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What happened to Wednesday p.m. TV?
We’ve had a number of calls from people wondering about last night’s TV shows that were bumped by weather reports. Here’s what we know: “CSI” on CBS will not be repeated; “Law & Order” on NBC was repeated at 1 a.m. last night and will not air again; “Boston Legal” on ABC will be repleated tonight at 11:05 p.m. after “Nightline.”
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Fox fall schedule: ‘Back to You’ won’t be back, ‘24’ prequel coming in November
Last and certainly not least — thanks to mega-hit “American Idol” — powerhouse Fox unveiled its fall prime-time schedule today to advertisers and glitterati in New York.
Only two new series will join the lineup: “Fringe,” a sci-fi thriller from “Lost” creator J.J. Abrams that sounds disturbingly like that ABC series (including a mysterious airplane); and “Do Not Disturb,” a comedy set in a hip New York boutique hotel starring Jerry O’Connell as the hipster general manager and veteran Robert Wagner in a recurring role as the owner.
Missing from Fox? “Back to You,” the crackling TV newsroom sitcom starring Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton, which was just beginning to hit its stride, and the previously mentioned “K-Ville” and “Canterbury’s Law.” All three casualties were super-good shows, so it will be interesting to see if the newcomers perform any better.
As usual, Fox plans to hop out in front of the competition in late August with the Aug. 25 season opener of “Prison Break.”
The new season of “24,” which we’ve been waiting for since last season, when the writers’ strike nixed its January ‘08 return, now is scheduled for January ‘09. But to appease the addicted masses, Fox plans to air a two-hour “prequel” to the Jack Bauer adventure on Sunday, Nov. 23. Guess that will have to hold us.
And “Idol” takes its usual break before returning in January, too.
SUNDAY
6 p.m. “NFL Post-Game Show”
7 p.m. “The Simpsons”
7:30 p.m. “King of the Hill”
8 p.m. “Family Guy”
8:30 p.m. “American Dad”
MONDAY
7 p.m. “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”
8 p.m. “Prison Break”
TUESDAY
7 p.m. “House”
8 p.m. “Fringe” (NEW)
WEDNESDAY
7 p.m. “Bones”
8 p.m. “Til Death”
8:30 p.m. “Do Not Disturb” (NEW)
THURSDAY
7 p.m. “The Moment of Truth”
8 p.m. “Kitchen Nightmares”
FRIDAY
7 p.m. “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”
8 p.m. “Don’t Forget the Lyrics”
SATURDAY
7 p.m. “Cops”
8 p.m. “America’s Most Wanted”
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CBS fall schedule: ‘Unit’ and ‘Christine’ back, ‘Cane’ and ‘Moonlight’ gone
And the upfront beat goes on …
CBS unveiled its new fall schedule this morning in New York, sparing two shows believed to be on the bubble: “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and “The Unit.”
But don’t bother to scan the schedule for “Jericho,” “Rules of Engagement,” “Viva Laughlin,” “Cane” or “Moonlight.” They’re gone.
The CBS fall lineup includes five new series:
“Worst Week,” a sitcom about a magazine editor (“Jericho’s” Kyle Bornheimer) trying to please his pregnant girlfriend’s parents.
“Project Gary,” a comedy starring Jay Mohr as a recently divorced contractor battling his dominating ex-wife (doesn’t that sound hilarious?).
“The Mentalist,” a drama starring Simon Baker as a psychic detective.
“Eleventh Hour,” yet another drama from “CSI” franchise spinner Jerry Bruckheimer, about a biophysicist who investigates scientific crises for the government.
“The Ex List,” a comedy-drama about a thirtysomething businesswoman, played by “Grey’s Anatomy” guest star Elizabeth Reaser, who learns from a psychic that her future husband is a guy she’s already dated, and she must find him within a year or wind up forever lonely. (Doesn’t the premise acknowledge the series won’t last beyond one season?)
Here’s CBS’s fall schedule, at least for now:
SUNDAY
6 p.m. “60 Minutes”
7 p.m. “The Amazing Race”
8 p.m. “Cold Case”
9 p.m. “The Unit”
MONDAY
7 p.m. “The Big Bang Theory”
7:30 p.m. “How I Met Your Mother”
8 p.m. “Two and a Half Men”
8:30 p.m. “Worst Week” (NEW)
9 p.m. “CSI: Miami”
TUESDAY
7 p.m. “NCIS”)
8 p.m. “The Mentalist” (NEW)
9 p.m. “Without a Trace”
WEDNESDAY
7 p.m. “The New Adventures of Old Christine”
7:30 p.m. “Project Gary” (NEW)
8 p.m. “Criminal Minds”
9 p.m. “CSI: NY”
THURSDAY
7 p.m. “Survivor”
8 p.m. “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”
9 p.m. “Eleventh Hour” (NEW)
FRIDAY
7 p.m. “Ghost Whisperer”
8 p.m. “The Ex List” (NEW)
9 p.m. “Numb3rs”
SATURDAY
7 p.m. Crimetime Saturday (drama reruns)
9 p.m. “48 Hours Mystery”
CW announced early
And late Tuesday afternoon, the CW sneaked its fall schedule out early.
The big news? “Reaper” is coming back, but not until midseason.
The sad news? The sweet and funny “Aliens in America” has been canceled. Bummer.
New CW series include “90210,” based on the old Fox series “Beverly Hills 90210”; “Follow the Filthy Rich,” about a live-in tutor and her super-wealthy charges, spoiled twins in Palm Beach, Fla.; and a new reality series, “Stylista,” which pits competitors against each other for a job with Elle magazine.
For the complete CW fall lineup, check out our earlier Web posting.
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Upfront ABC: ‘Boston Legal’ back, Mike Judge has new comedy
ABC toots its horn to advertisers in New York today, and the big news is that the alphabet network is keeping its schedule more or less intact.
Only two new shows will be added in the fall: the drama “Life on Mars,” adapted by David E. Kelley from a BBC drama about a cop who is transported to 1973, and the reality show “Opportunity Knocks,” in which contestants will be surprised in their homes by a crew that will test how well family members know each other.
Austinite Mike Judge, of “King of the Hill” fame, will have a new animated comedy, “The Goode Family,” on ABC but not until midseason.
“Boston Legal,” considered an iffy renewal, will return in the fall, as will the midseason fantasy drama “Eli Stone.” And, as expected, NBC’s “Scrubs” will join the ABC lineup at midseason.
CBS’s “The New Adventures of Old Christine” is NOT in the mix, which possibly means that CBS (which announces its schedule Wednesday) renewed the Julia Louis-Dreyfus sitcom. We’ll see.
Not on the fall schedule for ABC but returning at midseason will be “Lost” and “According to Jim.” Why “Jim” keeps dragging itself back to the lineup is a total mystery to me.
Gone and probably already forgotten: “Cavemen,” “Carpoolers” and “Big Shots.” Good riddance.
Here’s ABC’s new fall schedule (at least for now):
SUNDAY
6 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos”
7 p.m. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
8 p.m. “Desperate Housewives”
9 p.m. “Brothers & Sisters”
MONDAY
7 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars”
8:30 p.m. “Samantha Who?”
9 p.m. “Boston Legal”
TUESDAY
7 p.m. “Opportunity Knocks” (NEW)
8 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars”
9 p.m. “Eli Stone”
WEDNESDAY
7 p.m. “Pushing Daisies”
8 p.m. “Private Practice”
9 p.m. “Dirty Sexy Money”
THURSDAY
7 p.m. “Ugly Betty”
8 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy”
9 p.m. “Life on Mars” (NEW)
FRIDAY
7 p.m. “Wife Swap”
8 p.m. “Supernanny”
9 p.m. “20/20”
SATURDAY
7 p.m. College Football
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Upfronts: NBC’s new fall schedule
This is television’s Big Week — the Upfronts, when broadcast networks trumpet their fall schedules to advertisers.
First up is NBC, but because the Peacock Network jumped out early with an April 2 announcement, today’s press conference in New York will mostly serve as confirmation that Jimmy Fallon will take over “Late Night” when Conan O’Brien moves to Jay Leno’s desk on “Tonight Show” next year.
With Leno still beating David Letterman’s “Late Show” on CBS, NBC’s decision to remove Leno in 2009 seems like a foot-shooting venture, but we’ll see.
In case you forgot (and, really, who hasn’t?), NBC’s April announcement included renewals of “Chuck,” “Heroes,” “Lipstick Jungle,” “Life” and “Friday Night Lights” (but not arriving on the network until January, months after its prenegotiated debut on DirectTV).
NBC’s new fall series include:
“Kath & Kim,” a sitcom starring Molly Shannon as a dysfunctional suburban divorced woman and Selma Blair as her self-absorbed daughter.
“My Own Worst Enemy,” a drama starring Christian Slater as a man living two lives: one as a normal family guy, the other as a secret agent.
“Knight Rider,” an update of the old TV series about a talking car named KITT and its hunky driver (Justin Bruening.)
“Crusoe,” a drama about a shipwrecked guy trying to survive and somehow return to his wife and kids. Sounds like “Lost,” doesn’t it? No star announced, which seems odd.
Here’s NBC’s fall schedule (for now, anyway):
SUNDAY
6-10 p.m. “NFL Football”
MONDAY
7 p.m. “Chuck”
8 p.m. “Heroes”
9 p.m. “My Own Worst Enemy” (NEW)
TUESDAY
7 p.m. “The Biggest Loser”
8:30 p.m. “Kath & Kim” (NEW)
9 p.m. “Law & Order: SVU”
WEDNESDAY
7 p.m. “Knight Rider” (NEW)
8 p.m. “Deal or No Deal”
9 p.m. “Lipstick Jungle”
THURSDAY
7 p.m. “My Name Is Earl”
7:30 p.m. “30 Rock”
8 p.m. “The Office” (hour-longs in early fall)
9 p.m. “ER”
FRIDAY
7 p.m. “Crusoe” (NEW)
8 p.m. “Deal or No Deal”
9 p.m. “Life”
SATURDAY
7 p.m. “Dateline NBC”
8 p.m. “Knight Rider” reruns
9 p.m. “Law & Order: SVU” reruns
COMING TUESDAY: ABC’s fall schedule
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This week’s TV highlights
Hundreds of channels, hours and hours of programming. So much to watch, so little time. Here are some highlights to get you started on your week of viewing.
Sunday
“The Simpsons,” 7 p.m. on Fox — Talk about irreverent! This long-running comedy kills off Homer’s mom on Mother’s Day. I’m not making this up. Mona Simpson (voiced by Glenn Close) drops dead, setting off feelings of guilt (d’oh!) in Homer for not being a better son.
“Survivor: Micronesia,” 7 p.m. on CBS — The 16th incarnation (can you believe it?) of the bug-eating, back-stabbing reality show concludes with a two-hour finale. Lose weight and win $1 million dollars. Not a bad gig.
Monday
“American Gladiators,” 7 p.m. on NBC — I’m not likin’ … I’m just sayin.’ A new season of the rowdy, cult-fave game show hosted by Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali begins.
“House,” 8 p.m. on Fox — The first part of a two-part season finale finds the grumpy Dr. House involved in a nasty bus accident that leaves him with (what else?) amnesia.
“Dirty Jobs,” 8 p.m. on Discovery — The gross-out favorite of young (especially) and old alike, the episode checks out employment on a stinky turkey farm.
Tuesday
“Reaper,” 8 p.m. on CW — When Sam can’t keep an evil soul he caught from returning to earth, the Devil sends him to fix the “leak in hell.” So that’s the problem!
“Work Out,” 9 p.m. on Bravo — Ab straining, lung busting workouts accompanied by hysterical therapy sessions equal the strange world of uber-trainer Jackie’s fitness program. We prefer stretching and strolling, but it’s fun to watch others suffer.
Wednesday
“America’s Top Model,” 7 p.m. on CW — The three final contestants wreak havoc on a Cover Girl photo shoot. Tyra Banks will, after stirring up much hissing and weeping, crown the winner.
“Boston Legal,” 9 p.m. on ABC — Big-time Republican politicians ask wacky gun-toting Denny Crane to run for President. Doesn’t sound all that far-fetched to me.
Thursday
“My Name Is Earl,” 7 p.m. on NBC — In the hour-long season finale, Earl experiences turbulence in his marriage to Billie. (Did you know Earl was married? I didn’t. I lost track.)
“The Office,” 8 p.m. on NBC — Another hour-long season finale finds an upheaval in Dunder Mifflin’s human resources department. To wit: Toby’s outta there.
“Texas Monthly Talks,” 7 p.m. on PBS — Texas Monthly editor Evan Smith chats up music legend Lyle Lovett.
Friday
“Moonlight,” 8 p.m. on CBS — The season (and likely the series) finale finds the Los Angeles vampires hiding from investigators after one of their own kills a human.
“Numb3rs,” 9 p.m. on CBS — Yet another season finale. Doesn’t it seem like this thread-bare TV season is crashing early? We used to have fresh episodes until Memorial Day. No more.
Saturday
“Million Dollar Baby,” 7 p.m. on AMC — The Oscar-winning film boasts top performances by Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman. Depressing but fabulous.
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Happy Mother’s Day to TV’s troubled moms
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, our thoughts turn to TV moms, right?
OK, maybe not. Maybe our thoughts turn to the flowers we forgot to send or the dinner we meant to plan but didn’t.
So maybe it’s only my mind that turns to TV moms of today — none of whom remotely resembles June Cleaver on “Leave It To Beaver” or Marion Cunningham on “Happy Days.”
No, today we have the polygamist moms on “Big Love” and the mom on “Reaper” who sold her son’s soul to the Devil the day he was born.
Marge Simpson might be the closest mom we have to the old-fashioned traditional matriarchs. She bakes cookies, takes care of her kids and lump-headed husband Homer and she wears those eternal pop-bead necklaces.
Peg Hill, with her secret size 12 shoes, is a fairly traditional homemaker, too, on “King of the Hill.”
So maybe the only traditional moms on TV these days are cartoon characters. What does that say about motherhood on the tube? That the only route to a good mom on TV is fantasy and animation?
Felicity Huffman’s Lynette Scavo on “Desperate Housewives” certainly does her best with her gazillion kids, including the always troublesome twins. She’s fought cancer and the wacky business dealings of her husband while keeping her family together. We’ll give her an honorable mention.
Probably one of the more realistic moms on TV today is Dr. Bailey on “Grey’s Anatomy.” This hard-working mom recently became a single mom when her husband left her. The good doc clearly loves her little boy, but she’s juggling all manner of complications vying for her time at Seattle Grace Hospital.
Allison Dubois on “Medium” sees creepy dead people (especially murder victims) all the time, so she’s a bit distracted from domestic duties as mom to three daughters.
And then there’s Nora Walker on “Brothers & Sisters,” a semi-neurotic character with five grown children, none of whom apparently has been able to cut the umbilical cord. One twentysomething son still lives at home, and the rest of the adult kids drift in and out of the house as if they’re all still in high school.
Isn’t the mark of successful parenting to have kids who become independent?
It’s a pretty sad lot, but we wish them Happy Mother’s Day anyway.
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‘Scrubs’ ends NBC run tonight, heads for ABC
“Scrubs” wraps up seven seasons on NBC tonight at 7:30, but this finale probably isn’t a real finale.
The worst kept secret in Hollywood is that “Scrubs” is heading for ABC in the fall. The official announcement will come Tuesday, when ABC unveils its “upfront” presentations to potential advertisers.
In the NBC swan song tonight, Dr. Cox recalls his first day at the hospital in a highly whimsical fair tale told to his young son. Fantasy seems an appropriate end to the rather tortured life “Scrubs” has had on NBC.
Moved around the schedule so often that TV Guide seemed to give up trying to list it, “Scrubs” nevertheless has a devoted audience of folks who love slapstick, whimsy and sophomoric/sophisticated humor. Shakespeare and flatulence shared the stage.
Is it the best sitcom ever? No, but it’s one of those shows — like the late “Will & Grace” — that always prompts hearty chuckles. If you could remember when, where or even if it was on, you knew you could bank a bit of silly fun.
Fast-paced and dripping with double entendres and pop culture references, “Scrubs” is a simple pleasure that’s easy to digest. If ABC puts it on the fall schedule and leaves it there for a while, it should have a season or two of life left.
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ABC News opening ‘digital bureau’ at UT
University of Texas journalism students could wind up on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” “World News” and “Nightline” in the fall when ABC News opens a “digital bureau” here as part of an new initiative called ABC News on Campus.
Only five universities around the country have been invited to participate. Besides UT-Austin, the program includes Arizona State University, Syracuse University, the University of Florida and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The UT bureau will open in September under the supervision of broadcast journalism lecturer Kate Dawson, a 14-year TV news veteran who spent her career at Fox News Channel, WCBS in New York and ABC News Radio. She joined the UT faculty in 2006.
“ABC was really impressed with UT’s credentials and considered this a great journalism school,” Dawson said.
The ABC News-campus partnership will create a multimedia bureau at UT that will include new video and computer equipment, paid internships for student staffers and a paid position for Dawson as the faculty adviser. The first student bureau chief is Sara Loeffelholz, a senior from Aledo. The other bureau staff members have not yet been chosen.
“These college bureaus will extend the newsgathering reach of ABC News throughout the country,” said ABC News president David Westin in a statement. “In addition, they will enable us to nurture bright young journalism students, giving them hands-on training from some of the most seasoned news professionals in the business and the opportunity to see their work appear on ABC News platforms.”
No doubt ABC also sees the campus initiative as a way to lure some of the country’s 33 million 18- to 25-year-old viewers into watching TV news. Younger viewers have abandoned nightly newscasts since the arrival of online and cable news.
The UT bureau will receive training and on-site mentoring for the student bureau chief and faculty liaison at ABC News headquarters in New York twice a year.
Every day, year-round, students will pitch stories to the ABC news producers. If one is accepted, the bureau will engage its multimedia operation. A print journalism student might write the script, a broadcast journalism student might do the standup and several students would be in charge of shooting and editing, with online additions available, too.
“This is an amazing opportunity,” Dawson said. “We’ll learn from each other and have access to resources at the other college campuses… . ABC News is interested in a variety of issues, from campus security to features on college trends. They want the college student’s points of view, which is something you don’t see very often on network news.”
In the fall, the UT group also will help out with ABC affiliate KVUE’s general election coverage.
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‘Sex’ ends on Mother’s Day, Jason (please) off ‘Idol’ tonight
“Talk Sex” ends on Mother’s Day! Is there deeper meaning in the timing? We hope not.
Oxygen’s “Talk Sex” (11 p.m. Sundays), the sometimes shockingly frank call-in show hosted by 77-year-old Sue Johanson, bids farewell on Mother’s Day.
After six seasons on American cable TV (and 32 years altogether on the air), Johanson, a spritely Canadian nurse with a penchant for doling out sex advice, has decided to call it quits.
Oxygen insists it did not cancel the show, which is the network’s most popular late-night series.
“I’m going to miss playing with sex toys,” Johanson told the Associated Press.
Sunday night’s finale, appropriately, will feature the hostess-with-the-mostess counting down the year’s Top 10 Sex Toys.
Slacker Castro out tonight? Please?
Have “American Idol” voters finally come to their senses?
Let’s hope so, because if Jason Castro doesn’t get axed tonight, I’m gonna throw stuff at my TV.
We know the blue-eyed, dreadlocked Texan (and Aggie!!) has a following. No doubt. We just don’t know why.
Some might call his demeanor dreamy; I call it stoned. He drifts around the stage, batting his eyelashes, looking shy and totally out to lunch. A few weeks ago the cameras caught him yawning and practically nodding off as he waited to perform.
Last night, as if the slacker persona weren’t bad enough, Jason forgot the lyrics to his second song, Bob Dylan’s iconic “Mr. Tambourine Man.” If you’re going to mess up a Dylan song, mess up the tune, not the words. Dylan songs are all about the words.
At this point, I don’t really care who wins out of the remaining trio.
David Cook seems the most likely, but Syesha Mercado was brilliant last night. OK, I admit it. I actually cried during her performance of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Huggable boy-toy David Archuleta, a long-time favorite of the judges and screaming tweens, is a 17-year-old wunderkind with terrific talent — but missing some heat due to his boyish adorableness.
Just PLEASE get rid of Jason Castro. He didn’t belong in the Top 10, and he certainly doesn’t belong in the final.
Results are tonight at 8 on Fox.
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Pop divas seek rehab on TV
Prime-time TV is becoming Rehab Central for Hollywood’s bad girls. Check it out:
First Britney Spears graced us with a guest starring role on the CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother.” Now Lindsay Lohan is heading for the May 22 season finale of ABC’s hit “Ugly Betty.”
Of course there’s a big difference between the two young women, both of whom have done stints in rehab and made multiple court appearances for various offenses.
Lindsay is an actor who can actually act, whereas Britney is a singer who (a) can barely sing and (b) has absolutely no acting chops. Go figure.
Still, both tabloid celebutantes draw viewers … perhaps folks longing to see yet another trainwreck. Whatever.
TV series apparently are fertile ground for reviving a scandal-plagued career. Britney will return for another spot on “Mother” before season’s end, and Lindsay will return to “Betty” in the fall for five more episodes.
NBC axes “Monk” and “Psych”
NBC programming wizards clearly don’t have a clue.
Apparently the Peacock poobahs thought viewers would crowd around USA hits “Monk” and “Psych” — even though the episodes on NBC were repeats of episodes originally seen on cable.
Note to NBC: We’ve seen these shows, years ago. We watch cable. All the time. We don’t want to see repeats of them on NBC.
Effective Sunday, NBC will replace the USA shows with four reruns of “The Office.” Talk about creative bankruptcy …
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Jesse Plemons guest stars in summer horror series
Jesse Plemons, the real Texan who plays the decidedly real Landry on “Friday Night Lights,” hasn’t just been sitting around waiting for the Dillon Panthers to call him to practice.
Nope, Plemons has been filming an episode of NBC’s horror anthology series “Fear Itself,” which is scheduled to premiere Thursday, June 5.
Plemons will appear in an episode called “The Sacrifice,” in which four fugitive criminals hide out in an abandoned fort that turns out to be a tad haunted.
I’m sure Plemons is terrific in the role, but wouldn’t you love to see this guy in a comedy? He’s had enough horror and sorrow on “FNL.” Plus, Plemons has a sly way with funny dialogue … maybe someday.
What are you thinking, Baba?
I’m still scratching my head over Barbara Walters’ revelation that she had an affair with a married politician in the 1970s.
In case you missed it, Walters confessed in her new memoir “Audition,” and tomorrow she spills even more beans in an interview with Oprah Winfrey (4 p.m. Tuesday on KVUE) about her fling with U.S. Sen. Edward Brooke of Massachusetts when she was co-hosting NBC’s “Today.”
Why would Walters, an icon in TV news and a hero to gazillions of working women, write about this? It’s a puzzler. Walter, 78 and pulling in millions of dollars as an ABC contributor and host of the daytime talker “The View,” doesn’t need the hype.
And Former Senator Brooke, now 88, probably doesn’t need the humiliation. The Republican (and first African-American elected to the U.S. Senate) was married at the time of the alleged affair, and he steadfastly refuse to comment on Walters’ claims.
In a transcript of Walters’ appearance on “Oprah” tomorrow, Walters says she was “infatuated” with Brooke but does not say she was in love with him. The devil’s in the details, no?
Can’t we all just keep our dirty laundry hidden? This revelation can only dim Walters’ shining career and cause embarrassment to a retired (and re-married) politician.
If Walters is this desperate for attention, she could have re-hired Rosie O’Donnell on “The View.”
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This week’s TV highlights
Hundreds of channels, hours and hours of programming. So much to watch, so little time. Here are some highlights to get you started on your week of viewing.
Sunday
“Cranford,” 8 p.m. on PBS — The latest entry from “Masterpiece Theater” springs from the writings of Elizabeth Gaskell. Set in 1842, the three-part film (continues May 11 and May 18) chronicles life in a rural English town that’s teetering on the brink of major change. Oscar winner Judi Dench stars, along with Eileen Atkins and Imelda Staunton.
“Cold Case,” 7 p.m. on CBS — This superbly filmed but often overlooked crime drama airs its season finale tonight. Ending early without an early renewal commitment doesn’t bode well for the show’s future.
Monday
“Dancing with the Stars,” 7 p.m. on ABC — Will Latino hunk Cristian de la Fuente survive two dances? Or even one? Last week, you may recall, he popped a tendon in his bulging bicep. Fans voted him back anyway. We’ll see if he can do it.
“Independent Lens,” 10 p.m. on PBS — In honor of Cinco de Mayo, the series profiles the Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, the first all-female mariachi band. Bravo!
Tuesday
Democratic Primary Results, 6 p.m. on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC — Once again the broadcast networks are ceding election coverage to cable news. And once again tonight’s primaries in North Carolina and Indiana could be decisive.
Wednesday
“American Masters,” 8 p.m. on PBS — A splendid bio-pic of legendary singer Marvin Gaye. Shot to death by his own father in 1984, Gaye’s music contributions may be well-known, but his battles with family violence, depression and drug addiction may not be. This is the full picture of a genius.
“Audition: Barbara Walters’ Journey,” 9 p.m. on ABC — The hour gallops through Walters’ long-running career, with side trips into her mostly private personal life. ABC anchor Charles Gibson hosts.
Thursday
“Beijing Olympic Stadium,” 8 p.m. on National Geographic Channel — Nicknamed the “Birds Nest,” this incredibly ambitious design comes from 42,000 pounds of steel and hundreds of tons of concrete. It’s the main venue for the Summer Olympics, which begin Aug. 8.
Friday
“True Hollywood Story Investigates: Cheerleading,” 7 p.m. on E! — Into every couch potato’s life a little cheese must fall. A two-hour doc on cheerleading culture, replete with back-stabbing and nail-biting, should fill the bill.
Saturday
“Braveheart,” 8:30 p.m. on HBO — If you can’t remember why Mel Gibson was once a major movie star, check out this spectacular historical saga about the crusading Scottish rebel William Wallace. Not only does Gibson star, he won the directing and best picture Oscars.
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Derby thunders onto NBC on Saturday
For no particular reason, I’m feeling sporty today, so this blog will trot in sync with my mood.
The Kentucky Derby promises to gobble up most of NBC’s afternoon schedule on Saturday. It’s not quite as excessive as the Super Bowl, but the 134th running of the million-dollar horses will start early and go late.
Post time (when the race is expected to begin) is 5:04 p.m. Central Time, but NBC is starting at 3 p.m. with a red-carpet segment, “Access at the Kentucky Derby,” hosted by Billy Bush of “Access Hollywood.” Look for a lot of rich people in big hats, as opposed to stars in skimpy clothes.
After the faux celebrity march, NBC will have its pre-race show at 4 p.m., highlighting the competing horses, their jockeys, their trainers and their owners.
For those of us who are not hard-core horsey types, this provides mandatory background so you can choose a thoroughbred to cheer for.
FYI: Among the unusually crowded field this year, Big Brown is favored, with Colonel John also considered worthy. With two-days’ worth of rain expected at Churchill Downs, look for a muddy, sloppy race.
Even if you’re not hosting or attending a Derby party, don’t forget to whip up some mint juleps. Basic recipe provided here. (Put enough mint and sugar in and you can barely taste the bourbon.)
Moving on to the Beijing Summer Olympics, NBC today announced it will have live Web coverage of 25 sports that otherwise wouldn’t be seen in TV coverage.
And the network will archive 2,200 hours of video from every day and every competition during the games, which begin Aug. 8.
Since August is by far the steamiest, scorching-ist month of the year in Austin, I’m guessing the Beijing Games will be a big draw here.
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Another strike?
Producers and actors are NOT getting along … and that’s a nasty foreboding for all of us.
You might recall that the Screen Actors Guild initiated early contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers two weeks ago. Yesterday, the big-wigs representing the major studios and networks turned down the actors’ demands for what was dubbed “huge increases in compensation and benefits”sought by SAG.
In a statement posted on its Web site, the producers’ group said after 13 days of talks, the two sides remained miles apart. The producers said the actors’ guild’s demand for doubling fees for DVD sales, along with other increases for new media distribution, was unacceptable.
At least the warring groups have not given up — yet. They are scheduled to reconvene today for another attempt before breaking for the weekend.
SAG is shooting for a bigger piece of the pie than the Writers Guild of America received after its three-month strike. Even though the actors’ contract doesn’t expire until June 30, the iffy situation already has caused delays because studios are concerned that a strike could paralyze the industry — again.
SAG’s smaller sister union, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, is scheduled to begin separate talks with the producers on Monday.
Can’t these folks please settle this mess before they permanently injure the business? Pretty please?
Guests we welcome with open arms
Christian Siriano, the dramatic and wildly talented little sprite who won this season’s “Project Runway,” prances onto “Ugly Betty” tonight (at 7 p.m. on ABC). Unlike most nonactor guest stars, he’s perfect for “Betty.” Very funny and totally over the top. Love him.
Also, Kate Walsh returns to “Grey’s Anatomy” tonight (9 p.m. on ABC), resurrecting her sexy Dr. Addison Montgomery character. Fans of her spinoff, “Private Practice,” need not worry — ABC has renewed the spinoff for a new season, beginning in the fall.
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‘Boston Legal’ moves, ‘Idol’ and ‘Dancing’ get weird
As Denny and Alan mentioned in last Tuesday’s “Boston Legal,” the ABC show is moving to Wednesdays, effective tonight at 9 p.m.
Creator David E. Kelley loves to pop little insider, behind-the-fourth wall quips into his scripts.
In a show last season the story line focused on other characters in the law firm, with the two main guys seen in separate scenes. When they met up for their customary Scotch-and-cigars conclusion, Denny piped up, “Alan, where have you been? I haven’t seen you all episode.”
Love those little winks from Kelley. Anyway, to the point, “Boston Legal,” which alternately produces tears and guffaws, has been evicted from its regular time slot, which isn’t the best thing that could have happened.
The show’s ratings in this strike-crippled season have been less that swell, and the series is now one of the “on-the-bubble” shows that might not make the cut when ABC announces its fall schedule on May 13.
If you’re a fan, don’t forget to catch “Boston Legal” in its new berth tonight.
‘Twas a weird night for reality competitions
“American Idol” trotted out as if it were on fast-forward last night, squeezing in two performances from each of the remaining contestants.
Neil Diamond’s songs got butchered more than once, and Paula Abdul once again fell victim to her own, uh, confusion. Poor thing.
As always, check out my colleague Gary Dinges’ Idol Chatter blog for the whole story, but I just had to weigh in briefly, too.
Jason Castro, he of the dreamy blue eyes white-boy dreads, once again appeared to be in an alternate universe. Maybe that’s why after the first of his two performances, Paula thought she’d heard two songs and proceeded to offer her judging comments.
Dead silence, scattered laughter, total shock among the contestants. Eventually Randy Jackson informed her that Jason had only sung one song. Who knows what poor Paula was thinking.
Jason obviously has a strong fan base, but he’s got to go. Seriously. Elimination is tonight at 8 p.m. on Fox.
Meanwhile, “Dancing with the Stars” wasted a spot in its competition when the injured Cristian de la Fuente received enough votes to keep him in, while Shannon Elizabeth got the boot.
After rupturing a tendon in his bicep Monday night Cristian is NOT going to make it beyond another week, especially since the dancers are now allowed to do lifts. Is he going to twirl around, catch his partner and do all those athletic moves with one arm in a brace? Maybe … but not for long. And I wouldn’t want to be his partner, Cheryl Burke.
Cristian should have bowed out and let Shannon stay. It would have been the fair and gentlemanly thing to do.
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Another ‘Dancing’ dancer crumples
Another dance, another crumpled dancer.
“Dancing with the Stars” is proving that dance is more contact sport than performance artistry. In case you missed last night’s competition, Chilean TV star Cristian de la Fuente pulled a muscle in his bulging arm during a samba with pro partner Cheryl Burke.
It was obvious something was wrong when de la Fuente’s swiveling hips stopped swiveling — and, finally, when he dropped Burke on the floor in a big, feathery poof.
Host Tom Bergeron wasn’t quite sure what to do, so he went to commercial as the super-hunky (can teeth actually be that white?) Chilean grimaced and gripped his arm. After the break, the wounded bird, with an ice pack strapped to his arm, received his not-so-good scores: three sevens. Bummer. And possibly unfair.
We werer told that EMS had swooped in during the ad and diagnosed de la Fuente’s injury as a “severe muscle cramp,” but today more people are saying it’s a pulled muscle, which is different and worse. We’ll find out in tonight’s results show (8 p.m. on ABC) whether the actor will be able to twirl farther in the competition.
Last season Marie Osmond fainted and plopped to the floor. This year, pro dancer Derek Hough injured his neck during rehearsal and then later came down with food poisoning.
It’s surprising there aren’t more injuries on the live telecasts. The dances (Latin, ballroom, whatever) are difficult and highly athletic to begin with, and to show off on TV, the pros always load ‘em up with even more daring moves. Presumably the threat of bodily harm simplys adds to the drama.
Entertainment Weekly’s super-snarky take on the current “Dancing” season claims this is the worst of the show’s six seasons. I beg to differ. I think the celebrity contestants, especially bubbly Marissa Jaret Winokur, are an especially entertaining group — folks you really want to root for in the competition.
And, really, isn’t Cockney-accented judge Len Goodman a major hoot? Half the time you can’t figure out exactly what he’s saying, but it’s fun trying.
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KVUE News going HD soon!
Christine Haas and Tyler Sieswerda are about to get new makeup and a spiffy new look to their anchor perch on KVUE’s local newscasts.
Why? The Belo-owned station is switching its newscasts to HD. We’ve noticed for several weeks that the anchors aren’t in their usual set, and the lighting looks a bit harsh sometimes. Turns out that’s because KVUE is building a new deck for their old set to accommodate the transition.
We found this out, by the way, not from the station but from an article in Broadcast Engineering.
This morning we called for confirmation from KVUE’s long-time chief engineer Mike Wenglar. The specific date for the HD debut has not been released, but late May or early June look probable.
Look for a big promotional extravaganza closer to the premiere, when news, weather, sports and field reports all will be telecast in HD.
KEYE’s newscasts, you might remember, went HD last November — just in time for the important sweeps period. Ron Oliveira and Judy Maggio sailed through their ready-for-their-closeup makeovers.
KXAN and KTBC both have HD-ready news sets but no launch time for the high-def switch. Presumably, however, all local Austin news will be in HD by the end of this year.
J.Lo and the twins on reality TV
TLC has landed a deal with Jennifer Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony for a reality series that will focus on the glam life of J.Lo and the more down-and-dirty job of taking care of twins Emme and Max, born Feb. 22.
The series will be produced by Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, another celebrity couple. No air date has been set — and no title either.
Suggestions? “Hot Mama?” “J.Lo & The Babes?”
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This week’s TV highlights
Hundreds of channels, hours and hours of programming. So much to watch, so little time. Here are some highlights to get you started on your TV viewing week.
Sunday
“Carrier,” 8 p.m. on KLRU — A total immersion in the high- stakes world of a nuclear aircraft carrier. The documentary (which continues Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m.) tracks sailors and officers aboard the USS Nimitz as they navigate their private lives and the war on terror.
Monday
“House,” 8 p.m. on Fox — Back with new episodes, the grumpy doc suspects there’s something wrong with an emergency room patient who seems way too happy. Only Dr. House would diagnose a sunny disposition as an illness.
“The Paper,” 9:30 p.m. on MTV — If you haven’t discovered this little gem, check it out. When was the last time you saw a reality show about teens who are smart, ambitious and passionate about journalism? Never, right? Here’s your chance.
Tuesday
“Women’s Murder Club,” 9 p.m. on ABC — Angie Harmon’s freshman crime drama takes another shot at finding an audience. Based on James Patterson’s crime novels, this series, set in San Francisco, seemed promising in its fall debut but fell victim to bad scheduling and the writers’ strike. It’s worth checking.
“Law & Order: SVU,” 9 p.m. on NBC — Robin Williams guest stars in the show’s 200th episode. Not surprisingly, he plays a creepy guy who gets even creepier after he’s arrested and put on trial for a creepy crime.
Wednesday
“American Idol,” 8 p.m. on Fox — After last week’s elimination of Carly Smithson, with Syesha Mercado in the bottom two (and bumbling Brooke White and yawning Jason Castro safe), the suspense is chilling.
“Farmer Wants a Wife,” 8 p.m. on CW — I’m not necessarily recommending. I’m just sayin’ … Here’s a new reality series that’s basically “The Bachelor on a Farm.” Take it or leave it.
Thursday
“Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. on ABC — Dr. Addison Montgomery returns tonight, but it’s just temporary. Kate Walsh’s spinoff, “Private Practice,” has been renewed for next season. Friday:
“20/20,” 7 p.m. on ABC — Brit reporter Martin Bashir tends to focus on tabloid stories, but tonight he takes us on a lovely tour of the Sistine Chapel.
Saturday
“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” 7 p.m. on ABC — The perfect family movie. This 2005 adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ novel follows four adventurous youths on a magical trek from World War II era London into a world of mythical creatures.
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Diagnosis: ‘Grey’s’ recovers from earlier malaise
Seattle Grace re-opened for business last night (Thursday) in a whirl of blood, romance, cockroaches, silliness and fun.
In other words, “Grey’s Anatomy,” which has been known to wallow in tragedy, self-indulgence and whining, has returned to its bright, irreverent, quirky temperament.
If you haven’t seen it yet, consider this your SPOILER ALERT. If you forgot to DVR it, you can get recaps, character updates and full episodes on ABC’s “Grey’s” Web site.
The entire plot danced around a contest the surgeons concocted, accruing points by the number and seriousness of procedures and thus living at the hospital for two weeks to be on call for any and all surgical work. Not surprisingly, Cristina is hysterical about this, and even Izzie gets in competitive mode.
As luck would have it, two brothers and a brother’s new wife arrive at the hospital with hideous wounds inflicted by a bear. One guy’s intestines are falling out, the woman has a huge chunk of her scalp hanging off the side of her head and the other guy has minor injuries but still seems “not right.”
The good news: After essentially getting dumped by Derek (who’s now nuzzling but not having actual sex with Rose), Meredith is in therapy. Boy, that’s a relief. All that moaning, whining and pining was like fingernails on a blackboard. But last night I actually felt a tiny bit of affection for Meredith and even laughed out loud when, hopped up on contest energy, she joyfully screamed to a patient, “It’s a brain tumor!!
More good news: Izzie and George are toast. Did anybody ever believe that romance? Not for a second. Now George and Meredith’s half-sister Lexie are roommates in a roach-ridden apartment, and that friendship has great potential.
Even more good news: With Callie and hard-nosed Dr. Erica Hahn becoming fast friends, Cristina’s frantic attempts to suck up to Hahn achieved major comic level — and deftly turns slightly sad at the end.
The bad news: Not nearly enough of the story line featured my favorite “Grey’s” character, Dr. Bailey. We want more of her.
On balance, the return of “Grey’s” was a triumph, a badly needed transfusion of fun in a show that had become way too dull and mopey.
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‘Lost’ returns, actors union procrastinates
Ticked off readers keep asking me why I never mention “Lost” any more. This week’s TV column mentioned, with considerable joy, the return tonight of “Ugly Betty” (7 p.m.) and “Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m.).
“Lost” returns tonight, too, at 9 p.m. on ABC, for six new episodes leading up to the May 29 season finale.
There. Satisfied?
The reason I don’t write about “Lost” very much any more is that I’m totally over it. I loved the show the first two seasons, and then the producers seemed to get lost in their own serpentine stories. Were they making things up from week to week, or did they have answers to all the questions posed on the ultimate castaway saga?
I felt the same way about “The X-Files” at one point, although that show managed to find itself and wind up with some satisfying resolutions.
When last we saw our island plane crash survivors, Rousseau and Karl had just been shot. Are they dead? Is anyone really ever dead on “Lost?” Probably not, because they’re too busy dancing through past, present and future stories. Sayid and Michael had had yet another set-to, and bug-eyed Ben (does that man ever blink?) was stranger and dirtier than ever.
Tonight executive producers promise meatier, definitive stories heading toward the two-hour finale. At some point, we are told, the philosophical and physical conflicts between Jack and Locke will reach some sort of dramatic culmination on the magical-mystery-tour-of-an-island.
“Lost” is supposed to wander along with two more shortened seasons. We’ll see. If ratings collapse (and they’ve been saggin), the end could come sooner.
Ominous stirring among actors
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists announced Wednesday that it will not begin its contract negotiations with producers on April 28, as planned.
Instead, the talks are now scheduled to begin May 5. The postponement was requested by major studios in the hope of wrapping up separate negotiations with the Screen Actors Guild before meeting with American Federation group.
Both of those actors’ unions are hoping for increased revenues from new media. Existing contracts expire June 30, and the actors, in separate union negotiations, are hoping to squeeze more out of producers than the writers guild received after its three-month strike.
If actors do strike, the TV season would be imperiled, as would the entire TV industry. Keep fingers crossed.
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Really delighted to see Boston Legal renewed. This is a show that does the strangest things, is in tune with the news of the day and acted professionally by James Sprader and the remainder of the cast.
Good for ABC!!!
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Yes he does deserve it !!!He deserved it more than you. Thats why you werent on the show!!! You need to get you ears checked!!!stupid!
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