Category Archives: Television

‘Once Upon a Time’ returns Sunday night: watch the first 8 minutes of “Desperate Souls” and flick through new cast photos

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ABC’s fairy tale series Once Upon a Time returns this Sunday night at 8PM on ABC. Can’t wait until then to get your Snow White and Prince Charming fix? Head over to Hulu to watch the first eight minutes (another Lost reference!) of the new episode “Desperate Souls.” The logline: Regina and Mr. Gold play dirty politics and take opposite sides when Emma runs for a coveted Storybrooke public office against Sidney (Giancarlo Esposito). Meanwhile, back in the fairytale world that was, Rumplestiltskin tries to track down the ultimate power source in order to help his son avert the horrors of a meaningless war.

In addition, ABC has released a bunch of new cast photos that are simply stunning. They include looks at fairy tale-world and real-world versions of Snow White/Mary Margaret, the Evil Queen/Regina, Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold, as well as shots of John Doe, little Henry, and Archie. Scrub through them all in the gallery below. And in the gallery below that you’ll find stills from the episode!

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[Via TVLine; IGN]

‘Punk’d’ returns to MTV this Spring with celeb hosts galore

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With Fear Factor back on the air, call it a return to the early naughts with this announcement. Hidden camera reality series Punk’d is making a comeback this March. Original host Ashton Kutcher will not serve as host this time around, however he remains in the background as executive producer. Each episode will be hosted by a different celebrity. So far the list of celeb guests include Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Kellan Lutz, Bam Margera, and Dax Shepard. The Parenthood star, I’m sure you remember, is part of the original Punk’d team. According to Deadline, the reboot “will also offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the elaborate pranks were put together.” MTV recently aired a preview of what’s in store for unsuspecting stars. Embedded up top you’ll find celeb host Miley Cyrus pranking the eldest Kardashian sister Khloe. It involves a penis and a zipper. Use your imagination and watch it unfold above. Punk’d premieres March 19.

‘Fringe’ recap prepares viewers for what’s to come

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Fringe returns from its extended hiatus next Friday so it’s time to brush up on everything’s that has been going on. FOX makes it easy with their latest recap video titled “Neither Here Nor There.” It serves as the thirteenth installment in the Fringe: Past + Present + Future series that was originally uploaded to YouTube intended to ease long-time viewers into season four and help entice newcomers to start watching the show. Like all the videos before it, this one is narrated fantastically by Walter Bishop’s portrayer John Noble. I don’t care whether or not you watch the show; listening to Noble’s voice is like vacationing on a calm beach and hearing the ocean waves glide by. Enough words; go on and mash play and remind yourself why Fringe is one of the best series on TV right now.

‘American Horror Story’ season 2 will be “radically different” as series creator Ryan Murphy confirms anthological roots

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[Major spoilers inside] On Wednesday FX’s hit new show American Horror Story came to a dramatic conclusion, leaving most of its main cast members dead. The entire Harmon family passed on (including Dylan McDermott, Connie Britton, and Taissa Farmiga) and they linger in the haunted house as ghosts with their dead child and the sweet maid Moira played by Frances Conroy. The only series regular that managed to survive the whole ordeal is Jessica Lange, who was recently nominated a Golden Globe for her portrayal as the neighborly Constance. So with the Harmon story complete, where does the show go from here? Today AHS co-creator Ryan Murphy led a conference call with members of the press and explained that the show was originally built as an anthology meaning that each season will be “radically different” from the last.

“Every season of the show will be a different haunting,” Murphy explains. “That’s always been the plan. Every season of the show will have a beginning, middle and end, and all new characters and setting … and we’ll have a new overriding theme.” So does this mean McDermott, Britton, Farmiga, Conroy, Lange, and even Rubber Man himself Evan Peters will not be returning for season 2? Not necessarily. “We’re still negotiating with a handful [of the cast members] about returning,” Murphy says. “We’re also meeting with new actors whom we’ve targeted roles for. I will say that Connie and Dylan will not be playing the leads of the show in the second season. We’d love for them to come back and do something, maybe a smaller role or a cameo.” He continued, “There will be familiar faces and some new faces. People that are coming back will be playing completely new characters… Getting to tell a different aspect of what an American horror story can be [every season] is fascinating.”

And with that it is confirmed from the man at the top that AHS season 2 will tell an entirely new story and introduce to viewers a new slate of characters that will have new issues to deal with. Murphy went on to tease what may be in store for season 2. “There are all kinds of different American horror stories to tell. There are serial killing stories, prison stories, true crime stories…Each year of the show is designed to be a little miniseries unto itself. The only thing we’re not open to doing is a season on vampires.” Phew. More: “The second season of the show will [feature] a brand new home or building to haunt,” so in addition to the main cast you can also kiss goodbye the haunted manor you’ve become accustomed to during season one. Itching to find out what exactly the next American Horror Story will be about? “There’s a clue in the last three episodes where we say what the second season will be,” Murphy teases.

Jump after the break for more. Continue reading ‘American Horror Story’ season 2 will be “radically different” as series creator Ryan Murphy confirms anthological roots →

HBO cancels ‘How To Make It In America’ & ‘Bored To Death’

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Just when I thought this TV season was coasting along just fine, this brunt of bad news knocked me unconscious today. HBO has decided to part ways with three of its cult comedies: How To Make It In America, Bored To Death, and Hung. How To Make It only managed to score two seasons before getting the axe, and fans of the show will never get to see if Ben and Cam, well, make it in America as fashion icons with the Crisp brand. They were definitely going places; season 2 managed to top the premiere season in almost every way and still the show was doomed in the end. Also concluding is Jonathan Ames’ Bored To Death starring Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifianakis, and the talented Ted Danson. This series lasted a total of three seasons and rightly deserved many more. What started as a detective-story-of-the-week quickly turned into a more serial adventure exploring the eccentric lives of the title characters. Though I must say, the season three finale thankfully wraps things up and leaves viewers pleasantly satisfied. Why did HBO suddenly feel the urge to clear out its Sunday night lineup? Ratings is to blame, as is usually the case (according to Variety How To Make It and Bored To Death were “down about 25% from their respective previous seasons”), plus the premium cabler is making room for new shows in the pipeline for next year. They did keep one, however. Enlightened starring Lauren Dern is coming back for a second season despite rather dismal ratings. Perhaps the comedy’s recent Golden Globe nomination came into play.

Ben and Cam’s hustle and the zany adventures of Jonathan, Ray, and George have come to an end. Triumphant tears are shed in their honor for making it this far.

[Via Deadline]

2012 Golden Globe nods are in!

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The Golden Globe Awards celebrates the best in television and film, and this year’s nominees have been announced. We start with the television categories, as is tradition. The five best drama nominees are American Horror Story, Boardwalk Empire, Boss, Game of Thrones, and Homeland. Jessica Lange (American Horror Story), Steve Buschemi and Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire), Kelsey Grammer (Boss), Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), Claire Danes and Damien Lewis (Homeland) were all recognized for their performances in those aforementioned best drama series. The five best comedy nominees are Enlightened, Episodes, Glee, Modern Family, and New Girl. Laura Dern (Enlightened), Matt LeBlanc (Episodes) Sofia Vergara and Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family), and Zooey Deschanel (New Girl) were recognized for their performances in those best comedy series. Snubs? Parks and Recreation, Community, Raising Hope, Happy Endings, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Louie in the comedy categories (though Amy Poehler was nominated for best actress) and The Walking Dead, Dexter, and Fringe in the drama categories (will the HFPA ever show love for TV’s finest John Noble?).

And then there’s the film categories. The five best motion picture drama contenders are The Descendants, The Help, Hugo, The Ides of March, Moneyball, and War Horse. George Clooney and Shailene Woodley (The Descendants), Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer (The Help), Ryan Gosling (The Ides of March), Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill (Moneyball) were all recognized for their performances in those aforementioned best drama films. Also The Descendants (Alexander Payne), Hugo (Martin Scorcese), and The Ides of March (George Clooney) snagged best director nominations. The Descendants, The Ides of March, and Moneyball received best screenplay nods. Hugo and War Horse are up for best original score, along with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). The five best motion picture comedy contenders are 50/50, The Artist, Bridesmaids, Midnight in Paris, and My Week with Marilyn. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (50/50), Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo (The Artist), Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids), Owen Wilson (Midnight in Paris), Michelle Williams and Kenneth Branagh (My Week with Marilyn) were recognized for their performances in those best comedy films. Also The Artist (Michel Hazanavicius) and Midnight in Paris (Woody Allen) snagged best director and best screenplay nominations. The Artist, which topped the nominations list with a total of six nods, was also recognized for its original score. Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson’s The Adventures of Tintin is pitted against Arthur Christmas, Cars 2, Puss in Boots, and Rango for best animated feature film. Snubs? The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (though Rooney Mara was nominated for best actress), Shame and Michael Fassbender, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Gary Oldman and Melissa McCarthy’s performance in Bridesmaids.

Comedian Ricky Gervais hosts for a third time in a row when the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards airs live Sunday January 15, 2012 at 8PM on NBC. Jump after the break to see all the nominees. Continue reading 2012 Golden Globe nods are in! →

TV teaser: ‘Game of Thrones’ season 2

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We’ve already been treated with a sneak peek into the second season of HBO’s fantasy series Game of Thrones, but that’s nothing compared to this 45-second teaser. King Robert’s brother Stannis Baratheon (who we haven’t been acquainted with yet) narrates here, claiming “the Iron Throne is mine by right.” Season 2 will consume what author George R.R. Martin wrote in his second book in his A Song of Fire and Ice collection titled A Clash of Kings. In the chilling teaser we are forewarned that many of our beloved and hated characters (I’m looking at you Joffrey) will indeed clash in the upcoming season.

The cold winds are rising and April 2012 cannot get here fast enough.

’24’ movie is moving ahead, shoots this spring!

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24: The Movie is happening people. Here’s the latest scoop. According to Deadline, writer Mark Bomback (Unstoppable, The Wolverine) is tweaking the script originally penned by Billy Ray (State of Play) and he will be turning it in to 20th Century Fox by the end of this year. Imagine Entertainment honcho Brian Grazer is still producing, but director Tony Scott is no longer attached to the project. It’s being reported that Fox and Imagine are currently narrowing down a list of five potential directors. And here’s the best bit of news: the studio hopes to start shooting the flick as early as April 2012. That is when Sutherland’s schedule opens up; he is currently working on the upcoming FOX drama Touch.

Bauer is back.

[Via Deadline]

FOX announces 2012 midseason schedule

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FOX’s 2012 midseason schedule is out, and now we know when some of the most anticipated series of the season will debut. J.J. Abrams’ Alcatraz premieres as a two-hour pilot on Monday January 16 and the following week it will settle into its regular Monday night 9PM timeslot following House (which moves to 8PM when Terra Nova ends its 13-episode order). Alcatraz will have a 13-episode run and then Kiefer Sutherland returns to occupy his 24 timeslot with Touch on March 19. Note that FOX plans to air a “special preview” of Touch on Wednesday January 25 at 9PM following an episode of American Idol. When Glee goes on hiatus, FOX will air a slightly altered comedy block on Tuesday nights beginning March 6. The back-from-the-dead Christian Slater comedy Breaking In will air at 8:30PM, sandwiched between an encore and a new episode of New Girl; Raising Hope closes the night at 9:30PM. American Idol returns Wednesday January 18 at 8PM and will be paired with new reality series Mobbed for a spell. Beginning February 15 the singing competition will dominate FOX’s two-hour block Wednesday nights. Bones spinoff The Finder premieres Thursday January 12 at 9PM and the following week it will settle in its regular Thursday 9PM timeslot following American Idol. The latest addition to FOX’s animation domination is Napoleon Dynamite and that premieres in between The Simpsons and Family Guy (Allen Gregory‘s current slot) on Sunday January 15 at 8:30PM. Bob’s Burgers returns for a second season in that same slot on March 11. Bones returns in the spring (after a short fall run ending on January 12), along with new episodes of Glee and new comedy I Hate My Teenage Daughter. Last, Fringe and Kitchen Nightmares resume Friday January 13.

Jump after the break to see the premiere dates, and click here to preview all the new shows. Continue reading FOX announces 2012 midseason schedule →

CBS announces 2012 midseason schedule

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Unlike the other big networks, CBS typically doesn’t add many new programs to its lineup and shuffle them around for midseason. And this year is no different for the Eye. Only two major announcements here: The new half-hour comedy Rob (formally titled ¡Rob!) premieres Thursday January 12 at 8:30PM; it takes over for Rules of Engagement which CBS promises will return with new episodes in the spring. Rob stars Rob Schneider as a bachelor who marries into a tight-knit Mexican family. The second change is the comeback of Undercover Boss. The reality series will replace The Amazing Race in the Sunday night 8PM slot. CBS also says the reality competition series will return for another season later in 2012. Cop drama The 2-2 (recently renamed NYC 22) has yet to be scheduled. And that’s it.

After the break you’ll find the new Thursday and Sunday CBS lineups mapped out. Continue reading CBS announces 2012 midseason schedule →

‘Game of Thrones’ season one releases on Blu-ray March 6

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HBO’s epic fantasy series Game of Thrones is coming to Blu-ray ($79.98) and DVD ($59.99) on March 6, 2012. In addition to all 10 episodes, the season one package is bundled with a ton of extras including never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, making-of features, and interviews. Eye the rundown provided by EW after the break. Continue reading ‘Game of Thrones’ season one releases on Blu-ray March 6 →