TV Takes All

Will New Apprentice End with 'You're Terminated? Schwarzenegger Named New Host

2015-09-15T12:29:00.000-04:00

This won't happen until sometime during the 2016-17 season, according to NBC, but former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been named to fill Donald Trump's shoes on "The Celebrity Apprentice."
NBC announced Monday that the movie star and two-term governor will be the new host of the competition show.

There can be little argument that Trump and his ego made the show a success, first regular folks and then celebrities competing in business-related tasks. In seven seasons, NBC said "The Celebrity Apprentice" has helped raise more than $15 million for charity.

Schwarzenegger, who has long had a range of business holdings, from restaurants to real estate development to sports franchises, told Variety he is eager to begin filming the series.

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger stands in front of his gubernatorial portrait at the unveiling in the Rotunda of the State Capitol on Sept. 8, 2014, in Sacramento. Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

"I have always been a huge fan of 'The Celebrity Apprentice' and the way it showcases the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork," Schwarzenegger said. "I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let's get started!"

Trump left the show that originated as "The Apprentice" following his decision to run for the GOP nomination for president.

"After leaving the show to run for political office, Donald made it clear that he wanted 'The Celebrity Apprentice' to be able to continue to raise millions of dollars annually for worthy causes, and now NBC and I have found an amazing new leader to do just that," the show's executive producer, Mark Burnett, told Variety. "Gov. Schwarzenegger will use his vast and highly successful business, political and media experience to drive this hit franchise to new heights."

NBC said there's no word on whether Schwarzenegger will replace Trump's "you're fired" catchphrase with his own "you're terminated."

Brian Williams' return timed to Pope's U.S. Visit

2015-09-10T17:21:00.000-04:00

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that former NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams will return from his suspension on September 22nd, which happens to be the day Pope Francis arrives on U.S. soil for his first official visit.

Williams will anchor live breaking news on MSNBC that day.

It is also being reported that MSNBC's new daytime line-up will include Chuck Todd as host of a daily program, along with Kate Snow. Others who will figure into the new roster at the recently shaken-up network are MSNBC's newest star, Thomas Roberts, Andrea Mitchell and an expanded "Morning Joe."

A number of recent MSNBC anchors are losing (or have lost) their shows: Jose Diaz-Balart, Tamron Hall, Joy Reid the group on The Cycle (Ari Melber, Krystal Ball, Abby Huntsman), Ed Schultz and Al Sharpton.

Great addition to Mysteries of Laura on NBC: Calliie Thorne Joins Cast

2015-09-10T17:06:00.002-04:00

This is good news. A show that I already liked promises to get better with the addition of actress Callie Thorne, known to many as Dr. Santini on Necessary Roughness (USA) and as Denis Leary's sometime love interest on Rescue Me.

NBC announced today that Thorne will appear as Captain Nancy Santiani,whom Debra Messing's

Pictured: (l-r) Debra Messing as Laura Diamond, Josh Lucas as Jake Broderick, Callie Thorne as Captain Nancy Santiani.

character, Detective Laura Diamond, will refer to as "Santini". She'll play Messing's all-business new boss at the 2nd Precinct. According to NBC Publicity, "despite her youth and her petite size, Santiani runs a tight ship and refuses to take any crap from Laura, who doles out plenty of it. But despite their constant clash, these two strong women - both single moms - will find common ground and come to understand each other, even if they can't stand to be in the same room with each other."

Season 2 of "The Mysteries of Laura" premieres Wednesday, Sept. 23 on NBC (8 p.m. ET/PT).

Colbert's Debut Ho Hum: Not up to the Fanfare

2015-09-10T16:56:00.001-04:00

I admit I was not a regular viewer of the Colbert Report on Comedy Central, but I did like Stephen Colbert's humor and I know he could be very funny almost every night.

So when I tuned in to his debut of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on CBS, I was expecting a lot, at least one laugh out loud moment.

I'm sure I wasn't the only viewer who was disappointed. Clearly, a lot of

work went into the first program. The intro featured a produced piece of Colbert singing the Star Spangled Banner (in very good voice) with different groups from around the country in various settings. It was great. Nice, amusing and had a kicker at the end - a cameo from Colbert's former colleague Jon Stewart. The music from Jon Batiste and the Stay Human band was great. The production had energy and the new set and renovated Ed Sullivan Theater are terrific.

But maybe the intro and the setting were the best parts of the show.

After that, there was a monologue (nothing special), host chat with two silly product placement gags (Oreo and Sabra hummus) that went nowhere, and two interviews.

The first, with George Clooney, was fine, but not incredibly entertaining. Colbert went out of his way to say (more than once) that the movie star was appearing as a courtesy, not to plug a project. He then went on to help Clooney speak at length about his work in Darfur. No doubt Clooney is doing a great thing there in the western Sudan, but let's not say he wasn't plugging anything.

The second interview, with Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush was a little more fun and somewhat revealing of the former Florida governor's personality, but it wasn't exceptional.

Viewership for the debut Colbert "Late Show" was astounding. The AP reported that 6.6 million people tuned in, which was double what David Letterman drew a year ago. So that's good. And I'm sure Colbert will hone his presentation and content as he becomes familiar with the new venue and audience.

I won't, therefore, say he's a fail, just that he has a way to go before he becomes must-see TV on a nightly basis. We know he has the ability to be very funny. There's little chance he won't get there.

Maria Bartiromo will Fill Don Imus' Shoes on Fox Business Network

2015-05-11T17:13:00.002-04:00

TV Newser is reporting that FBN is changing up its daytime schedule.

In what it calls an exclusive, Maria Bartiromo‘s show will now air Stuart Varney anchoring from 9am-Noon. Neil Cavuto is moving from prime time and will host a new show called Cavuto Coast-to-Coast at NoonET.

from 6am-9amET, followed by

Trish Regan, who joined FBN from Bloomberg in March, will anchor the 2pmET hour. TVNewser hears more changes will be announced this afternoon.

The programming changes follow FBN’s decision to end the Don Imus morning simulcast, which had been a staple on the network for 6 years.

NBC's 2015-2016: The Return of "Coach," New shows for J-Lo, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Neil Patrick Harris, America Ferrera, Ray Liotta and more

2015-05-11T16:24:00.003-04:00

As it closes in on its second consecutive season-long victory in the key adult 18-49 demographic, NBC unveils a new 2015-16 primetime schedule that combines popular returning series, edge-of-your-seat new dramas, inventive new comedies and season nine of the Emmy Award-winning musical competition series “The Voice.”

NBC is on track to win the traditional September-to-May primetime
season in adults 18-49 for the second year in a row after having gone the prior 10 years without an 18-49 win. Through 32 completed weeks of the season, NBC also ranks #1 or tied for #1 among the Big 4 networks in adults and men 18-34 and men and women 18-49.

In total viewers, NBC is running #2 for the season and within 7% of its year-ago Olympics-boosted average (8.8 million vs. 9.5 million), making this season and last NBC’s two top-scoring seasons in total viewers since 2006-07.

NBC has won the last three November sweeps in adults 18-49, as well as the last two February sweeps and the last four summers in a row.

Highlights of the newly announced year-round schedule include the captivating and mysterious drama “Blindspot” from Greg Berlanti, one of TV’s most prolific executive producers; “Heroes Reborn,” the return of the supernatural phenomenon from “Heroes” creator Tim Kring that examines a new group of ordinary citizens with extraordinary abilities; “Heartbreaker,” starring Melissa George as a fearless doctor inspired by real-life renowned surgeon Dr. Kathy Magliato, who always fights authority to ensure the best for her patients; and “The Player,” starring Wesley Snipes and Philip Winchester as a former military operative turned security agent drawn into a high-stakes game in a Las Vegas-set thriller.

Other high-profile dramas include “Chicago Med,” the newest installment of NBC’s highly successful “Chicago” franchise from multi-Emmy Award winner and TV icon Dick Wolf; and “Game of Silence,” from “CSI” veteran Carol Mendelsohn and David Hudgins (“Parenthood,” “Friday Night Lights”), in which three childhood friends reunite 25 years later to right the wrongs of the past. And starring Jennifer Lopez comes “Shades of Blue,” in which she plays a single mother and New York cop who is forced to work with the FBI and must betray her own on-the-job brothers.

On the comedy side, the cast from “Undateable” will return for a new season, but with a twist: Every episode will be shot LIVE! Also for fall is “People Are Talking” from executive producer Will Packer (“Ride Along”) about two diverse couples who talk and share their sometimes surprising, but relatable, everyday experiences. “Crowded,” from “Hot in Cleveland” creator Suzanne Martin, looks at a couple (Carrie Preston, “True Blood” and Patrick Warburton, “Seinfeld”) who are truly enjoying their empty nest after the kids have moved away, only to have them move back home again.

“Superstore” stars America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”) as a supervisor in a big-box megastore who works with a rag-tag crew that doesn’t always put the customer first. There’s also the one-hour “You, Me and the End of the World,” with Rob Lowe, Megan Mullally and Jenna Fischer, about an unlikely group of unconnected characters trying to find shelter when an apocalyptic event is threatening the existence of Earth.

Two stars of previous beloved series are toplining new NBC comedies: Eva Longoria ("Desperate Housewives") stars in "Hot & Bothered" in a telenovela in which she plays a woman grappling with life and romance; and Craig T. Nelson reprises his role as Hayden Fox in "Coach," this time to help his son with a fledgling Ivy League football team.

On the alternative side, inspired by the wildly popular U.K. format is a unique live variety show titled “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris.” It will include stunts, skits, pranks, audience interaction, musical numbers, giveaways and unlimited surprises. Also ordered to series is “Little Big Shots,” which is hosted by Steve Harvey and features extraordinarily talented kids. The show is executive produced by Ellen DeGeneres and Steve Harvey.

For event programming, in a deal previously announced, Dolly Parton will be executive producing a selected number of movies, the first of which is “Coat of Many Colors,” based on her remarkable upbringing. NBC has also ordered “The Reaper,” a miniseries based on the best-selling memoir by Sgt. Nicholas Irving, a decorated African-American sniper who was deployed in Afghanistan for 100 days.

Returning scripted programming includes “The Blacklist,” “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.,” “Grimm.” “Law & Order: SVU,” “The Mysteries of Laura” and “The Night Shift.”

The decision on the future of “A.D. The Bible Continues” and “American Odyssey” will come at a later date after their respective seasons have ended. Season three of “Hannibal” is set to premiere Thursday, June 4.

Returning alternative programming includes “America Ninja Warrior,” “America’s Got Talent,” “The Biggest Loser,” “The Celebrity Apprentice,” “Food Fighters,” “Hollywood Game Night,” “Last Comic Standing,” “Running Wild with Bear Grylls” and “The Voice.”

This fall’s biggest event will be the holiday musical “The Wiz Live!”

“We’re attacking the new season with the same programming strategy that successfully turned NBC around — a slate of provocative and innovative series and events that cut through the clutter and will continue to build on our momentum,” said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment.

“We have several powerful new dramas and attention-getting new comedies, including the return of ‘Undateable,’ which will be broadcast live every week next season. Live programming is one more way to make a show undeniable.”

“We can’t wait for the fall season and the chance to roll out our lineup of distinctive, innovative new dramas and comedies, scheduled with the kind of lead-in support that will give each of our new shows the optimum chance to find their audiences and deliver on their outstanding potential,” said Jennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment. “The fall lineup gives you only half the story. We truly program on a 52-week basis and are putting virtually the same amount of programming muscle behind our mid-season lineup, with some of the most high-profile concepts and biggest names on television joining the schedule starting at midseason and extending throughout the remainder of the broadcast year.”

“Unscripted programming has played a key role in NBC’s two consecutive season-long wins, from ‘The Voice’ to ‘America’s Got Talent’ to ‘American Ninja Warrior,’” said Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC Entertainment. “We’re excited to build on that momentum with some of the most inventive breakthrough alternative concepts coming in the new season, including ‘First Dates,’ ‘Little Big Shots’ and ‘Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris,’ featuring one of America’s most phenomenal performing talents hosting the U.S. adaptation of a smash-hit British series.”

Said Ralph Oakley, President/CEO of Quincy Newspapers, Inc., and Chair of the NBC Affiliate Board, "We are happy with NBC's finish as the #1 network in primetime this broadcast season and are enthusiastic about the potential of the newly unveiled schedule and shows next year."

NBC FALL 2015-16 SCHEDULE
(New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET)

MONDAY
8-10 P.M. — “The Voice”
10-11 P.M. — “BLINDSPOT”

TUESDAY
8-9 P.M. — “The Voice”
9-10. PM. — “HEARTBREAKER”
10-11 P.M. — “BEST TIME EVER WITH NEIL PATRICK HARRIS” (through November)
10-11 P.M. — “Chicago Fire” (premieres in November)

WEDNESDAY
8-9 P.M. — “The Mysteries of Laura”
9-10 P.M. — “Law & Order: SVU”
10-11 P.M. — “Chicago P.D.”

THURSDAY
8-9 P.M. — “HEROES REBORN”
9-10 P.M. — “The Blacklist”
10-11 P.M. — “THE PLAYER”

FRIDAY
8-8:30 P.M. — “Undateable”
8:30-9 P.M. — “PEOPLE ARE TALKING”
9-10 P.M. — “Grimm”
10-11 P.M. — “Dateline”

SATURDAY
8-10 P.M. — “Dateline Saturday Night Mystery”
10-11 P.M. — “Saturday Night Live” (Classic encores)

SUNDAY
7-8:20 P.M. — “Football Night in America”
8:20-11 P.M. — “Sunday Night Football”

2015-16 SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

NEW COMEDIES

“COACH”
Craig T. Nelson (“Parenthood”) reprises the iconic role that earned him an Emmy in this follow-up to the beloved series that ran for nine seasons. With original creator Barry Kemp at the helm, Hayden Fox’s story picks up 18 years later when the retired coach gets back in the game to assist his son, who was just hired as head coach at an Ivy League university in Pennsylvania… where they know nothing about sports. Between dealing with the eggheads on campus and his hostile daughter-in-law at home, Coach will soon learn that he’s not in Minnesota anymore. Talk about a Hail Mary!
Barry Kemp serves as writer and executive producer. Craig T. Nelson also executive produces. “Coach” is produced by Universal Television.
Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/coach
For the latest “Coach” news, videos, and photos, please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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https://twitter.com/coachnbc #Coach

“CROWDED”
No more sex, booze, and paying the bills naked. After 20 years of parenting, empty nesters Mike (Patrick Warburton, “Seinfeld”) and Martina (Carrie Preston, “True Blood”) are finally reclaiming their wild side. Yet when their two grown daughters both unexpectedly move back in, and Mike’s parents scratch their plans to spend their golden years in Florida, their roost is full again. From executive producer Sean Hayes, this new (and very timely) family comedy proves that life is crazy with a full house, especially the second time around.
The cast includes Patrick Warburton, Carrie Preston, Stacy Keach, Carlease Burke, Mia Serafino and Miranda Cosgrove.

Suzanne Martin serves as writer and executive producer. Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner also executive produce. James Burrows will direct. “Crowded” is produced by Universal Television and Hazy Mills Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/crowded

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“HOT & BOTHERED”
If you think the steamy sex, sensational scandals and wrenching heartbreak on Latino soap operas are a little extreme, just wait until you see what happens behind the scenes. Eva Longoria (“Desperate Housewives”) stars in this new comedy about Ana Sofia, a sizzling TV superstar and her lively family of cast and crew all competing to steal the spotlight. When the cameras turn off, the drama turns up as Ana battles pesky network execs, drunken script writers, narcissistic co-stars, and an unfortunately familiar new onscreen love interest.

The cast includes Jencarlos Canela, Diana Maria Riva, Jose Moreno Brooks, Alex Meneses, Amaury Nolasco, Jadyn Maria and Izzy Diaz

Chrissy Pietrosh and Jessica Goldstein serve as writers and executive producers. Eva Longoria, Ben Spector, Josh Bycel and Jonathan Fener also executive produce. “Hot & Bothered” is produced by Universal Television, Unbelievable Entertainment and Tall and Short Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/hot-and-bothered

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“PEOPLE ARE TALKING”
If you can think it, they will say it. From producer Will Packer (“Ride Along”) and director Pam Fryman (“How I Met Your Mother”) comes this unabashed new comedy about two diverse couples who are both neighbors and best friends. As they go through life side-by-side, they can’t help but analyze and obsess about everything. From topics like sex and race, to the fact that the trusted new babysitter might just be a porn star, nothing is out of bounds for this wildly outspoken foursome.

The cast includes Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tone Bell and Bresha Webb.

DJ Nash serves as writer and executive producer. Will Packer and director Pam Fryman (pilot) also executive produce. “People Are Talking” is produced by Universal Television and Will Packer Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/people-are-talking
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https://twitter.com/nbcpeopletalk #PeopleAreTalking

“SUPERSTORE”
America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”) and Ben Feldman (“Mad Men,” “A to Z”) star in a hilarious workplace comedy (from the producer of “The Office”) about a unique family of employees at a super-sized megastore. From the bright-eyed newbies and the seen-it-all veterans to the clueless summer hires and in-it-for-life managers, together they hilariously tackle the day-to-day grind of rabid bargain hunters, riot-causing sales and nap-worthy training sessions.
The cast includes Mark McKinney, Lauren Ash, Colton Dunn, Nichole Bloom and Nico Santos.
Justin Spitzer serves as writer and executive producer. David Bernad and director Ruben Fleischer also executive produce. “Superstore” is produced by Universal Television and the District.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/superstore

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https://twitter.com/nbcsuperstore #Superstore

“YOU, ME AND THE END OF THE WORLD”
In this bold adrenaline-fueled new one-hour comedy drama, the news that a comet is on an unavoidable collision course with Earth sets in motion the most hilariously unexpected chain of events imaginable. Set against the backdrop of apocalyptic chaos and starring Rob Lowe (“Parks and Recreation”), Jenna Fischer (“The Office”), Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”) and Mathew Baynton (“Yonderland”), the story follows an eclectic group of seemingly unconnected characters around the world as their lives start to intersect in the most unexpected ways. When we say eclectic, we mean a rebellious priest, an unhinged white supremacist, a mild-mannered bank manager, a germ-phobic cyber-terrorist and an American five-star general. Some of these misfits are destined to make it to a bunker deep beneath the English suburbs of Slough and, as a result, will become the hugely unlikely (and totally unsuitable) future of mankind. Wouldn’t that be a disaster!

The cast also includes Joel Fry, Paterson Joseph, Gaia Scodellaro, Pauline Quirke, Fabian McCallum and Kyle Soller.

Executive producers are Juliette Howell, Lynn Horsford, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, JoAnn Alfano, Cameron Roach, Lizzie Gray and Andrew Conrad. "You, Me and the End of the World" is a production of Working Title Television, Sky TV and Bigballs Films. NBCUniversal International Television Production operates a joint television production venture with Working Title Television.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/you-me-and-the-end-of-the-world
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https://twitter.com/NBCEndOfWorld #EndoftheWorld

NEW DRAMAS

“BLINDSPOT”
From executive producer Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “The Mysteries of Laura”) comes “Blindspot”: A vast international plot explodes when a beautiful Jane Doe, completely covered in mysterious, intricate tattoos, is discovered naked in Times Square with no memory of who she is or how she got there. But there’s one tattoo that is impossible to miss: the name of FBI agent Kurt Weller, emblazoned across her back. “Jane,” Agent Weller and the rest of the FBI quickly realize that each mark on her body is a crime to solve, leading them closer to the truth about her identity and the mysteries to be revealed.

The cast includes Sullivan Stapleton, Jaimie Alexander, Audrey Esparza, Rob Brown, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Ukweli Roach and Ashley Johnson.

Martin Gero serves as writer and executive producer. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and director Mark Pellington also executive produce. “Blindspot” is produced by Warner Bros. Television and Berlanti Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/blindspot
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https://www.facebook.com/NBCBlindspot
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“CHICAGO MED”
Executive producer Dick Wolf delivers the newest installment of the compelling “Chicago” franchise, an emotional thrill ride through the day-to-day chaos of the city’s most explosive hospital and the courageous team of doctors who hold it together. They will tackle unique new cases inspired by topical events, forging fiery relationships in the pulse-pounding pandemonium of the emergency room, and through it all, familiar faces from the Chicago police and fire departments will intertwine as this third team of Chicago heroes hits the ground running.

The cast includes Oliver Platt, S. Epatha Merkerson, Laurie Holden, Nick Gehlfuss and Yaya Dacosta.

Dick Wolf, Matt Olmstead, Danielle Gelber, Peter Jankowski, Michael Brandt and Derek Haas executive produce. "Chicago Med" is produced by Universal Television and Wolf Films
Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/chicago-med

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https://twitter.com/NBCChicagoMed #ChicagoMed

“GAME OF SILENCE”
Carol Mendelsohn, executive producer and veteran of the “CSI” phenomenon, and David Hudgins (“Parenthood,” “Friday Night Lights”) present a gripping new drama about a successful Atlanta attorney (David Lyons, “Revolution”) whose long-lost childhood friends unexpectedly reappear after 25 years. When a dark secret they thought they had buried resurfaces, the brotherhood bands together to right the wrongs of their shared past — a journey that will push the limits of their loyalty and quench their thirst for revenge.

The cast includes David Lyons, Michael Raymond-James, Larenz Tate, Bre Blair, Conor O’Farrell, Deidrie Henry, Demetrius Grosse and Claire Van Der Boom.

David Hudgins serves as writer and executive producer. Carol Mendelsohn, Julie Weitz and director Niels Arden Oplev also executive produce. “Game of Silence” is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Universal Television and Carol Mendelsohn Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/game-of-silence
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“HEARTBREAKER”
Based on the real life and achievements of Dr. Kathy Magliato, this unique character-driven medical drama follows Dr. Alex Panttiere (Melissa George, “The Slap”), an outspoken world-renowned heart-transplant surgeon and one of the few women in her field. Stubborn and fearless, Alex always operates on her own terms. She revels in a racy personal life that’s a full-time job in itself, manages the daily demands of skeptical faculty and dutiful interns, and pushes the boundaries of medical science to impressive new heights.

The cast includes Melissa George, Dave Annable, Don Hany, Shelley Conn, D.L. Hughley, Jamie Kennedy, Maya Erskine, J. Louis Mills and Joshua Leonard.
Jill Gordon serves as writer and executive producer. Amy Brenneman, Brad Silberling and director Robbie Duncan McNeill also executive produce. “Heartbreaker” is produced by Universal Television.
Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/heartbreaker

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https://www.facebook.com/NBCHeartbreaker
https://twitter.com/NBCHeartbreaker #Heartbreaker

“HEROES REBORN”
From original creator Tim Kring, the supernatural phenomenon begins again with a fresh crop of inspiring heroes who take on the ultimate struggle between those with extraordinary abilities and those with nefarious motives to hunt and harness their powers. Epic adventures await these newly empowered allies as they cross paths with some of the original characters (such as the beloved “HRG” and fan-favorite time-traveler Hiro Nakamura), unlocking the mysterious fate of the universe and their place within it.

The cast of “Heroes Reborn” includes Jack Coleman, Zachary Levi, Masi Oka, Judith Shekoni, Robbie Kay, Henry Zebrowski, Kiki Sukezane, Ryan Guzman, Danika Yarosh, Toru Uchikado, Eve Harlow and Gatlin Green.

Tim Kring serves as writer and executive producer. Peter Elkoff and James Middleton also executive produce. “Heroes Reborn” is produced by Universal Television, Imperative Entertainment and Tailwind Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/heroes-reborn
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“THE PLAYER”
From the executive producers of “The Blacklist” and starring Wesley Snipes and Philip Winchester (“Strike Back,” “Fringe”) comes an action-packed Las Vegas thriller about a former military operative turned security expert who is drawn into a high-stakes game where an organization of wealthy individuals gamble on his ability to stop some of the biggest crimes imaginable from playing out. Can he take them down from the inside and get revenge for the death of his wife, or is it true what they say: The house always wins.

The cast also includes Charity Wakefield and Damon Gupton.

John Rogers serves as writer and executive producer. John Davis, John Fox and director Bharat Nalluri also executive produce. “The Player” is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Davis Entertainment and Kung Fu Monkey.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/the-player
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“SHADES OF BLUE”
In a provocative new drama, the iconic Jennifer Lopez stars as sexy New York detective (and single mother) Harlee Santos, who fell in with a tight-knit group of dirty cops, taking bribes and protection money that she uses to provide the best life for her honest and talented daughter. When she’s trapped by the FBI, however, and forced to inform on her own “brothers,” she’ll have to walk the fine line between love, loyalty, honor and betrayal, and try to keep it together for her daughter’s future.

The cast also includes Ray Liotta, Warren Kole, Dayo Okeniyi, Drea De Matteo, Hampton Fluker, Vincent Laresca and Sarah Jeffery.

Jack Orman and Adi Hasak serve as writers and executive producers. Jennifer Lopez, Barry Levinson (pilot), Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Benny Medina, Ryan Seacrest and Nina Wass also executive produce. “Shades of Blue” is produced by Universal Television, Nuyorican Productions, EGTV and Ryan Seacrest Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/shades-of-blue
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NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES
“BEST TIME EVER WTH NEIL PATRICK HARRIS”
Five Emmy Awards and a Tony Award make multi-talented Neil Patrick Harris the perfect star for this live one-hour show that is unlike any other currently on American television. Complete with stunts, skits, pranks, audience interaction, musical numbers, giveaways and unlimited surprises, this show proves that anything can happen, and it can happen to you. Based on the wildly popular British hit “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway,” the modernized variety show format and its fearless, multi-talented star will make for one of the best nights ever on
TV week after week.

Neil Patrick Harris, Orly Adelson, Siobhan Greene, David A. Hurwitz, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly executive produce. “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris” is produced by ITV Studios America.

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NEW EVENTS

“COAT OF MANY COLORS”
Based on the inspiring true story of living legend Dolly Parton’s remarkable upbringing, this once-in-a-lifetime movie special takes us inside the tight-knit Parton family as they struggle to overcome devastating tragedy and discover the healing power of love, faith, and a raggedy patchwork coat that helped make Dolly who she is today.
Pamela K. Long serves as writer. Sam Haskell and Dolly Parton will executive produce. “Coat of Many Colors” is produced by Magnolia Hill Entertainment and DP Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

“THE REAPER”
Based on the best-selling memoir “The Reaper” by Nicholas Irving, this event miniseries recounts the 100-day Afghanistan deployment of Sgt. Nicholas Irving, nicknamed ‘The Reaper.’ The first African-American sniper, Irving tallied 33 official kills during this single deployment, a record that still stands today. “The Reaper” is a boots-on-the-ground thrilling and raw account of modern warfare and how it changes, shapes, and sometimes destroys the people who fight in it.
Tom Donnelly and Josh Oppenheimer serve as writers and executive producers. Harvey Weinstein and Bob Weinstein also executive produce. “The Reaper” is produced by the Weinstein Company.

“THE WIZ LIVE!”
NBC embarks on its latest musical holiday tradition with a live television production of the groundbreaking Tony Award-winning musical that brought the vivid world of Oz to the streets of New York in a fresh, funky, sing-a-long journey down the yellow brick road.
Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (“The Sound of Music Live!,” “Peter Pan Live!”) serve as executive producers. Kenny Leon will direct with Harvey Fierstein providing new written material. “The Wiz Live!” is produced by Universal Television in association with Cirque Du Soleil Theatrical.

FOX Announces 2015/2016 Season: American Idol's Last

2015-05-11T12:42:00.000-04:00

Dana Walden and Gary Newman, Chairmen and CEOs, Fox Television Group, today unveiled the FOX primetime slate for the 2015-2016 television season to the national advertising community during its annual Programming Presentation at the Beacon Theatre.

“Building on the phenomenal momentum created by GOTHAM, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH and, of course, EMPIRE, we’re infusing next season’s schedule with new ambitious dramas, smart comedies, aspirational unscripted series and big live events and specials – all from the best creators in the business,” said Walden and Newman. “And our strategy with these bold creative swings is simple: schedule them strategically, market them relentlessly and create events that break through and captivate viewers across every platform.”

Tuesdays are all-new this fall on FOX, with new comedies GRANDFATHERED and THE GRINDER, followed by killer comedy-horror series SCREAM QUEENS. The new comedies kicking off an all-new Tuesday are GRANDFATHERED and THE GRINDER. A comedy about coming of age – at any age – GRANDFATHERED stars John Stamos (“Full House,” “ER”) as the ultimate bachelor whose life is turned upside down when he discovers he’s not only a father, but a grandfather. THE GRINDER, starring Emmy Award nominee Rob Lowe (“Parks and Recreation,” “The West Wing”) and Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominee Fred Savage (“The Wonder Years”), follows a famous TV lawyer (Lowe) who, after his hit series, “The Grinder,” is canceled, moves back home and joins his brother (Savage) at their family’s real-life law firm – despite having no formal education, no bar certification, no license to practice and no experience in an actual courtroom.

Award-winning executive producers Ryan Murphy (GLEE, “American Horror Story”), Brad Falchuk (GLEE, “American Horror Story”) and Ian Brennan (GLEE) meld comedy, mystery and horror in SCREAM QUEENS. All hell is about to break loose for the Kappa House sisters of Wallace University when a murder takes place, exactly 20 years after a mysterious death originally rocked their college campus. The super-charged anthology series is a modern take on the classic whodunit with a killer cast, including Emma Roberts (“American Horror Story: Freak Show,” “Scream 4”), Jamie Lee Curtis (“Halloween,” “A Fish Called Wanda,” “True Lies”), Lea Michele (GLEE), Oliver Hudson (“Nashville,” “Rules of Engagement”), Keke Palmer (“Akeela and the Bee,” “Masters of Sex”) and guest stars Ariana Grande and Nick Jonas (“Kingdom”), among others.

With at least one casualty each week until the mystery is solved, anyone could be the next victim – or the murderer. Two new dramas – the futuristic MINORITY REPORT and the Miami-set ROSEWOOD – debut this fall. Based on Steven Spielberg’s international blockbuster film and the first of his films to be adapted for television, MINORITY REPORT follows the partnership between a man (Stark Sands, “Inside Llewyn Davis”) haunted by the future and a cop (Meagan Good, “Think Like A Man” franchise, “Californication”) haunted by her past, as they race to stop the worst crimes before they happen. Also joining the schedule this fall is ROSEWOOD. From executive producer Todd Harthan (“Psych,” “Dominion”), ROSEWOOD stars Morris Chestnut (“Nurse Jackie,” “The Best Man” franchise) as DR. BEAUMONT ROSEWOOD, JR., a brilliant private pathologist who uses wildly sophisticated technology and his drive to live life to the fullest to help a tough-as-nails detective (Jaina Lee Ortiz, “The After”) and the Miami PD uncover clues no one else can see. The next mind-bending chapter of THE X-FILES debuts with a special two-night event beginning Sunday, Jan. 24 (10:00-11:00 PM ET/7:00-8:00 PM PT), following the NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, and continuing with its time period premiere on Monday, Jan. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).

The thrilling, six-episode event series, helmed by creator/executive producer Chris Carter and starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson as FBI Agents FOX MULDER and DANA SCULLY, marks the momentous return of the Emmy Award- and Golden Globe-winning pop culture phenomenon, which remains one of the longest-running sci-fi series in network television history.

In 2016, additional new series joining the schedule include devilish

Bye-Bye American Idol

drama LUCIFER and modern action series THE FRANKENSTEIN CODE; and two comedies, THE GUIDE TO SURVIVING LIFE and animated BORDERTOWN. Based on characters from DC Entertainment’s Vertigo imprint, LUCIFER stars Tom Ellis (“Merlin”) as the charming, charismatic and handsome-as-hell original fallen angel, who, bored and unhappy in Hell, takes refuge in Los Angeles, where he uses his gift of persuasion to punish bad guys. But the longer he’s away from the underworld, the greater the threat that the worst of humanity could escape. In THE FRANKENSTEIN CODE, from executive producer/writer Rand Ravich (“Life,” “Crisis”) and executive producer Howard Gordon (“Homeland,” “24”), a disgraced, 75-year-old ex-sheriff, whose life ends at the hands of corrupt cops, is brought back to life and given a second chance by a pair of young tech scientists, as a 35-year-old (Rob Kazinsky, “True Blood”) with unpredictable near-superhuman abilities.

NEW GIRL will return to Tuesdays in January, for its first-ever season of virtually uninterrupted originals. These weekly all-new episodes will platform THE GUIDE TO SURVIVING LIFE, the new young ensemble comedy about a group of friends living together for the first time. Each episode is told from the perspective of COOPER BARRETT (Jack Cutmore-Scott, “Kingsman: The Secret Service”), a wickedly charming and deeply flawed recent college grad whose life is filled with terrible choices, excellent mistakes and fantastic misadventures. A new animated comedy from FAMILY GUY’s Mark Hentemann and Seth MacFarlane, BORDERTOWN is a satirical look at the cultural shifts taking place in America. Exploring family, politics and everything in between with a cross-cultural wink, the series centers on two very different families living in a fictional Southwest desert town on the U.S. - Mexico border.

AMERICAN IDOL will begin its 15th – and final – season this January on FOX. A season-long celebratory event, AMERICAN IDOL XV will feature host Ryan Seacrest and judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr., as they search for the final IDOL superstar and pay tribute to the past 14 seasons of amazingly talented contestants and the millions of fans who tweeted, texted and championed their IDOLs.

As previously announced, GREASE: LIVE, a three-hour production of the massively popular crossover musical “Grease,” starring superstar singers, dancers and actresses Julianne Hough (“Safe Haven,” “Rock of Ages”) and Vanessa Hudgens (Broadway’s “Gigi,” “Spring Breakers”), will air LIVE Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016 on FOX. With Hough as the angelic “Sandy” – Rydell High’s most talked-about newcomer – and Hudgens as iconic bad girl “Rizzo,” this first-ever live television production of “Grease” will re-imagine the hit musical for an entirely new generation.

Additional FOX series include: ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER?, BOB’S BURGERS, BONES, BOOM!, BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, BULLSEYE, EMPIRE, FAMILY GUY, GOTHAM, HELL’S KITCHEN, HOME FREE, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH, MASTERCHEF, MASTERCHEF JUNIOR, THE SIMPSONS, SLEEPY HOLLOW, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE and WORLD’S FUNNIEST.

Additional schedule information to be announced.

CABLERS DOMINATE 2014 Primetime Emmy Nominations

2014-07-10T11:32:00.002-04:00

In a scorching blow to the broadcast networks, cable TV network programming dominated today's list of Emmy nominations for 2014. The 55th Primetime Emmy Awards will be broadcast Monday, August 25th at 8 pm on NBC. Seth Myers is the host.

Here are the nominations:

Drama Series

Breaking Bad, AMC
Downton Abbey, PBS
Game of Thrones, HBO
House of Cards, Netflix
Mad Men, AMC
True Detective, HBO

Comedy seriesThe Big Bang Theory, CBS
Louie, FX
Modern Family, ABC
Orange Is the New Black, Netflix
Silicon Valley, HBO
Veep, HBO

Actor, drama seriesBryan Cranston, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom (HBO)
Jon Hamm, Mad Men (AMC)
Woody Harrelson, True Detective (HBO)
Matthew McConaughey, True Detective (HBO)
Kevin Spacey, House of Cards (Netflix)

Actress, drama seriesLizzy Caplan, Masters of Sex (Showtime)
Claire Danes, Homeland (Showtime)
Michelle Dockery, Downton Abbey (PBS)
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife (CBS)
Kerry Washington, Scandal (ABC)
Robin Wright, House of Cards (Netflix)

Actor, comedy seriesLouis C.K., Louie (FX)
Don Cheadle, House of Lies (Showtime)
Ricky Gervais, Derek (Netflix)
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes (Showtime)
William H. Macy, Shameless (Showtime)
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory (CBS)

Actress, comedy seriesLena Dunham, Girls (HBO)
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie (Showtime)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep (HBO)
Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly (CBS)
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation (NBC)
Taylor Schilling, Orange Is the New Black (Netflix)

Supporting actor, drama series
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Jim Carter, Downton Abbey (PBS)
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones (HBO)
Mandy Patinkin, Homeland (Showtime)
Jon Voight, Ray Donovan (Showtime)
Josh Charles, The Good Wife (CBS)

Supporting actress, drama series
Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey (PBS)
Joanne Froggatt, Downton Abbey (PBS)
Lena Headey, Game of Thrones (HBO)
Christina Hendricks, Mad Men (AMC)
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife (CBS)

Supporting actor, comedy series
Andre Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox)
Adam Driver, Girls (HBO)
Ty Burrell, Modern Family (ABC)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family (ABC)
Fred Armisen, Portlandia (IFC)
Tony Hale, Veep (HBO)

Supporting actress, comedyJulie Bowen, Modern Family (ABC)
Allison Janney, Mom (CBS)
Kate Mulgrew, Orange Is the New Black (Netflix)
Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Anna Chlumsky, Veep (HBO)

Actor, miniseries or movieBenedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock: His Last Vow (PBS)Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dancing on the Edge (Starz)Idris Elba, Luther (BBC America)Martin Freeman, Fargo (FX)Mark Ruffalo, The Normal Heart (HBO)Billy Bob Thornton, Fargo (FX)

Actress, miniseries or movie
Helena Bonham Carter, Burton and Taylor (BBC America)
Minnie Driver, Return to Zero (Lifetime)
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story: Coven (FX)
Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story: Coven (FX)
Cicely Tyson, The Trip to Bountiful (Lifetime)
Kristen Wiig, Spoils of Babylon (IFC)

Variety
The Colbert Report, Comedy Central
The Daily Show, Comedy Central
Jimmy Kimmel Live!, ABC
Saturday Night Live, NBC
Real Time With Bill Maher, HBO
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, NBC

Reality competition
The Amazing Race, CBS
Dancing With the Stars, ABC
Project Runway, Lifetime
So You Think You Can Dance, Fox
Top Chef, Bravo
The Voice, NBC

Reality host
Betty White, Betty White's Off Their Rockers (NBC)
Tom Bergeron, Dancing With the Stars (ABC)
Jane Lynch, Hollywood Game Night (NBC)
Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, Project Runway (Lifetime)
Cat Deeley, So You Think You Can Dance (Fox)
Anthony Bourdain, The Taste (ABC)

Miniseries
American Horror Story: Coven, FX
Fargo, FX
Luther, BBC America
Bonnie & Clyde, A&E
Treme, HBO
The White Queen, Starz

Movie
Killing Kennedy, National Geographic Channel
Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight, HBO
The Normal Heart, HBO
Sherlock: His Last Vow, PBS
Trip to Bountiful, Lifetime

Guest actor, drama series
Paul Giamatti, Downton Abbey (PBS)
Reg E. Cathey, House of Cards (Netflix)
Robert Morse, Mad Men (AMC)
Beau Bridges, Masters of Sex (Showtime)
Joe Morton, Scandal (ABC)
Dylan Baker, The Good Wife (CBS)

Guest actress, drama series
Dianna Rigg, Game of Thrones (HBO)
Kate Mara, House of Cards (Netflix)
Allison Janney, Masters of Sex (Showtime)
Kate Burton, Scandal (ABC)
Margo Martindale, The Americans (FX)
Jane Fonda, The Newsroom (HBO)

Guest actor, comedy series
Nathan Lane, Modern Family (ABC)
Steve Buscemi, Portlandia (IFC)
Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Louis C.K., Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Bob Newhart, The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Gary Cole, Veep (HBO)

Guest actress, comedy seriesUzo Aduba, Orange Is the New Black (Netflix)
Laverne Cox, Orange Is the New Black (Netflix)
Natasha Lyonne, Orange Is the New Black (Netflix)
Tina Fey, Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Melissa McCarthy, Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Joan Cusack, Shameless (Showtime)

Animated program
Archer, FX
Bob's Burgers, Fox
Futurama, Comedy Central
South Park, Comedy Central
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Manhattan Project, Nick

Days of Our Lives Ratings Up; News for Soaps is Good

2013-11-22T10:42:00.000-05:00

Don't sound the death knell for the soaps yet. Over at ABC, ratings for General Hospital have been going up. And, this comes from NBC:

“Days of our Lives” has generated its top week in total viewers since

For the week, "Days of our Lives" averaged a 1.0 rating, 6 share among women 18-49 and a 0.6 rating among women 18-34, to tie for #4 among network daytime series in the women 18-49 demographic and tie for #6 in the women 18-34 race. "Days" matched its highest women 18-49 and 18-34 ratings in nearly two years (since the week of November 21-25, 2011).

In total viewers, “Days of our Lives” averaged 2.845 million persons for the week, its highest weeklong average since the week of Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2011, 33 months ago, during which it averaged 3.030 million viewers.

For the week versus the same week last year, "Days of our Lives" was up 21% in the women 18-34 race (211,000 vs. 175,000), up 19% in the women 18-49 demographic (651,000 vs. 549,000), up 17% in the women 25-54 race (803,000 vs. 688,000) and up 18% in total viewers (2.8 million vs. 2.4 million).

Season to date, "Days of our Lives" is tied for #3 in the women 18-49 category and tied for #5 in the women 18-34 demo. For the season to date, "Days of our Lives" is up 5% in the women 18-34 category (214,000 vs. 203,000), up 12% in the women 18-49 race (674,000 vs. 602,000), up 12% in the women 25-54 demo (833,000 vs. 744,000) and up 7% in total viewers (2.8 million vs. 2.6 million).

Ratings reflect “live plus same day” data from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise noted. Season-to-date figures are averages of “live plus seven day” data except for the two most recent weeks, which are “live plus same day.”
February 2011, according to “live plus same day” viewing figures for the week of Nov. 11-15 from Nielsen Media Research.

Cast Photo of NBC's The Sound of Music

2013-11-22T10:37:00.001-05:00

Here's an NBC photo, the first look of the Von Trapp children, in costumes, for the live musical event that airs Thursday, December 5 at 8 p.m.

The children in "The Sound of Music Live!" are:

(l-r, back) Ariane Rinehart as Liesl, Michael Nigro as Friedrich, Ella Watts-Gorman as Louisa, Joe West as Kurt; (l-r, front) Sophia Ann Caruso as Brigitta, Grace Rundhaug as Marta, Peyton Ella as Gretl.

Christmas in Rockefeller Center Wednesday, December 4th

2013-11-19T16:24:00.001-05:00

NBC will celebrate the lighting of the world’s most famous
Christmas tree with a live broadcast from Rockefeller Center in New York City on Wednesday, Dec. 4 (8-9 p.m. ET). The star-studded holiday special is hosted by “Today” anchors Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Natalie Morales, and will feature performances from Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Goo Goo Dolls, Ariana Grande and Jewel.

The 81st annual holiday extravaganza will feature a 76-foot Norway Spruce that is 47 feet in diameter and weighs approximately 12 tons. The tree is estimated to be about 75 years old. More than 45,000 energy-efficient multi-colored LED lights will be strung to decorate the tree, topped with a 9 ½ foot wide LED-lit Swarovski crystal star.

The tradition of the Rockefeller Christmas tree dates back to the Great Depression. First erected in 1933, the inaugural tree was decked with 700 lights and placed in front of the then eight-month-old RCA Building (the current GE Building). The Christmas tree gathering was enhanced in 1936 with the opening of the Rockefeller Plaza outdoor ice-skating pond. NBC-TV televised the tree lighting for the first time in 1951 on “The Kate Smith Show” and as part of the nationwide “Howdy Doody” television show from 1953-55.

Prior to this year's primetime telecast, an additional live hour of the special (7-8 p.m. ET) will be broadcast by the following NBC stations: WNBC/New York; WCAU/Philadelphia; KSNV/Las Vegas; WBBH/Fort Myers, Fla.; KHNL/Honolulu, Hawaii; WNWO/Toledo, Ohio; WTWC/Tallahassee, Fla.; WVIR/Charlottesville, Va., WETM/Elmira, N.Y.; WGBC/Meridian, Miss.; KHBC/Hilo, Hawaii; and KOGG/Wailuku, Hawaii.

"Christmas in Rockefeller Center" is produced by Brad Lachman Productions with Lachman serving as executive producer. Bill Bracken will produce.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Matt Lauer -- Matt Lauer has been co-anchor of NBC News’ "Today" since January 6, 1997. He joined "Today" in January 1994 as the show’s news anchor. From September 1992 to September 1996, Lauer was at WNBC in New York City where he served as a co-anchor of the early morning newscast "Today in New York" and as a co-anchor of the early evening newscast "News Channel 4/Live at Five." He began substituting on "Today" as a news anchor in early 1993 before becoming the permanent news anchor in 1994. Prior to joining WNBC, Lauer hosted a daily, live, three-hour interview program, "9 Broadcast Plaza," in New York from 1989 to 1991. Before that, his experience included hosting a number of weekly information and talk programs in Boston, Philadelphia, Providence and Richmond. Lauer began his career in 1979 as a producer of the noon news on WOWK in Huntington, West Virginia. In 1980, he was a reporter on the station’s 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. Lauer is a graduate of Ohio University. He lives in New York with his wife, Annette Roque Lauer, their sons, Jack and Thijs, and daughter, Romy. Follow Lauer on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mlauer

Savannah Guthrie -- Savannah Guthrie is the co-anchor of NBC News' "Today” and also serves as NBC News Chief Legal Correspondent. Prior to joining "Today," Guthrie served as NBC News White House Correspondent from December 2008 to June 2011 where she contributed to all NBC News properties, including "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams," "Today" and MSNBC. Guthrie also served as co-host of MSNBC's "The Daily Rundown" from January 2010 to June 2011. In 2002, Guthrie received her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center, where she graduated magna cum laude. She was a member of Order of the Coif and received the International Academy of Trial Lawyers' Student Advocacy Award for her work with victims of domestic violence. She graduated cum laude from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism in 1993. She received the top score on the Arizona Bar Exam in 2002. Follow Guthrie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SavannahGuthrie

Al Roker -- Al Roker has been the weather and feature anchor on NBC News’ "Today" since January 1996. He’s also co-host of "Wake Up with Al" on the Weather Channel. Until January of 2000, Roker also served as the weekday weather forecaster for News Channel 4’s early evening newscast Live at 5 on WNBC-TV, NBC’s flagship owned and operated station in New York City. New York magazine has twice named Roker Best Weatherman. He is a recipient of the American Meteorological Society’s prestigious Seal of Approval and has been a pioneer in the use of computer graphics for weathercasting. In 1994, Roker founded Al Roker Entertainment, Inc. (ARE), a thriving multimedia company involved in the development and production of network, cable, home video, and public television projects. Roker is a bestselling author, with his most recent book, “Never Goin’ Back: Winning the Weight-Loss Battle For Good,” available now. Raised in Queens, N.Y., Roker received his B.A. in communications from the State University at Oswego in 1976, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the school in 1998. He resides in Manhattan with his wife, ABC News 20/20 Correspondent Deborah Roberts, and has two daughters and one son. Follow Roker on Twitter at www.twitter.com/alroker

Natalie Morales -- Natalie Morales is the news anchor of NBC News' "Today" and the co-host of the third hour. Prior to her role as news anchor, Morales served as "Today" national correspondent from February 2006 to June 2011. Morales also served as a national correspondent for all NBC News platforms including "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams," Dateline NBC," and MSNBC, and still continues to report across the NBC News Group. Morales, who speaks Spanish and Portuguese, was born in Taiwan and spent much of the first 18 years of her life living overseas in Panama, Brazil and Spain as an Air Force "brat." She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University, New Jersey, with dual majors in journalism and Latin American studies. Morales was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and graduated Suma Cum Laude. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and two sons. Follow Morales on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nmoralesNBC

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS:

Mary J. Blige – Iconic Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige is a figure of inspiration, transformation and empowerment making Blige one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 29 nominations), a 2012 Golden Globe nomination, and four American Music Awards, Blige is a global superstar. And in the ensuing years, the singer/songwriter has attracted an intensely loyal fan base—responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums. In October 2013, Blige for Matriarch Records/Verve Records/Interscope Records released her 11th studio album titled “A Mary Christmas,” making it her first-ever holiday album and collaboration with legendary producer and Chairman of The Verve Music Group, David Foster. Blige's holiday album features her soulful interpretation of classic holiday tunes including "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and "The Christmas Song." Blige is joined by a number of A-list guests, starting with Barbra Streisand, who duets with Blige on "When You Wish Upon A Star," along with Jessie J on "Do You Hear What I Hear.” The Clark Sisters join Blige on "The First Noel," and "Noche de Paz" is a Spanish collaboration with Mark Anthony. Next, Blige will star as Platinum Fro, a mysterious guardian angel in the Kasi Lemmon-directed “Black Nativity,” a contemporary adaptation of Langston Hughes’ 1961 play. The holiday musical film drama will hit theatres in November 27, 2013 with an all-star cast including Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, and Tyrese Gibson.

Toni Braxton – The distinctive, sultry vocals of six-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist Toni Braxton - singer, songwriter, record producer, and philanthropist - have been celebrated internationally ever since she was first introduced to the world by Babyface and L.A. Reid in 1992. Her self-titled debut album released the next year was a 10 million-selling phenomenon that generated Braxton’s first Grammys in 1994, for Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal (“Another Sad Love Song”). The album’s longevity led Braxton to win her second Best Female R&B Vocal Grammy the following year (for “Breathe Again”). Her second album, “Secrets,” arrived in 1996, and history repeated itself with 15 million worldwide sales. At the Grammy Awards in 1997, Braxton became only the second woman in history (beside Dionne Warwick) to win Best Female Pop Vocal (“Un-break My Heart”) and Best Female R&B Vocal (“You’re Makin’ Me High”) in the same year. She returned to the Grammy podium in 2001 to claim another Best Female R&B Vocal award (“He Wasn’t Man Enough,” from the double-platinum album “The Heat”). Into the millennium, Braxton blossomed into an acting career with Broadway musical roles in “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aida,” and a dramatic turn in the Lifetime movie “Twist of Faith.” She and her sisters currently enjoy huge success in “Braxton Family Values,” one of WE tv’s flagship reality series, which returns for a fourth season in November 2013. Raising her two sons Denim and Diezel, Braxton balances her career demands with the high priorities of family, heath, public service, and charity work, particularly on behalf of the two diseases that have impacted her family directly - she is living with Lupus and her youngest child is living with Autism. Early detection and intervention has helped both Braxtons to be role models on how to live normal lives with these conditions. Braxton is also a proud spokesperson for Autism Speaks. She and Babyface will release “Love, Marriage & Divorce,” their first album of duets together, in February 2014.

Mariah Carey – Mariah Carey is the best-selling female artist of all time with more than 200 million albums sold and a ground-breaking career total of 224 #1 Billboard hits, including an unprecedented 18 #1 Hot 100 singles - the most of any solo artist in history. Her brand new single, "#Beautiful," a collaboration with Miguel, has won critical raves and is already #1 in over 30 countries and a certified radio smash. "#Beautiful" is the lead single from Carey’s new album for Island Def Jam Music Group. With her world renowned voice and her award-winning songwriting and producing, she has clearly earned her place at the top of music's pantheon. As a singer/songwriter/producer, she has been recognized with five Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, Billboard's "Artist of the Decade" Award, the World Music Award for "World's Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium," and BMI's "Icon Award" for her outstanding achievements in songwriting, to name a few. Carey's ongoing impact transcends the music industry to leave an indelible imprint upon the world at large. A Congressional Award recipient, Carey has generously donated her time and energy to a range of philanthropic causes near to her heart including Save the Music, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, World Hunger Relief, and the Elton John Aids Foundation, among many others. A tremendous supporter of children's charities, both domestic and international, Carey, in partnership with the Fresh Air Fund founded Camp Mariah, a retreat for inner city children to explore career development.

Kelly Clarkson -- Grammy Award winner Kelly Clarkson has released five studio albums (“Thankful,” “Breakaway,” “My December,” “All I Ever Wanted,” “Stronger”), one Greatest Hits album, sold over 20 million albums worldwide, 10 million albums in the U.S. and has had 10 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. She is the recipient of three Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, two Academy of Country Music Awards, one Country Music Association Award and 12 Billboard Music Awards. Clarkson’s last studio effort “Stronger” debuted at #2 on both the Billboard Top 200 and Digital Albums Chart. The album produced the smash singles, “Mr. Know It All” and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” which marks Clarkson’s 9th and 10th Top 10 hit. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” was #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart for two consecutive weeks (three weeks total) marking her third #1 on the Hot 100 chart. Clarkson’s “Stronger” was certified Platinum by the R.I.A.A. and won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. She spent the summer touring with Maroon 5 and recording her very first Christmas album, “Wrapped In Red,” which was released in October and features five original tracks as well as some Christmas favorites. Clarkson was recently nominated for two CMA Awards as well as two ACA Awards.

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds -- Ten time Grammy Award-winning recording artist Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds has been revolutionizing the contemporary pop/Urban music landscape ever since scoring consecutive multi-platinum landmark albums with “Tender Lover” (1989), “For the Cool in You” (1993) and “The Day” (1996). Edmonds is the recipient of numerous awards, including Soul Train Music Awards, BMI Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and American Music Awards. He received the third BET Walk of Fame Award (following previous honorees Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston), BET’s Entertainer of the Year at the First Annual BET Awards, and most recently was honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Edmonds’ caring and generosity has earned him several accolades, including the Essence Award for Excellence, The City of Hope Award and Variety Magazine’s “Top of the Town” Award. As co-founder with L.A. Reid of Atlanta’s LaFace Records in 1989, Edmonds nurtured the careers of megastars TLC, OutKast, Goodie Mob, Usher, and Toni Braxton. Into the ’90s and ’00s, Edmonds lent his talents to an abundance of hits with other artists, resulting in more than 125 Top 10 R&B and pop hits, 42 R&B #1 hits, and 51 Top 10 Pop hits (including 16 #1’s) under his belt, which have generated cumulative single and album sales of more than 500 million units worldwide. Most recent production work with other artists includes Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Keri Hilson, Ledisi, Ariana Grande and Aretha Franklin. Babyface is also an active touring artist, performing concerts across the U.S. and around the world on a regular basis. He and Toni Braxton will release “Love, Marriage & Divorce,” their first album of duets together, in February 2014.

Goo Goo Dolls – Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated Goo Goo Dolls recently released their 10th studio album, “Magnetic.” The album debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, and their new single, "Come To Me," is Top 20 and on the air in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Washington DC, Atlanta, Boston, Seattle and many more. The Buffalo trio celebrated the album's release with a performance on “Good Morning America,” and they have recently appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “Live with Kelly & Michael,” “CBS Saturday Morning,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and “Rachael Ray.” Goo Goo Dolls have sold over 10 million albums worldwide, with 14 Top 10 Radio hits, more than any other artist in the history of the Hot AC format. They are the only artist to have three songs on Billboard's "Top 100 Songs from 1992-2012" including the Number One slot, for "Iris." John Rzeznik has been honored with the Songwriters Hall of Fame Hal David Starlight Award and they have been inducted into Guitar Center's Historic Hollywood Rock Walk.

Ariana Grande – Ariana Grande has become a bona fide pop phenomenon. 2x-platinum single “The Way” initially debuted Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and seized the #1 spot on iTunes Overall Songs Chart as soon as it was released. Meanwhile, the track also resonated immensely with the Latin audience. The single’s Spanish version climbed to #5 at Latin Radio, showing that she could not only bridge the generational gap but cultural barriers as well. Everything laid the groundwork for YOURS TRULY to actually reach #1 on the iTunes Pop Albums Chart and on the Overall Albums Chart based on pre-orders alone. Yours Truly arrived at #1 on the Billboard Top 200. It was the first time since January 2010 that a debut record from a female artist topped the chart. Not only did it bow at #1 on the Top 200, in addition, it was the #1 album on iTunes Overall Albums Chart and #1 on the Digital Albums Chart.

Jewel - From the remote ranch of her Alaskan youth to the triumph of international stardom, four-time Grammy nominee Jewel, hailed by the New York Times as a “songwriter bursting with talents,” has enjoyed career longevity rare among her generation of artists. Whether alone with her guitar or fronting a band of ace musicians, Jewel has always been a charismatic live performer, earning the respect of other singer-songwriters such as Merle Haggard, Bob Dylan and Neil Young, who, not only invited her to open their shows, but mentored her in the early phases of her career. After a tremendous amount of success as a singer-songwriter and over 27 million albums sold, Jewel released a Greatest Hits album in 2013. The album features a collection of her most known songs as well as two new duets with Kelly Clarkson and The Pistol Annies, in addition to a new track called “Two Hearts Breaking.” She also starred as June Carter Cash in the Lifetime biopic “Ring of Fire,” which earned four Emmy nominations. In December of this year Jewel will join NBC’s “The Sing Off” as a new judge as well as release her much anticipated follow-up holiday album, “Let It Snow.” The acclaimed American singer-songwriter-poet will not only debut 10 holiday favorites but will also feature two new original songs, “Blue Crystal Glow” and “It’s Christmastime.” Produced alongside some of the music industry’s greatest composers, Steve Skinner, Robbie Kondor and Joe Mardin, the album features country, indie-pop roots with a classical twist. Vince Gill, Country Music Hall of Famer and 20-time Grammy® Award winner, also joins Jewel on the guitar for an extraordinary rendition of “White Christmas.” Jewel currently lives on a working ranch in Stephenville, Texas with her husband, World Champion bull-riding superstar, Ty Murray and their baby Kase Townes Murray.
with a live broadcast from Rockefeller Center in New York City on Wednesday, Dec. 4 (8-9 p.m. ET). The star-studded holiday special is hosted by “Today” anchors Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Natalie Morales, and will feature performances from Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Goo Goo Dolls, Ariana Grande and Jewel.

Holiday-themed Programs from FOX

2013-11-19T11:45:00.001-05:00

Here's the FOX holiday programming schedule:

Saturday, Nov. 23
ANIMATION DOMINATION HIGH-DEF (11:00 PM-Midnight ET/PT) – AXE COP – “28 Days Before” It’s Thanksgiving and Axe Cop (Nick Offerman) hasn’t been seen since Halloween. How will his team defeat the evil Turkey Turkey (guest voice Jack McGee) without him? Sunday, Nov.
24 BOB’S BURGERS (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “Turkey in a Can” Determined to have a perfect Thanksgiving, Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) meticulously prepares the family turkey. But to his horror, he finds that someone then dumps the turkey in the toilet in an act of Thanksgiving sabotage.

AMERICAN DAD (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Kung Pao Turkey” Stan’s (Seth MacFarlane) plans for a perfect Thanksgiving watching football in his underwear are thwarted when Francine (Wendy Schaal) invites her adoptive parents (guest voices Amy Hill and Tzi Ma) to join them for the holiday. Mariah Carey also makes a guest-voice cameo.

Tuesday, Nov. 26
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “Thanksgiving” Amy (Melissa Fumero) wants to host a Thanksgiving dinner for the entire precinct, but it turns into a holiday disaster when Holt (Andre Braugher) and Jake (Andy Samberg) must leave to go catch a perp. So, Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) steps in to save Turkey Day.

NEW GIRL (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) – “Thanksgiving III” Jess (Zooey Deschanel) and the gang’s survival skills are put to the test when Nick (Jake Johnson) takes them camping for Thanksgiving. Coach (guest star Damon Wayans, Jr.) and Schmidt (Max Greenfield) battle it out over who is the best woodsman, while Cece (Hannah Simone) and Winston (Lamorne Morris) bond over their mutual distaste for the outdoors.

Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 28
THE X FACTOR (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) – “Results Show” Tune in to see if your favorite singing acts make the cut in the all-new LIVE “Results Show” episode of THE X FACTOR airing on Thanksgiving night!

GLEE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Puppet Master” Demi Lovato and Adam Lambert guest-star in an all-new episode airing on Thanksgiving. Blaine (Darren Criss) believes he has the best plan to win Nationals, but he doesn’t take the glee club’s criticism too well when the students accuse him of being too controlling. Over in New York, Kurt (Chris Colfer) also runs into control issues when the band disagrees over the venue of their first official gig, and Sue (Jane Lynch) reveals the story behind her iconic tracksuit. Break out the eggnog and drink up these FOX holiday-themed programs:

Tuesday, Dec. 3
DADS (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) – “The Glitch That Stole Christmas” When Eli (Seth Green) and Warner (Giovanni Ribisi) fire one of their employees right before the holiday season, the ex-game designer seeks his revenge by including an offensive word in their family-friendly Christmas game. Meanwhile, Edna (Tonita Castro) encourages David (Peter Reigert) to get a job as a mall Santa, so he can earn enough money to buy Eli a gift. An encore airs on Tuesday, Dec. 24 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT).

BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “Christmas” Jake is assigned to protect Holt when death threats are sent his way. Amidst the chaos, Amy attempts to coordinate a Christmas photo for the squad. An encore airs on Tuesday, Dec. 24 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT).

THE MINDY PROJECT (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Christmas Party Sex Trap” Mindy (Mindy Kaling) throws a Christmas party in an attempt to spend time with Cliff (guest star Glenn Howerton), a lawyer in the building on whom she has a crush, but everything goes completely sideways.

Thursday, Dec. 5
GLEE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Previously Unaired Christmas” Sue Sylvester introduces the episode as a Christmas special that FOX did not allow to air last year, in which the members of New Directions audition for roles in McKinley’s living Nativity Scene. Meanwhile, in New York, Rachel (Lea Michele), Kurt and Santana (Naya Rivera) work as Santa’s elves at a mall.

Friday, Dec. 13
RAISING HOPE (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) – “The Chance Who Stole Christmas” The town blames Burt (Garret Dillahunt) for ruining Christmas, when, as interim mayor, he’s forced to cancel the Natesville Christmas Festival. An encore airs on Christmas, Wednesday, Dec. 25 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT).

Sunday, Dec. 15
THE SIMPSONS (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) – “White Christmas Blues” Springfield is inundated with holiday revelers after the nuclear power plant springs a radiation leak, causing snow to fall all over town. When the tourists drive up Christmas shopping prices, Marge (Julie Kavner) opens up the Simpsons’ house to boarders. An encore airs Sunday, Dec. 23 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT).

BOB’S BURGERS (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “Christmas in the Car” After purchasing a last-minute tree, the Belcher family spends Christmas Eve trying to outrun a truck shaped like a giant candy cane. Back at home, Bob’s (H. Jon Benjamin) friend, Teddy (Larry Murphy), accidentally gets stuck in the kids’ Santa trap.

FAMILY GUY (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) – “Christmas Guy” Peter (Seth MacFarlane) infuses Lois’s dad with the holiday spirit, while Stewie (Seth MacFarlane) learns the meaning of confession.

AMERICAN DAD (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Minstrel Krampus” It’s holiday time in Langley Falls, and Steve (Scott Grimes) starts acting like a spoiled brat, prompting Stan to take him to see his incarcerated Grandpa Jack (guest voice Daran Norris), who recounts how he, as a boy, captured the legendary Minstrel Krampus (guest voice Danny Glover), a demon who punished naughty children on Christmas. Meanwhile, Hayley (Rachael MacFarlane) gets a job at the airport, but is not cut out for customer service.

Monday, Dec. 16
ICE AGE: A MAMMOTH CHRISTMAS (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) – Annual Return America’s favorite arctic herd is busy decorating for the holiday season. In his rush to help, Sid (John Leguizamo) destroys Manny’s (Ray Romano) favorite decorations. Manny is so upset he convinces Sid he is now on Santa’s naughty list. Sid, Crash (Seann William Scott), Eddie (Josh Peck) and Peaches (Ciara Bravo) take off for the North Pole to plead their case to Santa (Billy Gardell). Meanwhile, Manny, Ellie (Queen Latifah) and Diego (Denis Leary), worry over Peaches’ safety and race to find her. Back at the North Pole, Sid and his crew accidentally destroy Santa’s Workshop on Christmas Eve, and it’s up to these newfound friends to orchestrate a Christmas miracle. The special, directed by Karen Disher, also features the voice talent of Chris Wedge, T.J. Miller and Judah Friedlander. An encore airs on Christmas, Wednesday, Dec. 25 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT).

DREAMWORKS DRAGONS: GIFT OF THE NIGHT FURY (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Annual Return Inspired by the popular “How to Train Your Dragon” film franchise, this special is a story of faith, love and friendship that takes viewers on an adventure of dragon-sized proportions as the villagers of Berk prepare for the winter holidays. As their festivities approach, the dragons make a sudden mass exodus leaving Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), Astrid (America Ferrera), Stoick (Gerard Butler) and the rest of the gang saddened by the loss of their winged friends. A wild turn of events leads Hiccup to discover a mysterious, never-before-seen island and learn the true reason why the dragons left the village. Friendship and loyalty abound in this touching holiday tale of spreading one’s wings, but always staying close to home. An encore airs on Christmas, Wednesday, Dec. 25 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT).

Wednesday, Dec. 18
THE X FACTOR (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Season Finale, Part One” The remaining finalists take the stage LIVE to mark their spot on the last performance show of the season. Thursday, Dec. 19 THE X FACTOR (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Season Finale, Part Two” Find out who will triumph as host Mario Lopez reveals the winner LIVE.

Friday, Dec. 20
HAPPINESS IS A WARM BLANKET, CHARLIE BROWN (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Annual Return In this annual holiday special, the Peanuts gang is back and ready to help Linus (Austin Lux) break away from his childhood security blanket. The stakes are high as Linus learns his grandmother is coming to visit, and he must decide whether or not to dispose of his most cherished possession. In an effort to help Linus kick his habit, Charlie Brown (Trenton Rogers), Lucy (Grace Rolek) and even Snoopy pitch in to help. Lucy is quick to attempt her amateur psychiatric skills, while Snoopy employs the age old drag-and-run method. Despite all attempts, Linus eventually learns that security is a valuable quality in life and everyone is entitled to their own version of a security blanket.

Sunday, Dec. 22
BOB’S BURGERS (7:00-7:30 PM ET/PT) – “God Rest Ye Merry Gentle-Mannequins” (Encore) In a holiday-themed encore episode, Bob inherits a storage unit, and the whole family imagines treasures, but only finds a man named Chet (guest voice Zach Galifianakis) living inside. Imbued with the holiday spirit, Linda (John Roberts) persuades Bob to invite Chet to stay at the restaurant, where it’s discovered that this stranger, who claims he was once a mannequin, has a gift for intricate and living window displays.

THE SIMPSONS (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) – “To Cur with Love” (Encore) In an encore episode, when a fire at the retirement home forces Grampa (Dan Castellaneta) to move home with the Simpsons, Homer throws out his back on moving day and decides to stay home to recover. While enjoying his time alone, Homer gets distracted by “Villageville” – a super-addictive tablet game in which he is able to create his own virtual village – and loses the family dog, Santa’s Little Helper.

THE SIMPSONS (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “White Christmas Blues” (Encore) An encore of the Dec. 15 holiday-themed episode.

FAMILY GUY (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) – “Jesus, Mary & Joseph” (Encore) Peter tells his own version of the Nativity story in an encore episode.

Tuesday, Dec. 24
DADS (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) – “The Glitch That Stole Christmas” (Encore) An encore of the Dec. 3 holiday-themed episode.

BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “Christmas” (Encore) An encore of the Dec. 3 holiday-themed episode. NEW GIRL (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) – “Santa” (Encore) In an encore, when the gang attempts to juggle multiple holiday parties in one night, Jess tries to avoid a remorseful Sam (guest star David Walton), Nick (Jake Johnson) tries to keep up with a sexually adventurous Angie (guest star Olivia Munn) and Winston panics when he gets a cranberry stuck in his ear.

THE MINDY PROJECT (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Josh & Mindy’s Christmas Party” (Encore) Mindy throws an office Christmas party at her apartment, and she’s eager for her colleagues to finally meet her boyfriend, Josh (guest star Tommy Dewey) in an encore of last year’s holiday-themed episode. Meanwhile, Jeremy (Ed Weeks) deals with doling out the office holiday bonuses, much to everyone’s chagrin. Christmas,

Wednesday, Dec. 25
ICE AGE: A MAMMOTH CHRISTMAS (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) An encore broadcast of the seasonal favorite. DREAMWORKS DRAGONS: GIFT OF THE NIGHT FURY (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) An encore broadcast of the seasonal favorite.

RAISING HOPE (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) – “Last Christmas” (Encore) In an encore, Virginia (Martha Plimpton) is convinced that the world is going to end on Dec. 21, 2012. So she uses her extreme couponing skills to stock up on supplies and she forces the family to train for the apocalypse. Meanwhile, Jimmy (Lucas Neff) is determined to give Hope (guest star Baylie and Rylie Cregut) the best Christmas he can, since it likely will be the first one she remembers, and Maw Maw (Cloris Leachman) tries to knock a few more items off her bucket list before the world ends.

RAISING HOPE (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “The Chance Who Stole Christmas” (Encore) An encore of the Dec. 13 episode.

Thursday, Dec. 26
GLEE (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “Extraordinary Merry Christmas” (Encore) When New Directions is asked to perform at two different events – on the same day, at the same time – they have a tough decision to make in an encore of a holiday-themed episode. Will they choose correctly and spread Christmas cheer, or will their ambition get the best of them?

GLEE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Glee, Actually” (Encore) In an encore of last year’s tribute to the film “Love, Actually,” seemingly separate storylines come together as one holiday-themed episode, in which Sam (Chord Overstreet) and Brittany (Heather Morris) live their lives to the fullest before the much-heralded Mayan Apocalypse occurs. Meanwhile, Jake (Jacob Artist) and Puck (Mark Salling) spend quality sibling time together for Hanukkah, Artie (Kevin McHale) has a holiday dream that changes his outlook on life and Kurt has a Christmas he’ll never forget.

Tuesday, Dec. 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE (11:00 PM-12:30 AM ET/CT/MT/PT) Count down the final moments of 2013 while watching the ultimate year-end bash, set to feature the year’s chart-topping musical guests. As 2014 nears, FOX cameras will capture every electrifying moment both from Las Vegas and the heart of New York City as the world-famous New Year’s Eve Ball makes its descent into Times Square. NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE is executive-produced by Bob Bain and produced by Paul Flattery.

Alexander Weiss Wins MasterChef Junior

2013-11-10T10:47:00.001-05:00

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Alexander Weiss, a 13-year-old from New York City was the winner of FOX’s cooking competition series, MasterChef Junior. Alexander walked away with a $100,000 grand prize after being crowned by host/executive producer and judge Gordon Ramsay and fellow judges Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot

“There was some pretty stiff competition, and it was amazing to watch these junior chefs grow each week,” said Ramsay. “Alexander pulled off complex dishes every week that professionals would be proud to call their own, and we are extremely impressed by what he has accomplished.”

“During my journey on MASTERCHEF JUNIOR, I learned so much from the judges, especially to be more confident in the kitchen and to be more determined,” said Alexander. “Of course, I will always remember the moment when I won, but I will also never forget the amazing time I had with the other contestants and judges. Thank you MASTERCHEF JUNIOR!”

In the finale episode, Alexander competed in a culinary showdown with Dara Yu, a 12-year-old from Los Angeles, CA. For the final challenge, Alexander created an impressive, restaurant-quality three-course meal: an appetizer of Basil Lemon Shrimp with Heirloom Tomato Crostini; a main course of Pan Seared Veal Chop with Gnocchi and Butter Sauce; and a Cannoli Napoleon with Mascarpone Cream for dessert. After a very close competition, it was Alexander’s harmonious flavors, complex techniques and elegant plating that earned him the MASTERCHEF JUNIOR trophy.

Here's the video:

General Hospital Ratings Up

2013-10-07T19:52:00.001-04:00

ABC released the following today.

Fresh off its best season in 5 years, this week “General Hospital” surged to a 5-month high in Total Viewers (2.80 million) – since week of 4/8/13 – posting double digit increases over the year ago week across all core categories.

Notably, “General Hospital” ranked as the #1 program in daytime for the 6th consecutive week in Women 18-34 (262,000/0.8 rating), and placed a solid #2 in Women 18-49 (730,000/1.1 rating) and Women 25-54 (954,000/1.6 rating).

“General Hospital” grew by robust double digit margins year to year in Total Viewers (+11% – 2.80 million vs. 2.52 million), Women 18-34 (+44% – 262,000 vs. 182,000), Women 18-49 (+44% – 730,000 vs. 554,000) and Women 25-54 (+31% – 954,000 vs. 726,000).

Source: NTI, U.S. ratings, weeks of 9/23/13 and 9/24/12, Live + Same Day. Gapped/Breakout programming excluded.

"The Blacklist" Gets Go-Ahead by NBC

2013-10-07T16:56:00.003-04:00

NBC has ordered an additional nine episodes of

“The many layers of Red Reddington and his mysterious reasons for getting into bed with the FBI seem to be fascinating to fans of this show,” said Salke. “With great talent like James Spader and Megan Boone on board, as well our stellar executive producers and the whole cast and crew, we believe this outstanding series will continue to make NBC a big destination on Monday nights.”

Through the first two weeks of the season, “The Blacklist” has averaged a 3.6 rating, 10 share in adults 18-49 and 12.0 million viewers, making it the #1 new drama on the Big 4 networks so far this season in total viewers, according to “live plus same day” ratings from Nielsen Media Research. Both episodes have led the Monday 10-11 p.m. ET hour among ABC, CBS and NBC in every key ratings category and the Sept. 23 premiere added 4.4 million time-shifting viewers in “live plus three day” results from Nielsen, the most any broadcast network telecast has ever added going from “live plus same day” to “live plus three day.”

“The Blacklist” stars Emmy Award-winning actor James Spader as Red Reddington, a fugitive on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. Now, he’s mysteriously surrendered to the FBI and working with the feds to catch a “blacklist” of politicians, mobsters, spies and international terrorists under the condition that he speaks only to Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone), an FBI profiler fresh out of Quantico. Red’s true intentions have yet to be revealed.

The series also stars Diego Klattenhoff, Harry Lennix, Ryan Eggold and Parminder Nagra.

Jon Bokenkamp (“The Call,” “Taking Lives”), John Eisendrath (“Alias”), John Davis (“Predator,” “I, Robot,” “Chronicle”) and John Fox serve as executive producers. The pilot was directed by Joe Carnahan (“The A-Team,” “The Grey”). “The Blacklist” is a production of Sony Pictures Television and Davis Entertainment.

More News from Fox on the New "24"

2013-10-04T12:17:00.001-04:00

Kim Raver and William Devane will reunite with award-winning star Kiefer

Sutherland when they reprise their respective daughter-father roles as AUDREY RAINES and JAMES HELLER on the thrilling new event series 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY, premiering Spring 2014 on FOX.

Both joined the original “24” in Season Four (2005). Devane served as Secretary of Defense JAMES HELLER and the father to Raver’s character, AUDREY RAINES, a committed and passionate woman with a tragic past, who fell in love with JACK BAUER (Sutherland). They were both last seen in the final scenes of Season Six, when Jack said goodbye to a catatonic Audrey.

Raver and Devane’s reprisals add to the previously announced return of Mary Lynn Rajskub as CHLOE O’BRIAN, Bauer’s quirky CTU confidante. Raver, known for her roles on “Third Watch,” “The Nine” and “Lipstick Jungle,” was most recently featured on the network series “Revolution” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Devane, best known for his villainous role on “Knots Landing,” recently played the U.S. President in the feature film “The Dark Knight Rises.”

Restarting the groundbreaking and Emmy Award-winning drama franchise, 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY will be set in London and will follow the further exploits of Bauer, taking up his story several years after the events of “24’s” final season. Once again, viewers will join the heroic agent on a pulse-pounding ride in real time.

24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY is a production of Teakwood Lane Productions in association with 20^th Century Fox Television and Imagine Television. Howard Gordon, Evan Katz, Manny Coto, David Fury, Robert Cochran, Brian Grazer, Jon Cassar and Kiefer Sutherland will executive-produce. The original series, which had its last American broadcast on May 24, 2010, was created by Joel Surnow and Cochran.

“24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY” TAKES JACK BAUER TO ENGLAND FOR 12 EPISODES

2013-10-03T17:03:00.002-04:00

Twentieth Century Fox Television, Imagine Television and FOX are sending the production of 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY across the Atlantic to London for a as the new series restarts the clock on the franchise starring Kiefer Sutherland. As previously announced, 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY will make its debut in the summer of 2014 on FOX.

“‘24’ has always had such a global sensibility,” said Sutherland, who also serves as an executive producer on the event series. “But to be able to tell this intense ‘24’-style story with the beauty of Europe’s history and architecture as the backdrop is going to be fascinating. Hopefully, by the time you’re finished watching an episode, you’ll feel like you’ve been there...on the edge of your seat.”

Co-showrunner and executive producer Evan Katz added, “We wanted the show’s return to be an event, and part of that was putting Jack in a very different context. Four years ago, we left Jack a fugitive from justice and we’re going to pick him up four years later in London.”

Co-showrunner and executive producer Manny Coto continued, “Jack is soon back on the run and it takes us into the streets of London and in places that break new ground for the show. We’ve shot in New York, Washington, Los Angeles and Cape Town -- but now we’re in London and Jack’s loose on the streets of Europe, hunted by and hunting bad guys.”

Originally premiering November 6, 2001, “24” was nominated for a total of 73 Emmy Awards, winning for Outstanding Drama Series in 2006. Over the course of eight seasons, and a two-hour telefilm, Sutherland garnered seven Emmy Award nominations and one win for Outstanding Lead Actor – Drama Series. While the series gained global recognition, Sutherland’s portrayal of the legendary character penetrated the American psyche like no other dramatic television character to become part of the cultural lexicon.

24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY is a production of 20^th Century Fox Television and Imagine Television in association with Teakwood Lane Productions. Howard Gordon, Brian Grazer and Kiefer Sutherland will executive produce, along with an additional team to be announced. The original series, which had its last American broadcast on May 24, 2010, was created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran.

In Memoriam at this Year's Emmy's Will Have a New Take

2013-09-16T17:43:00.000-04:00

CBS announced today that Sunday's Emmy Awards will feature the traditional

“In Memoriam” segment, with an additional twist. The telecast producers have selected five individuals who warrant special recognition. To honor them, close friends and co-workers have been invited to provide personal tributes which will be presented during the ceremony, held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles and telecast live on Sunday, Sept. 22, (8:00 PM, ET / 5:00 PM, PT) on CBS.

Those who will provide special tributes include Edie Falco, who will remember “Sopranos” co-star James Gandolfini; Michael J. Fox, who will pay tribute to “Family Ties” producer Gary David Goldberg; Jane Lynch will remember her friend and “Glee” co-star Cory Monteith; Rob Reiner will pay tribute to his long-time “All in the Family” cast member Jean Stapleton; and Robin Williams will remember his friend and mentor Jonathan Winters (“Mork and Mindy”).

“The ‘In Memoriam’ is a very emotional and evocative segment for the Emmys, or any annual awards program,” said Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich. “These five individuals brought us such great entertainment and joy, so having their close friends share personal remembrances is something that will be very meaningful for television audiences across the country and across the generations. And our traditional ‘In Memoriam’ segment will be presented in a unique new format that will give added importance to an already much anticipated segment of the Emmy show.”

Ehrlich was one of the first producers to enhance the “In Memoriam” feature when he added a live musical component during the Grammys 10 years ago. Following the traditional remembrance segment, he produced a live performance of The Clash’s “London Calling” with Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl and others in tribute to Joe Strummer, who died earlier that year.

The 65th Emmy Awards are executive produced by Ken Ehrlich. Neil Patrick Harris is both host and producer, and the telecast is directed by Louis J. Horvitz for AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC in association with the Television Academy. If you plan to Tweet this story, please use #Emmys and mention the official Emmys Twitter handle @primetimeemmys.

Facebook to Have Screen Time During Dancing with the Stars

2013-09-16T17:36:00.003-04:00

If you think your TV screens are cluttered with information now - crawls,

Tweets, logos - get ready for more.

ABC and Facebook announced today that they are partnering to bring "real-time social conversations" to your TV. ABC will be the first entertainment network to integrate Facebook's newest tools for broadcast partners on primetime television with the season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars" tonight (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET).

Facebook will be bringing the conversations already taking place about "Dancing with the Stars" online to the TV screen by enabling the audience to see how many people on Facebook are talking about the contestants, where the couples are generating the most buzz, whether they're more popular among males or females, and where their fans live. Real-time conversations about the show from Facebook users will be displayed during the broadcast.

"Being the first entertainment partner to leverage this new technology exhibits our commitment to producing the best live experience possible," said Marla Provencio, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, ABC Entertainment Group. "We are always looking for ways to innovate and engage our loyal fan base, and feel 'Dancing with the Stars' in particular is the perfect fit to kick off this new initiative."

Added Nick Grudin, Director of Partnerships at Facebook: "Debuting with 'Dancing with the Stars' as our first entertainment partner is a natural fit. From cheering for their favorite contestants to debating judging decisions, the show drives passionate conversation from viewers. Now the TV audience will get a real-time snapshot of the social discourse across the nation."

The new season of "Dancing with the Stars" will feature celebrities Elizabeth Berkley, Corbin Bleu, Brant Daugherty, Bill Engvall, Valerie Harper, Keyshawn Johnson, Christina Milian, Bill Nye, Jack Osbourne, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Leah Remini and Amber Riley.

"Dancing with the Stars" is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Conrad Green, Ashley Edens-Shaffer and Joe Sungkur are executive producers. Alex Rudzinski directs. "Dancing with the Stars" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1.

Danny Glover Comes to Series TV on NBC Entry

2013-09-16T17:33:00.000-04:00

Emmy nominee and film star Danny Glover (“Lethal Weapon,” “The Color Purple”) will guest star in an episode, titled “Minor Infractions,” on NBC’s “Ironside” as Ironside’s (Blair Underwood) father, Frank. He will appear in a flashback sequence, which reveals some insight into Ironside’s family history in the last days before his father enters prison.

From Universal Television in association with Davis Entertainment and Yellow Brick Road Productions, “Ironside” premieres on Wednesday, October 2, at 10-11 PM ET/PT. The series stars Blair Underwood, Spencer Grammer, Pablo Schreiber, Neal Bledsoe, Kenneth Choi and Brent Sexton. Ken Sanzel, Teri Weinberg, John Fox, John Davis, Ron West and David Semel serve as executive producers.

Saturday Night Live Adds New Cast Members

2013-09-16T17:30:00.001-04:00

NBC's "Saturday Night Live" has added six featured players, Beck Bennett, John Milhiser, Kyle Mooney, Mike O’Brien, Noël Wells and Brooks Wheelan to the cast.

SNL enters its 39th season on September 28, with Tina Fey as host and musical guest Arcade Fire.

"Saturday Night Live" is produced in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels.
John Milhiser, Kyle Mooney, Mike O’Brien, Noël Wells and Brooks Wheelan to the cast.

Alec Baldwin to Host MSNBC "Current Events and Culture" Talk Show

2013-09-05T16:43:00.001-04:00

Actor, activist and philanthropist Alec Baldwin will join MSNBC as the host of a new weekly Friday night talk show (10-11 p.m). “Up Late w/Alec Baldwin” will begin this October. The announcement was made today by Phil Griffin, President of MSNBC.

“After two seasons of my WNYC podcast, I've developed a fondness for hosting a show that involved talking with smart, talented and engaging people in every imaginable field,” said Baldwin. “I'm grateful to MSNBC for helping me bring a similar show to television.”

"I've been talking with Alec for a while and can't wait to bring his personality and eclectic interests to MSNBC," said Griffin. "He's got such passion for ideas and what's going on in the world - he's going to be a great addition to our line-up."

Baldwin is the winner of two Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, eight SAG Awards and a Television Critics Association Award for his role as Jack Donaghy on NBC’s "30 Rock." He is one of Hollywood's most charismatic and prolific actors, having appeared in over 40 films. Baldwin garnered raves for his performance in Martin Scorsese's "The Departed" and a 2004 Academy Award nomination for his role in "The Cooler" opposite William H. Macy. Other film credits include “Beetlejuice,” "The Hunt for Red October," "Glengarry Glen Ross," "Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat," “The Aviator,” "The Good Shepherd," “It’s Complicated” and Woody Allen’s “To Rome with Love” and “Blue Jasmine.”

Baldwin has hosted the popular podcast “Here’s the Thing” on WNYC since 2011. On “Here’s the Thing,” Baldwin has interviewed a variety of public figures including politicians, policy makers, performers and artists, ranging from David Letterman to Dick Cavett to Republican political strategist Ed Rollins.

In addition to his dramatic credits, Baldwin has proven to be an adept and perennial host of NBC’s "Saturday Night Live" (with 16 hosting appearances to his credit).

Baldwin's production company, El Dorado Pictures, has co-produced the Emmy-nominated miniseries "Nuremberg," “The Confession” for Showtime and the feature film "State and Main."

Among his many stage credits, Baldwin won acclaim and a Tony nomination for his work opposite Jessica Lange in "A Streetcar Named Desire," which also garnered him an Emmy nomination for the television adaptation.

Baldwin co-hosted the 82nd Annual Academy Awards in 2010 with Steve Martin. In 2011, he received his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A dedicated supporter of public policy and the arts, Baldwin serves on the boards of the Roundabout Theatre Company, People For the American Way, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Guild Hall of East Hampton and the New York Philharmonic.

new weekly current events and culture talk show to air Fridays from 10-11 p.m. ET. “Up Late w/Alec Baldwin” will begin this October. The announcement was made today by Phil Griffin, President of MSNBC.

Natasha and Luca are MasterChef Finalists on Fox

2013-09-05T10:35:00.003-04:00

Natasha Crnjac, a stay-at-home mom from San Diego, CA, and Luca Manfe, a restaurant manager from Astoria, NY were named the two finalists last night in the Fox Masterchef competition. Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot made the announcement while also eliminating Krissi Biasiello, a paralegal from Philadelphia, PA, and Jessie Lysiak, a yacht stewardess from Social Circle, GA.

The top two finalists will compete for the title next week. According to Fox, In their final challenge, Crnjac and Manfe will conceptualize and prepare "the most important three-course meal of their lives." The winner will receive a grand prize of $250,000 and a cookbook deal.

Natasha Crnjac Age: 26

Hometown: San Diego, CA Occupation: Stay-at-Home Mom

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MC4Natasha

Twitter: @MC4Natasha

Favorite MASTERCHEF Moment: “Realizing how much MASTERCHEF helped me grow as a person. I’ve never put so much of myself into anything in my life, and MASTERCHEF really pushed me, mentally and physically, and reinforced my love for what I do in the kitchen more than ever.”

Luca Manfe Age: 31

Hometown: Astoria, NY Occupation: Restaurant Manager

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MC4Luca

Twitter: @MC4Luca

Favorite MASTERCHEF Moment: “The surprise visit from my wife and winning the mystery box challenge with her support. Needless to say, MASTERCHEF has been the best experience of my life, and I am so grateful for how much I have learned.”

Open casting calls for the next Masterchef competition begin Saturday, Oct. 5, in the following cities:

Cities	Dates	Venues/Times
Phoenix	Saturday, Oct. 5	Embassy Suites Biltmore 2630 East Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85016 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
New Orleans	Saturday, Oct. 5	Hyatt French Quarter 800 Iberville Street New Orleans, LA 70112 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Houston	Saturday, Oct. 12	Doubletree Suites Hotel Houston Galleria 5353 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77056 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Orlando	Saturday, Oct. 12	Aloft Orlando 500 South Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Chicago	Saturday, Oct. 19	TBA
Columbus	Saturday, Oct. 19	Hyatt Regency Columbus 350 North High Street Columbus, OH 43215 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Kansas City	Saturday, Oct. 26	Kansas City Marriott Downtown 200 West 12^th Street Kansas City, MO 64105 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
New York City	Saturday, Oct. 26	TBA
Denver	Saturday, Nov. 2	Crowne Plaza Denver Downtown 1450 Glenarm Place Denver, CO 80202 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Philadelphia	Saturday, Nov. 2	TBA
Los Angeles	Saturday, Nov. 9	TBA

Harry Connick, Jr. is Newest American Idol Judge; J-Lo Returns

2013-09-03T15:07:00.005-04:00

Years ago, when Harry Connick, Jr. was a guest mentor on American Idol, I said he would make a great judge. Well it took some time, but Fox announced today that Connick will, indeed, be a judge this season.

According to today's announcement, Grammy Award-winning and platinum-selling recording artist,actress, movie and television producer and entrepreneur Jennifer Lopez will return to AMERICAN IDOL XIII as a judge. She will be joined Connick, the Grammy- and Emmy Award-winning multi-platinum singer, musician, songwriter, composer and film/television and Broadway actor. The two join the other two judges on the panel, Keith Urban, the four-time Grammy Award-winning country artist who has sold more than 15 million albums, and the returning Randy Jackson.

Ryan Seacrest will continue as host.

Kevin Reilly, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company said, “AMERICAN IDOL has always been about discovering the next singing superstar, and next season our judging panel will deliver a most impressive combination of talent, wisdom and personality to do just that: Jennifer Lopez, the triple-threat global superstar who loves IDOL and whom IDOL fans love; Harry Connick, Jr., a bona-fide musical genius and fantastic IDOL mentor whose honesty and expertise can help turn these hopefuls into stars; Keith Urban, a multi-Grammy-winning artist who was such a positive force on the show last season. We are also very excited to have our friend Randy Jackson now in a new role as mentor, and the captain of our team – the heart and soul of IDOL – Ryan Seacrest returning as host.”

“#IDOL2014TheRemix,” tweeted Jennifer Lopez.

“I have always been a huge fan of AMERICAN IDOL and really enjoyed my time as a mentor on the show,” said Harry Connick, Jr. “And I am honored that they’ve asked me to be a judge this season. As an entertainer, I am truly excited to bring my perspective to AMERICAN IDOL, and to help emerging performers find their way.”

“Surprise, surprise! I am so happy to be back as part of this amazing show that started it all,” said Randy Jackson. “Season 1-3 is the place to be. The original talent show is back with a vengeance and ready to discover the best talent in America.”

“I think this season of IDOL is gonna be a blast,” said Keith Urban. ”New team, new energy and a whole new field of artists to be discovered and given a chance!”

“I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the AMERICAN IDOL XIII family. Our new producers, judging panel and mentor are all fired up for this season,” said Ryan Seacrest. “I’ve already witnessed some amazingly talented contestants from around the country during our early auditions, cementing my belief that a new superstar is well within our sights.”

IDOL hopefuls will meet the AMERICAN IDOL XIII team when the auditions travel to Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Detroit, Omaha, Salt Lake City and San Francisco. AMERICAN IDOL XIII debuts in January 2014 on FOX.

Universal Music Group’s Interscope Records, under the direction of Chairman Jimmy Iovine, will continue to release IDOL winner and contestant music.

IDOL’s impact on the entertainment industry resonates beyond the scope of television. The series has brought generations together with a common goal: to discover the next music superstar. Over the past 12 seasons, IDOL finalists have released more than 200 albums, scored 396 No.1 Billboard hits, garnered more than 250 million iTunes downloads and have been certified with 95 Gold and 83 Platinum records. IDOL contestants have conquered Broadway, television and film and have won numerous awards and accolades, including American Country Music Awards, Country Music Awards, Grammy Awards and an Academy Award.

About Jennifer Lopez:

Actress, entertainer, music artist, film and TV producer, fashion designer, entrepreneur and humanitarian Jennifer Lopez has been called one of the most powerful and celebrated celebrities in entertainment.

In 2012, Forbes Magazine named her the No. 1 Most Powerful Celebrity in the World.

Lopez has transformed the global music scene. She has sold more than 75 million records worldwide and starred in multiple box-office No. 1 films, including “Monster-In-Law” and “The Wedding Planner.” In 2001, “The Wedding Planner” was the nation’s top-grossing film, while her album, “J.Lo,” was No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. The two simultaneous No. 1 honors made Lopez the first woman in history to have a No. 1 movie and No. 1 album in the same week.

In May 2011, Lopez released the album “LOVE?,” The first single, “On The Floor,” also featuring Pitbull, became a worldwide phenomenon. This song shot to No. 1 in 18 countries and became the most downloaded song of her career. The music video set an all-time record, making Lopez the first female artist on online video site Vevo to rack up 100 million views in the shortest amount of time. The music video has become the most watched music video by any female artist in the history of YouTube, logging more than 686 million views.

She made her feature film debut in the highly acclaimed “Mi Familia,” then earned widespread acclaim for her work in the title role of “Selena,” which brought her a Golden Globe Award nomination. Her film credits include Lasse Hallström’s “An Unfinished Life,” with Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman; Oliver Stone’s “U-Turn”; “Maid In Manhattan”; “Money Train”; Francis Ford Coppola’s “Jack,” with Robin Williams; “Blood and Wine,” opposite Jack Nicholson; Luis Mandoki’s “Angel Eyes”; “The Cell”; Steven Soderbergh’s “Out of Sight,” with George Clooney; Michael Apted’s “Enough”; and “Anaconda.” Playing the role of actress and producer, she starred in the feature films “El Cantante,” a drama about the life of salsa legend Hector Lavoe, and “Bordertown,” opposite Antonio Banderas. In 2011, she starred in the romantic comedy “The Back-up Plan.”

In 2012, Lopez was part of the ensemble cast of “What To Expect When You’re Expecting,” and she lent her voice to the character of “Shira,” a sabre-toothed tiger, in the animated film “Ice Age 4: Continental Drift.” In January 2013, she starred opposite Jason Statham in an adaptation of the crime/thriller literary series, “Parker,” directed by Taylor Hackford.

This past year, Lopez also partnered with NUVOtv, becoming the Chief Creative Officer for the network. Nuyorican, her TV and film production company, already has produced several specials and series for the network. She also is executive producer of the hit cable series “The Fosters.”

Lopez set the branding standard for celebrity fragrance, apparel and accessories. Last year, Lopez was named the celebrity with the most successful fragrance line in history.

Her commitment to making a difference and her passion for making this world better is highlighted through her work with children, via The Lopez Family Foundation, a not-for-profit she started with her sister, Lynda. The Lopez Family Foundation is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women and children, and raising the level of medical care available to them. The foundation is currently working with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on a telemedicine program that will help underserved communities around the world to be treated with state-of-the-art technology and by top doctors. The organization opened its first telemedicine center in Puerto Rico in 2010 and seven new centers in Panama in 2011.

About Harry Connick, Jr.:

Harry Connick, Jr. is a rarity in the realm of entertainment, exemplifying excellence in every aspect of his multi-faceted career. He has won three Grammy Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards and is a multiple-Tony Award nominee.

A New Orleans native, Connick began his career as a performer at the age of five. At 19, he signed with Columbia Records. His stunning piano technique and vivid musical imagination was easily recognized on his debut, self-titled album. Soon after, he released his follow-up album, “20,” and then found multi-platinum success with the soundtrack to “When Harry Met Sally…”

Connick’s continued musical success has spanned over the course of 29 albums, with sales totaling 28 million worldwide units. His most recent album, “Every Man Should Know,” was released in June 2013.

In addition to his burgeoning music career, Connick also began acting professionally. Among his feature film credits are “Little Man Tate,” “Copycat,” “Hope Floats,” “Memphis Belle,” “Independence Day,” “Life without Dick,” “Mickey,” “Basic,” “P.S. I Love You,” “New in Town” and “Dolphin Tale.” His voiceover skills also were featured in “My Dog Skip” and “The Iron Giant.” Next fall, he will be seen in “Dolphin Tale 2,” the sequel to 2011’s No. 1 hit family film.

On television, Connick is perhaps best known for his recurring role on “Will & Grace.” He also appeared in an arc of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” and has graced audiences with his musical talents in several primetime specials, including “Harry for the Holidays,” the Emmy Award-winning PBS specials “Only You in Concert” and “Harry Connick, Jr. in Concert on Broadway” and the animated tale “The Happy Elf.”

His Broadway career boasts equal recognition, having received Tony Award nominations as both composer/lyricist for the musical “Thou Shalt Not” and as the lead in the Tony Award-winning revival of “The Pajama Game.” He also has adapted “The Happy Elf” for children’s theater, starred in the Broadway revival of “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever” and – on the 20^th anniversary of his first Broadway concerts at the Lunt-Fontaine Theatre - brought his live show for an extended residency at the Neil Simon Theatre.

Not surprisingly, Connick has used his influence as an entertainer to further his charitable work. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, he created, along with fellow musician and “New Orleanian” Branford Marsalis, the Musicians’ Village in the Upper Ninth Ward. The village provides homes for musicians and other displaced citizens, a community center with a performance hall, recording studio and after-school facility for kids. His contributions to the post-Katrina effort have been acknowledged by a Redbook Strength and Spirit Award, an honorary degree from Tulane University and the 2012 Jefferson Award for Public Service.

AMERICAN IDOL XIII hopefuls also can audition at www.americanidol.com, by submitting an audition video online. Entrants should demonstrate their stellar singing ability by performing a song of their choice a cappella. Videos are limited to one submission per person. Please visit www.americanidol.com for submission rules and terms and conditions.

AMERICAN IDOL XIII is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group, and FremantleMedia North America. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment. Cecile Frot-Coutaz for FremantleMedia; Trish Kinane and Per Blankens for FremantleMedia North America; and Evan Prager and Jesse Ignjatovic for 19 Entertainment.

Former Bachelorette Gets an "E" TV Gig

2013-08-07T16:48:00.002-04:00

Ali Fedotowsky and Jesse Giddings have joined the “E! News” on-air team as

"We are happy to welcome Ali and Jesse to the E! family as full-time correspondents," said Cyndi McClellan, President, Network Strategy and E! News, in making the announcement. “Their passion for pop culture will allow Ali and Jesse to capture the viewer’s perspective in a unique and fun way.”
E! News for July 2013 delivered its biggest month since January’s Red Carpet coverage. Driven by news of the royal baby and other big pop culture stories over the past couple weeks (weeks of 7/15 and 7/22), E! News strongly advanced across all its key demos, building over its prior 4-weeks in its core P18-49 demo (+7%) as well as HH (+10%), and W18-49 (+9%), and reaching nearly 19.8 million viewers.

Best known to audiences as the Season Six "Bachelorette," Fedotowsky first captured the hearts of American viewers on "The Bachelor." Following her appearances on "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette," Fedotowsky went to work straightaway as an on-air news correspondent for Fox 5 in San Diego. Prior to joining “E! News,” Fedotowsky served as the host of NBC’s “1st Look,” the lifestyle show that delivers viewers the best places around the country to eat, play and indulge, which she will continue to host through the Fall season. She has appeared on numerous shows, including "Today," "Rachael Ray," "The Steve Harvey Show," and E!'s own "Fashion Police." She can also be seen in Woody Allen's latest film "Blue Jasmine.”

correspondents, it was announced today. Fedotowsky, who has served as guest co-host and correspondent for "E! News" in the past, joins the permanent E! staff following her role as host of "1st Look," the Emmy-award winning lifestyle show produced by the NBC Owned Television Stations’ LX.TV. Giddings comes to E! from Canada's MuchMusic, where he served as host of the popular flagship show "New.Music.Live." The two new full-time correspondents will cover a wide variety of pop culture stories for "E! News."
Giddings hosted MuchMusic's flagship programming for several years. During that time, he was host of MuchOnDemand which became "New.Music.Live," and as such interviewed some of the biggest names in popular music, including will.i.am, Drake, Justin Beiber and Katy Perry, to name a few. Additionally he hosted the MuchMusic Video Awards for two years, with Selena Gomez as co-host one year and LMFAO the other. Recently he co-hosted "The X Factor USA" Pepsi Pre-show with Adrienne Bailon on "The X Factor USA" website for Season Two of the musical competition series.

As a musician, last year he toured Canada with Marianas Trench and Down With Webster, and over his career has performed with numerous bands and artists, including Joe Jonas, All Time Low and Hot Chelle Rae. He is a big supporter of Free The Children and has co-hosted more than 15 WeDay events across Canada in the last 3 years with such personalities as Joe Jonas and Nina Dobrev. WeDay is the largest non-profit motivational event for youth in North America and these events featured speakers like Martin Sheen, Al Gore, Mikhael Gorbachev, Magic Johnson, HH the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Larry King, Richard Branson and Mia Farrow to name a few. Giddings dedication recently took him to Kenya to assist in the hands-on building of a school for local children there.