What's On Tonight: 'American Idol,' 'Law and Order: SVU,' 'Ugly Americans'

Posted Mar 17th 2010 12:07PM by Bob Sassone
Filed under: Late Night, Programming, Celebrities, Talk Show, What To Watch Tonight, Reality-Free

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Fox and Conan Getting Closer to a Deal

Posted Mar 17th 2010 12:31PM by Brad Trechak
Filed under: Industry, Programming, OpEd, Celebrities, Pickups and Renewals, Casting, Reality-Free

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No Surprise: PETA Objects to Tyson's Bird Show

The other day when Animal Planet announced 'Taking on Tyson,' a new reality program about former heavyweight boxing champion -- and ex-convict -- Mike Tyson's love for pigeons, you had to be a little skeptical. It's hard to imagine the bruiser having a soft spot in his heart for fowl, but he does.

Well, apparently, the good folks at PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals, are not happy about the show. They aren't doubt Tyson's affection for the birds, but they deem pigeon racing -- and the breeding and caring for the birds -- as cruelty. It's as bad as dog fighting, they say.

Ingrid Newkirk, PETA prez, told PopEater.com, "One wonders whether Mike Tyson - as a self-appointed ambassador of and 'rookie' to pigeon racing - realizes that just as losing racehorses end up in the glue factory, these gentle, loyal birds who race their hearts out in order to get home to their life mates often become lost in storms or have their necks wrung for failing to beat their competitors' time."

It's hard to believe that Animal Planet would get involved in any program that would to anything knowingly harmful to animals. It kind of goes against the entire mission of the channel. But anything with Tyson is likely to court controversy. He is the man who once chewed off part of Evander Holyfield's ear during a prize fight. He's also the guy who was in 'The Hangover' last year and was surprisingly appealing. He's a mass of contradictions.

As for his pigeon prowess, even the guys on 'Pardon the Interruption' -- Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser -- were talking about this new show yesterday and attested to the fact that Tyson loves his pigeons. They'd seen him with them.

'Taking on Tyson' isn't going on the air until 2011, so presumably, they'll work out all the issues by then. PETA may never be happy with the whole idea of having pigeons placed in a competitive arena, but then they're also against all kinds of things that other people enjoy as sport. It's all a matter of perspective.Tags: Animal Planet, AnimalPlanet, cruelty to animals, CrueltyToAnimals, dog fighting, DogFighting, Pardon the Interruption, PardonTheInterruption, PETA, pigeons, protest, Taking On Tyson, TakingOnTyson

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'Seinfeld' Writer and Producer Making a New Show About Steve Jobs

I'm not sure if Apple Computer head Steve Jobs is going to be thrilled about this, but it could be fun. 'Seinfeld,' 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' and 'Borat' writer/director Larry Charles is doing a new TV show for Epix based on the blog that writer Dan Lyons did called The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs (which was later a novel, 'Options: The Secret Life of Steve Jobs'). The new show will be called 'iCon,' which was also the name of a Jobs biography by Jeffrey Young and William Simon.

As a Mac guy, I will definitely watch this. Charles himself says that he is "attempting to do nothing less than a modern 'Citizen Kane.'" (Spoiler: his laptop's name is Rosebud!)

I'm sure this will be a hit with Mac fans and they're probably excited to see a weekly TV show based on their hero (though the character in the show will be "fictional"). I bet a lot of viewers are just surprised that there's a cable channel called "Epix."Tags: apple, dan lyons, icon, larry charles, new shows, not steve jobs, steve jobs

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Tom Selleck to Star in New Show For CBS (But it's Not Jesse Stone)

When I first saw the headline that Tom Selleck was going to star in a new drama for CBS, my mind instantly went to 'Jesse Stone,' the fine series of TV movies based on the books by Robert B. Parker. I think it would make for a great TV series, but alas, this is a completely different show.

Selleck is in talks to play the lead in a new drama for the network that would center on a family of cops in New York. Selleck would play the police chief and other members of his family would include Donnie Wahlberg (playing his son) and Len Cariou (playing his father). The show used to be called 'Reagan's Law' but now they're changing the name.

I'd rather see some Jesse Stone movies (or how about a 'Magnum, P.I.' reunion?), but if it keeps Selleck at CBS that means they'll be more Jesse Stone movies, so that's a good thing.Tags: cbs, donnie wahlberg, jesse stone, len cariou, magnum p.i., new show, tom selleck

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Amy Poehler's Having a Baby, Just Not on 'Parks and Recreation'

Posted Mar 17th 2010 9:23PM by Allison Waldman
Filed under: OpEd, Saturday Night Live, Celebrities, Reality-Free, Parks and Recreation

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'Two and a Half Men' Crew Warned to Keep Quiet

Generally speaking, what happens in the workplace usually is not meant for media consumption. Unless it's a Karen Silkwood situation, employees know that you don't blab about your fellow workers. Except in show business! Apparently, the very idea of working on a set or in the production offices where glamorous stars are toiling is a reason to yap about what you see.

This is especially true when those glittery vessels of acting have questionable personal lives that have already been selling ad space in newspapers, magazines and web sites. This is all a preface to the report filed by TMZ.com that the 'Two and a Half Men' team have been told to keep quiet about Charlie Sheen.

Production crew, cast and studio personnel have been warned that if anyone leaks stories to the press or gossips innocently with a neighbor who has the 800 number for the National Enquirer or takes a picture with a cell phone that shows Charlie conferring with his sober coach between set ups ... that individual will be fired.

Whether TMZ has the information right, whether someone would really be canned, who knows? But don't you think the people who make a living based on the success of 'Two and a Half Men' know enough to remain silent. Perhaps some of them are even loyal to Charlie and would respect the fact that he's struggling right now and needs some support from his peers. At the end of the day of work, Charlie -- who was accompanied by a sober coach -- returned to the rehab facility.

So, what do you think? What if a co-worker at your business came back from a leave of absence -- and you knew it was something serious -- would you gossip about it knowing that it might jeopardize your employment? Would you do it for money? Or would you respect that person's privacy and let him/her work it out on their own?Tags: 2010, CBS, Charlie Sheen, CharlieSheen, Hollywood, Jon Cryer, JonCryer, office, production, rehab, set, silence, sober coach, SoberCoach, TMZ.com, two and a half men, TwoAndAHalfMen, WB

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Oprah Being Sued for Defamation

Larato Mzamane, the former headmistress for Oprah Winfrey's South Africa-based Leadership Academy of Girls, is suing the billionaire talk show host for defamation and casting her in a false light. Now she must face the wrath of Oprah.

What is most interesting about the article is that even the judge acknowledges that Oprah's incredible popularity contributed to the veracity of the prosecutor's claims. If Oprah potentially falsely criticized Mzamane's job performance but wasn't a household name, it wouldn't be that big a deal.

It's a bit like Oprah's Book Club. If Oprah didn't like your book, then you better not quit your day job. Similarly, if Oprah criticized you at your job, you'd better find another job. In that regard, the logic behind the judge's decision is understandable. And while Oprah likely has an army of lawyers at her beck and call, Mzamane can no doubt find a couple of legal sharks that want a piece of Oprah's net worth.Tags: defamation, Larato Mzamane, lawsuit, Oprah Winfrey, OprahWinfrey, school, South Africa, SouthAfrica

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Would You Watch Conan's Show at 7PM?

All this talk about Conan O'Brien signing a deal with FOX has overshadowed another possibility for Coco: the coveted... 7PM slot?

TheWrap.com is reporting that Conan has actually been approached by two companies about having a syndicated show earlier in the evening. Debmar Mercury (the Tyler Perry sitcoms) and CBS Television Distribution. While it seems that a late night show on FOX would be the more probable scenario, this at least makes things a little more interesting. Could be an interesting alternative to sitcom reruns and 'Inside Edition.'

When Would You Like To See Conan's Show?

Late nightEarly evening, around 7pmNeither. I watch other late night shows. Besides, I'm not giving up Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.VoteTags: 7pm, coco, conan obrien, debmar mercury, fox, jay leno, nbc, syndication, tonight show

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What's On Tonight: 'FlashForward,' 'The Office,' 'Archer'

Posted Mar 18th 2010 12:04PM by Bob Sassone
Filed under: Late Night, Programming, Celebrities, Talk Show, What To Watch Tonight, Reality-Free

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Barry Manilow Would Love To Hear His Songs on 'Glee'

Believe it or not, Barry Manilow did not write the songs the whole world sings. He didn't even write that one. 'I Write the Songs' was composed by Bruce Johnston, which Barry readily admits whenever the subject comes up -- it's even in his Las Vegas concert show. However, Barry Manilow does have a huge catalog of songs that he has made famous, whether as a writer or singer. Therefore, why wouldn't he want Fox's 'Glee' to use his music for an episode? If it's good enough for Madonna, why not Barry?

Well, Barry thinks it's a great idea and did something about it. Ryan Seacrest reports that Manilow called him the other day to address rumors that he'll be on 'Glee' -- rumors that were news to me. Barry told Ryan that he hasn't received a phone call from 'Glee' yet, but he's willing. "It would be great."

He's even picked out a song that he would like to hear New Directions, the glee club on the show, sing. "I would love them do to 'One Voice.' That's the only thing I'd love to hear them do, but if they want to do my catalog, oh, I'd be right there." 'One Voice' is a great choice, too. It's basically a chorus piece and very relevant for the show.

Considering the amount of hits Manilow's produced, the 'Glee' crew could mine some gems. 'Ready to Take A Chance Again,' 'Can't Smile Without You,' 'Mandy,' 'Looks Like We Made It,' 'Bandstand,' 'Weekend in New England,' 'Copacabana,' 'Could It Be the Magic,' 'This One's For You,' 'Tryin' to Get the Feeling Again,' 'I Made It Through the Rain," et al. The guy's done a lot of songs!

Barry Manilow's no fool, by the way. While the royalties for hearing his songs on 'Glee' would be a good amount, the exposure of his music and the mention of his name -- let alone a guest appearance -- would sell CDs like crazy. You'd be surprised how many people discover old music when these legends reappear, or their songs do, later in another medium.

There was a story on the 'CBS Sunday Morning' show about Wayne Newton last week. Newton's first big hit, 'Danke Schoen,' is still making him money. It was first recorded in 1963, but it still turns up in movies and TV shows. How's that for the gift that keeps on giving!Tags: ASCAP, Barry Manilow, BarryManilow, Glee, I Write the Songs, IWriteTheSongs, music, royalties, Ryan Murphy, Ryan Seacrest, RyanMurphy, RyanSeacrest, songs

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'Burn Notice' Adding New Villain to Cast

If 'Burn Notice' keeps adding cast members at the rate it has been doing lately, the cast will be as large as the one on 'Lost.' First we reported that Coby Bell had been added to the cast in a regular role as a spy that comes in contact with Michael Westen and sticks around Miami, and now Michael Ausiello says that the show is also getting a new villain to go up against Michael (Westen, not Ausiello).

Robert Wisdom is joining the cast as bad guy Vaughn, described as "a veteran spy handler" and "ruthless." If the name sounds familiar to you it's because Wisdom has had roles in 'The Wire,' 'Supernatural,' and 'Prison Break.'

Some people aren't happy when new cast members come on their favorite show, because it messes up the dynamic. But the core of 'Burn Notice' is still Michael, Sam, Fiona, and Madeline and I don't think new story arcs will affect that.Tags: burn notice, coby bell, new cast member on burn notice, robert wisdom, usa network, villain

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Mia Maestro Eyes 'Cutthroat'

Mia Maestro, formerly of the television show 'Alias,' has been cast in the new ABC television show 'Cutthroat.' The show is about a Beverly Hills widow and soccer mom who doubles as a drug cartel leader. Yes, ABC will be broadcasting their own version of 'Weeds.'

Seriously, the creator of 'Weeds' should consider litigation for copyright infringement. However, there will likely be enough differences between this program and 'Weeds' for any judge to dismiss it. For example, Mary-Louise Parker's character seemed more an "accidental" drug dealer due to circumstances whereas the description of 'Cutthroat' insinuates that Mia Maestro's character is quite intentional in her career choice. There is even a third series on television with a similar theme, AMC's 'Breaking Bad.'

Copycat programming is no stranger to television and has been around for a long time. The biggest example in my mind is 'The Addams Family' and 'The Munsters.' What other programs have been out there that have been copies of one another?Tags: ABC, Alias, Breaking Bad, BreakingBad, Cutthroat, Mia Maestro, MiaMaestro, Weeds

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'Daniel Boone,' 'Davy Crockett' Star Fess Parker Dead at 85

There might be only a certain age group that remembers the TV shows 'Daniel Boone' and 'Davy Crockett' (part of 'Disneyland'), two shows that were really popular with kids in the 50s (it was a long time before video games and Facebook). The star of those two shows, Fess Parker, has died at the age of 85 in California.

Parker had a rather successful run in the movies too, appearing in such classics as 'Old Yeller,' 'The Kid From Left Field,' and the killer ants flick 'Them!,' which still freaks me out today. A lot of the films/shows that Parker appeared in were Disney films. He also starred in the short-lived TV version of 'Mr. Smith Goes To Washington' and episodes of 'Burke's Law' and 'The Alfred Hitchcock Hour.'

For the past several years, Parker had his own winery and wine label and hotel in Santa Barbara. After the jump, the theme songs to 'Davy Crockett' and 'Daniel Boone.'

Tags: daniel boone, davy crockett, fess parker, old yeller, them, wine

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Beau Bridges Joins 'Rockford Files'

It's rare when you hear about a casting and just say to yourself, "Oh, perfect." Well, that happened today. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Beau Bridges is going to be Dermot Mulroney's father on NBC's new 'The Rockford Files.' It's not just that Bridges, older brother of Oscar winner Jeff Bridges, is a terrific actor; he's really right for the role.

In the original 'Rockford Files,' Noah Berry, Jr. played Rocky, Jim's father, who served as both Jim's buddy and foil. They hung out together and understood each other. Rocky had been a truck driver and had a no-nonsense, clear vision of things.

He'd give Jim advice or just voice his opinion, often in a wry way. Presumably in NBC's version, which 'House' creator David Shore is overseeing and also involves 'The Office's' Steve Carell as executive producer, Beau Bridges as Rocky will be the same kind of guy.

This 'Rockford' has swiftly climbed to a project of major interest. Mulroney and Bridges are definitely reason to give the show a try, as is Alan Tudyk as Becker, Rockford's reluctant friend in the L.A.P.D.

Considering NBC's sorrowful state of hour dramas, 'The Rockford Files' has to be in the number one position. The pilot would have to be a pile of rocks for it not to get a go. That's not likely to happen with the talent attached, especially Shore. If 'House' has proven anything, it's that David Shore knows how to write characters with character, as opposed to characters stuck in situations. That's exactly what Jim Rockford needs to be.

By the way, did you know that Beau Bridges is actually Lloyd Bridges III? He was named after his father, star of 'Sea Hunt,' Lloyd Bridges. Gotta loves that Bridges family! Oh, and Beau's a three-time Emmy winner, too.Tags: 2010, Alan Tudyk, AlanTudyk, Beau Bridges, BeauBridges, David Shore, DavidShore, Dermot Mulroney, DermotMulroney, NBC, Noah Berry Jr., NoahBerryJr., Rocky, The Rockford Files, TheRockfordFiles

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'Glee' Cast to Appear on 'Oprah'

Posted Mar 19th 2010 11:09AM by Allison Waldman
Filed under: OpEd, Daytime, Music and Variety, Celebrities, Talk Show, Reality-Free, Glee

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Skeet Ulrich Back for Another CBS Pilot

Before everyone gets too excited, no, this isn't 'Return To Jericho,' so please hold your nuts (wait, that didn't come out right ...). But Skeet Ulrich has signed on to the pilot for a new CBS medical drama produced by John Wells.

Yeah, I know, yet another medical drama. It seems we have a lot every pilot season (and every fall season). CBS' 'Three Rivers' died rather quickly and 'Miami Medical' hasn't even premiered yet (it starts in April) and now we're hearing about this one. Maybe CBS likes to have replacement medical dramas on the shelf in case one happens to fail in the ratings.

I think every network has to have at least one medical show on their schedule every season. TV law. At least this one sounds a little bit different than one based at one particular hospital. It's about a team of medical pros who go around the country in a mobile unit and help people.

How about a show where a team of doctors treat patients over the Internet? Sure, a TV show about people looking at a computer screen for an hour sounds boring, but you can have them sit in different chairs each week.Tags: cbs, drama pilot, er, jericho, john wells, medical drama, skeet ulrich

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Paula Abdul Says No to 'Star Search'

Just a few days ago Allison told you about Paula Abdul's possible new job as host of ABC's updated version of 'Star Search.' Alas, it looks like we're not going to be able to see her on it after all. The former 'American Idol' star has said no to the gig.

I never really saw her as the host of the show anyway, did you? I mean, we got a kick out of the way she acted as a judge on 'American Idol,' all loopy and confused and weary, but being the host of a show is a completely different thing. Though it would have fun to see her try it for a while. I also wonder if there's a place for 'Star Search' in this age of 'Idol,' 'America's Got Talent,' 'So You Think You Can Dance?' and the coming American version of Cowell's 'The X Factor.'

Maybe Cowell and his team have convinced Abdul to be a judge on 'The X Factor.' That way it can be 'American Idol 2.'Tags: american idol, paula abdul, star search

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What's On Tonight: 'Who Do You Think You Are,' 'iCarly,' 'Ricky Gervais Show'

Posted Mar 19th 2010 12:41PM by Bob Sassone
Filed under: Late Night, Programming, Celebrities, Talk Show, What To Watch Tonight, Reality-Free

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Will Rosie Return to Daytime in Oprah's Place?

With Oprah leaving the daytime talk show circuit, networks are scrambling to find someone to fill the gap. One possibility is a return of Rosie O'Donnell to the daytime talk-show circuit. For those who are unaware, Rosie had an Emmy-winning talk show for a little while and then had a controversial run on 'The View.'

While both are famous on the daytime circuit, this is not exactly an apples-for-apples exchange. Oprah is known for being sympathetic and humble, despite her billions. Rosie is big, blustery, confrontational and not afraid to give her opinion. She's a bit like the Howard Stern of daytime talk-show hosts.

On the other hand, that could just be what the industry needs. If they tried to get an Oprah clone, people would criticize that the networks weren't imaginative. On the other hand, if Rosie got Donald Trump as a guest, it would be a ratings bonanza.Tags: daytime talk shows, DaytimeTalkShows, Oprah Winfrey, OprahWinfrey, Rosie ODonnell, RosieOdonnell

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What's On Tonight: 'MTV Spring Break,' 'Survivors,' 'The Dish'

Here's tonight's TV lineup (all times Eastern).

CBS has NCAA Basketball all night. WE has a 'Golden Girls' marathon all night. At 7, Disney has 'Handy Manny.' Cartoon Network has a new 'Bakugan' at 7. At 8, FOX has a new 'Cops.' TCM has 'Lawrence of Arabia' at 8. HGTV has a new 'Divine Design' at 8. At 8:30, Nickelodeon has a new 'True Jackson, VP,' followed by a new episode of 'The Troop.' At 9, FOX has a new 'America's Most Wanted.' CNBC has a new 'Suze Orman Show' at 9. MTV has 'Spring Break 2010: Fist Pumpin' Top 20 with Jersey Shore' at 9. Also at 9: BBC America has a new episode of 'Survivors.' At 10, CBS has a new '48 Hours Mystery.' Fine Living has the series premiere of 'Freakiest Foods' at 10. There's a new episode of 'The Dish' on Style at 10. At 11, FOX has a new 'Wanda Sykes Show.' At midnight, Cartoon Network has a new 'Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood.'
Check your local TV listings for more.Tags: 48 hours mystery, cops, march 20 2010, march madness, mtv spring break, suze orman show, the dish, the troop, true jackson, wanda sykes show

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