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WHAT'S ON TODAY
Thursday
11a

The Price Is Right
CBS

Noon

Family Feud*
Peachtree TV/Syn

12:30p

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire*
Syn/ABC

3p

Let's Make a Deal*
CBS

4:30p

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Syn/CBC

6p

Baggage
GSN

6:30p

Baggage
GSN

7p

The Substitute
MTV

7:30p

Jeopardy!*
Power Players Week
Syn/CBC

8p

American Idol
Fox

10p

Sweet Genius
Food

= available in high definition
= available in online streaming video
*times vary by market, check local listings.

All times and editors eastern


It's Happy Happy Time!
Happy Birthday...

... to Peter Marshall. The original Hollywood Square turns 82.

Happy Anniversary...
... to "Bachelor".
The show that launched a franchise, a media empire, and a dating subgenre upon the promise of true love - a promise that has yielded exactly ONE wedding.... turns 10.

Happy Trails...
... to George Gobel. Best known as a panelist on the original "Hollywood Squares" series, Gobel died on this date in 1991 at the age of 71.

Scene and Heard...

"If you like what I did, I'm Bob Eubanks. If you don't like what I did, I'm Bob Barker." -Bob Eubanks, on "The Newlywed Game"

 

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GSNN Originals
Two Not-Broke Men

Posted 5/712

Gordon's back from Occupy New Year's Eve... just in time for two Jeopardy! champs to shoot toward the One Percent. Meanwhile, the toilet's back and so are the infiltrators on this WLTI episode from January 9, 2012.

We Love To Interrupt
Insites
Block Party
The Numbers Game
State of Play
On the Buzzer

 

UPFRONTS: CBS
IN: "Survivor", "Amazing Race"..... Nothing Out, Thank Goodness
From
various sources

Posted 5/16/12

Freshman hit 2 Broke Girls takes over the anchor spot on Mondays while Two and a Half Men moves to Thursdays behind The Big Bang Theory in the new CBS schedule unveiled today in New York. CSI: NY now opens Fridays and The Mentalist moves to Sundays behind The Good Wife.

There was some thought that CBS would go with a two-hour block of comedies on Thursdays but instead the block of Big Bang Theory and Men leads into Person of Interest and the new Sherlock Holmes-like drama Elementary. “We had the guns to go to four comedies,” admits CBS head of scheduling Kelly Kahl. “This is simply the way the schedule felt strongest and looked best to us.”

Meanwhile, "Survivor" and "The Amazing Race" keep their respective spots on the schedule. Nothing to see. Move along folks.

Entertainment Weekly
The Futon Critic


CBS ... well, the new schedule's a bit boring.
(photo courtesy CBS)
 

UPFRONTS: Syfy
IN: "Face Off"
From
the Futon Critic

Posted 5/16/12

Featuring a record number of primetime original programming hours, Syfy's hot Summer 2012 will be highlighted by the premiere of the new unscripted series School Sprits (from executive producer Mark Burnett), Insane or Inspired? and Paranormal Highway (working title) starring Jack Osbourne; new seasons of hits Warehouse 13, Face Off, Alphas, Destination Truth and Haunted Collector, along with the eagerly anticipated Saturday Original Movies Jersey Shore Shark Attack and Bigfoot, plus the series finale of the beloved Eureka.

The Futon Critic

 
 

Tuesday: Another Night of Talent
NBC Takes the Silver, CBS Takes the Gold
From
the Futon Critic

Posted 5/16/12

CBS (16.32 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 3.2, #1) posted another win on Tuesday thanks to the season finale of "NCIS" (18.70 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 3.5, #1) followed by the two-hour season finale of "NCIS: Los Angeles" (15.12 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 3.0, #3).

NBC (8.58 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.8, #2) then claimed the silver with night two of "America's Got Talent" (10.41 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 3.4, #2) plus the season finale of "Fashion Star" (4.92 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 1.6, #8).

Next up was FOX (6.03 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 2.5, #3) with a new "Glee" (6.03 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 2.4, #5) alongside a second "Glee" (6.03 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 2.5, #4).

Meanwhile, ABC (7.78 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.7, #4) offered up originals of "Cougar Town" (3.35 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T9), another "Cougar Town" (3.31 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T9) - a series low, "Dancing With the Stars" (12.94 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.2, #6) - a series low for results shows - and the season finale of "Private Practice" (7.05 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.8, #7).

And finally, the season finale of "90210" (1.09 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.5, #11) and a new "The L.A. Complex" (0.57 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.2, #12) on The CW (0.83 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.4, #5) closed out the night. In the netlet's target demo (women 18-34), "90210" delivered a 0.9 rating while "Complex" posted a 0.4 rating.

The Futon Critic

 
 

"The Chase" US... Might As Well Call It the Brad & Brad Show
Jeopardy! Megastar Brad Rutter Is an American Chaser
From ATV Today

Posted 5/16/12

A pilot has been filmed for the US version of hit ITV gameshow The Chase.

ITV is looking to export the gameshow which sees four contestants hoping to win an equal share of the prize fund by defeating a Chaser.

The pilot, which has been filmed at the London Studios, has seen a new Chaser added to the family. Brad Rutter became known across America after winning big on Jeopardy!, making him the biggest all-time winner for the show totaling over $3.4 million.

"At Heathrow waiting for my flight back to L.A. – 8 am here. midnight there. I don’t even know what day it is. #jetlag," Rutter posted on Twitter earlier today.

Contestants were flown over to take part in the pilot, having a chance to win big money. The cash-builder round sees a question worth $5000, much more than the £1000 offered on the UK version.

It had been widely reported that FOX television ordered the pilot, although it is not known where they intend to schedule it. Bradley Walsh fronted the pilot, with a second Chaser - UK Chaser Mark Labbett - in the batter's box for pilot #2.

ATV Today

 
 

"Showdown" in Italy
German "Family" Game to Air on Rai1
From ATV Today

Posted 5/16/12

Italian pubcaster Rai will air a primetime gameshow based on a German format in which two families compete for a cash prize.

An Italian version of Family Showdown, called Mi Gioco La Nonna, will launch on Rai1. The gameshow pits two families against each other in various physical activities. LDM Comunicazione is on board to produce.

Rai acquired the format rights to the show, created by Bavaria prodco Constantin Entertainment, from SevenOne International. This week the ProSeibenSat.1 subsidiary also sold gameshow format My Man Can to a South African broadcaster.

C21 Media

 
 

Now THAT'S... Blockbusters!
New Series of Classic Quizzer Quadruples Challenge's Audience
From Broadcast

Posted 5/16/12

Classic quiz show Blockbusters returned after an absence of more than a decade and managed to pull nearly four times the usual audience figures for Challenge.

Simon Mayo has taken on the hosting duties so memorably conducted by Bob Holness from 1983 to 1994.

The show, which made a brief return in 2000 on Sky1 hosted by Liza Tarbuck, will be stripped across weeknights for the next eight weeks.

Its return managed to comfortably beat Challenge’s slot average of 65k (0.27%), according to overnight Barb figures supplied by Attentional.

The only show to draw bigger overnights on Challenge since 2006 – as far back as records are available – is imported Impact Wrestling, which pinned down 260k (1.81%) on 2 August 2011.

Broadcast
BRUTALLY HONEST REVIEW: Shropshire Star

 
 

Wednesday Lightning Round
... or "What to Expect When You're Expecting to Expect an Expectant Expectorance"
From
various sources

Posted 5/16/12

  • Is Jennifer Lopez leaving American Idol? (E! Online)
     
  • Is it a bargaining chip? (Forbes)
     
  • Does the celebrity power list have anything to do with this? (Forbes)
     
  • And what about.... John Legend's beef with Britney and Demi (E! Online) .... or Mariah's? (Hollywood Life)
     
  • William Levy is dancing with foreclosure (In Touch Weekly)
 
 

UPFRONTS: ABC
IN: "Dancing All-Stars", "Shark Tank", "Bachelor". OUT: "Mindgame", "You Deserve It"
From
various sources

Posted 5/15/12

"Why just watch, when you can feel?" will be the question ABC asks its audience during today's upfront presentation. Said tagline was underscored by ABC Entertainment Group President Paul Lee following the announcement of the network's 2012-13 schedule. "That really encapsulates this brand," the executive told reporters. "Everything we do is about an emotional connection: great stories, great characters and real emotion."

Other notable developments from today's press call with the ABC chief:

-- "We're going to do something different this fall, we're going to do an all-star edition of 'Dancing With the Stars,'" Lee confirmed. "We're going to be bringing back fan favorites from the last 14 seasons." When asked about who specifically will return, Lee would only say "we can't talk about the casting yet but I would love to see some of the fan favorites from the last seasons come back. And we have many favorites over the 14 seasons... fingers crossed, we are casting now."

-- Lee also indicated they're open to year-round development. "It's much easier to develop midseason [but] it's difficult to break the mold," he said. "In many ways it's easier in terms of casting and staffing up. It's not impossible that we'll make a couple of moves in the next few months." As for whether any of their current pilots are being rolled, Lee said, "Nothing that comes to mind."

-- After the conference, a network spokesperson confirmed that "Million Dollar Mind Game" and "You Deserve It" are indeed canceled.

-- As previously reported, "Shark Tank" has been renewed for 22 episodes, as has been "The Bachelor."

The Futon Critic
The Futon Critic
Deadline


ABC keeps its three reality shows, but gives up on its two quizzers.
(photo courtesy ABC)
 

UPFRONTS: Discovery En Español
Original Game "Batalla de Ingenios" Coming
From
various sources

Posted 5/15/12

Discovery U.S. Hispanic, which comprises both Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia, announced its upcoming programming slate that includes its first-ever original game show on Tuesday at its upfront event in New York.

John Hendricks, founder and chairman of Discovery Communications, Inc., spoke to Discovery U.S. Hispanic's success, with Discovery en Español posting its best quarter on record in Q1, and Discovery Familia coming off a year of double-digit growth.

Ivan Bargueiras, general manager, Discovery U.S. Hispanic said that this year's programming lineup seeks to satisfy Discovery viewers' "curiosity," with nature series such as Norteamerica (North America) and Volando por el Mundo (Earth Flight), a production filmed in partnership with Google Earth, slated to join Discovery en Español.

New original series for the network include the game show Batalla de Ingenios. The series puts 12 contestants in an urban setting and challenges them to use their engineering skills to win not a monetary prize, but a full year off of work. The 8-stage elimination challenges are designed to echo Discovery's programming genres including science, nature and survival.

B&C
Variety

 
 

Monday: America's Got Your Mother
CBS Finales Take the Demo, ABC Takes the Viewers
From Broadcast

Posted 5/15/12

CBS (10.42 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 3.3, #1) held off the competition on Monday thanks to a new "How I Met Your Mother" (8.20 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 3.4, #4) followed by the season finales of "How I Met Your Mother" (8.77 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 3.8, #T1), "Two and a Half Men" (11.33 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 3.8, #T1), "Mike & Molly" (11.63 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 3.3, #5) and "Hawaii Five-0" (11.29 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 2.7, #6).

NBC (8.89 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 3.0, #2) then took home the silver with the two-hour launch of "America's Got Talent" (10.31 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 3.6, #3) plus the season finale of "Smash" (6.06 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.8, #11). Weekly, "Talent" was on par with "The Voice", but the audience for Monday was bumped 158 percent.

Next up was ABC (11.90 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.5, #3) and a special 90-minute "Dancing With the Stars" (15.55 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.6, #7) alongside the 90-minute premiere of "The Bachelorette" (8.25 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 2.5, #8).

Meanwhile, FOX (6.76 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 2.0, #4) offered up the season finale of "Bones" (7.07 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.9, #10) and the penultimate week of "House" (6.45 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 2.2, #9).

And finally, the season finales of "Gossip Girl" (1.17 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T12) and "Hart of Dixie" (1.53 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T12) on The CW (1.35 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.6, #5) closed out the night.

The Futon Critic

 
 

Power Players Tonight
First Up on Jeopardy!...
From
TV Newser

Posted 5/15/12

Tonight marks night one of syndicated game show “Jeopardy!’”s “Power Players Week,” featuring TV news talent and political insiders playing for charity. We gave you the rundown on who would be playing a few weeks ago, and we will be sure to fill you in on who won, and who didn’t, throughout the week.

Tonight’s matchup features MSNBC’s Chris Matthews and CNN’s Lizzie O’Leary taking on former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

TV Newser
Tucson Citizen
DCIst
The Atlantic

 
 

Tuesday Lightning Round
... or "The Chaser's War on Everything"
From
various sources

Posted 5/15/12

  • The "Chase" pilot rolls... and joining Bradley Walsh on stage are... (Buzzerblog)
     
  • Nigel Lythgoe didn't even consider Demi Lovato or Britney Spears. Too green. (E! Online) PLUS which one is getting paid 15 times more than the other? (TMZ)
     
  • Katherine Jenkins feels better this AM after her injury (Washington Post)
     
  • Jennifer Lopez doesn't know if she'll return to "Idol" next season. This is not a repeat from 2011 (People)
     
  • Ryan Seacrest and Ellen DeGeneres reunite... for a land purchase. Her land, his money (TMZ)
     
  • WHY THE BLEEP IS THIS NEWS?: Melanie Amaro (last year's X Factor champion) is on a diet (EURweb)
     
  • New lawsuit alleges "Let's Make a Deal" is not handi-capable (Hollywood Reporter)
     
  • CASTING COUCH: GSN's "American Bible Challenge" hits the road (The Futon Critic)
 
 

UPFRONTS: NBC
IN: "Voice", "Fashion Star", "Surprise". WAITING: "Loser", "Apprentice". OUT: .... Everything Else
From
various sources

Posted 5/14/12

NBC‘s push to launch part of its fall lineup early to take advantage of the August coverage of the Olympics will be anchored by the first fall cycle of The Voice. At today’s upfront presentation, NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt announced that the third season of The Voice will premiere on September 9. He also noted that the network will “sample pilots during the Olympics,” likely previewing new series during its coverage from the London games. He wouldn’t elaborate.

Adding a fall iteration of "The Voice" will help NBC, which has struggled to generate ratings for years, introduce a Monday-night drama and two Tuesday-night comedies at the start of the 2012-13 TV season. In an interview, NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt said that those new programs were among the ones executives felt had the best chance of success and that their "priority" placement after airings of "The Voice" was deliberate.

NBC unveiled its fall programming at the start of the annual broadcast upfront marketplace, where the big TV networks try to sell the bulk of their ad time for the coming TV season. NBC has a lot at stake. The network, which enjoyed about a decade of dominance in the TV ratings, has fallen significantly and has been mired in turnaround efforts for years. This season will mark the second under NBC owner Comcast, and executives hope the success of "The Voice" and continued interest in sports broadcasts such as the London Olympics and "Sunday Night Football" can help the rest of its offerings.

"We believe in the show," Mr. Greenblatt said about "The Voice," dismissing conventional wisdom that the song-and-dance-competition category is close to being oversaturated. "There is a lot of room for all of us to succeed," he said. "People were saying, 'Oh, "American Idol" is over this year.' It's certainly not over. There is a big appetite for all of these shows."

Fox's "The X-Factor" performed well in its debut last season but not on the level of "Idol," perhaps leaving enough viewers up for grabs to embolden NBC's expansion plan for "The Voice." NBC executives declined to comment on "X-Factor."

As previously reported, "Fashion Star", which was sluggish in ratings but spectacular in the back end sale of contestant wares, and "The Celebrity Apprentice" will return after the NFL season. Also being held for midseason, "The Biggest Loser". The rest of its reality game slate is being wiped clean, with cancellations handed down for "Escape Routes," "Fear Factor," "The Sing-Off," "Minute to Win It," "The Marriage Ref," "Who's Still Standing?," and "It's Worth What?"

Being otherwise held is Howie Mandel's trade-up series "White Elephant" and an American take on the British series "Surprise Surprise", to be hosted by Jenny McCarthy.

WECT
Ad Age
Deadline
The Futon Critic
Ad Age
Deadline
The Futon Critic
C21Media


NBC is risking Mondays & Tuesdays on "The Voice"
(photo courtesy NBC)
 

UPFRONTS: Fox
IN: "Hell's Kitchen", "X Factor"... with a Complete Panel, "Idol"
From
various sources

Posted 5/14/12

Ahead of its upfront presentation to Madison Avenue ad buyers Monday in New York, Fox announced a fall 2012-13 schedule featuring an expanded four-comedy block on Tuesdays, effectively bumping the fourth season of Glee to Thursdays.

In addition to its new day, the fourth season of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk's musical dramedy will air at a new time, shifting back an hour from its previous 8 p.m. slot, where it be coupled with The X Factor in the fall and American Idol in midseason. Worth noting, the network opted not to use the X Factor/Idol platform to launch a new series and instead set up a music-themed night reminiscent of NBC's The Voice-Smash pairing.

As Fox was announcing its panel, "X Factor" announced its own, adding officially multiplatinum recording artists Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.

Spears is one of the most successful and celebrated entertainers in pop history. Her musical career boasts nearly 100 million albums sold worldwide and countless awards and accolades, including the 2011 MTV Video Vanguard Award and Billboard's Best-Selling Female Artist of the Decade (1998-2008). Spears first captivated audiences with her first single "...Baby One More Time," an international hit that is currently 14x Platinum in the U.S. So far, Spears has earned a total of five No.1 debut albums and 24 Top 40 songs in her career.

Lovato is an accomplished singer and actress with a devoted and engaged young fan base. Her single, "Skyscraper," off of her most recent album, "Unbroken," recently went platinum, while the video for her new single, "Give Your Heart a Break," already has garnered 10 million YouTube views. Her first album, "Don't Forget," debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and her second album, "Here We Go Again," debuted at No. 1. Lovato began acting at the age of 10, and starred in the cable television series, "Sonny With A Chance." Her film credits include "Camp Rock" and "Princess Protection Program."

"I'm absolutely delighted Britney and Demi are joining us," said Simon Cowell. "Britney remains one of the biggest stars in the world, she's talented, fascinating - and I believe she knows exactly how to spot THE X FACTOR. Demi's had an amazing career in music, TV and film for someone her age. She's young, confident, and enthusiastic. I think it's really important that she speaks to our younger audience. The new panel will be dynamic and will work really well with the changes we are making to the show."

"Hell's Kitchen" is being held until the final 13 episodes of "Fringe" air, while "American Idol" will return in the winter with what its calls "retooling". During this morning’s Fox upfronts conference call, Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly said the show will undergo “some creative tweaking” heading into next season, declining to elaborate because the reality series is still in production on its current 11th season.

He acknowledged that the network didn’t feel it needed to make changes going into this season after a strong previous cycle with new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez and that the show’s ratings “dropped more than anticipated” this cycle as “space got crowded.” Asked whether he is satisfied with the new judges’ performance, Fox entertainment president Peter Rice said they are “terrific and have great chemistry and integrity.”

Hollywood Reporter
The Futon Critic
The Futon Critic
Deadline
Deadline


Fox is returning all of its reality stalwarts
(photo courtesy Fox)
 

Weekend: And Sadly Not a Glad (^_^) Was Given...
"Survivor" Ends With Its Lowest. Finale. Rating. EVER.
From
various sources

Posted 5/14/12

ABC (9.49 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.8, #1) was the network to beat on Sunday with its mix of a new "America's Funniest Home Videos" (6.31 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 1.6, #11), the season finale of "Once Upon a Time" (9.45 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 3.2, #T1) and the two-hour series finale of "Desperate Housewives" (11.10 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 3.2, #T1).

CBS (9.43 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.3, #2) then claimed the silver with its combination of "60 Minutes" (9.21 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.2, #13) - tied as its season low, the "Survivor: One World" (10.22 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.8, #3) finale - its lowest-rated ever, and the "Survivor: One World Overrun/Survivor: One World Reunion" (8.94 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 2.7, #4) - its lowest-rated reunion show ever. Together, the three hours were 30% below the year.

Next up was FOX (3.60 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.7, #3) with a repeat of "The Simpsons" (2.12 million viewers, #16; adults 18-49: 0.9, #15) followed by repeats of "The Cleveland Show" (2.79 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 1.3, #12), "The Simpsons" (4.00 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 1.9, #8), "Bob's Burgers" (3.63 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 1.8, #T9), "Family Guy" (4.94 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 2.3, #5) and "American Dad" (4.12 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 2.0, #7).

And finally, new episodes of "Dateline NBC" (3.62 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.8, #16), "Harry's Law" (7.61 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.0, #14) and "The Celebrity Apprentice" (5.40 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.8, #T9) closed out the night on NBC (5.51 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.3, #4) - tied as its series low for celebrity editions.

On Friday, ABC (4.99 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.5, #1) was the top demo draw thanks to new episodes of "Shark Tank" (5.55 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.6, #T1), "Primetime: What Would You Do?" (4.79 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.6, #T1) and "20/20" (4.65 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.4, #3).

CBS (8.45 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.2, #2) then remained the most-watched network thanks to the season finales of "Undercover Boss" (5.75 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T7), "CSI: NY" (9.03 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T7) and "Blue Bloods" (10.66 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.3, #4).

Next up was NBC (4.62 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T3) and its original mix of "Who Do You Think You Are?" (4.76 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 0.8, #11), "Grimm" (4.48 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.2, #T5) and "Dateline NBC" (4.64 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 1.2, #T5).

Meanwhile, FOX (3.66 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T3) served up the series finale of "The Finder" (4.16 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T7) and the season finale "Fringe" (3.17 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.0, #10).

And finally, The CW (1.53 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.5, #5) closed out the evening with new episodes of "Nikita" (1.38 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.4, #13) and "Supernatural" (1.68 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.7, #12).

The Futon Critic
The Futon Critic
Entertainment Weekly
FINAL THOUGHTS From Jeff Probst: Entertainment Weekly

 
 

Are You Smarter Than Your Facebook Friends?
"5th Grader & Friends" Launches on iOS
From
Virtual Strategy

Posted 5/14/12

Interactive entertainment company Ludia and One Three Media (A Hearst/Mark Burnett Company) announced today the launch of the 'Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?' App for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Based on the syndicated version of the wildly popular TV game show, the game lets users across North America find out if they are smarter than a 5th grader, experiencing the exciting competition by themselves or with friends.

“We are thrilled to bring a popular brand like 'Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?' to the App Store," said Alex Thabet, Founder and CEO of Ludia Inc. “This is an academically challenging multiplayer game that recreates the feeling of being back in the classroom and guarantees hours of fun for the whole family.”

In the game, up to seven contestants compete to answer eight multiple choice questions pooled from different school academic subjects, including favorites like Art, World Geography, U.S. History, Math and Languages. Each question is assigned a dollar value, which is then multiplied by the number of players who could not get the correct answer. The player who finishes first gets free access to the 'Bonus 5th Grade Question' for a chance to double their winnings.

Virtual Strategy

 
 

Next Stop: The Philippines
More on "Survivor's" Next Season
From
Entertainment Weekly

Posted 5/14/12

When Survivor starts back up again in the fall with its 25th season, it will be in a brand new location: the Philippines. Survivor: Philippines recently wrapped filming in the Caramoan Islands, and at the end of the Survivor: One World reunion show, host Jeff Probst revealed both the location and the show’s big twist — that there will be three returning players, each of whom was medically evacuated in a previous season. Each returning player will be on a different tribe, meaning the show is moving back to a three-tribe format for the first time since season Survivor: All Stars back in season 8.

Probst explained the thinking for the twist to Entertainment Weekly while on location back in March. “First we decided on three tribes,” said Probst at base camp on the island of Caramoan. “That was the first thing. And that was just an effort to change up the way the numbers were playing. People were locking into these alliances of five. So we thought, okay, let’s try a three-tribe scenario and see what that does. Once we had the three tribes, we talked about are we going to do returnees? I love returnees. I love second chances. I love the losers bracket in sports. I love all of it. So I love these guys coming back. And then we hit on the evacuees and went, that’s it! These are true second chancers. They were pulled from the game. They didn’t quit. They didn’t get voted out. They were yanked.”

Entertainment Weekly
AceShowbiz

 
 

Monday Lightning Round
... or "The Price Is Wrong, Larry..."
From
various sources

Posted 5/14/12

  • How cheap is Australia's new version of "The Price Is Right"? Apparently... VERY (Ninemsn)
     
  • Shark Tank passes the $4 million mark (The Futon Critic)
     
  • Disqualified "Top Model" contestant now pregnant. And married. And WHY THE BLEEP IS THIS NEWS? (E! Online)
     
  • Emily Maynard is not your father's "Bachelorette", apparently. (People)
     
  • Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd (insert risqué dance-related double entendre here) (Us)
     
  • When Howard met Ryan... (RyanSeacrest.com)
     
  • IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: the first look at "Figure It Out" 2012 style! (YouTube)
     
  • Meredith Vieira... Journalist... Inquisitrix... Vegan (Ecorazzi)
     
  • "King of the Nerds" casting... and they're rushing you about it (Scientific American)
 
 

Welcome to Primetime
A Prelude to the 2012-2013 Broadcast Upfronts
From
various sources

Posted 5/13/12

A look at what to expect from next week's broadcast network upfront presentations, where fall schedules will be revealed for ad buyers...

- ABC: The alphabet is going one-two-three for its reality hits, ordering full seasons for "Dancing with the Stars", "The Bachelor", and Friday-night must-watch "Shark Tank". No announcement has been made on "Wipeout" as of yet

- NBC: "The Voice" will return with all of its principles intact to take on Fox's "X Factor". Also getting renewed: "Fashion Star", the sleeper of the season, and "The Celebrity Apprentice". Both will return after the NFL season. Russell Hantz has expressed interest in participating on "Apprentice." "The Biggest Loser" is being held for midseason. Meanwhile, its reality slate is being otherwise wiped clean, with cancellations handed down for "Escape Routes," "Fear Factor," "The Sing-Off," ""Minute to Win It," "The Marriage Ref," "Who's Still Standing?," "It's Worth What?" and "Who Do You Think You Are?"

That leaves the Peacock a returning alternative class of "The Voice," "The Celebrity Apprentice," "Fashion Star," "The Biggest Loser" and "Betty White's Off Their Rockers." They'll be joined by newcomers "Stars Earn Stripes," "Howie Mandel's White Elephant," "Ready for Love," and "Surprise with Jenny McCarthy."

- Fox: "The X Factor" will return with LA Reid and Simon Cowell, but the variable in this formula: the other three seats - two judges and one host. "Hell's Kitchen" is also slated to return. "American Idol" will return in its usual winter place.

- CBS: "Survivor" and "Amazing Race" are done deals. Both will return.

- CW: "America's Next Top Model" will return.

TV Done Wright
New York Post
Life & Style
The Futon Critic
The Futon Critic
The Futon Critic
The Hollywood Reporter
Deadline
Entertainment Weekly

 
 

Syndies: The Home Stretch
Results for the Week Ending April 29
From B&C

Posted 5/13/12

As the May sweeps got under way, six of the top seven talkers gained ground in the week ended April 29.

That included the first two days of the May sweep, which began Thursday, April 26, and runs through Wednesday, May 23.

In late night, CTD's Excused, another recently renewed show, maintained its 0.6 in households.

In access, CTD's Wheel of Fortune edged ahead 3% from the prior week to a 6.7 and was second only to Judge Judy in overall syndication. CTD's Jeopardy! upticked 2% to a 5.7. Debmar-Mercury's Family Feud finished 3% ahead at a 3.0. Disney-ABC's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire perked up 4% to a 2.6.

B&C

 
 

Thursday: Liverpool Disunited
"Idol" Upended by "Big Bang" Season Ender
From
various sources

Posted 5/11/12

FOX (11.02 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.9, #1) escaped with the adults 18-49 crown on Thursday thanks to new episodes of "American Idol" (15.10 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 3.9, #2) and "Touch" (6.94 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 2.0, #T8).

CBS (12.06 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.8, #2) then was a close second place with the season finale of "The Big Bang Theory" (13.30 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 4.2, #1) followed by new episodes of "Rules of Engagement" (8.85 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 2.7, #4), "Person of Interest" (12.69 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.6, #5) and "The Mentalist" (12.42 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 2.4, #6).

Next up was ABC (7.47 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.2, #3) with the penultimate weeks of "Missing" (6.36 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T13) - its lowest to date, "Grey's Anatomy" (9.56 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 3.4, #3) and "Scandal" (6.48 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 2.0, #T8).

Meanwhile, NBC (3.16 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.4, #4) offered up originals of "Community" (3.12 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 1.4, #12) and "30 Rock" (2.95 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 1.5, #11) followed by the respective season finales of "The Office" (4.44 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 2.2, #7) and "Parks & Recreation" (3.46 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.7, #10) as well as a new "Awake" (2.50 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.9, #15).

And finally, the season finale of "The Vampire Diaries" (2.49 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T13) and the series finale of "The Secret Circle" (1.24 million viewers, #16; adults 18-49: 0.5, #16) on The CW (1.86 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.8, #5) closed out the evening. In the netlet's target demo (women 18-34), "Diaries" posted a 1.7 rating while "Circle" delivered a 0.7 rating.

The Futon Critic

 
 

Boom. Lawyered.
CBS Sues ABC Over "The Glass House"
From Deadline

Posted 5/4/12

A week after CBS fired a warning shot with a letter to ABC threatening to take legal action if the network proceeds with its recently announced summer reality series The Glass House, the eye network today filed a lawsuit against the Disney-owned broadcast networks. Last week’s letter noted that Glass House “exposes ABC to liability, including damages and injunctive relief, for violation of the Copyright Act, including breach of non-disclosure agreements and misappropriation of trade secrets.” CBS is basing its case on the fact that the concept of Glass House is very similar to its veteran Big Brother. The network also claims that the ABC series employs at least 18 former members of CBS’ Big Brother production staff, many of whom have signed confidentiality agreements with CBS, which the network argues would be breached in their work for Glass House.

As for dollar amounts, the network is asking for $500,000 “for each of the Individual Defendants’ acts in violation of the non-disclosure agreements” — with multiple clauses, those totals add up fast — in addition to other damages and legal fees. “CBS therefore brings this action to obtain preliminary and permanent injunctive relief and restitution, and to recover compensatory and punitive damages.”

ABC has issued the following statement in response of CBS’ filing: “We believe there is no merit to this lawsuit. The differences between Glass House and Big Brother are both fundamental and obvious, ranging from Glass House’s interactive elements and audience participation to its deployment of cutting edge technologies.

The Futon Critic
TV Guide
Deadline
Deadline

 
 

And Then There Were Three... Maybe? Maybe Not?
Report: Britney Spears Is On "The X Factor"
From E! Online

Posted 5/11/12

Britney Spears is official.

After months of eight-figure negotiations, the pop star has finally signed her contract to join Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid as a judge on The X Factor.

Spears finally inked her deal this week, E! News has exclusively confirmed. As previously reported, Spears will get $15 million for one season's worth of work. She had agreed in principle to the deal weeks ago and had spent the last several days working out the fine print.

"The contract is signed," reveals source close to the star. "There's been a lot of back and forth over the past few weeks as they negotiated the small details, but she's on. It's all completed and Britney is beyond excited."

However, a report filed by TMZ indicates that the deal is not signed YET, but is expected to be before the end of upfront week next week. "The goal is for FOX to make the announcement Monday at the Upfronts in NYC -- that's where the Fall lineup is unveiled," says TMZ.

All of this will be confirmed on Monday, when Fox gives its upfront.

E! Online
Hollywood Life
TMZ

 
 

Jamie Kennedy Takes a "Sit"
"JKX" Star to Host CW Game
From Entertainment Weekly

Posted 5/11/12

Jamie Kennedy will help to host Oh Sit!, the CW’s summer show that’s described as a high-stakes, high-octane musical chairs competition.

Kennedy will join Tanika Ray and Jessi Cruikshank as emcees on the show, which pits 12 contestants in a race through five physically demanding, obstacle course-style eliminations as they each compete to claim a chair. At the end of the hour, only one contestant will be left sitting to seize the cash prize.

Kennedy and Cruikshank will host from the skybox and call the action while Ray will host at track side.

Production on the competition show begins next week and will air this summer. A live band will perform during each episode.

Oh Sit! is created and executive produced by Phil Gurin (The Singing Bee, Shark Tank), Richard Joel and Deena Dill. The series is from The Gurin Company and 405 Productions in association with Warner Horizon Television.

Entertainment Weekly
The Celebrity Cafe

 
 

Happy Friday Lightning Round
... or "This One's For Eileen and Olivia (RIP)"
From
various sources

Posted 5/11/12

  • CASTING COUCH: GSN's "American Bible Challenge" (GSN)
     
  • VIDEO WALL: The first two questions of Challenge's "All New Blockbusters" (BBC) plus... Bob Holness Avenue? It could happen (BBC)
     
  • Pat Sajak... as Felix Unger (Broadway World)
     
  • Could "The Chase" propel Bradley Walsh's Q rating stateside? Only if Fox orders it to series... Hintity hint hint... (The Sun)
 
 
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