Archive: April 2009 (1-10 of 98)

Apr 30 2009 09:16 PM ET

Fall TV cheat sheet: What's in? What's out?

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Go ahead and bookmark this page now, because over the next few weeks, as the networks begin finalizing their fall schedules (starting with NBC on Monday), you’re going to want to come back often as I update this list of the shows that are likeliest — and unlikeliest — to be renewed. (If you can’t wait for the page to refresh, you can stalk me on Twitter.) Oh, and don’t bother looking on this chart for, like, Dateline or any show with the name Howie in its title; I left off the ones that bore us.

ABC
The Bachelor: Already renewed.
Better Off Ted: Could go either way. Now officially renewed.
Brothers & Sisters: Already renewed.
Castle: Could go either way. Now a safe bet. Now officially renewed.
Cupid: It’s a goner. Now officially canceled.
Dancing with the Stars: Already renewed.
Desperate Housewives: Already renewed.
Dirty Sexy Money: Officially canceled.
Eli Stone: Officially canceled.
Grey’s Anatomy: Already renewed.
In the Motherhood: It’s a goner. Officially canceled.
Lost: Already renewed.
Private Practice: Already renewed.
Pushing Daisies: Officially canceled.
Samantha Who?: Could go either way. Prospects brightening. Now officially canceled.
Scrubs: Prospects brightening. Now officially renewed.
Supernanny: Already renewed.
Surviving Suburbia: A long shot. Last remaining eps may run this summer.
Ugly Betty: Already renewed.
The Unusuals: A long shot. Now officially canceled.
Wife Swap: Already renewed.

CBS
The Amazing Race: Already renewed.
The Big Bang Theory: Already renewed.
Cold Case: Could go either way. Now officially renewed.
Criminal Minds: Sure thing. Now officially renewed.
CSI: Sure thing. Now officially renewed.
CSI: Miami: Sure thing.  Now officially renewed.
CSI: NY: Sure thing. Now officially renewed.
Eleventh Hour: Could go either way. Now a long shot. Now officially canceled.
Flashpoint: A long shot. Could continue airing in Canada.
Gary Unmarried: Could go either way. Now officially renewed.
Ghost Whisperer: Sure thing. Officially renewed.
Harper’s Island: It’s a goner. Now officially canceled.
How I Met Your Mother: Sure thing. Now officially renewed.
The Mentalist: Sure thing. Now officially renewed.
NCIS: Sure thing. Now officially renewed.
New Adventures of Old Christine: Could go either way. ABC poised to pick up if CBS passes. Now officially renewed.
Numb3rs: Safe bet. Now officially renewed.
Rules of Engagement: Safe bet. Now officially renewed.
Survivor: Already renewed.
Two and a Half Men: Already renewed.
The Unit: A long shot. Now hearing it’s a goner.  Back to being a long shot. Now officially canceled.
Without a Trace: Could go either way. It’s a goner. Now officially canceled.
Worst Week: A long shot. Now officially canceled. 

FOX
24: Already renewed.
American Dad: Already renewed.
American Idol: Already renewed.
Bones: Sure thing. Now officially renewed for two seasons.
Dollhouse: Could go either way. Now hearing it’s a long shot. Prospects brightening. Now officially renewed for 13 episodes.
Family Guy: Already renewed.
Fringe: Sure thing. Now officially renewed.
House: Sure thing. Now officially renewed.
King of the Hill: Officially canceled.
Kitchen Nightmares: Already renewed.
Lie to Me: Sure thing. Officially renewed for 13 episodes.
Prison Break: Officially canceled.
The Simpsons: Already renewed.
Sit Down, Shut Up: It’s a goner. Now officially canceled.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles: A long shot. Now officially canceled.
Til Death: Already renewed (unfortunately).

NBC
30 Rock: Already renewed.
The Biggest Loser: Already renewed.
Celebrity Apprentice: Already renewed.
Chuck: Could go either way. A safe bet. Now officially renewed. (Yay!)
Friday Night Lights: Already renewed.
Heroes: Sure thing. Now officially renewed.
Kath & Kim: It’s a goner. Now officially canceled.
Kings: It’s a goner. Now officially canceled.
Knight Rider: It’s a goner. Now officially canceled.
Law & Order: Safe bet. Now officially renewed.
Law & Order: CI: Could go either way. The ball’s in USA’s court.
Law & Order: SVU: Already renewed.
Life: A long shot. Now hearing it’s a goner. Now officially canceled.
Lipstick Jungle: Officially canceled.
Medium: Safe bet. Reportedly renewed for 13-16 episodes. Canceled by NBC; moving to CBS.
My Name is Earl: Could go either way. Canceled by NBC; being shopped to Fox and ABC.
The Office: Already renewed.
Parks and Recreation: Safe bet. Now officially renewed.
Southland: Sure thing Officially renewed for 13 episodes.

The CW
90210: Already renewed.
America’s Next Top Model: Already renewed.
Everybody Hates Chris: It’s a goner. Now officially canceled.
The Game: It’s a long shot. Now officially canceled.
Gossip Girl: Already renewed.
One Tree Hill: Already renewed.
Privileged: Prospects brightening. Now hearing it’s a long shot. Now officially canceled.
Reaper: It’s a goner. Now officially canceled.
Smallville: Already renewed.
Supernatural: Already renewed.

Apr 30 2009 05:53 PM ET

'Ugly Betty' scoop: The braces are coming off!

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Americaferrera_lAfter a five-week hiatus, Ugly Betty takes back its Thursday perch tonight with the first of five all-new episodes. To mark the occasion, series creator Silvio Horta — who on Monday was honored with the Courage Award from the Point Foundation (great organization, check it out) — gave me permission to interrogate him about all things Ugly, including Henry’s return, Christina’s exit, Justin’s sexuality, and, yes, Betty’s braces.

Are you looking at Matt and Betty as a long-term couple?
SILVIO HORTA:
As long-term as it gets in TV. As with any romance, there will be obstacles as well as some misunderstandings before the finale, and it’s going to lead to some juicy stuff next year. Matt’s going to be around and their relationship is going to be changing and growing.

How significantly will Henry’s return threaten their relationship?
HORTA:
They’ve both moved on, but they obviously are still an important part of each others’ lives and that’s going to become a complication. There’s going to be feelings of insecurity on Matt’s side, and there are some unresolved things between Henry and Betty.

Speaking of Betty’s exes, might we see Gio again?
HORTA:
Potentially, but there are no plans at this point.

Will the issue of Justin’s sexuality be addressed next season?
HORTA:
Yeah, we’re going to explore stuff. He’ll be going to high school and getting older, so we’ll definitely be exploring that.

Will Marc find love after Cliff?
HORTA:
We’ve been discussing it. We haven’t started breaking the exact stories for next year, but that’s one of the things we’ve really talked about. We want to see [Marc and Amanda's] love lives.

How would you characterize Ashley Jensen’s departure? Was it mutual?
HORTA:
It was mutual. She’s amazing. From the get-go, we found some really good stories for her, but we never found enough to service her character the way we wanted to and the way she wanted to. She wanted to do more, but it was [difficult] with a large ensemble like this to give her more. I hope in the future she’ll come back. She’s an important part of the show.

Will Christina get a satisfying send-off?
HORTA:
She will. Next week’s episode will [set things in motion] with Wilhelmina’s baby – or her supposed baby – and it’s going to lead to a lot of complications.

Ana Ortiz gives birth in June. Will we see less of Hilda at the start of next season due to her maternity leave?
HORTA:
We may write her a little lighter in the beginning, but we’re not writing her out or anything.

Who is Rachel Dratch playing in the finale?
HORTA:
She’s playing a dual role. She’s playing Penny Meadows, an editor at Mode, and she’s also playing Mindy Meadows, her twin sister. It’s a one-time guest stint, but she was great.

The most asked Ugly Betty question from my readers: When is Betty getting her braces off?
HORTA:
Her braces will be off by the end of next season. Next year, there’s going to be a progression in her look overall. It’ll still be Betty, but you’ll see some growth in that direction.

Apr 30 2009 05:44 PM ET

Ratings: Fox wins Wednesday with 'Lie To Me,' 'Idol'

Fox may have expected a ratings bump for Lie To Me, having made the decision to air original programming instead of Pres. Barack Obama’s press conference, but Lie To Me‘s total viewership was consistent with last week’s episode. Meanwhile, the American Idol results show audience was down about two million from its past two Wednesday airings, but still blew away the rest of the 9 p.m. hour. ABC’s struggling new cop series The Unusuals saw a small increase in viewership this week.

 

   

      

      

      

      

      

 

 

Time Show Viewers (in millions)
8:00 p.m. Lie To Me (Fox)
Obama Press Conference (NBC)
Obama Press Conference (ABC)
Obama Press Conference (CBS)
America’s Next Top Model (The CW)
7.9
6.7
6.1
6.0
4.0
9:00 American Idol (Fox)
Criminal Minds (CBS)
Lost (ABC)
Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
90210 (The CW)
21.9
13.3
8.8
4.8 (repeat)
1.3 (repeat)
10:00 CSI: NY (CBS)
Law & Order (NBC)
The Unusuals (ABC)
12.5
7.7
5.1

More on Wednesday night’s TV:
Michael Slezak recaps ‘American Idol’
Adam Vary’s on-the-scene ‘Idol’ report
Jeff Jensen recaps ‘Lost’

Apr 30 2009 03:41 PM ET

Exclusive: Bloody good 'Dexter' spoilers!

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Dexter_lApologies in advance for perpetuating an overused pun, but Dexter‘s fourth season sounds, well, killer.

When the Showtime hit returns next fall, six months will have lapsed on screen, leaving newlyweds Dexter (Michael C. Hall) and Rita (Julie Benz) the proud parents of a baby boy. “This season, we’re going to deal with: Can a serial killer juggle a personal life, work, and his ‘dark passenger’?” reveals executive producer Sara Colleton. “In other words, can Dexter have it all? Which is something all of us grapple with every day of our lives. So we’re taking something that is a very human dilemma and putting it through the prism of Dexter’s special needs.”

Further complicating Dexter’s intricate balancing act will be a new, as-yet-uncast male
antagonist who will “cross paths with Dexter in a major, dramatic way,”
teases Colleton. “He will illuminate a lot about Dexter’s life and
force him to make some tough choices.” (Word is they’re looking for a
“Jeff Daniels-type” to play the role.)

Meanwhile, Dex’s plucky sister, Deb (played by Hall’s real-life wife,
Jennifer Carpenter), will unwittingly threaten to shed light on his
dark secret. “All the way through the season, Deb — in her need to know her father more — is going to get closer and closer to figuring out who Dexter’s mother was and her relationship with her father,” says
Colleton. So might the day come when Dex is forced to slice and dice
her? “That is inconceivable to me,” declares Colleton. “Deb and Dexter
are the best brother-and-sister team ever.” One could even call
them…killer. (Sorry again!)

Apr 30 2009 02:27 AM ET

Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on 'House,' 'Smallville,' 'Heroes,' 'Dexter,' 'Ugly,' 'Grey's,' 'Gossip Girl,' and more!

Ausiellohousetom_lQuestion: Give me a reason to watch House next week. –Jo
Ausiello:
House and Cuddy get physical!

Question: As much as I loved your all-House Ask Ausiello, I have to admit I was just a tiny bit disappointed that we didn’t get even a little Huddy-related scooplet. In honor of my birthday next Tuesday, give me something about the May 4 episode. –Megan
Ausiello:
Okay, but I expect you to reciprocate when my b-day rolls around next February. And sending me a greeting via Facebook or Twitter doesn’t count. In Monday’s ep, House suspects his drug habit is fueling his Amber hallucinations, so he decides to quit Vicodin cold turkey. Cuddy comes to his apartment to personally empty out his medicine cabinet, a struggle ensues, and, before you know it, they’re both wrestling on the bathroom floor and … well … roll the clip.

Question: So Faraday is the "less ish, more major" death on Lost, right? What a reveal! Can we expect any more mayhem before the season finale? –Tim
Ausiello:
Yes and hell yes.

Question: Any news on the upcoming season of Dexter? –Rosalie
Ausiello:
Production on season 4 starts May 28 and, if all goes according to plan, new episodes will begin airing this fall. Spoiler-wise, six months will have lapsed on-screen between the finale and the premiere, which means the birth of Dexter and Rita’s son will have already happened.

Question: Okay, Ausiello, tell me the truth. Is the person being killed off in the season finale of Law & Order: SVU listed in the opening credits? –Geoff
Ausiello:
No.

Question: Is there any news as to whether Jessica Capshaw will be back on Grey’s Anatomy next season? –Jay
Ausiello:
Not only will she be back, she’s finalizing a deal to become a full-fledged series regular! Holla if you’re a lesbian!

Question: Please give us a hint about the special guest that will appear in the season finale of Smallville and then return next season! –Jorge
Ausiello:
I’ll give you two: He shows up in the final scene, and he’s going to cause big problems next season. 

Question: How about you give us another clue as to who is dying in the Smallville season finale? –Kendall
Ausiello:
I’ve said all I’m going to say on the subject. I lied, here’s one final hint: I can confirm that there is a twist, but it doesn’t involve anyone coming back to life. Okay, now I’m done. 

Question: I know Weeds started filming season 5 recently so you’ve got to know something! I need to know what’s up with Nancy. –Brandy
Ausiello:
Producers are auditioning thirtysomething actresses to play Nancy’s trusted gynecologist on a recurring basis. The role is calling for tasteful nudity and simulated sex, which makes sense since I hear she’ll be getting busy with Andy.

Question: The Heroes finale made it seem like Zachary Quinto might not be back next season. What’s the deal? –Antonio
Ausiello:
Zachary Quinto will without question be back next season. But I hear the show is also planning to introduce a cool and mysterious new villain. And, let’s face it, it’s time. 

Question: You were right: The Heroes finale was fantastic. Any scoop on season 4? –Eric
Ausiello:
Tracy’s whole revenge arc will serve as a centerpiece of next fall’s "Redemption" volume. 

Question: Any news on what we can expect from the new season of Entourage? –Deirdre
Ausiello:
The other man currently destroying Robert and Kitty’s marriage on Brothers & Sisters, Matt Letscher, has been cast as the TV exec overseeing Drama’s show.

Question: Please, please, please have some good scoop for The Office. I feel like it has been forever since we have learned something new. –Matt
Ausiello:
Here’s what you already know: Everyone (including Amy Ryan’s Holly) gathers together for Dunder Mifflin’s annual company picnic. Here’s what you don’t know: The episode ends with a doozy of a twist, the repercussions of which will be felt well into next season.

Question: I am dying here. Do you have anything on 90210. –Shay
Ausiello:
Interesting choice of words. Makes me wonder what Jim Walsh is up to. I hear we may find out in the finale.

Question: You’re funny! Will Luke Grimes be a regular cast member next season on Brothers & Sisters? –Henri
Ausiello:
Yes, I can confirm that I am funny. Oh, wait, that wasn’t a question. My bad. Re. Grimes, I believe making him a series regular was the plan, but that may change in light of growing Ryan backlash. Personally, I have no problem with the actor. It’s the way they’re writing him that irks me. His creepy obsession with Rebecca was bad enough, but now he’s teaming up with Holly to take down the Walkers? And the fact that the writers allowed their sharpest character — Sarah — to fall for it hook, line, and sinker is unforgivable. Can you tell I’m a little down on B&S these days? 

Question: With the May "upfronts" coming soon, could you be wonderful enough to put together a list of those shows already renewed, those going to the MIA network, and those shows up in the air? Pretty please? –Paige
Ausiello:
Nah. On second thought, okay.

Question: What is your gut feeling on Chuck‘s chances of renewal? –MD
Ausiello:
After watching the finale, my gut feeling is that Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak left NBC with absolutely no choice but to bring it back for a third season.

Question: I’m writing you as I watch Ugly Betty film a scene outside the Woolworth Building, which doubles as Meade Publications Headquarters on the show. It looks like someone important has fallen from the building and onto a car. Who is it?! –Rachel
Ausiello:
Let’s ring-up executive producer Sylvio Horta and find out! (And by "ring-up" I mean conduct the interview I had previously arranged through ABC that just happened to coincide with your eyewitness report.) "Yes, someone plummets to their death in the season finale," Horta confirms. "It will play a big role in the plot."

Question: Will Meredith and Thatcher finally resolve their issues on Grey’s Anatomy? –Gabby
Ausiello:
Not exactly. She, will, however reach a new understanding with the Chief. She even gives him a gift. A pretty major gift. A gift I have a hunch will play a big role next season (if the story is going where I think it’s going.)

Question: Can you give me some Grey’s Anatomy scoop about Mer/Der? I’m tired of hearing about Izzie! –Angelique
Ausiello:
You’re in luck! I just hung up with Sharon Lawrence, who guest stars this week as Izzie’s trailer-trash mom, and she had some interesting things to say about working alongside Katherine Heigl. For starters, they didn’t get a chance to speak to each other prior to rehearsing their first scene, which called for Lawrence to practically tackle Heigl in her hospital bed. "The first thing I did was barge in and hug her," Lawrence explains with a laugh. "I could tell right away she was present and not guarded. We got to know each other as the day went on, because we would have time to talk about other things while we were waiting to work. It’s an odd thing we do for a living. Sometimes you have to get very close to somebody right away. That’s why I was so grateful for her openness and warmth, and it’s because of that that we were able to make physical and emotional choices that really conveyed the intimacy these two had. She is such an honest and open actress. There is not an untrue bone in her body as an actor, and it made my job so easy." Despite all the media attention focused on Heigl’s uncertain Grey’s future, Lawrence insists she came into the job with no preconceived notions about her TV daughter. "I would never judge the situation from the outside," she says. "I’ve been around long enough to know that the outside does not have all the facts. All I care about is that the storyline is served well."   

Question: Scoop on Gossip Girl please. –Bri
Ausiello:
First, a correction about something I said last week. Turns out, Chuck does not try and sabotage Blair’s campaign for prom queen. It’s actually just the opposite.

Question: Any Gossip Girl season finale scoop? –Patricia
Ausiello:
The episode revolves around the gang trying to smoke out Gossip Girl.

Question: Hey, Jerkface. The producers, show-runner, as well as some of the actors from Sarah Connor Chronicles are all going on record saying you are wrong about Fox canceling the show. Not only that, but that they are making a point of mocking you in the process. –LT
Ausiello:
Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will … they didn’t drag the Smurfs into it, did they?

Question: I was wondering if you had a scoop on Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni’s contract with a guy named Dick? –Grace
Ausiello:
My NBC mole says there is some back-channel negotiating going on and there’s cautious optimism that a deal will be worked out. And if not, don’t expect Benson and Stabler to get a sendoff befitting their decade-long service. The season finale makes no mention of either of them possibly moving on.

Question: When will Alpha be unmasked on Dollhouse? –Art
Ausiello:
This Friday!

Question: Please tell me if you have some spoilers on the next season of Secret Life of the American Teenager? I can’t wait until June! –Holly
Ausiello:
A significant male character will die early into the season. And something happens as a result of it that will probably piss off the [insert name of conservative TV watchdog group].

That’s a wrap! Questions, anonymous tips, other stuff go here: ausielloscoop@ew.com. Thanks for playing!

Apr 30 2009 01:00 AM ET

Glenn Beck: The Fox News host takes our Stupid Questions!

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Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity, watch your Beck! Glenn Beck’s self-titled Fox News program (weekdays at 5 p.m. ET) debuted in January, and it’s already the third-most-watched cable news program. Whether a guest is fainting or Beck is weeping, the polarizing host always makes headlines. (And jokes: The TV and talk-radio star will hit the road this June for his Common Sense Comedy Tour.) Let’s see if we can make him cry with a few Stupid Questions.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Greetings. Should I call you a Republitarian or a Liberpublican?
GLENN BECK: I would just call me “King.” Or “Your Highness.” Or “Oh Grand Ruler.” Any of those fascistic kind of titles will be fine with me. I have an evil plan that will have me placed at the head of this empire that I’m building within the next three to six weeks, eight at the top.

Let’s talk about the famous April 13 fainting, when a guest passed out while shaking your hand. Were you aware that a mere touch from you could put a man right to sleep?
Usually it’s my voice, my topics, my looks, my general presence. But the handshake? No, I wasn’t. I felt like Spock. It was good.

If you had the opportunity to pass out on somebody else’s program, whose would you pick?
It would be kind of cool to pass out on Letterman, because I have a feeling I’d get halfway through the interview and he’d make me want to. I would be praying for death and just be like, “Oh, dear God, please let me pass out. It will all be over.” I have a feeling Dave doesn’t like the show.

What are you the host with the most of?
Poundage. Cellulite. Big fat cheeks. Sleepless nights. Tears. I have a deficiency of salt, though, because of all the tears that I shed.

addCredit(“Michael Caulfield/WireImage.com”)

What do I have to say to make you cry?
Try this: “This interview is going to last three more minutes.”

You’re going on the road this summer to do a comedy show. Gimme your
best riff on subprime mortgage debt. I mean, really make me wet my
pants.

Well, it’s easy to make you wet your pants talking about subprime
mortgages. I just don’t think it’s the way you’re looking for.

Glenn Beck trails only The O’Reilly Factor and Hannity in the cable news ratings. What should you do right now to take both of them down and rocket yourself to No. 1?
I do have a call in to Dick Cheney to take them hunting.

Here’s what Jon Stewart said about you: “Finally, a guy who says
what people who aren’t thinking are thinking.” What do you think he
meant by that?

Isn’t it time that those people have a voice? I am their king…

Wait — are you crying now?
I’m getting a little misty from the idea of people who aren’t thinking
bowing in front of me. I’ll have to spend a few minutes explaining to
them how to bow, but once they catch on, it’s going to be sweet.

READ FULL STORY »

Apr 29 2009 10:59 PM ET

'American Idol': Is Simon Cowell's time up?

Simon Cowell has publicly declared that he may walk away from American Idol when his contract expires after next season, hinting (repeatedly), “Maybe it’s time for a change.” That should have executives quaking in their loafers, as Cowell is the face of a show that’s not only No. 1 in all of television, it’s essentially Fox’s ATM. (Portfolio estimated it brings in $6.4 billion a year for the network.) And though ratings are down 12 percent since this time last year, it’s pretty much the only show that can consistently nab 25 million viewers. “It’s like if Alan Alda left M*A*S*H or Ted Danson left Cheers,” says Horizon Media analyst Brad Adgate. “How do you replace someone who’s the essence of why people watch?” (Fox and Cowell declined to comment.)

The snark-master certainly has viewer sentiment on his side, and season 7 finalist Michael Johns agrees, telling EW that Idol sans Simon would be like “a golf tournament without Tiger Woods.”

While Cowell has threatened to quit Idol before — even over seemingly minor matters, like the season 6 Sanjaya debacle — this time seems different. After seven years of intercontinental commuting between the L.A. Idol set and his London-based pet projects — The X Factor and the increasingly buzzed-about Britain’s Got Talent — the 49-year-old megamogul sounds exhausted. And he certainly doesn’t need the cash: Britain’s recent Sunday Times “Rich List” pegged his net worth at a recession-proof $175.2 million.

Moreover, he’s hinted that he’s itching to bring The X Factor to the U.S., which his current deal prohibits. But that’s hardly a surefire move. Yes, Cowell struck gold with AI and America’s Got Talent (for which he’s an exec producer). But remember the other reality shows he produced here? You know, American Inventor, Celebrity Duets, and Cupid? We don’t either. And the prospect of finding a new monster hit gets dicier every day, Adgate says: “That’s not an indictment of Simon Cowell — it’s more a comment on the TV landscape. I think there’s only one American Idol.”

Apr 29 2009 08:40 PM ET

Ratings: 'American Idol' gives Fox another Tuesday win

Although CBS offered some competition with a night of new episodes, Fox remained on top Tuesday thanks to American Idol. Yes, TV’s No. 1 program was down about 1.5 million viewers from last week, but it was by far the night’s most-watched program. CBS’ The Mentalist was the evening’s second-most popular show, followed closely by its lead-in, NCIS.

 
   
   
      

      

      

   

   

      

      

      

   

   

      

      

      

   

   

      

      

      

   

   

      

      

      

   

 

Time Show Viewers (in millions)
8 p.m. American Idol (Fox)
NCIS (CBS)
The Biggest Loser: Couples (NBC)
According to Jim (ABC)
Reaper (The CW)
22.5
16.3
9.4
3.4
1.8
8:30 p.m. According to Jim (ABC) 3.7
9 p.m. The Mentalist (CBS)
Dancing With the Stars Results (ABC)
Fringe (Fox)
90210 (The CW)
16.9
14.3
10.6
1.8
10 p.m. Without a Trace (CBS)
Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
Cupid (ABC)
12.3
10.5
6.2

More TV News:

Michael Slezak recaps American Idol
Annie Barrett recaps Dancing With the Stars
Jean Bentley recaps The Biggest Loser: Couples
NCIS: Cooler toys at OSP, less chemistry

Photo gallery: Inside the NCIS spinoff

Apr 29 2009 05:24 PM ET

'Jon & Kate': Jon Gosselin says photo of him with another woman 'showed poor judgment on my part'

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Jon Gosselin — co-star of TLC’s top-rated Jon & Kate Plus 8 — issued a statement Wednesday after US magazine published a paparazzi photo of him leaving a Pennsylvania bar with an unidentified woman. The picture, which the magazine alleges was taken around 2 a.m., shows Gosselin in the passenger seat of a car with a young woman behind the wheel. It was reportedly taken at a bar called Legends on April 18 near the Gosselins’ home about 90 minutes outside of Philadelphia.

"Like most people, I have male and female friends and I’m not going to end my friendships just because I’m on TV," Gosselin said. "However, being out…late at night showed poor judgment on my part. What makes me sick is that my careless behavior has put my family in this uncomfortable position. My family is the most important thing in my life and it kills me that these allegations have hurt them."

This isn’t the first time the tabloids have splashed a photo of Gosselin with a woman who wasn’t Kate, his wife and mother of their eight children.
In February, the gossips pounced on a pic that showed Gosselin with two young coeds at a college bar. TLC has insisted the encounter was innocent — he agreed to pose for the picture — but these kind of incidents are definitely taking their toll on the 32-year-old father. In an exclusive interview with EW last week, Gosselin admitted that the show, which is about to begin its fifth season on May 25, has offered financial security for his uber-family (he quit his job in 2007 so he can be with his family — and the show — full time). Still, Gosselin says he really doesn’t like the public life.

"The paparazzi thing and public eye, I don’t like it at all," he told EW during an exclusive interview in the family’s home. "I don’t mind taking fan pictures and stuff like that, but it’s strange to me. I moved back here to be away from that all, we’re in the middle of the country, and now they’re here taking pictures, whatever. Everywhere."

In fact, the Gosselins said it’s common to find upwards of 200 cars parked on the country road outside of their home on any given day. Strangers routinely try to snap pictures of the family, who now live in a picturesque, two-story home on a sprawling piece of rural property. But the house is at least 400 feet away from the road, so it’s nearly impossible to catch the clan in the front yard. The gate at the top of the driveway and the semi-private nature of the
property are a great comfort to Kate Gosselin.

"I’m far back from the road and I’m safe," says Kate, 34. "I feel like when I go through those gates, I’m good and it’s pretty weird because we’re still just like a normal family, we’re functioning as a family and whatever, I always say, people say has this changed you?  It has not changed me, it’s changed people’s perception of me."

Meanwhile,
the family’s unscripted series on TLC shows no sign of a slowdown. The March 23
series finale was the show’s most-watched episode ever, and Kate Gosselin’s
just-released second book, Eight Little Faces: A Mom’s Journey, reached
No. 5 on the New York Times bestseller list after only one week on the shelves.

Keep an eye out for more exclusive news on the Gosselin family in an upcoming issue of EW.

More Jon and Kate:
Jon and Kate Plus 8: ‘Green’ day!
Jon and Kate Plus 8 book signing: On the scene
Jon and Kate Plus 8: Are the Gosselins up for season 5?
Jon and Kate Plus 8 goes to the dogs

addCredit(“Mark Arbeit/TLC”)

Apr 29 2009 04:27 PM ET

'Housewives' wedding mystery: Who's getting hitched?

Desperatehousewives_lIt may not be a game-changer along the lines of last year’s five-year time jump, but this should still get the kids talking: Desperate Housewives will conclude its season on May 17 with a surprise wedding, sources confirm to me exclusively. The nuptials are so top secret that even members of the show’s cast and crew don’t know who’s walking down the aisle. "People are being told on a need-to-know basis," whispers a Housewives insider. "Marc [Cherry] doesn’t want a repeat of last year when the flash-forward thing leaked." His hard-line approach seems to be working: I don’t have the foggiest idea who’s getting hitched. I do, however, have a few theories…

Susan and Jackson
Why Them? Gale Harold’s Jackson returns from Siberia this Sunday and promptly pops the question to Susan. Yes, that question.
Why Not Them? Too obvious, for one. Also, can you think of a less exciting way to end the season than with a Susan-Jackson wedding? Cherry’s got to be thinking bigger. Like…

Susan and Mike
Why Them? Considering they’re both otherwise engaged (quite literally, perhaps), no one would see it coming. And it’s going to happen eventually, so why not now? Well, because…
Why Not Them? … Cherry wants to wait. “This is the traditional problem in doing soap operas is that happily married couples are the death of drama,” he told fans earlier this month at PaleyFest ’09. “Right now it’s interesting exploring a relationship between these two divorced characters and their child. But if [ABC] makes deals with all of us, it looks like we’ll get a few more years to play this out and I would imagine at some point in the continuum Susan and Mike will find their way back together."

Mike and Katherine
Why Them? Dana Delany recently hinted to us that there may be "wedding bells on the horizon" for the pair. Plus, what better way to prolong the inevitable Mike-Susan reunion than by marrying him off to another woman?
Why Not Them? The all-too-obvious factor comes into play here as well. As we saw in the promo for this Sunday’s episode, MJ conveniently broaches the subject of a Mike-Katherine wedding in front of his dad.

Bob and Lee
Why Them? With the debate over gay marriage hotter than ever (thanks Miss California!), it would certainly be timely.
Why Not Them? Apparently, they’re already married (see comments section)! Who knew?!

Carlos and Lynette
Why Them? He saw her naked — and he liked it! More importantly, this would definitely qualify as a surprise.
Why Not Them? Two couples would have to get divorced first, and it’s my understanding that the finale is only two hours long. Also, it’s one thing to get people talking over the summer, but it’s quite another if the words they’re saying are "jump the shark."

Bree and Karl
Why Them? This Sunday, Bree hires Karl to represent her in her divorce from Orson. Will one thing lead to another? (Hint: Yep!) Marrying these two off would surely stir up a little conflict between Bree and Susan. 
Why Not Them? Jumping into another marriage so soon after Orson would be out of character for Bree. And would she really do that to Susan?

Dave and Mrs. McCluskey
Why Them? Because I’m in a silly mood today and the thought of these two canoodling in bed together makes me giggle.
Why Not Them? Not everyone shares my unique sense of humor. There’s also the fact that he’s a psycho killer.

Who do you think the bride and groom will be? Cast your votes in the comments section below!

Apr 29 2009 02:28 AM ET

Exclusive: Rick Springfield joins 'Californication'

Rickspringfield_l
Man, the Coreys are going to be pissed they didn’t get this.

Actor-slash-”Jessie’s Girl” crooner Rick Springfield has signed on to play himself in four episodes of Californication, sources confirm to me exclusively.

As I tweeted earlier this month, producers of the Showtime dramedy put out a casting call looking for “an actor who experienced huge fame in the 80′s to play themselves as a now down-on his-luck-ex-celebrity waiting tables to get by.”

Props to Springfield for having the guts to poke a little fun at himself. And for being down with the “tasteful nudity” and “simulated sex” that I’m told the role requires. (That noise you hear is millions of middle-aged General Hospital fans squealing, “We’re going to see Dr. Drake’s naughty bits!”)

Apr 28 2009 11:01 PM ET

Ratings: 'American Idol' continues to dominate the weekly rankings

Another week, another ratings win for American Idol. Fox’s singing competition took the top two spots, drawing 24 million and 23.9 million viewers for its two episodes in the week ending April 20, the fourth straight week that the karaoke fest has won. The last time Idol was not on top was the week ending March 29, when an address by President Barack Obama took No. 1 across the Big Four broadcast networks.

Rounding out the top 5 were Dancing With the Stars‘ performance episode (23.9 million at No. 3), Dancing With the Stars‘ results episode (14.7 million at No. 4), and CSI (14.6 million at No. 5). The rest of the Top 20 — which can be found after the jump, with full viewership numbers — was included the usual suspects (Desperate Housewives, Survivor, Cold Case, Fringe, etc.) and not one surprise. Although it is somewhat surprising how ABC’s critically panned Surviving Suburbia (No. 19, 9.9 million) continues to make the Top 20, a fact likely due to its huge Dancing With the Stars lead-in.

1. American Idol Tuesday | Fox | 24 million
2. American Idol Wednesday | Fox | 23.9 million
3. Dancing With the Stars Monday | ABC | 20.5 million
4. Dancing With the Stars Tuesday | ABC | 14.7 million
5. CSI | CBS | 14.6 million
6. Criminal Minds | CBS | 13.7 million
7. Desperate Housewives | ABC | 13.6 million
8. Grey’s Anatomy | ABC | 13.5 million
9. NCIS (R) | CBS | 12.6 million
10. The Mentalist (R) | CBS | 12.5 million
11. Two and a Half Men (R) | CBS | 11.5 million
12. Survivor: Tocantins | CBS | 11.3 million
13. Rules of Engagement | CBS | 10.6 million
14. Cold Case | 10.6 million
15. 60 Minutes | CBS | 10.5 million
16. 24 | Fox | 10.3 million
      The Amazing Race | CBS | 10.3 million
18. Fringe | Fox | 9.9 million
19. Surviving Suburbia | ABC | 9.9 million
20. Criminal Minds (R) | CBS | 9.8 million

The week in ratings from EW:
‘Desperate Housewives,’ ‘Brothers & Sisters’ take Sunday
ABC dramas come back swinging, NBC’s ‘Southland’ goes south on Thursday
‘American Idol’ wins Wednesday as ‘The Unusuals’ continues to struggle
‘American Idol’ wins Tuesday but takes a dip on Disco Night
‘American Idol’ wins another weekly race

READ FULL STORY »

Apr 28 2009 10:35 PM ET

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick expecting twins via a surrogate after years of wanting to add to their family

Parkerbroderick_lSarah Jessica Parker, 44, and Matthew Broderick, 47, are expecting twin girls via a surrogate. In a statement, their reps announced, “Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick are happily anticipating the birth of their twin daughters later this summer with the generous help of a surrogate. The entire family is overjoyed.”

A friend of the couple, who married in 1997, tells Entertainment Weekly exclusively that Parker and Broderick have been trying for years to add to their family ever since the birth of their son, James Wilkie, now 6. But the road hasn’t been an easy one. “They had a lot of unsuccessful tries,” says the friend. “They came to the conclusion that this was going to be the best alternative for expanding their family.” The couple turned to a surrogate — whose name and place of residence have not been disclosed — last year. “They’re over the moon and excited as any prospective parents would be,” says the friend. “Their life is about to get a lot busier.”

Parker is filming Did You Hear About the Morgans? a romantic comedy costarring Hugh Grant, and plans to star in and produce a sequel to her 2008 hit Sex and the City. Broderick’s latest film, the drama Wonderful World, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 27, and he’s currently starring on Broadway in The Philanthropist.

addCredit(“Bryan Bedder/Getty Images”)

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  1. Tuesday, May 1
    1. The Biggest Loser NBC, 8-9PM
  2. Friday, May 4
    1. In Plain Sight USA, 10-11PM
  3. Sunday, May 6
    1. The Amazing Race CBS, 8-10PM
    2. GCB NBC, 10-11PM
  4. Monday, May 7
    1. Two Broke Girls CBS, 8-9PM
    2. Castle ABC, 10-11PM
  5. Tuesday, May 8
    1. Last Man Standing ABC, 8-8:30PM
    2. The Voice NBC, 8-10PM
    3. New Girl FOX, 9-9:31PM
    4. Unforgettable CBS, 10-11PM
  6. Wednesday, May 9
    1. CSI CBS, 10-11PM
  7. Thursday, May 10
    1. The Big Bang Theory CBS, 8-8:31PM
    2. The Vampire Diaries The CW, 8-9PM
    3. The Office NBC, 9-9:30PM
    4. The Secret Circle The CW, 9-10PM
    5. Parks and Recreation NBC, 9:30-10PM
  8. Friday, May 11
    1. The Finder FOX, 8-9PM
    2. Undercover Boss CBS, 8-9PM
    3. Fringe FOX, 9-10PM
    4. CSI: NY CBS, 9-10PM
    5. Blue Bloods CBS, 10-11PM
  9. Sunday, May 13
    1. Once Upon A Time ABC, 8-9PM
    2. Survivor: One World CBS, 8-10PM
    3. Desperate Housewives ABC, 9-11PM, SERIES FINALE
    4. American Dad FOX, 9:30-10PM
  10. Monday, May 14
    1. Bones FOX, 8-9PM
    2. How I Met Your Mother CBS, 8-9PM
    3. Gossip Girl The CW, 8-9PM
    4. Two and a Half Men CBS, 9-9:30PM
    5. Hart of Dixie The CW, 9-10PM
    6. Mike & Molly CBS, 9:30-10PM
    7. Hawaii Five-0 CBS, 10-11PM
    8. Smash NBC, 10-11PM
  11. Tuesday, May 15
    1. 90210 The CW, 8-9PM
    2. Cougar Town ABC, 8-9PM
    3. NCIS CBS, 8-9PM
    4. NCIS: Los Angeles CBS, 9-11PM
    5. Fashion Star NBC, 10-11PM
    6. Private Practice ABC, 10-11PM
  12. Wednesday, May 16
    1. Suburgatory ABC, 8:30-9PM
    2. Criminal Minds CBS, 9-11PM
  13. Thursday, May 17
    1. Missing ABC, 8-9PM
    2. Community NBC, 8-8:30PM, 9-10PM
    3. 30 Rock NBC, 8:30-9PM
    4. Rules of Engagement CBS, 8:30-9PM
    5. Awake NBC, 9-11PM
    6. Grey's Anatomy ABC, 9-10PM
    7. Person of Interest CBS, 9-10PM
    8. The Mentalist CBS, 10-11PM
    9. Scandal ABC, 10-11PM
  14. Friday, May 18
    1. Nikita The CW, 8-9PM
    2. Shark Tank ABC, 8-9PM
    3. Who Do You Think You Are NBC, 8-9PM
    4. Grimm NBC, 9-10PM
    5. Supernatural The CW, 9-10PM
  15. Saturday, May 19
    1. Saturday Night Live NBC, 11:29PM-1AM
  16. Sunday, May 20
    1. America's Funniest Home Videos ABC, 7-8PM
    2. The Cleveland Show FOX, 7:30-8PM
    3. Harry's Law NBC, 8-9PM
    4. The Simpsons FOX, 8-8:30PM
    5. Bob's Burgers FOX, 8:30-9PM
    6. Celebrity Apprentice NBC, 9-11PM
    7. Family Guy FOX, 9-10PM
  17. Monday, May 21
    1. Dancing With the Stars (Performance) ABC, 8-9PM
    2. House FOX, 8-10PM, SERIES FINALE
  18. Tuesday, May 22
    1. American Idol (Performance) FOX, 8-9PM
    2. Dancing With the Stars (Results) ABC, 9-11PM
    3. Glee FOX, 9-10PM
  19. Wednesday, May 23
    1. The Middle ABC, 8-8:30PM
    2. American Idol (Results) FOX, 8-10:07PM
    3. Modern Family ABC, 9-9:30PM
    4. Don't Trust the B— ABC, 9:30-10PM
    5. Revenge ABC, 10-11PM
    6. Law & Order: SVU NBC, 10-11PM
  20. Thursday, May 24
    1. Awake NBC, 10-11PM
  21. Tuesday, May 29
    1. Cougar Town ABC, 8-9PM
    2. The L.A. Complex The CW, 9-10PM
  22. Wednesday, May 30
    1. America's Next Top Model: British Invasion The CW, 9-10PM
*Times are Eastern Daylight and subject to change

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