Posted by Dustin on 03.06.2008 at 11:37 am

The following is a press release detailing NBC’s summer line-up, mostly reality shows. I have to say “Celebrity Circus” has my interests peaked, only because it looks like a reality version of the old “Circus of the Stars” show, which I loved watching as a kid.

NBC LIGHTS UP SUMMER WITH A BURST OF ORIGINAL PROGRAM PREMIERES AS PART OF ‘NBC’S ALL-AMERICAN SUMMER’

BURBANK, Calif. – March 5, 2008 – NBC to celebrate America, its communities, athletes, songs, heroes, talent and Gladiators all summer long as part of “NBC’s All-American Summer” – the network’s run-up to its exclusive coverage of the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. The network will ignite a late spring and summer of original programming paced by the premieres of series favorites “American Gladiators” (Monday, May 12, 8-10 p.m. ET), “America’s Got Talent” (Tuesday, June 24, 9-11 p.m. ET), “Last Comic Standing” (Thursday, May 22, 9:30-11 p.m. ET) and the network debut of “Nashville Star” with new host Billy Ray Cyrus (Monday, June 9, 9:30-11 p.m. ET).

In addition, NBC will unveil the new suspense and horror anthology series “Fear Itself” on Thursday, May 29, 10-11 p.m. ET, as well as two new alternative series “Celebrity Circus” (Wednesday, June 11, 9-11 p.m. ET) and “The Baby Borrowers” (Wednesday, June 25, 8-9 p.m. ET).

The announcements were made today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.

“NBC’s All-American Summer” will kick off with the return of the high-octane hit “American Gladiators” which will follow its May 12 premiere by settling into its regular day and time on Monday, May 19 (8-9:30 p.m. ET). Likewise, “America’s Got Talent” will follow its June 24 debut with another two-hour episode on Tuesday, July 1 (9-11 p.m. ET) and then subsequently follow with hour-long episodes beginning July 8 (9-10 p.m. ET). The series will take a brief hiatus during the Summer Olympics and return August 26 (performance episodes) and “results shows” will begin starting August 27 (8-9 p.m. ET).

After its two-hour premiere, “Celebrity Circus” will resume in its regular day and time on Wednesday, June 18 (9-10 p.m. ET). Following its May 22 debut, “Last Comic Standing” will settle into its regular day and time on Thursday, May 29 (8:30-10 p.m. ET).

Read on for the show descriptions . . .
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Posted by Dustin on 03.04.2008 at 11:53 am

The following is a PR announcing a 13 week series of horror shorts called “Fear Itself.” I love the horror genre myself, so I’ll give this a try. However on network television, I’m not sure how scary we can get.

NOTED DIRECTORS JOHN LANDIS, DARREN BOUSMAN, RONNY YU SIGNED TO DIRECT ‘FEAR ITSELF,’ NBC’S UPCOMING NEW SUSPENSE AND HORROR ANTHOLOGY SERIES FROM LIONSGATE AND INDUSTRY ENTERTAINMENT

Additional Marquee Directors Signed Include Brad Anderson, Breck Eisner, Mary Harron, Stuart Gordon and Ernest Dickerson

Brandon Routh, Shiri Appleby, Elisabeth Moss, Cynthia Watros, Eric Roberts and John Billingsley Are Cast in Episodes Along with Russell Hornsby, Pablo Schreiber, Stephen Lee, Stephen R. Hart, Jack Noseworthy and Larry Gilliard Jr.

Among Writers Set Are Joe Gangemi, Steve Niles, Dan Knauf, Lem Dobbs, Matt Venne, Richard Chizmar & Johnathon Schaech, Victor Salva, Mick Garris, Drew McWeeny & Scott Swan, Kelly Kennemer and Max Landis

BURBANK, Calif. - March 3, 2008 - A host of provocative directors, actors and writers - including award-winning directors John Landis (”An American Werewolf in London”), Darren Bousman (”Saw II, III and IV”), Ronny Yu (”Freddy vs. Jason,” “Bride of Chucky”), Brad Anderson (”The Machinist”), Breck Eisner (upcoming Universal Pictures film “Creature from the Black Lagoon”), Mary Harron (”American Psycho”), Stuart Gordon (”Re-Animator”) and Ernest Dickerson (NBC’s “Heroes”) - have been signed for NBC’s “Fear Itself,” a new 13-episode suspense and horror anthology series from Lionsgate in association with Industry Entertainment.

Brandon Routh (”Superman Returns”), Shiri Appleby (”Charlie Wilson’s War”), Elisabeth Moss (”Mad Men”), Cynthia Watros (”Lost”), Eric Roberts (NBC’s “Heroes”), John Billingsley (Star Trek: Enterprise”), Russell Hornsby (”Lincoln Heights”), Pablo Schreiber (”The Wire”), Stephen Lee (”Boston Legal”), Stephen R. Hart (”Shoot ‘Em Up”), Jack Noseworthy (”Judging Amy”) and Larry Gilliard Jr. (”The Wire”) are among the sought-after actors who will be portraying various characters in three episodes of the series.

Among the writers set are Joe Gangemi (”Wind Chill,” the novel “Inamorata”), Steve Niles (”30 Days of Night”), Dan Knauf (”Carnivale,” “Supernatural”), Lem Dobbs (”The Score”), Matt Venne (”White Noise 2: The Light”), Richard Chizmar & Johnathon Schaech (”Masters of Horror,” “From a Buick 8″), Victor Salva (”Jeepers Creepers”), Mick Garris (”Riding the Bullet,” “Amazing Stories”), Drew McWeeny & Scott Swan (”Masters of Horror”), Kelly Kennemer (”The Music Within”) and Max Landis (”Masters of Horror”).

The announcement was made today by Teri Weinberg, Executive Vice President, NBC Entertainment. “We’ve teamed up with some of the most illustrious writers, actors and directors to create a distinctive, scare-filled series that will push the boundaries of this classic genre,” said Weinberg. “‘Fear Itself’ will deliver memorable and horrifying moments that will keep fans on the edge of their seats, begging for more on this fun-filled ride of terror.”

“We and our partners at Industry Entertainment couldn’t be happier about NBC’s enthusiastic support of ‘Fear Itself’ and the caliber of artists who have been drawn to the project,” said Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate’s President of Television Programming and Production. “Our goal is to offer audiences a fantastic thrill every week and we’ve certainly got the all-star team to do it.”

Read on for all the descriptions of the episodes
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Posted by Dustin on 02.28.2008 at 10:55 am

This week the Writers Guild of America officially approved of a new contract, which gives them royalties from the sale of TV shows and movies sold on DVD and the internet, one of the major issues surrounding their three month strike. The contract lasts until 2011, so for at least 3 years we won’t be going through this again. Come 2011 though . . . . .

Posted by Dustin on 02.21.2008 at 11:36 am

ABC ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF TELEVISION’S BIGGEST HIT SHOWS
 
Series Returning Include “Boston Legal,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Samantha Who?” and “Ugly Betty”

“Lost” Moves to New Time - Thursday Nights at 10:00 p.m. - Beginning April 24

ABC Entertainment announces the return of television’s biggest hit shows, including “Boston Legal,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Samantha Who?” and “Ugly Betty.”

Return dates and times are as follows:

“Samantha Who?” returns Monday, April 7 (9:30-10:00 p.m., ET) with six original episodes.
 
“Boston Legal” returns Tuesday, April 8 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) with six original episodes.

“Desperate Housewives” returns Sunday, April 13 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) with five original episodes and a special two-hour finale (seven hours total).

“Brothers & Sisters” returns Sunday, April 20 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) with four original episodes.

“Ugly Betty” returns Thursday, April 24 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) with five original episodes.

“Grey’s Anatomy” returns Thursday, April 24 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) with five original episodes.

“Lost” will move to its new 10:00 p.m. time period on Thursday, April 24, with five weeks of original episodes.

“Pushing Daisies,” “Private Practice” and “Dirty Sexy Money” will return next season.

Posted by Dustin on 02.14.2008 at 11:15 am

Two big official press releases from NBC have come out detailing the rest of the line-up for this season, as well as what has been renewed for next season. Alas it looks like we won’t get any new “Heroes” until the fall. Additionally it looks like “Journeyman” AND “Bionic Woman” are both goners. For “Friday Night Lights” fans, again no mention of that show either I’m afraid.

NBC ANNOUNCES BROADCAST RETURN OF SEVERAL SCRIPTED SERIES WITH ORIGINAL EPISODES IN APRIL

Series Include “The Office,” “30 Rock,” “My Name Is Earl,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Scrubs,” “ER” and “Medium”

BURBANK - February 13, 2008 - NBC will resume the broadcast of many of its scripted series in April with new original episodes following the settlement of the Writers Guild of America strike, including “The Office,” “30 Rock,” “My Name Is Earl,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” among other programs, it was announced by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, and Marc Graboff, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.

The list of comedies and dramas includes: “My Name Is Earl” (Thursdays, 8-8:30 p.m. ET), which will return with a one-hour episode on Thursday, April 3; the Emmy Award-winning “30 Rock” (Thursdays, 8:30-9 p.m. ET) will begin on Thursday, April 10; likewise, the Emmy-winning “The Office” (Thursdays, 9-9:30 p.m. ET) also resumes with new episodes on Thursday, April 10; and “Scrubs” (Thursdays, 9:30-10 p.m. ET) will come back with original episodes beginning Thursday, April 10.

“ER” (Thursdays, 10-11 p.m. ET) also will come back on Thursday, April 10 with new episodes following the complete run of “Lipstick Jungle,” which concludes on March 20.

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (Tuesdays, 10-11 p.m. ET) will return with fresh episodes on Tuesday, April 15. “Law & Order” (Wednesdays, 10-11 p.m. ET) resumes with original episodes on Wednesday, April 23. Meanwhile, “Medium” (Mondays, 10-11 p.m. ET) continues in originals.

Specific plans for other NBC scripted series are currently being determined and will be announced later.

The following includes NBC’s new spring broadcast schedule denoting new return dates with original episodes for some of its scripted programs:

Read More »

Posted by Dustin on 02.13.2008 at 2:49 pm

CBS seems to be the first network to release actual dates for the return of their shows. Here is their official release.

CBS ANNOUNCES RETURN OF ORIGINAL EPISODES OF COMEDY AND DRAMA SERIES

SERIES / ANTICIPATED RETURN / EXPECTED # OF NEW EPISODES

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER / March 17 / 9

THE BIG BANG THEORY / March 17 / 9

TWO AND A HALF MEN / March 17 / 9

CSI: MIAMI / March 24 / 8

COLD CASE / March 30 / 5

CRIMINAL MINDS / April 2 / 7

CSI: NY / April 2 / 7

CSI / April 3 / 6

WITHOUT A TRACE / April 3 / 6

GHOST WHISPERER / April 4 / 6

NUMB3RS / April 4 / 6

NCIS / April 8 / 7

MOONLIGHT / April 11 / 4

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT / April 14 / 6

SHARK / TBA / 4

* THE UNIT, CANE and SHARK are on previously announced hiatus to accommodate the mid-season launches of BIG BROTHER, JERICHO and DEXTER.

**The drama series SWINGTOWN, which hasn’t been scheduled yet, will also resume production

Posted by Dustin on 02.11.2008 at 11:04 pm

The Knight Rider movie debuts this weekend. I plan to watch it, but am still not sure how I feel about this. They are saying if it brings in raitings for NBC it will possibly be a new show for the fall.

VAL KILMER ASSUMES ROLE AS VOICE OF KITT — AMERICA’S FAVORITE TALKING CAR — IN NBC’S ‘KNIGHT RIDER’ MOVIE EVENT ON FEBRUARY 17

BURBANK, Calif. - February 8, 2008 - Val Kilmer (”Comanche Moon,” “Batman Forever,” “The Doors”) will assume the role of the voice of KITT — America’s favorite talking car — in NBC’s “Knight Rider” movie of the week which revs up on Sunday, February 17 (9-11 p.m. ET).

Kilmer will play the role of KITT after actor Will Arnett had to withdraw from the role due to a conflicting sponsorship deal.

“We feel really lucky to have Val Kilmer on board for ‘Knight Rider.’ Val’s voice has truly elevated the character of KITT and brought a whole new level of excitement to this project for us. He completely gets the fun that can be had in the relationship between a guy and his car, it’s just a perfect fit for the show,” expressed executive producer David Bartis.

After his breakthrough performance in the hit feature film “Top Gun,” Kilmer starred in several more blockbusters covering a variety of genres, including “Batman Forever,” “The Doors” (as Jim Morrison), “Tombstone” and the animated “The Prince of Egypt.” Among Kilmer’s many other films are “True Romance,” “Heat,” “The Saint,” “Red Planet,” “Wonderland,” “Willow,” “Pollock” and “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.”

“Knight Rider,” the iconic 1980s television classic, is kicked into overdrive with an all-new cast and a modern day KITT. The two-hour movie event stars Justin Bruening, Deanna Russo, Sydney Tamiia Poitier and Bruce Davison. In addition, David Hasselhoff — who starred in the popular lead role as Michael Knight for four seasons during the original series’ run — returns in this sequel as the same character during a special guest appearance. As the original story resumes in this sequel, KITT is absolutely the coolest car ever created: its supercomputer capable of hacking almost any system; its weapons systems efficient; and its body — thanks to its creator’s work and nanotechnology — is capable of actually shifting shape and color. Plus, its artificial intelligence makes it the ideal crime-fighting partner: logical, precise and possessing infinite knowledge. It is the ultimate car and someone will be willing to do anything to obtain it.

NBC’s partnership with Ford Motor Company provides for a unique content opportunity that makes the Ford Mustang one of the stars of the movie. The three cars to be employed in the series include the KITT Hero — a Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 KR that is playing the part of the everyday Hero car with 540 horsepower; the KITT Attack — a super high-speed version of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 KR Hero car that transforms into Attack mode with the help of air-ride technology and specialized body parts — and a KITT Remote, which is a driverless Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 KR version of the Hero vehicle.

David Bartis (”Heist,” “The O.C.”) and Doug Liman (”Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” “The Bourne Identity”) serve as executive producers. David Andron is supervising producer and writer. Steve Shill (”Dexter,” “The Tudors”), also a co-executive producer, directs the two-hour movie from Universal Media Studios and Dutch Oven Productions.

Posted by Dustin on 02.11.2008 at 10:18 pm

UNDERSCORING THE STRENGTH OF ITS FALL SCHEDULE, ABC ENTERTAINMENT PICKS UP NINE SERIES FOR NEXT SEASON

Pickups Return Fall’s Most Successful Series: “Brothers & Sisters,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Private Practice,” “Pushing Daisies,” “Samantha Who?” and “Ugly Betty” Receive Pickups for ‘08-’09 Season

Today ABC Entertainment announced pickups for nine of its most popular shows, returning broadcast television’s most successful fall series. ABC Entertainment ordered episodes of “Brothers & Sisters,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Private Practice,” “Pushing Daisies,” “Samantha Who?” and “Ugly Betty.”

“The strength of our schedule this fall was unprecedented and speaks for itself,” said Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment. “We’re looking forward to building on that success.”

On average during Fall 2007 (10 complete weeks: 9/24-12/2/07), ABC was the No. 1 network among Adults 18-49 (3.9/10), delivering the top position in the key young adult sales demo on 7 of the first 10 weeks of the season and ranking No. 1 during the November Sweep for the third consecutive year. In addition, ABC claimed eight of the Top 20 highest-rated TV shows among young adults during the fall, including five of the Top 10 freshman series.

Show descriptions in the press release follow . . .

Read More »

Posted by Dustin on 02.10.2008 at 7:50 pm

Good news! The WGA board members in LA and in New York have approved of the new contract they’ve been given, are going to hold a vote among members to finally end the strike and will be asking members to vote to end it! A vote is set to be held Tuesday to call off the strike, and a vote approving the new contract to follow later.

Source: Yahoo/AP

Posted by Dustin on 02.04.2008 at 6:39 pm

Ausiello over at TV Guide is reporting that ABC shows like “Grey’s,” “Housewives” and “Brothers and Sisters” could be reporting back to work for filming in early March, should the writers strike finally come to an end. Shows which ABC picked up for a full season, such as “Dirty Sexy Money” would not return this season, but would in the fall. The same strategy of what shows will return now verses next season would probably follow on the other networks.

Keep you fingers crossed folks!