Posted by Dustin on 04.15.2008 at 11:26 am

CBS to Present Nearly 90 Hours of Original Programming, Including Three New Reality Series, Two New Dramas, a Summer Edition of “Big Brother,” Two Mixed Martial Arts Live Events, “The Tony Awards” and a New Chapter in its “AFI’s 100 Years” Series

“Greatest American Dog” (Working Title) Premieres Thursday, July 10, 8:00 PM

“Million Dollar Password,” Hosted By Regis Philbin, Premieres Sunday, June 1, 8:00 PM

“Jingles,” (Working Title) from Executive Producer Mark Burnett, Debuts Sunday, July 27, 9:00 PM

“Big Brother” Returns with Three Weekly Editions Beginning Sunday, July 13

Mixed Martial Arts Comes to Primetime Network Television for the First Time with Two Live Events, Saturday, May 31 and Saturday, July 26

“Swingtown” Premieres Thursday, June 5, 10:00 PM (NEW PREMIERE DATE)

Original Drama Series “Flashpoint” Debuts Friday, July 11, 10:00 PM

“The American Theatre Wing’s 62nd Annual Tony Awards” to be Broadcast Sunday, June 15, 8:00 PM

“AFI’s 10 Top 10″ to Air Tuesday, June 17, 8:00 PM

New Summer Time Periods for “Without a Trace,” “Numb3rs” and “Cold Case”

CBS today unveiled its 2008 summer schedule comprising nearly 90 hours of original programming, including three new reality series (GREATEST AMERICAN DOG, MILLION DOLLAR PASSWORD and JINGLES), two new dramas (SWINGTOWN and FLASHPOINT), summer stalwart BIG BROTHER, two live mixed martial arts events (CBS ELITE XC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS), THE AMERICAN THEATRE WING’S 62ND ANNUAL TONY AWARDS and AFI’s 10 TOP 10.

The summer lineup will also see rebroadcasts of WITHOUT A TRACE, NUMB3RS and COLD CASE moving to new time periods.

Read on for show descriptions and schedules . . . .

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Posted by Dustin on 04.02.2008 at 7:01 pm

NBC has revealed its new 2008-09 line-up a month early instead of during the normal “upfront” week in May. The following is an official press release, detailing the new schedule as well as descriptions of their new shows. Reminder: NBC already renewed a few shows such as “Chuck,” “Life” and “Heroes.”

NBC REVEALS COMPLETE 52-WEEK PROGRAM STRATEGY, EARLIER THAN EVER, THAT GIVES ADVERTISERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE UNIQUE MARKETING SOLUTIONS

STAGGERED LAUNCHES AND PREMIERES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF NBC’S ‘SUPER SEASON’ OF EVENTS INCLUDING THE 2008 BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES AND SUPER BOWL XLIII

WITH ITS EXPANDING COMMITMENT TO YEAR-ROUND ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING, NBC DELIVERS ALMOST TWICE AS MUCH FIRST-RUN ENTERTAINMENT AS THE NETWORK BROADCAST 10 YEARS AGO

FALL, WINTER AND SUMMER SCHEDULES FEATURE NEWCOMERS ‘THE OFFICE’ SPINOFF, ‘MY OWN WORST ENEMY,’ ‘KATH & KIM,’ ‘KNIGHT RIDER’, ‘CRUSOE’, ‘KINGS,’ ‘THE PHILANTHROPIST,’ ‘MERLIN,’ ‘THE LISTENER,’ ‘SHARK TAGGERS,’ AMERICA’S TOUGHEST JOBS,’ ‘CHOPPING BLOCK’ AND MINISERIES ‘THE LAST TEMPLAR’ AND ‘XIII’

RETURNING SERIES FOR NBC’S 2008-09 TELEVISION SEASON INCLUDE THE ACCLAIMED DRAMAS ‘ER’ — IN ITS 15TH AND FINAL SEASON — ‘FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS,’ ‘LIPSTICK JUNGLE’, ‘MEDIUM,’ ‘LAW & ORDER’ AND ‘LAW & ORDER: SVU’

NEW YORK - April 2, 2008 - NBC today unveiled its new Fall lineup for the 2008-09 television season, introducing a schedule earlier than ever that combines some of the most acclaimed and popular returning series on television with four new programs that will join the schedule in the opening weeks of the season, including “Kath & Kim,” “Knight Rider,” “My Own Worst Enemy” and “Crusoe.”

Among the critically hailed series returning to the NBC schedule next season will be “ER,” the most-nominated series in Emmy Award history, returning for its 15th and final season on NBC’s Thursday night lineup, and the acclaimed “Friday Night Lights,” slated to re-join the Friday schedule in February as part of a unique broadcast partnership between NBC and DIRECTV.

Additionally, the most highly anticipated comedy of the upcoming season, “The Office” spinoff, from Executive Producer Greg Daniels, will get the highly coveted premiere timeslot post Super Bowl XLIII following a special original telecast of “The Office.”

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Posted by Dustin on 03.31.2008 at 7:34 pm

ABC released its summer line-up of shows. Reality TV lovers may want to take note that “The Mole” is returning!

ABC ANNOUNCES ITS SUMMER SCHEDULE WITH THE PREMIERE OF EIGHT ORIGINAL SERIES

ABC announces its summer schedule with the premiere of eight original series, including the return of “The Bachelorette” on Monday, May 19 (9:00-11:00 p.m.), following the performance show finale of “Dancing with the Stars”; “The Mole” on Monday, May 26 (10:00-11:00 p.m.); “Wipeout” on Tuesday, June 24 (8:00-9:00 p.m.); “I Survived a Japanese Game Show” on Tuesday, June 24 (9:00-10:00 p.m.); ABC News’ “Hopkins” on Thursday, June 26 (10:00-11:00 p.m.); “Dance Machine” on Friday, June 27 (8:00-9:00 p.m.); “High School Musical: Summer Session” on Sunday, July 20 (8:00-9:00 p.m.); and “Wanna Bet” on Monday, July 21 (9:00-10:00 p.m.).

Keep reading for the show descriptions.
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Posted by Dustin on 03.19.2008 at 7:23 pm

For those BSG fans out there, the saddness that is the upcoming final forth season gets a little brighter with basically an “origins” spin-off.

SCI FI GIVES ‘CAPRICA’ THE GREENLIGHT

Two-Hour Backdoor Pilot for ‘Battlestar Galactica’ Prequel Series To Begin Production this Spring

NEW YORK - March 18, 2008 - As the Peabody and Emmy-winning original series Battlestar Galactica heads into its fourth and final season, SCI FI Channel has greenlit production on Caprica, a two-hour Battlestar backdoor pilot prequel from executive producers Ronald D. Moore and David Eick. Production on Caprica is slated to begin in Vancouver this spring.

“We couldn’t be more excited to see this long-anticipated project get off the ground. It’s an amazing script, and, though clearly inspired by the Battlestar mythology, it is not just a pale spin-off. This is a smart, thought-provoking, emotional, and compelling character drama in its own right,” said Mark Stern, Executive Vice President of Original Programming.

Set 50 years before Battlestar Galactica, Caprica follows two rival families - the Greystones and the Adamas - as they grow, compete, and thrive in the vibrant world of the 12 Colonies. Enmeshed in the burgeoning technology of artificial intelligence and robotics that will eventually lead to the creation of the Cylons, the two houses go toe-to-toe. Caprica will deliver all of the passion, intrigue, political backbiting, family conflict and hardcore action that always leaves Galactica fans begging for more.

“I’m thrilled with the chance to expand on the Galactica world and get deeper into the origins of the story we’ve been telling,” said Moore. “It’s also great to have a chance at doing a completely different kind of science fiction series, one that’s even more character-oriented and doesn’t rely on pyrotechnics to carry the story.”

“While Caprica will have its own personality, it will carry on Battlestar’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre, and we’re thrilled that SCI FI has seen fit to giving us another opportunity to tell character-driven stories in challenging ways,” added Eick.

“We’ve assembled a true dream team to produce this exciting project,” said Universal Media Studios president Katherine Pope. “Building on the brilliance of SCI FI’s Battlestar Galactica, we all know Caprica will be a critical and commercial success.”

Executive produced by Ronald D. Moore and David Eick (Battlestar Galactica) and Remi Aubuchon (24), Caprica is co-written by Moore and Aubuchon, and will be directed by Jeff Reiner (Friday Night Lights). Universal Media Studios will produce.

SCI FI Channel is a television network where “what if” is what’s on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com.com) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 93 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies.

Posted by Dustin on 03.14.2008 at 11:16 am

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 (Date and Time TBA).

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.

Posted by Dustin on 03.13.2008 at 9:29 pm

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that the CW network is developing a spin-off of the old Aaron Spelling hit “Beverly Hills 90210,” which originally aired on Fox.

Rob Thomas, the creator of “Veronica Mars,” is said to be writing the show. Darren Star who was the original creator is also said not to be involved. Darren’s new show is ABC’s “Cashmere Mafia.”

There is no word yet on whether or not any of the original cast would return for the spin-off, should it become a reality. The new version is being billed as a “contemporary” version of the show. Whether it’s a true spin-off, incorporating the old characters and a continuation of the story, or simply a new re-thinking of the classic is unknown.

I fondly remember watching the original, as well as it’s spin-off “Melrose Place.” I gave up on “Beverly Hills” though when Shannan Doherty left the show. I eventually gave up on “Melrose” went most of the original cast had been replaced. Both shows still rerun on select cable stations every now and then such as SoapNet.

If some of the originals could be pulled back in then it might be worth watching. Otherwise for me this might be a miss. I’ve made it the subject of the new poll on the page. Vote and leave your own thoughts.

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 11.06.2007 at 12:22 pm

NBC has announced Justin Bruening (All My Children) is set to star in an upcoming 2 hour movie version of “Knight Rider.” For those who don’t know of the show, it was about a man named Michael Knight who basically played a vigilante hero/spy along with a computerized talking car named Kitt. In this new movie Bruening will play the son of Michael Knight. It’s not known how updated Kitt will actually be, or whether Kitt’s nemesis Car will make an appearance.

Since going off the air, the show has been revived a few times, with the TV movies “Knight Rider 2000″ and “Knight Rider 2010″ as well as a failed series “Team Knight Rider.” It’s unknown, but speculated, should the movie do well that it will serve as a pilot for a new “Knight Rider” show.

Posted by Dustin on 06.18.2007 at 9:37 pm

Source: PR Newswire

NBC has acquired the rights to the Colombian hit “Sin Tetas No Hay Paraiso,” which translates to “Without Breasts, There’s No Paradise.” NBC is planning to put both an English and Spanish version on NBC and Telemundo at the same time!

From what little I’ve read, the show is about a 17 year old flat chested girl who feels if she doesn’t have breasts she won’t make it in life. The show is apparently a huge smash in Colombia, even bigger than their version of “Ugly Betty.”

Posted by Dustin on 05.24.2007 at 1:36 pm

So with “Lost” ending last night, pretty much all the big shows have had their finales. What, if anything, will you be watching this summer?

There are some dramas coming up, such as ABC’s “Traveler” and CW’s “Hidden Palms.” I’m going to give both a try. As I understand, both have at least 8 episodes done, so if they take off the shows may have to order more. Of course both shows were apparently filmed awhile back, this could be tricky if actors have moved on!

As far as summer reality, I’ll be watching “Simple Life” until I get sick of Paris and Nicole. “Big Brother” is always fun. On Bravo there will be “Kathy Griffin’s Life on the D-List,” “Hey Paula!” and “Top Chef.” Also I will be tuning into “America’s Got Talent” as that show was fun.

Near the 2nd half of the summer Bravo will bring on “Project Runway 4″ and Showtime will have “Weeds” and “Dexter” back.

I’ll also be watching some DVDs of “Lost” (to get caught up) as well as “Dirt” and the last half of last season’s “Nip/Tuck.”