Tag: Deals (105-117 of 229)

Jan 23 2011 11:07 AM ET

Matthew Weiner on his expired 'Mad Men' contract: 'I am not looking for a new job' -- EXCLUSIVE

mad_men_320.jpg Image Credit: Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC Fans already know that AMC has promised them a fifth season of Mad Men, but will its brilliant creator Matthew Weiner come back, as well? The Emmy-winning scribe told EW exclusively that his new deal has yet to be finalized but he’s “not looking for a new job.”  The show’s future is vague because AMC is still negotiating with both Weiner and Lionsgate, which produces the hit drama starring Jon Hamm.

“I think all of AMC’s decisions about their scheduling and so forth have nothing to do with me, and I don’t have a deal yet,” Weiner told EW, while walking the red carpet for the Producers Guild of America Awards Saturday. READ FULL STORY »

Jan 21 2011 11:08 PM ET

'Wonder Woman' project finds a home at NBC

Wonder-WomanImage Credit: DC ComicsThe ol’ girl may fly this fall after all: NBC has picked up the Wonder Woman pilot from David E. Kelley. Ironically, NBC was the final network to pass on bringing back the superhero over a week ago, but that was before the new regime was officially in place in light of the impending Comcast takeover. Robert Greenblatt is now spearheading primetime as chairman. (On Thursday, head of programming Angela Bromstad announced she was leaving).

The pilot’s cost may not be a concern to Greenblatt, the wunderkind who revitalized Showtime with critical faves like Dexter and Weeds. READ FULL STORY »

Jan 21 2011 09:08 PM ET

Keith Olbermann leaving MSNBC, replaced by Lawrence O'Donnell

keith-olbermannImage Credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty ImagesMSNBC announced tonight that anchor Keith Olbermann is leaving the network. “MSNBC and Keith Olbermann have ended their contract,” the network says in a statement. “The last broadcast of Countdown with Keith Olbermann will be this evening. MSNBC thanks Keith for his integral role in MSNBC’s success and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”

The network also announced that, starting Monday, Jan. 24, The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell will take over Olbermann’s 8 p.m. ET timeslot. (O’Donnell has filled in for Olbermann in the past.) The Ed Show, hosted by Ed Schultz, will in turn move to O’Donnell’s 10 p.m. ET timeslot.

Olbermann’s departure comes in the midst of Comcast’s takeover of NBC Universal. Olbermann has hosted Countdown since 2003 and helped to rebuild the news channel. Here’s Olbermann’s sign-off from his final show Friday: READ FULL STORY »

Jan 21 2011 06:42 PM ET

NBC develops musical series from Steven Spielberg

Steven-SpielbergImage Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesMove over, Glee: NBC announced today that it has ordered a musical drama pilot that’s based on an idea from Steven Spielberg. Dubbed Smash, the project – if picked up to series – will follow a cross section of characters who come together for the “exhilarating ride of putting on a Broadway musical,” NBC says. The pilot script was written and executive produced by playwright Theresa Rebeck, and exec producers include Spielberg, Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, and Craig Zadan and Neil Meron of Hairspray fame. Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman will provide original songs for the series.

Talks are in progress to bring aboard Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening) to direct.

Additionally, NBC picked up a single-camera comedy pilot today from Jhoni Marchinko (Will & Grace). It’s called I Hate That I Love You and focuses on a straight couple that introduces two of its lesbian friends to one another – which results in instant attraction and a pregnancy. For more on 2011-12 development, click here!


Jan 20 2011 10:08 AM ET

ABC books new reality series from Jerry Bruckheimer

Sure, it may share the same title of the 1969 mockumentary, but don’t go looking for Woody Allen’s Virgil Starkwell anywhere: ABC is expected to announce that it will air a new competition show from Jerry Bruckheimer called Take the Money and Run. The show will bow on Thursday, April 14 and air for six weeks through May 19. It is expected to replace Wipeout, which will have completed its winter run.

The unscripted series, which was previously dubbed Catch Me, features teammates competing in an adrenaline-fueled adventure game. Bertram Van Munster, who executive produces The Amazing Race with Bruckheimer, will also serve as an EP on Run.

Read more:
ABC orders Bruckheimer’s ‘The Lost Girls’

Jan 13 2011 07:20 PM ET

Syfy to develop show about campus ghost stories

We already know that school can be scary, but this SyFy project is taking it to a whole new level: The cable network announced today that it is developing a one-hour reality series with Mark Burnett (Survivor) called School Spirits. The project, which is also from Seth Jarrett (Celebrity Ghost Stories), will focus on hauntings that have occurred on school campuses nationwide.

“Paranormal encounters at high schools and colleges often become legendary stories spanning and touching generations,” said Mark Stern, Syfy president of original programming in a statement. “We’re excited to partner with Mark and Seth as they bring compelling, firsthand stories to life.”

Jan 12 2011 06:15 PM ET

Showtime docuseries starring...the S.F. Giants? EXCLUSIVE

Michael-Tollin-GiantsImage Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images; Tatiana Beller/PR PhotosIs Showtime looking to steal a page from the HBO playbook and air its own Hard Knocks-type series? EW has learned that Showtime is in early talks with producer Mike Tollin to do a docuseries that focuses on the San Francisco Giants. Tollin’s an obvious choice to oversee the project, given his previous work on Bonds on Bonds, the 2006 docuseries for ESPN that followed the Giants outfielder through spring training and the baseball season. (Tollin’s got plenty of sports movies under his belt, too, like Varsity Blues, Coach Carter, Hardball, and the under-appreciated Summer Catch. And, let’s not forget his work on Smallville and One Tree Hill, too!).

HBO’s Hard Knocks debuted in 2001 as the first-ever sports reality series that goes behind-the-scenes with a pro football team. It launched with the Baltimore Ravens; the most recent addition focused on the New York Jets. The docuseries, on average, lured 4.6 million viewers for each episode.

Jan 12 2011 02:04 PM ET

'Big Bang Theory' scores a three-year pickup

big-bang-theory-castImage Credit: CBSExcellent news for fans of Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, Howard and Raj: CBS has renewed its top-rated The Big Bang Theory for an additional three years, extending its run through the 2013-14 season.

“It doesn’t take a theoretical physicist to see why this show is a BIG part of our comedy future,” said CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler. “From ratings to critical acclaim to pop culture buzz, it’s struck a chord on all levels. The creative genius of Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady and the on-camera talents of an amazing young ensemble have created a comedy that will entertain viewers for a long time. We’re proud to partner with Warner Bros. on another highly successful, long-running comedy.”

Theory, which premiered in September 2007, finished the 2009-10 season as the No. 1 scripted series in adults 18-49 and the No. 2 comedy among viewers. Currently in its fourth season, the sitcom made a successful transition to its new Thursday time period, and has emerged as the night’s top comedy in viewers and adults 18-49. It is averaging 13.8 million viewers (up 7 percent versus the year-ago time period) and a 4.7 rating/14 share in adults 18-49.

Read more:
‘Big Bang Theory’ Central
‘Big Bang Theory’ salary re-negotiations: Do they all deserve the same pay?

Jan 12 2011 01:50 PM ET

Next up for Kiefer Sutherland: An internet series! EXCLUSIVE

Kiefer-MasterKiefer Sutherland, internet star? That’s the plan: EW has learned exclusively that Sutherland will follow up his critically-beloved run on 24 with a web series that’ll bow on Hulu this March. Dubbed The Confession, the 10 five-to-seven-minute webisodes will feature Sutherland as a hitman who has a theological discussion with a priest (John Hurt of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) about why his victims deserved to die. The series, which was written and directed by Brad Mirman, ends with one helluva twist. READ FULL STORY »

Jan 10 2011 11:33 PM ET

Dr. Drew heading to CW daytime

Dr-Drew-PinskyImage Credit: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic.comDr. Drew Pinsky is expanding his sphere of influence. EW has confirmed that Pinsky, who has a eponymous show debuting on HLN in the spring and hosts Celebrity Rehab on VH1, will headline a new daily half-hour talk show dubbed Dr. Drew’s Lifechangers on the CW this fall.

Pinsky will tackle everything from addiction to relationship woes and also bring in experts. The network will air an original episode at 3 p.m. and follow it with a repeat. The news was first reported by Broadcasting & Cable.

The show comes courtesy of Telepictures, which previously produced The Tyra Banks Show for the CW’s daytime hour at 3. Repeats of the yakker continue to air in the slot.

Jan 10 2011 11:20 PM ET

ABC buys comedy with risque title

ABC is set to pick up a new comedy pilot with a title that could make waves like $#*! My Dad Says if it makes it to primetime intact.

20th Century Fox TV has sold a project titled Don’t Trust the Bitch in Apartment 23, which earns points for being funny and memorable, if not exactly G-rated. Tough to see ABC not brainstorming something softer (then again, the network does have Cougar Town). READ FULL STORY »

Jan 8 2011 01:34 PM ET

'Glee' exclusive: Season 2 to feature more Gwyneth and Gaga!

Gaga-PaltrowImage Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images; Larry Busacca/Getty ImagesGleeks, I’ve got such amazing scoop that I almost piddled in my pants when I heard it so I can’t imagine how you’re gonna react: EW has learned exclusively that the phenomenal Gwyneth Paltrow is officially reprising her role as Holly Holliday for TWO episodes of Glee in the spring and she’s gettin’ it on with Mr. Schuester!!! Says co-creator Ryan Murphy, “Gwyneth is coming back for two episodes. She’s coming back specifically to date Will [Matthew Morrison]. Those two have become really good friends in real life and had really good chemistry. She’s coming back as a sex education teacher. Gwyneth and I are emailing, talking every week: What are we gonna sing? We’re trying to do something fantastic. So she’ll be  [in episodes] 15 and 16. She comes back [to film] in January and she’s with us for three and a half weeks I think.”

You think that would be enough but I have even more redonkulous news: Lady Gaga just this week gave the Glee producers clearance for tackling her highly anticipated new single, “Born This Way,” which hasn’t even dropped yet! Murphy reveals that the song will be used in a March or April episode and will be centered around closeted gay bully Karofsky (Max Adler). “I love that that song is anthem,” says Murphy. “This show is by nature optimistic and I think a character like Karofsky could turn to booze or pills or alcohol and kill themselves or do something dark. But I also love Max and I love that character and I sorta want that character to have a happy ending. So I don’t really know what that’s going to be, but I do know we’re going to do a whole episode that’s about that song.”

And there’s one more Glee favorite returning: Kristin Chenoweth. She will be back as April Rhodes in the last batch of episodes of the season for a multi-episode arc.

Season 2′s second half is looking awfully good and really, really blonde!

Jan 7 2011 10:30 PM ET

Wonder Woman TV show 'not moving forward'

Wonder-WomanImage Credit: DC ComicsWonder Woman wasn’t able to lasso a new home.

Sources tell EW that all the major broadcasters have passed on the much-buzzed about project. Late Friday, NBC was the final network that declined to bring back the superhero.

Warner Bros. TV was actively shopping a script from David E. Kelley that updated the period tale about an Amazon princess who battled Nazis and other bad guys during World War II. READ FULL STORY »

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