Image Credit: Showtime
Kristen Bell will return to TV on … Jan. 9, when her new Showtime comedy House of Lies debuts, announced the network at the critics press tour in Beverly Hills.
Lies stars Bell and Don Cheadle as cut-throat corporate consultants, and will premiere alongside the return of Californication and Shameless.
Meanwhile Showtime president David Nevins gave some more hints about the religious-themed upcoming sixth season of Dexter.
“One of the interesting things about Dexter this year, the killings he’s following — I don’t want to give anything away — but there’s a [Da Vinci Code author] Dan Brown-kind of way to the clues being followed and the story that developments. That story between [the two killers Dexter hunts] has its own mystery to it that’s really cool.”
Critics asked Nevins if Dexter “taking on Jesus” this season will cause outrage among some viewers. “Jesus is not going to be on the show,” he quipped, then admitted the controversy might help ratings.
“It’s good for the business to push into taboo subjects,” Nevins said, “to be taboo to be a little scary. Our shows are not for everybody.”
Nevins also gave some hints about the direction of season two of The Borgias. “Season two is about how power corrupts,” he said. “Season 1 leaned toward white collar crime; season two is more violent and visceral. He’s got great stuff for Machiavelli and Leonardo Da Vinci in season two.” (Yes, there are two Da Vinci references in this story).
Oh, and for fans of the allegedly unscripted show Gigolos, where a gaggle of vain male prostitutes fool around with female clients in Las Vegas, the show just received a second season order.
Showtime also announced a new project, Laughing Stock, a comedian interview program produced by Steve Carell and David Steinberg.
The channel recently passed 20 million subscribers — an all time high for the network — despite seeing some significant ratings drops in shows like Weeds (which, Nevins says, he’s optimistic about renewing) and Nurse Jackie.
This is the only time I wish I had Showtime…
Nudity?
If House of Lies is going to air alongside Californication and Shameless, then what are they doing with Episodes?
Hopefully canceling it.
Showtime confirms House of Lies will air Sunday, January *8*, 2012, not the 9th, at 10PM ET.
I haven’t watched Kristen in anything since Veronica Mars and I will not watch her in anything until the VM movie gets made.
Not going to happen. Even she says she’s too old to play the role anymore. Get over is Flip.
F**k off. It’ll happen one day—both she and Rob Thomas want to do it, plus she still looks young enough to pull it off. Don’t be a hater or a cynic. Be optimistic and pray for the best!
Not that many people around here make sense, but this comment may take the cake. You clearly like Kristen Bell if you’re so devoted to VM. So why wouldn’t you support her other works?
I like Kristen Bell AS Veronica Mars, not some other role.
Love Kristen Bell, love Don Cheadle. Definatley watching this show.
Can’t wait to see her in something interesting and sophisticated. All the movies she has been in since VMars are totally lame (except Sarah Marshall). Can’t wait for something worthy of her talents.
I have a hard time picturing Kristen Bell as “cut-throat”, but hopefully she’ll make it work. Showtime rocks!
Elle Bishop, Heroes.
Veronica Mars…maybe not exactly cut throat, but Bell gave the character some hard edges, she’ll definitely pull it off. Also, as John said, Elle in Heroes. Badassery.
Well, in that case, happy birthday to me!
Save weeds for one more season. End nurse jackie asap
EW why dis Don Cheadle and give the pretty white girl a headline? Knowing Don is in this may keep it from getting canceled. He is the bigger star and demands respect.
Random, but when anyone else highlights the text, are they getting pink highlight too?
Yep. Pink.
I think Kristen should fire her agent, the best thing she’s done since veronica mars are her guest appearances on craig ferguson. “Sarah Marshall” and “Fanboys” are pretty good too, but she deserves more good roles than that. can’t wait!!
Love Kristen Bell. Can’t wait for this show!
I shall hire Valhalla Catering to cater the party I shall throw the night of the premier.
I am going to get showtime just to see Kristen Bell.
I really hope that she and Don Cheadle have several sex scenes together. They would be a great interracial couple.