. That’s due in no small part to the fabulous writing and the breathtaking acting by Rebecca Wisocky and Thomas Irwin.
I spoke with Rebecca recently about all things “Maids” (and a little about her stint on another fave of mine, “True Blood”) and she had lots to say. About what to expect for the season finale: “A lot of things come to a head between her and Adrian. I will say that the season opens with a great big chaotic, glamorous party at the Powell house, of which there are many. And the season also closes with a big, large, gorgeous, chaotic party at the Powell house. And equally dramatic things transpire.
“There are a lot of things going on; by the end of the season, the question, ‘Who killed Flora?’ will be answered. But 10 more questions will rear their heads in its place. And pretty significant questions, actually. There are a lot of things in the balance.”
As for Evelyn’s future in season two, Rebecca is content to leave everything in Marc Cherry’s very capable hands: “I’m sure Marc probably has a lot of ideas. I imagine that I’ll hear some of them soon. And from my perspective, whatever he writes for me is going to be gold. I think he has a love for this character, and I’m very grateful for that. Whatever direction he decides to go, I’m on board.”
Check back tomorrow for my FULL interview with Rebecca.
Q: Is it true that Courteney Cox is dating her on-screen love, Josh Hopkins, in real life? — Janie P., via e-mail
A: The 49-year-old star of “Cougar Town” — which has been renewed by TBS for a fifth season — IS dating one of her co-stars, however, it isn’t Josh. Courteney and Brian Van Holt (who plays her ex-husband, Bobby) are the real-life couple. In fact, they recently vacationed with Courteney’s daughter (with ex-husband David Arquette), Coco, in Cancun, Mexico. They had to cut their vacation short, however, when Courteney fell and broke her wrist, leading them all to head back to the States so she could be treated by her own physician.
Q: I read somewhere that “A Young Doctor’s Notebook,” starring Jon Hamm and Daniel Radcliffe, has been renewed for a second season, however, I am not sure where to find the first season. The show looks incredibly interesting, so I’d like to get caught up. — Patrick S., via e-mail
A: You’re in luck, Patrick, because Ovation has acquired the first season of “The Young Doctor’s Notebook,” and will begin airing it in October. Based on Russian writer and playwright Mikhail Bulgakov's book, “A Young Doctor's Notebook” is a darkly humorous account of the turbulent experiences of a newly graduated young doctor (Daniel Radcliffe), artfully told through the eyes of his older, opiate-addicted self (Jon Hamm). The young doctor lands a post at a small hospital in a remote village during the Russian Revolution, where the patients, staff and extreme medical maladies cause him to doubt his own competence.
Q: I loved John Stamos on “Glee,” and wondered where else I can see him now that his run on that show is done. — Patty R., Omaha, Neb.
A: The 50-year-old actor/musician/singer/songwriter co-stars as Connor McClane on USA’s “Necessary Roughness,” which just wrapped its third season at the end of August. He also stars in the Yahoo! Screen (screen.yahoo.com) original show “Losing It with John Stamos.” From executive producers Morgan Spurlock (“Super Size Me”) and John Stamos, the show takes a hilarious look back at celebrities’ first times. With the help of some artistic re-imagining, viewers learn that the entertainers we know and love lived the same awkward, embarrassing years we all did. Featured guests include Michael Ian Black, Alan Cumming, Olivia Munn, Michael Rapaport, Bob Saget, Matt Stone, Casey Wilson and more.
Q and A: Week of July 9
Q: Was there, or will there be, a 98 Degrees reunion this summer? — Dawn D., Canton, Ohio A: While the former bandmates would love to perform together again, it ain’t happening just yet. I spoke with Jeff Timmons recently, and he told me: “There was a tour set up for the summer, but not everybody was on board with it in the end. I was very excited to do it, but it just didn’t fit what everybody wanted to do, so we called it off. We decided when it’s a better opportunity for everyone, we’d decide collectively as a group that we’ll do it then.”
In the meantime, Jeff is heating up the already-hot Vegas scene with his new show, “Wired,” which is free at Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino. Performing Fridays and Saturdays all summer, Jeff describes it as “the party before the party. You drink, have a good time, listen to us perform classic and current R&B, pop, my stuff, 98 Degrees stuff, and then go out to the club and hear a DJ spin it afterward.”
Jeff promises surprise guests who will sing with him, but you’ll have to come out there to see who. “That’s part of the element of surprise. Who’s going to be there next? We have a couple of people who we know are coming in July when they’re going to be in town, but most of it’s going to be spontaneous.”
Check back later this week to read my entire interview with Jeff.
Q: I keep hearing rumors about a “Dumb and Dumber” sequel with Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. Is this true? — Greg F., via e-mail
A: Jim and Jeff were all set to start filming the purposely grammatically incorrect “Dumb and Dumber To” this September, when Jim bowed out due to conflicts with New Line and Warner Brothers studios. “Entertainment Tonight” reported that Jim “grew increasingly frustrated by New Line and Warner Brothers, which he felt showed a lack of enthusiasm regarding the project.” When asked if the project would go on without Jim, Jeff replied: “No, nobody’s doing it without Jim.”
Q: Will there be another “Mad Max” sequel? — Jeremy T., Springfield, Mo.
A: After a two-year delay, Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy are prepping to film “Mad Max: Fury Road” this summer. Charlize even shaved her golden locks into a buzzcut for her character, Furiosa, opposite Tom’s Max (aka The Road Warrior).
Q: A while back, you mentioned a sitcom by Vince Vaughn that would be on TBS. Has that aired yet? — Daniel F., via e-mail
A: “Sullivan and Son,” which was executive-produced by Vince, premieres Thursday, July 19, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on TBS. The show centers on Steve Sullivan, a successful attorney from New York, who brings his girlfriend for a visit as his father and mother are preparing to sell the family bar to retire. Steve realizes he wants to return to the old neighborhood and take over Sullivan and Son.
Q and A: Week of May 28
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| Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, photo by Matthew Rolston |
A: Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander will return for their third season as Det. Jane Rizzoli and Dr. Maura Isles, respectively, on Tuesday, June 5, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The highly rated TNT series will air 15 all-new episodes. And if you need to catch up on seasons one and two — or just refresh your memory — both are now available on DVD for your viewing pleasure.
Q: I signed that petition you mentioned in a previous column to help keep “A Gifted Man” on the air, and I was wondering if it helped? Will CBS renew it? —Bonnie A., Norfolk, Va.
A: Sometimes online petitions work (“Friday Night Lights,” “Jericho” and “Chuck” were saved from early cancelation by rabid Internet campaigns), and sometimes they don’t. In the case of “A Gifted Man,” it didn’t; CBS decided not to renew the drama for a second season. Also on CBS’s chopping block: “CSI: Miami,” “Rob,” “Unforgettable” and “NYC 22.”
Q: Can you tell me what Ving Rhames is doing now? I haven’t seen him in anything in a while. — Derek L., via e-mail
A: Ving is all set to star in the new David E. Kelley medical drama that is slated to premiere on TNT in summer 2013. The series, called “Monday Mornings,” is based on the book by neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanja Gupta, M.D. The show is set in the fictional Chelsea General Hospital in Portland, Ore., and Ving plays the hospital’s trauma chief. It also stars Alfred Molina, Jennifer Finnegan and Bill Irwin.
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| (L-R: Busy Phillips, Christa Miller, Josh Hopkins, Courteney Cox, Brian Van Holt, Robert Clendenin, Ian Gomez; photo by Eric McCandless, ABC) |
A: While it’s true that ABC has opted not to renew “Cougar Town” for a fourth season, Courteney Cox and gang will indeed be back for a new season — TBS has picked up the series and will begin airing new episodes in early 2013. As of now, it’s assumed that all cast members will be making the move with the show to TBS. However, Dan Byrd had already booked a role on the new untitled Louis CK sitcom pilot, and Josh Hopkins was set to star in NBC’s “Lady Friends.” Both shows will have to recast now that “Cougar Town” is going forward.
(Note: Don't miss tonight's season finale. The show wraps up the season with two back-to-back episodes starting at 8/7c. In "Your World," Part 2, fed up with the lack of privacy, Grayson convinces Jules to elope to Napa ... but then the cul-de-sac crew happily tags along. In this episode, David Arquette guest stars as a hotel concierge who'll go to great (and possibly illegal) lengths to help the wine wedding go off without a hitch.)
“Cougar Town” is the latest project to join TBS’s growing slate of original series. In July, TBS will launch “Sullivan and Son,” a new sitcom starring comedian Steve Byrne and executive-produced by Vince Vaughn, Peter Billingsley and Rob Long. This year also will include the debut of “Wedding Band,” a new scripted comedy series starring Brian Austin Green, Harold Perrineau, Peter Cambor, Derek Miller, Melora Hardin, Jenny Wade and Kathryn Fiore.
Q and A: Week of May 14
Q: My husband said he read somewhere that Breckin Meyer is leaving “Franklin & Bash” because he has a new comedy on TBS. Please tell me that isn’t true. — Kellie K., via e-mailA: The only part that is true is that Breckin does indeed have a new comedy called “Men at Work” on TBS, which premieres Thursday, May 25, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The multicamera comedy, which Breckin created, writes and executive produces, stars Danny Masterson, James Lesure, Michael Cassidy and Adam Busch. Breckin told me a bit about his new show when we spoke the other day: “Honestly, it’s a show based on my life and the embarrassing relationships I’ve had. It’s about four guys who are all at different stages of their lives relationship-wise, and they have each other’s backs. It’s based on me and my friends.”
As for Breckin making a cameo, he played coy: “I don’t know — we’ll see. There might be an Alfred Hitchcock-like walkthrough. Hopefully we’ll have some better guest stars than just me.”
Speaking of guest stars, as “Franklin & Bash” gears up for its second season — premiering Tuesday, June 5, on TNT — Breckin revealed: “We have an unbelievable line of guest stars this season. Sean Astin plays a superhero. Seth Green and Eric Mabius come on as the ‘Bizarro’ Franklin and Bash. Cybill Shepherd guest-stars. And we actually get to meet Mark Paul Gosselaar’s mom this time around, who’s played by Jane Seymour.”
Check back next week for my full interview with Breckin about the new season of "Franklin & Bash" and his new show, "Men at Work."
Q: When will my favorite show, “Rookie Blue,” be returning for another season? Please say it hasn’t been canceled! — Olaf D., St. Paul, Minn.
A: “Rookie Blue” will indeed be back for its third season on Thursday, May 24, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Now entering their third year on the job, our five rookie cops have learned to overcome the sophomore curse — knowing a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Having seen the premiere episode, I can tell you that it is indeed one that fans won’t want to miss!
Q: I love everything that the talented Sarah Chalke does. When will she get her own show? — Jason R., via e-mail
A: Sarah is slated to star in the new ABC comedy called “How to Live with Your Parents for the Rest of Your Life,” in which Brad Garrett and Elizabeth Perkins play the aforementioned parents. Sarah plays Polly, a recently divorced single mom who moves in with her eccentric parents, Elaine and Max. The show is set to premiere this fall.
Q: I am hooked on “Once Upon a Time.” Will it be back for a second season? — David T., St. Louis
A: While the official word will come from ABC tomorrow, you can bet the farm that the top-rated drama series, which has smashed viewing records each week, definitely will be back for another season.
Q and A: Week of Feb. 20
Q: I’m hooked on Fox’s “Alcatraz” — thanks for recommending it! It’s what I’ve been missing since “Lost” concluded its run. Do you see the similarities? -? Donovan B., via e-mailA: I certainly do, and I’m not the only one. But the prison drama/fantasy series also is drawing comparisons to another “mythology” series. When I spoke with “Alcatraz” star Jeffrey Pierce, who plays anti-hero Jack Sylvane, he told me: “‘Alcatraz’ is sort of a hybrid between the procedural and the mythology of something like ‘Lost.’ Even the guys who die in 2012 while they are being captured, they’re still alive between 1960 and 1962, when the prisoners start to disappear. If the writers keep this sort of storytelling, where they can travel to the past and also focus on getting prisoners out, caught and on to the next, the story expands out like a cone.
“My wife and I have been watching ‘The X-Files’ on Netflix, and the mythology was the backbone of that show. It was explored maybe one out of every five episodes, but they were able to create this incredible mosaic with the Smoking Man, the Alien Bounty Hunter, and Scully’s cancer and pregnancy, but that takes place over many seasons. The key to ‘Alcatraz’ is having patience and letting the story reveal itself. Just enjoy the ride as it unfolds.”
Check back later this week to read my entire interview with Jeffrey.
Q: Over the summer, I saw clips and a promo for a forthcoming new “Dallas.” I watched for it in the fall line-up, and nothing. Then again for the midseason line-up, and nothing. Will this new “Dallas” be a series? — Henry S., Venice, Fla.
A: You and I are both excited for this new series, which will debut this summer on TNT. The 10-episode series stars “Dallas” originals Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, Steve Kanaly and Charlene Tilton, and will introduce Josh Henderson (as John Ross), Jesse Metcalfe (as Christopher), Brenda Strong (as Bobby’s new wife, Ann) and Jordana Brewster.
Q: Do the contestants who appear on shows like “Dancing with the Stars,” “Survivor” and “Amazing Race” get paid? I say they all do, but my friend says only the winners get money. Who is right? — B.G. in Punta Gorda
A: You are correct. Contestants on these reality/competition shows do get paid for their time, of course, and the further they make it on the show (for the most part), the more they get paid. Hope you won a nice dinner for being correct!
Q: Are there any plans to release Frank Caliendo’s sketch-comedy show, “Frank TV” on DVD? — Steven K., The Villages, Fla.
A: “Frank TV,” which aired for two seasons on TBS from 2007-08, is not on DVD yet, and there is no official word as to when/if it will be. In the meantime, you can get your fill of Frank and his hilarious impersonations with his stand-up comedy DVD, “All Over the Place.”
Q and A: Week of Nov. 29
Q: I am glad to see Tim Meadows back on television in TBS’s “Glory Daze.” Now that Conan O’Brien, Tim’s fellow “Saturday Night Live” alumnus, is also on TBS, is there any chance he will guest-star on the show? — Ralph T., via e-mailA: Tim Meadows’ new one-hour TBS comedy will boast a variety of comedic guest stars this season, but as of now, Conan is not one of them. However, the show is only one degree of separation away from the late-night king.
Tim revealed: “We did have Andy Richter (guest star). He did an episode on the show where he plays a priest, an adviser to one of the students. And it’s a really, really funny scene. And we have a lot of other guest appearances by other comedic actors that I think people are going to be very happy about.” You can catch “Glory Daze” Tuesdays on TBS.
Q: Now that “FlashForward” is over, where else can I get my Joseph Fiennes fix? I miss watching him on a weekly basis. — Jenny A. in Texas
A: You and me both, Jenny. This spring, Joseph will star in the Starz original fantasy-drama “Camelot,” which tells the story of a teenage King Arthur (played by “The Twilight Saga”’s Jamie Campbell Bower), with Joseph playing the part of Merlin. The 10-part period drama also co-stars Claire Forlani (”Meet Joe Black”) and Eva Green (”Casino Royale”). If the series does well, it could run for multiple seasons.
Q: I collect “All in the Family” DVDs, and they seem to have stopped at Season 6. It has been a long time since they’ve put a new one out, and I wondered if and when they were planning to? — Clint K., via e-mail
A: Just in time for the holidays, “All in the Family” Season 7, which originally aired from September 1976 to March 1977, is now on store shelves. This season of the groundbreaking series — starring Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers — deals with infidelity, surgery, unemployment, life-saving CPR, draft-dodgers and accidental arson. You won’t have nearly as long a wait for Season 8, as it’s scheduled to be released Jan. 11, 2011.
Q: What is the meaning of MTAC, the upstairs room with the big screen and worldwide communications on “NCIS”? – Ron S., via e-mail
A: MTAC is short for the United States Department of the Navy’s Multiple Threat Alert Center. After the bombing of the USS Cole in October 2000, as well as the terrorist events of 9/11, the Navy Antiterrorist Alert Center (ATAC) was transformed in 2002 into the MTAC. According to the Navy’s official website, “The Department of the Navy’s Multiple Threat Alert Center (MTAC) provides indications and warning for a wide range of threats to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and assets around the world.”
Q: One of my all-time favorite actresses is the beautiful and talented Jacqueline Bisset. What is she up to lately, and what can I see her in next? — Paula F., Tulsa, Okla.A: You can catch the international superstar, who turned 66 in September, in the Hallmark Channel’s “An Old-Fashioned Christmas,” which premieres on Saturday, Dec. 11. It is the sequel to Hallmark’s highest-rated film of 2008, “An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving,” an original movie based on a short story by famed American novelist Louisa May Alcott. In this sequel, Jacqueline reprises her role as Isabella Crawford, a wealthy philanthropist traveling the world with her granddaughter, Tilly.
Of revisiting the role in the new movie, Jacqueline told me: “It’s a journey. My controlling character is having difficulty keeping Tilly in line for what I think is best for her. Isabella has good instincts about her granddaughter, but she is controlling and interfering, and she feels that is her responsibility. We are very close, but she also has seen the other side of me, which can be very suffocating. Life is complicated; relationships are complicated.”
Q: I know that “Friday Night Lights” started on DirecTV in October, and I wondered if there are plans to bring it back to NBC again in the new year, as in years past? — Eva, via e-mail
A: NBC will indeed be airing the fifth and final season in 2011, after the show ends on DirecTV’s The 101 Network, as per its agreement with DirecTV. However, an exact date has not been announced as of this writing. In the meantime, you can reacquaint yourself with the show on NBC’s website, which is streaming season-four episodes online until June 2011.
Q: The summer series “The Glades” on A&E was a great show with good plots and characters. Will this show be returning anytime soon? — Barbara E., via e-mail
A: “The Glades,” the first season of which premiered on July 11 and ended on Oct. 3, drew record ratings for A&E in the range of 3.6 million viewers, making it the most watched original drama series in the network’s history. As of the now the date is still unknown, but the show has been renewed for a second season.
Q: I could not agree more with your statement that the networks don’t give new shows a chance. I was furious when Fox canceled “Lone Star” after only two episodes. It was different, well-written and had great actors. Instead, we end up with more of the same, lame shows. — Donna W., via e-mail
A: I know, Donna, I know. If our squeaky wheel is loud enough, maybe the networks will listen. These days it seems a safer bet to take a chance on a cable network’s new show — e.g., the aforementioned “The Glades” — as cable networks tend to nurture their new shows, not cut and run at the first sign of trouble like network TV.
Conan's Show Zero
Following the extremely successful Live Coco Cam — a 24-hour look behind-the-scenes at the Conan offices — Conan O'Brien is letting his fans in on the ultimate warm-up for his new TBS show. Conan will host Show Zero on Monday, Nov. 1, at 11 p.m. (ET)/ 8 p.m. (PT). Show Zero will be triple-simulcast, streaming on TeamCoco.com, YouTube.com and Facebook.com. Show Zero will feature celebrity guests, elements of “The Basic Cable Band,” and Andy Richter as they help Conan warm up for the main event.Show Zero will originate from the Conaco Production offices at Warner Bros. studios in Burbank.
Conan premieres on TBS Monday, Nov. 8, at 11 p.m. (ET/PT).
Just Announced: Conan's First Week of Guests
Conan O’Brien will begin his run on TBS with some of the biggest names in entertainment and music beginning Monday, Nov. 8, at 11 p.m. (ET/PT). The premiere night of Conan from Stage 15 at Warner Bros. Studios will feature Seth Rogen and a musical performance from Jack White.
The rest of Conan’s premiere week will feature a lineup of special guests, rare performances and some of Conan's longtime friends:
· Monday, Nov. 8 – First Guest Poll winner, Seth Rogen and musical guest Jack White
· Tuesday, Nov. 9 – Tom Hanks, Jack McBrayer and musical guest Soundgarden
· Wednesday, Nov. 10 – Jon Hamm, Charlyne Yi and musical guest Fistful of Mercy
· Thursday, Nov. 11 – Michael Cera, Julie Bowen and comedian Jon Dore
The rest of Conan’s premiere week will feature a lineup of special guests, rare performances and some of Conan's longtime friends:
· Monday, Nov. 8 – First Guest Poll winner, Seth Rogen and musical guest Jack White
· Tuesday, Nov. 9 – Tom Hanks, Jack McBrayer and musical guest Soundgarden
· Wednesday, Nov. 10 – Jon Hamm, Charlyne Yi and musical guest Fistful of Mercy
· Thursday, Nov. 11 – Michael Cera, Julie Bowen and comedian Jon Dore
TBS Upfronts
TBS will expand its programming lineup sharply in 2010 and 2011. Conan O'Brien's new late-night show will debut Nov. 8. He will be followed by LOPEZ TONIGHT, the hit late-night show starring George Lopez that debuted in 2009. TBS's lineup also includes the original series MY BOYS, ARE WE THERE YET? and the new animated series NEIGHBORS FROM HELL.In addition, TBS has acquired exclusive cable rights to the CBS series THE BIG BANG THEORY, beginning in fall 2011. TBS has also greenlit the original series GLORY DAZE (working title), a 1980s-set comedy that centers on four buddies who navigate college life and pledge a fraternity. The ensemble cast includes Tim Meadows and is from TBS Productions, Warner Horizon Television and executive producers Walt Becker (Van Wilder) and Michael LeSieur (You, Me and Dupree).
TBS has these one-hour scripted series in development:
THE WEDDING BAND - The writing team of Josh Lobis and Darin Moiselle (South Park) and executive producer Mike Tollin (Wild Hogs, Smallville) introduce a fresh comedy that centers on four friends. Some are married and some are single, all with day jobs and responsibilities, but they share one thing in common: They are in a wedding band. THE WEDDING BAND comes to TBS from FremantleMedia.
THE RABBIT FACTORY - From executive producer/writer Alan Loeb (Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, New Amsterdam), executive producer Steven Pearl (The Beast) and Lionsgate Television, this series follows the detective team of Mike Lomax and Terry Biggs, two characters from the book series by Marshall Karp. Recently widowed Lomax and recently married Biggs work to protect and serve, navigating the daily challenges of their jobs while tackling their personal lives.
THE CATCH - Executive producer/writer Vic Levin (Mad About You) and executive producer Chris Albrecht focus on a widower who re-enters the world of dating, only to learn that he is quite the catch.
TBS has these animated series in development:
GOOD AND EVEL - Olive Productions (Stanley Tucci, Steve Buscemi and Wren Arthur), Gotham Group (Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Lee Stollman), Lionsgate Television and executive producer/writer Glenn Eichler (The Colbert Report, Beavis & Butt-Head) introduce the ultimate dysfunctional family. Voiced by acclaimed actors Tucci (Julie & Julia, The Lovely Bones) and Buscemi (Fargo, Boardwalk Empire), the show centers on Jack Good, a moral, upstanding family man, and his nefarious twin brother, Bo Evel, a rebel and drunk who's been in and out of prison.
THE BLACK FAMILY - Executive producer/writer Ali LeRoi (Everybody Hates Chris, TBS's Are We There Yet?); executive producer/artist Todd Goldman; executive producers Keenan Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans (Scary Movie, White Chicks, Little Man); and executive producer Rick Alvarez (Dance Flick) introduce a blended interracial family, the Blacks.
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.
Conan O’Brien Joins TBS
(Press release from TBS)Comedy icon Conan O’Brien is joining TBS to host a late-night talk show that is expected to debut in November. The EmmyÒ-winning comedian’s new program will be followed by Lopez Tonight, which will shift to a midnight time slot.
(See more here.)
O’Brien began talks in earnest with TBS just last week, after George Lopez personally called him to ask that he consider joining the network’s late-night line-up. “I can’t think of anything better than doing my show with Conan as my lead-in,” Lopez said. “It’s the beginning of a new era in late-night comedy.”
Said O’Brien: “In three months I’ve gone from network television to Twitter to performing live in theaters, and now I’m headed to basic cable. My plan is working perfectly.”
O’Brien and Lopez will give TBS a dynamic lineup in late-night television. TBS – which has built a programming slate that appeals to a young, diverse audience – expects O’Brien to be a long-term addition to the network’s late-night landscape. O’Brien will host his hour-long, yet-to-be-titled show Mondays through Thursdays at 11 p.m. (ET/PT).
“Conan has been the comedic voice for a generation. TBS already has a huge audience of young comedy lovers, and Conan’s show will give these fans even more reasons to watch our network,” said Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks.
With the addition of O’Brien’s show, TBS will establish two hours of late-night talk. Lopez Tonight, while just a few months old, has already become a destination show for a diverse audience. The Lopez Tonight audience is young as well, with a median age of just 34.
“For decades, late-night TV has been dominated by broadcast television,” Koonin said. “Now, with a young audience and a growing late-night lineup, TBS is set to be the choice of comedy fans for years to come.”
O’Brien is well-known from his many years in comedy. He grew up in a large, Irish Catholic family in a suburb of Boston. His love of comedy began at an early age and carried on when he entered Harvard University, where he earned a degree in history. During his years at Harvard, he also wrote for the legendary Harvard Lampoon publication, eventually serving as its president.
After leaving Harvard, O’Brien went to Los Angeles, where he found several writing jobs for television, including HBO’s Not Necessarily the News. After returning to the East Coast, O’Brien joined the writing team at Saturday Night Live, earning his first Emmy in 1989. He was writing for the hit show The Simpsons when Lorne Michaels approached him about a new late-night series for NBC. In 1993, Late Night with Conan O’Brien launched. The show ran for 16 years, ending when O’Brien briefly took over The Tonight Show.
O’Brien is currently touring the United States and Canada with his live show, Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour.
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