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Shaq vs. Renewal ABC Reups Competition Series for Season 2 From Variety |
Posted 2/11/10 |
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Shaq is back at ABC. Alphabet net has given a second season order to "Shaq Vs.," its summer reality series starring basketball star Shaquille O'Neal. Media Rights Capital and Dick Clark Prods. are behind the unscripted series, and will produce six episodes of the show. "Shaq Vs." stars O'Neal as he faces off against top athletes in their respective fields. In season one, O'Neal faced off with the Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger in football, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh in beach volleyball, the St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols in baseball, Oscar de la Hoya in boxing and Michael Phelps in swimming. Despite being given a handicap advantage, O'Neal wound up losing each week. According to MRC's Joe Hipps, the producers plan to take O'Neal out of sports in some segments this year -- placing him in other competitions such as spelling bees or competitive eating. But the shows will still mostly focus on sports. "This is our third show with ABC but our first pickup," said MRC's Modi Wiczyk. "Everyone's happy with the show, and that's been incredibly encouraging." Hipps said the producers are already mapping out the production, in order to work around O'Neal's basketball schedule. The show also already has a list of top-tier athletes who expressed interest last year in appearing on the show. Dick Clark Prods.' Orly Adelson, Will Staeger and Barry Adelman are exec producers, along with O'Neal, Scott Messick, Perry Rogers and Steve Nash. (Nash reportedly received the EP credit after protesting that O'Neal took the original idea for the show from him.) |
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Turkey, Romania Get "Upgraded" Zodiak Sells Format Overseas From C21Media |
Posted 2/11/10 |
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Networks in the eastern European
markets of Turkey and Romania are the latest to pick up
Israeli gameshow format Upgrade for local production, its
distributor Armoza Formats has confirmed. Romanian commercial broadcaster Prima TV, part of the ProSiebenSat.1 group, will launch a primetime season of 20 weekly episodes this spring, produced in-house. In Turkey, meanwhile, broadcaster Show TV will premiere a season of 13 episodes, produced by local outfit 18 Productions. The two deals come after Armoza licensed the format to Norway's largest commercial channel TV2; Zodiak Entertainment's production units in Sweden, Holland and Belgium; and FremantleMedia in Germany and France. Greece's Studio Alfa is also developing a local version. "In this economic climate, a gameshow like Upgrade strikes a chord with a global audience because it's about real people looking for ways to upgrade their own lives in a realistic way," said the distributor's CEO Avi Armoza. "For broadcasters and advertisers, Upgrade offers a unique opportunity for sponsorship and product placement." |
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"Newlywed Game" Casting for Season 3 GSN Thiiiiiiis Close to Renewing From RealityWanted.com |
Posted 2/11/10 |
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We are seeking fun, outgoing
couples to participate on this classic television game show! Auditions going on now. Please email us ASAP! Please include: Names, City/State, Phone Number, and Wedding Date All participants must be 18 years of age or older and married 2 years or less as of March 31, 2010  RealityWantedBuzzerblog Online Poker FlopTurnRiver.com PokerHeadline.com PokerNews.com |
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John O'Hurley Gets Golfing "Feud" Host Plays Pebble Beach Pro-Am From Modesto Bee |
Posted 2/11/10 |
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Matt Bettencourt already is
smiling before his first shot today at the AT&T Pebble Beach
National Pro-Am. Bettencourt scored by being paired with popular actor-comedian-TV-gameshow-host John O'Hurley, who will tee off from Spyglass Hill's 10th tee at 9:17 a.m. Getting a top-tier celebrity is a nice assignment for a second-year PGA Tour pro ranked 107th on the money list. Then again, these two — the affable Bettencourt and the personality-rich O'Hurley — should hit it off. They sneaked in a practice round together Wednesday morning at Pebble Beach, the famed headquarters for the $6.2 million tournament.
"With Matt and John, I think they
may have met along the way somewhere," tournament director
Steve Worthy said. "It's not a scientific process. Some pros
are a better fit with some celebrities and some are not, and
we also have to follow a PGA Tour rating system to pair the
two pros in the group. We try to come up with something that
makes sense. It's kind of a feel thing." |
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No Deal... Report: Syndicated "DOND" Cancelled From B&C |
Posted 2/9/10 |
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Just weeks after NBC stations were
cited as a major reason the network pulled the plug on The Jay
Leno Show, they are top of mind once again in the syndication
world, thanks to Martha Stewart’s abrupt switch from
syndication to cable at the end of last month. Ever since Oprah Winfrey announced her show was ending, all eyes have been on ABC’s owned stations and affiliates, which predominantly air the top-rated Oprah and now must decide how to replace it. But Stewart’s decision to move her show to the Hallmark Channel shifted the syndication business’ focus to NBC, which now has a daytime hole to fill as well. NBC’s local media group includes stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia—all top markets that syndicators must clear to get shows on the air. Martha’s surprise move played right into the hands of Sony Pictures Television, which promptly landed a deal with NBC for the Harpo-produced Nate Berkus. NBC’s purchase of Berkus has syndicators speculating that the group also will want to pick up Sony’s other Harpo-produced show, Dr. Oz, which is sold through fall 2011, though both sides say no talks are in the works. “This [Berkus] deal had nothing to do with Dr. Oz, but we think and hope that when [Oz] comes up for fall 2011, it’d be [a] sweet [addition],” says one NBC station insider. “If we have Ellen, Nate and Oz, all of a sudden NBC is a real daytime player.” Warner Bros.’ Ellen DeGeneres is the only syndicated show that pops a significant number on NBC’s daytime lineup. Ellen is up for renewal in fall 2011, and Warner Bros. is hoping to leverage Oprah’s departure to upgrade the show’s time slots and license fees. But if NBC wants Oz, considered the rookie breakout hit this season, it would cost them. Oz currently plays on the Fox stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and Boston. NBC owns stations in all of those markets except Boston, so it would have to pay enough to steal the show from Fox. “Giving up Oz would be a mistake for Fox,” says one syndication executive. Meanwhile, NBC still has that hole to fill in daytime. Besides Martha, two other syndicated shows will depart NBC’s daytime this fall: its own Deal or No Deal and Warner Bros.’ Bonnie Hunt. Two of these three slots are already filled by Berkus and NBCU’s own off-Bravo Real Housewives. But every syndicator shopping a show is now knocking on NBC’s door to secure that third slot. |
 "Deal or No Deal" will not return for a third season (photo courtesy NBC Universal) |
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Pretty Boy Probst to Return "Survivor" Host Reups for Next TV Season From People |
Posted 2/9/10 |
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The host has spoken! Jeff Probst
is staying on Survivor for its 21st and 22nd seasons. The host confirmed the news via his Twitter account. “After 10 years and 20 seasons, it felt like a prudent and thoughtful thing to take a moment and breathe and think, ‘what’s next for me?’” says Probst, 47. “But I started to come back to the same conclusion, which was I am not finished with Survivor yet. It’s the right way to go.” Helping him make the decision was a good working experience on the latest edition, Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, which premieres Feb. 11 (8 p.m. EST) on CBS. “I think Heroes vs. Villains is going to satisfy on every level,” he says, “so what’s inspiring about that is we are coming off Samoa with Russell and a season with 20 returning all-stars, so we have to do something special with 21 and 22. We have to be on our game and get very creative, so that is very exciting.” It also helped to have a reunion celebration for the 10 years the show has been on. “It really hit me when I walked in to the party a month ago and saw the logos for the 20 seasons on the wall,” Probst says. “That was a really great kick in the pants for me to say, ‘Don’t be embarrassed to be proud of what the team has accomplished.’ Twenty seasons is a lot of television. I am very much aware that I have one of the top 10 jobs on television. I get it.” Literally looking back also put a lot of things into perspective. “The first thing I look at when I look at old seasons is the hair,” he admits, “and then I look at the clothes. That very first season, we bought the clothes in Malaysia and they didn’t even fit! I also look at things like my posture. I was hunched over, kind of intimidated — there are so many things to look at.” With two more seasons, there aren’t many locations Probst hasn’t seen, but he does have a passport in need of stamps. “I had to get a new passport two years ago,” he says, “and that was an emotional moment, me and the passport, having to say goodbye to all those stamps from all over the world. It was all weathered, it folded, it had been in my pocket, it had been in backpacks, it had gotten wet, it had been on boats, and then I get from the government a brand new one and it’s like, ‘ah, really?’ But I’ve started filling one up, though!” Lucky for Probst, he does have other fun gigs when he’s not on location for Survivor, including filling in for Regis Philbin on Live with Regis and Kelly. “For as little time as Kelly [Ripa] and I actually spend together, it’s amazing to me how fun it is to work with her, so I really enjoy doing that,” he says, although you won’t see them trading tribal council quips any time soon. “Ripa would never come,” Probst says. “She would laugh of the notion of coming on location. She would say, ‘There is absolutely no way I’m going on a plane and finding you in a tent somewhere. No!’” But could anyone fill his tread-worn shoes in the future? “I’ve been asked what I would think about someone else hosting Survivor,” Probst says, “and the truth is it would be a little strange to see someone else run a tribal council. But if there ever came a time when, for whatever reason, I wasn’t going to continue with Survivor and they were going to continue with someone else, I would teach that person whatever I have learned but I would also say to make it your own and find your voice.”
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 Jeff Probst will return for the next two "Survivor" series (photo courtesy IMDb) |
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WPT Makes History Filming Wraps on 8th Season From Businesswire |
Posted 2/9/10 |
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When filming of the eighth season
concludes in April at the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas,
the World Poker Tour® production team will have created one of
the longest running shows in American television history. When
the landmark 178th WPT episode airs on Fox Sports Net (FSN),
the series will be ahead of successes like L.A. Law (171
episodes), cartoon Flintstones (166 episodes), Sabrina the
Teenage Witch and Magnum PI (each with 162 episodes); and
right behind classics such as Seinfeld (179 episodes), Golden
Girls (180 episodes) and I Love Lucy (179 episodes). “WPT’s production team is no stranger to making history-- their show propelled the game into the thriving global industry it is today” “WPT’s production team is no stranger to making history-- their show propelled the game into the thriving global industry it is today,” said George Greenberg, Executive Vice President of Programming and Production Fox Sports. “The WPT production team broke new ground in translating the game of poker to audiences worldwide through innovative formats and high-quality production.” When the first WPT episode hit airwaves in 2003, it quickly launched into the number one rating slot on Travel Channel—which took a gamble on airing the first poker series in a primetime slot—and has remained to this day the top rated show in network history. WPT reached new heights by 2004, earning programming awards for innovation and attracting national sponsors including Anheuser-Busch and Cadillac. At the conclusion of its fifth season in 2007, WPT had filmed 23 tour stops and celebrated its landmark 100th episode. Two years later, WPT ran the television category of the Bluff Magazine Readers Choice awards with nominations including “Top TV Show of 2009” and best Poker Personality in WPT Commentator Mike Sexton. Currently in its eighth season on air, WPT is the number one distributed poker show worldwide with broadcasts in more than 150 countries--including three major national networks in the United States—to more than 400 million viewers. |
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ABC Gets Darker Network Orders Season 2 of "Dating in the Dark" From the Live Feed |
Posted 2/9/10 |
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Fans of night-vision dating, get
ready for happiness. ABC renewed Endemol's summer reality show "Dating in the Dark." The series, where couples date in total darkness, pulled a respectable number airing after "The Bachelorette" on Monday nights last summer. ABC has picked up a six-episode second season of the show for this summer. No word yet on whether "Conveyor Belt of Love" is getting a series pickup or whether "Shark Tank" will get a second season. |
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3D Game Shows? "Wheel" Could Be The First From the Hollywood Reporter |
Posted 2/8/10 |
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A 3D version of "Wheel of Fortune"
could be coming to television as game shows become the next
form of entertainment to explore the technology. A 3D clip of "Wheel" was screened Friday morning at an open house for Sony's new 3D Technology Center on the Sony Pictures lot, The venue is designed to spearhead 3D research and development as well as production training. Harry Friedman, executive producer of "Wheel" and "Jeopardy!," introduced the clip. "One of the biggest challenges is keeping a game show fresh -- by changing the show without changing the game," he said. "We do that with enhanced production value, such as set design. We typically do dimensionalized sets, which are made for 3D." A timetable for a 3D version of "Wheel" is not in place. The industry has been looking to increase the available content for 3D in the home in addition to growing the slate of 3D movies. The Consumer Electronics Assn. predicts that 4.3 million 3D TVs will be sold this year, and 25% of all sets sold will be 3D-ready by 2013. Game shows could be among the first programming to get the 3D treatment. Movies, of course, led the way, with sports on the move with upcoming events including stereoscopic production of this summer's soccer World Cup. A test of 3D golf recently was performed in Hawaii at the Sony Open. Growth in the 3D market has underscored the still-limited production experience and know-how in the professional community, which prompted the launch of Sony's 3D center. "We are concerned that as the industry moves toward 3D, people will just put two cameras together," Sony Pictures Technologies CEO Chris Cookson said. "Bad 3D experiences will sour audiences on the premise. We'd like to elevate the overall production knowledge."
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THQ Spins "Wheel", "Jeopardy!" Games to Play on Wii, DS From MCV |
Posted 2/9/10 |
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Multi-year licensing agreement to
see publisher releasing Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune titles Wii and DS owners will soon be treated to video game versions of popular US quiz shows Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune thanks to a new deal between THQ and Sony Pictures. The agreement grants THQ the rights to publish titles based on the two IP on both of Nintendo’s machines, with the option for additional platforms. “We are excited to add two iconic properties such as Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune to our portfolio,” THQ’s executive VP of kids, family and casual games Doug Clemmer stated. “The opportunity to implement new features such as Wii Speak will re-imagine how these games are played and engage fans with a whole new level of interactivity.” Sony Pictures Consumer Products’ VP of licensing Mark Caplan added: “Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune are extraordinarily popular across the globe and it was important for us to find a partner with an international vision.
“THQ's focus and proven success within the family market made
them the most logical team to bring these renowned properties
to new platforms, and we look forward to working with them to
create family-friendly interactive experiences.”
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You Play Football Like Betty White First Lady of Game Shows Has Best. Super Bowl Spot. Ever. From Examiner |
Posted 2/8/10 |
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Viewers are still laughing at
Betty White's humorous 2010 Super Bowl commercial which
featured White getting tackled in the mud and trash-talking
about a fellow teammates' girlfriend. In the ad, which was
arguably the best commercial on Super Bowl Sunday, White's
poor play is dictated by the lack of Snickers in her (or
should we say his) diet. And while the ad isn't the best way
to fight childhood obesity in 2010, it was yet another great
moment from the incomparable Betty White. While White's Super Bowl commercial was funny, Betty existed long before the era of the 2000's. Now known as a foul-mouthed old lady in many modern films like "Lake Placid," White has a storied history in television comedy. White began hosting a 1952 show called Hollywood on Television, and then went on to create Life With Elizabeth. Based on a Hollywood on Television sketch, White portrayed the title character for three years. In 1954, White had a brief stint hosting a self-titled talk show called The Betty White Show on NBC. While White also appeared in commercials, she was featured in game shows such as Password and What's My Line. Two decades later, Betty White landed a role on The Mary Tyler Moore Show portraying Sue Ann Nivens. Due to her strong performance on the show, White earned two Emmy awards. Soon after, White was given her own sitcom on CBS, but the show never caught on with viewers and was canceled. Realizing that being a member of an ensemble cast was her bread and butter, White had a recurring role on Mama's Family before landing the biggest acting gig in her career--The Golden Girls. In 1985, Betty White made dimwitted Rose Nylund a loveable, memorable character. With Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty, and Rue McClanahan in tow, Betty White helped make The Golden Girls one of the most important shows of the 1980s. |
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Stern for Simon? .. Okay, No One Asked, Says Report About "King of All Media" From New York Daily News |
Posted 2/8/10 |
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Howard Stern said yesterday that
he'd consider joining the judging panel on Fox's "American
Idol" when Simon Cowell leaves at the end of the season, but
didn't confirm whether producers have actually approached him. "There's not a better job on the planet than judging that f-ing karaoke contest," Stern told his Sirius listeners. "It might be possible, we'll see. They'd have to pay me a ton of dough because I already make a ton of dough." Stern's five-year, $500 million contract with Sirius expires at year's end. An "Idol" source told The News yesterday that nobody has been offered Cowell's job yet and that the show is "a long way away from announcing any replacement."
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You're in the Hot Seat Valpak Sends You a Chance at $100,000 From PR Newswire |
Posted 2/8/10 |
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Beginning today, home viewers of
"Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" will be able to win cash
prizes just like the show's hot seat contestants with the
launch of the "You're In The Hot Seat Home Game" on Monday,
February 8. Thirty-million scratch-off game cards for the home
game have been distributed in 'Millionaire'-Branded Valpak®
Savings Envelopes, with each game card providing an
opportunity to win up to $100,000! Each weekday February 8 - May 28, Millionaire host Meredith Vieira will announce a new winning answer on the broadcast of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire." Viewers with game cards that match the winning answer will win whatever cash prize is shown on their game card. The home game will provide viewers with daily opportunities to win individual prizes ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 and will offer a total of over $1.5-million in cash prizes. Viewers can also go online to www.millionairetv.com to request a game card. "Throughout the 10-year history of Millionaire, we've given away over $54-million to hot seat contestants," said executive producer Michael Davies. "We're excited that over the next few months, our home viewers will have a chance to win some Millionaire money of their own, from the comfort of their living rooms," he added. |
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NBC Sets Finale Dates Biggest Loser Wraps May From People |
Posted 2/8/10 |
| NBC announced today season finale dates for a variety of shows that extend all the way to Tuesday, May 25 with the season's climactic episode of "The Biggest Loser" (8-10 p.m. ET). | |
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Andre Talley Joins "Top Model" Vogue Fashion Editor to Replace J Alexander From People |
Posted 2/8/10 |
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It took a while, but after 13
cycles of America’s Next Top Model, Tyra Banks has finally
convinced Vogue editor-at-large André Leon Talley to take a
seat at the judges’ table. Talley, 60, a heavyweight in the fashion world for decades, was one of the first people Banks approached eight years ago when she was planning Top Model. “At that point, I said no because it was the beginning. I was thinking I wanted to see where it goes,” he tells Women’s Wear Daily. Of course, the show has been a sensation. And now Talley, who says he’s never actually seen the show, has signed up for three cycles — beginning with cycle 14, which premieres March 10 on the CW. At the judges’ table, he succeeds runway coach J. Alexander, who will focus again on working with the contestants. “I felt maybe I could contribute something to it that had not been on the show,” Talley says. “I just felt that it was a way to step out of the box and associate myself with a very important American success story, a very important brand — Tyra Banks.” For her part, Banks says Talley will help steer the show in a more high-fashion direction. “André speaks about fashion and he has such a passion, and the words — the adverbs, the adjectives — he uses!” she says. “I know it’s going to make the viewer at home go, ‘Wowww.’” She adds, “It might go over their head, but he’s educating them about a time, bringing them back to a place when fashion was life.” |
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That Rat's Gonna Cost You ITV Fined for "I'm a Celebrity" Gaffe From ABC News |
Posted 2/8/10 |
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British broadcaster ITV pleaded
guilty to animal cruelty and was fined by an Australian court
on Monday after a rat was killed and eaten on the reality TV
show "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here." Italian chef Gino D'Acampo and British actor Stuart Manning were originally charged with animal cruelty last December after an RSPCA complaint over an episode filmed in Australia that involved killing and cooking a rat. But Sky News reported on Monday that ITV admitted its production staff had given the go-ahead to a request to kill the rat and the broadcaster pleaded guilty to the charge. The court was told that the rat took a minute-and-a-half to die after being stabbed with a knife which the magistrate said caused unnecessary pain to the animal. ITV was fined A$3,000 ($2,600) and ordered to pay A$2,500 in costs. RSPCA Chief Inspector David O'Shannessy said all animals are protected under the Cruelty to Animals Act in the state of New South Wales. "An animal was inflicted with unnecessary pain and distress. Had the circumstances been different and the rat killed outright we wouldn't be talking about it here today," he told Sky News. A spokesman for ITV said the broadcaster had apologized for the mistake which led to the incident. |
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Wink Martindale Goes to GSN New Series to Launch in March From Buzzerblog |
Posted 2/5/10 |
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Veteran game show legend Wink
Martindale has been tapped to host GSN’s newest hidden camera
game show Instant Recall.
According to Martindale the
show will debut March 4. But when the host of the show tells
you when it’s debuting, you tend to listen. This is Wink’s
first game show hosting gig since Debt on the Lifetime Network
from 1996 to 1998. |
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Neil Patrick Harris to Host "Cube" Report: CBS Orders London-Based Pilot From The Wrap |
Posted 2/5/10 |
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British game show hit "The Cube"
may be coming to the States after all -- and Neil Patrick
Harris is on board to host it. Perhaps trying to prove there's absolutely nothing he can't do, the "How I Met Your Mother" star will fly to London later this year to tape a pilot for an American adaptation of "The Cube." CBS will then decide whether to move forward with a series order. In addition to hosting, Harris will also serve as executive producer of the Objective TV-produced series. Also exec producing: Adam Adler, Andrew Newman and Andrew O'Connor. "The Cube" is a deceptively simple format in which folks try to win big bucks by completing simple tasks inside a chamber designed to induce stress. It's done good numbers in the UK (thanks to great scheduling) and NBC has a similar-sounding show called "Minute to Win It" bowing March 14. You'll recall that "The Cube" first caught the eye of Fox executives last fall. They were developing a take on the concept for a few months but then confirmed in December they had opted to move on. But Objective TV, part of All 3, didn't give up. It found interest in the concept at CBS; the network's interest in the project no doubt shot up more when Harris began entertaining the possibility of hosting. Assuming CBS decides to move forward with "The Cube," it'll be the latest hosting gig for the mega-versatile NPH. He's already done stints fronting the Emmys, the Tonys and the TV Land Awards. And just this week, he won mostly raves for sitting in as a judge on "American Idol." TheWrapThe Futon Critic ContactMusic About.com Game Shows TV Squad Buzzerblog |
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More on "High School Quiz Show" New Series to Launch in March From Buzzerblog |
Posted 2/5/10 |
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Boston's WGBH is planning to debut
an academic quiz show featuring local high school students.
The first season of the program, High School Quiz Show, will
feature teams from 24 Massachusetts schools who compete
against each other in a "fast-paced question and answer
format, both as teams and in head-to-head lightning rounds,"
according to WBGH. The program is slated to premiere in March. According to information on the program's Facebook page, questions are drawn from the core Massachusetts high school curriculum, including literature, history and science, together with current events, sports, entertainment, and general knowledge. The competition will culminate in a statewide playoff for the championship and four teams from WGBY's academic game program, As Schools Match Wits, will eventually come to WGBH studios to compete with High School Quiz Show's four top qualifying teams, according to a release from WGBH officials. WGBY is the PBS affiliate in Springfield, Massachusetts. The show began production in November. Student teams from around Massachusetts have been taping their shows over the last few months. Production support for the program is provided by the University of Massachusetts. |
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"Shear" Success Season Premiere Posts Good Numbers From the Futon Critic |
Posted 2/5/10 |
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Bravo's "Shear Genius" basked in
double digit growth and scored its highest rated season
premiere ever among total viewers with its third season
premiere last night, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Wednesday's premiere garnered 655,000 adults 18-49 and 1.097
total viewers, up 17 percent (vs. 558,000) and 23 percent (vs.
892,000) respectively compared to the season two premiere.
Versus the prior four week time period, "Shear Genius" was up
59 percent among adults 18-49 and 55 percent among total
viewers. Online, the "Shear Genius" showsite on www.BravoTV.com was up 125 percent in page views and 250 percent in unique visitors versus the season two premiere day. |
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Noel Edmonds to Resist Pay Cuts "Deal" UK Host May Continue Show for Two Years From Digital Spy |
Posted 2/5/10 |
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Deal Or No Deal host Noel Edmonds
has been tipped to resist pressure to accept a pay cut. According to The Sun today, Channel 4 bosses want Edmonds to sign a less lucrative contract which would see him continuing with the gameshow for another two years. The presenter's current deal will reportedly expire later this year. It is thought that under the new arrangement which has been offered, Edmonds would be paid less and required to make more programs in less time. However, a source close to Edmonds told the newspaper that the star is keen to keep his current salary, despite Channel 4's desire to cut costs. The friend said: "Deal or No Deal is one of the channel's best performing shows so Noel should not have to take less. But he's happy to make more shows a day as that frees up his time." |
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Simon Cowell vs. "We Are the World
25" Dueling Singles for Haiti From PopEater |
Posted 2/5/10 |
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Simon Cowell is the top dog at
many things -- 'Idol,' 'X Factor' and so forth, and now the
music mogul wants to be the titan of another industry -- the
Haiti charity song biz. Simon's competitive side has him
gearing up for a fight with fellow music honcho Quincy Jones
as they unleash dueling Haiti benefit tunes. Even when doing good, Simon Cowell can't let go of his competitive nature, and wants to make sure his all-star Haiti single is a bigger hit than Quincy Jones' re-recording of 'We Are The World.' "Simon is competitive about everything he does. He has to clean his teeth better than anyone, he has to earn more money than anyone -- and he is determined that his single to benefit Haiti has to outsell Quincy Jones record," a friend of the 'Idol' judge tells me. So the stage is set to see if Simon's cover version of REM's classic ballad 'Everybody Hurts' -- featuring Susan Boyle, Jon Bon Jovi, Mariah Carey and Michael Buble -- will outsell Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand's version of 'We Are the World.' This is one competition where there truly are no losers. |
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Seacrest Stalker Pleads Not Guilty Uzomah's Case Goes to Trial From New York Post |
Posted 2/5/10 |
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Ryan Seacrest's alleged stalker
has pleaded not guilty to harassing the E! and "American Idol"
host. Chidi Benjamin Uzomah Jr., who was busted last fall for rushing the E! News studios with a knife in search of Seacrest, pleaded not guilty yesterday to one count of felony stalking and two misdemeanor counts of violating a court order to steer clear of Seacrest. Last month, Uzomah was ordered to stand trial, and faces four years in state prison if convicted on the three counts. He had to be re-arraigned yesterday because his case was moved to a different court. A pretrial hearing for Uzomah is scheduled for March 9. |
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Crystal Cox Stripped of Gold Medal "Survivor Gabon" Contestant Pops Positive for Steroids From USA Today |
Posted 2/5/10 |
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A member of the 1,600-meter
gold-medal relay team at the Athens Olympics has accepted a
four-year suspension and disqualification of her results for
doping. Crystal Cox, who ran in the preliminaries for the American team led by Sanya Richards, admitted to using anabolic steroids and agreed to the penalty Friday, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency said. She almost certainly will have her gold medal stripped, while the consequences for her teammates aren't yet known. Richards ran the final along with Dee Dee Trotter, Monique Henderson and Monique Hennegan. Moushaumi Robinson joined Cox in the preliminary heat. USADA chief executive officer Travis Tygart said he didn't know how the Cox case would affect her teammates. "You've got to give her credit for accepting responsibility," he said. "But hopefully this sends a strong message that if you're going to succumb to the temptation, you have to remember the terrible position you're putting your teammates in." The Cox admission came after an investigation that was triggered by information from the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative case. Cox, who appeared on the TV show Survivor: Gabon, is suspended through January 2014, though the biggest penalty will be the forfeiture of results from 2001 to 2004, the time she admitted using anabolic steroids. |
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"SYTYCD" Returns in May Auditions Begin in March From TV by the Numbers |
Posted 2/4/10 |
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Television’s hottest dance series,
"So You Think You Can Dance", returns this summer for its
seventh season with a two-hour season premiere Thursday, May
27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Hosted by Cat Deeley, the hit dance competition series will inspire and amaze viewers as dancers skilled in styles ranging from hip-hop to ballroom compete to be named America’s Favorite Dancer. Last season’s winner, Russell Ferguson, danced off with a $250,000 cash prize, the title of America’s Favorite Dancer and a cover feature in the March issue of Dance Spirit Magazine. Auditions for Season Seven of "So You Think You Can Dance" are still under way. Hopefuls can strut their stuff in Dallas on Wednesday, March 10; in Nashville on Sunday, March 14; in Chicago on Thursday, March 18; and in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26. |
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"Guillotine" Falls in Spain Italy Sells Format to Telecinco From C21 Media |
Posted 2/4/10 |
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A Spanish broadcaster has picked
up Italian gameshow format The Guillotine for local
production, after a deal with London-based distributor Zodiak
Entertainment Distribution. Telecinco has ordered a 26x45’ series, which will be produced by Zodiak subsidiary Magnolia Spain and will air from spring 2010 in access primetime. It involves a word-connection challenge against the clock. The format, which was originally an element of the Italian gameshow L'Eredità that Magnolia produced for Rai Uno, was recently picked up by TVP2 in Poland and has been optioned in the US by The Gurin Company. |
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Ethan Zohn's a True Survivor Africa Winner Shares Story with "The Doctors" From People |
Posted 2/4/10 |
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Once a Survivor, always a
survivor. Back home from the hospital after spending three weeks in isolation as a result of his stem-cell transplant, Ethan Zohn talked about his ordeal with The Doctors host Dr. Travis Stork. Calling it "the ultimate test of strength and will known to human," Zohn said he was "completely blasted with chemotherapy all over again." As a result, "I had almost no immune system, meaning if I just looked at a person with a cold, I would get sick." Zohn, 36, the winner of Survivor: Africa, is battling a rare form of Hodgkin's disease. While sharing his cancer battle on PEOPLE.com, Zohn said that after intense chemotherapy doctors have found no active cancer cells in his body, but the stem-cell transplant required him to be isolated. |
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Rycroft's New Gig: ET Also a Fan Favorite to Take Over "Dancing" From People |
Posted 2/4/10 |
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Melissa Rycroft has a new job! The former Bachelor and Dancing With the Stars contestant has signed on to be a special correspondent with Entertainment Tonight, her rep confirms. Her first assignment for ET was covering Monday night’s “We Are The World” recording session in Los Angeles. Future assignments will include parties, award shows, premieres and set visits. Rycroft, 26, who also handles reporting duties for Good Morning America, joined Ryan Seacrest in December in Times Square for the Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest special. The Dallas beauty, who married her longtime boyfriend Tye Strickland last December in Mexico, was also PEOPLE.com readers’ choice to replace Samantha Harris on Dancing with the Stars. |
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Three Days Race Jeff & Jordan Were Asked Three Days After BB Finale From EW |
Posted 2/4/10 |
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Apparently, it took CBS all of
three days after the Big Brother 11 finale last September to
approach Jordan Lloyd and Jeff Schroeder about competing in
the 16th edition of The Amazing Race, which premieres Feb. 14.
Despite attempts by fans to blow the lid off their latest
endeavor, Lloyd and Schroeder couldn’t talk about their
participation until now — and they’re not ashamed to admit
they’ve watched about as much AR as they have BB. Which is to
say, they almost never tuned in before agreeing to hit the
race course. “We thought we were going to coast through it
like BB, you know, like ‘oh we never saw this before’ and
Jordan is like, ‘I never watched BB so I can do this, too,’”
Schroeder tells EW. “But it’s a totally different game.” The couple can’t give discuss specifics, though Lloyd recalls having some concerns about the show’s physical demands. “I don’t like to work out. Everybody knows that. If I work out one day, I want to see results and so yeah I was worried,” she says. “Though I was more so worried about having to eat a bug or something. I would rather Jeff eat a bug than me.” When asked if the two ever got hurt, Schroeder would only say, “We are in perfect health right now.” |
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Who Wants to Spoil "The Bachelor"? Upcoming Nuptials Open Old Wounds From EW |
Posted 2/4/10 |
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As ABC announced last week,
Bachelor producers are busy preparing for the Jason Mesnick-Molly
Malaney nuptials on March 8 – the first-ever wedding to come
out of the seven-year-old series (Ryan and Trista Sutter met
on The Bachelorette). But in some ways, the wedding opens old
wounds for producers — specifically how the spoilerific blog
realitysteve.com, run by Steve Carbone, accurately revealed
last year that Mesnick would first propose to Melissa Rycroft
and then dump her for Malaney on a shocking After the Final
Rose special. So far this year, Carbone’s blog has already
leaked several details about the latest season of The Bachelor
starring Jake Pavelka (pictured), including locations of
dates, which contestants received “date roses,” and who would
be sent home. He’s even posted spoilers about who he claims
will be the final two women standing, and who ultimately gets
the final rose. “That’s something that kind of bugs us,” executive producer Mike Fleiss told EW exclusively. “In some ways, it’s just more promotion. We would like to find out [who his source is].” While Fleiss says the show has taken extreme measures in the past to track down leaks — “We spent a lot of money and we hired these guys from the Israeli secret service to shake down people and look at phone records and stuff like that. We ultimately found out who it was. That person no longer works for us.” — he has not gone to such lengths to suss out Carbone’s mole. “We would love to know if anyone knows [who the source is]. I’m offering a $25 reward!” Fleiss’ laissez-faire approach to the leak is due in part to the fact that the realitysteve.com spoilers did not keep fans from tuning in to Jason’s season: The After the Final Rose bombshell scored 17.5 million viewers last March. As for Carbone, the blogger says he relies on several tipsters who “just fell into my lap.” A former sports talk deejay from L.A. — he’s now living in Texas while working as a national sales rep for home furnishing companies — Carbone says that while he wouldn’t want to read spoilers on his favorite shows like Survivor or American Idol, he likes to “one up” The Bachelor simply because he can. “I don’t go looking for this stuff, it comes to me because I’m willing to throw the show under the bus,” he explains, adding that he’s never received a complaint from ABC or Fleiss. Since his site gets only about 400,000 to 500,000 page views a week, Carbone doesn’t believe it impacts the show negatively. “I spilled everything about this season on Jan. 6, and I don’t think the ratings have suffered. People are still watching because they want to see it play out.” And (once again), he’s right about The Bachelor: The audience for the Feb. 1 episode grew by 200,000 viewers for a total of 11.7 million, and the show is up 10% in viewers versus the same time last year. |
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"Bachelorette" Gets an "Extreme
Makeover" Jillian Harris to Help with Home Edition From People |
Posted 2/4/10 |
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The Bachelorette star Jillian
Harris is teaming with Ty Pennington and his crew at Extreme
Makeover: Home Edition for an upcoming episode, ABC confirmed
Tuesday. Harris, who has her own interior design company, said in a statement that she’s “been an adoring fan of the series for years and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing team. I really feel like the world needs a lot of love right now and to be a part of this and see others give their time and love so generously, it is truly inspiring.” In the episode, which is currently filming and does not yet have an airdate, Harris and the Extreme Makeover design team travel to Slaughterville, Okla., to help rebuild the home of Brian and Audra Skaggs. The couple’s son, Jhett, received a heart transplant when he was 10-months-old. Now 2-years-old, Jhett’s weakened immune system is at risk due to the deterioration of the family’s moldy, rotting and termite-infested home. “People know Jillian as a great personality, but they may not realize that she’s an incredible designer, too,” Extreme Makeover executive producer Anthony Dominici says. |
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Mark Burnett Wins PGA Award Producer Logs More Than 1100 Hours From Variety |
Posted 2/4/10 |
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Love him for being a visionary or
hate him for destroying TV as we knew it, Mark Burnett has
irrevocably changed the television landscape with his
massively successful and award-winning reality shows such as
"Survivor," "The Apprentice," "Are You Smarter Than a 5th
Grader?" and "The Contender." Having produced more than 1,100 hours of content airing in 70-plus countries, it's fitting Burnett now becomes the first producer of reality programming to be awarded the PGA's Norman Lear Achievement Award. The honor couldn't be more different from the medals London-born Burnett received for his tours of duty in Northern Ireland and during 1982's Falklands War with the British Army's elite Parachute Regiment. The self-made entrepreneur used his combat experiences and training as the template for his first show, "Eco-Challenge," in the late 1990s, and then came up with the winning formula for "Survivor," which debuted in 2000 and started the reality TV revolution. Since then, the prolific producer has overseen more such varied fare and moved into the world of award shows including the MTV Movie Awards and People's Choice Awards. |
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Back in Business Ben Silverman's First Project with Shine: A Facebook Game From The Wrap |
Posted 2/2/10 |
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Electus, Ben Silverman's new multimedia company, and Shine
International, the international distribution arm of Elisabeth
Murdoch's Shine Group, on Tuesday announced the creation of
Electus Distribution. The new entity will handle worldwide
sales for Electus' content, including television, motion
picture and digital. Silverman and Shine International president Chris Grant will run Electus Distribution, with operations to be based at Shine International. Electus, an operating business of IAC, also is increasing operations to handle the growing slate of programming from Electus and its content labels. In addition to the international distribution partnership, Electus and Shine International will look to co-fund projects and third-party production deals together. Electus Distribution's first distribution partnership is with the Israel-based Abbot Reif Hameiri Production Co. Electus Distribution will develop Abbot Reif Hameiri's Israeli programming in the U.S. across all platforms, and Abbot Reif Hameiri has the option of repurposing Electus' multiplatform content for the Israeli marketplace. “This unique collaboration is the first of its kind in Israel, and provides an exceptional opportunity, both for talented artists and for our company," Guy Hameiri, CEO of Abbot Reif Hameiri Production Co., said in a statement. "The industry in Israel is abundant with creative ideas that do not gain development and impact globally. Working with Electus will allow us to provide a proper platform for talented artists and strengthen our presence in the global content market." As one of its first projects, Electus has secured the rights to bring to the U.S. "Cuckoo’s Nest," a mega-interactive game show on Facebook produced by Abbott Reif Hameiri. Incorporating daily original live broadcasts from within Facebook, "Cuckoo's Nest" fuses a virtual home-based game with a real studio-based game. TheWrapWorldscreen |
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C4 Makes "Drop" Players to Risk £1 Million From Press Association |
Posted 2/2/10 |
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Contestants could lose £1 million
($1.6 million) in a new Channel 4 gameshow. Participants are given the hefty sum at the start of the show, which will be broadcast live from a secret secure location, but will have to watch their cash disappear down trapdoors if they fail to answer questions correctly. Channel 4 has commissioned the show, provisionally entitled The Drop, from Endemol, the TV company behind Big Brother, which is about to enter its final series. Contestants will be plucked from social networking websites and even other Channel 4 programs in what producers say will "revolutionize how TV gameshows are cast". The Drop will go out over a week next year, with viewers watching the show one day and live in the secret location hoping to take home £1 million the next. Remarkable Television, which is part of Endemol, said: "The Drop is a big money game show with extraordinary jeopardy. "Contestants are given their prize - £1 million in cash - at the top of the show. For the first time contestants will be winning big - or losing it all - live on TV. "On each question our contestants face four trapdoors. One wrong move could see their money literally drop through the floor." |
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Three DVDs Today Best-of Sets to Be Released From TV Squad |
Posted 2/1/10 |
| It's not every week that you see four different DVD sets for game shows released, but that's what we have this week: "Best Of" sets for 'The Price is Right', 'Password', and 'Match Game '73', as well as a special set for the Richard Dawson 'Family Feud' episodes. | |
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G4 Wants More "Ninja" Network Renews Sasuke Spinoff From B&C |
Posted 2/1/10 |
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Nearly a year after shifting its
programming strategy away from stripped series and toward more
original development, G4 is finally reaping the rewards of its
investment. Four of the originals to come out of the expanded development pipeline in 2009 will be returning for second seasons on the Comcast Entertainment Group cable channel. In March, the network will premiere new episodes of clip shows Web Soup and The International Sexy Ladies Show. Then come fall, the channel will bring back reality series Campus PD and competition series American Ninja Warrior. In the network's most desired demo, men 18-34, both Campus PD (0.21 rating) and American Ninja Warrior (0.26) doubled the network's total day average rating.
The second season of American
Ninja Warrior will feature more personal information about the
finalists to complement the competition itself. The network is
also seeking an advertising partner to integrate into the
series, and is targeting "performance" companies such as
sneaker manufacturers and sports-drink makers. |
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Big Numbers for ABDC 2.4 Million Tune In From TV by the Numbers |
Posted 2/1/10 |
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The fifth-season premiere of
America’s Best Dance Crew Thursday night came out hoofing with
the Nielsens. MTV notched a 2.2 rating among its target demo of persons 12 to 34, marking a 22% gain against its fourth-season premiere (a 1.8 rating) against that group and a 10% uptick against its third-season bow (2.0) in January 2009, according to Nielsen data. Moreover, the Jan 28 telecast was the shows tops with the demo since its third season finale last March. All told, 2.4 million tuned in America’s Best Dance Crew. |
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Want to Know Who's "Dancing"? Watch "The Bachelor" March 1 From The Futon Critic |
Posted 2/1/10 |
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In a special Monday night event,
the new cast of "Dancing with the Stars" will be announced by
"Dancing with the Stars" host Tom Bergeron in interstitials
airing throughout the highly anticipated dramatic two-hour
finale of the popular romance reality series, "The Bachelor:
On the Wings of Love," on Monday, March 1 (8:00-10:00 p.m.,
ET), on the ABC Television Network. Immediately following each cast member's unveiling during primetime, ABC.com will post the updated list online. The Spring 2010 season of "Dancing with the Stars" premieres Monday, March 22, 2010 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET). In week two, all of the couples will return to dance once again, Monday, March 29 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET). The team with the lowest combined judges' scores and public votes for both performances will be eliminated from the competition on the first results show, Tuesday, March 30 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET). "Macy's Stars of Dance," which features some of the most renowned dancers and choreographers of our time, will also be back on "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show." |
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"Britain's Next Top Model" Renewed Elle Macpherson to Host From News.com.au |
Posted 2/1/10 |
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Her acting ambitions may have hit
a hurdle, but Aussie supermodel Elle Macpherson is pushing on
with her plans to have a TV career. Macpherson is reported to have signed on to host Britain's Next Top Model. The London-based fashion icon, 47, is believed to have joined the show, with filming slated to start later this month. The move follows Macpherson's guest appearances on the Australian and US versions of the popular franchised series. The high profile hosting opportunity follows her short-lived return to acting last year in the Ashton Kutcher-produced series The Beautiful Life. Macpherson will be joined on Top Model by a panel of judges who will be responsible for awarding one of 14 up-and-coming beauties with a lucrative international modelling contract. Despite her international profile, The Body was not first choice for the role. Producers originally wanted Naomi Campbell. |
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Celebrity "Masterchef" Uncertain New Junior Version on Tap for Network Ten From News.com.au |
Posted 2/1/10 |
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Junior MasterChef will hit our
screens later in the year, and a professional version could be
in the pipeline, but there are doubts whether the celebrity
spin-off will return. Mark Fennessy, whose new production company Shine Australia will produce the series, said he was wary there could be too much exposure of the MasterChef brand. "I doubt whether Celebrity MasterChef will come back,'' Fennessy said at a lunch to launch the Australian arm of Shine Group Australia in Sydney. Won by Olympic swimmer Eamon Sullivan last year, Celebrity MasterChef had solid ratings but was not as successful as the main version. Formerly of Fremantle media, Australian television veterans Mark and Carl Fennessy are set to produce a number of programs under the international Shine Group brand, headed up by Elisabeth Murdoch. They will also produce the children's version of MasterChef, called Junior MasterChef, which is set to air in the last quarter of the year on Network Ten. Carl Fennessy said the show, which will most likely be open to children between the ages of eight and 12, was one of their most anticipated. "We think this is going to be a really spectacular series,'' he said. Mark Fennessy said there was a possibility that Australia may also get a professional version as well, he said. The duo also plan to make a show based on a French word game show called Des Chiffres et Des Lettres. The show has been running in France since the 1960s and in the UK, where it is called Countdown, since 1982. The daily series is expected to air on SBS from mid-year. Other programs Shine Australia will produce from next year will be The Biggest Loser and MasterChef Australia. |
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Steve Jones Has "101 Ways to Leave a
Gameshow" New Quiz Show Offered Up on BBC One From Digital Spy |
Posted 1/29/10 |
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Steve Jones has been confirmed as
the host of new BBC One quiz 101 Ways to Leave a Gameshow. The T4 presenter's latest program, which is being produced by Endemol, will involve eight contestants answering general knowledge questions inside a large tower. When a player loses a round they will either be ejected by cannon, rocket or catapult into mud and ice-cold water. "This is one of the most original gameshow to have come out of the UK in recent years," executive producer Mark Linsey told The Sun. "There is nothing quite like it on television." The program will be filmed in Argentina, near the set of hit BBC gameshow Total Wipeout, and there will be a £10,000 ($16,177) prize for the eventual winner. Jones's other upcoming BBC projects include the return of Let's Dance For Sport Relief in February. |
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Pat & Vanna Go Island Hopping Beaches Resort Week to Air in June From Turks & Caicos Weekly News |
Posted 1/29/10 |
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Pat Sajak and Vanna White jetted
over to the TCI this week to host part of the world famous
Wheel of Fortune. This June the show is running a special ‘Beaches Resorts Week’ with dozens of on-property film clips and prizes focused around the family-friendly location. Wheel of Fortune, now in its 27th season, is the number one syndicated show on television with 12.5 million viewers every night. Beaches Turks and Caicos joined forces with Wheel of Fortune this week for a special shoot dedicated to the beauty, luxury and excitement of the resort. A spokesperson for Beaches said: “This major endeavour, which is going to garner a lot of attention for our brands, involves hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White actually taping cutaways from our gorgeous resort to be aired during this very special week. “This comprehensive promotion valued millions of dollars will be seen by a nationwide audience, will also encompass promotional TV spots, in-show exposure via set presence, exclusive in-show goodie prize and prize puzzle provider, a national viewer sweepstake, promotional consideration spots, and online exposure.” ‘Beaches Resorts Week’ is scheduled to air nationally on Wheel of Fortune in June. Turks & Caicos Weekly News |
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Bob Barker Donates Money, Time for
Fighting Pigeon Shoots Legislation Currently Pending From Examiner |
Posted 1/29/10 |
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Bob Barker, former game show host
and animal philanthropist, has donated $1 million to stop
pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania. The $1 million donation was given to SHARK, an Illinois based animal advocacy organization that has filmed pigeon shoots at the Philadelphia Gun Club in Bensalem, Bucks County. Barker not only is donating money for Pennsylvania's pigeons but he has committed to join protestors at the infamous Gun Club in Bensalem during the planned demonstrations. “The very characteristics of a live pigeon shoot are such that the event cannot be held without causing extensive animal suffering,” said Barker. “Live bird shoots are held under the guise of ‘sport’ target practice but they offer neither sport nor hunting.” Pennsylvania is the only state to openly hold pigeon shoots. Legislation is pending in Pennsylvania that would ban shoots in which captive birds are tethered or launched in front of the shooter. The bills specifically say they cannot be used to restrict traditional hunting regulated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Examiner.com |
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Carnie Takes Weight Fight to Dr. Oz "Newlywed Game" Host to Be Featured Next Week From Star |
Posted 1/29/10 |
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Carnie Wilson has always been
honest about her weight struggle. She's even starring in her
own reality show on GSN, Carnie Wilson: Unstapled, which
follows her life after gastric bypass surgery — and two kids,
Lola, 5, and Luciana, 7 months. But at 218 lb., Carnie needs help losing weight to avoid a major health crisis. And she's hoping a visit with Dr. Oz can get her back on the right track. Confronted with Dr. Oz's "Truth Tube" on the Feb. 4 episode of The Dr. Oz Show, Carnie is shocked when she finds out her waist size, blood pressure and cholesterol count. Dr. Oz does an intervention to teach Carnie what she needs to do now in order to achieve lasting weight-loss and get healthy for good. Star |
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Jeff Foxworthy Surprises Leadership
Class "5th Grader" Host Plays Metro-Atlanta Version From NorthFulton.com |
Posted 1/29/10 |
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Members of the Leadership Johns
Creek Class of 2010 found they were not always smarter than a
fifth-grader when comedian and television show host Jeff
Foxworthy dropped in for a surprise visit during their
Education Day program Jan. 21. Fulton County Schools leaders schooled the Leadership class on the world of education starting at the new Johns Creek High School. Superintendent Cindy Loe; Martha Greenway, Deputy Superintendent for Organizational Advancement, Chief Financial Officer Robert Morales, Area Superintendent Randee Nagler, JCHS Principal Buck Greene and State Bridge Crossing Elementary School Principal Trey Martin provided their insights on topics ranging from budgets to classroom technology, testing data, parental involvement and much more. LJC members enjoyed a typical high school lunch before heading across the street to State Bridge Crossing Elementary where they were greeted by teacher Ashley Adriansen and her fifth-grade Talented And Gifted students. The students whisked their adult visitors on a brief school tour before settling back in to present their version of the TV game show "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?" The students had researched the show over the recent holiday break, created their own set, drafted grade-appropriate questions, put together a PowerPoint presentation including graphics and music from the show and even had a pair of Foxworthy stand-ins, complete with the comedian's trademark blue blazer, white shirt and blue jeans, to serve as hosts. As part of their preparations for the Leadership program, they wrote to Foxworthy inviting him to participate. However, because the letter went out just several days before, it seemed highly unlikely that the celebrity would have room in his schedule. But just as the young hosts got set to introduce their production, the classroom exploded into screams and cheers as the Johns Creek resident strode in. Foxworthy quickly charmed the students and Leadership participants alike as he talked about the real show, cracked jokes and guided the "contestants" through the series of 10 questions. Overall the LJC representatives and their fifth-grade helpers conquered the majority of questions such as, "what is the temperature, in Fahrenheit, at which water boils?" NorthFulton.com |
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Still Golden After All These Years "First Lady of Game Shows" Sees No Retirement in Future From PopEater |
Posted 1/29/10 |
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In Hollywood's increasingly
crowded sea of stars (many of whom are so painfully unworthy
of the title, *cough* reality TV crazies *cough*), is there a
woman on the planet more endearing, talented and hilarious
than Betty White? Her saucy comments and quick wit at last
week's SAG Awards reminded us not only how much we love her,
but what an amazingly accomplished woman she is. Beginning with a stint on Al Jarvis' variety show 'Hollywood on Television' in 1949, White's dizzying resume spans six decades. Sixty years, people! She is known to most of us, depending on birth date and/or generation, as Happy Homemaker Sue Ann Nivens from 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' and the naive and sweet-natured Rose Nylund from 'The Golden Girls.' But before her sitcom stardom, White appeared on numerous talk shows and daytime game shows, earning the title 'First Lady of Game Shows,' along with the first Emmy awarded to a woman for Outstanding Game Show Host in 1983. "I'm the luckiest old broad on two feet," White has said of her career. And despite her track record for playing sickeningly sweet, innocent types, the seasoned 88-year-old has a wry sense of humor that often catches people off-guard. Her SAG Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech being a prime example. "I look out and see so many famous faces... I actually know many of you and I've worked with quite a few," she said. "Maybe had a couple. And you know who you are." PopEater |
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Carrie Underwood to Play The Big Game "Idol 4" Winner to Sing National Anthem From Pro Football Talk |
Posted 1/29/10 |
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Carrie Underwood will make it to
the Super Bowl before her ex-boyfriend Tony Romo. The NFL announced the country singer will sing the National Anthem and Queen Latifah will sing "America the Beautiful" before the Colts and Saints kick off. Pro Football Talk |
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Extra! Extra! Somebody's Getting
Married! "Bachelor's" Jason, Molly Televise Nuptials From the Hollywood Reporter |
Posted 1/29/10 |
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ABC is planning another trip down
the aisle, as "The Bachelor" couple Jason Mesnick and Molly
Malaney will tie the knot next month on the network. The two-hour "The Bachelor: Jason and Molly's Wedding" is set to air March 8. The event will include the bride's dress fitting, planning for the big day, bachelor and bachelorette parties and the ceremony. Past "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" couples and participants will be on the guest list. ABC and producers Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television have every right to assume a "Bachelor" wedding will draw viewers. After Trista Rehn met Ryan Sutter on "The Bachelorette" in 2002, their wedding on ABC was a ratings smash, drawing more than 17.1 million viewers. Mesnick and Malaney's vows mark the latest twist in narrative that's extended through a couple of seasons of the "Bachelor" franchise. Mesnick was one of the final two bachelors on DeAnna Pappas' edition of "The Bachelorette." Rejected by Pappas, he became the first single dad on "The Bachelor" and proposed to Melissa Rycroft in the finale, only to change his mind and break up with Rycroft on the air and instead propose to runner-up Malaney. Hollywood ReporterThe Futon Critic |
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Samantha Harris Evacuates the Dance Floor "Dancing" Co-Host Walks Away from Hit Series From People |
Posted 1/28/10 |
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Samantha Harris has left the
ballroom! The Dancing With the Stars co-host will not return to ABC’s celebrity dance competition when it returns for its tenth season on March 22. Harris, who has co-hosted with Tom Bergeron for the past eight seasons, told PEOPLE Thursday that the decision to leave the show wasn’t easy. “[DWTS] could not have been more of a dream job,” she says. “I loved every single second of it and I’ve made lifelong friends at the show.” But Harris, who majored in journalism at Northwestern University, says that she is focusing on other projects like her correspondent duties at The Insider, which she says have expanded in the past year. “I interned at Entertainment Tonight 15 years ago, the summer after my sophomore year at Northwestern and I dreamed of working in the same space as hosts Mary Hart and Mark Steines and now I’m living that dream,” says Harris. “Samantha has been a brilliant part of [DWTS] and we wish her the best of luck on The Insider,” Dancing executive producer Conrad Green says, noting that he has begun the search to fill Harris’s slot. “She’s done an incredible job. Some of the most memorable moments on the show have been facilitated by Samantha. I think we’ll all walk away with enormous happy memories of working with one another.” Bergeron says he is sad to see his co-host move on. “I’m going to miss Samantha. We had a nice rapport off-camera and on,” he tells PEOPLE. “I could see that her workload was picking up on The Insider. As somebody who’s been known to juggle a few jobs myself, I know that that can pull you in eight different directions.” Since joining DWTS in 2006, Harris has simultaneously held jobs at E! and The Insider. In 2008 she co-hosted the official Oscar pre-show with Regis Philbin, and in 2009 she guest hosted for Meredith Viera on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. She also made her Broadway debut in July 2009 playing Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago. Still, if Bergeron has his way, he will try to get Harris to return to the ballroom. “I’ve been known to try to twist arms behind the scenes,” he says. “I’m hoping this frees her up for us to have her as a contestant.” |
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"2110" Heads to CBBC Post-Apocalyptic Game Created by "Doctor Who" Writer From Digital Spy |
Posted 1/28/10 |
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Doctor Who writer Phil Ford has
penned a new sci-fi gameshow for the BBC, it has been
announced. The 13-episode series, titled Mission: 2110, is set in a post-apocolyptic landscape and sees contestants span time and space to travel to the futuristic setting of our planet to try to restore peace and stability. Executive producer Sue Morgan said of the show: "Mission: 2110 is an exciting ambitious and challenging new fast-paced gameshow where the contestants will need to use all their cunning and guile to avoid elimination." Production is due to continue until early March, which the series being eyed for a spring broadcast on CBBC. |
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A "Pointless" Return Alexander Armstrong to Host New Season on BBC Two From Irish Times |
Posted 1/28/10 |
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Comedian, actor, Pimms vendor and
television presenter Alexander Armstrong returns to BBC Two
Daytime for a second run of the popular quiz show Pointless.
And yes, it is pleasurable viewing and worth catching on
iPlayer if you have a job. Pointless sees four pairs of contestants compete for a cash prize - by winning the fewest points. Every question on Pointless has been asked to 100 people before the show - to find out the most obvious and the most obscure answers. The contestants aim to score the fewest points by searching out those little known answers that as few of the 100 gave as possible. The Holy Grail is a Pointless answer - a response that none of the 100 thought of. It might sound easy to remember Top 40 Madonna singles, but contestants must think of the tracks that no one else has mentioned. What about British counties? Or US Presidents? Can you think of the least obvious answer? Contestants must fight their natural instincts, aiming to score the fewest points possible by finding the most elusive answers. Give an answer 87 of our 100 mentioned and they'll score an awful 87 points. Find an answer that only 4 of the 100 gave and they'll score a very creditable 4 points. And as always, to get the best possible score contestants must find the Pointless answers that none of the 100 gave. Not only do these score players zero points, they also add money to the prize jackpot. The clever pair who makes it through to the final round wins the coveted Pointless trophy. But one question stands between them and the cash prize. All they have to do is come up with just one more Pointless answer and the cash is theirs. But if they fail, the money rolls over to the next show. It's a tense, high jeopardy end to every show. |
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PlayTV Complaints Upheld Watchdog Offers More Than $3000 From Irish Times |
Posted 1/28/10 |
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A new Bill which will regulate the
broadcasting of premium rate phone-in competitions, such as
TV3’s Play TV , and impose fines of up to €250,000 ($349,000)
for malpractice in the area was announced by Minister for
Communications Eamon Ryan last night. Ryan said the legislation, which is to come into force next month, showed the Government would “not stand for its citizens being duped, defrauded or overcharged by corporate entities”. The new sanctions are included in the Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic Communications Infrastructure) Bill 2009. Under the legislation, TV stations and service providers will have to apply to communications regulator ComReg for a license to broadcast competitions such as Play TV or to run phone-in contests like those that appear on RTÉ’s Late Late Show.
The Bill also makes provisions for the regulation of premium
rate phone lines selling ring tones, sports results, traffic
reports and psychic services. |
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High School Quiz to Launch WGBH to Produce March 22 From WGBH PR |
Posted 1/27/10 |
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Twenty schools from eastern
Massachusetts have been chosen to compete on High School Quiz
Show, the new weekly series debuting on WGBH on March 22,
2010. The competition will culminate in a statewide playoff
for the championship, as four teams from WGBY’s academic game
program, As Schools Match Wits, arrive in WGBH’s studios to
compete with High School Quiz Show’s four top qualifying
teams. The producers of High School Quiz Show selected schools with consideration given to location, size, diversity, and the commitment of a team coach. More than 70 schools from eastern Massachusetts applied to participate in the first season of High School Quiz Show, and based on WGBH’s criteria, the selection was narrowed to 20. “To make it fair – and fun – we wanted a complete representation of schools in Massachusetts,” said High School Quiz Show producer Hillary Wells. “The participating schools range from large to small in size, from urban to suburban, from charter schools to public. The initial match-ups between the schools will be chosen randomly, with team names pulled from a hat.” The competing high school teams and their enthusiastic supporters will gather at WGBH’s Brighton studios over the course of three days – January 30, 31 and February 6 – for 10 qualifying rounds, as a live studio audience of families, fellow students, and community members cheer on their hometown teams from the sidelines. On May 1 and 2, the top four qualifying teams from High School Quiz Show will meet at WGBH to tape the state quarterfinals, semifinals and championship with four teams from As Schools Match Wits, the long-running series produced and broadcast by sister station WGBY in association with Westfield State College. The state finals and championship will be broadcast in June on WGBH and WGBY. Quiz questions for the teams will correlate with the core Massachusetts high school curriculum, including literature, history, and science, together with current events, sports, entertainment, and general knowledge. High School Quiz Show is endorsed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Teams for High School Quiz Show’s 2010 season: Amesbury High School; Boston Collegiate Charter School, Dorchester; Brighton High School; The Bromfield School, Harvard; Dighton–Rehoboth Regional High School; Everett High School; Framingham High School; Hingham High School; Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School; Lynn English High School; Methuen High School; Minuteman Career & Technical High School, Lexington; Nipmuc Regional High School, Upton; Oakmont Regional High School, Ashburnham; Randolph High School; Revere High School; Quincy High School; Shepherd Hill Regional High School, Dudley; Sturgis Charter Public School, Hyannis; and University Park Campus School, Worcester. Two alternate schools were chosen as potential substitutes: Acton-Boxborough Regional High School; and Wachusett Regional High School. Major production support for High School Quiz Show is provided by the University of Massachusetts. Research and development funding generously provided by Bank of America Charitable Foundation. Additional funding is provided by Comcast and Massachusetts Teachers Association. Follow High School Quiz Show on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HS_QuizShow and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/High-School-Quiz-Show/150028153208?ref=ts. |
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Jellyvision Sues Aflac "Quack" Rips Off "Jack", Suit Alleges From Gamasutra |
Posted 1/27/10 |
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Jellyvision, longtime developer of
the You Don't Know Jack quiz show computer games, has sued
insurance provider Aflac based on allegations that an Aflac
marketing website infringes Jellyvision's copyright. Aflac's site, titled "You Don't Know Quack," includes a three-question Flash-based true-or-false quiz intended to draw parallels between common (but erroneous) folk remedies, and beliefs about major health insurance. As reported by the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Jellyvision claims the site bears an undue and deliberate resemblance to its games, and "represents an effort to trade on the valuable goodwill and reputation associated with Jellyvision and its You Don’t Know Jack mark." "Aflac’s use of You Don’t Know Quack has caused, and is likely to continue to cause, confusion with regard to the affiliation or connection between Aflac and Jellyvision, and with regard to the source, sponsorship, or approval of Aflac’s game, resulting in the unjust enrichment of Aflac," reads the lawsuit, filed in an Illinois U.S. District Court. A Jellyvision attorney said the developer hopes to reach "an amicable solution" with Aflac. Aflac did not comment publicly. The popular You Don't Know Jack quiz game series was published as a line of dozens of retail compilations from 1995 through the early 2000s. It was known for its irreverent humor and its acerbic narrator and host. In 2007, Chicago-based Jellyvision relaunched the series as an episodic web game, published for about two years on a weekly basis. Since then, rumors of new console-based versions of the game have consistently surfaced. |
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Next Up For Bids... Adam Lambert's
Underwear Picture Also Goes Under Hammer for Haiti From Idolator |
Posted 1/27/10 |
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Adam Lambert performed “Strut” for
the special Ellen DeGeneres Show yesterday that celebrated the
talk show host’s 52nd birthday. But it was the items he put up
for auction for Haiti earthquake relief on Ellen’s website
that really got the crowd cheering—an autographed portrait of
himself and, uh, his underwear. “I wore my special Ellen underwear,” he told DeGeneres, as the audience cheered wildly. Guess that answers the question “Whataya want from me?” Lambert admitted, “They might be a little sweaty, but these are up for auction as well.” |
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"Lyrics" to Get Second Life Show to Be Paired with "5th Grader" at NATPE From B&C |
Posted 1/26/10 |
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Twentieth Television is bringing
one-time Fox network program Don't Forget the Lyrics! to
syndication. The show will launch on the Fox-owned TV stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Washington, D.C. It also will air on MyNetwork TV in primetime, paired with Twentieth's Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader on Tuesday nights. Twentieth is following the same financing model with Don't Forget the Lyrics! that it used with Fifth Grader, airing the show on multiple platforms: broadcast syndication, network prime and on cable. Don't Forget the Lyrics! will have a run on Viacom-owned VH1. (Fifth Grader airs on CMT.) Don't Forget the Lyrics will replace NBC Universal's Deal or No Deal on MyNetwork TV. While NBCU has made no official comment, industry observers expect Deal to end its syndicated run after this season. "The concurrent broadcast and cable runs of Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader ushered in a groundbreaking syndication model for the business that we are thrilled to duplicate with a second hit Fox game show, Don't Forget the Lyrics!," said Greg Meidel, president of Twentieth Television and MyNetwork TV in a statement. Twentieth announced the new offering as the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) conference kicked off in Las Vegas. The new version of Don't Forget the Lyrics!, produced by RDF USA and Apploff Entertainment, will be hosted by Mark McGrath, former lead singer of Sugar Ray and host of Warner Bros.' Extra. It premiered on the Fox network in July 2007. |
 "Don't Forget the Lyrics!" will return this fall in syndication (photo courtesy Fox) |
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ABDC Throws Down Thursday Crews Released From TV by the Numbers |
Posted 1/26/10 |
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MTV will introduce viewers to the
nation’s best and brightest rising performers when its hit
music- and dance-driven reality series “Randy Jackson Presents
America’s Best Dance Crew” premieres on Thursday, January
28th. At 10p.m. ET/PT, the Season Five premiere of “America’s
Best Dance Crew” will kick-off a three-episode arc with 15
all-new crews competing in regional finals for the chance at
one of the nine coveted spots on the Season Five roster. Season Five of “America’s Best Dance Crew,” MTV’s top-ranking cable program among P12-34, from Warner Horizon Television and executive produced by Randy Jackson, will feature more of the jaw-dropping dance moves and stunts viewers have come to love. Following the groundbreaking Season Four win of We Are Heroes – the first all-female crew to claim the top spot – the January 28th premiere will kick off a three-episode regional battle as five crews from the South compete in a “Judge’s Choice” competition. The second episode will feature five crews from the East and the regional arc will conclude in the third episode with five competing crews from the West. Show judges JC Chasez, Lil Mama and Omarion will eliminate two crews in each of these first few episodes and send the remaining three on to contend for the $100,000 cash prize and the title of “America’s Best Dance Crew” as part of the final nine Season Five crews to participate. |
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Aussie "Loser" Loses Contestant Arrested Contestant Left on Cutting Room Floor From New York Daily News |
Posted 1/26/10 |
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Talk about cutting out the fat. Australia’s own "The Biggest Loser," which began its fifth season this past weekend, was forced to edit out one contestant, after police allegedly found child pornography in his home. Deryck James Ward, a 26-year-old communications specialist, was charged earlier this month after Queensland police reportedly made the discovery, according to the Courier Mail. He was competing on the weight-loss show along with his sister, both of whom had apparently already been eliminated from the show before the charges surfaced. However, Network Ten and FremantleMedia Australia took the extra step to edit out both contestants, airing the series as if they had never been a part of the show. "Given the seriousness of these charges and that this matter is to be resolved in the courts, the network decided it will not broadcast any episode in which Mr. Ward would have appeared," a Ten spokeswoman told the Courier Mail. Along with the charge for possessing child pornography, Ward received one count of using the Internet to access images of child exploitation, the Australian news outlet reports. |
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Old & Busted: "Bachelor"... New
Hotness: "Pimp My Bride" Former Contestant Grant Develops New Series From Us Magazine |
Posted 1/26/10 |
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Forget those sappy rose
ceremonies. Former Bachelor Matt Grant has a new show in the works, and it's called Pimp My Bride! "[It's] an organic follow-up to the Bachelor," the British financier told UsMagazine.com at the Youth Run 4 Haiti event in Santa Monica on Saturday. The show, which he wrote after filming the twelfth season of the Bachelor in 2008, was picked up by Warner Brothers. "It's about the groom being in control of the wedding," he says. In addition to Pimp My Bride, Grant -- who proposed to Shayne Lamas on the Bachelor only to end their engagement months later -- is also considering taking part of another new show. "They've asked me to possibly do this Bachelor Pad show," he tells Us. "It's like Big Brother Bachelor with all the Bachelors in a house. I've thought about doing it because I'm obviously not famous anymore and it would give me fifteen minutes of fame!" |
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Ant & Dec Want "X" Hosting Duo Would Consider America Again If Asked From Metro |
Posted 1/26/10 |
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After Simon Cowell already
admitted he'd love to take his 'star' Cheryl Cole off to the
States for his new X-Factor show, Ant & Dec now say they'll
consider joining the pair if he asks. "If he was to call us up and ask us then we would have to look at it", says presenter Ant McPartlin. The boys say the only thing standing in their way would be their "hugely busy" current two year deal with ITV. McPartlin, 34, says, "we've just signed to ITV for another two years so physically I don't know if we could" but he admits "it would be an amazing adventure". An offer would give the TV duo a second crack at the US after they made a flop bid to win over America with their ABC game show Wanna Bet? back in 2008. Back then producers reportedly had to hire interpreters as American audiences struggled with their pronunciation of the word “our”. Meanwhile, the Geordie twang stands in the way of Cheryl's ticket to America as well after her accent was ran by focus groups last year to see if the 26-year-old Girls Aloud star could be understood State-side. |
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CBS Renews "Survivor", "Race" New Editions to Bow in the Fall From TV by the Numbers |
Posted 1/25/10 |
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CBS has ordered more editions of
its Emmy Award-winning reality franchises-"Survivor" and "The
Amazing Race"-for broadcast in the 2010-2011 season. "Survivor" will return with two more editions, marking the 21st and 22nd installments of broadcast television’s longest-running reality competition series. Last fall, "Survivor Samoa" (7.8/12, 13.45m million viewers), the franchise’s 19th edition, continued its ratings dominance, winning its Thursday (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) time period in viewers, adults 18-49 (4.3/12) and adults 25-54 (5.4/13). The series’ 20th edition, "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains", premieres with a special two-hour episode on Thursday, Feb. 11 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). "Heroes vs. Villains" reunites 20 of the most memorable, heroic and controversial castaways from previous "Survivor" seasons. The series’ best strategists will face off in their attempt to overcome – or embrace – the label placed upon them when they return to seek revenge or redemption, all in an effort to win the title of Sole Survivor. Emmy Award winner Jeff Probst hosts. The groundbreaking reality series, which premiered in May 2000, has anchored CBS’s winning Thursday lineup since February 2001. It won an Emmy Award in 2001 in the category of “Outstanding Non-Fiction Program” (Special Class). Host Jeff Probst is a two-time Emmy Award winner in the category of “Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Series.” "Survivor" is produced by SEG, Inc. Mark Burnett is executive producer and David Burris and Leisa Francis are co-executive producers. CBS has also ordered the 17th edition of the seven-time Emmy Award-winning reality series "The Amazing Race", hosted by Phil Keoghan. "The Amazing Race" recently concluded its 15th edition with year-to-year gains in viewers (11.91m, +7%), adults 18-49 (3.7/09, +6%) and adults 25-54 (4.7/10, +7%). "The Amazing Race" has won the Emmy Award for “Outstanding Reality Competition Program” every year since the category was created seven years ago. "The Amazing Race" 16 returns Sunday, Feb. 14 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT). Jerry Bruckheimer, Bertram van Munster, Jonathan Littman, Elise Doganieri and Amy Chacon are the executive producers for Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Earthview Inc. in association with ABC Studios and Amazing Race Productions. Phil Keoghan is host. "The Amazing Race" was created by Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri. |
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"Drag Race" Gets "Untucked" Companion Series to Air with Season Premiere Next Monday From The Futon Critic |
Posted 1/25/10 |
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"True Ru" fans just can't get
enough of the high stakes drama, camp and fabulousness that is
"RuPaul's Drag Race." So when it returns on Feb 1st it'll be
packin' a little something extraa brand new companion series,
"RuPaul's Drag Race : Untucked!" Following the second season
debut "RuPaul's Drag Race" this new half-hour of hijinks takes
viewers "behind the queens" for a wigs off, trash talking,
revved up look at what really happens off the "Drag Race"
runway. Ever wonder what the girls talk about while their
competitors "lip-synch for their lives?" You're about to find
out. "RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked!" premieres Monday,
February 1, 2010 at 10/9C. "RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked!" is an all-access pass to the drama that you didn't see on the runway -- the backstage catfights, conflict, tears and secrets. One thing is for sure, the savvy ladies of season two came with one resounding goal to win! The ever-present cameras continue to roll backstage in the "Interior Illusions Lounge" as the ladies unwind and come unhinged. As the competition intensifies, some contestants devolve from "queen" to "mean." Who will crack under the pressure of competing to become "America's Next Drag Superstar?" RuPaul narrates as the trials and tribulations unfold in ten episodes of the new companion series. "RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked!" is produced by World of Wonder Productions with Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell and RuPaul Charles serving as Executive Producers and Steven Corfe and Chris McKim as Co-Executive Producers. |
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Food Has the "Recipe" Season 3 Comes Out the Kitchen in March From The Futon Critic |
Posted 1/25/10 |
| Ultimate Recipe Showdown returns for a third season of mouth-watering competition on Sunday, March 14th at 9pm ET/PT. Home cooks nationwide submitted more than 8,000 recipes in hopes of achieving culinary fame in one of six categories: Comfort Food, Party Food, Hot & Spicy, Burgers, Cakes & Desserts, and Hometown Favorites. In this six-week series hosted by Guy Fieri (Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives; Guy's Big Bite), each episode focuses on one category and features the top four contestants who compete in two rounds of competition including a signature dish round and speed dish round. Three expert judges choose one ultimate winner in each category who receives $25,000. The judges include Katherine Alford, vice president of Food Network Kitchens; Chef Michael Psilakis, owner of New York restaurants, Anthos, Kefi and Gus & Gabriel and executive chef of Eos in Miami; and Rosemary Ellis, editor-in-chief of Good Housekeeping. | |
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"Millionaire" Most Popular in the World List of Top Games Round the World Released From TV Week |
Posted 1/25/10 |
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With the opening of the annual
convention of the National Association of Television Program
Executives in Las Vegas today, word comes from Television
Business International that they've determined the most
popular game show in the world, based on ratings. And the winner is--drum-roll please: "Slumdog Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." Here is the top 10, according to the magazine: 1. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? / ITV (UK) / 1998 / Sony Pictures Television 2. Deal or No Deal / Nederland 2 / 2002 / Endemol 3. Wipeout / ABC (US) / 2008 / Endemol 4. Wheel of Fortune / NBC (US) / 1975 / CBS Studios International 5. Family Feud / ABC (US) / 1976 / FremantleMedia 6. Don't Forget The Lyrics / Fox (US) / 2007 / RDF Rights 7. Hole in the Wall / Fox (US) / 2008 / FremantleMedia 8. Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? / Fox (US) / 2007 / Shine Int'l./Mark Burnett Prods. 9. Jeopardy! / NBC (US) / 1964 / CBS Studios International 10. I Love My Country / RTL4 (Netherlands) / 2008 / Talpa Media Countries included in the survey were: UK, US, Australia, Belgium (North and South separately), Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain and Sweden. According to the report, "Rankings were based on the number of times a show appeared in a country’s top-rated programs with shows under five minutes and duplicates excluded." |
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Frances Buss Buch:
1917 - 2010 Pioneer Director Scorekeeper on "CBS Television Quiz" From AP |
Posted 1/25/10 |
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Frances Buss Buch, a pioneer of
network TV and the first female TV director, has died. She was
92. Buch died Tuesday at a rest home near Hendersonville in western North Carolina, her great-nephew, Mark Spencer, confirmed Saturday. "She was presented with an opportunity, especially as a woman, at a time when broadcasting was definitely a man's world. She seized it and had no problem getting in there and mixing it up with the guys," said Spencer, of Northbrook, Ill. "It was that boldness as a woman that led to her success." While taking acting classes, performing off-Broadway and modeling in New York City, Buch joined CBS for a temporary job as a receptionist in July 1941 and was soon asked to be in front of the camera for various then-black-and-white programs, the family said. Buch joined CBS Television — the fledgling video arm of the Columbia Broadcasting System — just two weeks after the Federal Communications Commission allowed commercial TV broadcasts. "I guess I had seen TV at the World's Fair. But I had no idea this existed in New York. CBS was a radio network," Buch, then 90, told the Asheville Citizen-Times in 2008. "It was fascinating. Nobody knew what was going to happen with this new medium." She appeared on TV's first game show, "The CBS Television Quiz," as a scorekeeper. |
 Frances Buss Buch (photo courtesy RichardGrigonis.com) |
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So Much for Hollywood Confidentiality Violation Costs "Idol" Hopeful From People TV Watch |
Posted 1/25/10 |
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A moment of pride has turned to
sorrow as an American Idol contestant has been cut from the
competition after violating a confidentiality agreement,
according to a report. Michael Lynche (a.k.a. Big Mike) was reportedly told to pack his bags after his father revealed to his local Florida paper, The St. Petersburg Times, that Michael had made the top 24 — a violation of Idol rules requiring the singers and their families to keep the Hollywood week results quiet until they’re broadcast. The New York Post, citing Idol spoiler site Joe’s Place, says Michael was replaced in the top 24 over the weekend. FOX has declined to comment on the report. If Lynche has indeed been booted, he wouldn’t be the first. Last season, Joanna Pacitti was replaced by Felicia Barton on the list of top 36 contestants. FOX would not give a reason other than Pacitti was found to be “ineligible to continue in the competition.” But her dismissal followed reports that she had connections to executives at Idol producer Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment. |
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Three Game Players Lost Thespian Experiences Range from "Squares" to "WML?" From various sources |
Posted 1/25/10 |
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A representative of Jean Simmons
confirms that the "Guys and Dolls" and "Spartacus" actress has
died of lung cancer. Agent Judy Page told The Associated Press on Sunday that Simmons, who played "The Hollywood Squares" and "What's My Line?" died at her home in Santa Monica on Friday, surrounded by her family. Simmons was 88. A classically trained actress who started appearing in films at 14, Simmons used her beauty and charm in virtually every genre and played leading lady to virtually every major leading man of the mid-century.
Also, James Mitchell, who for nearly three decades played
gruff patriarch Palmer Cortland on the ABC soap opera "All My
Children," has died, his longtime partner said Sunday night. And Sunday, Pernell Roberts of
"Bonanza" and "Trapper John, MD" fame, 81, died of cancer at
his Malibu home, his wife, Eleanor Criswell, told the Los
Angeles Times. |
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O'Hurley Out, Harvey In Host Change for Season 12 of the Feud From B&C |
Posted 1/22/10 |
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Steve Harvey will be the new host
of Debmar-Mercury's Family Feud when it begins its 12th season
this fall. "With his talent, authenticity and innate ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life, Steve exemplifies the spirit and appeal of Family Feud," said Fremantle President Cecile Frot-Coutaz in a statement. Fremantle produces the long-running Family Feud, while Debmar-Mercury distributes the show. Harvey, one of "The Original Kings of Comedy," is perhaps best known to audiences from his time starring in The Steve Harvey Show, which aired on The WB from 1996 to 2002. Harvey also hosts The Steve Harvey Morning Show, a nationally syndicated radio program that is heard daily by more than seven million listeners in more than 64 markets nationwide. Harvey also is a best-selling author, having published his first book Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man one year ago. The book is derived from his radio show's popular "Strawberry Letter" segment, in which Harvey doles out relationship advice. Harvey replaces John O'Hurley, who began his run on the daily game show in 2006. "The time has come to try something new, and while I have prized my time on Family Feud, I've decided to set a course for new adventures," said O'Hurley in a statement. "This includes immediately heading into rehearsals for the U.S. touring show of Chicago, launching my new company Energy-Inc. which focuses on renewable energy solutions, debuting an original golf apparel line in the J. Peterman catalog, and visiting our troops overseas." During his time on Family Feud, O'Hurley also appeared in Spamalot in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and played Billy Flynn in the Broadway and national touring productions of Chicago. Prior to Family Feud, he was perhaps best known as Seinfeld's Mr. Peterman, Elaine's eccentric boss. He's also a scratch golfer, a classically-trained vocalist and a best-selling author. Harvey will be the seventh host in a line that includes original host Richard Dawson, Ray Combs, Louie Anderson, Richard Karn, O'Hurley, and Al Roker.
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 Steve Harvey has been tapped for season 12 of "Family Feud" (photo courtesy PreacherTV.com) |
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Scripps, Cablevision Reach Deal HGTV, Food Network Restored From the Futon Critic |
Posted 1/21/10 |
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Cablevision Systems Corp. and
Scripps Networks Interactive today announced that they have
reached an agreement allowing for the return of Food Network
and HGTV programming to Cablevision customers in the New York
Tri-State region beginning today. Both companies noted that their primary focus throughout the process was to work as hard as possible to return Food Network and HGTV to Cablevision customers at the soonest possible date. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. "This is great news for all those television viewers in the New York Tri-State region who enjoy Food Network and HGTV," said John Lansing, executive vice president of Scripps Networks Interactive Inc. and president of the company's Scripps Networks operating division. "This is the resolution everyone wanted. Cablevision has been a valued distribution partner and we're gratified that together we were able to reach a successful conclusion that will benefit their customers and viewers of our networks." "We'd like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we worked with Scripps to reach an agreement that is fair," said John Bickham, Cablevision's President of Cable & Communications. "Food Network and HGTV have strong and loyal followings and we are pleased that both channels are back where they belong on Cablevision and available to our customers in both standard-definition and free HD." |
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Betty White: SAG's Golden Girl First Lady of "Password" to Receive Lifetime Achievement January 23 From AOL TV |
Posted 1/22/10 |
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Veterans of early TV are scarce
these days, most being retired or, well, really retired. But
after 61 years in the business, the legendary Betty White is
enjoying her third or fourth career resurgence -- and told AOL
TV she's thrilled to be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award
from Sandra Bullock at the SAG Awards on Jan. 23. After doing radio and summer stock back in the 1940s, White's big break came as the "telephone girl" on a live, local Los Angeles show, 'Hollywood on Television,' hosted by popular DJ Al Jarvis. With all honors to Lucille Ball and 'I Love Lucy,' that gig led to the creation of one of the first female-driven sitcoms, 'Life with Elizabeth.' The TV skies were the limit from there. Throughout six decades, White's presence on game shows, talk shows, TV shows and movies made her an indelible part of the show business landscape. Yet, more than anything else in her career, roles on two landmark sitcoms -- man-hungry, cloying Sue Ann Nivens on 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and the delightfully daffy Rose Nylund on 'The Golden Girls' -- cemented the American public's adoration for White's seemingly limitless talent. And that's just half or a third of the full White story. She's appeared in 'That '70s Show,' 'Boston Legal' and on still-beloved oldies like 'Mama's Family' or 'The Carol Burnett Show.' Now 88, White's still in her prime, playing Grandma Annie opposite Sandra Bullock in 'The Proposal' and gearing up to do a guest shot on a new TV Land sitcom called 'Hot in Cleveland.' And let's not forget 19 episodes of 'The Bold and the Beautiful.' Or writing: Her fifth book, which she's still writing, covers her 43-year relationship with the Los Angeles Zoo. Or her rep for off-color humor. The six-time Emmy winner long ago set the standard for TV excellence. This Saturday, when Bullock presents White with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the SAG Awards, the moment will be live -- bringing her remarkable career full circle.
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Welcome to the "Family", Turkey All3Media Licenses Show to Mideast From Worldscreen |
Posted 1/22/10 |
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A local version of the ALL3MEDIA
International format Family Connections is headed to Star TV
in Turkey, with four prime-time episodes to be created by
Sinevizyon. The studio-based entertainment show features a celebrity panel who are faced with two mixed up families and two living rooms. The challenge is to find out which family members go with whom. The panel can set revealing tasks and assignments and ask outrageous questions. The format, from Dutch outfit White Smoke Media, has also been optioned in Italy, France, Denmark, Finland and Romania. “We’re very happy with this commission and expect that Family Connections will be broadcast in many other countries soon,” commented Etienne de Jong, the creative director at White Smoke Media. “Family Connections has a universal appeal and is easily adaptable to local tastes in humour and to the specific cultural aspects of family life in each country. I’ve just returned from the recording of the first episode in Istanbul and have to say it was hilarious. The show will be very amusing." Stephanie Hartog, the executive VP of formats at ALL3MEDIA International, said, “The team at White Smoke Media have a fantastic pedigree in developing international hit formats and we have received strong interest in the innovative game show Family Connections since its launch. It is an easily adaptable idea for markets around the world, offering great entertainment value and wide audience appeal and we are delighted to see the show going into production for Star TV’s prime-time schedule.” |
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A Wonderful Notion Company to Take Over Production of "Chopped" From TBI |
Posted 1/22/10 |
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Notional is the production company
set up by Barry Diller's InterActiveCorp (IAC) earlier this
year and run by Collegehumor.com founder Ricky Van Veen. Notional announced an initial development slate in November that included series Ready, Set, Dance, gameshow You Vs America, reality prank series Chase The Money and FremantleMedia-distributed dating show Love Taxi. It will work alongside Electus, Ben Silverman's recently launched, IAC-backed, production company. The company is also currently producing the The Food Network's Chopped, which is going into its fourth season and HGTV's building series Don't Sweat It, which is in production of its ninth series. This follows the hiring of City Lights' former president of production Dave Noll, who is now president of TV at Notional. |
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Pavelka: The Worst Is Yet To Come "One A Scale of 1 to 10, It's Near a 10" From ET Online |
Posted 1/22/10 |
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Despite all the drama so far on
"The Bachelor" this season -- the early exits of Rozlyn and
Michelle without rose ceremonies among them -- you ain't seen
nothing yet! Jake Pavelka tells ET's Kevin Frazier that the
lowest point on the hit ABC series hasn't happened! "That is yet to come and it won't be any secret," the commercial pilot says. "Horrible. Awful. On a scale of one to 10, it nears a 10." Jake says that he was so devastated by the event that he had to turn himself off a little bit. "It is juicy now. It is going to get a lot juicier," he adds. Even with everything that has happened, Jake says that none of the women ever got on his nerves and there was no point at which he wished to go home. In fact, he hopes that Rozlyn, who was accused of an inappropriate relationship with a producer -- which she denies -- has found love. As for Michelle, who came off as very emotional, he says, "Great girl. Maybe a little over emotional. She was there for me, not anybody else. She didn't care what anybody else thought. I respected that … I felt in the end, her emotions maybe got in the way of us developing a relationship. The first episode when we were sitting on bench, I was really attracted to her. She was beautiful. Her electric blue eyes … I would get lost in them talking to her." And then there is Vienna, who is a hit with Jake, but not making many friends with the other girls in the mansion. "There is a level of honesty that comes from her that is turning the girls off," he says. "It is like on our bungee jumping date, it went really well. She goes back and starts talking about it, saying, 'You really get to see who Jake is,' but the other girls don't want to hear that. She is naturally trying to talk about something wonderful that happened in her life. Bless her heart, it gets her in trouble." |
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5th Grader to Return... with Help? Fox, Tribune, Local TV Line Up for New Season From Mediaweek |
Posted 1/21/10 |
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Twentieth Television has renewed
first-run game show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? for a
second season in the top five markets, including the Tribune
stations in New York and Philadelphia and the Fox Television
Stations in Los Angeles and Chicago. Other confirmed renewals include KDFW and KDFI/Dallas; WDCA/Washington, D.C.; KRIV and KTXH/Houston; WUTB/Baltimore, M.D.; KCPQ and KMYQ/Seattle, Wash.; KTXL/Sacramento, Calif.; WPMT/Harrisburg, Penn.; WDAF/Kansas City, Kan.; and KPLR/St. Louis. "The fast paced classroom excitement returns this fall and we can not be more thrilled,” said Paul Franklin, Executive Vice President of Twentieth Television. “The seamless transition of ‘Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?’ into syndication is a testament to Jeff Foxworthy’s uncanny ability to keep viewers laughing and contestants at the edge of their podiums." Twentieth Television may also bring out a half-hour game show as a companion to its Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, according to a station group executive.
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 "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" scores out of the gate in its syndicated debut (photo courtesy 20th TV) |
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Detectives and Cowboys and Houseguests...
OH MY! Lineup for 16th "Race" Is Set From Washington Post |
Posted 1/21/10 |
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Jet and Cord McCoy, a pair of
bull-riding brothers from Tupelo, Okla., are among the 11
teams competing on the upcoming 16th edition of CBS's "The
Amazing Race." Other teams competing this season include a
grandmother and granddaughter, a father and daughter, married
high-school sweethearts, and a couple of attorney moms. Jet, 30, and Cord, 29, who have both competed on the International Professional Rodeo Association circuit, said they were not daunted by their competition for the $1 million grand prize on the reality show premiering Feb. 14 (8 p.m. EST). "We ride bucking bulls and horses," said Jet. "If we're gonna be intimidated, it's not by another team." "I can ride a horse as fast as they can go," said Cord. ad_icon The biggest hurdle facing Louis Stravato, 47, and Michael Naylor, 45, at the beginning of the race was their backpacks. After seeing the behemoth bags carried by the Harlem Globtrotters last season, the longtime buddies and narcotics detectives from Providence, R.I., chose not to pack lightly. They ended up ditching clothes along the way. "We are the two biggest idiots," said Stravato. "Before the race, we kept telling ourselves that the cameramen were going to have to check their stuff, so we would be able to check our giant 90-liter bags while we were racing around the world. When we got to the starting line and saw all these small bags on everybody else, we knew we were in big trouble." A few of this season's contestants have previously been in the spotlight, including former "Big Brother" houseguests Jordan Lloyd, 22, and Jeff Schroeder, 31, as well as former Miss Teen South Carolina Caitlin Upton, 20, who is racing with her boyfriend, Brent Horne, 28. Upton said she wanted to redeem herself on the race after her infamous 2007 pageant flub involving a confused and mangled response to a geography question. "People always picture me as the typical pageant girl, and I'm not at all," said Upton. "I've only been in five pageants. I'm actually a very athletic person. I'm just tired of being represented from that standpoint. I want to show people who I really am as a person, that I am capable of accomplishing anything and doing anything I put my mind to." Lloyd and Schroeder, who began dating after Lloyd won the 11th season of "Big Brother" last summer, said fans of the claustrophobic reality show might be surprised to see how much the duo bickered on the 16th season of "The Amazing Race," which was filmed last November and December and spanned nearly 40,000 miles across five continents and eight countries. "I wasn't prepared for how much we had to work together," admitted Schroeder. "He wanted to ring my neck," added Lloyd, "and other times I wanted to kill him." "Jordan, I was trying to say it in a nice way," said Schroeder. For the first time, when the teams departed "The Amazing Race" starting line, they had to rely solely on public transportation - no rental cars, no taxis - to make their way from downtown Los Angeles to the airport, a world-class challenge in itself. Executive producer Bertram van Munster said the racers then headed to Valparaiso, Chile. Other stops included France and the Seychelles.
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"Cube" Could Live to See US Soil Pilot to Be Shot in UK From Lost In TV |
Posted 1/21/10 |
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The hit UK TV gameshow The Cube is
coming to US television. This is a gameshow with a twist – no
general knowledge or physical fitness is required – just
nerves of steel and determination. Contestants go head to head
with the Cube as they complete simple tasks, under pressure,
to win life changing amounts of money. (UPDATE: No host has been named as of yet. Our apologies) |
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Omarion Replaces Shane Sparks ABDC Returns Next Week From Contactmusic |
Posted 1/21/10 |
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R&B star Omarion is set to replace
Shane Sparks on the next season of "America's Best Dance Crew"
after the choreographer was arrested on suspicion of child
molestation last month. The Ice Box singer will take a spot on the judging panel of Randy Jackson's hit MTV series America's Best Dance Crew when the fifth season begins later this month. Omarion will rate aspiring dance crews on the popular competition alongside current judges JC Chasez and Lil Mama. He says, "I'm so excited to be a judge on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew. Dancing and performing is what I do and being a judge on this show will allow me to give creative feedback to the newest and hottest dancers on the rise." Sparks was taken into Los Angeles police custody on a felony warrant and charged with eight counts of child molestation. His attorney, Steve Meister, claims his client is the victim of a "Hollywood-style" extortion plot and plans to fight the accusations. |
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[O]ne More for the Road... Fox Reality Plays "Solitary" One More Time Before Signoff From the Futon Critic |
Posted 1/21/10 |
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Fox Reality is visiting "Solitary"
one more time before the network signs off on March 31. The fourth season of the franchise will launch on Saturday, January 30 at 10:00/9:00c following newcomer "Seducing Cindy." In addition, the cable channel will encore the first three seasons of the series with eight-hour marathons on Wednesday, January 27 (season one), Thursday, January 28 (season two) and Friday, January 29 (season three), all starting at 3:00/2:00c. A stealth premiere of the new season is also set for Friday, January 29 at 11:00/10:00c. |
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"Idol" Top 24 Allegedly Leaked YES, THIS IS A SPOILER WARNING. From Reality TV World |
Posted 1/21/10 |
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The anonymous online spoiler who
managed to correctly reveal the identities of American Idol's
semifinalists for the last two years has now released the
alleged names of nearly all of the ninth-season's Top 24
semifinalists. Twenty of the Top 24 semifinalists have allegedly been identified by Joesplace. Unlike previous Idol seasons in which Hollywood Week occurred in the fall and ended with the final 50 contestants returning to California learn their semifinalist fates at a later date, American Idol's ninth-season Hollywood round took place last week and ended with the contestants learning their semifinalist status on Friday. American Idol's ninth-season Hollywood Week coverage -- which will feature the introduction of Ellen DeGeneres, who replaced Paula Abdul on the show's judging panel -- will begin on Tuesday, February 9 and continue the following night. Similar to last season, Fox will broadcast an additional two Hollywood Week episodes on February 16 and 17. American Idol's ninth-season Top 24 semifinalists -- 12 males and 12 females -- will then officially be revealed on the February 17 broadcast. Once the ninth-season semifinals begin, the contestants will be divided into male and female groups and compete separately. Both groups will then gradually be whittled to six finalists via three semifinals performance rounds that will eliminate two male and two female semifinalists each week based on viewer voting. The format will result in each finalist having given three semifinals performances and a gender-balanced finalist field. The Top 12 female semifinalists will perform for the first time on Tuesday, February 23, while the Top 12 male semifinalists will perform for the first time the following night in the same timeslot. Home viewers will be able to cast their votes immediately following each broadcast. American Idol's first live ninth-season results show will then air on Thursday, February 25, in which two male and two female semifinalists will be eliminated based on home viewer votes. As a reminder, per our rules, we want to warn you that the link contains spoilers. If you want to be surprised by the result, DO NOT CLICK! |
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BrainSurging to Second Season Nick Game Now Casting From About.com Game Shows |
Posted 1/21/10 |
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Nickelodeon is bringing back their
game show BrainSurge. If you have a child who might be
interested in participating, the casting call is posted at
Craigslist, and you can find lots more information and the
actual application instructions at NickContestants.com. Contestants must be in the Los Angeles area, and aged 11-14 (as of March 16 - April 17). In addition to casting "regular" contestants, they're also looking for folks to compete in family-themed shows which will include twins, siblings, and even parents. Send a short email to nickcontestants@gmail.com with the word “FAMILY” in the subject line. Include your full name, name and relationship of the family member you want to audition with, a recent close up jpg photo of the two of you, and your phone number. |
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Jennifer Lyon:
1972-2010 Palau "Survivor" Loses Breast Cancer Battle From Us Magazine |
Posted 1/21/10 |
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Jennifer Lyon, a contestant on
Survivor Palau, has died at age 37, UsMagazine.com has
confirmed. Lyon finished in fourth place in the reality
competition's tenth season, which aired in 2005. A former nanny, Lyon was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at age 33 in 2005, and spoke to Us Weekly about the news and her eventual decision to get a double mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy. "I was completely shocked and overwhelmed," Lyon told Us at the time. "I felt fine that day; in fact, I've been healthy my entire life." The star also offered support for other women struggling with the disease. "Staying positive is half the battle," she said. Austin Carty, an alum of Survivor: Panama - Exlie Island (2006), briefly dated Lyon in 2006. "Jen was a genuinely selfless, sweet-natured person," Carty told UsMagazine.com Wednesday. "She always had a smile. She cared about every person.” Carty last saw his friend at a breast cancer charity event in New York in November 2008, where she received a standing ovation after giving a speech. "She was engaged in the greatest fight of her life, but she had every intention to fight and spread her positive messages,” Carty said. "This has really rocked the Survivor community. It's just so sad." Another friend and former Survivor contestant, Johnny Fairplay, tells Us, "Jen was such a beautiful person. I wish life was as simple as Survivor because I know for a fact there are 300 of us that would use every immunity idol and jury vote in the world to have her back."
Said host Jeff Probst to EW.com: "Jenn
and I got reconnected a couple of years ago and became very
close, very fast. She shared with me the highs and the lows
and the constant choices she and her family faced regarding
her treatment. |
 Jennifer Lyon (photo courtesy CBS) |
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Saudi Arabia "Cubed" Show to Film in UK From Broadcast |
Posted 1/21/10 |
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Middle Eastern commercial
broadcaster Saudi TV has picked up the rights to remake ITV1
primetime physical game show The Cube and is understood to be
eyeing up other UK entertainment formats. The Saudi network has ordered a new 13 x 60-minute version of the show for its primetime spring schedule. Producer Objective Productions will act as consultant on the fully Arabic version, working with Egyptian indie Oryx to produce the show. The deal between Saudi TV and Objective owner All3Media International was brokered by media agency Creative Edge and marks the first time the Middle Eastern commercial network has acquired a British entertainment format. Broadcast understands another format deal with a UK indie is currently in negotiations, and the network is looking to acquire more entertainment programs. The new version of The Cube will be filmed entirely in London with a studio audience, using the same set and challenges as used in the ITV1 show. Like the UK version, contestants will enter a cube, where they have nine chances to complete simple but baffling challenges such as flicking a tiddly-wink into a cup, or catching a ball from the end of a Perspex tube. The more challenges the contestant completes, the more money they win. It will also employ the same innovative camera techniques to freeze action and spin around through 360 degrees. A spokeswoman for All3Media International said there had been huge international interest in the format since its launch at Mipcom last October. “We expect other territories to be in pre-production before MipTV,” she said. ITV has ordered a second series of the gameshow for later this year after the first series drew an average of 5.1 million viewers (23%) following The X Factor. Last year, US broadcaster Fox was the first international broadcaster to acquire the show, ordering a full series. Those plans were since scrubbed. |
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TF1, Endemol Renew Pact First Look Rights Included From Worldscreen |
Posted 1/21/10 |
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TF1 and Endemol France have
clinched a new partnership, covering non-scripted
entertainment, documentaries and drama through June 30, 2012. The long-term renewal sees France's market-leading broadcaster taking the exclusive free-to-air rights for game shows, reality TV, entertainment, major events, documentaries and drama from Endemol France, as well as pay-to-view new-media rights to the content for use online, on mobile and via IPTV. According to the announcement from the two companies, the agreement gives TF1 greater flexibility across all slots: prime time, access prime time, late evening and daytime. “I am delighted with this agreement, which secures TF1’s access to the world’s leading catalogue of formats across all broadcast and distribution channels," commented Nonce Paolini, the group chairman and CEO of TF1, adding “the agreement offers a balanced, flexible approach, in tune with the new economic landscape.” Virginie Calmels, the chairman and CEO of Endemol France, added that the deal “reflects our commitment to TF1 and to our long-established and successful partnership." |
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Simon Begins Courting for "X Factor" Show to Bow on Fox in 2011 From the Hollywood Reporter |
Posted 1/21/10 |
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Simon Cowell is talking to
familiar faces to sit beside him at the judges table on Fox's
"The X Factor." Cowell is in discussions with his former "American Idol" co-star Paula Abdul and his current "X Factor" U.K. co-star Cheryl Cole for judging positions on the show, which launches on Fox in fall 2011. Hiring Abdul and Cole would assure a certain degree of comfortable chemistry between Cowell and other judges on the new series. Abdul in particular would allow Cowell to reform the heart of the longtime "Idol" judging team, which was split when Abdul quit the show in August amid contract dispute. This is Cowell's final season on "Idol." The judges on "X Factor" are if anything more crucial to the success of the show than on "Idol" because each mentors a group of singers and effectively becomes part of the competition rather than simply grading from the sidelines. Cowell has said he "adores" Abdul and shares a similarly close onscreen camaraderie with Cole on the U.K. version of the show. Cole, 26, also would add a more youthful presence to the judges table. Others expressing an interest in sitting on the X Factor panel are "America's Got Talent" host Piers Morgan and talk show comic Rosie O'Donnell.
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 The upcoming season of "American Idol" will be the last for Simon Cowell (file photo courtey Fox) |
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Amanda's Got Talent? "Britain's" Judge Reportedly Gets a Record Deal From STV |
Posted 1/21/10 |
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Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda
Holden has reportedly been offered a record deal. The
38-year-old is believed to have been offered a contract with
Warner Brothers after they heard the actress perform on her
new show. Holden's new program `Fantasy Lives' shows her learning how to be a stuntwoman, showgirl and a country and western star. Amanda gets to sing with country music legends Kenny Rogers and Nancy Griffiths on the show. The Big Top actress hinted that she would like to try out as a Playboy model if she is given a second series. Meanwhile, Holden is to front a new gameshow, according to reports. The cult game show The Crystal Maze is apparently going to be revived by ITV. The new show will have a similar format to the program which was popular in the 90s. It has been reported that celebrities will tackle the puzzles and physical challenges rather than members of the public. |
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Here's One for You... "Snookin' for
Love" "Jersey Shore" Castmate Offered Series From Us Magazine |
Posted 1/21/10 |
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Is Snooki getting ready to ditch
her Jersey Shore housemates for a solo show? Possibly. The pint-sized MTV star addressed recent chatter that she'll soon helm her own Shot at Love-like reality series Snookin' for Love at a Golden Globes event on Friday. "Definitely there is no set thing, but it has been talked about," Snooki told UsMagazine.com at the GBK Gift Lounge at the Mondrian Hotel. "I got offers from VH1 and other reality networks," said Snooki (real name: Nicole Pilozzi), 21. And if Snooki's starring show focuses on her quest for a man, here's what the self-described "guidette" is looking for: "A guy I can be real with," she explained. "I love to be a dork; I love a guy with a sense of humor!" |
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LMAD Finishes Season in LA No Reason Given for Change From Buzzerblog |
Posted 1/20/10 |
| No ideas for why the change is occurring, but the CBS daytime game Let’s Make A Deal will be moving from its Las Vegas home to Los Angeles starting March 18th. The show will tape for five weeks there, which should put it through the end of the season. It should be cheaper taping in Los Angeles for starters. | |
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Hoff Returns on A&E Former "AGT" Judge Gets Series From TV by the Numbers |
Posted 1/20/10 |
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A&E ordered ten half-hour episodes
of an untitled David Hasselhoff real-life docu- series from
FremantleMedia North America, it was announced today by Robert
Sharenow, Senior Vice President, Non-Fiction & Alternative
Programming, A&E Network. The series, slated for 2010, will
take a behind-the-scenes look into the life of “The Hoff”
focusing on his multiple entertainment and business endeavors,
as well as his most important role as a single dad trying to
help his teenage daughters’ break into the recording industry. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as “The Most Watched TV Star in the World,” David Hasselhoff has been on television for more than 30 years. Whether you know him from “Knight Rider,” “Baywatch,” or “America’s Got Talent,” there is no disputing the iconic status of “The Hoff.” In between stints on TV, starring roles on Broadway, live performances and business ventures that have taken him worldwide, he is also a single dad, raising two teenage daughters, Taylor-Ann, 19, and Hayley, 17. Hayley, an aspiring actress, is the top model for the fashion line Torrid through her contract with Ford Models and Taylor-Ann is a communications major at the University of Arizona. Being a singer has been a dream for both girls. “It’s the dream of every parent to be able to help their children succeed,” said Hasselhoff. “I told the girls that I would help them open the door when they are ready, but they would have to walk through it on their own. This is their time and I am excited to be a part of it by partnering with A&E and FremantleMedia on this new series.” The series will follow David as he steps in and out of the limelight, assumes the role of ultimate “stage dad” for his daughters as he tries to utilize his connections in order to help them break into the recording industry, and we’ll find out ultimately who is running the show in “The Hoff” household. “David Hasselhoff is an international icon known for his many roles and talents,” said Sharenow. “Now for the first time he’s allowing our cameras to see another side of him as a single father raising two teenage girls and the day-to-day drama that accompanies the rest of his larger-than-life life.” “David is a multi-talented entertainer who is equally loved and recognized in the US and around the world. He rose to stardom when Knight Rider’ and then Baywatch’ hit the screen, more recently his work as a judge on America’s Got Talent’ helped the show reach #1 in the ratings for the past four seasons,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia North America. “With his new reality series, viewers will now be taken on a fascinating journey behind The Hoff’ curtain to see the man behind the myth, and the magic and mayhem that makes him an exceptional father, a consummate celebrity, and The Most Watched TV Star in the World.” The Untitled David Hasselhoff Project is produced by FremantleMedia North America for A&E Network. George Moll is executive producer, Jason Sands is co-executive producer and Jennifer Mullin is executive in charge for FremantleMedia North America. Robert Sharenow, Neil A. Cohen and Michael Morrison will serve as executive producers for A&E. |
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Pants on a Mission Larry Platt Takes Audition Stardom to ABC Series From OK Magazine |
Posted 1/20/10 |
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Everyone’s talking about
63-year-old American Idol auditioner Larry Platt, who knocked
the trousers off America last night with his instant hit,
“Pants on the Ground,” and now the Atlanta resident has
already booked his first national TV appearance on ABC’s The
View! Larry will be appearing on the view Monday, Jan. 18 to perform his anti-droopy-jeans anthem. The aspiring singer first sang his song last night at the Atlanta auditions of American Idol, and had judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi singing along, prompting the ornery Simon Cowell to say “I’m afraid this song could become a hit.” |
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Roberts Lands New Beat Former GSN Head to ITV Studios From C21Media |
Posted 1/19/10 |
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LA-based ITV Studios has signed an
overall production deal with Escalate Television, the
18-month-old production company set up by the former senior VP
of programming at GSN. Jamie Roberts set up Escalate in 2008 and has since sold original entertainment formats to domestic broadcasters including NBC, GSN, BET and Fox Reality, ITV said today. Roberts, who left his post at GSN in May 2008, described ITV Studios (fka Granada America) as "the most prolific independent producer in the US." ITV, in turn, said Roberts has "the ability to create formats that resonate on both sides of the Pond." Roberts joined GSN in August 2006 after a decade-long stint at Sky Networks. While commissioning exec for Sky1, Roberts greenlit celebrity soccer show The Match from Endemol UK. |
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ITV Opens Shop in France "Pasapalabra", "Rich List", "Celebrity" Among Initial Offerings From 4rfv.co.uk |
Posted 1/19/10 |
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A leading independent TV
production companies have announced the opening of its seventh
international production office. The new ITV Studios in France will be based in Paris and ITV has appointed renowned international formats executive Francois Florentiny as Director General. ITV Studios France form part of ITV Studios’ growing global network of production offices, with successful operations now based in the UK, Los Angeles, Cologne, Madrid, Stockholm and Sydney. A portfolio of ITV Studios’ formats are already successfully airing in France including the global entertainment phenomenon Come Dine with Me (Un Diner Presque Parfait). This format was launched on M6 early 2008 in access primetime and, with ratings well above the slot average, the show has aired daily ever since, recently making the successful move to primetime where the series achieved an 18% share of viewers. Pasapalabra (En Toutes Lettres) is currently broadcast daily on France 2 in access prime time. Other ITV Studios' formats to air in France include The Rich List (La Liste Gagnante) in daytime on France 3; I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! on TF1 and The Nation's Sexiest on NRJ12. |
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Producer at Center of "Bachelor" Affair
Revealed Harrison Hopes Rozlyn Will Return From New York Post |
Posted 1/18/10 |
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The producer who was fired from
"The Bachelor" for fooling around with one of the
bachelorettes was unmasked yesterday. And, it turns out, he was a friend of show host Chris Harrison, who is blaming booted contestant Rozlyn Papa for the whole scandal. Now, Harrison is hoping Papa, who had a not-so-behind-the-scenes affair with producer Ryan Callahan, will come back and provide him with some answers -- on camera. "Hopefully she will come on to the 'Women Tell All' episode and sit down and talk to me," Harrison tells The Post. "It really sucks that [Callahan's] name came out and his picture came out, because that was never our intention," Harrison says. "He has her to thank for digging all this up and making it 10 times bigger." Harrison says he went easy on the single mom on the air when she was booted from the show last week. "Maybe that was a lesson learned," he said after Rozlyn claimed this week that the show lied about her. "I can't let that happen again," the usually mild-mannered host said. "I just need to go out there and butcher a girl on live TV like she is on a witness stand."
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No Comment... "Idol" Judge dioGuardi Doesn't Read Stuff We Say About Her From New York Daily News |
Posted 1/18/10 |
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"American Idol" judge Kara
DioGuardi used to read comments made online and elsewhere
about her work on the show. Then she stopped. "It was so destructive," she says. "You have to believe in your heart you did the best you could do." She was added to the judging panel last year, and the negative comments started immediately. At the same time, because "Idol" had added a fourth judge, there was a challenge at times fitting everything on the show. DioGuardi also got tagged as the person producers brought on to push Paula Abdul out. "The fact that they brought me back means somebody saw something good," she says. DioGuardi says the show can go on without Simon Cowell, who is leaving after this season. "It would never be the same without him," says DioGuardi, who will also be judging a Folgers coffee-jingle contest (www.bestpartofwakinup.com.). "It's a powerful show. It's about helping people realize their dreams." |
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Stunt Vegetables Production Forces Change Up in "Super Chef Battle" From Politics Daily |
Posted 1/18/10 |
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The produce used on the Food
Network's Jan. 3 Iron Chef of America two-hour special White
House show was billed as being from the White House garden.
But the show did not disclose that "stunt double vegetables"
were used and not produce from the First Family's garden. The much ballyhooed show featured a cameo by First Lady Michelle Obama who invited the chefs to pick what they needed from the White House garden in the opening scenes. Mrs. Obama agreed to appear --and give the show access to the garden -- because the episode promoted her healthy eating themes and the garden, her signature first-year project. Iron Chef also reaches an audience that would be interested in Mrs. Obama's local food, anti-obesity and exercise agenda. The cook-off featured White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford and star chefs Bobby Flay, Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse. At the top of the show the chefs were greeted by Mrs. Obama who invites them to harvest what they needed from the White House garden in order to complete their challenge of preparing five "ultimate American" dishes using fresh and local ingredients. Comerford, teamed with Flay won the competition. Comerford wrote about the experience over at the whitehouse.gov blog. "Because this competition was about fresh fruits and vegetables, but also about the American experience, Chef Flay and I decided to cook to our strengths and to our heritages. To highlight the diversity of culinary traditions and flavors that define our country, Chef Flay cooked with his southwestern flair, I brought in recipes from my native Philippines, and we blended it all with unique takes on classic American recipes." The White House segment was taped in late October. The cook-off actually took place the following week, in what Iron Chef calls its "Kitchen Stadium" in New York City. So clearly the stuff that was picked that October day at the White House never had a chance of making it on the show because the produce would not be fresh. The use of the "stunt vegetables" was revealed in a November New York Times Marian Burros article and in Obamafoodorama.com, Eddie Gehman Kohan's web site-of-record on anything having to do with food and food policy coming out of the Obama White House. But no one knew until the show if the "stunt double" vegetables would be disclosed. Viewers were not explicitly told that the vegetables in "Kitchen Stadium" were not the ones they had seen the chefs harvest. Various participants in the show misled viewers with references to "using radishes from the White House garden" and other similar mentions. Except for the honey, no food on the show came from the White House. Mrs. Obama's East Wing reported the vegetables picked at the White House garden that day in October were donated to a local food kitchen, so nothing went to waste. The week between the harvest the cook-off was due to "scheduling/technical" reasons. Lisa Krueger, the public relations director for the Food Network, sent an e-mail to me after I raised questions about why viewers were misled. "As we have told reporters who have covered this story from the beginning, due to the production delay between the shoot at the White House and the shoot at Food Network, the produce used in Kitchen Stadium during the "Super Chef Battle" was not actually from the White House garden." The actual vegetables used, Krueger said, were "locally sourced, and the chefs were only allowed to use the types of produce that they had harvested from the garden themselves." |
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More on "Minute to Win It" NBC Will Launch March From About.com Game Shows |
Posted 1/17/10 |
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NBC's newest game show, Minute to
Win It, started filming yesterday. Of course, it never takes
long for audience members to start buzzing about what they've
seen, and this is no exception. Over at Eater.com, you'll find descriptions of some of the actual tasks contestants will have to perform. Remember back when the show was first announced, and the releases all mentioned that the tasks would be "common household tasks" that anyone could do? Yeah, scrap that. They've given up all pretenses and are directly ripping off The Cube. Challenges must be completed within one minute, and even though the contestants aren't actually inside a cube (as far as we know, anyway), the tasks are varied. One's called "The Bobblehead," in which the contestant gets a pedometer strapped to his or her head and must rack up 150 "steps" by nodding furiously. Another, called "Mega Bubble," requires contestants to blow a bubble using a bubble wand, and then blow it 15 feet into the air, directing it through a hoop. If you're interested in attending a taping in L.A., there are still tickets available through Standing Room Only (which is still calling the show Perfect 10). Tape dates run through Tuesday, January 19th. Also, host Guy Fieri is on Twitter, and he's posted a couple of photos from the set.
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"Hope for Haiti" Scheduled Friday "Shark" Preempted; "Bee" Expected From New York Times |
Posted 1/17/10 |
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Eleven broadcast and cable
networks will show a two-hour telethon next Friday night to
benefit the victims of the Haitian earthquake, MTV Networks
announced on Friday. The commercial-free telethon, called
“Hope for Haiti,” will be shown starting at 8 p.m., Eastern
time, on ABC, BET, CBS, CMT, CNN, CW, FOX, HBO, MTV, NBC and
VH1, in addition to the MTV Networks International, CNN
International and National Geographic channels, which will
show it around the world. In a telephone interview, Judy McGrath, the chairman and chief executive of MTV Networks, said planning for the telethon began somewhat spontaneously on Wednesday afternoon. “We were all stricken watching this heartbreaking event unfold,” Ms. McGrath said, “and we thought we could do something on our networks. Almost simultaneously, as we started working on this, I got a call from George Clooney.” She said Mr. Clooney also wanted to be involved in the event, having already secured about a dozen fellow celebrities to participate and offering to recruit others during the Golden Globe Awards this weekend. The telethon will be hosted by Mr. Clooney in Los Angeles, the Haitian-American musician Wyclef Jean in New York and the CNN newscaster Anderson Cooper, who will be broadcasting from Haiti. Ms. McGrath said, “We have asked virtually every exceptional A-list musician and talent you can think of to lend their help, to answer phones or give testimonials,” though an exact lineup of entertainers was not yet ready to be announced. Donations raised during the telethon will benefit the organizations Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, Unicef and Yele Haiti Foundation. “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel,” Ms. McGrath said. “We’re just trying to give people an opportunity to come together and step up. These organizations need money to mobilize support and we have to do it.” As a result, "Shark Tank" will be preempted on ABC. No word yet on the fate of next week's "The Singing Bee", which would normally air in the telethon's second half, at 9p ET. |
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Plan B for Fox: "Human Target", "Kitchen
Nightmares" "Genius" Pull Means Early Return From TV by the Numbers |
Posted 1/17/10 |
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Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares
will now premiere earlier than originally scheduled, and with
the benefit of an American Idol lead-in. According to a report
on The Futon Critic, Kitchen Nightmares will get two boosts
from American Idol on Tuesday January 26 and Tuesday February
2 (where it will face off against the final season premiere of
Lost). Kitchen Nightmares is still a Friday show though, making it’s regular time slot premiere on Friday January 29 at 9pm. The move, along with a repeat of the Human Target pilot at 9pm on January 19 helps Fox fill the void it left when Our Little Genius was pulled from the schedule. |
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"Sunday Best" Returns Easter Catch It on BET From The Futon Critic |
Posted 1/17/10 |
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Premiering on Easter Sunday, April
4 at 9:00 p.m.* BET's hit singing competition, "Sunday Best"
returns for a third season of higher praise and tougher
competition. Hosted by gospel legend Kirk Franklin, the new
season welcomes gospel recording artists, Pastor Donnie
McClurkin and Yolanda Adams to the stellar team of judges
including returning multi-award winning siblings Erica and
Tina Campbell of Mary Mary. And if the U.S. talent pool wasn't
enough, "Sunday Best" kicks off the 10-week competition by
venturing to Lagos, Nigeria in West Africa for the first ever
international auditions. U.S. auditions will begin in February
2010. In addition to the coveted title of "Sunday Best", the
winner of season three will receive prizes from the Ford Motor
Company, General Mills, Nationwide Insurance and Walgreens. Season two of "Sunday Best" ended on a high note with 1.7 million viewers tuning in to the excitement as Y'anna Crawley, a single mother from Washington, D.C. took home the title, a national record contract and a 2009 Lincoln MKS. Many of the finalists from season two are also in high demand, traveling the country and living out their music career dreams. Season three of "Sunday Best" will tape in April. Each week during the hour-long contest viewers will be treated to musical performances from the remaining "Sunday Best" hopefuls along with candid feedback from the all-star team of judges and surprise visits from an array of celebrity mentors. The current season of "Sunday Best" is executive produced by D'Angela Proctor Steed and Nia T. Hill of Strange Fruit Media, Kirk Franklin and Erica and Tina Campbell. The Ford Motor Company, General Mills, Nationwide and Walgreens are returning sponsors of the third season of "Sunday Best". |
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We're Ready to Play the Bee Second Season of CMT Hit Tonight From the Futon Critic |
Posted 1/15/10 |
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While the singing competition game
show "The Singing Bee" didn't last very long on NBC in 2007,
the move to cable's CMT network last summer proved to be a
smart one as ratings reached new heights for the country music
channel. Mixing country songs with pop songs, contestants must
face each other in knowing the correct lyrics to the classic
and popular songs they are singing. While the NBC version had
television personality (and former 'NSYNC-er) Joey Fatone as
host, CMT instead enlisted singer/actress Melissa Peterman,
who already had a built in audience with country fans from her
years co-starring on Reba McEntire's popular sitcom "Reba." "When we first came up with the show one of the first places we had discussions with was CMT because country lyrics were so perfect for the format we were creating," says creator Bob Horowitz in an interview with The Futon Critic. "So now we've actually gone full circle." Phil Gurin echoed his sentiments: "We had to change the show to make it more affordable for cable television but I know Bob would agree with me when I saw we have a better show here than we had at NBC by doing it for smaller dollars." Melissa Peterman talked about the show being "a feel good show". "Even if they don't win, it's still really fun. I think these times specifically when everyone is hurting and music is a feel-good sort of thing. For me, music is a big part of my life and you think it's a natural, feel good kind of thing. The show is fun. We've got a live band, we've got singers and the contestants who are the stars of the show and I think all those combined it makes it fun to watch." |
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Brooke Burke's Got "The Look" Former "Rock Star" Host Takes Season 3 From TV by the Numbers |
Posted 1/15/10 |
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TV Land announced today that
television personality, entrepreneur and former winner of
“Dancing With The Stars” Brooke Burke will host the third
season of TV Land’s original hit reality modeling competition
“She’s Got The Look.” This season of “She’s Got The Look,”
which begins production next week in Los Angeles, CA, sets out
to discover a beautiful, sophisticated and confident woman
over the age of 35 who has the potential to transform herself
into a model, representing some of the most high-profile
brands and highly-coveted campaigns in the fashion and beauty
industries. In other casting news, the network announced that
model and TV reporter Roshumba Williams is joining the series
as a judge along with celebrity stylist Robert Verdi and
Wilhelmina president Sean Patterson. Emmy Award-winner Allison
Grodner (“Big Brother,” “Blowout”) returns as executive
producer and has teamed up with executive producer Rich Meehan
(“Big Brother”) in their first project together under their
new banner, Fly On The Wall Entertainment. The show has also
renewed partnerships with SELF Magazine and world-renowned
modeling agency, Wilhelmina Models, Inc. “This new season of ‘She’s Got The Look’ is bound to be exciting as we welcome Brooke Burke and Roshumba Williams on board, and we are introduced to an amazing roster of women 35 and older,” states Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. “Brooke Burke’s passion for her work, her family and her joy in being a mother is relatable and inspiring to women everywhere. And we are thrilled that Roshumba Williams can contribute her modeling expertise and offer her own insight to these women who have all been given a second chance at a life-long dream. Viewers will be inspired by the mentoring, friendships and the transformations experienced throughout the season.” Throughout the past three seasons of “She’s Got The Look,” contestants have ranged from the ages of 35 to 72 years-old. The exposure and success from the series has secured a variety of top-tier bookings for many of the show’s alumni with clients such as: Kmart, Verizon, AT&T, Nicole Miller Cosmetics, Hallmark, Microsoft, Toyota, Volvo and many more. These achievements fulfill the shows premise that beauty is timeless. |
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More "Hidden Agenda"? Casting Notice for Hidden Camera Game Appears From RealityWanted |
Posted 1/15/10 |
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Casting directors are looking for
people with female friends, co-workers, moms, sisters, and the
like for a "hidden camera" game show that sounds an awful lot
like GSN's "Hidden Agenda".
The listing reads: "Set up your female friend,
co-worker, mom, sister etc... for a HIDDEN CAMERA game show.
They can win up to $3,000 plus prizes! You will get $100 for
helping us set them up! |
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"Genius" Could Resurface Mark Burnett To Ask for Do-Over From Wall Street Journal |
Posted 1/15/10 |
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Fox executives said Monday that
producer Mark Burnett plans to reproduce the reality show “Our
Little Genius” though the network has not yet decided when–or
if–it will get back on the schedule. Fox executives said the premiere of “Our Little Genius,” originally scheduled to debut Tuesday after “American Idol,” had been postponed and possibly cancelled over concerns about the integrity of the concept. The quiz show was supposed to pit super smart six to 12-year-old kids against Ivy League professors. “Mark, to his credit, I think, from a very early stage looked at this and said if there’s even the possibility of impropriety, I’m gonna shut it down,” Kevin Reilly, president of Fox Broadcasting Co., told reporters on Monday. “He wants to reproduce the show himself” though the network has not yet engaged in negotiations about reproduction. Creator Mark Burnett, best known for such reality mega-hits as “Survivor” and “The Apprentice,” said in a statement he had “discovered that there was an issue with how some information was relayed to contestants during the preproduction of ‘Our Little Genius.’ As a result, I’m not comfortable delivering the episodes without reshooting them.” “I have requested that Fox not air these episodes,” Mr. Burnett said. The show’s premise allowed the kids’ parents to decide whether they keep answering expert-level questions to win up to $500,000 in prize money. At a press conference on Monday, Fox executives declined to say when the show would eventually air. The sudden withdrawal of the program so close to its debut has raised eyebrows about whether the contestants were either given the answers in advance or put under intense pressure to prepare for the program. The show had already come under pressure for putting stress on such young contestants vying for “life-changing money,” according to the Fox advertising campaign
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 "Our Little Genius" is brewing up a crapstorm at Fox (photo courtesy Fox) |
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Could "Runway" Return to LA Next Season? Heidi Says It's Possible From Access Hollywood |
Posted 1/14/10 |
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“Project Runway” premieres
Thursday night on Lifetime from New York City, but host Heidi
Klum says the show will probably return to the City of Angels,
the home base of its sixth season. “We like to change it up, we like to go back and fourth,” Heidi told Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush on Wednesday. “So, the [next season] will probably be back in LA again.” And although Heidi, husband Seal and their kids are based in LA, the super model-turned-host said she and her family love the time they spend on the east coast. “We kind of all move to New York. It’s fun. We all have this big hotel room. The children love New York,” Heidi continued. “New York is exciting!” As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Judge Michael Kors and style mentor Tim Gunn told People that they are both glad to be back in New York City for the new season. “When you think about it, the walks from Parsons to Mood, you could have 500 inspirations within a minute,” Michael said. “The bar is raised. I think the energy level is full-tilt boogie. It’s New York. Nothing stops here.” Tim agreed, adding, “I’m thrilled… this is my home. I’m happy I can sleep in my own bed.”
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Meet the Hub! Discovery/Hasbro Joint Venture Channel Now Has a Name From PR Newswire |
Posted 1/14/10 |
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Discovery Communications-Hasbro
Joint Venture President and CEO Margaret Loesch today unveiled
the official brand and logo for the children's network, set to
launch in fall 2010. Moving forward, the network will be known
as "The Hub" and will reach approximately 60 million homes on
what is currently the Discovery Kids network. "A hub is a place where great things come together -- and that is precisely what The Hub network will be when it launches," said Loesch. "The Hub will be a fun and transformative destination that brings kids and their families together by presenting clever stories and engaging characters." The Hub will offer young viewers and their families novel and compelling content, ranging from new comedies and animated adventures to live-action franchises and game shows -- all celebrating the core childhood concepts of fun and play. The network's tone will be thrilling, modern and dynamic, both on-air and online. These qualities are represented by The Hub's spiral logo, which symbolizes a catalyst of action and imagination. In addition, the network will benefit from the strong DNA of its two parent companies, Discovery and Hasbro, which share a 50/50 partnership in the venture. "Under the leadership of Margaret and her team, The Hub will be the next great children's media brand," said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. "The goal is to create a destination for quality content, and we are confident The Hub can become a strong home for an active and engaged audience." "Hasbro is a company built on play, and Discovery was founded on curiosity," said Brian Goldner, president and CEO of Hasbro. "The Hub will have the resources of both partners as it goes about reimagining the future of children's entertainment." Content on The Hub will feature rich storytelling with active, multidimensional characters and unexpected heroes. The network will tap into the best production talent in the industry for shows that will reinvigorate children's programming. Additionally, The Hub will incorporate cherished Hasbro properties, including Transformers and My Little Pony, and popular Discovery Kids franchises such as Adventure Camp and Flight 29 Down as a part of a diverse and robust lineup of original and acquired programming. The Hub's online home, hubworld.com, will become an entertainment destination in its own right, offering kids access to video clips, interactive games and community features that extend the experience of the network's content. |
 The Hub will launch fall 2010 (file photo courtesy Discovery Communications) |
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What It Means to Be "Unstapled" Wilson Talks About GSN Reality Series Tonight From Seattle Post-Intelligencer |
Posted 1/14/10 |
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From growing up as the daughter of
Beach Boy Brian Wilson to having her gastric bypass surgery
broadcast live on the Internet, Carnie Wilson has always been
comfortable with living in the public eye — except when it
came to naming her new reality show Carnie Wilson: Unstapled. "At first I went, 'Oh no,' and then I thought, well, that's kind of funny," she says. "I'm really an open book but this is really, really open," says the 41-year-old host of the Game Show Network's The Newlywed Game of her new reality series on the network. "This is like the glossary, index and everything combined." The show, premiering Thursday at 8/7c, features the married mother of two at home, in her TV career, and as she starts a baking company. "It's a great message to send out for women, that we can multi-task, we can be a present mom and a present wife and try to keep our sanity," Wilson says. Wilson, who is married to musician Rob Bonfiglio, says her main duty is mothering Lola, 4, and Lucy, 11 months. She agreed right after Lucy's birth to do Unstapled before a second season of The Newlywed Game. "My family comes first, my daughters come first. This is for their future," the former Wilson Phillips singer says. "The minute that there is any awkwardness and uncomfortability, I draw the line. I don't want to exploit the kids." Since the show closely follows the birth, it will also include Wilson's struggle with her weight, alluded to in the show's title. She shed 150 pounds after her gastric bypass surgery in 1999, and kept the weight off until she gained 70 pounds while pregnant with Lola. She then appeared on Celebrity Fit Club and lost 22 pounds. "This is my struggle forever and I know that," she says of her weight issues. "I just think it's important that I share what's going on, positive and negative, because someone else who's watching is either going through the exact same thing or knows someone that is." Wilson says she embraces life with open arms and open access to the cameras. "In my house, we always have a good time," Wilson says. "Even when there's stress, there's love." |
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More on "Drag Race", "The Arrangement" Logo Greenlights Two From C21Media |
Posted 1/14/10 |
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Lesbian and gay net Logo has
greenlit the production of four series, including a spin-off
of its RuPaul's Drag Race show and a reality show following a
celebrity stylist. RuPaul's Drag U (8x60'), is a spin-off of RuPaul's DraG Race and will see everyday women competing in tasks to become a diva, under the instructions of a team of drag queens. It will debut in July, having been produced by World of Wonder, producers of series such as Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood and Million Dollar Listing. World of Wonder is also producing The Arrangement (8x60') with Oh, Really! Productions, a gameshow which will pit talented floral designers against each other in a series of over-the-top challenges. Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey and Tom Campbell are producing for World of Wonder with Joe del Hierro and David Stanley for Oh, Really! It is set to debut in October. |
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"Dragon's" Paphitis to Front BBC Game "Buying Game" to Launch From Coventry Telegraph |
Posted 1/14/10 |
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Dragon's Den star Theo Paphitis
has announced "I'm in" as the presenter of new BBC show The
Buying Game. The businessman will front the new seven part show on BBC Two, which will see buying teams at some of the UK's biggest retailers taking a gamble on products pitched to them by members of the British public. Theo, who owns stationery chain Ryman and previously the global lingerie brand, La Senza, which he sold for a reported £100 million, will be on hand to demystify shop talk as the programme, made by Maverick Television, goes behind the closed doors of the retail giants. Each one hour show aims to reveal the competitive inner workings of retail, from prototype to product development to the finished article on the shop floor. Janice Hadlow, controller of BBC Two, said: "It's going to be fascinating to see Theo's extraordinary understanding of the market and astute business acumen at work outside of the Den, combined with a great insight into a rarely glimpsed side of the retail industry." Theo is is also due to branch out from the Den - where he appears alongside fellow Dragons Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Deborah Meaden and James Caan - presenting Theo's Adventure Capitalists on BBC Two later this month. |
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Peter Marshall Opens Pops Festival "Hollywood Squares" Host Plays Orange County From The OC Register |
Posted 1/14/10 |
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Peter Marshall and Johnny Vana's
Big Band Alumni open the 2010 Champagne Pops Series Jan. 30 at
Clubhouse 3 with shows at 3:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets range from
$15 to $21 and are available at the Clubhouse 3 box office. Marshall was a big band singer long before he became the five-time Emmy Award-winning host of some 5000 editions of the game show, "Hollywood Squares." He's also been part of a comedy team, performed in the legitimate theatre and on the concert and nightclub circuit, and appeared in movies and on television. Although the success of "Hollywood Squares" side-tracked his career as a singer, he enjoys singing most of all, and now that he has the time, he performs with big bands. Article Tab : Peter Marshall will open the Champagne Pops Series Jan. 30. Peter Marshall will open the Champagne Pops Series Jan. 30. Marshall will be singing at the Champagne Pops Series with Johnny Vana's Big Band Alumni which features members of some of the greatest big bands of all time, performing authentic swinging sounds of the 40s "Swing Era." Joining the band as well will be Laguna Woods favorites, singers Bonnie Bowden and Bill A. Jones. |
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Hugh Downs Goes "Back to the Future" "Concentration" Host to Present Award From AL.com |
Posted 1/14/10 |
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On Jan. 30, science fans will get
to see two big-name celebrities during the the U.S. Space &
Rocket Center's annual Back to the Future Gala. Dr. Edward Stone, principal investigator on nine NASA spacecraft missions including Voyager, and the former Director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will be presented with the Ernst Stuhlinger Visionary Award by former TV newsman Hugh Downs of ABC's "20/20" program. Although Hugh Downs is probably best known for the 21 years he spent on the anchor desk at "20/20," along with several years on the game show "Concentration," he is also the Chairman of the National Space Society's Board of Governors. The cocktail hour starts at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 and dancing with The Flashbacks is at 8:30 p.m. Black tie is optional. A limited number of individual tickets and corporate tables are still available for purchase. Individuals tickets are $150 and tables are $1,500 and $5,000. For more information, contact the USSRC's Community Relations Director Rebecca Sconyers at 721-5409. |
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Kara Scott Parties for Party Poker "High Stakes" Hostess Joins Mike Sexton in Pub From Tight Poker |
Posted 1/14/10 |
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Prior to Thursday, Party Poker’s
roster of sponsored pros boasted quite an international flair,
but it was lacking something: women. That has changed with an
announcement from the online poker room that longtime poker
commentator and player Kara Scott will be joining Party
Poker’s grassroots team. Scott, who hails from Canada but spent much of her adult life in the UK, will be representing the site in Canada and will take part in a number of Canadian Poker Tour (CPT) events. Originally from Alberta, Scott is only the second North American to join Team Party Poker, the first being World Poker Tour (WPT) host Mike Sexton. Scott’s deal will entail her serving as both a player and a presenter for the site. Scott has years of experience as an on-air presenter for a number of sports and poker-related programs. Scott’s resume includes a stint as the hostess of the European Poker Tour (EPT), on camera duties at the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) and, most recently, as one of the hosts of the popular GSN televised cash game, “High Stakes Poker.” |
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It's Test Time Again Jeopardy! Offers Online Audition for Everyone From Jeopardy.com |
Posted 1/14/10 |
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The road to Jeopardy! is once
again going through the internet, but this time, Jeopardy! is
offering "The Test" to everyone, from kids to teens to
collegians to adults. -
The Adults Online Test will be offered on the week of January
25. Check the website link below for more information on time Registration is now open for all age groups, but be sure to visit the site for all the information. |
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"Bachelor" Gets a "Pad" ABC Spins Off Its Dating Hit From the Live Feed |
Posted 1/12/10 |
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ABC has ordered a spinoff of its
hit "Bachelor" franchise in which former contestants will live
together in a "Big Brother"-style house. Titled "Bachelor Pad," the series produced by Mike Fleiss' Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon will bring back 20 memorable contestants from the previous 13 cycles of "The Bachelor" and five editions of "The Bachelorette." The program will represent the first "all-stars" reunion series for the franchise. Executive producer Martin Hilton said the concept was inspired by the real-life relationships that have continued among former "Bachelor" casts. "All these people have been friends, been enemies, they date each other and bring all this great backstory to the show," Hilton said. "It seemed like there was an opportunity to combine that world with a new competitive reality show." Contestants will live together in a house and compete in challenges, with some competitions inspired by incidents from past seasons. Each episode will conclude with evictions from the residence. ABC has ordered seven episodes, with "Bachelor" host Chris Harrison on board to emcee. Although scheduling plans are not set, expect ABC to premiere the show in the late summer coming out of the "Bachelorette" finale. It's not clear whether the show will air opposite CBS' venerable "Big Brother" franchise, which has continued to perform solidly for that network across multiple nights each summer. With "Bachelor" debuting Monday and "Bachelorette" typically launching at the start of summer, the addition of "Bachelor Pad" gives ABC a version of the franchise on the air year-around except for the fall. Names of the cast have not yet been released, but Hilton said that top players, including former winners, are on board. |
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"Dancing" Returns March 22 Show to Pare Down to 12 Starters From OK Magazine |
Posted 1/12/10 |
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Don’t worry, Dancing with the
Stars lovers, the celebrity dancing competition will be
returning to TV for another season; however, as ABC’s
President of Entertainment Stephen McPherson told OK! today,
there won’t be as many celebs heating up the dance floor.
“There were too many contestants last time,” he admitted of
the 16 contestants. “We’ll cut it back to 11 or 12.” And even with a bit of a dip in ratings, McPherson assured fans that the popular show will still air twice a year, noting, “We still think it can sustain that.” As for the news everyone wants to know, McPherson tells OK! that a few stars have been cast already — but he’s not revealing their names just yet! The full lineup will be announced at later date. The 10th season of DWTS is set to kick off with a two-hour premiere on March 22 at 8 p.m. |
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"Millionaire" Heads to Uganda Show to Follow UK Format From AllAfrica.com |
Posted 1/12/10 |
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It is one of the most popular live
TV quiz shows in the UK and US. Courtesy of Uganda Telecom (UTL)
the show will be for the first time in Uganda. In the $4.5m
two year deal with Protel Studios from Kenya, the studio will
shoot weekly episodes that will be produced in Uganda. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is a television quiz show which offers very large cash prizes for correctly answering 15 consecutive multiple-choice questions of increasing difficulty. The format is owned and licensed by the Japanese production company Sony Pictures Television International. The Ugandan show will follow the UK format and it will also be a first in the East and Central African Region. Nigeria is the other country where the game show has become popular and is played. In Nigeria the show has been screened for over 5years. According to the MD UTL engineer Abdulbaset Elazzabi, to participate UTL subscribers will be asked to call a short code and then contestants will be chosen randomly by a computer. "We will announce the code in the next few days and hope the show will become popular among Ugandans," he adds. The top prize is Ugshs 25million ($12500) every week. Winning is based on correct questions and the questions asked are on general knowledge category. Only one contestant will play at a time in front of live TV audience. Contestants will have 3 life lines to assist them which are phone a friend where Contestants may call one of up to five pre-arranged friends and The contestant has thirty seconds to read the four choices to the friend, who must select an answer before the time runs out. Ask the audience is another lifeline where the contestant asks the studio audience which answer they believe is correct or take a 50-50 chance where they can eliminate two incorrect answers and leave one correct answer and one incorrect. |
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Bob Barker Antes Up for Anti-Whaler New Zealand Responds From Dallas Blog |
Posted 1/12/10 |
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Foreign Minister Murray McCully of
New Zealand has indirectly expressed outrage at Bob Barker,
the famous Hollywood TV gameshow host of 'The Price is Right.'
Mr. Barker donated $5 million to an animal rights terrorist
organization that hails from New Zealand. The Trak In Business and Finance news website reports that, "New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully has basically given the green light to escalate their violence at sea against eleven New Zealand crew members onboard Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's marine conservation ships Bob Barker and Steve Irwin." A New Zealand vessel with four New Zealand crew and one New Zealand camera had gotten involved in a naval clash with a Japanese whaling vessel. The New Zealand ship had been destroyed and sunk while the foreign minister has rebuked Bob Barker for funding the criminal activities of this anti-whaling group. According to Trak In, "this kind of attitude will surely encourage the Japanese whalers to escalate their violence towards the Sea Shepherd crew. Sea Shepherd is appalled, shocked and offended by these grossly irresponsible statements from New Zealand foreign minister Murray McCully." The New Zealand registered vessel with a New Zealand skipper, three additional crew members, and a New Zealand cameraman, has accused the Japanese whaler of making the first-strike against its terrorist boat. Consequently, it's calling for a full investigation of the so-called naval clash. Mr. McCully issued this statement in response: "If people are determined to break the law and determined to kill other people on the high seas then it is not the responsibility of the New Zealand government or any other government to send armed vessels down there or something of that sort to stop them. We've got New Zealand citizens that have clearly been behaving in a manner that has put life at risk. If they are going down there looking for trouble and determined to find it then there's nothing we can do to stop them, except urge them to improve their conduct."
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Back to the "Library" Season 2 Bows Today on MTV From MTV PR |
Posted 1/11/10 |
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Cold weather got you down? MTV
gets ready to fire up the on-air fun with the return of two
shows sure to take the winter blues away. Starting tonight at
6:00pm ET/PT new episodes of “Teen Cribs” and “Silent Library”
premiere and will feature pranksters and privileged teens five
days a week who are sure to cure cabin fever. “Teen Cribs”
will kick-off the evening with an episode featuring the plush
pads of two teens out west. Then at 6:30pm, a team of friends
will join forces to compete in ultimate test of will on the
season premiere of the game show “Silent Library,” where
contestants can face challenges ranging from jogging with
actual turkeys on their feet to taking direct paintball hits
to the chest. All new episodes of “Teen Cribs” will take fans inside some of the most extraordinary and unforgettable teen dream homes on the planet. From coast to coast, viewers go inside some of the most extravagant homes customized with luxuries straight out of their wildest dreams. Throughout the season, viewers will tour spacious caves, dome shaped homes, monster mansions and will even learn that eco-friendly living can still make for a luxe crash pad. Returning for a second season, “Silent Library” puts a fresh twist on the volume deficient game show that keeps viewers in stitches. During each episode, six friends will watch in silence as one of their team members is put under extreme and harebrained situations such as having spitballs hurled at them or sipping some of the vilest concoctions ever mixed together. When the team successfully completes the challenges they will walk away with a cash prize. Throughout the season, celebrity guests will visit the library to join in on a bit of hushed fun. The first week will feature pop sensation Justin Beiber who along with Asher Roth will jumpstart the second season. Also appearing in the in the coming weeks are Ron Jeremy, Forever the Sickest Kids, Jessie James, We the Kings and more will take a seat at the “Silent Library” table to participate in the competition. Dave Sirulnick and Marshall Eisen serve as Executive Producers of “Teen Cribs” and Jonathan Mussman is the Executive in Charge for MTV. Cionin Lorenzo is Supervising Producer for “Teen Cribs.” “Silent Library” is executive produced by Adam Dolgins and Frank Gregory of Fractured Hip Productions. Brent Haynes, Jason Gwozdz and Amy Emmerich are executives in charge for MTV. |
 SILENCE! (photo courtesy MTV) |
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America's Got Howie... Official "Deal or No Deal" Host Named as the Hoff's Replacement From the Futon Critic |
Posted 1/11/10 |
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Howie Mandel ("Deal or No Deal")
will join NBC's hit summer series "America's Got Talent" as a
new judge when the competition reality program returns for its
fifth season this summer. Mandel will join returning judges
Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan along with host Nick Cannon. In addition to serving as a judge on "America's Got Talent," Mandel has a larger overall first-look deal with NBC and he will continue to produce projects via his production company, Alevy Productions. The announcement was made today by Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC and Universal Media Studios. "Howie is one of America's favorite entertainers and his sense of humor and energy are irrepressible," said Telegdy. "He's passionate about new talent and his years of experience across a variety of disciplines in entertainment, not to mention the fact that he headlines and performs in Vegas all the time, will bring new depth to our panel. He will be a real asset to our contestants and help them take their talents to the next level. We are thrilled to have him join Sharon and Piers and are sure that sparks will fly!" "We're thrilled to have Howie join the show," said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "He's an extraordinary, multi-faceted talent whose success story spans the gauntlet of all things entertainment. He will no doubt bring a dynamic, poignant and entertaining perspective to the judging panel that is all his own." Mandel's versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, ranging from television to film and stage. Mandel's experience includes hosting the primetime network and syndicated versions of the hit game show "Deal or No Deal," working on the Emmy Award-winning "St. Elsewhere" and extends to international markets with his Emmy-nominated "Bobby's World."
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 Howie Mandel is the new judge on "America's Got Talent" (photo courtesy NBC) |
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Oxygen Backs Its "Ass" Up "Dance" Returns with Mel B at the Helm From Los Angeles Times |
Posted 1/11/10 |
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After her stint on "Dancing with
the Stars," former Spice Girl Mel B can dance with the best of
them. She's foxtrotted. Done the samba. The tango? That too.
Now she's taking part in a different dance competition. This time as host of the second season of Oxygen's "Dance Your Ass Off." 'I'm just so excited to be a part of it," she said. "Dance has always been a big part of my life. ... [It] helped me lose my baby weight." The songstress -- who replaces another "Stars' alum Marissa Jaret Winokour as host -- revealed that she shed 90 pounds while competing on "Dancing with the Stars." Now she'll watch as a bevy of full-figured contestants get light on their toes in the dance/weight-loss competition. "We wanted to find a host that really, really connected with our audience," said executive producer Dan Cutforth. The second season will air this summer. |
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... and That's Not All Oxygen to Bring Forth "Fashion Drop" From C21Media |
Posted 1/11/10 |
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US women's cable net Oxygen is
developing a raft of shows for this year from indies including
World of Wonder, 3 Ball Productions, Foundry Media,
Left/Right, Magilla Entertainment and Nancy Glass Productions. Top of the list of shows unveiled at the TCA tour in Pasadena today is gameshow Fashion Drop, the World of Wonder commission. It has members of the studio audience selected to show off their fashion sense before a panel of judges, with losers dropped through a hole in the studio floor. Hair Battle Spectacular comes from 3 Ball and is a competition series revolving around the superstars of fantasy hair design – it's billed as "half sculpture, half pop art and ALL hair." House Of Glam, meanwhile, follows life at "one of the hottest styling agencies in the entertainment business." Left/Right Inc and The Foundry Media Group are coproducing that one. Jersey Couture is a docusoap about a family-run New Jersey dress shop, from Magilla, while Nancy Glass's When Charlie Met Sarah catches up with The Bachelor 2005 sweethearts Charlie O'Connell and Sarah Brice. The 2010 development slate also includes the previously announced Russell Simmons Project, from Simmons Lathan Media Group and Picture This Television. The show looks at the women behind "entrepreneur, entertainment and fashion icon, philanthropist and yogi" Simmons. In all, it's "a robust development slate filled with new content that expands into a variety of genres and formats," said Amy Introcaso-Davis, senior VP of original programming and development at Oxygen. "We're continually listening to our audience and our goal, as always, is to give viewers a spectrum of choice across a diverse line-up." |
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"Top Chef Masters" To Return April 7 "Just Desserts" to Follow From Zap2it TV |
Posted 1/11/10 |
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Of Bravo's numerous reality show
announcements made at Press Tour Sunday (Jan. 10), it was "Top
Chef Masters" that made the TV critics prick up their ears. The competition show pitting world renowned chefs against each other will premiere its second season on Wednesday, April 7 at 11 p.m. ET/PT before moving to its regular time period a week later at 10 p.m. Food journalist Kelly Choi will return as host, and regular "Top Chef" judge Gail Simmons will serve as a judge this season as well, joining restaurant critic Gael Greene, culinary expert James Oseland and food critic Jay Rayner. Simmons was also named the host of another "Top Chef" spinoff, "Top Chef: Just Desserts," which will feature pastry chefs in competition. The show is still currently in development. |
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"Millionaire" Launches "Hot Seat Home Game" Watch For It In the Mail! From PR Newswire |
Posted 1/11/10 |
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Beginning February 8, home viewers
of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" will be able to win cash
prizes just like the show's hot seat contestants in the
"You're In The Hot Seat Home Game." The home game will award
Millionaire viewers a total of over $1.5-million in cash
prizes and provide them with daily opportunities to win
individual prizes ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. Thirty-million scratch-off game cards will be distributed in Millionaire-branded Valpak® savings envelopes beginning January 25. Every weekday, February 8 - May 28, host Meredith Vieria will announce a new winning answer during the broadcast of "Who Wants To Be Millionaire." Viewers with game cards that match the winning answer will win whatever cash prize is shown on their game card. Viewers can also go online to www.millionairetv.com to request a game card. "This is the highest paying home game that we've ever had on Millionaire," said executive producer Michael Davies. "Our viewers have never had the opportunity to win this kind of cash, without actually coming to New York and appearing in the hot seat," he added. "We're excited that we'll be able to reward some of our dedicated viewers with some Millionaire money of their own." "Consumers look to their Valpak envelope for savings and value," said Deanna Willsey, Director of Corporate Communications at Valpak. "Beginning February 8, we will also help them make money with this great 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' sweepstakes," said Willsey. Valpak will send out thirty-million envelopes nationwide that will prompt consumers to look inside for their official game card. |
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Ethan Zohn Returns Home "Africa" Winner Skips Survivor Reunion From People |
Posted 1/11/10 |
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More than 200 former contestants
celebrated the 10th anniversary of Survivor Saturday, but one
alum couldn't make it – Ethan Zohn, undergoing what he hopes
is the last of the treatments for cancer. "He's somehow become, to me, our star, who represents the good, the bad and the struggle, everything about Survivor," said host Jeff Probst. Zohn's girlfriend, Jenna Morasca, winner of the Amazon season, swept in for the event at CBS's studios in Los Angeles. "I've literally come in on the latest flight and will go home on the earliest flight," she says. "It's hard to be away." She came with promising news. As Zohn undergoes a complete stem-cell transplant, Morasca reports, "He's doing okay. We're getting toward the end and we're hoping to go home [from the hospital] this week, but then he's still going to be on kind of a watch and in isolation for three months so we're going to take it day by day but in my opinion he is cancer free." |
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Richard Hatch Could Outgame Russell
Hantz... ... Says Richard Hatch From People |
Posted 1/11/10 |
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At the 10th anniversary party
celebrating Survivor’s 20 seasons Saturday night, the
first-ever winner Richard Hatch was still the most popular guy
in the room. “I’ve been that guy for a long time, so it feels good,” he told PEOPLE at CBS Television City in Los Angeles. “I’m kind of used to it. It’s an honor. It was one of those things to have happen in life, to have been in the first season, and I won’t call it luck that I won, that’s for sure, but it’s lasted and people have started to understand the show. It’s great.” Hatch, 48, looking healthy and upbeat, attended the party with his husband of 5 years, Emiliano Cibral, 33, and faced a constant parade of contestants and fans eager to talk to him. “I would love to meet Richard Hatch,” said Cirie Fields, a three-time contestant, who is returning as a hero for season 20’s Heroes vs. Villains edition. “To meet the ultimate villain has always been a dream of mine. I’ve watched Richard Hatch play, I’ve watched from the first season and I thought he did everything right.” That’s more than Hatch can say for many winners that have followed in his footsteps. When asked if there have been other players’ strategies he’s admired, Hatch says, “I have trouble thinking of people with strategies! Here we are, 19 seasons in, and I bang my head against the television thinking, ‘Do you not have any idea what this game is?’ There are very, very few, but those few who have been playing are a pleasure to watch.’” Would Samoa’s Russell Hantz be among those few? “Russell played well,” Hatch says. “I don’t think he played as well as I played, and I think the reason is because he lost some of the subtlety of the game and I explained that to him. I think he lost sight [of] how he himself, while playing well, impacted jurors, his peers who then have to decide how he lives or dies at the end. And that’s a crucial part of the game.” Reflecting on his victory 10 years ago, Hatch adds, “Even though it was the first season and I really walked a fine line, I still had to consider [my peers] and barely won because Greg Buis … told me — when it was 3-3 and his vote gave me the win — that it was almost my hubris that cost me the game. But … he respected my game and gave me the vote. Russell went too far and was too ‘in your face’ to the contestants. I talked to the camera, I talked to the viewers openly as the game is designed for us to do, and was cocky and arrogant … but I wasn’t to the contestants. That’s where you lose.” |
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Nina Garcia: Season 7 is So Not
Season 6 "Runway" Launches Again Thursday From Jacksonville Observer |
Posted 1/11/10 |
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Good news for “Project Runway”
fans who found that Season 6 didn’t measure up. To hear judge
Nina Garcia tell it, Season 7 is a whole ‘nutha thing. “Right off the bat, you’ll see this group is very talented and interesting. It’s a good, good, good season,” insists the judge and Marie Claire fashion director, speaking of the designer competitors who’ll be introduced to the country Thursday (1/14) when “Project Runway” returns to Lifetime. She informs, “The casting was a little different for Season 7. They really focused on people’s portfolios much more seriously and scouted in a more professional manner. There’s a wide range of backgrounds — some designers who just came out of school, and some who’ve already had experience.” The guest judges, meanwhile, “are a little more ‘fashion insider’ this season. They’re unpredictable guest judges known in the fashion industry. You will recognize the names. Some of them are international,” she says. Garcia has been called the most no-nonsense of the show’s regular judges — alongside Heidi Klum and Michael Kors — a designation she doesn’t mind. “I want to judge them on a par with everyone else in the industry, on a par with what I’m seeing on the market because I see a lot. I want to be clear and honest with them. I’m not there to feed them lines and bring their hopes up.” That said, she agrees with Klum, who told us awhile back that she feels she herself has toughened up through the years. “I think Heidi is a little tough with the designers, and she’s very tough with the models. Having been a model herself and still being a model, she’s very opinionated.” |
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Idol: A Preview Jackson: Don't Expect Adam Lambert This Year From Yahoo!/AP |
Posted 1/10/10 |
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There won't be anyone quite like
Adam Lambert on the next season of "American Idol." Easygoing "Idol" judge Randy Jackson told reporters during a Friday teleconference that he expected to see clones of the over-the-top eighth season runner-up or even croony champion Kris Allen show up to audition for the Fox talent competition's ninth season, which premieres Tuesday (8 p.m. EST), but there were none to be found this time around. "Usually, whoever comes in first or second, that next season of auditions, you have a lot of those kinds of people," he said. "It's almost like a signal to everyone at home that was like them that now it's time to try out for 'American Idol.' It didn't happen like that this time. We got a very interesting, unique cast that's only unique to this season nine." Jackson, who serves on the judging panel with Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and newcomer Ellen DeGeneres, said audition cities Dallas and Atlanta offered singers with the most starpower while Orlando, Fla., was "really strange" in terms of finding talent. He also said he was on the lookout for female crooners because the past two winners have been male. "I think there's some really talented girls that showed up this time," he said. |
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"Top Model": March 3 Fourteenth Season to Bow with Two Hour Episode From the Futon Critic |
Posted 1/8/10 |
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The CW Network announced today
additional midseason plans, including the spring premiere of
America's Next Top Model and the return of original episodes
across the schedule. Making its 14th cycle debut, America's Next Top Model kicks off with a two-hour premiere on Wednesday, March 3 (8:00-10:00p.m. ET), before settling into its regularly scheduled time period on Wednesday, March 10 (8:00-9:00p.m. ET). Programming for the post-Top Model hour will be announced at a later time. |
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Sneak Peek of Ellen on the Panel DeGeneres to Join Table in February During Hollywood Week From Access Hollywood |
Posted 1/8/10 |
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FOX has released the first cast
shots from “American Idol’s” ninth season – its first with
with new judge Ellen DeGeneres. In the new photos, British judge Simon Cowell showed he’s still sporting his flattop crop, while Ellen is pictured leaning on the “American Idol” mic. The entire cast of judges – Simon, Ellen, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, who is returning for her second season – were also Photoshopped into one picture, alongside show host, Ryan Seacrest. As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, “Idol” will return on January 12 in a two-night, four-hour season premiere. Premiere week will feature auditions from Boston and Atlanta. Ellen won’t be featured on the judge’s panel until February. Instead, guest judges including Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris, Joe Jonas, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain will be featured in the chair vacated by Paula Abdul, who opted not to return to the show. |
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"Heroes vs. Villains" Cast Revealed...
Official Season Premiere February 11 From various sources |
Posted 1/7/10 |
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“Survivor” creator Mark Burnett,
Emmy-winning host Jeff Probst and casting director Lynne
Spillman stared at the 301 past "Survivor" cast cards in front
of them. After 10 years and 19 cycles, they knew they wanted
to celebrate the show's 20th season by inviting former
castaways to compete again, but how could they make it
distinct? There had already been an "All-Stars" season, and the 16th iteration pit some of the CBS show's biggest fans against favorite players. Burnett liked to think of his castaways in terms of good guys and bad guys, so they lined up the cards to see the possibilities. They seemed endless. "We all agreed we couldn't do 'All-Stars 2,' " Burnett said. "But 'Heroes vs. Villains' is a one-sentence sell because there are people who played the game in very different ways. So this became the best way for us to celebrate a decade -- 20 seasons -- with these people coming back in the groupings in which they played the game. Will they stay in those roles? Or will they change?" On the "Heroes" tribe are Rupert Boneham ("Pearl Islands" and "All-Stars"), James Clement ("China" and "Fans vs. Favorites"), Colby Donaldson ("Australia" and "All-Stars"), Cirie Fields ("Panama" and "Fans vs. Favorites"), Amanda Kimmel ("China" and "Fans vs. Favorites"), Jessica “Sugar” Kiper ("Gabon"), Stephenie LaGrossa ("Palau" and "Guatemala"), James “JT” Thomas Jr. ("Tocantins"), Tom Westman ("Palau") and Candice Woodcock ("Cook Islands"). The "Villains" are: Tyson Apostol ("Tocantins"), Randy Bailey ("Gabon"), Sandra Diaz-Twine ("Pearl Islands"), Danielle DiLorenzo ("Panama"), Jerri Manthey ("Australia" and "All-Stars"), Rob Mariano ("Marquesas" and "All-Stars"), Parvati Shallow ("Cook Islands" and "Fans vs. Favorites"), Benjamin “Coach” Wade ("Tocantins"), Courtney Yates ("China") and, of course, Russell Hantz ("Samoa"). "All of the memorable players are either a hero or a villain," said Probst, who is also an executive producer. "There's nobody that you remember that you just go 'eh'. You either loved him or you hated him. So in a sense 'Survivor' as a celebration of 20 seasons is a celebration of what our show really is -- either people who are heroic or people who are villains. And sometimes people would argue one or the other."
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"Bee" Back Catch It Next Friday on CMT! From TV by the Numbers |
Posted 1/7/10 |
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CMT’s popular series, "The Singing
Bee, returns for a second season beginning Friday, January 15
at 9:00 p.m., ET/PT. Hosted by Melissa Peterman, the premiere
episode features a cameo by country superstar Reba McEntire.
New one-hour episodes of "The Singing Bee debut weekly,
promising more laughs and excitement than ever before with new
music selections and fierce competitors. "Bee" tests contestants’ knowledge of lyrics to well-known country and pop songs and those who fail to accurately sing the correct lyrics are eliminated from the competition. "Bee" ranks as the network’s highest-rated series of 2009. |
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"12 Hearts" for Palacio That Guy from "Real Housewives of New York" to Co-Host for Telemundo From Hamptons |
Posted 1/7/10 |
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Maximiliano Palacio, recently
featured in "Real Housewives of New York" has signed to
co-host with Penelope Menchaca on Telemundo's "12 Corazones"
which begins filming in Los Angeles, CA on January 7 and will
air on Telemundo around February 11. "12 Corazones" (English: 12 Hearts) is a Spanish-language dating game show produced in the United States for the television network Telemundo, a NBC property. The show has been on the air since 2005 and is based on its namesake Argentine TV show format. The show is filmed in Los Angeles and revolves around the 12 Zodiac signs that identify each contestant. In August 2009 Telemundo added English subtitles as closed captions. Palacio, a former Polo player turned actor comes from Argentina. The 6'2 single actor has appeared in numerous commercials Triatop (Argentina), Motorola Uruguay), Colgate (Europe), Axe (Latin America), Carrefour (France), Nonni's Biscotti (U.S.), Esquire Magazine (U.S.), and Burlington Coat Factory (U.S.). He speaks fluent English and Spanish, and Intermediate French, Italian and Portuguese. An avid sportsman Palacio also enjoys tennis, polo, skiing, rugby, softball, scuba diving, swimming, soccer, marathon running, water skiing, bicycle and motorcycle riding, roller skating, squash, surfing and wind surfing. He has also appeared in numerous film and theater productions and will be filming as lead in his own series "Revolving Doors," this summer about the male's perspective on dealing with women and providing an insightful alpha-male view into New York's promiscuous lifestyle, tortuous and twisted male/female relationships, and complex social dynamics. |
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Heidi Klum Offers Maternity Wear "Runway" Host Offers Through Motherhood Maternity From Yahoo!/AP |
Posted 1/7/10 |
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Model mom Heidi Klum wowed us with
her fabulous fashions while she was pregnant with daughter Lou
Sulola last year, and now she's bringing her maternity style
to the masses. The Project Runway host is launching not just one but two lines of maternity wear next month: Lavish by Heidi Klum for A Pea in the Pod and Loved by Heidi Klum for Motherhood Maternity. While Lavish will feature dressy pieces for the modern mom-to-be, Loved showcases more relaxed, casual wear. “I experienced fashion challenges during my four pregnancies and combined my knowledge of what works in terms of style, comfort and practicality to create these lines,” says Heidi, who is mom to kids Leni, 5, Henry, 4, Johan, 3, and Lou, 2 1/2 months. “Being pregnant shouldn’t stop you from being fashionable and feeling great about your changing body. It’s an exciting journey.” |
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"Wheel" at 35 Show Bowed on NBC on This Date in 1975 From NorthJersey.com |
Posted 1/6/10 |
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The game show "Wheel of Fortune"
debuted 35 years ago — Jan. 6, 1975. The network asked Merv Griffin to develop a glitzy daytime show that would capture a female audience. Griffin had an idea for a game based on hangman but wanted to incorporate shopping to hook the ladies. In its first incarnation, in 1974, the show that became "Wheel of Fortune" was called "Shopper's Bazaar." In its 1975 premiere, "Wheel of Fortune" still included the shopping element, which lasted until 1987. Current host Pat Sajak, a former weatherman, did not join the game until December 1981, when a salary dispute between original host Chuck Woolery and Griffin created the vacancy. Soap actress Susan Stafford was the original letter turner but left the show in 1982 to pursue humanitarian work. Vanna White was hired after a handful of co-hosts were tried out. In 1983, the show was sold in syndication to a few markets as a nighttime show. It was picked up nationally a year later and quickly became the No. 1 syndicated game show. In 1990, it became the first game show to be closed captioned for the hearing impaired. Each year, more than 3,200 people audition for "Wheel of Fortune" and only about 500 are chosen. The big wheel weighs about 2 tons — or 4,000 pounds. White is in the Guinness Book of World Records as television's most frequent clapper. She claps an average of 720 times per show. The cost of buying a vowel has never increased. It is still $250, the same as in 1975. More than $100 million in cash and prizes have been awarded to contestants. |
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More on "Seducing Cindy" Catch It on Fox Reality January 30 From TV by the Numbers |
Posted 1/6/10 |
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Setting world records and making
millions of hearts race, the world’s sexiest Internet icon
Cindy Margolis is bringing the ultimate fantasy to life for
her most devoted fans in a steamy reality dating show,
Seducing Cindy, Fox Reality Channel’s newest original series
premiering Saturday, January 30 at 9p/8c. Seducing Cindy is
produced by Glassman Media. Cindy Margolis launched an Internet revolution as the most downloaded woman on the Internet, which was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2000. She was also a celebrity cover model for Playboy at age 40, appeared as a Fembot in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and has worked as a model on numerous campaigns. In addition to being a model, author, entrepreneur and actress, Cindy is a newly single mother of three, who hasn’t given up on finding true love. “My fans have been incredibly loyal and supportive over the years, so I am taking the leap of faith that one of them could be the love of my life,” said Margolis. “I am ready to be swept off my feet.” Over the course of eight, one-hour episodes, Margolis will put her heart on the line with 24 potential suitors in an attempt to find her ultimate soul mate. The men range from 18 71 years old and come from all walks of life, from the suave and sophisticated to the self-confessed “internet nerds,” who catapulted Margolis to mass popularity. Cindy’s suitors will offer her true variety and tough choices as they battle through competitive tasks and fight for her affection and a coveted garter belt off of her leg, signifying a chance to stay on Cindy’s list of potential mates. “Seducing Cindy is Fox Reality Channel’s first original dating series and will take viewers on the unique, emotional and potentially intimidating journey of finding love over 40,” said Noel Siegel, VP of Development and Production for Fox Reality Channel. “Millions of men have downloaded Cindy Margolis photos, but we are giving a handful of them the rare opportunity to make a real connection and win her heart.” Andrew Glassman, executive producer of Seducing Cindy emphasizes Cindy’s genuine desire to meet someone special through the show. “Cindy came to us and said she was at a crossroads in her life, was ready to fall in love again, but had forgotten the rules’ of dating and wanted to try something extreme,” said Glassman. “She got that and much more — her fans and longtime admirers arrived prepared to do anything imaginable, and fight with all their will, for the dream chance of Seducing Cindy.” |
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"Iron Chef" Super Chef Battle Earns Raves,
Reruns Top Rated Event on Food Network, Will Air in Syndication in Cablevision Markets From the Futon Critic |
Posted 1/6/10 |
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Food Network and HGTV are teaming
up with two local TV stations, WPIX-TV in New York and WTXX-TV
in Hartford, Conn., to bring Cablevision subscribers the
chance to view two encore presentations from the popular
lifestyle networks' blockbuster New Year's weekend programs. Viewers in the New York Tri-State area will be able to see the unprecedented culinary competition Super Chef Battle: An Iron Chef America Event in a special, one-time airing on Sunday, January 10th from 8-10pm ET on WPIX-TV (New York's Channel 11) and on WTXX-TV (Hartford's Channel 20). The special episode, which premiered on Food Network on January 3rd, stars Mario Batali, Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse and White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford in an unprecedented culinary competition. "We have the greatest fans in the world," said Brooke Johnson, president of Food Network. "Nobody likes the situation, with Cablevision customers being the only viewers in the country who can't watch our networks as we introduce a number of new special and series in January. These encore presentations are just a small way to say thank you' for their support and understanding while we do everything we can to get our networks back on Cablevision." Super Chef Battle garnered 7.6
million viewers on a total viewer 2+ basis, and posted a 2.0
rating among adults 25-54. This made the special the
highest-rated and most-watched in the Iron Chef franchise
history. |
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Donny Osmond Launches Radio Show "Pyramid" Host to Do Days From TV by the Numbers |
Posted 1/6/10 |
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Entertainment icon Donny Osmond
will host a new lifestyle-driven music radio show targeting
the advertiser-coveted female demographic for radio
syndication network Citadel Media. The Donny Osmond Show was
developed with broadcast industry consultant Mike McVay of
McVay Media and will be the first offering from McKay
Syndication. The program will air weekdays from 10 a.m. – 3
p.m. and will launch nationally on January 18 with 60
stations. The Donny Osmond Show will provide an energetic,
upbeat option for stations seeking a workday connection with
their listeners and is designed for both adult contemporary
and classic hits radio formats. “Donny Osmond is a classic American performer who has spent the majority of his life bringing smiles to audiences around the world and continues to captivate his tremendous fan base today,” said Carl Anderson, Senior Vice President of Programming and Distribution for Citadel Media. “The opportunity to bring his talents to a national radio platform aligns perfectly with our network initiative as we offer affiliates customized depart programming with the personalities stations are looking for. As a legendary entertainer known for his friendly, humorous presentation, Donny will be able to deliver immediate results for our partners.” “Our team is extremely proud to be part of introducing The Donny Osmond Show to radio listeners across the country,” said Mike McKay, President of McKay Syndication. “Donny is such a relatable, natural personality and has historically drawn the interest of a wide-ranging audience. His recent popularity and success on “Dancing with the Stars” has reminded all of us what a dynamic performer he is and charmed a new generation of fans as well.” During his career, Osmond has been a singer, actor, triple-threat television series host (talk show, game show and variety show), best-selling author, commercial spokesperson, motivational speaker and even a race car driver. Reflecting his multi-generational worldwide fan base, his Web site, Donny.com, receives a staggering 120 million-plus hits annually. |
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Just Call Her Melissa Strickland Former Rycroft Changes Name From Access Hollywood |
Posted 1/6/10 |
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Melissa Rycroft is making a fresh
start in 2010 – by changing her name. The former “Bachelor” contestant-turned-ABC contributor Tweeted on Tuesday she would no longer be known simply as Melissa Rycroft “Off to legally change my last name! Exciting!!” Melissa wrote on her Twitter page, which she renamed MelRyStrickland, after marrying insurance agent Tye Strickland in December. When contacted by Access Hollywood, a rep for the star confirmed she will legally change her name to Melissa Strickland, but will still use Melissa Rycroft for work. The former “Bachelor” contestant, who was jilted on television in early 2009 after Jason Mesnick decided to dump her in order to reconcile with Molly Malaney, later went on to great success on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.” The reality star, who was paired with Tony Dovolani, scored a Top 3 finish, and made several friends while on the show, including former “Sex and The City” heartthrob Gilles Marini, who Tweeted a congratulations of her name-changing news. “So proud of You .. You rock . Love G,” Gilles wrote. “Thanks!! YOU rock dude! Hope we see you soon!! Xoxo,” Melisa replied. |
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"Biggest Loser" Returns More Couples on Tap... From Orlando Sentinel |
Posted 1/5/10 |
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John and James Crutchfield,
identical twins from Orlando, are described as the heaviest
team in the history of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” And the brothers, who are 30, say that’s a good thing as the show begins its ninth season at 8 tonight. “It helps you,” says James, a human resources director. “It puts it in perspective. One of my problems is procrastination. I didn’t know I weighed that much. Your home scales go up to 300. I knew I was over 4. I didn’t know I was close to 5. It was more motivation.” John, a senior marketing manager, agrees about the heaviest designation. “It was a motivating factor, and a little embarrassing,” he says. Together, they weigh nearly a thousand pounds — and good-naturedly call themselves the half-ton twins. Tonight’s premiere features an unusual scene: The brothers weigh in at Church Street Station. “That was one of the scariest things I’ve done in my life — in front of friends, people you don’t know, the media,” John says. “That’s one of the most nerve-racking and frankly embarrassing things.” James said he hadn’t taken off his shirt in public since he was a kid. “It kind of built up some confidence,” he says. |
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"Last Comic" to Make Another Stand? NBC in Talks to Return Series From EW |
Posted 1/5/10 |
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A network insider confirms that
NBC is in talks to bring back Last Comic Standing, a talent
show that ran for six seasons on the peacock network. NBC’s
reality guru Paul Telegdy is looking to re-launch the
franchise with a new host (so long, Bill Bellamy!) and some
format changes so it can air as part of the network’s summer
lineup, which includes America’s Got Talent and (possibly) the
new Losing it with Jillian, featuring The Biggest Loser’s
Jillian Michaels. Comic pits comedians against each other in a competition for a development contract with NBC. It last aired during the summer of 2008, when it averaged 5.2 million viewers and a 7 share among adults 18-49. Though it doesn’t necessarily blow the roof off Nielsen, the show performs particularly well among adults 18-49 living in homes with $75K-plus and $100k-plus incomes. |
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NBC Announces Firing Line Catch "Celebrity Apprentice" March 14! From the Futon Critic |
Posted 1/5/10 |
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NBC and Donald Trump announced
today the all-star celebrity cast for the third season of "The
Celebrity Apprentice" premiering on Sunday, March 14 (9-11
p.m. ET/PT). Over the course of the celebrity seasons, over $3.5 million has been donated to charities worldwide in addition to money raised from the awareness and exposure on the show. Now 14 new celebrities will rise to the challenge once again it will be men versus women. All the celebrities will be vying for the coveted title as they fight for their respective causes close to their hearts. The men include: Darryl Strawberry, Bret Michaels, Goldberg, Michael Johnson, Rod Blagojevich, Sinbad and Curtis Stone. The women include: Cyndi Lauper, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete, Selita Ebanks, Maria Kanellis, Carol Leifer and Summer Sanders. Donald Trump said "This season of 'Celebrity Apprentice' is going to be fantastic. The list of celebrities we have this season is outstanding and the show will really resonate with our core viewers and fans. I expect this season of 'Celebrity Apprentice' to be the best one yet." The celebrities will compete in business-driven tasks around New York City using their fame, rolodexes and their business acumen to win weekly tasks and money to donate to their favorite charities, while ultimately battling with each other to stay out of the boardroom and avoid hearing those dreaded words "You're Fired!" They'll be subjected to long hours, grueling mental challenges, personality clashes and intense scrutiny -- all without the help of their regular support system of agents, managers and personal assistants. Certain tasks encourage the contestants to reach out to their network of celebrity contacts for assistance or donations -- making for entertaining surprise visits by some of the world's biggest stars along the way. Trump and his advisors in the boardroom will judge all of the tasks. Returning back to the boardroom are Trump's children (and colleagues) Ivanka and Donald Trump Jr., alongside longtime Trump Organization employee and "Apprentice" advisor George Ross. The boardroom will again feature a "rotating seat," allowing a variety of famous business leaders and industry legends to join Trump in spirited judgment on each task. As with last season, the winning celebrity teams will relish the opportunity to watch the losing team squirm in the boardroom from the comfort of their own war rooms. When all is said and done, 13 celebrities will be famously fired and only one will emerge to become The Celebrity Apprentice. |
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Another Cable Impasse Cablevision, Scripps Take Battle to PR instead of to Each Other From Mediaweek |
Posted 1/5/10 |
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Three days after Scripps Networks
Interactive pulled HGTV and Food Network from the Cablevision
menu, the programmer and cable operator have yet to return to
the negotiating table. Instead, both parties on Sunday evening
issued conflicting statements limning the origins of the
stalemate, an exchange that offered little comfort to the 3.1
million subscribers directly affected by the dispute. Cablevision fired the first s | |