Tag: Drop Dead Diva (1-10 of 31)

Jan 17 2013 06:28 PM ET

'Drop Dead Diva' creator Josh Berman on cancellation: 'Don't lose hope'

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For fans of Lifetime’s Drop Dead Diva disappointed with the show’s unexpected cancellation after four seasons, creator Josh Berman has a message for you: “Don’t lose hope,” he tells EW. “Jane Bingum came back from the dead. I think Drop Dead Diva will, too.”

Berman has met with the show’s studio, Sony, which he describes as extremely passionate about the series.”We’ve all been getting calls, both on the creative side and on the business side, from other possible homes,” he says. He wouldn’t say who, but adds, “Everything is in play. There are players that I never even expected that are expressing interest in the show…. I’m not ruling anything out. I’m not even ruling out Lifetime and Sony reaching a new deal. Like, I’m open to anything that will save the show. My goal is to still have the show on the air this summer, no matter what.”  READ FULL STORY »

Jul 1 2012 03:30 PM ET

'Drop Dead Diva': April Bowlby teases Stacy's legal troubles, the Owen-Jane-Grayson saga

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Production on Drop Dead Diva‘s fourth season wraps on July 6, and April Bowlby couldn’t be more excited about the fun that awaits fans of the Lifetime dramedy.

So far this season, Stacy (Bowlby) has opened a new business, the gang has welcomed a new angel (Carter MacIntyre), and Jane’s (Brooke Elliott) romantic entanglements with Grayson (Jackson Hurst) and Owen (Lex Medlin) have become more complicated than ever. And the triangle stands to get more difficult to decode — for the audience, anyway. Bowlby says this season, Stacy has thrown her weight behind only one man.

“I think they’re really writing my character to root for Owen this year,” she says. “I think it’s kind of bittersweet. You want it so badly to work out [between Jane and Grayson], but at the same time, I think Stacy can see that Jane/Deb is a completely new person [with Owen]. Why wouldn’t [Jane] choose a new guy with a new point of view? [He's] someone who she can have fun with and who really gets her. And I don’t think Grayson has really gotten her yet. I think that’s why Stacy is a big supporter of Owen.” That’s not to say Stacy is on bad terms with Grayson — quite the contrary, in fact. Later this season, the hunky lawyer will even help Stacy after her “pakery” comes under attack by a man who claims he had the idea first, Bowlby says.

But as Grayson helps Stacy figure out a way of of the lawsuit, fans are still wondering if he’ll ever solve the bigger puzzle at hand. They’ll have to stay tuned for that, though, she says. “This year, I think Grayson is definitely understanding that there are a lot of things about Jane that are Deb-like, and I think he’s now paying attention to these things. The audience is either going to root for him to figure things out or not, because of Owen. As I’m reading the scripts, I don’t know who to root for,” she says. “I think the audience will get a little frustrated because [Grayson's] so close.”

And if that’s not enough to keep audiences hanging on the the addicting series, Bowlby also offered up three more teases for the rest of the season: READ FULL STORY »

Jun 1 2012 11:00 AM ET

'Drop Dead Diva': 10 Things to Look Forward to in Season 4

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Drop Dead Diva returns to Lifetime on Sunday (9 p.m. ET), and after three seasons of Jane (Brooke Elliott) pining for Grayson (Jackson Hurst) — the man she was engaged to as model Deb, before Deb died and her spirit entered attorney Jane’s body — the tables will turn. Last we saw Grayson, Deb/Jane’s best friend Stacy (April Bowlby) had informed him “I’m not Deb, Jane is,” and now, he’s the one smitten. The problem: Jane saw Grayson kiss Stacy in a moment of missing Deb, and she went to Italy with Owen (Lex Medlin), with whom she’s now happy. (Jane returns from abroad when a former law school classmate, played by guest star Megyn Price from Rules of Engagement, is accused of murder.) The season premiere ends with a cliffhanger that rivals the season 3 finale, Berman says. “Grayson is beginning to figure things out,” he teases. And the final Grayson-Jane scene of the second episode is his favorite of the entire series: “It’s really so emotional. The editor had me come in to watch the first cut, and I look over and the editor is crying. This is a macho guy in his 40s, just cutting film, and he’s like, ‘Ohmygod, this scene is so good.’”

While the Jane-Grayson-Owen love triangle will play out over the entire 13-episode season, Berman says he’s not afraid to move the story along: “Within the first six episodes, we have a huge proposal that can change the direction of the series.” Here are 10 more things to look forward to in season 4: READ FULL STORY »

Mar 26 2012 02:14 PM ET

Serena Williams to star on 'Drop Dead Diva' -- EXCLUSIVE

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Serena Williams will move from the tennis court to the court of law when Drop Dead Diva returns to Lifetime in June.

EW has learned exclusively that Williams will play Kelly Stevens, a family lawyer representing Elisa Shayne (Brandy Norwood) in a bitter, life-changing custody battle against Jay Parker (Josh Stamberg). Norwood first appeared last season as Jay’s estranged ex-girlfriend.

“I had heard that Serena was a fan of the show, so I reached out to her directly,” says Josh Berman, Diva’s creator and executive producer. “The writers developed this part specifically for her. I can’t wait to watch Serena serve it up on our set.”

Williams has made several TV appearances in the past on shows like My Wife and Kids, The Division, ER, and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Diva is currently in production on its fourth season in Atlanta. Last season, the drama averaged 2.3 million viewers and was the No. 1 program in its Sunday time period among women 18-49 and women 25-54 versus all basic cable networks.

Read more:
Josh Berman looks ahead to ‘Diva’ season 4

Sep 26 2011 01:00 AM ET

'Drop Dead Diva' creator Josh Berman talks cliffhangers (and looks ahead to season 4)

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SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t yet watched Drop Dead Diva‘s season 3 finale, stop reading and come back to us once you’re done gasping, cheering, and/or tearing up. Creator Josh Berman answers our burning questions below.  READ FULL STORY »

Sep 22 2011 05:29 PM ET

'Drop Dead Diva' gets fourth season

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Drop dead? Not yet. Lifetime is getting a fourth season order to Drop Dead Diva.

The body-swapping drama series received a 13-episode order. “Drop Dead Diva is a signature series for Lifetime that continues to resonate with audiences with its heart and humor,” said Lifetime president and GM Nancy Dubuc. “We are thrilled to bring it back for another season.” The show has averaged 2.3 million viewers and its third season finale is this Sunday.

Sep 22 2011 02:00 PM ET

'Drop Dead Diva' season-finale preview: 'This episode is three years in the making'

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If you’ve seen the promo for Sunday’s season 3 finale of Lifetime’s Drop Dead Diva (9 p.m. ET), you know Stacy utters the words “I’m not Deb… Jane is” to Grayson. It’s a moment creator Josh Berman knows fans have been waiting for. “This episode is three years in the making, and after this episode, nothing will ever be the same,” he tells EW. “My hope is that at the end of season 3, fans will feel exhilarated and desperate for more. I also want them to feel rewarded. I love television, and as a fan of TV, I remember growing up with series where nothing would evolve, and I felt like they would just be airing the same episode over and over. I wanted our show to take a giant step forward to really reward all the serious viewers. Like life, it’s not the same storyline over and over. For the show to grow, and to reward our viewers, something big needed to happen.”

The hour brings every character a mini-cliffhanger, Berman says. From the promo, we know Owen wants Jane to go away with him. Parker, who thought he was getting back together with Kim, finally finds out he has a son with Elisa (Brandy Norwood). And as for Stacy, who ended last episode in jail after assaulting her costar/boyfriend, Berman has this to say: “Now that she’s become the ultimate diva and hit rock bottom, it’s the time to see if she’s learned from the mistakes she’s made. And what she’s certainly learned is that she actually does have real genuine feelings for Fred. But the question is, can Fred forgive her? The relationship absolutely comes to a head.”  READ FULL STORY »

Sep 2 2011 09:41 AM ET

'Grey's Anatomy,' 'NCIS: LA,' 'How I Met Your Mother,' 'Drop Dead Diva': Find out what's next in the Spoiler Room

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This week has been my favorite week of all time for at least the past 10 years. It’s the week EW’s Fall TV Preview hits stands! No joke, the issue is full of great scoop. (And no one even forced me to write that!) So combine that awesomeness with the goodies in today’s column, and you’ve got yourself a giant feast of spoiler-y goodness this wonderful Friday. I issue a hundred “You’re welcome”s in advance, you spoiled human beings. (Wow, did I accidentally make a pun? This is shaping up to be literally the best day ever.)

For the record, I don’t know who spiked my morning tea either. But remind me to thank them. Also, let me thank you, the wonderful people who are sending questions every week. You are appreciated it. Now, keep it up!

E-mail all queries to spoilerroom@ew.com or tweet me: @EWSandraG. Onward!

SARAH DREW ON APRIL’S BIG CHALLENGE AND HER ‘MOMENT’ WITH JESSE ON ‘GREY’S ANATOMY’ READ FULL STORY »

Aug 31 2011 12:15 PM ET

'Drop Dead Diva': Brandy talks return to acting -- EXCLUSIVE VIDEO

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This Sunday, Brandy makes her return to acting with the start of a three-episode guest arc on Lifetime’s Drop Dead Diva. Her character, Elisa Shayne, ended a relationship with Parker (Josh Stamberg) eight years ago, and comes to him for legal help. She quit her job as a nurse to care for her dying father, and now his life insurance company refuses to pay out his policy. “I think she was really in love with Parker at one point, and you know how Parker is on the show,” Brandy laughs. “She couldn’t handle his lifestyle, so she moved on. She’s a really somber woman. She’s quiet. She’s a good mom. She loved her dad. She’s a nurse. She’s a caretaker. I fell in love with her when I talked to the producers about her.” That’s good, because producers are leaving the door open for the character, who has a secret that involves Parker, to return — assuming Lifetime renews the show. (Let’s get on that!). “She starts to work at the firm, and she definitely has some things that she’s keeping from people,” Brandy says. “That keeps me around. Hopefully it will bring me back for season 4, if they get picked up. I’m looking forward to that. I love Atlanta, where it’s shot. The cast is a family there. That’s a blessing to be able to come back to acting, and then work with people who are humble and excited to work with me just as much as I am with them.” READ FULL STORY »

Aug 5 2011 08:00 AM ET

First Look: Kathy Griffin vs. Margaret Cho on 'Drop Dead Diva' -- EXCLUSIVE PHOTO

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Two comedic titans are heading for a big clash that’s sure to draw laughs on the August 14 episode of Lifetime’s dramedy Drop Dead Diva. Kathy Griffin pops up as Jenna Kaswell-Bailey — the sister to the oft-reviled Kim Kaswell (Kate Levering) — and goes head-to-head with Teri Lee (Margaret Cho), who plays star Brooke Elliot’s sassy assistant.

Griffin’s Jenna figures into the storyline by having her sister Kim represent her in her divorce proceedings, which — and we don’t know much more than this — center around the fight for the possession of a clock. Yes, a clock. Of her time on screen with Cho, Griffin says: “I can’t wait to be a total bitch, and punch my good friend Margaret Cho in the face: It was the role I was born to play. Set your DVR.”

EW has the exclusive first look at the showdown between the two, which you can find below:

READ FULL STORY »

Jul 22 2011 09:00 AM ET

'Drop Dead Diva': Wanda Sykes makes her debut as a judge -- EXCLUSIVE VIDEO

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Like most law-centric shows, Lifetime’s Drop Dead Diva features an always-interesting line-up of guest judges that has included everyone from Paula Abdul to Rosie O’Donnell during the series’ three-season run. Comedienne Wanda Sykes joins that esteemed group in Diva‘s next new episode, “The Prom,” which airs this Sunday, July 24, at 9 p.m., and EW has an exclusive clip of one of her best scenes.

Skyes’ judge is a bit surly, as you might imagine. “Why are you wasting the time of a very important judge?” she asks Jane (Brooke Elliott), who’s defending a teenage woman being kept from her high school prom because she’s a lesbian and wants to bring a female date. “This seems more like a matter for the student council,” she continues. But then Jane pleads her very convincing case, and… well, you’ll just have to watch to see how Sykes (who is a lesbian and an outspoken gay-rights advocate in her personal life, we might add!) reacts. Sassy! Watch here:

READ FULL STORY »

Jul 15 2011 09:26 AM ET

'The Good Wife,' 'White Collar,' 'Bones,' 'Franklin & Bash': Find out what's next in the Spoiler Room

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Spoilers are like apples, Roomies. Shake the tree, and you’ll get one to fall. And next week at the annual San Diego Comic-Con, the apples will fall like rain, so be prepared. Rather, help me prepare! Send your burning questions about any and all shows going to Comic-Con (and those that aren’t, if you’re so inclined), so I can come back with a basket of bounty to share with you all. We’ll make spoiler pie together! Also, this apple metaphor has gone on about five sentences too long. So I’m stopping now.

Send questions to spoilerroom@ew.com (note the two “r”s) or Tweet them to me @EWSandraG.

Also, this week, the “side dishes” are the main course. (Clearly hungry right now… ) Enjoy!

Sandra, I’m betting you’ve already drooled over these pics of gun-wielding Joe Manganiello on the set of White Collar, right? What else can you tell me about his role (and how much heavage we’ll be seeing)? — Maggie READ FULL STORY »

Jun 29 2011 09:57 AM ET

'Mary Tyler Moore' alum Valerie Harper to guest star on 'Drop Dead Diva' -- EXCLUSIVE

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Season 3 of Lifetime’s Drop Dead Diva, which premiered June 19, has already featured guest spots from the likes of Paula Abdul, Wendy Williams, and LeAnn Rimes. But it’s about to get even starrier: EW has exclusively learned that Mary Tyler Moore star Valerie Harper is on the dramedy’s Atlanta set today, shooting a guest spot for an episode that will air Sept. 11.

Like many guest stars before her, Harper will play a judge on the show. Specifically, she’s Leslie Singer, a smart, no-nonsense judge who’s presiding over Jane (Brooke Elliott) in the courtroom. The case finds Jane representing a notorious bridezilla who is suing for injuries sustained after a bridal-sale stampede — but judge Singer throws out some evidence, which causes Jane to have to get creative.

READ FULL STORY »

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