What are you watching this summer?

[Cyclenall]

The Moment of Truth...

I have no words. I am just stunned.

I agree, I can not believe what happened there. Those questions were a lot harder then they were before eariler in the game. I was surprised at the last question asked though, it didn't seem as hard as the 2nd last one but I think as you go into the 200,000 to 1,000,000 amounts, they began to be harder to answer in the way of you knowing whether or not it's true or false.

For Deal or No Deal, the million dollar mission has ended. I didn't see the ending, they didn't win did they? What a laugh that show is, they can't give away a million to save themselves!

[Brent]

The Moment of Truth...

I have no words. I am just stunned.

I agree, I can not believe what happened there. Those questions were a lot harder then they were before eariler in the game. I was surprised at the last question asked though, it didn't seem as hard as the 2nd last one but I think as you go into the 200,000 to 1,000,000 amounts, they began to be harder to answer in the way of you knowing whether or not it's true or false.

For Deal or No Deal, the million dollar mission has ended. I didn't see the ending, they didn't win did they? What a laugh that show is, they can't give away a million to save themselves!

No they didn't win.

MOT... I put the whole thing on YouTube(well the really controversial stuff):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hop-749bxtc

[lurkey]

The writer's strike is officially over .. .

[lurkey]

ABC ANNOUNCES EARLY PICK-UPS OF ALTERNATIVE SERIES FOR 2008-2009 SEASON

Series Returning Include "America's Funniest Home Videos," "Dancing with the Stars," "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "Supernanny" and "Wife Swap"

ABC Entertainment announces early pick-ups of alternative series for next season, including "America's Funniest Home Videos," "Dancing with the Stars," "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "Supernanny" and "Wife Swap."

[lurkey]

OFF-NETWORK VALUE MAY SAVE ABC'S 'JIM,' NBC'S 'SCRUBS'
By The Futon Critic Staff (TFC)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- NBC's "Scrubs" may live on after all, just not on NBC.

TheHollywoodReporter.com made waves last night with a report that ABC is in talks to pick up 18 episodes of its sibling ABC Studios's comedy "Scrubs."

On small problem however - NBC hasn't officially axed the show, despite promoting it as being in its "final season." Because of the way licensing agreements are structured, the Peacock still has "a right of first negotiation and first refusal to extend the series term beyond this season," NBC Entertainment/Universal Media Studios co-chair Marc Graboff told Variety. A similar scenario played out two years ago when "7th Heaven's" swan song on the WB turned into an 11th season on the CW.

So why all the hubbub over a series that doesn't even rank in the top 100 programs on television?

The answer - its syndication value. Sources suggest "Scrubs" and fellow studio-based "According to Jim" are proving to be enough of a cash cow to merit additional seasons, despite their middling broadcast numbers. Off-network runs of "Scrubs" currently air on Comedy Central, WGN and local stations across the country while "Jim" is set to roll out on TBS in 2009 in addition to its current offerings on local stations.

Further supporting the theory - how the number of episodes mentioned in both cases is 18, the minimum amount needed to trigger additional purchases by their respective off-network outlets. In short, the numbers appear to be saying the amount earned from TBS, Comedy Central, WGN and their syndication packages is worth producing another round of "Jim" and "Scrubs."

It's not clear when each deal could be finalized as TheHollywoodReporter.com's report suggests contracts are still being hammered out for the cast, writers and producers to return.

As for their current broadcast runs, "Scrubs" will rejoin NBC's schedule on April 10 while ABC has nine more "Jim's" to go - March 4 and March 11 with the other seven to be announced.

[lurkey]

CW spreads 'Gossip' to second season
By James Hibberd

March 4, 2008

"Gossip Girl"
RELATED: CW downsizes, sheds comedy division

CORRECTED 10:28 a.m. PT March 4
UPDATED 1:51 p.m. PT March 3

The CW has picked up "Gossip Girl" for a second season -- but not "Reaper."

Following ABC's early series renewals last week, the CW announced Monday that it's renewing the soapy teen drama "Gossip Girl." The drama has quickly built a passionate young fan base during its freshman season, if not blockbuster ratings. The series has averaged a 1.2 rating among adults 18-49 and 2.6 million viewers.

The CW is also picking up the eighth run of "Smallville," the fourth season of "Supernatural," the sixth season of "One Tree Hill," a fourth round of "Everybody Hates Chris" and -- for cycles 11 and 12 -- "America's Next Top Model."

Notably absent from the list: the underperforming freshman comedy "Aliens in America" and critically praised supernatural dramedy "Reaper."


In the case of "Reaper," the CW might be waiting to see how the show performs when it returns to air five poststrike original episodes April 22.

The CW declined comment on the fate of the series. The only CW scripted shows considered firmly canceled this season are "Life Is Wild" and "Online Nation."

Last month, the CW declined to renew Friday night wrestling staple "WWE SmackDown"

[Brent]

Say it isn't so! Not really just the prospect of her wanting to leave Grey's Anatomy, but more the indications that success may have gone to Katherine Heigl's beautiful blond head. Yes, the grapevine was abuzz this weekend with news that the recently-married actress is now itching to leave the series that has catapulted her to critical acclaim and enviable stardom.

According to reports, Heigl, who has experienced success at the box office with her comedic motion picture vehicles, Knocked Up and the more recent 27 Dresses, seems bent on pursuing her big screen career now and believes that she may have outgrown television. Now when and where have we heard something similar to that before? Think CSI: Miami's David Caruso when he was the undisputed star of NYPD Blue.

The rumor mill has it that Heigl, who plays Dr. Isobel “Izzie” Stevens on Grey's Anatomy, has allegedly even suggested to the producers of the hit medical drama that they kill off her character in such a manner as to hopefully elicit record ratings.

“Katherine has even suggested to Grey's producers that they kill her character, Dr. Izzie Stevens, in dramatic fashion so her exit could bring in huge ratings,” a friend of the 29-year-old Emmy winning actress reportedly told The Enquirer.

The Grey's Anatomy regular has apparently been swayed by the impressive box office performances of her theatrical releases that she no longer wants to be attached to her small screen persona because she doesn't want to be known simply as just a television star. She is rumored to be keen on focusing on her film career and has even put up a production company with her manager mom, Nancy. According to the same friend who spoke to The Enquirer, Heigl is allegedly swamped with movie offers.

Even if the rumors are true however, exiting Grey's Anatomy won't be easy as pie for Heigl. In fact, leaving the popular show will require a monumental battle for the actress because her contract with ABC and Touchstone has her locked in with the series for another couple of years.

[Brent]

The Peacock is waving the red, white and blue this summer, dubbing its off-season programming strategy "NBC's All-American Summer."

Patriotic theme, derived from two of NBC's summer plays -- "American Gladiators" and "America's Got Talent" -- will spur the build-up to the Olympic Games in August.

Sked also features the new thriller anthology "Fear Itself," frosh entries "The Baby Borrowers" and "Celebrity Circus" and the NBC bow of "Nashville Stars."

Net's summer plans include a mostly original Thursday-night lineup, as well as an all-reality Monday night and nonscripted tentpoles Tuesday and Wednesday nights as well.

Lineup kicks off with the return of "American Gladiators" on Monday, May 12, in a two-hour premiere. The following week, on May 19, the show settles into its 90-minute berth at 8 p.m. On June 9, the revamped "Nashville Star" -- now hosted by Billy Ray Cyrus -- airs from 9:30 to 11 p.m.

On May 22, a new season of the 90-minute competish "Last Comic Standing" joins the Thursday lineup, for one week at 9:30 p.m., before moving to 8 the following Thursday, May 29. Also that night, "Fear Itself" bows at 10.

Wednesdays get a revamp starting June 11, when newcomer "Celebrity Circus" debuts with a two-hour seg, before settling into its regular 9 p.m. hour the following week. On June 25, "The Baby Borrowers" -- originally slated for an in-season run -- joins the Wednesday sked at 8 p.m.

Finally, NBC summer staple "America's Got Talent" returns June 24 at 9 p.m. with a two-hour bow (followed by another two-hour seg the following week). On July 8, the show downsizes to an hour at 9 p.m.

"America's Got Talent" will take a break during the Olympics but returns on Aug. 26 with performance episodes; shows will air at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays starting Aug. 27.

[lurkey]

The Peacock is waving the red, white and blue this summer, dubbing its off-season programming strategy "NBC's All-American Summer."

Patriotic theme, derived from two of NBC's summer plays -- "American Gladiators" and "America's Got Talent" -- will spur the build-up to the Olympic Games in August.

Sked also features the new thriller anthology "Fear Itself," frosh entries "The Baby Borrowers" and "Celebrity Circus" and the NBC bow of "Nashville Stars."

Net's summer plans include a mostly original Thursday-night lineup, as well as an all-reality Monday night and nonscripted tentpoles Tuesday and Wednesday nights as well.

Lineup kicks off with the return of "American Gladiators" on Monday, May 12, in a two-hour premiere. The following week, on May 19, the show settles into its 90-minute berth at 8 p.m. On June 9, the revamped "Nashville Star" -- now hosted by Billy Ray Cyrus -- airs from 9:30 to 11 p.m.

On May 22, a new season of the 90-minute competish "Last Comic Standing" joins the Thursday lineup, for one week at 9:30 p.m., before moving to 8 the following Thursday, May 29. Also that night, "Fear Itself" bows at 10.

Wednesdays get a revamp starting June 11, when newcomer "Celebrity Circus" debuts with a two-hour seg, before settling into its regular 9 p.m. hour the following week. On June 25, "The Baby Borrowers" -- originally slated for an in-season run -- joins the Wednesday sked at 8 p.m.

Finally, NBC summer staple "America's Got Talent" returns June 24 at 9 p.m. with a two-hour bow (followed by another two-hour seg the following week). On July 8, the show downsizes to an hour at 9 p.m.

"America's Got Talent" will take a break during the Olympics but returns on Aug. 26 with performance episodes; shows will air at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays starting Aug. 27.

hmmm, the only thing worth watching is "Fear Itself" and "Nashville Star". I'm not even looking forward to the Olympics.

[RL3AO]

2008 Minnesota High School Boy's Hockey State Tournament. Minnesota's greatest sporting event.

[lurkey]

CBS INTRODUCES TWO NEW DRAMAS FOR SUMMER

Network Opens SWINGTOWN on Thursday, May 29, and Creates a FLASHPOINT in July

CBS will introduce two new dramas this summer, premiering SWINGTOWN on Thursday, May 29 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) and FLASHPOINT in July. [EDITORS NOTE: The premiere date and time period for FLASHPOINT will be announced at a later date.]

SWINGTOWN, from the director of "Big Love" and "Rome," peeks into the shag-carpeted suburban homes of the culturally transformative '70s to find couples reveling in the sexual and social revolution that introduced women's liberation and challenged conventional wisdom. During this heady era of provocative change, Susan and Bruce Miller move their family to an affluent Chicago suburb where they're confronted with personal choices, experimentation and shifting attitudes, all against the backdrop of a changing social climate defined by its unforgettable music, fashion and style.

FLASHPOINT is an emotional journey into the tough, risk-filled lives of a group of cops in the SRU (inspired by Toronto's Emergency Task Force). It's a unit that rescues hostages, busts gangs, defuses bombs, climbs the sides of buildings and talks down suicidal teens. As they race against the clock to determine what brought these people to their respective breaking points, members of this highly skilled team use their training in negotiating, profiling and getting inside the suspect's head to diffuse the situation to try to save lives.

SWINGTOWN is produced by CBS Paramount Network Television. Mike Kelley, Alan Poul and Carol Barbee are executive producers. Jack Davenport ("Pirates of the Caribbean"), Molly Parker ("Deadwood"), Grant Show ("Melrose Place"), Miriam Shor ("The West Wing"), Lana Parrilla ("Boomtown") and Josh Hopkins ("Brothers and Sisters") star.

FLASHPOINT was originally developed by CTV, Canada's largest privately owned English language broadcast network, and Toronto-based Pink Sky Entertainment. For the series, Pink Sky has joined forces with Avamar Entertainment, in association with CBS Paramount Network Television and CTV. The series, which will also be broadcast on CTV, is executive produced by Anne Marie La Traverse, a former executive producer at Alliance Atlantis, and Bill Mustos, former drama chief at CTV. The series was created by Mark Ellis and Stephanie Morgenstern. Enrico Colantoni, Hugh Dillon and David Paetkau star.

[lurkey]

Hollywood braces for possible actors strike

By Steve Gorman

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The final epilogue to the tumultuous writers strike has been written, but Hollywood is bracing for a possible sequel to the costly walkout -- this one starring film and television actors.

While the TV industry has rushed to bring derailed shows back on the air since screenwriters returned to work three weeks ago, the threat of renewed labor unrest by actors in the months ahead has put movie studios in a tenuous situation.

Filmmakers are reluctant to launch any production that cannot be completed before the expiration of the Screen Actors Guild's major film and TV contract on June 30 -- a date being treated as the union's de facto strike deadline.

Continued

[Brent]

Hollywood braces for possible actors strike

By Steve Gorman

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The final epilogue to the tumultuous writers strike has been written, but Hollywood is bracing for a possible sequel to the costly walkout -- this one starring film and television actors.

While the TV industry has rushed to bring derailed shows back on the air since screenwriters returned to work three weeks ago, the threat of renewed labor unrest by actors in the months ahead has put movie studios in a tenuous situation.

Filmmakers are reluctant to launch any production that cannot be completed before the expiration of the Screen Actors Guild's major film and TV contract on June 30 -- a date being treated as the union's de facto strike deadline.

Continued

Lovely happy wonderful joy.

I saw the headline earlier and thought there was something new(bad news) but there doesn't seem to be.

[lurkey]

Lovely happy wonderful joy.

I saw the headline earlier and thought there was something new(bad news) but there doesn't seem to be.

What's not being publicized is the in-fighting at SAG (unless you're still reading Deadline Headline Daily, by Nikki Finke).

let's see:
A-list actors vs. SAG
petition-seekers within SAG seeking to limit who can vote on strike matters vs. SAG
AFRTS vs. SAG (yes, that seems to be still going on)

[Brent]

Fox's "24" will be returning in the fall, after all.

The producers of the Emmy-winning series are developing a two-hour "prequel" to the upcoming seventh season.

The movie, designed to bridge the two-year gap between Seasons 6 and 7, is targeted to air in the fall, leading to the January return of the real-time drama. On Wednesday, "24" producers began securing the show's core cast members for the film.

"24" was one of the biggest casualties of the writers strike. Three days into the work stoppage, Fox decided against airing a partial season of the serialized drama with the eight episodes produced before and during the first weeks of the strike.

Each season of "24" is a closed arc that takes place in real time over a 24-hour period. The upcoming seventh season is set in Washington and features the first female U.S. president, played by Cherry Jones.

At the end of the writers strike, there were rumblings about a possible split of the seventh season into two parts to air in the fall and in midseason. But Fox was quick to put those rumors to rest, reiterating that the show's scheduling pattern will remain intact with a January launch.

The "24" writing team is back at work, with filming on the remaining episodes of the seventh season slated to begin in April. Missing from the writers room is the series co-creator/executive producer Joel Surnow, who left at the end of the strike. Since the fifth season, "24" has been run by exec producer Howard Gordon.

Fox and 20th Century Fox TV, which produces the series with Imagine TV, declined comment Wednesday.

[Brent]

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!

LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- ABC is giving "Duel" a second cycle, this time as a weekly series.

New episodes will air Friday nights at 9:00/8:00c for 10 weeks starting April 4, according to an announcement on the show's official web site.

Contestant Ashlee Register won the show's initial six-night run back in December, which saw her take home an astounding $1.795 million payday.

Gail Berman, Lloyd Braun, Chris Cowan, Jean Michel Michenaud, Charles Duncombe, David Rosconval and Francis Vacher are the executive producers of the series, a co-production of Rocket Science Laboratories, French Television and BermanBraun.

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=7573

[RL3AO]

Sweet. Duel was fun.

[Cyclenall]

I like Duel, but too bad it's on Friday nights. Friday nights have nothing good on usually but that's because people don't watch much on that night, is that correct?

[Miss Mary]

Two brand new "The New Adventures of Old Christine" tonight.

Also, a new Kyle XY!

[Brent]

I like Duel, but too bad it's on Friday nights. Friday nights have nothing good on usually but that's because people don't watch much on that night, is that correct?

The bar is lower on Fridays(the networks wouldn't put a huge hit here), yeah, but right now ABC Friday is a wasteland of low-rated repeats no one watches(frequently loses to The CW even!), Duel should do well enough on this night and certainly a dramatic improvement over now.

The Price is Right and 1 vs. 100 have been successful on Fridays lately.

On another subject:

Suit up, Britney Spears! The pop star is heading back to TV, scoring a guest role on CBS’s How I Met Your Mother, a rep for the show confirms to PEOPLE.

According to TMZ, which first reported the news, Spears’s father and conservator, Jamie, has given his daughter permission to appear on the sitcom since it will not be a long-term or continuous role.

The pop star is no stranger to television comedies: In April 2006, Britney appeared on an episode of NBC’s Will & Grace playing a conservative talk show host alongside Sean Hayes’s flamboyant character, Jack.

Spears and ex Kevin Federline also enjoyed a brief run on TV with their reality show Britney & Kevin: Chaotic.
–Brian Orloff

http://tvwatch.people.com/2008/03/10/br ... ur-mother/