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Shows Planning a Return in 2009

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Comedy, Drama, Prime Time, Reality, ABC, Bravo, CBS, FX, HBO, Entourage, Renewals

Kathy Griffin

While it’s probably be safe to assume that Fringe and 90210 would both be handed 2009 renewal notices - especially since they’ve already been given full season orders - this television season is still far too young.

Here is, though, what we do know already about next year’s programming calendar:

  • Big Brother (CBS) - Season 11
  • Entourage (HBO) - Season 6
  • Flashpoint (CBS) - Season 2
  • Here Come the Newlyweds (ABC) - Season 2
  • Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (Bravo) - Season 5
  • My Boys (TBS) - Season 3
  • Sons of Anarchy (FX) - Season 2
  • True Blood (HBO) - Season 2


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A Final Bow for the Gladiators?

Posted by K.C. Morgan
Categories: Prime Time, Reality, NBC, Editorial

Titan

In my estimation, has always been something of a ride-it-till-the-wheels-fall-off kind of network. Habitually in fourth place behind all the other major networks, the channel is always striving for a first-place hit. For a brief moment in the winter of the writers’ strike, NBC found television gold in the form of a re-make.

More than twelve million tuned in for the January premiere of the first season of the re-vamped and NBC suddenly had a hit on its hands. Instead of playing it cool or playing it safe, the network went full steam ahead into a second season. Way back in April, before season two’s May premiere, NBC announced tentative plans to bring the show back in the summer of 2009 for yet a third season.

But now the second season of the show has arrived, has been aired and has ended. Will NBC still bring this brutal physical reality competition back for another turn in the TV spotlight? 

Click to continue reading A Final Bow for the Gladiators?

Read More | NBC

Will Scrubs Find a New Home on ABC?

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Comedy, Prime Time, ABC, NBC, Scrubs, Editorial, News, Renewals

Scrubs

The state of affairs for the future of has been growing curiouser and curiouser by the day.  But the latest round of strange developments could produce a nice bonus for devoted fans.

Regular viewers of the show have grown accustomed to seeing their comedy treated poorly over the years.  Time shifts, day shifts, long hiatuses...but this viewing season has been particularly hard for Sacred Heart watchers.  Just when we thought the series finale would wrap up on a nice note, the happened. 

Although there are currently five episodes still sitting in the can (those will start airing come April 10), creator Bill Lawrence has been fighting NBC for the chance to shoot more post-strike eps.  Up until recently, it was even rumored that those additional segments may wind up on - of all things - DVD.  Seriously.  Is that how a show gets treated after seven seasons?  Is that how the Peacock execs show their audiences respect?

That’s when stepped in.

Click to continue reading Will Scrubs Find a New Home on ABC?

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

American Gladiators: The Finals

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

The American GladiatorsFor many athletic competitors, bragging rights alone is reason enough to pit themselves against the toughest of the tough: the built, buff, brawny . But in this new incarnation of the show, those who have the guts (and chops) to face the Gladiators stand to win much more than a simple competitor’s claim. They will also walk away with a cool $100,000 and the right to join the Gladiators next year. But first, the four final competitors have to beat each other to gain the glory.

Confusingly, has scheduled the finals not on Monday (the show’s usual night), but Sunday at 7 pm EST. The two semifinal rounds put competitors through more challenges than ever before, hinting the finals will test them at every single event the show offers.

Click to continue reading American Gladiators: The Finals

Read More | NBC

Reality News: ‘Moment of Truth’, ‘Apprentice’, ‘Bachelorette’, ‘Supernanny’

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Games, Kids, Prime Time, Reality, ABC, FOX, NBC, Apprentice, The - Donald, The Bachelor, Renewals

Moment of TruthNow that has successfully breezed through its two-week trial run, the show is being rewarded with a nice bonus.  - apparently believing the reality show’s gimmick won’t tire quickly - has added on another 13 episodes to its initial 12-pack order.  (I’m guessing it was the program’s stellar debut that instilled the network with such confidence.)

Although a list of potential seatwarmers dwindled after the show’s first two airings (seems the attention seekers weren’t too thrilled about what they had seen), other ballsy contestants will be stepping up.  Production on the additional segments will begin on Feb. 11th.

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Celebrity ApprenticeJust when you think the Trumpster is down and out, he just keeps coming back for more.

Even though his ‘recruitment’ show once faced cancellation, it’s had a reversal of fortune and now been granted an extension.  Impressive numbers for has made think twice about letting and the reality staple go too soon.  (No rush decisions should ever be made during a writers’ strike.) Come this time next year, we will be seeing a second round of stars vie for credibility and airtime. 

Seriously, a boardroom full of D-listers is really the only thing that keeps viewers attracted to the show these days.  It’s not like anyone really believes winners do anything for Trump’s organization anymore.

Click to continue reading Reality News: ‘Moment of Truth’, ‘Apprentice’, ‘Bachelorette’, ‘Supernanny’

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

Reality Renewals: ‘The Mole’ and ‘The Two Coreys’

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

The Two CoreysAt what point did become less about Arts and more about Entertainment?  The cable channel - which already boasts quality programs like - has just chosen to bring back the , starring and .  (Apparently it takes more than one season for those Lost Boys to talk about their glory years.)

This spring, the horribly-painful-to-watch series promies to bring “more drama, tension and laughs as they struggle to make their relationship and careers work.” Wasn’t that the theme last year? I’d think it would be safe to blame the for this renewed interest in their sad lives.  As much as I enjoyed watching Haim cry about not having a girlfriend in his life, I don’t think I could do it again.  Well, maybe....

Meanwhile, is dusting off one of their own reality classics: .  (I don’t think that revival will ever reach -proportions.) The only reason I fondly remember the series was because it brought into the primetime spotlight long before he was deemed a credible news source.  (Prior to that, I had been admiring him during the pre-dawn hours on .)

Click to continue reading Reality Renewals: ‘The Mole’ and ‘The Two Coreys’

Read More | Variety

‘Amazing Race 13’ A Go

Posted by Veronica Santiago
Categories: Prime Time, Reality, CBS, Amazing Race, The, Renewals

amazing race ronald/christinaIt should come as no surprise that is renewing for a 13th installment.  The award-winning show is addicting, fast-paced and filled with colorful characters.  It also doesn’t require any writers.

Although Race is coming very close to matching lengthy life span, the production doesn’t feel nearly as tired as its predecessor.  Unlike the creation (currently on Round 15), the actually looks like its being filmed in a new location every single season.  (Plus, the show has my personal fave - host .)

The Amazing Race 12 currently airs Sundays @ 8pm on CBS.

Read More | Entertainment Weekly

‘October Road’ Returns to ABC

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

October Road, the show that made a brief appearance last March, will be returning to next month.  The show stars as Nick Garrett, a famous author who returns to his home town after 10 years away. (I tell you this because chances are you didn’t watch it either.) (That 70’s Show) plays Nick’s ex-girlfriend and mother of his possible child.

October will make a one-stint appearance Thursday, Nov. 22nd @ 10pm.  It will then slide into its regular time slot starting Monday, Nov. 26th @ 10pm (presumably after is wrapped up).

I hate to say the series won’t last more than another six episodes—but I’ll go and ahead and do just that.  The last time a show made a one-time Thursday appearance, it quickly disappeared days later.  (If you haven’t guessed, I was referring to Viva Laughlin.) And has anyone else noticed that October is premiering on Thanksgiving??  My bet’s on four new episodes...tops.

Read More | TV Guide

Jon Stewart Continues Daily Show Through 2010

Posted by Wendy Michaels
Categories: Comedy, Talk Shows, Cable, Daily Show, The, Renewals

Jon StewartYesterday, after I posted about the new Daily Show website, I went over and tried to find some of my favorite clips. Only, I couldn’t get it to load. Seems other rabid fans were jamming up the works and so I was left broken hearted. I did check in later last night and was able to find a favorite clip, so life is good again. And life is great for , who has extended his contract with . Under the extension, he will continue to host the show through 2010. Ahh. Let’s all take a collective sigh of relief… although could you really expect him to go anywhere just yet? And Stewart is pleased as well, saying, “I love doing this show. I feel like I work with and for the best in the business. I look forward to using this extension to having great fun at President Colbert’s expense.” Stewart is, of course, riding high with both ’s and ’s success, and will have a new show from his Busboy Productions Inc., called Important Things with Demetri Martin. The man is no slouch, that’s for sure.

Read More | Zap2it

Sarah Silverman’s Success

Posted by K.C. Morgan
Categories: Comedy, Cable, Gossip, Renewals

Sarah SilvermanFemale-led shows on haven’t done so well in the past, but all that might be changing thanks to loud-mouthed, obstinate . The comedienne’s show was renewed by the cable channel, solidifying her as a comedy success. Silverman co-writes and co-produces , in addition to carrying the lead role for the series.  Last week’s season premiere found the show in a cushy spot on Comedy Central, appearing right after the channel’s most popular program: South Park. The debut showed Sarah yelling at the clergy, arguing about abortion, and in general making audiences laugh.

Click to continue reading Sarah Silverman’s Success

Read More | Yahoo News

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