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Latest Video: FilmCrunch 067: Hairspray, Chuck & Larry, Premonition reviewed

Veronica Santiago and Neil Estep review Hairspray, Chuck & Larry, and Premonition in this episode of FilmCrunch.
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Chris Noth Leaves Law & Order: Criminal Intent

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Drama, Prime Time, Cable, NBC, News, Renewals

Chris NothAfter leaving his mark on two different Law & Order franchises, has decided to leave the Dick Wolf family once again.

Noth, who has been playing Det. Mike Logan on for three years, originated the character when the first series unfolded on NBC back in 1990. (He stuck around that time through 1995.)

When the program returns for its 8th season (it’s still in the middle of its seventh), Jurassic Park‘s Jeff Goldblum will be the new face sharing screen time with Vincent D’Onofrio.

In a statement, USA’s executive vice-president of original programming said, “Jeff is one of the most exciting actors around and is a perfect addition to the Law & Order: Criminal Intent ensemble. We are very excited to see what new moves he will bring to the Major Case Squad.” Well, I hope he brings a lot - especially since he’ll reportedly be getting about $250,00 per episode.

There’s been no word as to how or when Noth will be making his exit.

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

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Daytime Dish: Antonio Sabato Jr. Returns to General Hospital

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Daytime, Prime Time, ABC, Cable, General Hospital, Gossip, Renewals

Antonio Sabato Jr.Since he recently jumped into the celebrities-as-talent pool, this announcement really doesn’t come as a big surprise. After 13 years away, Antonio Sabato Jr. is returning to the fictional city that made him famous: Port Charles.

Starting in July, the contender can be seen on General Hospital: Night Shift, SOAPnet’s spinoff of the ABC hit sudser. For the program’s second season, Antonio will once again play Jagger Cates, a role he originated back in the early 90’s. It was around that same time that both Sonny Corinthos and Miguel Morez (a long-haired Ricky Martin) entered the scene.

Those who can clearly remember watching GH during that time probably recall that Jagger Cates was Stone Cates’ brother. Stone Cates being, of course, Robin Scorpio’s first love. (He died after suffering from AIDS.) Jagger’s presence will surely affect an emotional Robin, who is now pregnant with Patrick Drake’s baby.

Click to continue reading Daytime Dish: Antonio Sabato Jr. Returns to General Hospital

Read More | TV Guide

Jimmy Kimmel Gets Contract Extension

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Late Night, Talk Shows, ABC, Ratings, Renewals

Jimmy KimmelBack in February, Sarah Silverman helped boyfriend Jimmy Kimmel celebrate his show’s 5-year anniversary with a special video. Now it looks like she may have reason to give him another gift.

While NBC is prepping to give an early boot, ABC is working to keep its late-night host around a little longer. The network has just announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will remain on the air through at least 2010.

This news comes as Kimmel’s popularity has seen some growth. In addition to his popular YouTube videos, the comedian has hosted a number of pre- and post-event specials (NBA, Oscars). He even traveled cross-country for a whole week when he co-hosted Live with Regis and Kelly in New York while continuing with his regular job in LA.

Click to continue reading Jimmy Kimmel Gets Contract Extension

Read More | Variety

Technology Battles Primetime, Networks Don’t Give Up

Posted by Kathleen Kane
Categories: Action, Comedy, Drama, Prime Time, ABC, Cable, CBS, FX, NBC, The CW, DVR, Editorial, HDTV, News, Ratings, Renewals

Cast of ABC's Dirty Sexy Money

Thanks to tape recorders, DVR, video on demand, webcasts, and more, statistics have revealed that not only have the 27 series that premiered last year bombed, but nearly 9% of viewers went M.I.A. since last year.

Okay, okay, so maybe it’s not completely technology’s fault. After all, studios do allow their episodes to be streamed online, and yeah, there was that little itty-bitty writer’s strike that went on for 100 days. Either way, network executives are always battling /DVR systems, although no one knows for sure just why they stream their own episodes online. Thankfully, they haven’t given up on us. Instead, they’re getting a bit more creative.

Click to continue reading Technology Battles Primetime, Networks Don’t Give Up

Read More | Canadian Press/Google

Simpsons’ Actors Return to Work

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Animation, Comedy, Prime Time, FOX, News, Renewals

The SimpsonsEven though they didn’t get the amount they were hoping for, ’ cast has finally returned to work. A settlement reached this weekend capped off months of salary negotiations between the show’s talent and 20th Century Fox TV.

The comedy’s lead players - Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Hank Azaria, Yeardley Smith, Nancy Cartwright and Harry Shearer - were reportedly seeking a $500,000 per episode paycheck. (That would have been up from around $360,000.) What they eventually settled on was a number closer to $400K. Although Shearer was still in the process of finalizing his deal, his co-workers were expected at a table read scheduled for Monday.

The new contract will lock up the actors at the new rate for four years and give fans their 20th year with the Simpsons clan. (FOX would have to specifically request additional installments.) Unfortunately, 2008-09 will still see less episodes than originally planned; two half-hours were shaved off due to the delayed negotiations.

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

ABC Digs Up The Mole

Posted by K.C. Morgan
Categories: Games, Prime Time, Reality, ABC, Renewals

The Mole Host Jon Kelley

When ABC’s first hit TVs in 2001, Survivor was ruling the network roost for reality TV. The Mole‘s highly complicated and manipulative game won viewers over until 2004, after the series had started featuring celebrities. It’s been gone for about four years - that’s a whole lot of viewing seasons. So why is ABC bringing The Mole back now?

Hosted by in the beginning seasons, The Mole showed off beautiful locales and intense challenges. The premise of the show is that a single contestant - placed there by the producers - is there to sabotage all the others. But only that one person, you see, really knows who the saboteur is. Everyone tries to guess the identity of The Mole, while some masquerade as The Mole to throw the others off. Even the viewers have no idea who The Mole is, which turns all of us into sideline detectives. 

Click to continue reading ABC Digs Up The Mole

Read More | MSNBC

Mad Men Returns in July to AMC

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Drama, Prime Time, Cable, Renewals

Mad Men cast

If you’re looking for a little more substance this summer, look no further than . The network that just recently renewed the superb Breaking Bad will be bringing back another gem: Mad Men.

The drama revolves around a Madison Avenue advertising firm during the 1960s. Although many of the storylines feel quite familiar (office politics, cheating husbands, unfulfilled wives, catty workers), the show’s period element is what distinguishes it from the rest. It’s hard to imagine a time when smoking and drinking were so prevalent in the workplace, when doctors could deny women birth control and when therapy was almost a joke.

Come July 20, AMC will allow viewers a chance to catch up on the Golden Globe-winning series by airing a convenient marathon. A week later, returns with thirteen all-new episodes.

Read More | Variety

Celebrity Rehab’s Next Rumored Lineup

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Prime Time, Reality, Cable, Renewals, Rumors

Heidi FleissGiven all the controversy - and attention - garnered last season, it was only a matter of time before a new installment was greenlighted.

According to the New York Post, stars who may seize the opportunity to get some help include pop singer , basketball star Dennis Rodman, Skid Row musician Sebastian Bach and former madam Heidi Fleiss.  Although some of these names could clearly benefit from the program, would not comment on any of the casting rumors.

Production on the next season of Rehab is scheduled to begin in June.

Read More | New York Post

CBS Cancels Moonlight, Renews Mother

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Comedy, Drama, Prime Time, Sci-Fi/Horror, CBS, Cancellations, Renewals

Moonlight cast

Yesterday, we named those shows recently cut by the major networks.  Now we know which CBS programs will be added to that dreaded list.

The freshman dramas receiving the ax include Moonlight and Shark.  Although fans of the vampire series did their best to campaign for the cult fave, their passion simply didn’t equate to ratings.  (I’m sure the network feared they’d end up with another failed Jericho in their hands.)

Meanwhile, those programs being spared include: How I Met Your Mother, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Rules of Engagement and The Unit.  It seems might be good for something after all…

Read More | Variety

AMC Renews Breaking Bad

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Drama, Prime Time, Cable, Editorial, Renewals

Breaking Bad, Bryan CranstonIf you only watch AMC for the occasional classic movie, you’re missing out on so much more.  The channel’s first original drama series, , won the a Golden Globe for Best Drama back in January.  One week later, Breaking Bad was introduced.  And let me assure you, that show is just as worthy of praise as was its predecessor.

The show, created by Vince Gilligan (X-Files), centers around a chemistry teacher (Malcolm in the Middle’s Bryan Cranston) who produces crystal meth on the side.  When he is diagnosed with terminal cancer, he secretly tries to raise funds for his pregnant wife and handicapped son.  Fortunately for fans, the intriguing concept - which ended after only seven episodes - has just been renewed for another thirteen.

Breaking rivals anything that can be seen on the major networks and should satisfy anyone who loves a -esque tone.  Those who weren’t able to watch the drama during its original run should not fret.  You can easily catch up via iTunes before Season Two begins.

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

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