Image Credit: Everett Collecton
Don’t worry, TV watchers. We know you probably had a rough night last night. We know you might just want to kick-start your New Year’s resolution from the comfort of your couch, and we’re here to help. Below, a guide to the shows on hand and the resolutions that you could adopt while watching, from a Star Wars threepeat to The Three Stooges, from Mad Men to Murder, She Wrote, and everything in between. READ FULL STORY »
Say you don’t like football, Glee, the Black Eyed-Peas or ultra-expensive ads for Doritos and Budweiser, yet you still want to spend hours watching TV on Sunday.
We can help. Here’s our top Super Bowl counterprogramming picks (all times Eastern Standard, check local listings for marathon start’n'stop times):
– The Puppy Bowl, Animal Planet, 3 p.m., repeats endlessly: Two starving dogs trained for combat are put into a pit, unleashed, then fight to the — ohhh, wait. This is different, they’re all cute and licking each other. Aww. It’s a Super Bowl tradition.
– Sex and the City marathon, E!: Shopping, hot guys, shoes, dating. This is true red-blooded NFL counter-programming, the way our TV ancestors intended. READ FULL STORY »
Image Credit: Virginia Sherwood/NBCIt’s now official: NBC has pulled the plug on Law & Order just shy of a record-breaking 21st season. The series finale will air on May 24. The network also announced the renewal of Law & Order: SVU and the pickup of new spin-off Law & Order: Los Angeles. READ FULL STORY »
Image Credit: Virginia Sherwood/NBCNow this is what I call a Law & Order twist: NBC is declining to comment on a Deadline report claiming the network has opted to not to renew the long-running procedural for what would have been a record-breaking 21st season. If true, it means Dick Wolf will have to settle for simply tying Gunsmoke‘s record as TV’s longest-running drama series. “It’s a fluid situation,” says a source close to the talks. “It’s not a done deal.” I’m told the L&O stalemate is not expected to have an impact on the likely renewal of Law & Order: SVU and imminent pickup of new spinoff Law & Order: Los Angeles. Meanwhile, don’t count on the mothership jumping to TNT. In a statement, the net — which has been home to L&O reruns for years — said it “is not in ongoing discussions about picking up the series for first-run episodes.” Developing…
Image Credit: Byron Cohen/NBC; Chris Haston/NBC; Larry Watson/FoxEvery year prior to Emmy nominations, the suits at the major TV studios stuff voters’ mailboxes with tons of DVDs featuring what they feel are their shows’ best episodes of the season. I just got a hold of Universal Media Studios’ fancy Emmy kit, and here are the episodes they chose to single out from this season’s Office, 30 Rock, Parenthood, etc. Note: These may differ from the formal submissions that are used in determining the winners. Also, keep in mind that Emmy-worthy episodes that aired after the mailer deadline could not be included, which is presumably why SNL didn’t include the Betty White episode.
30 Rock
“Dealbreakers Talk Show #0001″
Aired: Dec. 3, 2009
Everyone tries to be who they’re not, and Liz gets bangs.
and…
“Anna Howard Shaw Day”
Aired: Feb. 11, 2010
Valentine’s Day; Liz gets a root canal. READ FULL STORY »
Image Credit: Virginia Sherwood/NBC It’s the end of an era. After 16 years on the job, Law & Order‘s S. Epatha Merkerson is turning in the badge she wore as BS-free Lt. Van Buren at the end of the season. The Emmy-winning actress just phoned to discuss her emotional decision and what it may mean for her cancer-stricken alter ego.
How did you arrive at this decision?
S. EPATHA MERKERSON: It’s a graceful way to go. It’s the end of my contract this year, and the storyline has been so perfect. I’ve given it my best for 16 years. It’s time to move on. I’m doing other things and this will be a great way to leave what has been an extraordinary gig. READ FULL STORY »
Here are the major highlights from NBC’s just-concluded executive session at Winter Press Tour that don’t involve the words Leno or O’Brien (although if those are the words you’re looking for, click here)…
* Howie Mandel will replace David Hasselhoff on America’s Got Talent.
* Among the pilots NBC has ordered (some of this you already know): A remake of the UK crime drama Prime Suspect, a Rockford Files update from House creator David Shore, the Jerry Bruckheimer-produced action procedural Chase, the David E. Kelley legal drama Kindreds, and the romantic comedy Love Bites from Sex and the City writer Cindy Chupack. READ FULL STORY »
Top 5 reasons I’m pretty sure Law & Order is ripping the Letterman affair from the headlines for an upcoming episode:
5. How could they resist?
4. Fresh intel reveals that the show is casting the role of a talk-show host who’s popular, married and has kids. READ FULL STORY »
The secret’s out! S. Epatha Merkerson’s mystery lover on Law & Order is none other than Winston Zeddemore Ernie Hudson!
Merkerson’s cancer-stricken Van Buren recently revealed that she had met the love of her life, but the identity of her new suitor has remained a secret. All that will change this Friday when Hudson begins a multi-episode arc as her new boyfriend.
News of Hudson’s hiring follows my scoop that Van Buren would soon be getting a visit from former colleague Rey Curtis (Benjamin Bratt).
All of this attention being paid to Van Buren has me wondering: Should we be worried that she won’t surv… Nah, Dick Wolf wouldn’t dare.
PHOTO CREDIT: Virginia Sherwood/NBC; Hudson: Brandi Pettijohn/PR Photos
This should boost those sagging Friday ratings.
Benjamin Bratt has signed on to reprise his role as Det. Rey Curtis on Law & Order, sources confirm to me exclusively.
Bratt, who vacated the mothership a decade ago, will shoot his one-episode comeback next month. READ FULL STORY »
James Hibberd
@James_Hibberd
Lynette Rice
@EWLynette
