The TV Zone

ABC Fall Lineup: '08-09

2008-05-13T12:39:15Z

Blink and you might not even know that ABC just announced a new fall schedule about...oh...thirty-five minutes ago. It looks the same...smells the same...largely IS the same as the one that appeared last fall. 'Tis no huge surprise: ABC was in good shape then and is in good shape now, and when "good" is the dominant flavor of your primetime fortunes, then there's little reason to change.

And speaking of "good," there's a new Mike Judge animated joining the schedule, entilted "The Goode Family." Also (as expected), "Scrubs" will join up sometime mid season.

The most intriguing thing here? A new Tyra Banks beauty pageant - no details - that joins up mid-season too.

Otherwise, there are no surprises with this schedule. "Boston Legal" will return - that was reported last week. The new David E. Kelley show, "Life on Mars" is here too (absent Kelley.)

But why go on. Here's the line-up, with the network's capsule descriptions of new shows to follow...

MONDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars”
9:30 p.m. “Samantha Who?”
10:00 p.m. “Boston Legal”

TUESDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Opportunity Knocks”
9:00 p.m. “DWTS" results.
10:00 p.m. “Eli Stone”

WEDNESDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Pushing Daisies”
9:00 p.m. “Private Practice”
10:00 p.m. “Dirty Sexy Money”

THURSDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Ugly Betty”
9:00 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy”
10:00 p.m. “Life on Mars”

FRIDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Wife Swap”
9:00 p.m. “Supernanny”
10:00 p.m. “20/20”

SATURDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Saturday Night College Football”

SUNDAY: 7:00 p.m. “AFHV"
8:00 p.m. “ExMa: HE"
9:00 p.m. “Desperate Housewives”
10:00 p.m. “Brothers & Sisters”

And...the newbies...

"Opportunity Knocks" (reality/game):"

"Our mobile team will arrive at 'Anywhere, America' in a semi-truck that is full of flat screen TVs, new furniture and big cash prizes that the family can win right there. We will take the action of a game show directly into our contestants’ homes, setting up shop in a family’s front lawn."

"Life on Mars:"
"The series revolves around Sam Tyler, a modern-day police detective who, after a car crash, mysteriously finds himself transported back to 1973 and still working as a detective."

"The Goode Family:"

"The Goode Family is obsessed with doing the 'right' thing, whether it’s environmentally, politically or socially. Unfortunately their efforts often have unintended comic consequences."

"Ashton Kutcher/Tyra Banks" reality show:

"A beauty pageant unlike any you’ve ever seen, from executive producers Ashton Kutcher and Tyra Banks."

(Photo: Of You Know Who. Courtesy, Time.)

"The Electric Company" Returns

2008-05-12T21:11:33Z

Blast from the Past alert: "The Electric Company" is back. Seriously - it is back, though not in repeat, but in originals. Sesame Workshop announced the re-launch a little earlier today saying the new series will carry "the same goal of the original series, combating the literacy crisis facing America’s second graders, but...re-energized to recognize the media-driven generation of today."

For a generation of people who were kiddies in the early to mid-seventies, this is hugish news - in those days, second graders actually watched educational shows like "Sesame Street" and "TEC;" today it's endless repeats of "SpongeBob" or "The Suite Life of Zach and Cody. "TEC" was a genuine hit, of sorts, and featured - for all I know, even launched - Morgan Freeman's career. Plus, there was Rita Moreno ("hey all you guuuyyys...!!!)

Show production begins tomorrow and series will launch on PBS Kids in January of '09.

Here's a quote from Sesame Workshop: "The literacy crisis today is as pervasive and alarming as it was in 1971 when we created the first version of The Electric Company,” said Scott Cameron, Director of Education and Research for Sesame Workshop. “We know that if struggling readers don’t get the literacy help they need by the end of second grade, they are in danger of never catching up. Children in low-income families are particularly at risk..."

And here's a clip featuring Morgan F in the early show...

Hello, Newman

2008-05-12T20:27:29Z

Yesterday, there ran in the Newsday a huge piece on "Seinfeld," penned by your's truly. And in one of the great oversights in recorded TV history, I neglected to mention a character who made/defined the entire series. He was an ineradicable part of "Seinfeld" - the postal-worker-down-the-hall-from-hell. Yeah, Newman - don't ask me how this oversight happened, or why. The answer would not be satisfactory anyway.

So, to make amends, here's a clip from "The Finale" (I'm pretty certain it's from "The Finale;" "Seinfeld" experts are invited to clarify; and thanks to Judgevalkenheiser for posting on YouTube.)

What's Wayne Knight been up to these last few years? Plenty (he's voicing a character on the forthcoming "Cat Tale") and of course had that long run in "3rd Rock," was "Al" in "TS 2I," and on and on and on.

So, sorry, Wayne. Sorry, Newman. Sorry, fans.

Fallon: Anointed

2008-05-12T17:27:28Z

I know you - you're just like me.

You like to get your official announcements tied up with a nice neat bow, maybe a cherry on top, or some whipped cream (or whatever...this doesn't sound very appetizing, does it?)

In any event, as I - and virtually everyone else on planet TV with a blog - has been reporting almost since the dawn of man, NBC has finally made Jimmy Fallon official - Conan's replacement - and just to prove it sent out a press release with lots and lots of quotes. Here are just some of them:

"We couldn't be happier to have Jimmy back on NBC and to have our number one-rated late night team fully in place for the future," said NBCE big cheese, Ben Silverman, "Jimmy is more than just a likeable guy and a great comedian, he is genuinely interested in what people have to say."

"Jimmy's proven track record and personality make him a natural for this important role that will bring a new generation of fans to 'Late Night,'" said Big Cheese # 2, Marc Graboff. "He will put his own distinct mark on late night humor just as he did on 'SNL' and in his other creative endeavors."

Added Rick Ludwin, Executive Big Cheese in charge of Late Night and Primetime Series, NBC Entertainment, "Simply put, Jimmy has all of the qualities for a late night host -- in addition to being funny, he loves talking to people on and off camera, he's a talented comedy writer and his time at 'SNL' demonstrated not only his ability to entertain, but also the work ethic and dedication it takes to succeed at hosting a nightly show."

(Above: Image stolen from some website called Lemon Pepper; nice pix of our boy after a long night out on the town.)

Ryan Seacrest to Do NBC Reality Show

2008-05-12T15:09:12Z

Yup, Ryan Seacrest - host of some singing show on Fox - will actually have work to do this summer. He's gonna executive produce a show on mothers and their cherished boys entitled "Are You a Moma's Boy?" Should premiere right after the Olympics, on NBC.

Only question you want answered by this point: Will he host?

Not sure. Not sure. Will get back to you on that.

With this show, Ry's doing what any hugely wealthy young guy who really REALLY wants to be The Next Dick Clark would do - start up a production company, litter the landscape with shows, hope one of 'em sticks, and then make his first billion (and get on the cover of Fortune, which will devote 2,000 words to "The Genius of Ryan Seacrest.") He's also said to be in discussion with CNN about the "Larry King Live" slot - I kinda believe this although CNN has said it's bogus. Meanwhile, his ramped-up production company is also producing that immensely silly Denise Richards' reality skein, "DR: It's Complicated." That bows on (I beleive) E! around Mem Day.

What do we know about "Moma's?" (Until five minutes ago, blessedly nothing...ba dum...)

Here's Ry's own voice on the show: "Anytime I make a decision either personally or professionally, I have to ask myself...what would my mother say? Like it or not, I am a true Momma's Boy. She is the most important woman in my life and she is never short of opinions. This series throws Mom right in the middle of all the drama. It's loud, it's wild and it's real."

(Above: They even kinda look alike. Courtesy: People.)

Isaiah Still Bitching/Moaning About "Grey's"

2008-05-12T14:44:05Z

There was no bitterness when Isaiah Washington left "Grey's Anatomy" - and there's no water in the ocean and the moon is actually made of moldy green cheese. (Check it out...it's true..)

But still, viewers could be forgiven for doing a little doubletake a couple weeks ago when Cristina Yang walked by a bulletin board to glance at a pix of Preston Burke; I certainly did, and even backed up to take another look. Was it an obit? What WAS that? (Burke had been awarded something. He had the ol' characteristic blank look...)

It was all incredibly harmless, but now guess what? Washington has filed a complaint with the Screen Actors Guild over the shot! "They have the rights of the character to advance the story, but not the image," his lawyers told ABC's lawyers (according to the Hollywood Reporter.) Yes, IW wants a "financial settlement."

That's right - he deserves money for the emotional trauma this must have caused. May I suggest 34 cents?

Jennie Garth: Joins "90210"

2008-05-12T11:58:37Z

It's deja vu all over again: Jennie Garth has joined the CW re-make of "Beverly Hills 90210," which is expected to get a pick-up this week, probably as a companion to "Gossip Girl."

Now this IS a surprise since she's the only original cast member who seems to want anything to do with the re-make; she's reprising an older and even wiser Kelly Taylor (who else?) and will only be on set part-time; she'll do a handful of episodes but not appear in every one. She'll apparently play a guidance counselor at West Bev Hills High.

What about the other core folk? Honestly, with Garth/Kelly aboard the remake is gonna HAVE to deal now with the question of "whatever happened to..."

Really: Whatever happened to Valerie or Donna? I don't recall how the show wrapped nearly a decade ago, so for all any of us know, they're still out there, in TV limbo, awaiting "character/arc resolution." Or, will the rest of the old front-line eight pull a Clooney and say no way, ever. A shame because it's not as if they're headlining major motion pictures these days. Tiffani Thiessen's (she's 34 now!) biggest post Valerie role was (I suppose) "Good Morning, Miami." Tori Spelling (Donna) was in "Smallville" a spell. Dylan - there is only one Dylan and that would be Luke Perry - was in "Oz." Jason Priestley's done a ton of stuff, but he hasn't been hugely discriminating (as "Love Monkey" proves.)

Let's see...ah yes, of course: Shannen Doherty, who lives in the tabs, was in "Charmed" its full run. Ian Ziering? "Biker Mice from Mars."

I rest my case.

Hill: Even "SNL" Points to the Exit

2008-05-12T11:43:32Z

There must be some sort of study somewhere that says when "Saturday Night Live" has turned against a candidate than it's all over, really over, for said candidate. And so, to this past Saturday: The show opened with as direct an "It's Over, Hill" cold open as you're likely to see anywhere. There was some chatter early on in the post-strike season that "SNL" had thrown its weight behind Hill, at least during the Tina Fey-hosted show, but that chatter seems kinda ludicrous in light of this Amy Poehler moment, in which her Hill explains that "I'm a sore loser...My supporters are racist...I have no ethical standards..."

Jeff Archuleta: Banned from "Idol"

2008-05-11T12:04:17Z

That's right - Daddy Dearest was banned, or at least banned from the back stage, if you're just catching up to this news Sunday morning.

But the big question now is: Why? Could he have been harassing the remaining two contenders (as reportedly is his wont?) Interfering in some other way distracting to the other front-runner, that being David Cook?

Meanwhile, this outstanding question: Will his absence from the backstage, where he's been right in Archie's (David Archuleta's) face right up until game time, have some impact, positive or (gulp) negative on the presumptive winner of "American Idol?"

TMZ first reported the banishment late Friday and the AP confirmed yesterday, saying that Archuleta - AKA Stage Dad from Hell, in TMZese - had meddled once too many times, and that the straw that broke the camel's back was when he insisted on fiddling with lyrics on last week's song.

But this seems very thin to me. Meddled in lyrics? He's been meddling in lyrics all season; he's the MEDDLER from Hell. What could possibly have been so outrageously different this time, leading the show to banish him just two weeks from the finale?

Here's the AP on the details that the show cared to release:

"Jeff Archuleta's intense backstage involvement had become a source of concern for the series, the person connected with 'American Idol' said — but it was a lyric change on Tuesday's show that pushed producers to act.

"Despite a warning, Jeff Archuleta insisted on altering 'Stand by Me,' one of two songs his son sang on the show Tuesday. By adding a verse from Sean Kingston's 'Beautiful Girls,' the father incurred additional costs for 'American Idol,' the person said. "

What!!??? "Incurred additional costs?" This is a show that can "incur any cost"" it damn well pleases - it "incurs additional costs" like trees "incur" leaves or the sky "incurs" stars.

This, in other words, smells like a bogus reason to mask what could be the real one - was he perhaps doing something to interfere with the competition's outcome and something which might not withstand scrutiny if the other contenders decided to object?

Simply, the ejection of Archie's dad was the most sensational development of this season, and that's no exaggeration.

Before you decide this isn't a big deal, here's what TMZ reported weeks ago on Archie's "Star Search" days:

"We're also told the father of the year harassed Tiffany Evans, his 'Star Search' rival, lurking outside her practices, even trying to coerce her into drinking milk before a show to ruin her voice. She didn't listen (obviously) and went on to win. Sources also tell us Daddy Dearest sometimes screamed at his son and has even withheld water during rehearsals, even bringing his son to tears. As far as 'Idol' goes, we hear papa's wrath is still in full blossom..."

"Living Lohan:" May 23

2008-05-09T21:38:07Z

Remember "Living Lohan," the E! reality show that'll follow Lindsay's mom and kid sister Ali around their house in Merrick? Of course you do. How could you not!

Well...we have an airdate: Monday, May 26 at 10:30 p.m. Here's the pitch from the press release:

"The Lohans are one of the most intriguing families in the entertainment industry today," said Lisa Berger, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Series Development for E! "This is a family that knows how to roll with the punches and come out on top. Dina is an incredibly hard-working, passionate mom that I think our viewers will find both relatable and highly entertaining."

"Lost:" Most Wicked Show on TV

2008-05-09T19:56:29Z

I've sat here all night and day puzzling over "Cabin Fever" from last night. My eyes have dropped out of their sockets. My brain cells - several hundred million worth - have expired. There's nothing left to do but take a sledge hammer to the computer and put it out of its misery.

There was so much - SO VERY MUCH - that to even encapsulate, categorize and otherwise de-mystify any of it would be a tremendous waste of my time and your's. It was the richest mythology episode of the season, and I'll leave it at that.

But let's re-visit one tiny little detail that requires some clarification. During the pivotal scene with Richard Alpert (he's back!) and the young John Locke, a series of articles are laid out on the table, and JL is asked to choose those which he already owns. He bypasses the mitt, picks up the vial of granular substance, gets the compass, pauses briefly over the book, then gets the knife. Miffed, RA storms out.

Here's the question: What was the book?

It was called "Book of Laws." Not "THE Book of Laws." And definitely NOT "Book of Law;" that would take fans down a very precarious and unpleasant path, for that particular book was written by a 19th century mystic who made William S. Burroughs seem like a normal dude. You will - and no doubt - already have Googled the title, "The Book of Laws," but it's a dead end. (Yeah, the title referred to a law tome from the Plymouth colony in the early 17th century...) Could it actually refer to that? Seems doubtful. Very doubtful.

Could Darlton have thrown a Red Herring in our midst, sending "Losties" down a path that leads nowhere?

Naaaah. They'd never do that. (Would they?)

"Late Night:" Meet the New Guy

2008-05-09T19:51:41Z

NBC has scheduled a conference call Monday to make what is already the worst kept secret in television official: That Jimmy Fallon will take over as host of "Late Night" when Conan O'Brien heads west next year to take over "Tonight." Many people will - doubtless - wonder about Fallon's talk show chops, etc. You know the gripe: "He's never hosted a talk show...how can he...?" Etc. But NBC does have a pretty good track record at this hour; I believe it's batted a thousand at 12:35 over the last two decades, so I'm assuming it knows exactly what it's doing...

In fact, Fallon brings to mind the guy he'll be competing against - Craig Ferguson, the very gifted "Late Late Show" guy who was a standup, author (of a novel, and soon, his own memoirs). Letterman of course briefly hosted a daytime talker, but he was a weatherguy, for crying out loud. Fallon - I am certain - will do just fine. His biggest challenge: Fergie, whose numbers are building...

Boomer TV: Remembering Palisades Amusement Park

2008-05-09T15:06:33Z

You know what I wish I could do this weekend? Head over the GWB to Joisey and spend a fun day at Palisades Amusement Park. Alas, ther park has been gone since the end of the summer of 1971, replaced by high-rise condos.

If you went to Palisades Park (or listened to the radio in the 1960s), then surely you know the words to their song.

Lindelof: Darlton will Fade to Black

2008-05-09T11:54:59Z

Interesting interview with "Lost" co-boss, Damon Lindelof, who tells the Hollywood Reporter that when the show ends for good in a couple of seasons, he and his other half, Carlton Cuse - both known to fans as "Darlton" - will "go into hiding for many, many months" at an "undisclosed location."

Here's the outtake from this morning's story:

"David Chase set a great example when he went off to Paris after 'The Sopranos' ending, which is great because all these people are going to be asking, 'What does it mean? What is it?' " he said. "The fact that there's no one really around to answer that question, it forces people to come up with what they think it means. We can guarantee our show will not end with a cut to black, it will be more clear than that. But whenever anything you love ends ... there's a certain disappointment."

What means this? Just another little "Lost" mystery. Separately, Darlton confirmed that they'll get two extra hours padded onto the last two seasons, for a total of 34, to wrap up their grand mystery. (And speaking of DC, he just signed a one-picture deal with Paramount; no word on what the movie will be, but it will be a "drama,." the studio confirmed.)

"Yo Gabba Gabba::" Promoting, ummm, Munchies?

2008-05-08T21:46:22Z

This is an off-beat post about an off-beat show, so if you're in the mood for neither, please move along. But it does bring to light a curious social phenomenon - a kids show that may be promoting cannabis consumption.

The show is "Yo Gabba Gabba," which airs on Nick Jr. (and I believe Noggin.) Yesterday, ABCNews.com posted a very good piece on the program, though noted that it's become not exactly a huge hit among kiddies aged 2 to 5 but among kiddies aged 18 and older. The piece was perplexed by its popularity and wondered exactly why something like this should encourage college kids to get stoned while watching it.

Watch this clip and you'll see why - it's one of the most viewed "Yo Gabba Gabba's" on YouTube and is truly a peculiar experience. Meanwhile, check out the next clip, from "Lidsville."; "Yo" (bowed in '07, renewed for '08-9) was directly inspired by the '70s lunacy of Sid and Marty Krofft, the grandmasters of bizarro kids shows. "Lidsville" was just one Krofftian oddity, and by no means the oddest.

Here's "Yo" - fasten your seat belts and remove any and all illegal substances from the household...Do not allow teens or college-aged students to watch....

Now, "Lidsville." Yikes...