Spoiler TV

Latest from Ausiello - Various Shows

2009-07-16T06:13:00.002+01:00

Question: Why is Kirk Acevedo leaving Fringe? His choice? Storyline dictated? --Dee
Ausiello: Storyline dictated. Charlie wasn't going to have much to do this season, and rather than waste Kirk's time, they cut him loose. But as I teased last week, we haven't seen the last of him.

Question: Has Friday Night Lights officially settled on the Lions as the mascot for East Dillon? --Clay
Ausiello: They're using that as a placeholder but I'm told it will likely change. The team's colors are also TBD, so if you've got ideas about either, post 'em in the comments.

Question: What's this I here about a Booth and Brennan kiss on Bones? Confirmation, please! --Molly
Ausiello: Series creator Hart Hanson confirms that a season-opening smooch "was scripted," but adds, "I'm in no way confirming that it was a sincere scripting. Could have been a way to identify leaks." Now, as someone who's been in this situation before, here's what you need to do next, Molly: Get in touch with your mole and tell him to pack his bags, grab his passport and get the hell out of the country. They're onto him!

Question: I'm really hoping you've got some Criminal Minds news. Please tell me Hotch is still alive! --Chrissy
Ausiello: I think it's a positive sign that Minds is casting the role of an emergency room doctor for the season premiere.

Question: Now that Mercy will begin on NBC earlier than expected, will Michelle Trachtenberg still be able to fulfill her three-episode arc on Gossip Girl? --Parm
Ausiello: Unfortunately for Blair, yes, she will. The onetime Queen Bee will have a hard enough time adjusting to college life. Georgina's arrival as her roommate in episode 2 compounds her misery tenfold.

Question: I would love the scoop on just how much The CW pays you every time you cover Gossip Girl. I don't doubt that the show has followers, but the coverage EW is giving it has gotten ridiculous! ---Frank
Ausiello: Oooooh, that reminds me: A major Gossip guy decides not to go to college very early in the season. Take your best guess to the comments!

Question: Chuck-Blair scoopage would be delightful! --LH
Ausiello: Look for C and B to take an unorthodox approach to warding off the seven-week itch.

Question: Weeds scoop? --Melissa
Ausiello: "Little Boxes" makes a tiny comeback in Monday's episode. Also, Andy refuses a gift -- a gift he really wants. Oh, and one more thing: Keep your ears open for a Comic-Con reference! Speaking of which, Ausholes unite and get drunk in one week! Sources confirm to me exclusively that there may be a few special guests!

Question: Got any Weeds scoop? --Mohammad
Ausiello: Celia goes into business with an Avon-esque company, and the results are predictably disastrous.

Question: Any Melrose Place dish? --Jacob
Ausiello: The show is adding the recurring role of a Madame -- and you'll know why after watching the pilot. The producers should throw us old timers a bone and cast Kristian Alfonso as the head whore. Who's with me?

Question: I just saw the trailer for the new Joel McHale comedy Community and I almost fell out of my chair when I saw my favorite Daily Show British man John Oliver. Who does he play and is it a recurring role? --Clumsy chair girl
Ausiello: He plays Jeff’s (Joel McHale) good friend and colleague, Professor Duncan. And he just signed on for an additional two episodes, so, yes, I think it's accurate to say it's a recurring role. (BTW, the actual pilot is as funny as the trailer lets on.)

Question: I've been asking for weeks and I refuse to give up: Please give us some Legend of the Seeker scoopage. --Jeff
Ausiello: I've got just the thing to get you off my case: Is season 2's fifth episode, we'll meet a young (20s-30s) version of Zedd.

Question: Will Glee introduce Lea's mom? Wouldn't it be cool if it turned out to be Idina Menzel? Just a thought. --Wendy
Ausiello: I like the way your mind works. Unfortunately, there are no immediate plans to bring on Lea's mom. We don't even meet her dads in the first 13 episodes.

Question: I'm dying for some Dexter scoop? --Meg
Ausiello: Season 4 will herald the arrival of new loves for both Batista and Laguerta. Very happy about the Batista part of that. His love story with the undercover hooker last season made me throw up in my mouth a little.

Question: When can we finally expect to see Maura Tierney on Rescue Me? --Justin
Ausiello: Her arc kicks off on July 28. And because it warrants repeating: Get well soon, Maura!

Question: I saw your Tweet about having seen Dollhouse's "Epitaph One" episode. What did you think? I can't wait to see it next week at Comic-Con! --Tim
Ausiello: Before I answer that, you should know that A) I was a little buzzed when I tweeted that, B) I'm not that bright, and C) aggressive watermarks make me dizzy. With that out of the way, here's my review: I was completely and utterly lost. I may try watching it again this weekend. Or just let one of you explain it to me at Comic-Con.

Source: EW

Exclusive - Friday Night Lights - Season 4 - New Characters

2009-07-11T10:18:00.003+01:00

Please note: As a courtesy, please do not reproduce this post to newsgroups, forums or other online places. Summary and Link backs only please.

[VINCE] African-American, a Junior in high school, 16-17 years old, from a lower-class background. He is charming but dangerous and sometimes a little menacing. His father is in jail and Vince is involved in criminal activity on his behalf. We first meet him quickly fleeing the cops of East Dillon and it is that kind of speed Vince brings to the football field as well as a toughness we've never seen before. He has a dark side and occasionally he snaps. We see him at one point being mocked for a football loss and winds up pulling a gun on the guy making fun of him...SERIES REGULAR

[LUKE] Caucasian, a Junior in high school, 16-17 years old, a young Paul Newman type, cocky and charming. His family are ranchers, scraping to get by. Luke will initially be reluctant to become an integral part of the Lions. His enthusiasm for football has been stamped out by the politics that had him playing for Dillon and now for East Dillon. However, he is the strongest player on the team - except possibly for Vince - and he assumes a leadership role quickly which puts him at odds with Vince...SERIES REGULAR

[JESS] Female, African-American, a Sophomore or Junior in high school, 16-17 years old, Jess is the daughter of the smoker at a local BBQ joint who was himself a onetime NFL hopeful who never made it. Raised in a family steeped in football lore Jess knows the game inside and out. She has several younger brothers who she coaches/bosses around during youth football practices. Jess is a force of nature, super-energetic, and the type to make a big entrance and big exit. All of our male characters will be at least a little bit crazy about her sptv050769...SERIES REGULAR NOT ALL SHOWS PRODUCED

[BECKY] Caucasian Female, Texas Beauty Queen type, 18-20 years old to play high school freshman. A beauty pageant vet from a 'trailer trash' family, Becky is well aware that her good looks can get her just about everything she wants. She is surprised when, after meeting Tim Riggins when he wakes up in her mother's bed, she can't seem to convince him to hook up with her, too. Becky is the leader of the 'Trash Bees' a group of girls who discover that being in a new school means they can declare themselves the most important people in the social hierarchy...RECURRING GUEST STAR

Source: SpoilerTV

Latest from Ausiello - Various Shows

2009-07-02T09:05:00.001+01:00

Question: Do you have any Big Bang Theory scoopage? --Sara
Ausiello: Do locusts have leg muscles that are, like, a bazillion times stronger than an equal weight of human muscle? (Yes, I broke a sweat on that one. Thanks, this site.) Although Simon "Wolowitz" Helberg says, "We are still on summer vacation -- we go back August 5 -- and I have not seen the first script," he admits, "I just saw Jim ["Sheldon" Parsons], and he certainly did let on that he knew something. I just assume they will pick up right where we left off in terms of the North Pole… Maybe we needed to eat Sheldon to survive." All kidding aside, what would the actor like to see happen this season? "It'd be interesting to see [Wolowitz] try to move out [of his mother's basement]. I would also like him to meet his father, and I would like his father to be Ringo Starr. How cool would it be if Wolowitz is the son of a Beatle? [Besides] I would actually like pants I can breathe in and an operational fly so I don't have to pull down my pants to my ankles every time I need to pee."

Question: Like most Friday Night Lights fans, I was devastated to read in last week's AA that Zach Gilford will not return as a series regular next season. Do you know how long he will return for? --Amanda?
Ausiello: It's looking like five episodes, maybe more. And I'm a little bummed myself.

Question: Jennifer Jason Leigh was hilarious as Nancy's sister on Weeds. Will we see her again? --Paul
Ausiello: If Weeds creator Jenji Kohan has anything to say about it we will. "We loved having Jennifer on the show and were dazzled by her performance and her chemistry with our cast," she raves. "We have no idea when she'll be back, but we'd love to have her return if our story and her schedule align. Fingers crossed."

Question: Any hints about who or what Annie hit at end of 90210? --Craig
Ausiello: It's a person.

Question: Will we see Mekhi Phifer and/or Jennifer Beals back on Lie to Me next season? Any other new faces coming on board?--Bernd
Ausiello: Mekhi has been promoted to a series regular, while Jennifer will continue to recur as Lightman's ex. As far as new blood goes, we'll meet Lightman's longtime rival, an on-camera expert in the same field.

Question: With regard to your 24 asterisk quiz in last week's Ask Ausiello, is it safe to say that Ethan will be promoted to Commander in Chief next season? --Neely
Ausiello: You'd be safer going with Secretary of State.

Question: Regarding Ugly Betty, got any spoilers that don't involve Matt and Betty? --Kelcy
Ausiello: Mode's getting a new editor! Her name's Amber, she's in her 20s, she's Asian, and is a master at the backhanded compliment. Casting is under way. Also, I'm hearing (and already laughing) about a possible mob subplot involving Hilda. BTW, congrats to Ana Ortiz on the birth of her daughter!

Question: I'm having Glee withdrawals! News, please? --James
Ausiello: I don't want to blow my whole Glee wad before the show even returns! Oh, who am I kidding, yes I do. MADtv's Michael Hitchcock -- yet another Christopher Guest alum -- will be appearing alongside Eve as the director of a different rival choir.

Question: Got Greek scoop? --Karen
Ausiello: G4 hostess Olivia Munn (Attack of the Show!) is joining the cast in the recurring role of Lana, a beautiful yet guarded waitress who doesn't realize how drop dead gorgeous she is.

Source: EW

Friday Night Lights - Connie Britton Interview

2009-06-25T22:36:00.002+01:00

A rather glorious thing happened in March, when TV's acclaimed if undersampled Friday Night Lights was renewed for not one but two more seasons. Although the series' NBC return is a small eternity away (summer 2010) and its DirecTV premiere is still "TBD," we tackled the opportunity to speak with Connie Britton about Tami's "roller coaster" past, and apparently finite future.

TVGuide.com: I want you to know that my wife got hooked on Friday Night Lights this past season — and I think it's largely due to the tactile and real performances given by you, Kyle Chandler, et al.
Connie Britton: Aw, that's so awesome! That's what I'm talking about, that's what we need to do.

TVGuide.com: Hey, every head counts. What was your favorite thing about playing Tami last year?
Britton: For me, it felt like a roller coaster. The whole aspect of being principal was really interesting, because when I first heard about that, I was heady with power! I was like, "This is the be-all and end-all," Kyle was jealous. ... It was fantastic. And then they were like, "Yeah, but you're going to have a huge head-to-head issue with Buddy, and ultimately you'll lose." [Laughs] I was like, "No fair!"

View photos from Friday Night dates gone by

TVGuide.com: What are the odds that Tami and Eric will be working at rival Dillon high schools next season?
Britton: Knowing our writers, I bet that's the way they'll go, because that will be so interesting and challenging. And that's how we do it at Friday Night Lights.

TVGuide.com: Last season we said sad goodbyes to both Smash and Jason...
Britton: C'mon, admit it, you cried during those episodes.

TVGuide.com: Maybe. Will Season 4 serve up anything similar for Matt (Zach Gilford), Tyra (Adrianne Palicki) or Lyla (Minka Kelly), all of whom could be heading off to college?
Britton: The writers just now are concocting their story ideas, but I would think they do a little arc for all those characters — or at least the ones they can. All these actors are going off and doing awesome movies and stuff. We are the farm team for Hollywood, with our actors, our writers, our director.... It's crazy.

TVGuide.com: Executive producers Jason Katims and Jeffrey Reiner have gone off to do other projects (NBC's Parenthood and Trauma, respectively). How might their absences affect the mood on the set?
Britton: I don't think it will be different at all. We'll have some different players on the team, but we also will have a lot of the same players. There's Michael Waxman, who was our First [Assistant Director] for a long time before starting to direct some episodes, and we just love him. I think he's going to be picking up some of the Jeff Reiner slack.

TVGuide.com: Plus you're going into this transition as one of the business' best-oiled machines.
Britton: I really do think that's true. We've always attributed the success and greatness of Friday Night Lights to its process, and that involves every single person, from every department.

Review NBC's complete 2009-10 TV season plan

TVGuide.com: What was the thinking behind a two-season pick-up? Was it financial?
Britton: I'm not involved in all those negotiations, but if I had to guess, the only reason somebody would do a two-season pick-up is if there's a financial advantage. It impacts syndication, packaging....

TVGuide.com: So are you shooting Seasons 4 and 5 back-to-back? That'd be cost-effective.
Britton: No, I think there will be a little break between seasons, if for no other reason than to let the writers regroup.

TVGuide.com: Did you have your hand slapped at all for telling EW.com that after these next two seasons, the show is done?
Britton: No! I don't think I'm out of bounds in saying that. I think that is the intention.

TVGuide.com: Hey, end dates are the new black — everybody is doing them.
Britton: Exactly, and we are all looking at it as an advantage. One of the things that's so hard about TV is that time at the end of the season where it's a guessing game of, "Will we ever see each other again?" That's tough, man. So for us to have the luxury of knowing what we have in front of us and, frankly, knowing when we get to say goodbye, is great. Listen, if the show suddenly started making phenomenal amounts of money and gets phenomenal ratings and they're like, "Let's keep it going," that would be great. But I have a feeling that this is a really good way to be really specific with stories.

Source: TV Guide

Ask Ausiello - Various Shows

2009-06-25T15:06:00.005+01:00

Question: Will Daniel Eric Gold, who plays Betty ex-BF/boss Matt, be returning to Ugly Betty next season? --Janeen
Ausiello: Not only is he returning, but sources confirm to me exclusively that he's been promoted to a full-fledged series regular! But don't take that to mean Matt and Betty will reunite and live happily ever after. In fact, I hear Betty producers are already cooking up a fresh obstacle for the pair, and rumor has it they want him to be lovable and blue collarish. (Think Seth Rogen only much cheaper.)

Question: Doesn't Scrubs' surprise renewal present a challenge for producers? I mean, last month's finale already showed us what happens to J.D., Elliott and Co. in the future! -Sydney
Ausiello: I posed that exact question to Bill Lawrence last week. Here's what he said: "[The flash-forward epilogue] just showed J.D. and Elliott together, and I'll stay true to that. Those two will still be together. But [next season] won't be about tracing that relationship... There's no possible way the show will succeed if it's just more trials and tribulations of J.D. Zach is basically doing [an arc] to help us transition to a new show. It's like if Hawkeye had done AfterMASH." (Click here to see what Scrubs will be about next season.)

Question: Thoughts on Lauren Graham possibly joining Scrubs? --Shelly
Ausiello: Shhhh…. you're gonna jinx it!

Question: As a huge Friday Night Lights fan, I absolutely loved your interview with Connie Britton. Is there any more news on who will be coming back next season? I live in Austin, and need to know who to be looking out for around town come September. --Amanda
Ausiello: In addition to Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton, full-time returnees include Jesse Plemons, Taylor Kitsch, Aimee Teegarden, and Jeremy Sumpter. Adrianne Palicki, Minka Kelly, and Zach Gilford will likely be back for short-term farewell arcs.

Question: You don't talk much about Raising the Bar. --Ben
Ausiello: I was waiting for someone to finally ask me about it! Producers are adding a young, idealistic female lawyer to the cast in a recurring capacity.

Question: Any idea who The Tudors will cast to play Henry's final wife, Catherine Parr? --Chris
Ausiello: I only know who was at the top of their wish list: Gillian freakin' Anderson! Sadly, I don't think it's going to happen.

Question: Any goodies on the new season of Leverage for Parker and Eliot fans? --Kelly
Ausiello: If by "goodies" you mean" "romance," the answer is no -- at least not in the season 2 opener. That's not to say the July 15 premiere is devoid of action though. The hour includes a car explosion, multiple gunshots, and a bone-crushing fight scene. And it definitely ends with a bang, er, three. Expect one character to get shot with not one or two, but three bullets lodged into their chest.

Question: Is Jennie Garth going to appear in any episodes of 90210 next season? --Emil
Ausiello: There's nothing on the books yet, but a rep for the show says "the intention is to have Jennie back next season." In other 90210 news, former Law & Order ADA Elisabeth Rohm will guest star as a robot bitchy socialite who locks horns with Naomi in at least one episode.

Question: I just read that Nip/Tuck wrapped production on its series finale on June 12. Got any spoilers on how it'll end? --Bernd
Ausiello: I'm hearing that someone will get left at the altar.

Question: Can we get an update on Noah Wyle's negotiations to star in Steve Spielberg's new alien invasion pilot for TNT? --Kelly
Ausiello: Sure can: He's definitely doing it!

Question: There's a new season of Entourage right around the corner. Have you seen any of the new episodes --Jonathan
Ausiello: Just screened the July 12 season premiere last night and I'm pleased to report that it focuses almost entirely on my favorite couple: Ari and Lloyd. Basically, Lloyd wants a promotion and Ari is having none of it.

Question: So does Ethan become the Vice President of 24 next season? Or maybe the first new gentleman?--Chris
Ausiello: You're wrong on both counts. According to an aide close to President Taylor, who asked not to be identified because he/she could get fired for talking to me, Ethan will be appointed the new ********* ** *****.

Question: Here's a question: What the heck has the awesome Melinda Clarke been up to? --Tammy
Ausiello: Big scoop: She's starring in a new TV series as a housewife by day and a spy by night. Unfortunately, the show isn't real; it's part of an upcoming Entourage subplot.

Source: EW

Latest from Kristin - Various Shows

2009-06-23T01:53:00.008+01:00

Wil in Ottawa, Canada: Is it true that Audrina from The Hills landed a recurring gig on the new CW show The Beautiful Life?
A CW rep tells us of Audrina Partridge and Mischa Barton possibly sharing screen time: "It's a rumor. Nothing to it at this point."

Malibu in Memphis, Tenn.: Who are they casting as Alexis on One Tree Hill?
No one has snagged that role yet. Alexis doesn't appear in the first episode of One Tree Hill season six, so producers are takin' their time to find the right person.

Eloise in Stockton, Calif.: What's the deal with this Virtuality movie that I'm hearing about?
Virtuality is a two-hour TV movie that was originally intended to be a TV pilot. Virtuality won't be going to series, but because it's high-quality goodness from respected show runner Ronald D. Moore, it's getting on the air as is, this Friday at 8 p.m. on Fox. We watched it this weekend, and it's good, but weird. (FYI, Ronald D. Moore has not gotten over his obsession with air locks. It does seem like a fairly awful way to die, but the galaxy needs to come up with more varied ways to kill astronauts: suffocation by space vacuum is so 2004.) And speaking of all things RDM, if you haven't seen it yet, check out this awesome Edward James Olmos-narrated trailer for the upcoming TV movie told from the Cylon perspective, Battlestar Galactica: The Plan.

Amanda in West Hollywood, Calif.: Since Katie Holmes is now performing in the finale of So You Think You Can Dance, what can we look forward to in the 100th episode?
Lil C tells us exclusively: "I'm hearing that the judges might want to have a meeting on the dance floor, so I'm going to be the first one there. I would love to take part in that." Wait, are you talking about a number where all the judges perform? Awesome. Crazy and perhaps illogical, but awesome. (We want to see Tabitha & Napoleon, Brian Friedman, Wade Robson, Mia Michaels and Mandy Moore perform—who's on your wish list? Post in the comments!)

Callie in Larchmont, N.Y.: I love Candace Cameron Bure! What can you tell us about her part on Make It or Break It?
When we talked to Candace about her new ABC Family show, Make It or Break It, she told us about a pretty entertaining coincidence: "So my character's boyfriend on the show is named Steve Tanner (Anthony Starke), which might be a little fun for Full House fans, because there's a Tanner in Make It or Break It. It's really funny. I joined this show later, and it was already set in stone, and they couldn't change it, so we thought, 'If they keep them together, I think Summer is keeping her last name.'

Erica in Houston: Hey Kristin, I know you are a huge Friday Night Lights fan, as am I, so I thought I would give you some scoop straight from the source. This past week I ran into Taylor Kitsch getting off of his motorcycle (I know, sooo Riggins, right?) in Austin. He told me that he is fully in on FNL season four and that Tim and Billy have an awesome storyline. He also let me know that they will bring in a lot of new characters and that it should be a great season! Side note: I was in town to see the FNL casting director, and she said that casting for the new season will start mid-July and filming starts Sept. 1.
1. You and Taylor Kitsch both rock.
2. Oh my god you are cuddling with Tim Riggins!
3. Reps for Taylor and NBC say it's too early to confirm anything about season four, but in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, we are totally taking your and Tim Riggins' word for it! Yay for more 33!

Michelle in San Jose, Calif.: I want to know about Alanis Morissette's role on Weeds. Any good?
Mary-Louise Parker tells us, "Alanis is terrific. I actually don't have much with her because most of it she's with Justin Kirk, but she was very lovely." Unfortunately, the reefer mama can't seem to shake the rocker-actress's 1996 persona: "I still have this image of her in Jagged Little Pill, but she's so well-mannered and soft-spoken, almost ladylike. It's so bizarre because I see that video in my head sometimes where she's all pissed off. It doesn't really connect." We're right there with you, girlfriend.

Jesse in Las Vegas: I've heard they might keep Alanis Morissette around on Weeds past this season. Any word yet?
MLP says of a possible Alanis return engagement: "If she doesn't get shot or taken away by vigilantes then she might be back."

Mark in Dallas: Do you know if Violet and Charlotte are coming back on Private Practice?
Good news! KaDee Strickland has confirmed her return for the third season, but it did come down to the wire. Says KaDee, "Until I got my pickup letter, I didn't think I was coming back like the rest of us. I think Amy [Brenneman] got hers; I'm sure she did. It should be an interesting thing to see what they do when we come back."

Debbie in San Diego: Any idea who Annie hit with her car on 90210?
AnnaLynne McCord tells us the 90210 cast just found out last week, and "It's really bad." Hit the comments with your guesses as to who it is or who you want it to be! As for Naomi in the upcoming second season, AnnaLynne teases, "Obviously there was a horrible ending for poor Naomi. She is over Liam, and she is over Annie. She goes through the first half of the season really trying to prove that to herself. I don't think she's really over him, but we'll see that push and pull." Speaking of Liam, Matt Lanter spills, "We're going to get into his family life a little bit more. It's 90210 so I'm sure there are going to be some new romances and some jealousy and backstabbing."

Bri in Pasadena, Calif.: Loved the Saving Grace premiere. Any scoop?
As you saw in the season premiere last week, Butch is now engaged. Bailey Chase tells us it's not going to be easy though: "Butch is looking to potentially end his bachelor ways in season three," he says. "The rest is just to protect and serve." You may also remember that Chase popped up on Castle this year as Will Sorenson. "They're trying to work out the scheduling so I can come back in the fall." However, don't expect him to be back on Ugly Betty again. "There was talk, but then when the show moved to New York it become a geographical thing, so I wouldn't see myself going back there unless they decided to come back to L.A. Becks is off with models and bottles as Biggie Smalls famously said," adds Chase.

Michelle in Los Angeles: Is Dominic Monaghan going to be on Flash Forward or what?
Unfortunately for the fans, executive producer David Goyer would not confirm the rumors that Dominic Monaghan is going to be on Flash Forward. He says he does have a Google Alert set for the show, so he reads all the rumors pouring out: "So much of the speculation is so f--king wrong, it's awesome!" Are they just trying to throw us off the scent?

Steve in Portland, Ore.: Peter Facinelli's character in Nurse Jackie is said to have sexual Tourette's syndrome. Is that even real, and does it come up again on the show?
Yes, it's real. And, yes, we love Dr. Cooper's quirk as much as the next guy, but the show uses it sparingly. It doesn't rear its funny head again until ep five, and then again in ep six. The plot thickens on Dr. Cooper as we learn he was raised by two lesbian mothers (played by Blythe Danner and Swoosie Kurtz) who show up in episode six.

Venus in Iowa: Thanks for all the good Burn Notice scoop last week. What else can you tell us?
Burn Notice show runner Matt Nix emphasized that Michael and Fiona's issues this season will be serious but will also be mostly illustrated via subtext—especially in that episode-six sparring scene. As Nix put it: "Michael and Fiona are not people who like talking about their feelings."

Lauren in San Antonio, Texas: I love the zany characters on the new show Royal Pains. Do you have any details about upcoming episodes?
Why yes we do, Lauren. The other day we chatted with actress Christine Ebersole—who plays Hank's eccentric client, Ms. Newberg—about her favorite storyline coming up in July. "I give a Bark Mitzvah to my dog. The dogs are so cute in their little yarmulkes! Hundreds of people sit poolside. The rabbi reads from the Torah, and all the guests end up ill." Hank to the rescue!

Sissy in Oklahoma City, Okla.: What can we expect from the new season of Lincoln Heights?
Russell Hornsby, who plays Eddie Sutton, tells us the family goes through some growing pains in season four: "It's time for Eddie to start letting his kids grow up," he says. "I think that's where he is at the beginning of season four, with this notion that his kids are growing and they're getting older." Nicki Michaeux (his wife, Jenn) adds, "This is the most challenging season for the kids. They are the most headstrong individuals. And they're doing all sorts of things we'll all see over the course of the season. It's just really challenging for the parents this year."

Source: E!Online

Friday Night Lights - Connie Britton Q&A

2009-06-22T20:26:00.001+01:00

How do I love Friday Night Lights' resplendent, Emmy-worthy leading lady (and Ausiello TV guest) Connie Britton? Let me count the ways...

1) She modifies her summer travel plans in order to appear on my fledgling web series.
2) She breaks major freakin' news about FNL likely ending in 2011: "I think the intention is to do two more seasons and then that will be it."
3) She says funny things that make me giggle. Like this: "I'm pretty sure in the next two seasons there's a very strong possibility that Tami will have an affair with a student."
4) She humors me when I offer her Emmy submission advice (and video evidence to back it up).
5) She breaks major freakin' news about who will and won't be back full time in season 4.

I could go on forever... or I could just direct you to our exclusive video Q&A after the jump. My typing skills suck so let's go with option B. Enjoy!

Source: EW

Latest from Kristin - Various Shows

2009-06-09T07:25:00.001+01:00

Tony: Will 24's Carlos Bernard be returning in season eight?
Try as we might, we couldn't get a straight answer out of Carlos Bernard at the Paley Center's sixth annual celebrity golf classic this morning. Says Bernard, "I can't comment on that; that would be giving way too much away." Does that mean there's a chance he could be back? Hit the comments with your pleas to see Tony Almeida on 24 next season. Until then, you can check out the new online series Carlos is working on called 101 Ways to Die. Carlos says they're trying to turn it into a live-action series that "is very similar to 24's dark action genre, the power drama."

Mari: I need some Bones scoop! Will Booth's brother be back?
We caught up with Brendan Fehr at the golf classic this morning, and he told us, "As far as I'm told, I will be back. I don't know how many episodes. I don't know in what capacity or anything like that, but I have been told that I can expect a little bit of employment in the upcoming season." Since Booth is in recovery, Fehr thinks it would be interesting for him to fill in for Booth, and maybe even attempt to sweep Bones off her feet again. "I suppose he does stand a chance [with her]. He's a fairly handsome guy," joked Brendan, "but ultimately it's Seeley and Bones' deal."

Barry in Dallas: What can you tell us about the Greek finale?
Frannie is finally leaving Cyprus Rhodes University, but not before she stirs up some trouble, causing Ashleigh to almost get expelled from school. Also, Calvin becomes the first gay purity club member, just so he won't sleep with one of his fraternity bros. What Calvin didn't plan on was Dale pretending to be his boyfriend.

Mary in Los Angeles: Any scoop on Moon Bloodgood's role on Burn Notice?
Detective Paxton (Bloodgood) seriously means business. She is digging into Michael's life, and he realizes she is bound to find something she shouldn't, so he tries to get her fired, which only leaves her gunning for more.
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds Sonja Flemming/Showtime

Brad in Orlando, Fla.: Weeds is finally back tonight! What can you spill?
Guillermo's in prison! Since Esteban's men are watching Nancy, she creates a diversion so she can see him. Unfortunately, it's not a friendly visit because he knows that she's the rat and threatens her life. But just because he's behind bars doesn't mean he can't stir up some classic Weeds trouble. BTW, if you haven't seen it yet, do check out part one of our exclusive Q&A with Mary-Louise Parker. She told us about everything!

James in Teaneck, N.J.: I know The Body Politic hasn't been picked up, but does that mean Minka Kelly is still leaving Friday Night Lights?
We're sorry to tell you, but Lyla Garrity is not returning to Dylan, Texas. Minka tells us, "I actually will probably be moving on. I think it would make sense story-wise that I graduate from high school and move on to college. I think I'll be moving away."

Nancy in Lakeside, Mont.: I can't wait for Saving Grace to start again! Can you give us any hints about it?
From what we've seen so far, the second season of Saving Grace won't disappoint! Let's just start with this juicy tidbit: Grace (Holly Hunter) and Ham (Kenny Johnson) do the deed while hanging from a bridge...and there are consequences. Also, there's a new angel in town. Grace's angel, Earl (Leon Rippy), has to compete for Grace's attention—and things get dirty. Oh! And we can't tell you who, but someone gets engaged in the first episode, and you'll never believe to whom!

Bobby in Brooklyn, N.Y.: What's going on with Ricky and Amy's relationship on The Secret Life of the American Teenager?
We caught up with Daren Kagasoff, who plays Ricky, and here's what he told us: "I think deep down he wants to be with her and he wants to try to make this work, but the stage he's at in his life right now, it's just not going to happen. And I think his main focus right now is just trying to be the best dad he can to the kid, regardless of if his relationship with Amy works out. So, that's his main objective—just taking care of the kid."

Kelly in Brattleboro, Vt.: Thanks for the Californication scoop last week. Do you know if Hank and Karen stay together?
We can't tell you what happens with them just yet But we can say that Californication show runner Tom Kapinos doesn't think that once a couple ends up happy, the show goes down the tube. He said, "I feel like we're not a Moonlighting type of show where all the tension is resolved at the end. I decided at the end of the first season to just say f--k you to that principal and just keep them together and call bulls--t on happy endings and see what would happen the next morning when they woke up."

Bill in Cleveland: What can you tell us about Jada Pinkett Smith and Michael Vartan's new show, Hawthorne?
We can tell you that Cloris Leachman and Malcolm-Jamal Warner will be showing up as guest stars. Michael tells us, "[Cloris] played a zany, zany patient who gives one of our young nurses the hardest time she could ever handle. I didn't get to work with her. I just met her briefly. I saw the episode she's in. She's insanely funny. She is a character to say the least. Malcolm-Jamal Warner was on. I got to work with him. He's awesome. He plays someone who gets sick and starts hallucinating and actually thinks Jada's character is his wife in real-life. There's this whole weird storyline between them."

Source: E!Online

Latest from Ausiello - Various Shows

2009-05-07T04:08:00.002+01:00

Question: I am so obsessed with Fringe right now. Any mind-blowing scoop? --Mindy
Ausiello: Aside from it getting renewed for a second season? Let's see... "Look for a very special gravestone and [take note of] whose name is on it," teases co-exec producer Roberto Orci of the May 12 finale. "My God [I just gave you] a big puzzle piece." No kidding. When we pressed Anna Torv about said gravestone she pleaded the fifth. “I can't say anything about the grave. But that's a big plot [twist]. The grave is the key." Torv was more forthcoming about the drama coming up for Olivia and Walter. "A whole lot of information starts to come to light about the trials and Olivia's part in the larger puzzle," she reveals. "Olivia decides to push Walter to his breaking point in order to get answers. She wants to know what happened to her and what is going on. She pushes a couple of buttons and Walter gets a little out of sorts and reverts to some of his old ways. I'm glad because it would be no fun if Walter fully recovered from his mental illness. People love him because he is eccentric and brilliant."

Question: Thanks for the Emily Deschanel Q&A. Now tell us what she said about the triangle with Booth's bro! --Deb
Ausiello: The events of the season finale will further complicate the triangle, she told me. "Booth's suspicion of his brother and his inability to fully trust his brother [is heightened]. It will give us some different dynamics to play next season."

Question: Emily said the sex between Booth and Brennan isn't going to be a dream. What about a hallucination? --Maggie
Ausiello: She also confirmed that it is not a hallucination. I suspect it'll be something in between the two. A dreamination, if you will.

Question: Can you ask Emily Deschanel if, before joining Bones, she had read the books by Kathy Reichs? --Kim
Ausiello: Sorry, got your question too late. Can I interest you in this answer she gave me about the show traveling overseas again next season? "We're not traveling at the beginning of the season, but we may go away at the end of the season or the beginning of the next. The intention is to travel again. But the way the next season is going to begin it wouldn't make sense." Hmm... the way next season is going to begin? There's a clue in there somewhere.

Question: Have you heard anything about Friday Night Lights' plans for the next year, and which cast members are coming back? Hoping I haven't seen the last of Tim Riggins. --Diana
Ausiello: You haven't seen the last of Tim. I'm told Taylor Kitsch is definitely returning for season 4.

Question: Is Stella really the mother on HIMYM? Not that I don't love Sarah Chalke, but I was hoping the show was heading somewhere else with the mystery. --Michael
Ausiello: Exec producer Carter Bays isn't saying either way, but A Mother insider tells me that she is not the mom. Still, it looks like Chalke will be sticking around next season -- in some capacity. "We haven't talked to her or her people about it yet, but there's something very exciting about next season [involving Stella] that will sort of be alluded to in next week's episode," teases Bays. "We're excited to see how it'll play out next season." Speaking of Monday's ep, Bays says it ranks among the show's best. "It's a real good, classic How I Met Your Mother," he declares. "There are a few episodes of this show that, when we were shooting it, felt like an old movie. You just want to put it in black and white. Next week's episode felt like one of those."

Question: Tell me something about the 24 finale. I'm dying to hear anything! --Ferlay
Ausiello: Can't help you with the finale. Can help you with Monday's penultimate ep, which finds Jack Bauer going all Jack Bauer on Tony. It's a brutal scene, so if extreme violence isn't your thing, run for cover right around the halfway point. Just make sure you come back in time to catch Chloe and Janis' hilarious sneer-off.

Question: 24 scoop, please? --Jacob
Ausiello: I actually do have something about the finale: Kim will play a major part in it. And you'll find out why next week.

Question: Do you have any Greek spoilers? --Krissy
Ausiello: The season finale -- airing May 15 -- centers around the End of the World Party at KT where the gang is faced with this hypothetical quandary: "If the world were to end tomorrow, what would I want to do?" That paves the way for "some major developments in the Cappie-Casey-Max department," previews series creator Sean Smith, "as well the return of one of our favorite teachers and the bittersweet departure of one of our favorite snarky sorority sisters."

Question: Show me… True Blood! --Daniel
Ausiello: EW's Whitney Pastorek asked the show's shirtless wonder, Ryan Kwanten, to sum up season 2 in just five words and, dang-it, the over-achiever did it in four! "Orgy, cult, locked up." I'm there, can't wait, and June 14 can't come soon enough!

Question: It's been about 14 days since your last NCIS update. That is a bit of a problem -- especially after the shenanigans that took place in this week's episode. Please, oh fountain of knowledge, tell me you have more on the season finale. --Katerina
Ausiello: You think fourteen days is long? Fans of 'Til Death have been waiting fourteen years for me to give them a spoiler on their favorite show. (Finally got one: Next season will be as unfunny as this one!) What can I tell you about NCIS' May 19 finale that hasn't already been said? Here's what: Tony will have a run-in with Ziva's father and it will be far from pleasant. And once and for all, no, Michael Weatherly is not leaving the show.

Question: Just wanted to let you know that Chuck fans are stepping up their efforts and are partnering with American Heart Association for our latest campaign. Details can be found here. Please join us in supporting a great charity, a great sponsor, and an awesome show! --Amy
Ausiello: Fine, but if I fork over my heart I want at least a two-year pickup.

Question: Any news about season 3 of Mad Men? --Lynn
Ausiello: The bun in Betty's oven at the end of season 2? It doesn't belong to Captain Awesome (aka Ryan McPartlin). "It belongs to Don," confirms series creator Matthew Weiner. "For some reason there was some confusion about it because she was unfaithful, but there shouldn't be. It is Don's baby." Even I knew that.

Source: EW

NBC 2009-2010 Primetime Press Release - Still No Chuck News

2009-05-04T15:31:00.004+01:00

NBC ANNOUNCES AMBITIOUS LINEUP OF PROGRAMMING DOMINATED BY NEW SCRIPTED SERIES FOR 2009-2010 PRIMETIME SEASON THAT EXTENDS THE NETWORK'S QUALITY BRAND

New Series Include Four Dramas: "Trauma," "Parenthood," "Mercy" and the Event Series "Day One" as Well as Two Comedies: "Community" and "100 Questions"

Returning Series Pickups Include "Heroes," "Southland," "Parks and Recreation" and Six New Episodes of "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday"

NEW YORK CITY - May 4, 2009 - NBC unveiled today a strong lineup of broad and diverse quality programming for the 2009-2010 television season announcing the pickups of six new series featuring four new dramas including "Trauma," "Parenthood," "Mercy" and the event series "Day One," as well as two new comedies including "Community" and "100 Questions." Four returning series pickups were also announced today including "Heroes," "Southland," "Parks and Recreation" and the addition of six new episodes of "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday" skewering today's top stories in live half-hour primetime shows.

The new and returning series will launch next season and the epic event series "Day One" is slated to premiere out of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. "The Jay Leno Show" will be broadcast Monday-Fridays, 10-11 p.m. ET beginning in the fall. Previously announced series pickups include "The Office," "30 Rock," "The Biggest Loser," "The Celebrity Apprentice," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Friday Night Lights," and new alternative series "The Marriage Ref," "Breakthrough With Tony Robbins" and "Who Do You Think You Are?"

Additional series pickups will be announced May 19, when NBC announces its 2009-2010 schedule.

NBC unveiled pickups for the upcoming broadcast season in the first of a series of presentations today and tomorrow to key advertisers from Studio 8H-the home of NBC's "Saturday Night Live"-at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Presentations will continue in Chicago on May 7 and Los Angeles on May 12.

"We are thrilled to be announcing such an awesome slate of new series that build on our existing quality brand and deliver emotional, human stories," said Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "NBC will strive to make viewers feel and our shows represent the full range of human emotion from laughter to tears. We can't wait to share these concepts with our audience and our advertising partners."

"These new series will showcase fresh talent and bold, original concepts that are extremely well executed," said Angela Bromstad, President, Primetime Entertainment, NBC and Universal Media Studios. "We are grateful to the producers, casts and crews -- and our team -- who have delivered incredibly compelling and entertaining new series." In response to an evolving media marketplace and the changing needs of advertisers, NBC has created a more innovative, client-centric approach to its traditional Upfront with a series of one-on-one client presentations, which began today in New York City. These presentations are interactive and, unlike other networks' Upfront presentations, will include a Q & A with advertisers and NBC sales and entertainment executives.

NBC will also host advertisers and affiliates at a "Night of Comedy" featuring appearances by some of its biggest comedy stars including Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Rainn Wilson and Tracy Morgan on Tuesday, May 19 in New York City.

Detailed new series descriptions are listed below. For photography, log on to www.nbcumv.com. For additional press materials including EPK and new series promotional trailers, please see companion media advisory.

2009-2010 NEW SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

New Dramas

PARENTHOOD

From the executive producers of the box-office hit "Parenthood" -- Ron Howard and Brian Grazer (Oscar winners for "A Beautiful Mind"), and writer/executive producer Jason Katims ("Friday Night Lights") -- this contemporary re-imagining of the blockbuster film depicts the colorful and imperfect Braverman family -- four grown siblings sharing the headaches, heartaches and joy of being parents. The star-studded cast includes Peter Krause, Maura Tierney, Craig T. Nelson, Dax Shepard, Bonnie Bedelia, Monica Potter, Erika Christensen and Sarah Ramos. When Sarah Braverman (Tierney, "ER"), a financially strapped single mother, returns home to her parents and siblings in Berkeley, Calif. after packing up her Fresno apartment and uprooting her two inconvenienced kids, Amber (Mae Whitman, "In Treatment") and Drew (Miles Heizer, "ER"), she is greeted by her opinionated father, Zeek (Nelson, "Family Stone," "Coach"), and strong mother, Camille (Bedelia, "Heart Like a Wheel"), who are privately dealing with their own marital issues. As Sarah is reunited with her siblings -- sister, Julia (Christensen, "Traffic"), and brothers Crosby (Shepard, "Baby Mama") and Adam (Krause, "Six Feet Under") -- all struggling with issues of their own, it's clear that the Braverman reunion is just what they need to face the everyday challenges of modern family life. "Parenthood" is a production from Imagine Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. Emmy winner Thomas Schlamme ("The West Wing") directs the pilot.

TRAUMA

Executive producer Peter Berg (NBC's "Friday Night Lights") delivers "Trauma," the first high-octane medical drama series to live exclusively in the field where the real action is. Like an adrenaline shot to the heart, "Trauma" is an intense, action-packed look at one of the most dangerous medical professions in the world: first responder paramedics. When emergencies occur, the trauma team from San Francisco General is first on the scene, traveling by land, by sea or by air to reach their victims in time. From the heights of the city's Transamerica Pyramid to the depths of the San Francisco Bay, these heroes must face the most extreme conditions to save lives -- and give meaning to their own existence in the process. Starring in "Trauma" are Derek Luke ("Notorious"), Cliff Curtis ("10,000 B.C"), Anastasia Griffith ("Damages"), Aimee Garcia ("George Lopez"), Kevin Rankin ("Friday Night Lights") and Jamey Sheridan ("Law & Order: Criminal Intent"). "Trauma" is a production of Universal Media Studios and Film 44. Berg, Sarah Aubrey ("Bad Santa," "Friday Night Lights"), Dario Scardapane and Jeffrey Reiner ("Friday Night Lights") serve as executive producers. The pilot was written by Scardapane and directed by Reiner.

MERCY

"Mercy," a new medical drama with a unique point of view, portrays the lives of the staff at Mercy Hospital as seen through the eyes of those who know it best -- its nurses. Nurse Veronica Callahan (Taylor Schilling, "Dark Matter") returns to Mercy from a military tour in Iraq -- and she knows more about medicine than all of the residents combined. Together with fellow nurses Sonia Jimenez (Jamie Lee Kirchner, "Rescue Me") and Chloe Payne (Michelle Trachtenberg, "Gossip Girl"), Callahan navigates through the daily traumas and social landmines of life and love both inside the hospital and out in the real world. The cast also includes: James Tupper ("Men in Trees") as Dr. Chris Sands, a new doctor at the hospital who complicates Veronica's life; Diego Klattenhoff ("Supernatural") as Mike Callahan, Veronica's husband; and Guillermo Diaz ("Weeds") as Nurse Angel Lopez. "Mercy" is a production from Universal Media Studios and Berman Braun. Joining writer/executive producers Liz Heldens (NBC's "Friday Night Lights") and Gretchen Berg & Aaron Harberts ("Pushing Daisies," "Pepper Dennis") are executive producers Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun. Emmy Award winner Adam Bernstein (NBC's "30 Rock," "Rescue Me") is the director.

DAY ONE

From executive producer/writer Jesse Alexander ("Heroes," "Lost," "Alias") and director Alex Graves ("Fringe," "Journeyman"), "Day One" tells the story of life on earth following a global catastrophe that has devastated the world's infrastructures. Beginning with the immediate aftermath of the cataclysmic event, an eclectic band of survivors -- played by Adam Campbell ("Date Movie"), Catherine Dent ("The Shield"), Julie Gonzalo ("Eli Stone"), David Lyons ("ER"), Derek Mio ("Greek"), Carly Pope ("24"), Thekla Reuten ("Sleeper Cell") and Addison Timlin ("Cashmere Mafia") -- strives to rebuild society as they unravel the mysteries of what happened and face their uncertain future. The group, all residents of one apartment building in suburban Van Nuys, Calif., embarks on a quest for survival and discovers that hope is found in small victories -- and heroes are born every day. "Day One" is a Universal Media Studios production.

New Comedies

100 QUESTIONS (fka "100 Questions for Charlotte Payne")

Emmy winner James Burrows ("Will & Grace," "Friends") directs "100 Questions," a new comedy series written and executive-produced by Christopher Moynihan ("For Your Consideration") that provides hilarious answers to 100 questions about love. Charlotte Payne (Sophie Winkleman, "Peep Show") is looking for love and has rejected multiple marriage proposals -- but she has yet to meet Mr. Right. When she joins a popular online dating site, she gets a little help from her dating counselor Ravi (Amir Talai, "The Ex List") - who requires her to take a 100-question compatibility test. The questions aren't easy for Charlotte to answer, and each one requires her to recount a poignant and humorous time in her life with friends Leslie (Elizabeth Ho, "Women's Murder Club"), Jill (Joy Suprano, NBC's "Law & Order"), Mike (Christopher Moynihan "For Your Consideration") and Wayne (David Walton "Quarterlife"). The test becomes a journey of self-discovery for Charlotte who begins to realize what she truly wants in a relationship. Ron West ("Psych"), Kelly Kulchak ("Psych") and Michelle Nader ("King of Queens") join Moynihan as executive producers. The series is produced by Universal Media Studios and Tagline.

COMMUNITY

From Emmy Award-winning directors Joe and Anthony Russo ("Arrested Development") comes "Community," a smart comedy series about higher education -- and lower expectations. The student body at Greendale Community College is made up of high-school losers, newly divorced housewives, and old people who want to keep their minds active. Within these not-so-hallowed halls, "Community" focuses on a band of misfits, at the center of which is a fast-talkin' lawyer whose degree has been revoked (Joel McHale, "The Soup"), who form a study group and end up learning a lot more about themselves than they do about their course work. In addition to McHale, the series also stars: Gillian Jacobs ("The Book of Daniel"); Yvette Nicole Brown ("Rules of Engagement"); Danny Pudi ("Greek"); Alison Brie ("Mad Men"); and comedy legend Chevy Chase ("Saturday Night Live"). "Community" is a Krasnoff Foster Entertainment, Harmonious Claptrap and Russo Brothers production in association with Sony Pictures Television and Universal Media Studios. Russ Krasnoff ("The Soloist"), Dan Harmon ("The Sarah Silverman Program"), Joe Russo ("Arrested Development"), Anthony Russo ("Arrested Development") and Gary Foster ("The Soloist") serve as executive producers. Joe and Anthony Russo directed the pilot that was written by Dan Harmon.

Source: NBC

Friday Night Lights - 4 Sneak Peeks Finale

2009-04-12T16:59:00.002+01:00

Friday Night Lights - Kyle Chandler interview

2009-04-12T16:29:00.000+01:00

*The end of our Q&A contains plot information from the finale!

All good things must come to an end — that is, until next season. Friday Night Lights' third-season finale aired Friday, and dealt a shocking blow to Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler). The twist came after an already emotionally-packed 13 episodes that included Coach dealing with a new baby, seeing his wife become principal of the school, finding out his older daughter was sleeping with her boyfriend and facing the combative, over-involved parent, Joe McCoy.

TVGuide.com sat down with Chandler to talk about his alter ego's journey on and off the field this past season, saying goodbye to some amazing characters (and actors) and what could be in store for Coach in Season 4.

TVGuide.com: Let's go back to early in the season. Can you talk about how emotional it was for you to say goodbye to Smash and Jason the characters, and to Gaius Charles and Scott Porter the actors?
Kyle Chandler: I've never been asked that question before, but basically, there's four characters I had to say goodbye to: Scott and Gaius the people — that bordered on saying goodbye to friends — you just don't know when you'll hook up again. That was really difficult because the show itself... we were kind of like a band of brothers. We've just survived so much ... we just all thought we were a part of something that wasn't just already special, but we were a family that had survived the tough times. And then saying goodbye to the characters — in no way am I a father figure to these guys in real life, but as a coach I was. And as a coach it was like saying goodbye to your son. Gaius, with his character overcoming so much to achieve what I knew he could achieve — there's that pride. And then of course the same thing with Scott Porter, but on a different level. It was such a tragic situation, and yet he was strong enough to overcome it, basically on his own. It was an awful lot of fun to play because it had all the drama to it from real life and our little pretend world.

TVGuide.com: How difficult was it for Coach Taylor to take the first-string quarterback from Matt and give it to J.D.?
Chandler: It was difficult on the emotional side; it was not difficult on the reason side. It was obvious that skill [level] — plus the pressure Coach was getting — made that decision a little easier. It was a fun situation to play as well. I just love the coach character; I prefer to play characters where outside forces are punching them around. You've got all these obstacles you're trying to figure out and overcome. And in this situation, Coach has got the Boosters, and J.D.'s father coming around who has a new quarterback trainer for J.D. This father's got the money, the influence, he takes over the Boosters, he's got Buddy Garrity's ear... so that on top of [J.D.] having a tremendous amount of skill and the entire town of Dillon knowing it as well, it was something that had to be done.

TVGuide.com: It was probably much harder for Coach Taylor as a father to walk in on his daughter, Julie, in bed with Matt, right? Did you have a chat with Aimee Teegarden (Julie) about how you two should play that scene?
Chandler: That was interesting. No, we didn't talk about it beforehand. Originally, the script had Coach seeing them together, and what have you. I went to the set pleading, "Don't let us see Coach inside the house. Leave it to the imagination of everybody."

TVGuide.com: That was a brilliant choice, because the scene felt much more visceral by just hearing Julie's scream as Coach walks in the house.
Chandler: That's the way I felt when I got to set and I just jumped out and said, "Listen, please!" And they were like, "That's a fine idea but we already thought about it, so don't worry about it." [Laughs] I love that scene, and no, we didn't talk about it; and it's the perfect scene to not talk about. [After walking in on them], I made the walk to the car, and then got in the car, I couldn't look her in the eye. That wasn't even a choice; that was just me and the character... . I loved that the doors were locked and she couldn't get in, and then I had to unlock the door to let her in! So, we copied that in each take because I loved that. It's one of those perfect scenes.

TVGuide.com: Let's talk about this season's villain, Joe McCoy (D.W. Moffett). As unlikable as Buddy (Brad Leland) can be as a booster sometimes, we do feel sympathy for him and like him at times. But there's really nothing sympathetic about Joe McCoy. Were you ever frustrated that, as Coach, you didn't get to punch him out?
Chandler: No, I like when Coach is limited by what he can do. It's just another great obstacle for him. Actually, Brad and I play golf and we created characters that go way back and created scenarios about family life that gave us a certain connection. So out of creating these things, there's a special bond between [Buddy and Coach] that was settled, where we owe each other in life. He didn't want to be a character that's hated, so he went the path that he plays so well — the sympathetic jerk, if you will... . Now with Joe, he's a businessman and knows what he wants. He's far more militaristic than Buddy. The first scene I ever did with D.W. was when he came to me with an offer of scotch and cigars, and at the same time speaking to me about how he'd like to see his son get in some practice time. I went to the director and said, "This guy creeps me out!" His character spooked me in real life, and Coach was humored by him, but threatened.

TVGuide.com: Now that the finale has aired, we know Coach Taylor has lost his job to Wade and is moving over to coach East Dillon High. What can you tell us about next how next season will unfold, and who will be back?
Chandler: I don't know much, but not only did Coach get fired and he's moving to East Dillon, he has nothing left. [The Boosters changed all the district borders], so Buddy's really screwed himself too, because obviously Buddy's going to go with Coach. So not only are we at this dilapidated school with a pile of dirt for a football field, we have no players! I'm hoping what happens is that it's going to be the poor part of town and... get those stories going. We're going to be like a phoenix. We're starting again from the ashes. We've basically got a few seasons to play with [after a two-season renewal] and I think that out of 26 episodes, with that scenario set up, it's going to be really great. We're going to have the opportunity to be a bit more gritty and a sense of really following the troubles of these kids. We'll also have the opportunity to watch the kids grow again into these young men. Who knows what will happen in the last episode of the last season, but if they were able to win, I think that'd be great. It's a whole new show, in my opinion.

TVGuide.com: Will we get to see East Dillon play the Dillon Panthers, or is it impossible since they're in the same district?
Chandler: I don't know how they're going to do that, but it's great storytelling, so maybe they'll bend the rules of reality. But then again, the town is split up now. The town's got two teams and people are gonna be split up about it. There's going to be all sorts of stuff going on there that I can't even imagine. It's going to be fun; I'm really looking forward to it, and I know the writers are too.

Source: TV Guide

Rating News - April 10th

2009-04-11T17:36:00.000+01:00

Source: TVbytheNumbers

Rating News - April 3rd

2009-04-04T17:35:00.000+01:00

Source: TVbytheNumbers

Friday Night Lights - Renewal

2009-03-31T01:10:00.003+01:00

Friday Night Lights is officially a go for two more 13-episode seasons, airing first on DirecTV and later on NBC, reports Variety's Cynthia Littleton. (Whee!)

Star Connie Britton recently told us about the possibility of a pickup for the perpetually on-the-bubble drama, "I am feeling optimistic about it and really hopeful. As much as you feel like, 'OK, it's time to move on,' the reality is that to have the opportunity to create something new with [this show] every day is just the greatest gift. It would be great if we had another season."

And Kyle Chandler spilled a little about the shape of the seasons to come (although you should skip this part if you haven't finishing watching season three on NBC yet!)

Kyle says, "Coach has been moved into the poor part of town, and we have no pool to draw from for a football team. I think it opens up [the show] to be far more representative, having more Hispanics in the show, blacks in the show. And then also just being the underdogs going up against my old show where my wife is still principal."

Any chance Tami Taylor will follow Coach to the wrong side of the tracks in seasons four and five? Connie Britton has her theories! "I think it would be interesting if she did, but it may be too difficult to depict in the show. It could also be interesting if I also go over there, and we're both struggling at this school that is just falling apart."

Mind you none of this is set in stone, as Connie is quick to point out, "We generally leave that stuff to the writers because their ideas are going to be 10 times better than anything I'd have an idea for!" Pshaw!

Sadly, most of the current castmembers, include Taylor Kitsch's Riggins, Minka Kelly's Lyla, Zach Gilford's Matt Saracen and Adrianne Palicki's Tyra, play graduating seniors who are likely to eventually exit and move on with their lives on and offscreen.

Says Kyle of the rotation, "They told us that that was going to be the case when we started the show—that people weren't going to stay on the show for seven years and be freshmen. People who have gone off the show, they knew what was going on. It does give a chance for new people to come on and for the show to be far more organic in that way, although some of the folks who are leaving I really wish they weren't,
obviously."

Tell us this isn't the best news you've heard all day? No, seriously, tell us in the comments, and we expect you to prove, with facts and stuff, that something else better happened!

Season three of Friday Night Lights is now airing Fridays at 9 p.m. on NBC.

Source: E!Online

Rating News - March 27th

2009-03-28T16:41:00.002Z

Source: TVbytheNumbers

Latest from Ausiello - Various Shows

2009-03-26T02:42:00.001Z

Question: You were right, the Big Love finale did not disappoint! HBO has a new best show. And how good was Chloe Sevigny? If she doesn't get any Emmy love, there's going to be at least one angry person out there. --Octavis
Ausiello: Make that two. Three if you count my colleague, Nicholas Fonseca. Four if you add my boss, Henry Goldblatt. Tim Stack brings it to five. Tina Jordan makes it six. Missy Schwartz is seven. Jeremy Medina is eight. Kristen Baldwin = nine. Annie Barrett's 10. Dalton Ross, 11. Margeaux Watson, 12. Ken Tucker, 13...

Question: Is it too early to ask for Season 4 Big Love scoop? --Mari
Ausiello: It's never too early. We have not seen the last of Ana (a.k.a. Wife No. 4). I'll have more on that later in the week.

Question: Did Roman really die in the Big Love finale? --Melanie
Ausiello: Yes. That's why I labeled this story "Who's gonna die?" and not "Who might die?"

Question: How about some Ugly Betty scoop? --Kelly
Ausiello: First, the good news: Ugly Betty's final four season 3 episodes will not be burned off this summer, as some (read: me) feared. ABC announced last week that Betty would return from its unexpected spring hiatus on May 7. Now, the bad news: Daniel is going to have to sell his soul to bail out Meade. And by sell I mean dress up in a bunny costume at the behest of some rich tycoon named Hartley. Oh, how the boring mighty have fallen.

Question: What's the deal with your disrespect of Stargate: Universe? MGM gives you an exclusive cast photo and you can't even be bothered to identify all of the cast? How unprofessional. You may not be a fan of Stargate, but it's been around for a long time. Give it and the fans some respect. --James
Ausiello: Hey, I told you who the old middle-aged guy in the front row was. Doesn't that count for something?

Question: Will Rhys Coiro (Sean) be back on 24? --Bob
Ausiello: I have a hunch Sean will likely remain lawyered up and out of sight for the rest of the day. A really good hunch (wink, wink).

Question: What's the word on Friday Night Lights? --Tony
Ausiello: The two season, 26-episode pickup will be announced any day now. Unfortunately, it looks like Tyra will only be appearing in a handful of those 26, as (future CSI: Miami guest star) Adrienne Palicki is not expected back full time. Ditto Minka Kelly, who was recently cast in the CW pilot Body Politic opposite Veronica Mars' Jason Dohring. Both will likely be given multi-episode arc send-offs a la Gaius Charles' Smash and Scott Porter's Jason.

Question: There appears to be agreement amongst most Bones fans that the ridiculously adorable Wendell must be crowned Brennan's permanent grad student. (I mean, come on! The guy geeks out with Brennan and the Squint Squad and he’s Booth’s hockey buddy? How can you say no to that?) Any idea as to when we'll see the end of rotating-intern-palooza? --Olivia
Ausiello: Maybe never. "As of now we're going to continue to rotate them," says exec producer Shane Brennan. "We were looking back at all the interns we used this season and trying to figure out who would work out best and we can't make a decision. We love them all. And I think [the variety] has really helped the show a lot, because fans have their favorite, so people tune in to find out who's going to be on that week. Also, we've been extremely lucky with the actors we've cast. Everybody our casting director Rick Milligan has brought in could easily be a regular on our show, and that's a very rare thing to find. It seems like we have a permanent cast of players now."

Question: Bones scoop? --Stephen
Ausiello: "Sweets and his girlfriend wind up in bed with Booth and Brennan," reveals e.p. Shane Brennan. Okay, he's kidding, but an upcoming episode will find the quartet in an awkward situation. "Booth and Brennan think Sweets' girlfriend is getting married to somebody else and hasn't told him," says Brennan. "It's a bit of a Bridezilla episode that takes a look inside the wedding industry."

Question: Any Unit scoopage? --Dana
Ausiello: In the second to last eppy of the season (airing May 3), Scott Foley's real-life wife, Marika Dominczyk (Brothers & Sisters), guests as a Russian snitch with intel that will help -- who else? -- Foley's Bob! Also in this ep, we'll discover that someone isn't who he claims to be, and Bob uncovers the ultimate goal of the season's big conspiracy.

Question: I hear Life won't renewed for next season. Say it ain't so, Mike! --Bev O.
Ausiello: It ain't so! At least not yet anyway! Life co-star Donal Logue told us at the Aliens vs Monsters premiere that NBC probably won't make a decision until May. And unlike you, the uncertainty isn't keeping him up nights. "I am in a different position on this show than on shows I have done in the past where I was more the lead or title character," he says. "On other shows I have done, I would be more in Damien’s position. He's the one that is really feeling the concern. I feel free and open; it has been a great experience." Logue adds that they're shooting the season (or series?) finale as we speak. "It is really a super action-packed episode and it will answer a lot of questions. I think it is a very strong script and, so far, what we have shot looks great. Charlie confronts the deep dark parts in this episode. He is going to confront the conspiracy against him and it gets pretty intense."

Question: Can you please give me some good news about The Sarah Connor Chronicles. --D'rick
Ausiello: I'm hearing rumblings that a major male character will be killed in the season (series?) finale. Also, one of the women in John's life will leave him. Another will betray him.

Source: EW

Rating News - March 20th

2009-03-21T17:04:00.002Z

Source: TVbytheNumbers

Rating News - March 13th

2009-03-14T16:41:00.001Z

Source: TVbytheNumbers

Friday Night Lights - Renewal?

2009-03-10T21:26:00.005Z

Yes, it's true, Friday Night Lights is up for renewal. An inside source at DirecTV whispers, "Nothing is set yet, but they are talking about at least two seasons of 13 episodes each. I can't see it not happening."

(DirecTV struck a deal with NBC last year to have first-run rights to the current season.)

And the official verdict is due soon. Kyle Chandler tells us that he and his fellow castmembers hope to hear, "Anytime. That's what we've been hearing for a month now, anytime...It's 50 percent solid that we're coming back. I think [the show] will be back. My wife and I would like to hear for firm."

As for his TV wife, the magical Connie Britton, she says, "I am feeling optimistic about it and really hopeful. As much as you feel like, 'OK, it's time to move on,' the reality is that to have the opportunity to create something new with [this show] every day is just the greatest gift. It would be great if we had another season."

Now, what would season four look like? Who would stay and who would go? The castmembers spill what they know...

The bad news is that not everyone will be returning for more. Just as Gaius Charles and Scott Porter grew up and graduated this year, other Dillon student-athletes will be moving on to bigger and better things.

Says Kyle of the rotation, "They told us that that was going to be the case when we started the show—that people weren't going to stay on the show for seven years and be freshmen. People who have gone off the show, they knew what was going on. It does give a chance for new people to come on and for the show to be far more organic in that way, although some of the folks who are leaving I really wish they weren't, obviously."

Connie agrees that while castmember departures may be necessary for the authenticity of the show, "That's going to be the hardest part. We are such a close-knit group. We all went to Austin together and have been doing this for three years, so that's going to be really hard. I do believe that as we say goodbye to characters, they'll deal with it in a really good way." Of course they will! It's Friday Night Lights!

One of the possible departures? Zach Gilford's Matt Saracen is supposed to be going off to college. But what will that mean for the ladies in his life, including grandma Lorraine and girlfriend Julie? According to onscreen love Aimee Teegarden, "Julie feels like it's her first love that's finally leaving her, but she feels like her relationship is very strong and they can make it through anything." Holler!

Want to know more about Coach's future at East Dillon and whether or not Tami will join him across town? Check back Monday for Friday Night Lights scoop in the chat!

Do you think Friday Night Lights deserves more time on the air? If you believe in the show, please post in the comments. FNL needs all the support it can get from us fans!

Source: E!Online

Friday Night Lights - Close to Renewal?

2009-03-10T17:01:00.000Z

It's not quite a touchdown yet, but at least they're near the end zone.

Sources confirm to me exclusively that NBC is engaged in active talks with DirecTV to extend their unique shared-window experiment with Friday Night Lights. But there's a catch -- and it's a good one. According to an insider close to the negotiations, DTV and NBC might only seal the deal if they can get – holy Connie Britton Taylor! -- a two-season pickup.

Though a spokesperson for NBC Universal declined to comment, a Peacock insider acknowledges that the studio is "actively looking at ways to keep FNL going." Another NBC source adds, "We're very optimistic a deal will be worked out."

The one possible complication? The show's behind-the-scenes quarterback, Jason Katims, is attached to NBC's buzzy Parenthood pilot. If it's picked up, he would either do double duty or be forced to make a choice. Similarly, the show's go-to director, Jeffrey Reiner, is helming NBC's Trauma pilot. FNL might be able to carry on without one of its MVPs, but both? Hmm…

But maybe it's too soon to be wringing our hands over changes to the lineup. Once we have a pickup under our belt, then we can worry about such things. And while we wait for the official word, let's show NBC and DirecTV what a wise decision they would be making by keeping FNL alive by sounding off below.

Source: EW

Friday Night Lights Stacey Oristano interview

2009-02-22T05:17:00.001Z

Thanks to SeaKo for the video.

Last Nights Rating News

2009-02-21T18:09:00.001Z

Source: TV by the Numbers

Latest from Korbi - Various Shows

2009-02-20T11:01:00.001Z

Korbi, Who is dying on Brothers & Sisters? It's obviously Tommy because of all the rumors about Balthazar Getty leaving. Please confirm. -Jackie
None of the Walker kids are getting killed off. Balthazar is expected to bid Brothers & Sisters adieu for a bit, but it's far more likely that we'll see him on the lam than losing his life.

Is Rob Lowe leaving Brothers & Sisters? -Dee
Nope. As you may have heard, he will be suffering a heart attack very soon. But his storyline, as well as his run for California governor (and no, people, we are not getting a Schwarzenegger guest appearance... the guy's got a financial crisis to contend with) will continue on.

Are Kitty and Robert going to lose the new baby? Please say no! -Jeff
No.

Can you tell me who's dying on Brothers & Sisters? -B
Talk to the promo peeps. No one that I know of.

Friday Night Lights is so freakin good right now. I'm loving every minute of it. What's the word on another season after this? -Aimee
It breaks my heart to say it, but things are not looking good right now. I cannot for the life of me understand why this show isn't the highest rated hour on television, but I will tell you that NBC was not happy with last week's numbers. I don't know, from a story telling point of view, perhaps it's for the best, since Matt, Riggs, Tyra and Lyla are all graduating at the end of this season.

A while back you said Bill Lawrence had informed you Lee Thompson Young would be joining Scrubs this season as Turk's protege. At this point we're pretty far into the season and no Young, what's the deal? -Wesley
Patience, my friend. I speak the truth. You will see Lee Thompson Young later this season and he and Turk (Donald Faison) will turn out some fine scenes together.

Source: Zap2IT

Latest from Korbi - Various Shows

2009-02-18T22:12:00.001Z

Family Life on Mars: Unsettled, sad and full of regret. Expect to see another side of Life on Mars' Detective Gene Hunt this evening. He now knows that his daughter is the lucky lady whom Sam defiled in the file room, but he won't react the way you might think.

Friday Night To Remember: Matt and Julie. Mulie. My favorite young Friday Night Lights couple will reconnect this week. And when I say connect, I mean they may or may not be connecting as they've never connected before, you know what I'm sayin'?

Privileged Friends: "We were on a break!" The immortal words of Dr. Ross Geller after a one night stand that would ruin his relationship with Rachel Green (almost) forever. Well, it should be noted that Privileged's exec producer Rina Mimoun is a big time Friends fan. Huge, in fact. And, as I mentioned a couple weeks ago, there will be a split or two in next week's season finale....

Source: Zap2IT