Tag Archives: FOX

House spin-off is still a possibility

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For some time now rumors have swirled that House‘s Michael Weston (Lucas Douglas, the private detective who’s now lovey dovey with Cuddy) would star in a House spin-off series backed by Houseexecutive producers David Shore and Katie Jacobs.  Time had passed and with no word about such a spin-off I had all but lost hope.  But then this–FOX network president Kevin Reilly spoke with EW’s Ausiello and today reports that the spin-off idea is not dead.  In fact, the concept of another show helmed by Shore and Jacobs is very well alive.  Right now they have a “standing offer” to create a new FOX series for the 9PM time-slot.  Says Reilly: “It could be a direct spin-off or a completely new show.  Ideally, I would love David and Katie to have their own [two-hour block].”  When asked about the Lucas Douglas spin-off idea Reilly noted, “…they kind of stuck their toe in the water and just didn’t feel like it worked. The [character] worked [on] House, but [he] didn’t really work as [his] own thing.”  He also added, “They have really high standards.  These are not guys who commercially are going to chase something just to announce they have a spin-off and then figure out the show later on. They’re probably the most thorough producers… I’ve ever worked with.”

A House spin-off or a completely new Shore-Jacobs show?  I’d take either honestly.  They make a great team and I believe a new project, House-related or not, would strike gold yet again for FOX.  What say you?

[Via EW]

Gleeks, rejoice! (again!); NPH joins for Whedon-directed episode

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The headline says it all, really.  According to EW, Dr. Horrible himself, Neil Patrick Harris, is expected to join forces with Dr.H creator Joss Whedon for an upcoming episode of FOX’s hit show Glee.  In fact this would be quite a reunion for NPH; not only will he team with Whedon but he’ll also work with Zachary Woodlee who helped choreograph the song-and-dance inspired 100th episode of How I Met Your Mother.  NPH is expected to both sing and dance in the role, no surprise here.  The only road block is CBS allowing NPH to jump over to FOX for the shoot.  EW’s Ausiello points out that HIMYM and Glee are both produced by 20th Century Fox, so there really shouldn’t be an issue.  Glee returns with all new episodes April 13 on FOX.

[Via EW]

Glee, Modern Family renewed; what about Fringe, Heroes, FlashForward, 24, & V?

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It’s great to be a fan of TV these days.  So many great shows to watch and discuss.  This past week the TSA (Television Critics Association) Press Tour brought out TV’s stars, showrunners, and executives who talk to the press about what’s to come in the future.  Below is a list of a handful of shows and clues to how their futures will pan out.

Gleeks rejoice!  Glee has been renewed for a second season.  FOX’s President of Entertainment, Kevin Reilly: “We’ve loved Glee ever since it was a pilot script, so it’s been an incredible thrill to watch the show take root and see audiences embrace these characters in such a huge way this season. The show is a true and rare gem in television. We couldn’t be more proud of what Ryan Murphy and the Glee team have created so far, and can’t wait to see what they come up with for Season 2.”  In related news, the Glee execs will be holding a nationwide audition to fill in three new roles for season two.  “Auditions will be open to amateur individuals as well as professionals between the ages of 16-26, and all hopefuls will be able to submit auditions online.  Additional details will be announced soon [via] fox.com/glee.”  Reilly adds that “the winners will be revealed in the first episode of the season.”

Glee returns Tuesday, April 13 on FOX.  (Celebrate the news by watching a Glee flashmob after the break.)

Modern Family, the funniest new comedy of the season, has been given the green light for a second season!  ABC also renewed Cougar Town and The Middle.  Ugly Betty, Better Off Ted, and Scrubs are still in limbo.  ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson says “I’m not going to lie.  The numbers are not encouraging.”

Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9PM on ABC.

What’s going on with Fringe?  Last we heard ratings dropped due to its competitive timeslot.  It airs at the same time as Grey’s Anatomy, CSI, The Office, 30 Rock and Supernatural.  FOX’s Reilly on the matter: “I wish the ratings were higher, but frankly, we’re going to keep it right where it is, because it’s doing a job for us.”  On the future of this season: “We’re going to bring on Past Life, give this a breather, then going to play I think ten episodes in a row in the back half of the season, to really try and blast this when the other guys are in repeats.”  So he definitely feels a good vibe around the show.  But what does the future hold beyond season 2?  “They’re in a creative groove with it. We have a great relationship with the producers.  They’re delivering a quality show and it’s got an audience…The audience hasn’t entirely left it behind; they’re just watching it on their DVR.  So I don’t know.  We’ll just have to see what happens in May.”  Fringe resides in the wait-and-see category, but I have a strong feeling it will be coming back for many more seasons.

Fringe returns Thursday, January 14 on FOX.  (Look after the break for an exerpt from an IGN interview with Fringe creator J. J. Abrams.)

Oh, Heroes.  Season 1 was fantastic.  I even enjoyed watching seasons 2 and 3 on DVD.  Unfortunately most of its original audience lost interest by season 2 due to lack of creativity, among other criticisms.  Though the outlook for a potential season 5 looks bleak, Greg Grunberg (Heroes’ Matt Parkman) is very confident that the show will get renewed.  “We wrapped yesterday and the [final episode] is nowhere near a series finale.  It is cliffhanger-y and exciting, but it is nowhere near an end to a series that people are so invested in. It does not tie everything up in a neat bow… I don’t have any doubt that the show will be back.”  He adds, “We will wrap it up properly in the next season and get to 100 episodes.  At least that’s what I would like to see happen.  They take so much care in writing the show that I would hope we get the chance to end it right.   Lost announced an end [date] and I think that helped both the people working on the show and the people watching it.  They see the finish line and I think it gives them something tangible to invest in and be excited about.  It’s like it’s a movie and they want to see the end of it.  That’s what I hope happens with our show.”  Heroes is one of two “DVD shows” for me.  I watch every season on DVD when it comes out.  It’s the DVD sales and the international popularity of the show that keep it alive, so we will wait and see how it all plays out soon.

Heroes airs its season finale February 8 on NBC.

FlashForward’s long hiatus has just gotten a little longer.  Its return is being moved from March 4 to March 18 so that it does not have to compete with TV juggernaut American Idol.  When it does return it will air back-to-back episodes in a two hour event.  It will run straight to its finale on May 27 with new episodes every week.  Note that the finale will also be two hours in length.  And we are all looking forward to the April 29 episode, aren’t we?

FlashForward returns March 18 on ABC.

As we all start getting pumped for 24 season 8 to begin, talk about a potential season 9 is already making waves.  Keifer Sutherland (24’s Jack Bauer) told reporters that he is  “absolutely open” to making another season if the fans want it.  Sutherland: “I’ve always said that as long as people wanted us to make it , and people were really interested in watching it, I would be interested.  There are a lot of components involved.  Right now my focus is on finishing season 8.”  FOX’s Reilly: “Collectively, we just made a decision to launch the season [first] and then sit down in the next four to six weeks.  But my sense is Kiefer will want to keep it going.”  Executive producer Howard Gordon: “The way I’ve looked at it is that every single season [finale] could have been a series ender.  We just want to take it across the line credibly and then let the [other part] take care of itself.  As long as Jack’s not dead, anything is possible.”  Hell yeah!  Sounds like season 9 is a definite possibility.  And don’t forget a 24 movie is in the works after the show ends.

24, Day 8 premieres Sunday, January 17 on FOX.

As for the future of V…no one knows yet.  ABC’s McPherson was not keen on running such a short first “pod” of episodes this past fall, but due to production issues the show was forced to limit itself to four initial episodes.  ABC plans on airing uninterrupted episodes of V starting in March which will run to its finale in May so that they can “turn [it] into an event.”  As long as there’s more Ana, I’m hooked!

V returns March 30 on ABC.

Check back here for the latest news in popular network TV series; I’ll make sure to update when they are renewed or cancelled and when their premieres and finales are televised.

[Via EW, here, here, here, here & here; IGN, here, here, here & here]

Continue reading Glee, Modern Family renewed; what about Fringe, Heroes, FlashForward, 24, & V? →

Glee’s HI-larious Jane Lynch joins The Cleveland Show

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Glee‘s we-love-to-hate-villian-in-a-jumpsuit Jane Lynch joins The Cleveland Show as “Roberta’s brusque, no-nonsense new teacher Ms. Eck.”  EW’s Ausiello sat down for a short quip with Lynch and she discussed her excitement for the part:

Are you a fan of Family Guy?
JANE LYNCH: I love Family Guy. I am also appalled and shocked by Family Guy. And I am proud to say that several children in my family under the age of 10 get it and love it, too.

How is Ms. Eck similar to Sue Sylvester?
LYNCH: They both lack filters and say whatever awful thing comes into their mind. In-the-head-and-out-the-mouth syndrome.

And how are they different?
LYNCH: Ms. Eck lacks Sue’s icy Nordic aggression.

Your first reaction upon viewing yourself in ‘toon form?
LYNCH: Ms. Eck may have the largest, most disproportionate butt in cartoon history.

Tune in January 10 (FOX, 8:30PM) to see Jane Lynch get animated by Seth McFarlane.  This should be good.

[Via EW; TVSquad]

House on House; Hugh Laurie to direct upcoming episode

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You may or may not know this but Hugh Laurie is the star and one of the producers of FOX’s House.  Laurie plans on adding to his resume the position of director.  He will direct this season’s 17th episode which airs on March 22.  Says executive producer Katie Jacobs: “Hugh has been there since day one through every single episode, so he’s phenomenally smart and his instincts are [impeccable].” “This is going to be great for morale, because there’s no one that the cast and crew and the writers want to work harder for than our leader.”  Though the plot is top-secret, Jacobs hints that “it’s not a traditional episode.”  Two words:  Can’t wait.

[Via EW]

FOX announces mid-season schedule

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The past two weeks have been a tough one for television fans.  Many of our favorite shows aired their “fall finales” and will not return for some time.  FOX has released their mid-season schedule and has revealed important dates about the return of some shows.  Glee just aired its fall finale on December 9 and it will not return until April 13.  It will run straight to its season finale from then until May.  It will be paired with American Idol on Tuesday nights at 9PM.  Fringe is going on a small break before it takes off on its longer hiatus.  Fringe returns with new episodes on January 14 and will air its “winter finale” on February 4.  It will return on April 1 and run its course through May sweeps.  It will pair again with Bones on Thursday at 9PM; much to fans’ dismay, FOX has decided to keep it at this competitive timeslot with news of falling ratings.  When Lie to Me goes on vacation 24 will take its place.  24 will air a four-hour two-night premiere January 17-18 and will continue its course on Mondays at 9PM following House.   A number of new shows premiere during the hiatus phase; they include Past Life, Human Target, Our Little Genius, and Sons of Tucson.

Head after the break for the entire FOX mid-season schedule.

[Via IGN]

Continue reading FOX announces mid-season schedule →

24 Day 8 stills leak with premiere right around the corner

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The new season of 24 is almost upon us and what better way to get ready then check out the latest stills and character shots.  Of course you’ll find Kiefer Sutherland (Bauer), Mary Lynn Rajskub (Chloe), Annie Wersching (Renee), and Cherry Jones (President Taylor) there.  You’ll also discover some new players including Katee Sackhoff, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Anil Kapoor.  Catch my favorite shot of the bunch after the break.

24 Season 8 premieres Sunday January 17 in a 4-hour, 2-night event on FOX.

[Via IGN]

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Continue reading 24 Day 8 stills leak with premiere right around the corner →

Trailer: Family Guy takes on Stars Wars (again!)

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Family Guy has already parodied Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope with “Blue Harvest.”  MacFarland and company are back at it again, this time spoofing Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back with “Family Guy: Something, Something, Something Dark Side.”  It releases on DVD and Blu-Ray on December 22 on FOX.

DESCRIPTION: “The saga continues as Luke (Chris), Leia (Lois), Han Solo (Peter) and Chewbacca (Brian) have evaded the dreaded Imperial Starfleet led by the cunning, conniving and curiously short evil lord Darth Vader (Stewie), setting up a new secret base on the remote ice world of Hoth. With the rebellion in trouble, young Skywalker must take the advice of his late, and rather lascivious, mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi (Herbert) and learn the ways of the farce under Jedi Master Yoda (Carl) to save the galaxy once and for all.”

[Via Gizmodo; YouTube]

RIP Dollhouse

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FOX, those sons of bitches.  First they cancelled Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles after (true, an overall lousy) first season and a spectacular second season.  Now they’ve gone ahead and cancelled Joss Whedon’s cult hit Dollhouse which stars the beautifully talented Eliza Dushku.

I am surprised FOX cancelled this series?  Honestly no, I am not.  The show did have low viewership; that’s what’s often expected when you place a show on a Friday night.  FOX gave Dollhouse a chance when it granted it (and not Terminator) another season last year.  During its first season the show garnered an averaged 14.5 million viewers.  This year it managed to capture an audience of a low 3 million (again, thanks to the move to Friday).

So here’s the plan for the remainder of season 2: The rest of the 13 episode order will air on FOX in December.  Dollhouse will skip over the November sweeps period and will air back-to-back episodes on Fridays nights for three weeks (yes, that means two-hours of Dollhouse each week!) and will complete its run in January in a series finale that the writers say will bring closure to the fans.

Creator (and overall mastermind and known genius) Joss Whedon had this to say after FOX broke the unfortunate news:

“Hmm. Apparently my news is not news.

I don’t have a lot to say. I’m extremely proud of the people I’ve worked with: my star, my staff, my cast, my crew. I feel the show is getting better pretty much every week, and I think you’ll agree in the coming months. I’m grateful that we got to put it on, and then come back and put it on again.

I’m off to pursue internet ventures/binge drinking. Possibly that relaxation thing I’ve read so much about. By the time the last episode airs, you’ll know what my next project is. But for now there’s a lot of work still to be done, and disappointment to bear.

Thank you all for your support, your patience, your excellent adverts. See you again. -j.”

And here’s a note to you, Joss.  It seems like TV series don’t bode so well for you (minus Buffy).  As great and amazing and spectacular as they all are, I think it’s safe to say that your talents lie in the realm of the Internet.  Just take a look at the insane amount of success Dr. Horrible brought  to you and your team.  So…here’s hoping that your “next project” is indeed the sequel to Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.  I need my NHP, Nathon Fillion, Felicia Day, and Groupie fix ASAP.  Oh, and I’m totally looking forward to your directorial debut on Glee.

[Via IGN; EW; here & here]

Fall TV season pickups galore

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Oh how much I love it when networks decide to give great TV shows a deserved chance at prolonged success.  And oh do I hate it when they stab us in the back (read: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Pushing Daisies).  Here’s a roundup of some of the great shows that were given “the back nine” and will complete their first seasons with 20+ episodes. (Note: Full season pickups are usually granted to new series; it is assumed that third+ year series will be given full seasons prior to the shows premieres.)

ABC:  FlashForward, Modern Family, Castle

FOX: Glee, The Cleveland Show (it’s also been picked up for a second season)

NBC: Community, Parks & Recreation

All shows were granted a full 22 episode season.  FlashForward, interestingly, was granted an above-average 25 episodes.  Music to my ears if you ask me.

Others I don’t care much for: ABC’s Cougar Town, The Middle; CBS’s Accidentally on Purpose, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Good Wife.

What got cancelled? NBC’s Trauma.  I don’t think the man in the helicoptor loves his job anymore.

I will update this space as the remainder of fall TV series are renewed and/or cancelled.

For now, celebrate by krumping along with Community’s Abed and Troy after the break!

[Via EW, here, here, here, & here]

Continue reading Fall TV season pickups galore →

Gleeks: Madonna, Adam Lambert, Van Halen, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, and more

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Ready for the lastest Glee news?  Well here we go…

Madonna has given Glee the rights to her entire catelog of songs and a Madonna-centric episode is slated to air later this year.  Ryan Murphy (co-creator) plans on approaching American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert to guest star in a future episode.  (Come January Glee will be paired with American Idol on Wednesday nights, so this makes perfect sense.)

Upcoming episodes will include performances set to Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary, ” Van Halen’s “Jump,” John Lennon’s “Imagine” (which the glee club performs with a rival deaf choir (Ryan Murphy: “Everyone who sees it sheds a tear.”)), Paul Anka’s “You’re Having My Baby,” and Barbara Streisand’s “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”

On integrating Springsteen songs into the show Ryan Murphy has said: “I think Bruce is our next holy grail.”  “My musical tastes begin and end with him basically” said Brad Falchuk (co-creator).

Glee returns with all new episodes November 11 at 9PM on FOX.

[Via EW, here, here, and here]