|
|
News
Archive |
|
Copyright Statement Powered by 1&1 Internet |
|
UPFRONTS: CBS |
Posted 5/15/13 |
|
CBS‘ fall schedule features
five new series. After considering expanding its
Thursday comedy block to two hours last years, the
network did it this year, with The Big Bang Theory and
Two A Half Men flanking newbies The Millers starring
Will Arnett and The Crazy Ones starring Robin Williams.
Missing from the fall schedule is Mike & Molly, which
has a 22-episode order, and new series Friends With
Better Lives (comedy) and Reckless (drama) on tap for
midseason. "Mike & Molly" will return midseason, or
possibly earlier if conditions warrant. As for the two megahit reality franchises, "Survivor" and "Amazing Race" are going to stay with their prescribed time slots, 8p Wednesdays and 8p Sundays respectively. CBS will finish the current season as the top-rated network in viewers for the 10th time in 11 seasons, #1 in the adults 25-54 demographic and #1 in adults 18-49 for the first time since the 1991-1992 season.
|
 CBS keeps its reality shows put for now. (photo courtesy CBS) |
|
Melissa Peterman Goes
from "Singing Bee" to "Dancing Fool" |
Posted 5/15/13 |
|
ABC Family debuts the
ultimate reality dance show, "Dancing Fools," featuring
the best, funniest, most outrageous and memorable
user-generated dances caught on camera and presented in
front of a live studio audience. Hosted by Melissa
Peterman ("Baby Daddy") with help from VJ Guy Torrey,
each week features a dance-off between competitors for a
$10,000 prize. The series premiere airs Wednesday, May
29 at 9pm ET/PT. This week, the show kicks off with the dance video that started it all-"Numa Numa." Back in 2006, Gary Brolsma was just a man with a video camera, a song in his heart and access to the internet. From there, people began to submit their own dance routines, and the internet dance craze began. Now, Melissa and Guy welcome "The Numa Numa Guy" into the "Dancing Fools" Hall of Fools. Plus, a live dance-off that pits a trio of brothers (aka "The Wolf Pack") from San Diego, California against a group of teenage besties (aka "The Fat Five") from Orlando Park, Illinois, for the $10,000 prize. Created and executive-produced by Phil Gurin, "Dancing Fools" is produced by The Gurin Company ("The Singing Bee," "Oh Sit!"). It is hosted by Melissa Peterman and features VJ Guy Torrey. |
|
|
Tuesday: Is It Summer
Yet? |
Posted 5/15/13 |
|
NBC (7.445 million viewers,
#3; adults 18-49: 2.4, #1) held onto the demo crown on
Tuesday with its mix of a "The Voice" (6.627 million
viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 2.0, #5) recap special
followed by new episodes of "The Voice" (10.195 million
viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 3.4, #1) and "Grimm" (5.513
million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 1.7, #8). CBS (12.870 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.3, #2) then claimed a close second place with the season finales of "NCIS" (18.159 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 3.2, #2), "NCIS: Los Angeles" (13.350 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.5, #3) and "Golden Boy" (7.101 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.2, #11). Next up was FOX (4.158 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.8, #3) with the return of "So You Think You Can Dance" (4.962 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.9, #6) followed by the season finales of "New Girl" (4.055 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 2.1, #4) and "The Mindy Project" (2.652 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 1.3, #10). Next up was ABC (8.178 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.4, #4) with a special edition of "Wipeout" (4.432 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 1.1, #12) alongside the penultimate weeks of "Dancing with the Stars" (11.586 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.8, #7) and "Body of Proof" (8.517 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.4, #9). On cable, the premiere of CNBC's "Crowd Rules" failed to generate ANY crowds, as only 47,000 people tuned in to the hour. By comparison, Food's "Chopped" attracted 1.5 million. |
|
|
M-O-N-O-P-O-L-Why? |
Posted 5/15/13 |
|
TBS and TNT announced their
upcoming series at the tag-teamed upfront this morning,
and as you might expect, there are a lot of cop shows. A
lot! TNT loves a cop show, friends, so much so that even
TBS is getting a (comedic) one, too. The new TNT shows: - Monopoly, a game show where "eight two-person teams will play a game of real-world Monopoly with a huge cash prize at stake." Presumably episodes will be nine hours long, and eventually Grandma will come in and demand you be a little bit nicer to your younger cousin, because he is trying his best. - The Big Deal, a scavenger-hunt reality contest show. Meanwhile, TBS and TNT are about to become the first national entertainment networks in the industry to stream on-air content live across multiple platforms 24/7, including through the networks' websites and a pair of newly created Watch TNT and Watch TBS apps. The announcement was made during TNT and TBS's annual Upfront presentation today in New York. Live streaming is the latest phase in the rollout of TV Everywhere, the industry-wide initiative that gives subscribers to cable, satellite and telco video services access to more of their favorite shows across a wide range of digital platforms. |
|
|
Pharrell Williams Ready
to "Rock" |
Posted 5/15/13 |
|
Style Media announced today
that multi-Grammy Award winner and fashion designer
Pharrell Williams will serve as one of the mentors on
"Styled to Rock," the new reality competition series
from executive producer Robyn Rihanna Fenty that
searches for the next trendsetting designer. Slated to
premiere in 2013, the 10-episode series will give 12
up-and-coming designers the opportunity of a lifetime -
to create unique fashion pieces for A-list celebrity
talent. "We are delighted to have Pharrell, who is a driving force in both the music industry and fashion world, serve as a mentor on 'Styled to Rock," said Salaam Coleman Smith, President, Style Media. "Pharrell's unique aesthetic and commitment to individuality combined with Rihanna's vision for this series will enable our aspiring designers to hone their craft and learn from the very people who set the trends." "Styled to Rock" will give 12 up-and-coming designers the coveted opportunity to dress some of the biggest names in entertainment. Each week, challenges will push the designers to their creative limits when they are tasked with styling an A-list star. The celebrity guest-of-the-week will decide which designer best achieves their vision - and advances to the next level of competition. Faced with the threat of elimination, the remaining designers must meet with the three mentors to discuss where they fell short and ultimately, who will be sent home. In the end, one designer will be named the winner of "Styled to Rock." |
|
|
"Idol" Nuclear Option
to Be Exercised |
Posted 5/15/13 |
|
"American Idol" is going
nuclear for Season 13. None of the four judges on the singing competition will be asked to return next season, an individual with knowledge of Fox's plans told The Wrap. Longtime producer Nigel Lythgoe is expected to get the boot. And despite reports to the contrary, Fox isn't even considering bringing former judge Jennifer Lopez back as a lifesaver for next season. Like we said: nuclear. "All four are gone," the insider told TheWrap. "They feel they've lost their core audience and they want it back." Driven by this belief and the need to attract younger viewers, Fox is set to make major on-air changes to "Idol," the most notable of which will be an entirely new judging panel. New judges pop icon Mariah Carey, rapper Nicki Minaj and country star Keith Urban won't be back. Even original judge Randy Jackson won't survive the blood bath this time around. A Fox spokesperson declined to comment for this story. All four judges have options to return for another season, but Fox won't be picking them up, according to the knowledgeable individual, who said: "No more big checks for divas." The network has resolved to stop paying the huge salaries it has been shoveling out for its big name talent, i.e. Carey's reported $18 million package, Minaj's $12 million salary and former judge Jennifer Lopez's $15 million. Randy Jackson is the first judge to speak publicly about the reported change, saying that after 12 years, he's going to leave the show. In a statement to E!, Jackson said... "Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on American Idol I have decided it is time to leave after this season," he says. "I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It's been a life changing opportunity but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business ventures." Despite the multiple changes to Idol over the years, Jackson is the only original judge who has remained with the show. "There's always been chaos with American Idol, but this year it's been more than ever," a source said. But it's not like Jackson doesn't have enough to keep him busy. In addition to new music (including collaborations with Mariah Carey), sources tells us he's working on a new book, film and television development deals and his growing branding business, which already includes eyewear, watches and guitars. The show's format will also change. Its look will be redesigned and the dated tribute nights will be a thing of the past. But the show's trademark audition episodes will continue. Behind the scenes, Fox Broadcasting chairman Kevin Reilly is charged with "fixing Idol." And one of the first changes will occur at the top of the food chain: Longtime executive producer Lythgoe is expected to be replaced. What that means for the show's producers, FremantleMedia, remains to be seen. Fox's meltdown has everything to do with the talent competition's declining viewership. Its ratings are already down 22 percent this season and it hit a series low for ratings last Thursday, when it attracted only 11 million viewers and a 2.4 rating/7 share in the ad-coveted 18-49 demographic. The ratings slide is especially problematic during May Sweeps, where ratings numbers are used to dictate advertising rates. UPDATE: On the heels of Randy Jackson's announcement that he's leaving the show after 12 seasons -- and amid rumors that producers are firing the remaining three panelists -- Us Weekly reports that Nicki Minaj will not return to the competition come fall. Mariah Carey has yet to comment on her future with Idol. She's currently planning a brand-new world tour, tied to the success of her buzzed-about single with Miguel, "#Beautiful." (To date, the tune has hit number one in 25 countries.) Keith Urban is also mum on whether he's returning for season 13. But Jackson, the only judge who has been with Idol since its start in 2002, is officially moving on. |
|
|
Wednesday Lightning Round |
Posted 5/15/13 |
|
 |
|
UPFRONTS: ABC |
Posted 5/14/13 |
|
Handing out renewals for the
bulk of its unscripted roster on Tuesday morning, ABC
also has ordered The Quest. The new reality series, which has yet to receive a premiere date, pits 12 contestants against one another in a competition set in a fictional place called Everrealm. The live-action role-playing takes place in what the network describes as "a land of magic and malevolence, where mythical creatures lurk in the woods, agents of darkness stir in the shadows and mystical beings infiltrate the keep." The Quest has a strong competition pedigree in executive producers Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri, co-creators of The Amazing Race. They're joined by EPs Mark Ordesky and Jane Fleming (Court Five) and Rob Eric and Michael Williams (Green Harbor Productions). On the other end of the spectrum, ABC is cutting the dance party short in the fall. Dancing With the Stars, the network's reality hit which has been experiencing a decline in ratings recently, will on longer air on Tuesday nights, with ABC condensing the performance show and results show into Monday's two-hour show. "We want to focus it in," ABC Entertainment president Paul Lee told reporters Tuesday (May 14). "We're planning to do two seasons, and we think by taking the results show and building it into the two-hour block on Monday night, we can really build a sense of occasion to that and drive viewership to Monday night." The network and BBC Worldwide Productions, which produces "DWTS," are still working out how the combined performance and results show will work. Lee says it's "absolutely" possible to have an audience-vote component within the show, but other changes -- including the number of celebrities competing -- may be in the offing. "Shark Tank" returns to its Friday at 9 slot in the fall.
|
 NBC's new season will have "The Voice" and "The Biggest Loser", among others (photo courtesy NBC) |
|
Syndies: The Home
Stretch |
Posted 5/14/13 |
|
Judge Judy ruled over all of
syndication in the week ended May 5, the first full week
of the May sweep, returning to the top spot and beating
Warner Bros.' The Big Bang Theory for the first time
since November. In access, CTD's Wheel of Fortune was flat for the week at a 6.5. CTD's Jeopardy! inched up 2% to a 6.0. Debmar-Mercury's Family Feud held at a 4.6. Disney-ABC's Who Wants to be a Millionaire lost 4% to a 2.3, while NBCU's rookie Baggage stayed locked at a 1.1 for the third week in a row. |
|
|
Monday: Day After
"Mother's" Day |
Posted 5/14/13 |
|
NBC (9.263 million viewers,
#2; adults 18-49: 3.1, #1) took home the adults 18-49
crown on Monday thanks to new episodes of "The Voice"
(11.033 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 3.6, #1) and
"Revolution" (5.724 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49:
1.9, #8). CBS (8.058 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.5, #2) then claimed the silver with the season finale of "How I Met Your Mother" (8.372 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 3.4, #2) that finally revealed the titular character to audiences, a repeat of "The Big Bang Theory" (7.371 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 2.4, #T4), the season finale of "2 Broke Girls" (8.925 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 2.9, #3) and originals from "Mike & Molly" (8.323 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 2.4, #T4) and "Hawaii Five-0" (7.680 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.8, #9). Next up was ABC (12.427 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.0, #3) with its mix of "Dancing with the Stars" (13.009 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.0, #7) and the season finale of "Castle" (11.264 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.2, #6). Meanwhile, FOX (3.973 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.7, #4) offered up a special night of "Hell's Kitchen" (4.047 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 1.7, #T10) and a second "Hell's Kitchen" (3.900 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.7, #T10). |
|
|
UPFRONTS: NBC |
Posted 5/14/13 |
|
NBC has announced a new
lineup of primetime shows for the 2013-14 season that
provide a winning combination of popular returning
series, fresh new comedies, compelling new dramas and
the latest season of "The Voice," the top reality
program on television. Highlights of the year-round schedule - which will be bolstered in February on the heels of the Winter Games in Sochi, Russia - include "Believe," a new drama from J.J. Abrams and Alfonso Cuaron; the return of three-time Emmy winner James Spader in action thriller "The Blacklist"; and a comedy lineup that includes new series from "Friday Night Lights" and "Parenthood" executive producer Jason Katims, Will Ferrell, Bill Lawrence, Sean P. Hayes, and a return to NBC of one of the biggest TV stars of any generation, Michael J. Fox. "The Voice" and "The Biggest Loser" will both be on the fall schedule when it is announced in New York City on Monday. "The Voice" will retain its Monday-Tuesday schedule beginning September 23 with the return of coaches Cee-Lo Green and Christina Aguilera.. "The Biggest Loser" will return to its longtime home of 8p Tuesday. New alternative series premiering during the 2013-14 season include "The Million Second Quiz" and "American Dream Builders." Also returning to the schedule is "The Sing-Off." "Food Fighters" has been ordered as an unscheduled midseason show. "The Million Second Quiz" is a state-of-the-art, electrifying new live competition where contestants test the limits of their knowledge, endurance and will to win as they battle each other in intense bouts of trivia for 12 consecutive days and nights. Live from a gigantic hourglass shaped structure in the heart of Manhattan, this setting will also serve as the living quarters of the reigning champions - the four players who have remained in the game the longest. The show will be the first fully convergent television experience, where viewers will be able to play along at home in real time and sync to the live primetime broadcast. When the million seconds draw to a close, the champions will battle it out and the ultimate winner could claim an unprecedented cash prize of up to $10 million. Stephen Lambert, Eli Holzman and David A. Hurwitz serve as executive producers. "The Million Second Quiz" is produced by All3 Media America, Studio Lambert and Universal Television. "The Million Second Quiz" drops September 9. "Food Fighters": The table is set for the ultimate culinary clash in this one part cooking competition, one part game show. Host Adam Richman ("Man v. Food") will give homegrown amateur cooks the chance to test their skills against professional chefs. Every down-home cook has that one signature dish or secret family recipe that always gains favor with friends and family. Now, imagine going head to head in the kitchen against five professional chefs, who try to cook your specialty dish even better than you in the hopes of winning over a dinner party made up of the American public. With each savored victory, the cash prize gets bigger and bigger as the home cooks rise to every challenge and outcook the professional chefs. Think you've got what it takes to serve up the competition? Ben Silverman, Tim Puntillo, Chris Grant and Jimmy Fox serve as executive producers. "Food Fighters" is a production of Universal Television and Electus. "American Dream Builders": America's top designers, builders, architects and landscapers go head-to-head each week, putting their talents to the test on extreme home renovations. They'll tackle spaces that are architecturally diverse, resulting in epic transformations with impeccable design. These incredible transformations will be judged by host Nate Berkus and a panel of experts to determine which team achieved the best results. The losing team will then be forced to send one team member home. In the live finale, the two remaining competitors will each design and renovate a home on their own, bringing their unique visions to life. America will then vote and crown one contestant the winner. Finally, the two spectacular homes will be given away to two lucky viewers! Nate Berkus, Craig Plestis and Tom Shelly serve as executive producers. "American Dream Builders" is a production of Universal Television. UPDATE: Donald J. Trump broke the news on his Twitter page this afternoon that "Celebrity Apprentice" will indeed return for another cycle. NBC has yet to comment.
|
 NBC's new season will have "The Voice" and "The Biggest Loser", among others (photo courtesy NBC) |
|
DR. JOYCE BROTHERS: 1927-2013 |
Posted 5/14/13 |
|
Dr. Joyce Brothers, the
former housewife and quiz show contestant who dispensed
advice to millions of Americans as television’s first
psychologist, died Monday in New York. She was 85. Brothers shot to fame in 1955 when she spent seven weeks on the air to win the popular TV game show The $64,000 Question as an expert on boxing (she was the second overall winner and the first woman to win). The petite blonde didn’t know anything about the sport, but husband was a fan and she studied the Encyclopedia of Boxing after the sponsors suggested it as her topic. The victory led Brothers to do color commentary for CBS on a fight between Carmen Basilio and Sugar Ray Robinson. Later, Brothers appeared on a successor program, The $64,000 Challenge, and won that show too. In August 1958, Brothers -- a a licensed psychologist with a master's and Ph.D. who stayed home to take care of her young daughter -- was given her own TV show on a New York station, doling out advice about relationships and answering questions from the audience. The show was soon syndicated nationally. Brothers went on to do syndicated advice shows on TV and radio, had a syndicated column that at its height was printed in more than 300 newspapers and appeared in dozens of TV shows and films. She was one of The Tonight Show’s most frequent guests when Johnny Carson was hosting.
|
 Dr. Joyce Brothers (photo courtesy Zap2it) |
|
Tuesday Lightning Round |
Posted 5/14/13 |
|
|
|
UPFRONTS: Fox |
Posted 5/13/13 |
|
Relatively to the heavily
topsy-turvy schedule announced by NBC on Sunday, FOX's
2013-2014 schedule has large pockets of stability, but
that's what comes from handing over three hours weekly
to reality singing competitions. Of course, it isn't just "The X Factor" and "American Idol" airing two hours on Wednesday and one hour on Thursday into "Glee" that led stability. FOX also will be sticking with half of its Tuesday comedy block, maintaining its Animation Domination block on Sunday and holding onto "The Following" on Mondays at 9 p.m. in the spring. But there are plenty of big moves, highlighted by the latest threatened attempt to send "Bones" to Friday to anchor a notoriously difficult night of FOX programming. FOX has released schedules that sent "Bones" to Fridays in the past only to backtrack, so it remains to see what will come to pass. "This season, we will strategically launch five inventive live-action comedies, four distinctive dramas, our first-ever event series, as well as some innovative new digital initiatives, across the week and throughout the year," blurbs FOX Entertainment Chairman Kevin Reilly. "We’re making the biggest investment in original programming in our history to ensure that FOX continues to engage viewers and move the culture more than any other entertainment brand." At the start of the fall, FOX will air "Junior MasterChef" and "Sleepy Hollow" encores on Fridays, but a big shift will come in late fall when "Bones" moves to 8 p.m. on Friday and "Raising Hope" and the new comedy "Enlisted" will test the waters. Gordon Ramsay's other competitions -- "Hell's Kitchen" and "MasterChef" -- are being saved for later. Meanwhile, Fox broke its silence on the worrisome performance of former reality titan American Idol and reports that the network is planning to reboot the entire show — including dumping its judges panel. Longtime Idol judge Randy Jackson quit last week after hearing the news, which still leaves Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj up for possible elimination. “More so than any one factor is the age of the show right now, but [also] maybe the format this year,” Reilly said. “We expanded some of the middle rounds we did a boy-girl thing that went over three weeks — that’s really where the ratings took their biggest hit. The only thing I will confirm is next year, without getting into any specifics, our next season begins on the Friday morning after our [Idol] finale — that’s when we’re really going to get to work in earnest.” Despite partly blaming the show’s ratings decline on format tweaks, Reilly pledged there will be more format tweaks next year for lucky season 13: “The format will have a few fresh twists, that we’ve already identified, that will be a nice little jolt for next season.” Pressed on whether the remaining three judges will be “welcome” to return, Reilly said, “Welcome back? Absolutely. But everything at this point is on the table.” And asked if the show will return to a three-judge panel, instead of four, Reilly replied, “Likely.” Reilly added: “We can only confirm that one judge is not coming back, obviously in Randy. It was not a complete a shock. We’ve talked to Randy, we felt like it was time to move [on], we didn’t know the exact timing of it. He’s been a great partner for 12 years and there’s not an ounce of ill-will there.”
|
 Gordon Ramsay and singing competitions will return to Fox in the fall (photo courtesy Fox) |
|
UPFRONTS: Telemundo |
Posted 5/13/13 |
|
Ryan Seacrest will produce a
new music series for the Spanish-speaking Telemundo
network that will feature two established artists
competing against each other for the audience's vote. The format for "Superstar Showdown" has been successful in other countries. Emilio Romano, president of Telemundo Media, said he's hoping the "American Idol" host will use his connections and leverage to attract talent. The network hasn't publicly set a start date for the series. Telemundo announced several of its programming plans for next season on Sunday. The network usually gets less than half of the audience of the dominant Univision, but has become more aggressive with the backing of corporate parent NBC Universal. Telemundo had its highest ratings ever during the first three months of 2013. "We've been the underdog for so many years and we've been given the mission to fight and fight hard," Romano said. Telemundo will air five new telenovelas next season. The prime-time soap operas, stuffed with melodrama and romance, are generally the programming backbone for Spanish-speaking networks. One new series, "Camelia la Tejana," is based on a popular song and features a young woman trying to escape from one of Mexico's most powerful drug lords. Romano said he hopes Telemundo can distinguish itself from its competition by creating telenovelas specifically with the U.S. market in mind, instead of remaking series that originated in other countries. He hopes they will speak more to an American audience concerned about immigration issues and nostalgic for the countries they left behind. One example he gave was last year's remake of the movie "Maid in Manhattan." Telemundo also announced the creation of a Los Angeles-based production studio, Fluency, that will produce content for Latinos in the U.S in both Spanish and English. Telemundo is expanding its sports coverage. The weekly show, "Titulares y Mas," will begin airing all weeknights at 11:35 p.m. The network will also start a daytime game show that pits youngsters against adults. “Entre Grandes Y Chicos” (WT) is a brand new game show in which adults compete against kids in wacky role-reversal games to see what it’s like from each other’s perspectives. The show also includes light-hearted banter to spark conversation between kids and adults on a variety of topics, all in the spirit of understanding each other better. Humor and good-natured fun for the whole family are the name of the game on “Entre Grandes y Chicos!” |
 Telemundo to add on a talent show and a game show this fall (photo courtesy Telemundo) |
|
Weekend: Maybe Donald
Should Just Host... |
Posted 5/13/13 |
|
On the same day that Donald
Trump took to Twitter to announce that "Celebrity
Apprentice" had been picked up for another season on
NBC, as previously reported, the show's Sunday night
broadcast sank to a season low in the key 18-49 demo,
based on Nielsen overnights. TVbytheNumbers.com reports that Sunday's two-hour "Apprentice" managed only a 1.3 average in viewers 18-49, losing two-tenths of a ratings point from a week ago. NBC opened prime time with a two-hour repeat of "The Voice," which pulled in a 1.0. Trump announced Sunday on Twitter that "Celebrity Apprentice" had received a renewal -- even though the program did not appear in the fall schedule unveiled by NBC. The night's top show on broadcast was CBS's two-hour "Survivor: Caramoan," which came through with a 2.6 in the 18-49 demo. Significant adjustments are anticipated because of the show's overrun. "Survivor Reunion" followed the telecast, delivering a 2.2. CBS's "60 Minutes" at 7 p.m. scored a 1.5, improving three-tenths from last week's season low to help CBS win the night. Second-place ABC got a 2.2 average in adults 18-49 for "Once Upon a Time," matching last week's number. The two-hour finale of "Revenge" came in two-tenths below last week, settling for a 1.6. "America's Funniest Home Videos" slipped one-tenth to a 1.4. Fox was paced by "Family Guy" with a 2.4 average in 18-49, up from a 2.2 a week ago. "The Simpsons" equaled last week's 1.9, while "American Dad" also had a 1.9, a decline of four-tenths from its previous original. "Bob's Burgers" slipped one-tenth to a 1.6, and back-to-back episodes of "The Cleveland Show" settled for a 0.8 and a 1.0. For prime time overall, CBS led the way in the 18-49 demo with a 2.2 average rating, followed by ABC (1.7 average), Fox (1.6) and NBC (1.1). CBS won total viewers with 9.6 million to ABC's 6.4 million, NBC's 4.0 million and Fox's 3.4 million. |
|
|
Super Hero Time Starts
... Here |
Posted 5/13/13 |
|
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
makes this summer epic for a diverse group of nine
individuals as TNT announces the contestants that will
face extraordinary situations testing strength, courage
and integrity in its new unscripted competition series
The Hero airing Thursdays at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), beginning
June 6. A complete list of the first season's
competitors is included below. The Hero, headlined by Johnson, will bring nine people together tackling extraordinary feats in an unexpected and dramatic setting. Each week, the contestants will be tested physically, mentally, and morally, as they try to prove that they truly deserve the title of "The Hero" and the life-changing chance of winning up to a million dollars in prize money. With temptations around every corner, America will watch to see what the contestants are willing to overcome, undergo, and sacrifice on behalf of themselves and others. In the end, it's America's call on who will be "The Hero." The Hero is executive-produced by Electus (Ben Silverman, Chris Grant and Jimmy Fox); 5x5 Media (part of the Electus studio system led by Craig Armstrong and Rick Ringbakk); Charles Wachter; Dwayne Johnson; and Dany Garcia. The series was created by Armstrong and Ringbakk of the Emmy(R)-winning 5x5 Media (Survivor, Fashion Star, TBS's King of the Nerds), along with Wachter (Fashion Star, Food Revolution) and Electus' Silverman (Fashion Star, The Biggest Loser, The Office). Electus International, Electus' global distribution arm, is handling all international distribution for The Hero. |
|
|
"Let's Make a Deal"
Heads to a Casino Near You |
Posted 5/13/13 |
|
Crazy costumes, deals,
zonks and more are waiting for your players behind
curtain No. 3 in Let’s Make A Deal™, the hilarious and
fun new Class III video slot from Aristocrat
Technologies! Let’s Make A Deal is one of the most
popular daytime TV game shows, and now it’s playing now
in the Vii™ Widescreen Slant, with Wayne Brady as host. The game creates big winners with an MSP $250,000 top award along with an SSP option with a $7,500 top award. Let’s Make A Deal has a five level progressive and is feature rich with two base game features and eight bonus features, including three different free games features and the Big Deal Jackpot Wheel feature. The game has an innovative Modular Video Platform package that lets you configure banks with anywhere from two to eight machines. The game also comes with Aristocrat’s iChair surround sound chair with rumble, complete with an art panel on the back for additional branding. Let’s Make A Deal is a 30 line + 20 credit ante bet game. MSP is configured for 1c; SSP is configured at 1c, 2c and 5c. Volatility is above average. |
|
|
A Million Seconds for
the World |
Posted 5/13/13 |
|
All3Media’s distribution
division will sell the hotly-anticipated The Million
Second Quiz show and format internationally. The interactive quiz is being made for US network NBC by All3Media America and All3Media-backed Studio Lambert. NBC commissioned the show last month. Billed as a “state-of-the-art, electrifying new live competition where contestants test the limits of their knowledge, endurance and will to win as they battle each other in intense bouts of trivia for twelve consecutive days and nights” inside a giant hourglass in Manhattan. Four contestants will live in the hourglass, taking only strategic breaks to eat and sleep, while rivals challenge them in trivia trials. The ultimate winner at the end of the series, which will total a million seconds, could win a prize of up to US$10 million. All3Media International will launch the show at MIPCOM in October. “This is a highly original and ambitious new format and it takes the concept of a mass participation event quiz to a whole new level,” said All3Media managing director Louise Pedersen. |
|
|
Meet Desiree's
Bachelors |
Posted 5/13/13 |
|
ABC has announced the 25
bachelors who will vie for Desiree Hartsock's heart on
the upcoming season of "The Bachelorette," premiering
Monday, May 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. The guys include a federal prosecutor, a former pro soccer player who his a single dad, a Southern gentleman who is also a single dad, a financial adviser and a Cuban Casanova. |
|
|
Monday Lightning Round |
Posted 5/13/13 |
|
|
|
TNT an "Inside Job" |
Posted 5/10/13 |
| TNT has given a green light to six episodes of Inside Job, an unscripted series that puts executive job candidates through a unique screening process that includes being spied upon by a company insider in order to find the most suitable exec. The series is from All3Media America/Studio Lambert (Undercover Boss, The Million Second Quiz), with creator Stephen Lambert and Eli Holzman executive producing. TNT plans to launch the series in 2014. Each week on Inside Job, a company will invite four qualified job candidates to compete for a six-figure position. For a week, they’ll live together, work together and play together as part of the interview and hiring process. What the candidates don’t know is that one of their fellow candidates is already a management executive at the company watching their every move. | |
|
Friday: Falling "Star" |
Posted 5/10/13 |
|
ABC (5.106 million viewers,
#2; adults 18-49: 1.4, #1) was the top demo draw on
Friday thanks to its mix of a "Shark Tank" (3.388
million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.7, #9) followed by
originals from "Shark Tank" (6.077 million viewers, #4;
adults 18-49: 1.8, #1) and "20/20" (5.853 million
viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.7, #2). CBS (7.962 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.2, #2) then remained the most-watched network with a new "Undercover Boss" (6.926 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.6, #3) alongside the season finales of "Vegas" (7.060 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.9, #8) and "Blue Bloods" (9.902 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T5). Next up was NBC (3.920 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T3) with the season finale of "Fashion Star" (2.459 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.5, #11) plus newsmagazines "Dateline NBC" (4.524 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T5) and "Rock Center With Brian Williams" (4.778 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.2, #4). Sharing the bronze was FOX (2.917 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T3) and its season finales of "Kitchen Nightmares" (3.326 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T5) and "Touch" (2.508 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.6, #10). |
|
|
Thursday: And Then
There Were Two... |
Posted 5/10/13 |
|
CBS (12.094 million viewers,
#1; adults 18-49: 2.7, #1) pulled into the top spot on
Thursday with its mix of "The Big Bang Theory" (15.696
million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 4.6, #1), the season
finales of "Two and a Half Men" (12.618 million viewers,
#3; adults 18-49: 3.4, #2) and "Person of Interest"
(12.979 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.4, #6) plus
a new "Elementary" (9.148 million viewers, #5; adults
18-49: 1.8, #10). FOX (8.641 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.4, #T2) then had to settle for second place with a new "American Idol" (11.199 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 2.8, #5) and the season finale of "Glee" (6.083 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 2.1, #9). Next up was ABC (7.270 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.4, #T2) with the return of "Wipeout" (4.325 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.2, #12) and the penultimate weeks of "Grey's Anatomy" (8.599 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 2.9, #4) and "Scandal" (8.887 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 3.2, #3). Meanwhile, NBC (3.279 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.5, #4) offered up the season finale of "Community" (3.141 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 1.3, #11) followed by a repeat of "The Office" (2.399 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T13), a new "The Office" (4.326 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 2.2, #8), a second "The Office" (4.490 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 2.3, #7) and "Hannibal" (2.660 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T13). |
|
|
Beignets or We Riot |
Posted 5/10/13 |
|
It was only a matter of
time. Now that New Orleans cooking’s veritable mascot
Emeril Lagasse has been a regular judge on popular Bravo
cooking reality series Top Chef for two seasons, it’s no
surprise that the show will head to his adopted hometown
for its 11th round. Lagasse, who owns three New Orleans
restaurants, brought Cajun cooking into the mainstream
with his shows on the Food Network, his best-selling
cookbooks, and appearances on Good Morning America.
Season 10 of Top Chef wrapped in February and was set in
Seattle. Previous iterations of the show have featured
San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New York,
Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., and various locations in
Texas during season 9. Here’s the full statement from Bravo: Bravo Media’s Top Chef, in partnership with the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation and the Louisiana Office of Tourism, are pleased to announce that the new season of the Emmy and James Beard Award-winning show will take place in New Orleans. The vibrant food scene of New Orleans will be a welcome addition in the 11th season of the series. Head judge Tom Colicchio and various guest judges on the show are hardly strangers to New Orleans, either – Colicchio and frequent guest judge Anthony Bourdain have both appeared on HBO’s Treme and New Orleans chef John Besh was featured on Top Chef: Masters and was a guest judge in the season 5 finale of Top Chef, which was also set in New Orleans. No premiere date has yet been set for the new season. |
|
|
Happy Friday Lightning Round |
Posted 5/10/13 |
|
|
|
The Countdown to Alex's
Final Jeopardy! Begins At The Smithsonian... |
Posted 5/9/13 |
|
Jeopardy! 's Alex Trebek,
who has been hosting the top-rated quiz show since 1984,
has confirmed to TV Guide that he does not expect to
continue with the show beyond 2016. "I suspect this
might be my last contract," says the multiple Daytime
Emmy winner. "I'm not going to go on forever. My
contract expires in 2016. There is a time for all things
and my time may be coming." On May 9, Trebek appeared in Washington D.C., alongside All My Children veteran Susan Lucci, to donate several Jeopardy! collectibles to a new Smithsonian exhibit dedicated to daytime television. "We have turned up the very first Jeopardy! script with my personal notations on it," he says. "We have dug up a category card from the original Jeopardy!, and I also have in my hot hands an original flip-top with the Jeopardy! logo that sat on top of the lecterns for 'Final Jeopardy' that Art Fleming [host from 1964-75] would flip over to reveal the amount of the contestants' wagers." Trebek is still trying to locate a pair of large dice he played with while hosting the game show High Rollers from 1974-80, as well as one of the rebus visual clue puzzles from his 1988-91 stint on Classic Concentration. While he's holding on to his five Daytime Emmy Awards, Trebek is considering donating his 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award. "I have to give it a little more thought and get some more information about the museum's display plans," he says. (In other words: he understandably doesn't want it sitting in storage collecting dust.) Trebek, 72, doesn't watch much daytime television but is proud of the medium's cultural contributions. "I think game shows were the beginning and best of reality television," he says. "With the exception of The Gong Show, we didn't embarrass people. And some great actors came out of daytime TV." After he reads his final question in 2016, Trebek would like to take an oil-drilling course he's become intrigued by and continue his charity work. "I also wouldn't mind hosting a once-a-week type show like what Charlie Rose does. And I'd like the Pope to be my first guest." His first question for the pontiff: "Why has the Church been screwing up so much?" As for his own final Jeopardy!, Trebek doesn't want a big to-do on his last day. Instead, he'd like "to just say 'sayonara.'" Addressing rumors that Anderson Cooper or Matt Lauer might slip behind his podium when he steps down, Trebek says, "Any of them could do it. It's just a question of whether they would want to and enjoy it. Both men are a lot younger than I am and it's a pretty static format, even though the guests and clues change, which keeps it exciting. If Matt Lauer would come over to Jeopardy!, I'd be happy to take over his job on Today."
|
|
|
Wednesday: Next Level
Three Way Maneuver |
Posted 5/9/13 |
|
FOX (10.827 million viewers,
#1; adults 18-49: 2.8, #1) was still the network to beat
on Wednesday with a new two-hour "American Idol" (10.827
million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.8, #2). In the
8:00/7:00c hour, "The Voice" (2.7) however edged out
"Idol" (2.5) in adults 18-49. CBS (9.662 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.4, #2) then claimed the silver with the penultimate "Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites" (9.330 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 2.5, #T4) followed by new episodes of "Criminal Minds" (9.923 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.5, #T4) and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (9.733 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.2, #6). Next up was NBC (7.529 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.1, #3) with a special "The Voice" (8.733 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 2.7, #3) alongside originals from "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (6.965 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.9, #8) and "Chicago Fire" (6.890 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 1.8, #T9). Meanwhile, ABC (6.132 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.9, #4) served up its lineup of "The Middle" (6.699 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.8, #T9), "Family Tools" (4.432 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 1.1, #12), "Modern Family" (8.843 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 3.1, #1), "How to Live with Your Parents (for the Rest of Your Life)" (5.987 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 2.0, #7) and "Nashville" (5.416 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.6, #11). |
|
|
And Speaking of... |
Posted 5/9/13 |
|
NBC’s The Voice had a voting
snafu this week and the show addressed the issue on the
air Wednesday night. Fans trying to vote online and via text message had difficulty casting their votes via the show’s well-established vote-tallying company, Telescope. The network says the issues would not have resulted in a different outcome in terms of which contestants are eliminated. Voice host Carson Daly opened tonight’s live show by bringing up the voting issue and introducing Telescope CEO Jason George. “Tonight we’d like to be completely upfront with you,” Daly said. “We noticed some inconsistencies with this week’s texting and online voting.” Telescope also manages the voting for shows like Fox’s American Idol and The X Factor. “Our system caught an inconsistency in a portion of this week’s voting data,” George said in a statement. “For fairness, those votes have been removed from Monday and Tuesday’s results, but we want to assure fans and artists alike that this in no way affected the outcome for any team.” NBC added in a statement: “On this week’s episodes of The Voice, we encountered issues with the systems used for online and SMS voting. We are addressing both issues, and in an abundance of caution are not counting the votes that may have been affected. Telescope, the independent company that administers voting for the show, has certified that removing those votes does not affect the outcome for any team.” |
|
|
Gamers vs. Cancer |
Posted 5/9/13 |
|
In the U.S. alone, 1
in every 8 women will develop breast cancer during their
lifetime. In an effort to raise much-needed funds to
achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer, GSN
Digital, through its partnership with The Breast Cancer
Research Foundation® (BCRF), is giving game lovers the
opportunity to give back in a fun, interactive way. Players can participate in GSN's Oodles for Breast Cancer Awareness program by playing their favorite casual games like GSN ChaChingo Bingo, Wheel of Fortune® and Bejeweled 2, as well as answering daily trivia questions. Players earn GSN's virtual currency, Oodles, traditionally redeemable for gift cards and prizes, which can be donated in $5 or $10 dollar increments to help support BCRF year-round. To date, GSN has raised over $950,000 for breast cancer charities. To join the fight against breast cancer by participating in GSN's Oodles for Breast Cancer Awareness program for BCRF, please visit www.gsn.com/bcrf and click on the More Info button under Oodles for Breast Cancer. "Year after year, our players have rallied around our charitable programs, raising close to $1 million for breast cancer charities in the process," said Peter Blacklow, executive vice president of GSN Digital. "For the tenth consecutive year, GSN is committed to raising much needed funding to increase awareness and help find a cure for breast cancer." |
|
|
Swaziland Launches
"Game Show" |
Posted 5/9/13 |
|
Songbird Lando Dlamini has
been selected as one of the presenters of the new MTN
Game Show to be screened on Swazi TV. Lando is expected to co-host the show which its first episode is expected to be screened next Wednesday with Fikeveni Dlamini. The two presenters were unveiled on Tuesday morning during the launch of the game show held at the Swaziland Theatre Club. The two were picked from a number of potential presenters. They are expected to present the show for the next 13 weeks. Cynthia Simelane, MTN Manager Consumer Marketing, said auditions were held and during those auditions, the two outclassed the rest of the aspiring presenters. “There were a lot of people who were interested but these two did exceptionally well during the auditions,” she said. Both contestants showed their ability during the launch as they showed those who attended how they would present the show. A pre-recorded clip of the show was shown and this was specifically for the public to understand how the game would be played. During the launch, Simelane revealed that for the artists to take part in the game show, the public is expected to vote for them. |
|
|
Tuesday: This Is The
Way the Splash Ends... |
Posted 5/9/13 |
|
NBC (9.436 million viewers,
#2; adults 18-49: 3.0, #1) was of course the network to
beat with a special two-hour "The Voice" (11.149 million
viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 3.6, #1) and a new "Grimm"
(6.009 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.9, #T5). CBS (12.380 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.2, #2) nevertheless was the top overall draw with its mix of "NCIS" (16.992 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.9, #2), "NCIS: Los Angeles" (13.023 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.4, #3) and "Golden Boy" (7.125 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.2, #10). Next up was FOX (4.006 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.8, #3) with originals from "Hell's Kitchen" (4.674 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 1.9, #T5), "New Girl" (3.965 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 2.1, #4) and "The Mindy Project" (2.710 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.3, #9). Meanwhile, ABC (7.666 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.3, #4) offered up the season finale of "Splash" (4.355 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.0, #11 -- last of the big four) alongside new episodes of "Dancing with the Stars" (10.505 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.7, #7) and "Body of Proof" (8.138 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.4, #8). Over on cable, "Chopped" continues to serve, with 1.662 million for Food Network.
|
|
|
A Winner's Spotlight |
Posted 5/8/13 |
|
NBC will give its new summer
entry "The Winner Is" a special two-week preview after
"The Voice" next month. The Peacock has booked installments of the Nick Lachey-hosted series - which "infuses the performance of a singing competition show and the strategy of a game show" - on Monday, June 10 and June 17 at 10:00/9:00c. Said dates mark the final two Monday airings of "The Voice" this season. "The Winner Is" will then officially roll out on Thursday, July 11 at 9:00/8:00c as previously announced. |
|
|
ABC's Mystery |
Posted 5/8/13 |
|
What do a former NFL
cheerleader, a bounty hunter, a nurse and a flight
attendant all have in common? They're all putting their
investigative skills to the test along with nine other
guests in the new murder mystery competition, "Whodunnit?,"
premiering SUNDAY, JUNE 23 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the
ABC Television Network. "Whodunnit?" is an interactive series that puts 13 amateur slueths' investigative skills to the test in a riveting mystery reality competition. Players will use a variety of crime scene investigation techniques to meticulously uncover evidence in a series of puzzling murders and to ultimately reveal who among them is the killer. Some players will form alliances in the competition, while others will choose to go it alone in their quest for the grand prize of $250,000. The contestants will be guests on a glamorous estate called Rue Manor with a steward, Butler Giles (Gildart Jackson), and each week must solve a new crime in order to advance in the game. Failure to solve the crime will lead to a player's demise, until only three are left. In the final episode, one player will unmask the killer and take home the $250,000 prize. British actor Gildart Jackson hosts "Whodunnit?," playing Rue Manor's resident steward, Butler Giles. Jackson has appeared in various television series, including "Charmed" (Gideon) and ABC's "General Hospital" (Simon Prentiss.) He recently starred in the critically acclaimed feature film "YOU," opposite Brenda Strong and Allison Mach, directed by his wife, Melora Hardin (NBC's "The Office.") |
|
|
JEANNE
COOPER: 1928-2013 |
Posted 5/8/13 |
|
Jeanne Cooper, who played
matriarch Katherine Chancellor on CBS’ hit soap The
Young and the Restless, has died. She was 84. Cooper, who has starred in the daytime series since its first year in 1973, had been in and out of a Los Angeles hospital recently due to an undisclosed illness. Her actor/son Corbin Bernsen had been informing fans of her condition via Facebook, where he confirmed her death today. “My mother passed away this morning just a short time ago, peaceful with my sister by her side, in her sleep. I was going to visit this afternoon, thought I had time. Reminder to self – time is a precious thing. I too am at peace however. I said my goodbyes several times over during the last few weeks. “I’ll go one last time now for a gentle kiss a final farewell for this lifetime,” he continued. “She has been a blaze her entire life, that beacon, that boxer I spoke of earlier. She went the full twelve rounds and by unanimous decision… won! And while her light finally gave into the wind that gives flight to all our journeys, there will always be a glimmer left behind by what she stood for. I will speak about that more in coming days, months I suppose. I will certainly dedicate what remains of my life to continue her purpose of honesty, equality, humility, empathy and love.” “Jeanne Cooper will be remembered as a daytime television legend and as a friend who will truly be missed by all of us here at the Network,” said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment, in a statement. “She was the longest-running cast member on daytime’s No. 1 show, bringing indelible charm, class and talent to every episode. On behalf of everyone at CBS, we send our condolences to Jeanne’s family, as well as the legions of fans she has amassed during her record 39 years on The Young and The Restless, and throughout her career.” President Steve Mosko of Sony Pictures TV, which produces the soap for CBS, also released this statement: “Jeanne Cooper was a legend in daytime and a beloved member of our Y&R family. She touched the lives of millions, who watched her every day over the past 40 years. We send our sincerest condolences to her family as we also celebrate her wonderful life.” Aside from her role on Y&R, she also participated on a couple of celebrity-themed strands of "Family Feud" twice in the CBS era: once in 1989 and again in 1991, when her and four of her castmates went up against a team from "The Price Is Right". Jason Huhn contributed to this report. |
 Jeanne Cooper (photo courtesy TV Line) |
|
Australia Gets a Rose |
Posted 5/8/13 |
|
CHANNEL 10 has started its
search for a little ratings love after commissioning an
Australian version of the international dating series
The Bachelor. In a positive sign the embattled network is not averse to prime-time punts like this one, producers have begun casting the net widely for the country's most eligible man who will then court 25 single ladies - in the hope of wooing one down the aisle. While local audiences are familiar with the US series, which airs on Nine's digital channel Go!, the new Shine production is the first time the series has been made in Australia. It comes as the US series, now in its 18th season, pulled record ratings for its broadcaster ABC (America), with the 'final rose' episode watched by more than 10.8 million viewers. Ten's programming boss Beverley McGarvey said the network was poised to announce a number of new shows ("a mix of shiny floor and drama'') in the coming weeks and would continue to take risks on big brand programming despite a run of disappointments. "Our audience responds well to new shows and it's important to find that balance between new franchises and the programs we have returning like Offspring and MasterChef that work so well for us. The Bachelor is part drama, part soap opera.'' |
|
|
Catch an App |
Posted 5/8/13 |
|
A Cardiff-based interactive
entertainment firm has developed new apps for the
popular ITV quiz show Catchphrase. As part of its new business strategy Cube Interactive is investing heavily in securing the rights to develop free and revenue generating add-on apps for download for popular programmes such as Catchphrase. Founder of Cube, Wil Stephens, said it would look to secure six new licence agreements for other programme-related apps this year. |
|
|
Wednesday Lightning Round |
Posted 5/8/13 |
|
|
|
Syndies: Back to What
Passes For Normal |
Posted 5/7/13 |
|
With the Boston bombings
behind them and May sweeps in front of them, syndies
bounced back in the week ending April 28, with almost
every talk and court show up for the week. The May
sweeps runs from April 25 through May 22. CTD's Wheel of Fortune held steady at a 6.5, after four straight weeks of declines. CTD's Jeopardy! rebounded 4% from the prior week to a 5.9. Debmar-Mercury's Family Feud finished up 7% at a 4.6. Disney-ABC's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire earned a 14% dividend, landing at a 2.4, while NBCU's rookie Baggage checked in with a 1.1, flat for the week. In the metered markets, Warner Bros.' new interactive game, Let's Ask America, averaged a steady 1.7 rating/4 share in households and grew 25% among women 25-54 to a 1.0/4. |
|
|
Let's Ask A-MAY-Rica |
Posted 5/7/13 |
|
As families gather across
the nation gather for Mother’s Day, “Let’s Ask America"
features a “Mother’s Day” episode, with four mothers
Skyping in from their homes with their children on
Friday, May 10th. Port Richey, FL Customer Relations
Manager Lori-Ann Lynde and her twin boys Herb and John,
Los Angeles, CA Stay-at-Home Mom L-Marie Smith Reynolds
and her daughter Ayani, Wellington, FL Tile Contractor
Naomi Mucha and her son Dan, and Phoenix, AZ Restaurant
Manager Robin Geraci and her daughter Maddie compete for
the ultimate Mother’s Day present of up to $50K in
“Let’s Ask America: Mother’s Day.” That next week, "LAA" is giving former contestants whose winning personalities couldn’t save them from elimination a second chance at winning up to $50K! Beginning Monday, May 13th through Friday, May 17th, these returning “Let’s Ask America” contestants are given one more chance to take home the money that they didn’t get their first time around. On Monday, May 13th “Let’s Ask America” alumni Mike Zacharda (Bel Air, MD), Jeannie Dunning (Trinity, FL), Rita Kurtz (Scottsdale, AZ) and Lou Cirino (Mayfield Heights, OH) compete for the chance to win up to $50,000. On Tuesday, May 14th Jason Coviello (Denver, CO), Mariah Eller (Broken Arrow, OK), Sarah Riley (Kansas City, MO) and Glen Eason (Mesa, AZ) play the game. On Wednesday, May 15th Alexander Nathan (Sarasota, FL), Denise Harris (Plainfield, IN), Stephanie Dickman (Phoenix, AZ) and Dan Kirkman (San Diego, CA) try to correctly predict what America is thinking. On Thursday, May 16th Maria Rizzotto (Seminole, FL), Dan Leach (Farmington Hills, MI), Zach Hall (Scottsdale, AZ) and Sarah Morley (Denver, CO) compete against one another. And on Friday, May 17th, Mary Ellen Kastrinakis (Boynton Beach, FL), Sasha Hunter (Chandler, AZ), Danny Zaslavsky (Kansas City, MO) and Ashlee Mundy (Greenwood, IN) take one more shot at winning up to $50,000 cash. |
|
|
Monday: Four Mondays,
Four Spinning Chairs |
Posted 5/7/13 |
|
NBC (10.038 million viewers,
#2; adults 18-49: 3.3, #1) was the top demo draw on
Monday with its combination of "The Voice" (11.885
million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 3.9, #1) and
"Revolution" (6.345 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49:
2.1, #T5). CBS (7.501 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.2, #2) then claimed the silver with its lineup of "How I Met Your Mother" (6.936 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 2.6, #T2), "Rules of Engagement" (6.647 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 2.1, #T5), "2 Broke Girls" (7.883 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 2.6, #T2), "Mike & Molly" (7.903 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 2.2, #4) and "Hawaii Five-0" (7.818 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.9, #T8). Next up was ABC (12.220 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.0, #3) with new episodes of "Dancing with the Stars" (12.920 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.9, #T8) and "Castle" (10.820 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.0, #7). Meanwhile, FOX (2.091 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.7, #4) was out of the hunt with its special "Rihanna 777" (1.730 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.8, #10) and a reepat of "Bones" (2.452 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.6, #11). And finally, a new "Oh Sit!" (0.898 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.3, #T12) and the penultimate week of "90210" (0.613 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.3, #T12) on The CW (0.755 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.3, #5) closed out the night. |
|
|
Who Will Be HGTV Star? |
Posted 5/7/13 |
|
This summer HGTV reveals a
new opportunity for an undiscovered design virtuoso to
win his or her own show on the network in HGTV Star, a
new twist on HGTV's classic design competition, Design
Star. Premiering on Sunday, June 9, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, the
seven-episode series features 10 creative finalists who
must tackle unexpected design challenges assigned by
host and mentor David Bromstad and impress the panel of
design experts, including network stars Genevieve Gorder,
Vern Yip and series newcomer Sabrina Soto. In addition,
special guests including Susan Feldman, co-founder of
shopping web site One King's Lane; Sara Peterson
editor-in-chief of HGTV Magazine; and HGTV's Property
Brothers Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott, appear in
designated episodes this season to raise the stakes in
this winner-takes-all competition. The 10 competitors, whose expertise ranges from interior design, architecture and home staging, must execute ingenious designs and display their star quality on-camera to avoid elimination. The HGTV Star finalists include: Brooks Atwood, Brooklyn N.Y.; Tiffany Brooks, Antioch, Ill.; Tylor Devereaux; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Boris Eckey, Los Angeles, Calif.; Tobin Green, Tampa, Fla.; Crisermy Mercado, Miami, Fla.; Jessie Miller, St. Louis, Mo.; Jeribai Tascoe, Sonora, Calif.; Anne Rue, Lake Mary, Fla.; Abbey Vasek, Wimberley, Texas. "Our design competition series are top performers for us - our audiences love the thrill of watching talented and creative people battle it out for their own show on HGTV," said Kathleen Finch, general manager, HGTV. "We hope the refreshed format, new title and the addition of designer Sabrina Soto offers fans an exciting destination for Sunday night television." Shot on location in Los Angeles, this season's finalists also compete to win the chance to design an item to be reproduced and sold on OneKingsLane.com and to be featured in HGTV Magazine for the top living room transformation. In addition, with guidance and advice from Bromstad, the finalists test their on-camera skills with an appearance on CBS's national daytime show The Talk where they demonstrate their top tips for a room design with hosts Julie Chen and Aisha Tyler. |
|
|
Weekend: Going the
Distance |
Posted 5/7/13 |
|
Three days of ratings to
recap, so let's not waste time. FRIDAY: Jumping over its lead-in (+143%), ABC’s Shark Tank dominated the 9 o’clock hour in Adults 18-49, outperforming NBC’s Dateline by 42%, CBS’ Vegas by 89% and Fox’s Touch by 183%. The ABC unscripted show was Friday’s top-rated TV series in Adults 18-49 for the 6th time in its last 7 first-run airings. SATURDAY: ABC (2.754 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T3) sprung a leak with a new "Bet on Your Baby" (2.264 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.4, #T11) alongside repeats of "20/20 Saturday" (2.571 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T8) and a second "20/20 Saturday" (3.427 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T3). SUNDAY: CBS (9.393 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.9, #2) claimed the silver with its mix of "60 Minutes" (10.504 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.2, #13), the two-hour season finale of "The Amazing Race" (8.949 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.3, #T1). Comparatively, a rebroadcast of "The Voice" (3.312 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T14) and a new "The Celebrity Apprentice" (4.716 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 1.4, #12) closed out the evening on NBC. Elsewhere, the premiere of Telemundo's "La Voz Kids" ranked as the #1 reality show premiere in Telemundo’ s history averaging 1,695,000 total viewers, +74% vs. season-to-date in the time period, and 873,000 adults 18-49, +60% vs. season-to-date in the time period, according to Nielsen. Hosted by TV personality Daisy Fuentes and entertainment host Jorge Bernal, and featuring expert celebrity music coaches Paulina Rubio, Prince Royce and Roberto Tapia, the premiere of “La Voz Kids” reached a cumulative audience of 3,560,000 total viewers and 1,835,000 adults 18-49. On Food Network, the flow went thusly... - Cupcake Wars (8:00) - 1.154 million viewers, #19; 0.452 million adults 18-49 (0.4 rating), #19 - Chopped All-Stars (finale) (9:00) - 2.250 million viewers, #9; 0.866 million adults 18-49 (0.7 rating), #7 - Iron Chef America (tournament of champions) (10:00) - 1.784 million viewers, #11; 0.713 million adults 18-49 (0.6 rating), #14
|
|
|
Tuesday Lightning Round |
Posted 5/7/13 |
|
|
|
Denmark Finds an "Exit" |
Posted 5/6/13 |
|
Mastiff in Denmark has taken
on the rights to the Japanese game show Exit in a deal
with Eccho Rights. Exit originated in Japan, where it was produced by Kenichiro Akiyama. It ran there for three seasons on NTV. Echho Rights has sold the format to Germany, France, Russia and Sweden. A U.S. version of the show was produced by Smart Dog Media in association with Zig Zag Productions. The American adaptation will air on Syfy channel starting June 4. Exit is a game show that sees teams of contestants face room-escape challenges in three stages. Each stage takes place in a locked room that is filled with mind-bending and physically challenging traps. The teams must answer quizzes and puzzles to escape the room before time runs out. Mia Engström, the director of sales and acquisitions at Eccho Rights, commented, “Japanese game shows provide solid family entertainment and Exit is no different. It’s a mixture of challenge, suspense and excitement. We can’t wait to see how Mastiff Denmark takes the format forwards.” |
|
|
Monday Lightning Round |
Posted 5/6/13 |
|
|
|
Happy Friday Lightspeed Round |
Posted 5/3/13 |
|
|
|
Wednesday: Doing No
Favors |
Posted 5/2/13 |
|
FOX (11.075 million viewers,
#1; adults 18-49: 2.8, #1) was still the network to beat
on Wednesday with another two-hour "American Idol"
(11.075 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.8, #2). The silver then went to CBS (9.447 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.2, #2) with originals from "Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites" (9.065 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 2.3, #T3), "Criminal Minds" (9.966 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.3, #T3) and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (9.310 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.8, #7). Next up was ABC (6.570 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.1, #3) with a new "The Middle" (7.274 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 2.0, #6), the debut of "Family Tools" (5.766 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.5, #T11) and fresh installments from "Modern Family" (9.535 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 3.5, #1), "How to Live with Your Parents (for the Rest of Your Life)" (6.248 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 2.2, #T3) and "Nashville" (5.299 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 1.7, #T8). Meanwhile, NBC (5.881 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.6, #4) offered up a special "The Voice" (5.574 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.6, #10) followed by new episodes of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (5.718 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 1.5, #T11) and "Chicago Fire" (6.351 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.7, #T8). On cable, the premiere of "The Big Brain Theory: Pure Genius" scored 749,000 brains for Discovery at 10p. Retention for the show out of the 10th anniversary season premiere of "Mythbusters" was roughly half. "Best Ink" tattooed 356,000 for Oxygen at the same time. |
|
|
Daytime Emmy
Nominations Released |
Posted 5/2/13 |
|
The National Academy of
Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the
nominees for the 40th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy®
Awards. The Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Awards recognize outstanding achievement in all fields of daytime television production and are presented to individuals and programs broadcast from 2:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. during the 2012 calendar year. This year’s gala will return to the prestigious Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA and be telecast on the Turner Broadcast Networks, HLN on Sunday evening, June 16, 2013. The Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy® Awards gala, which honors the crafts behind the many shows that grace the Daytime genre will return to the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles on Friday, June 14, 2013. “These exciting nominations officially launch the 40th Anniversary of the Daytime Emmy® Awards,” said David Michaels, Senior Executive Director, Daytime. “This will be a true celebration of the 40 years of Daytime Television focusing on the past, the present and the future of Daytime. Congratulations to all the nominees!” This year’s Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Award for Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to two Game Show genre icons, Monty Hall and Bob Stewart. “Aside from all of the excitement around our 40th anniversary,” said Malachy Wienges, Chairman, NATAS, “we are honoring two giants in Game Show history. So many of us grew up watching Monty Hall excite us with what was behind Door #1, #2 or #3 and found ourselves addicted to the challenge and imagination of Bob Stewart’s classic “To Tell the Truth,” “Password” “Pyramid” and others. The high-water mark these two pioneers have made in Daytime television is unparalleled and the entire Emmy® Award community stands in appreciation for the immeasurable contribution they have made to the Game Show genre.” The 40th Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards is a presentation of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in cooperation with the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS). Up for Outstanding Game Show this year are these six. - "Cash Cab" (All3Media for Discovery) - "Family Feud" (FremantleMedia for syndication) (its first nomination in its current run) - "Jeopardy!" (Sony Pictures TV for syndication) - "Let's Make a Deal" (FremantleMedia for CBS) - "The Price Is Right" (FremantleMedia for CBS) - "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" (2waytraffic/Valleycrest for syndication) And the five men in the
running for the king of games, the Outstanding Game Show
Host...
|
|
|
The Prize Patrol
Invades the Marketplace Again |
Posted 5/2/13 |
|
Over $100,000 is up for
grabs when "Let's Make a Deal" welcomes back the
Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol for a week-long
cash giveaway event Monday, May 6 – Friday, May 10
(check local listings) on the CBS Television Network. Throughout the week, traders will be in for surprises when host Wayne Brady challenges them with a variety of deals and games, including “Smash For Cash,” “Go For A Spin,” “Strike a Match” and “Go Big Or Go Home.” These deals and games will give traders the chance to win $20,000 a day, totaling $100,000, in addition to other prizes and “The Big Deal of the Day.” Yesterday, LET’S MAKE A DEAL received Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Game Show and Outstanding Game Show Host for Wayne Brady. |
|
|
Knight of the Zodiak |
Posted 5/2/13 |
|
Jeff Apploff has inked a
deal with Zodiak Americas, the producer behind Hardcore
Pawn and Celebrity Wife Swap. The pact maintains Apploff's working relationship with Zodiak Americas, as he created and produced the RDF/Zodiak game show Don't Forget the Lyrics for Fox and Twentieth Television in syndication. Under the deal, Apploff will create unscripted formats to be co-produced with Zodiak in the U.S. and distributed globally by Zodiak Rights. The partnership with Apploff Entertainment also marks the first for Zodiak Americas. “We’ve designed this deal as the template for the future of our North American business,” said Jonny Slow, CEO of Zodiak Americas. “It allows producers like Jeff to remain independent and maintain a distinctive voice while simultaneously providing them with a highly motivated international partner and the global infrastructure necessary to drive a hit show.” “Zodiak is the perfect partner as we pursue Apploff Entertainment's strategic expansion into becoming a full-service production company,” said Apploff. “Together we can offer creative channels in both original content as well as the way we do business with networks and other producers.” |
|
|
Let the SlideShow Begin |
Posted 5/2/13 |
|
Former Sunrise weatherman
Grant Denyer will host a new quiz show on Channel Seven,
with production starting this month. SlideShow will be produced by Shine Australia and was based on a “ successful new format from France.” Said format is a games show called AnythingGoes and was produced by Shine International and made its debut on France’s TF1 last year. Denyer will act as “ringmaster” with Cal Wilson and Toby Truslove as team captains. They will be joined each week by Australian celebrities including actors, comedians and sporting personalities. Brad Lyons, Seven’s Network director of production, said in the announcement: “This is a big, boisterous show and the whole family will be able to sit down together and have a laugh. And we’re thrilled Grant is hosting. He’s great fun, he’s smart and he has tons of energy. He’s the perfect fit.” |
|
|
Thursday Lightning Round |
Posted 5/2/13 |
|
|
|
Tuesday: "Dancing" on
Ice |
Posted 5/1/13 |
|
A series that has performed
well in the past for ABC plunged to an all-time low
Tuesday night in the key 18-49 demo, based on Nielsen
overnights. NBC (9.745 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 3.1, #1) was the top draw on Tuesday thanks to a special two-hour "The Voice" (11.622 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 3.7, #1) and the relocated "Grimm" (5.990 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 2.0, #T4) which delivered a season high. CBS (12.785 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.2, #2) then had to settle for second place with originals from "NCIS" (17.676 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 3.0, #2), "NCIS: Los Angeles" (12.928 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.2, #3) and "Golden Boy" (7.750 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.3, #T9). Next up was FOX (3.896 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.8, #3) with its mix of "Hell's Kitchen" (4.660 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 1.9, #6), "New Girl" (3.634 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 2.0, #T4) and "The Mindy Project" (2.631 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.3, #T9). Meanwhile, ABC (7.776 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.4, #4) was out of the hunt with its lineup of "Splash" (4.288 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 0.9, #11), "Dancing with the Stars" (10.581 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.5, #8) and "Murder Mystery: Amanda Knox Speaks" (8.461 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.7, #7). On cable, "Chopped" delivered 1.512 million to Food Network's table at 10. |
|
|
More on "Top Shot
All-Stars" |
Posted 5/1/13 |
|
New twists, fiercer
competition, and bigger prizes lie ahead for 16 master
marksmen vying for another chance at bragging rights in
the fifth season of HISTORY’s hit competition series,
Top Shot. In Top Shot ALL-STARS, premiering Wednesday, May 29 at 10pm ET on HISTORY, elite sharp-shooters from previous seasons Face Off in the most explosive season yet. This time, it’s all about skill. No teams. No nomination range. Politics and alliances are a thing of the past. Competitors will also face a brand new high-stakes challenge: “The Proving Ground.” Ranging from 24 to 53 years old, the 16 shooters come from all walks of life. The group includes: a federal police officer who served with the Air Force in Operation Iraqi Freedom; the first female member of the Venezuelan Olympic Shooting Team; a video producer who taught himself to build and shoot weapons; a Homeland Security agent; a construction worker who holds 26 state titles; a plumber who graduated at the top of his class at the Marine Corps Sniping School; and the NRA’s 11-time pistol champ. Returning Top Shot champions Iain Harrison, Chris Reed, Dustin Ellerman and Chris Cheng will also take part in the All-Star season. Colby Donaldson returns as host of the elimination series. Season five comes fully loaded with formidable history-inspired challenges and an incredible array of weapons. The first episode calls for mastery of a Soviet semi-automatic rifle used in the 1941 Nazi invasion, a Tactical OBR with 20 round magazines, the Milkor M32A1 grenade launcher and an FN-FAL self-loading selective fire battle rifle, popular among NATO troops. In addition, competitors must conquer a mortar-rigged barbed wire fence, an unstable platform, and a bull’s eye target where elimination is just a fraction of an inch away. Challenge winners will receive coveted prizes, such as sporting equipment and Bass Pro Shops gift cards. But only one Top Shot All-Star will take home the Grand Prize – $100,000 and a TOP SHOT special edition Tahoe Q5i Speedboat, provided by Bass Pro Shops. Coinciding with the return of the new season, HISTORY is updating the TOP SHOT Facebook game, which originally launched in February 2012. Reaching over 2˝ million players to date and logging over 6 billion minutes of play time, The Game will receive some much anticipated enhancements, including a fun new adventure mode, all-new challenges, and the ability to play against friends through duels or live multi-player action. The Game can be found online at: playtopshot.com |
 Colby Donaldson returns to host "Top Shot All-Stars" May 29 (photo courtesy AP) |
|
Wednesday Lightning Round |
Posted 5/1/13 |
|
|
|
Hulu Puts "Money Where
Your Mouth Is" |
Posted 4/30/13 |
|
Hulu has picked up Money
Where Your Mouth Is, a new comedic game show hosted by
actor-comedian Jay Mohr. Financed by Believe
Entertainment Group (The LeBrons with LeBron James),
Money Where Your Mouth Is, which is being announced at
Hulu’s NewFront in New York today, is described as a
game show for the man’s man. It will feature lifelong
friends who wager their most prized possessions and go
head-to-head to take the items from one another in a
harrowing battle of “man wits.” Three rounds of
competition will include everything from identifying
movie quotes and obscure trivia to physical challenges
and debating some of the greatest questions that plague
mankind, the kind of knowledge every guy uses as the
true measure of their manhood. “It’s stuff our wives and girlfriends consider utterly useless, but we know as guys is critically important stuff like building furniture without instructions, knowing every sports stat and movie or TV quote known to mankind, and finally settling age-old man-debates like what’s the harder job, swimsuit model or runway model,” Mohr said. “In the end it’s all about guys proving their manhood and having bragging rights over their buddies.” Money Where Your Mouth Is will premiere on free ad-supported Hulu and the Hulu Plus subscription service later this year. Believe Entertainment’s Dan Goodman, William H. Masterson III and Danny Fishman executive produce, along with Barry Katz and Mohr. Lowell Mate is directing and producing. |
|
|
Syndies: Game Called |
Posted 4/30/13 |
|
Wall-to-wall news coverage
of the Boston Marathon bombings and the ensuing manhunt
meant it was a slow week for syndies, in the week ended
April 21, four days prior to the start of the May sweep
on April 25. In that, game shows were a well-welcomed
respite from the news of the week. Game shows were mostly down. CTD's leader Wheel of Fortune skidded for the fourth week in row, dropping 4% to a 6.5, still good enough to top all of first-run syndication. CTD's Jeopardy! weakened 5% from the previous session to a 5.7. Debmar-Mercury's Family Feud faded 4% to a 4.3. Disney-ABC's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire lost 13% to a 2.1., while NBCU's rookie Baggage bounced back 10% from a series low in the prior week to a 1.1. As a reminder, the next week to be reported is the first full week of Sweeps, so expect these bumps in the road to be temporary as the season races to a close. |
|
|
"MasterChef" Ready to
Ignite |
Posted 4/30/13 |
|
Award-winning chef Gordon
Ramsay, restaurateur Joe Bastianich and acclaimed chef
Graham Elliot return for Season Four of the culinary
smash hit MASTERCHEF with a two-hour season premiere on
Wednesday, May 22 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. More hopefuls than ever before auditioned at MASTERCHEF's open casting calls in Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Dallas, TX; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Minneapolis, MN; Nashville, TN; New York, NY; Portland, OR; and San Diego, CA to prove they have what it takes to make a mark on the culinary world. Only one hopeful will join Season Three winner Christine Ha, the first-ever blind contestant; Season Two winner Jennifer Behm; and Season One winner Whitney Miller in the elite group of MASTERCHEF titleholders. The best home cooks in America were flown to Los Angeles to present their signature dishes to the judges and the chance to compete for the coveted title of MASTERCHEF, a cookbook deal and the $250,000 grand prize. This season will feature contestants representing 26 states from all walks of life- including an archaeologist, a high school gym teacher, a former pro-football player, a biochemist, a student, a firefighter, a paralegal and a delivery driver - all with the hopes of turning their culinary dreams into reality. In the premiere episode, the hopefuls will prepare their signature dishes and present them to the distinguished MASTERCHEF judging panel: Ramsay (Gordon Ramsay Steak, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill), Bastianich (Del Posto, Osteria Mozza) and Elliot (Graham Elliot, g.e.b.). The judges will taste for flavor, creativity and presentation. In order to earn a coveted white apron and move to the next round, the home cooks must have an immense passion for food and be determined to win. Above all, they must convince the judges - who will taste for flavor, creativity and presentation - that they have the potential to out-cook all their rivals. The auditions continue Wednesday, May 29 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), as the judges winnow down the competition by granting white aprons to the best home cooks. Only 40 hopefuls will move onto the next round and compete in an intense lamb challenge. By the end of the episode, only the top home cooks who impress the judges will advance to the MASTERCHEF kitchen and compete to become America's next MASTERCHEF. |
|
|
"Top Hooker"... It's
Not What You Think It Is |
Posted 4/30/13 |
|
Extreme angling isn't
exactly new to Animal Planet. Jeremy Wade has hunted
underwater legends in RIVER MONSTERS for five seasons;
OFF THE HOOK: EXTREME CATCHES explores outrageous
angling escapades with Showtime Eric Young; and the men
of HILLBILLY HANDFISHIN' have captured catfish and
viewers' hearts far and wide. But TOP HOOKER brings an
all-new dynamic to Animal Planet when 10 of the world's
top anglers are pitted against one another for a series
of wildly out-of-the-box fishing challenges that will
put their brains, brawn and skills to the ultimate test.
They're putting it all on the line for the chance to win
$30,000, a new truck, and the honor of being crowned
Animal Planet's first TOP HOOKER. See them work their
reels when the eight-part series TOP HOOKER, hosted by
Reno Collier, premieres on Sunday, June 2, at 10PM
(ET/PT). A diverse group of dynamic opponents will take to America's coastlines, lakes and waterways in an outrageous competition that will blow your everyday sport-fishing tournament out of the water! From a harpoon wielding Southern belle to a South African bodybuilder, these men and women are from incredibly different backgrounds but they're all diving in with hopes of out hooking the competition. Each week viewers will be wondering who will catch a spot in the next round - and who'll be thrown back home! |
|
|
Monday: One Voice |
Posted 4/29/13 |
|
NBC (10.236 million viewers,
#2; adults 18-49: 3.4, #1) was still the network to beat
on Monday with new episodes of "The Voice" (12.450
million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 4.1, #1) and
"Revolution" (5.809 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49:
2.0, #T7). FOX (7.439 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.3, #2) then snagged the silver with the season finales of "Bones" (7.108 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 2.1, #6) and "The Following" (7.770 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 2.6, #3). Next up was CBS (7.318 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 2.1, #3) with its usual mix of "How I Met Your Mother" (6.892 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 2.7, #2), "Rules of Engagement" (6.000 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 2.0, #T7), "2 Broke Girls" (7.693 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 2.5, #4), "Mike & Molly" (7.933 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 2.3, #5) and "Hawaii Five-0" (7.693 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.7, #11). Meanwhile, ABC (12.377 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.0, #4) offered up originals from "Dancing with the Stars" (13.250 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.0, #T7) and "Castle" (10.630 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.0, #T7). And finally, new episodes of "Oh Sit!" (0.797 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.3, #12) and "90210" (0.515 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.2, #13) closed out the evening on The CW (0.656 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.3, #5). "Oh Sit!" halved last year's audience, but otherwise did nothing for the fledgling netlet. |
|
|
Slam Dunk |
Posted 4/30/13 |
|
Can't Stop Media has
revealed that Slam, a game show celebrating its 1,000th
episode in France, is getting its first local treatment,
on the TRT School Turkish channel. The Turkish version of Slam will be produced by Medyalabsinema. The 60-episode program is set to begin airing on weekdays in June. Owned and produced by Effervescence, Slam first debuted on France 3 in 2009. The format asks contestants to complete a crossword puzzle by answering trivia questions. During the game players have the option to "slam," which means they can block other participants and attempt to complete the crossword on their own without clues. Effervescence founder Simone Harari commented: "Celebrating Slam's 1,000th episode and its Turkish adaptation almost on the same day mean double success for Slam." "Slam has every quality to become a new classic and sit next to never ending clever formats like Countdown or Lingo with, on top of TV, a great interactive business side to it," added Can't Stop Media founder Matthieu Porte. |
|
|
"Baby" Bets on
Worldwide Market |
Posted 4/30/13 |
|
The sales arm of US producer
and distributor Electus has shopped gameshow Bet on Your
Baby to a host of international partners. Network Ten in Australia, TV Globo in Brazil, 1+1 in Ukraine and an unspecified French broadcaster have all acquired the format of the show in which parents place bets on their baby’s next move in an attempt to win cash for their education. Several producers have also optioned the format. Metronome in Norway, Tresor in Germany, Gil in Israel and Endemol in India, Portugal and Turkey have all taken options as has an unidentified partner in Italy. In the US, the show will be hosted by actress Melissa Peterman and air on broadcast network ABC. The US version will feature five families and take place on two stages – a shiny floor game show studio with a cheering audience and in the ‘The Babydome’. |
|
|
More on "The Million
Second Quiz" |
Posted 4/29/13 |
|
NBC have revealed plans for
their latest gameshow to compete for ratings (and
possibly TV endurance records), with hopes that the
innovative format of interactive series The Million
Second Quiz will prove a hit with viewers. The format has been described by its network as: “[a game] where contestants test the limits of their knowledge, endurance and will to win as they battle each other in intense bouts of trivia.” Set to begin airing this autumn, NBC will screen the show each night for 12 days in a primetime slot, though full on-site live coverage will be streamed through NBC’s websites and local affiliate networks, 24 hours a day, although further details currently remain unclear. Throughout this time period, though, it appears as though the competitors will do nothing but compete, as they are based for the ‘million seconds’ (just over 16,666 minutes, 277 hours, or 11-and-a-half days), with the four ‘reigning champions’ (presumably of the previous day) residing in a ‘massive hourglass-shaped structure’ in New York City (USA). It will not be an exclusive club, though, as the best-performing fan of the day (who has played along using the gameshow’s official options) will be able to earn themselves a place in the hourglass throughout the 12 of The Million Second Quiz, presumably in replacement of the lowest-performing contestants of the previous day (as the four champions play the quiz throughout the day attempting to make their scores higher than that of the general public). If you are unfortunate to have been kept inside the hourglass studio for the longhaul, however, the thing that will keep the quiz prisoners going will be the $10m grand prize, awarded at the end of the series, when the four contestants in play at the end of the 1,000,000 second countdown will face a final quiz against each other to compete for the sum. NBC’s ‘alternative & late night programming president’ Paul Telegdy said of the unique proposal: “The Million Second Quiz is a genre-redefining spectacle. It is a game, a social experiment, and a live interactive event all wrapped into a uniquely sticky entertainment experience. It embraces technology’s ability to allow everyone in America to actively participate and compete in a way that has never been done.” |
|
|
Sunday: "Amazing"
Sunday |
Posted 4/30/13 |
|
CBS (9.595 million viewers,
#1; adults 18-49: 1.7, #T1) was the most-watched network
on Sunday thanks to its lineup of "60 Minutes" (11.587
million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.5, #T9), "The
Amazing Race 22" (9.090 million viewers, #2; adults
18-49: 2.3, #2), the season finale of "The Good Wife"
(9.010 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.6, #8) and
"The Mentalist" (8.693 million viewers, #4; adults
18-49: 1.5, #T9). FOX (3.595 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.7, #T1) however shared the demo crown with its mix of a "The Simpsons" (2.098 million viewers, #16; adults 18-49: 0.9, #14) repeat followed by new episodes of "The Cleveland Show" (2.634 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 1.2, #13), "The Simpsons" (4.484 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 2.0, #T3), "Bob's Burgers" (3.486 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 1.7, #T6), "Family Guy" (4.898 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 2.5, #1) and "American Dad" (3.968 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.9, #5). Next up was ABC (5.727 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.5, #3) and its combination of "America's Funniest Home Videos" (6.426 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.5, #T9), "Once Upon a Time" (7.036 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 2.0, #T3), "Revenge" (5.928 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.7, #T6) and "Red Widow" (3.518 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.7, #16). And finally, a rebroadcast of "The Voice" (3.284 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.8, #15) and a new "The Celebrity Apprentice" (4.987 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 1.5, #T9) closed out the evening on NBC (4.135 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.2, #4). On Food Network, "Chopped All-Stars" remained just that with 2.228 million. An hour earlier, "Cupcake Wars" delivered 1.357 million. |
|
|
Saturday: Level "Bet" |
Posted 4/30/13 |
|
FOX (5.601 million viewers,
#1; adults 18-49: 1.4, #1) was the network to beat on
Saturday with a full night of "NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing
from Richmond" (5.601 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49:
1.4, #1). CBS (3.401 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.7, #2) then claimed a distant second place with its mix of "Mayweather" (1.734 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 0.4, #T8), "Criminal Minds" (3.588 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T4) and "48 Hours" (4.882 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.9, #2). Next up was ABC (2.264 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T3) with a new "Bet on Your Baby" (2.547 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T4) and the feature "Over the Hedge" (2.123 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T4). And finally, NBC (2.108 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T3) closed out the evening with a new "Smash" (1.888 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.4, #T8) followed by encores of "The Voice" (2.121 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T4) and "Saturday Night Live" (2.316 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.8, #3). On cable, "Four Houses" delivered 667,000 for TLC. |
|
|
Tuesday Lightning Round |
Posted 4/30/13 |
|
|
|
More "Experts", Please |
Posted 4/29/13 |
|
The Experts -- the
award-winning YouTube game show created by Alan Bailey,
Marty Butterick and Michael Shure that tests the
knowledge of three rabid superfans who are "experts" in
wildly different fields -- is back for a second season. The first episode of season 2, in a twist, pits "Glee" Expert Stephanie against Brad Ellis, a "Breaking Bad" Expert AND the "Glee" pianist. On top of that, the show welcomes back returning player, Chris Ngoon. Who would have thought our 1565 SIEGE OF MALTA Expert would also be an ace at RESIDENT EVIL?! Meanwhile, the show is at the National History Bee casting for more Experts. The casting notice... "We were promoting The
Experts and recruiting some crazy-smart teenage history
fans at the same time, which gave us a great idea - we
want some kids to come on the show and face-off against
the adult Experts! |
|
|
JACK SHEA: 1928-2013 |
Posted 4/29/13 |
|
Jack Shea, a TV comedy
director for more than four decades who directed 10 Bob
Hope overseas Christmas specials and multiple episodes
of such sitcoms as The Jeffersons, Silver Spoons and
Sanford and Son, has died. He was 84. Shea died Sunday of complications from Alzheimer’s in Tarzana, his wife of 59 years, television screenwriter Patt Shea, said Monday. Jack Shea served three terms as DGA president from 1997-2002 and was a member of the guild for more than a half-century. He was the recipient of the prestigious Robert Aldridge Award in 1992, which honors extraordinary service to the DGA and its membership. Shea did his first Christmas special with Hope in December 1962 and worked with the famed comic to entertain U.S. troops in such locations as Vietnam, Korea, Guantanamo Bay, Japan, Turkey, Greece, Spain and Italy, receiving his first of two career Emmy Award nominations along the way. Shea directed 110 episodes of The Jeffersons (he also wrote three episodes and produced 24), 91 episodes of Silver Spoons, 22 of The Ropers, 15 of Sanford and Son and 14 of Designing Women, one of which earned him his second Emmy nom in 1987. His first directing gig came at age 27 when he was asked to fill in for an ailing director on the primetime game show Truth or Consequences. |
 Jack Shea (photo courtesy IMDb) |
|
BRAD "THE ANIMAL" LESLEY: 1958-2013 |
Posted 4/29/13 |
|
Brad “The Animal” Lesley,
who parlayed his short stint as a hard-throwing Major
League Baseball relief pitcher into an acting career,
died last weekend from kidney failure. He was 54. Lesley’s ex-wife Chiho Svimonoff told TMZ that he had been living in a nursing home for the past seven months, where he was receiving dialysis. He was rushed to a hospital Saturday night in Marina del Rey. Lesley pitched for the Cincinnati Reds from 1982-84 and for the Milwaukee Brewers in 1985 before signing with the Hankyu Braves and staying two seasons in the Japanese professional league. Six-foot-6 and 220 pounds, he gained his nickname for his theatrics that included thrusting his fist in the air following a strikeout and stomping around the mound. The Japanese loved his style. “After they found out it was part of my intensity, an act of intimidation, they loved it," he said in a 1987 interview. “I haven’t toned down any part of my act.” Lesley soon became a television personality in Japan, playing Ajimaru “Animal” Resry on the game show "Takeshi’s Castle", a version of which played in the U.S. on Spike TV as "MXC". He learned to speak the language and starred as an American hero in a samurai movie titled The Animal Goes to Japan. In the U.S., Lesley’s first movie role came in Mr. Baseball (1992), starring Detroit Tigers fan Tom Selleck as a washed-up New York Yankees first baseman who continues his career in Japan. The native of Turlock, Calif., also played John “Blackout” Gatling in Little Big League (1994) and appeared as himself in Space Jam (1996) starring Michael Jordan, who reportedly recruited him for the role. Lesley also worked in the films A Boy Called Hate (1995), Buddy (1997), Big Monster on Campus (2000) and Brother (2000) and on the FX series Son of the Beach (2001). “Every door I’ve walked through in my life has been a direct result of my success in baseball,” Lesley, while served as a pitching coach for the minor-league Mission Viejo Vigilantes, told the Los Angeles Times in 1997. “I can never repay baseball enough for the doors it’s opened for me. I’ve been truly blessed. As much as I try to give back to the game, it’s never enough.” |
 Brad "The Animal" Lesley (photo courtesy Yahoo) |
|
Monday Lightning Round |
Posted 4/29/13 |
|
|
|
Weekend Lightning Round |
Posted 4/28/13 |
|
|
|
CBS "Pumps" Money |
Posted 4/26/13 |
|
CBS is adding an unscripted
project into the mix. Based on an Israeli format created by Gili Golan, Adi Golan and Harel Joseffson, Money Pump is a high-pressure game show where contestants compete against an enormous money pump for $1 million. Kevin Frazier, from omg! Insider, will host. Adam Golder will serve as executive producer for the ITV Studios America project. Tanin Production & TV Ltd. own the format, which is distributed exclusively by Dori Media International GMBH. Should Money Pump be ordered to series, it would join a veteran crop of competition/game shows at CBS, including The Price Is Right, Let's Make a Deal, Survivor, The Amazing Race, Undercover Boss and Big Brother. |
|
|
Thursday: That's a New
Low... Even for You. |
Posted 4/26/13 |
|
CBS (11.876 million viewers,
#1; adults 18-49: 2.6, #1) kicked off the May sweeps
period on top with its mix of "The Big Bang Theory"
(14.381 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 4.2, #1),
"Two and a Half Men" (11.027 million viewers, #4; adults
18-49: 2.8, #T2), "Person of Interest" (12.990 million
viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.4, #6) and "Elementary"
(9.935 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 2.0, #7). FOX (8.172 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.2, #T2) then claimed the number two spot with new episodes of "American Idol" (11.104 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.7, #T4) and "Glee" (5.239 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 1.8, #8). "Idol" sank 6 percent from last week and 31 percent from the year before. The number represents a series low in the demographic. Next up was ABC (6.433 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.2, #T2) with its combination of "Wife Swap" (3.418 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.1, #11), "Grey's Anatomy" (8.122 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 2.7, #T4) and "Scandal" (7.760 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 2.8, #T2). Meanwhile, NBC (2.452 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.1, #4) offered up a new "Community" (2.399 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T12) followed by a repeat of "The Office" (1.837 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T14) and fresh installments of "The Office" (3.133 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 1.7, #9), "Parks & Recreation" (2.541 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.3, #10) and "Hannibal" (2.401 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T12). On cable, if you weren't watching the NFL Draft (6.199 million for ESPN), you were watching the season finale of "Project Runway" on Lifetime (2.283 million), the series premiere of Food Network's "Giving You The Business" (832,000), or GSN's "American Bible Challenge" (694,000). |
|
|
E! Canada Puts Up a
"Pop Quiz" |
Posted 4/26/13 |
|
Bell Media’s E! announced
today that it has ordered the new Canadian game show Pop
Quiz from Montreal’s Pixcom Production and Incendo. The
60-episode, 30-minute, pop culture-testing series is
based on Le Cercle, the successful game show seen on TVA
in Quebec. Production of the rapid-fire series begins
this summer in Toronto and is set to premiere on E! this
fall. Played at lightning-fast speed, Pop Quiz pits contestants against one another in rapid succession. In each episode, 10 contestants positioned in a circle begin the challenge by answering random, pop culture questions. A wrong answer leads to elimination, while each round of questions becomes increasingly difficult – and increasingly hilarious. As the fun escalates and more contestants are eliminated, the remaining two face-off in the final round for a cash prize. “We’re excited to add this homegrown production to E!’s already dynamic lineup,” said Catherine MacLeod, Vice-President, Specialty Channels, Bell Media. “We’re confident that the fun of Pop Quiz will resonate with our viewers across the country.” Casting is currently underway for a host as well as a judge to confirm the answers to the pop culture questions. Potential contestants and pop-culture junkies are encouraged to visit julescasting.com to audition to be a part of the studio audience. |
|
|
Will "Sit!" Come Out
Smelling Like Roses? |
Posted 4/26/13 |
|
"Oh Sit!" It's going global. The nominees for the 2013 Rose d'Or were announced today by EUROVISION, organizers of the prestigious international entertainment program awards. The winners will be decided at the 52nd Rose d'Or Awards, which will be held in Brussels on May 30, 2013. The Rose d'Or Awards define the gold standard of excellence and achievement in entertainment programming. Annika Nyberg Frankenhaeuser, EUROVISION Media Director said: "The quality and number of entries received in 2013 is exceptional and the judges have chosen top-quality nominees. The Rose d'Or are the awards that programme-makers covet the most because they symbolize the pinnacle of success for entertainment programming." This year Rose d'Or Awards will be given in the following categories: Game Show, Reality & Factual Entertainment, Sitcom, Comedy, Entertainment, and Arts. Nominees come from as far afield as Australia, USA, Spain, Germany, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The UK leads the field with 10 programs submitted to the final round of judging. The winners will be announced at an evening celebration, hosted by Dutch TV celebrity Lucille Werner in the presence of Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz of Belgium. In the game show category, "Oh Sit!" - developed by game show veteran Phillip Gurin - is going up against Germany's "Joko against Klass: The Duel Around the World" and Spain's "Smart Face". |
|
|
NBC Summer |
Posted 4/26/13 |
|
NBC has announced that its
upcoming summer drama series "Crossing Lines" will
launch Sunday, June 23 with a special two-hour premiere
(9-11 p.m. ET). The network has also set July 11 as the debut date for its two new summer alternative series "The Winner Is ..." (9-10 p.m. ET) and "Hollywood Game Night" (10-11 p.m. ET). Each will air weekly on Thursday nights. "Crossing Lines," from creator Edward Bernero, taps into the charter of the International Criminal Court to investigate serialized cross-border crimes and to hunt down global criminals. The series stars William Fichtner, Donald Sutherland, Marc Lavoine, Gabriella Pession, Tom Wlaschiha, Moon Dailly and Richard Flood. The series is produced by Tandem Communications, Bernero Productions, in co-production with TF1 Production/TF1 Network and commissioned by Sony Pictures Television Networks. Bernero, Rola Bauer, Jonas Bauer and Tim Halkin serve as executive producers. "Crossing Lines" will normally air in its 10 p.m. Sunday timeslot beginning June 30. NBC has ordered 10 episodes. Hosted by Nick Lachey, "The Winner Is ..." infuses the performance of a singing competition series and the strategy of a game show. Each episode features six acts that go head to head each week and sing for a shot at a $1 million grand prize. The aim of the game is simple: Contestants must believe in their own performance, edge out their competition and avoid cash temptations to move forward. The series, produced by Talpa Media USA Inc. and Universal Television, is executive-produced by Stijn Bakkers and Craig Plestis. "Hollywood Game Night," hosted by Jane Lynch, features A-list celebrities partaking in a cocktail party atmosphere that is based on the real-life game nights of creator Sean Hayes. The series is produced by Hayes' Hazy Mills Productions, Mission Control Media and Universal Television. Hayes, Todd Milliner, Michael Agbabian and Dwight D. Smith are executive producers. |
|
|
"Ready for" VOD |
Posted 4/26/13 |
| Despite NBC‘s decision last week to pull low-rated new show Ready For Love from the schedule, the dating reality series will continue to run as scheduled, just not on the broadcast network. Instead of pushing the unaired episodes to summer, NBC is putting them on NBC.com, VOD, Electronic Sell-Through (iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, etc.) and Hulu. In all, three episodes of the serialized/competition show aired on NBC for the past three Tuesdays. Starting next Tuesday, April 30, a new episode will be made available until the finale on June 4. Keeping a weekly release is unusual for streaming of TV series, which is normally done through so-called binge viewing. But while that is reserved mostly for scripted series, Ready For Love‘s airing pattern will adhere to the one viewers are accustomed to for unscripted series. | |
|
Happy Friday! Lightning Round |
Posted 4/26/13 |
|
|
|
It All Started With a
Big Brain |
Posted 4/25/13 |
|
Who will become America's
next great innovator? Discovery's THE BIG BRAIN THEORY:
PURE GENIUS is looking for the next great technological
mind that could change the future. The eight-week series
premieres Wednesday, May 1 at 10 PM E/P on Discovery
Channel. "The series features some of the greatest young minds in America. There is a lot at stake within the show itself, and in terms of what it signifies," said Host Kal Penn, who starred in the hit film franchise "Harold & Kumar" and worked on outreach to young Americans in the White House. "I love education and science. It's awesome to be part of such an exciting new series for Discovery Channel that celebrates all the amazing things our generation can do through creative thinking, the arts and STEM - science, technology, engineering and math." While there are countless shows searching for the next great singer, dancer and chef, there is nothing quite like this on television. Each week, THE BIG BRAIN THEORY: PURE GENIUS presents a seemingly impossible engineering challenge to the 10 contestants. In the first episode, contestants must develop a solution to stop a set of explosives from detonating. But here is the catch: the explosives are strapped to the back of two pick-up trucks heading in a high-speed, head-on collision. With just 30 minutes on the clock, competitors must come up with a proposed solution to complete the challenge. The expert panel of judges will then determine the two strongest engineering concepts based on logic and design. The two competitors with the best plans will become captains and select a team to execute their visions in only three days. Can the captains convince the others to pull it off? Will the concept actually work - or does it just look good on paper? The team that successfully completes the challenge remains safe, but the losers will face the judges, who determine which contestant will be eliminated. Other challenges this season include: Creating a machine that can cook and arrange a meal for a group of famished tourists near the Santa Monica Pier; building a portable bunker that can be deployed in five minutes and that is able to withstand fire, pressurized water and high-speed winds from a jet engine; and constructing a robot capable of competing in three different athletic events. "We are incredibly excited about this series and how it combines the drama of a competition show with world of science, technology and engineering. We hope that it not only entertains our viewers, but inspires young people to get more involved," said Nancy Daniels, executive vice president of production and development for Discovery Channel. "Creating a competition series that brings together both an educational opportunity and remarkable inventions by 'regular' people was something we've wanted to do for a long time. Teaming with Mark Fuller, the leader of his industry, created the perfect partnership to make this happen," said Craig Piligian, series executive producer. "What you'll see in this competition is true innovation under hyper-real world conditions: extremely demanding challenges, limited resources and limited time," said Mark Fuller, series judge and CEO of WET. "The pressure that the contestants face plays out on camera with some who skyrocket with ideas, leadership and invention -- and others who do a full phase meltdown under the intense pressure." The contestants have varied backgrounds and levels of experience, but they all have one thing in common -- the desire to win. The cameras capture the tension and pressure in the design workshop, as well as in the living quarters where all the competitors must deal with each other's egos and eccentricities. The winner of the competition will earn $50,000 and a one-year contract to work at WET, the industry leader behind some of the world's most innovative water-based designed environments and experiences including the nine-acre choreographed lake of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. |
|
|
Mel Giedroyc Gets to
"Draw It!"
|
Posted 4/25/13 |
|
Channel 4 today confirmed
the speculation that Mel Giedroyc is to present new
daytime game show called Draw It! Using the Zynga produced Draw Something game, the new multiplatform show will come to our screens early this summer. Mel says: “Everyone loves a bit of doodling. As I speak I’m doodling and look what I’ve drawn – Alan Carr on a horse. I can’t wait to doodle with the contestants and celebrities.” Each week, two celebrities will enter the Draw It! studio to help contestants win the cash. With new contestants daily, they’ll be having their own doodle duel, trying to rack up as many wins over the five days as possible. Each show will see two teams, made up of one contestant and one celebrity, go head to head as they battle it out in three rounds of drawing challenges in an attempt to win Ł5000. Against the clock, teams will need to be quick and tactful as they play for the all-important points – the contestant with the least amount of points after three rounds will be eliminated. To win the cash, the remaining contestant and their celebrity partner will play together in the final round, which will test their sketching skills against a 90 second clock. If the celebrity identifies five drawings correctly, we have a winner but if they fail, the cash is locked and rolls over to the next show. Over 8000 people applied to be the show, many of whom did so through the Draw Something App. Draw It! will also give viewers a chance to submit their own creative masterpieces – details to be announced over the coming weeks. |
|
|
MTV's "Wild N Out"...
and That's Just For Starters |
Posted 4/25/13 |
|
MTV announced today a pilot
greenlight based on the hugely successful horror film
franchise “Scream” with Dimension Films for MTV, plus
the addition of three new series to its diverse
programming slate, including “Generation Cryo,” “Nurse
Nation” and “The Hook Up,” at its annual Upfront
Presentation at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. In
addition, the network announced the season three renewal
of “Snooki & JWOWW” and highlighted an impressive
programming slate of 15 returning hits. “The Hook Up,” (working title) hosted by Andrew Schulz of MTV2’s popular hit series “Guy Code,” is a dating show that will air as an afternoon strip on MTV. Individuals looking for a match will choose from four potential suitors based on their social media history. With the help of their closest friends, the contestants will try to separate the contenders from the pretenders to see if what you see is really what you get. MTV2 today announced that comedian, actor and host Nick Cannon will debut the re-imagined improv comedy show “Nick Cannon Presents Wild N Out” on Tuesday, July 9 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT. Joining Nick will be celebrity team captains including comedians Kevin Hart and Lil DuVal of MTV2’s “Guy Code,” professional basketball player Amar’e Stoudemire, along with rappers Mac Miller, 2Chainz, Machine Gun Kelly, A$AP Rocky and Joe Budden. |
|
|
Wednesday: And Then
There Were Four... Percent Less |
Posted 4/25/13 |
|
FOX (12.184 million viewers,
#1; adults 18-49: 3.2, #1) was the network to beat on
Wednesday thanks to another two-hour "American Idol"
(12.184 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 3.2, #1). CBS (7.791 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.9, #2) then took home the silver with a new "Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites" (9.829 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.7, #2) followed by repeats of "Criminal Minds" (5.950 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.5, #T5) and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (7.595 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.5, #T5). Next up was NBC (5.607 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.4, #3) with fresh installments of "Dateline NBC" (5.534 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.3, #9) and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (7.220 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.8, #T3) plus a repeat of "Chicago Fire" (4.068 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T11). Meanwhile, ABC (4.213 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.3, #4) offered up repeats of "The Middle" (4.731 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.2, #10), "Modern Family" (4.370 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 1.4, #8), another "Modern Family" (5.303 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.8, #T3), a new "How to Live with Your Parents (for the Rest of Your Life)" (4.805 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 1.5, #T5) and a repeat "Nashville" (3.035 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.8, #14). On cable, "Best Ink" was scarred by 385,000 viewers. By comparison, the night's top draw was the season finale of A&E's "Duck Dynasty" (9.632 million). |
|
|
It's a Herren/Damen
Thing... |
Posted 4/25/13 |
|
German distributor Global
Screen has secured an order for more episodes of
gender-based gameshow format It’s a Girl Boy Thing and
says it is closing in on deals in the US and other
territories. Having aired two episodes of a local version of the show last year, Estonia’s Kanal2 has now ordered a further nine episodes, which will go out in a primetime slot. Confirming the order, Global Screen said it is negotiating deals for the format with buyers in the US, Italy, Spain and Eastern Europe. The gameshow tackles gender differences and airs on RTL in Germany. Celebrity guests take part and guess at results as experts conduct experiments designed to highlight the differences between men and women. Alexandra Heidrich, Global Screen’s sales manager, formats, said: “It is the perfect example for a concept that transcends cultural and national boundaries, that is made to travel far and wide. I am confident that this format will be a great success in the US and other territories.” |
|
|
Thursday Lightning Round |
Posted 4/25/13 |
|
|
|
Tuesday: The Loser Wins |
Posted 4/24/13 |
|
Red Arrow International has
sold Dick de Rijk's Good Luck! Bad Luck!, a new
game-show format, to Bulgaria's TV7 in a
straight-to-series agreement. Presented by actor Bashar Rahal, Undress for Your Luck will be produced by Superfly Productions. The show is set to premiere on Saturday, April 27 at 9 p.m and will be broadcast on Fridays and Saturdays. Nadia Kostova, TV7's program director, commented: "As the fastest growing television in Bulgaria, TV7 is very proud to launch this very interesting game show for first time in the world. We are happy to take this challenge and hope the show to be successful all over the world." Niki Nikolov, the CEO of Superfly Productions, said: "We're very pleased to launch the first ever episode of Good Luck! Bad Luck! in Bulgaria and expect it to turn into a very successful program for TV7. For us, the show is a unique collaboration between luck and knowledge, and it offers lots of entertainment for the viewers and contestants. We hope to have a great kick off with the game show and set the path for its nationwide spread." Shakira Hoffmann, the international sales manager for CEE at Red Arrow International, added: "Good Luck! Bad Luck! is addictive game play at its best from the master of game shows, Dick de Rijk. Partnering with TV7 and Superfly has been a great experience and I can't wait to see the premiere on TV7." On cable, Syfy's season finale of "Robot Combat League" dipped below half a million to 490,000. |
|
|
de Rijk Launches New
Format in Bulgaria |
Posted 4/24/13 |
|
Red Arrow International has
sold Dick de Rijk's Good Luck! Bad Luck!, a new
game-show format, to Bulgaria's TV7 in a
straight-to-series agreement. Presented by actor Bashar Rahal, Undress for Your Luck will be produced by Superfly Productions. The show is set to premiere on Saturday, April 27 at 9 p.m and will be broadcast on Fridays and Saturdays. Nadia Kostova, TV7's program director, commented: "As the fastest growing television in Bulgaria, TV7 is very proud to launch this very interesting game show for first time in the world. We are happy to take this challenge and hope the show to be successful all over the world." Niki Nikolov, the CEO of Superfly Productions, said: "We're very pleased to launch the first ever episode of Good Luck! Bad Luck! in Bulgaria and expect it to turn into a very successful program for TV7. For us, the show is a unique collaboration between luck and knowledge, and it offers lots of entertainment for the viewers and contestants. We hope to have a great kick off with the game show and set the path for its nationwide spread." Shakira Hoffmann, the international sales manager for CEE at Red Arrow International, added: "Good Luck! Bad Luck! is addictive game play at its best from the master of game shows, Dick de Rijk. Partnering with TV7 and Superfly has been a great experience and I can't wait to see the premiere on TV7." |
|
|
TBS Inherits ABC's
"Trust" Issues |
Posted 4/24/13 |
|
TBS has found its game show
hosts. Comedians D.L. Hughley ("Dancing with the Stars") and Michael Ian Black ("Reality Bites Back" for Comedy Central) have come on board Trust Me, I'm a Game Show Host, one of the cable network's several unscripted efforts set to debut in 2013. "This is a game show where a host is legitimately trying to convince a contestant to choose the wrong answer," said EP Mark Burnett of One Three Media and London-based Monkey. “D.L. and Michael’s comedic styles are perfect for pulling this off. The comedy itself will be must-see television.” Facing of against each other, Hughley and Black will each present a single contestant with a strange fact. One will be lying and one will be telling the truth, and the contestant must choose the correct statement to win. "It's great to have D.L. Hughley and Michael Ian Black on board for TBS's Trust Me, I'm a Game Show Host," said TBS, TNT and TCM president and head of programming Michael Wright. "They possess the comedic instincts, sharp improvisational skills, sense of fun and easygoing charm necessary to earn the trust of contestants in this clever, one-of-a-kind game show from Mark Burnett, Will MacDonald and David Granger."
|
|
|
Mark Burnett Spins Off
Into Canada |
Posted 4/24/13 |
|
Mark Burnett’s One Three
Media has sold its original game show format Spin Off to
Canadian broadcaster CHCH as a local version from indie
producer Suddenly SeeMore Productions. The half-hour game show tests contestants for trivia to win cash and prizes. One Three Media will shop the finished Canadian version and the format to international broadcasters. CHCH, which also airs Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune in Canada, will air 13 episodes of the Spin Off game show, to be hosted by Elvira Kurt, from fall 2013. Burnett, who created the original game show format, will executive produce the Canadian version, which is produced by Morgan Elliott of Suddenly SeeMore Productions. “Canada is such an important market for us and to launch an entirely new format with CHCH speaks volumes to their belief in the importance of creating original content for their schedule,” C. Scot Cru, senior vp of international at One Three Media, said in a statement Tuesday. Spin Off - a 30-minute game of trivia and chance where contestants have a chance at winning thousands of dollars in cash and prizes testing their knowledge and their luck - Win big or lose it all - It's all up to THE WHEEL!
|
|
|
B-I-N-G-O, and TPIR Was
Its Name-O |
Posted 4/24/13 |
|
Come on down and experience
The Price Is Right® like never before. Ludia today
announced that they are bringing players hours of fun
with The Price Is Right Bingo on Facebook, offering a
perfect combination of a classic show with a classic
game and a whole new twist. "The Price Is Right Bingo uniquely combines bingo elements with features from the longest-running game show in television history," said Alex Thabet, President and CEO of Ludia Games. "We’re proud to provide gamers with a multi-player and fast-action bingo game that exhilarates players in real-time.” “The team at Ludia continues their tremendous track record of taking The Price is Right, one of the most treasured game shows in history, and creating new and engaging gameplay experiences around it,” added Nicholas Dale, Senior Manager of Interactive & Mobile for FremantleMedia. “Both bingo and The Price is Right are inherently social experiences and this combination will undoubtedly prove a winner with gamers and fans of the show.” The Price Is Right Bingo dazzles players as they engage in challenging, competitive and live bingo action combined with iconic The Price Is Right game elements. Players will compete against their friends, as well as the vast The Price Is Right Bingo online community. When immersed in the distinctively The Price Is Right themed bingo rooms, fans will instantly recognize their favorite pricing games from the hit TV show. Players will match the randomly drawn numbers with those on their bingo cards in hopes of calling “bingo” in time to make it to Contestants' Row. The fun continues as players win bonus Master Keys to unlock mystery prizes and super-charge their bingo cards with power-ups. Players can even collect and trade rare memorabilia from each pricing game to build and complete their personal collection. Finally, gamers take their chance at spinning the legendary Big Wheel to win even more prizes. |
|
|
Wednesday Lightning Round |
Posted 4/24/13 |
|
|
|
Syndies: After the
Madness, Calm |
Posted 4/23/13 |
|
March Madness -- otherwise
known as the NCAA college basketball tournament --
finally came to an end in the week ending April 14 with
top-ranked Louisville presiding over Michigan in the
tourney's final game. The much-watched contest preempted
syndies on CBS affiliates in many markets, representing
stronger than usual competition for programs on non-CBS
stations and overall affecting all of syndication. In
addition, levels of people using television were down
due to longer, sunnier days. Shows that aired in access -- predominantly magazines and games -- were mostly flat or down, although all of the magazines managed to hold their own, while all of the games were down.. CTD's game leader, Wheel of Fortune, wobbled for the third week in a row, slipping 1% to a 6.8. CTD's Jeopardy! lost 3% from the prior week to a 6.0. Debmar-Mercury's Family Feud faded 6% to a 4.5. Disney-ABC's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire fell 4% to a 2.4. NBCU's rookie, Baggage, dropped 9% to a 1.0, equaling its series low. |
|
|
Monday: Droppings |
Posted 4/23/13 |
|
NBC (11.325 million viewers,
#2; adults 18-49: 3.9, #1) was the network to beat on
Monday thanks to new episodes of "The Voice" (13.867
million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 4.8, #1) and
"Revolution" (6.241 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49:
2.2, #T3). ABC (12.959 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.1, #T2) then was the most-watched channel with fresh installments of "Dancing with the Stars" (13.583 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.1, #5) and "Castle" (11.713 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.2, #T3). Next up was FOX (6.919 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.1, #T2) with the penultimate weeks of "Bones" (6.865 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.9, #6) and "The Following" (6.973 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 2.4, #2). Meanwhile, CBS (4.978 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.3, #4) offered up its mix of "How I Met Your Mother" (4.164 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.3, #T9), a new "Rules of Engagement" (4.963 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 1.5, #7) and "2 Broke Girls" (5.024 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.4, #8), "Mike & Molly" (5.242 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.3, #T9) and "Hawaii Five-0" (5.238 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 1.2, #11). And finally, originals from "Oh Sit!" (0.827 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.3, #T12) and "90210" (0.593 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.3, #T12) on The CW (0.709 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.3, #5) closed out the evening. "Oh Sit" dropped a deuce and a half from its week-ago numbers, and underperformed by last year by 40 percent. |
|
|
"Deadliest" Millionaire |
Posted 4/23/13 |
|
"Who Wants To Be A
Millionaire," with host Meredith Vieira, will welcome
two "Deadliest Catch" skippers, Sig Hansen (Captain of
the Northwestern) and Keith Colburn (Captain of the
Wizard) as contestants on the hit game show, Friday,
April 26, 2013. "Millionaire" airs weekdays. Check local
listings or go to http://www.millionairetv.com for time
and channel. Hansen and Colburn may be rivals during the crabbing season on Discovery Channel's hit show "Deadliest Catch," but the veteran fishing captains will put their egos aside on "Millionaire" as they join forces as a two-person team to win money for the Seattle Children's Hospital. "We compete for a living, so because of this game show, we've now bonded!," said Hansen. "This is only a momentary bonding though, trust me," added Colburn. Hansen and Colburn will donate their winnings to the Seattle Children's Hospital (http://www.seattlechildrens.org/) to assist with their Uncompensated Care Fund, which helps families that need financial assistance with their children's medical treatments. The "Deadliest Catch" duo are guaranteed to win at least $10,000. Hansen and Colburn are used to navigating rough seas, hurricane force winds and massive icebergs on "Deadliest Catch," but said that those challenges pale in comparison to the stress of appearing on "Millionaire." Tune in on April 26 to see if their nerves of steel hold up, as they try to win big money for charity. |
|
|
HGTV Star... Retooled |
Posted 4/23/13 |
|
Nine new original series
will hit HGTV's 2013 programming schedule by July 31,
including the highly anticipated home improvement
competition series, Brother vs. Brother, starring
popular and dynamic twin brothers Jonathan and Drew
Scott -- the real estate expert and contractor who are
best known as the Property Brothers. The network also
will put a new spin on its classic competition series
Design Star, retooling the series with the new title
HGTV Star, showcasing finalists with non-traditional,
yet relevant, home-related expertise, and adding
designer Sabrina Soto to the illustrious judging panel
that includes Vern Yip and Genevieve Gorder. David
Bromstad will return as series host and mentor to the
finalists. HGTV Star (June 9) (formerly "HGTV Design Star") offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an undiscovered virtuoso to win his or her own show on HGTV. Each week host and mentor David Bromstad oversees the competitors as they participate in unexpected creative challenges to showcase their talents. One by one, the finalists are voted out of the competition by a panel of expert judges -- Vern Yip, Genevieve Gorder and Sabrina Soto -- until one winner stands victorious. The winner and their new series will be featured in the November/December issue of HGTV Magazine. |
|
|
What's Next For Food's
20th? How About MORE? |
Posted 4/23/13 |
|
Food Network is celebrating
its 20th anniversary and along with sibling Cooking
Channel will add more than 20 new series to its lineup
as part of Scripps Networks Interactive's upfront
presentation today. Their new project include... - Giving You the Business
(April 2013): CEOs of well-known food chains are looking
to expand and reward one of their loyal, hard-working
employees with the opportunity to own their own
franchise. The twist? The employees don’t know. The
bosses secretly enter them into a hidden-camera
competition that will test them on their skills, their
honesty and their ability to handle themselves in
increasingly outrageous situations. In the end, one will
be given the opportunity of a lifetime. Produced by
Cineflix for Food Network |
|
|
Spell Your Way to
$10,000 |
Posted 4/23/13 |
|
Do you love playing
scrabble, words with friends, or doing crossword
puzzles? Do you enjoy fun challenges that test your
brain as well as your concentration? Are you good under
pressure? We are looking for men and women ages 18 and
over willing to take on extreme distractions to get to
the finish line all for a chance to win up to $10,000! Please send us the following information to: SBGAMESHOW@GMAIL.COM Name: Email Address: Phone Number: Names and contact info for 2 friends who might want to join you: Photos of you and your 2 friends: **Interviews are starting THIS WEEK, so send your contact information today and get ready to spell your way to 10,000!!!!** |
|
|
Tuesday Lightning Round |
Posted 4/23/13 |
|
|
| MORE NEWS GSNN 3-Month News Archive |
|
