Ebersol Returns to NBC Sports

Just three months after walking out on his longtime position with NBC Sports, Dick Ebersol is rejoining the division as a special adviser, according to several senior NBC executives commenting for a report in The New York Times.

Ebersol will be working on NBC's football coverage, which kicks off Thursday, Sept. 8, with the regular-season opener between the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers.

Ebersol is reportedly also going to contribute to NBC coverage of the 2012 London Olympics.

Ebersol left NBC Sports in May in a dispute over his contract with the network, reportedly clashing with the new Comcast Corp. management of NBC.

His return as senior adviser is based on Ebersol's good working relationship with Mark Lazarus, the current head of NBC Sports.

CBS Orders Cop Drama From Greg Berlanti

Just a few weeks after he sold a legal drama to Fox, Greg Berlanti (“Everwood,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “Dirty Sexy Money”) has sold a cop show to CBS, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Berlanti’s new drama is “Golden Boy,” part of his new deal with Warner Bros. Television. The show, which is being written by Nick Wootton (“Chuck,” “Law & Order,” “NYPD Blue”), tracks a twenty-something cop who breaks a drug ring and rises quickly through the ranks.

Wootton and Berlanti will both executive produce the show, which has received a put-pilot commitment from the network. A number of networks were said to be bidding on the project.

Berlanti sold the legal drama “Guilty” to Fox just three weeks ago, the story points out.

Think Tank Warns of Google's 'Monopoly Power,' Calls for FTC to Take Action on Internet Giant

A think tank better known for arguing against government control in the media space is calling for increased scrutiny over Google by the Federal Trade Commission, Multichannel News reports.

The Media Institute, an independent First Amendment think tank, told the FTC in a white paper that the government will have to do something to ease the threat posed to competitors by Google’s dominance in Internet search and advertising.

"Google dominates the online advertising market ... by skimming away the earnings of media companies as it scrapes up their content, denying them of the scale that would be required for effective competition with the gatekeeper to the Internet,” the organization says in the white paper.

The story adds: “Despite being able to turn the search spigot on and off at will, says the paper, giving content creators little choice but to participate or face a low search ranking that could mean ‘invisibility,’ Google faces no government check on that power. ‘[U]nlike many of its competitors -- which Washington agencies like the FCC monitor and which comply with important rules regulating their behavior -- Google faces no similar regulation in building valuable media- related properties out of its competitors' content.’"

According to the white paper: "Despite its stated values to the contrary, Google has shown a willingness to exercise its monopoly power to the detriment of media companies, publishers, and journalists."

The paper urges the FTC to "take action to prevent this result," but stops short of detailing a remedy, the story says.

Just Out of Prison, Rapper Gets Reality Show

A rapper who recently finished serving nearly a year in an Arkansas federal prison -- his second incarceration in three years -- has been given a reality television show on VH1, reports Deadline.com.

The network ordered 10 episodes of a show that will star rapper T.I., focusing on his readjustment to life outside the pen, including reuniting with his family.

The show is still unnamed, but is slated to premiere Dec. 5. T.I., whose real name is Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., is also an actor and producer, and co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records. His legal problems have typically centered on drug and weapons charges.

'Pulp Fiction' Star Sells Legal Show to CBS

One of the stars of “Pulp Fiction” has sold a script to CBS for a legal show, Deadline.com reports. The project arises from Samuel L. Jackson’s deal with CBS TV Studios.

Jackson has brought in writer Rob Bragin (“Greek”) for the project, which focuses on the relationship between a father and son. Jackson and Bragin are exec producing for CBS Studios and UppiTV, Jackson’s company.

Jackson received an Academy Award nomination in 1995 for his supporting role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction.”

VMAs: Beyonce's Baby Bump ... and So Much More

MTV’s latest Video Music Awards may be best remembered for Beyonce’s belly-rubbing baby announcement, but TVWeek Open Mic blogger Hillary Atkin notes that the 2011 ceremony had more than its share of defining cultural moments.

Read her insightful recap of the VMAs here.

ABC Orders Drama From 'No Ordinary Family' Co-Creator

One of the co-creators of ABC's "No Ordinary Family" has been inked to a new script deal with the network for another light drama, described as a cross between "Moonlighting" and "Early Edition," reports Deadline.com.

The story, from Jon Feldman, is about a charming ex-con who crosses paths with a gorgeous TV reporter who once had a hand in his getting caught. They form an unlikely collaboration as she lets him in on her news stories before they happen so they can try to prevent them.

Feldman will executive produce and write. Bob Sertner, another "No Ordinary Family" vet, is also on the project, with ABC Studios backing it.

Bravo Will Premiere 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' as Scheduled, With Additional Programming to Handle Suicide

Despite the suicide of Russell Armstrong, the spouse of one of the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" cast members, Bravo announced today that it would go ahead with the season premiere of the show as scheduled on Sept. 5, Labor Day, reports the AP.

Frances Berwick, Bravo Media president, explained in a statement that the network would precede the premiere with suicide prevention public service announcements and interviews with cast members about the situation.

"Our thoughts continue to be with the Armstrong family during this difficult time," Berwick said in her statement.

On Aug. 15, Russell Armstrong hanged himself. In episodes that have been taped for season two, Armstrong's wife, Taylor, tells the other cast members that she and her husband will be going into therapy.

To deal with the trauma of this story as it unfolds during the season, Bravo will work with the Entertainment Industries Council to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

Dan Aykroyd Pairs With Former 'SNL' Writer to Create 'Blues Brothers' TV Series

The antics of the comic-musicians Jake and Elwood Blues -- the Blues Brothers -- have been seen on "Saturday Night Live" and in feature films, and now one of the original Blues Brothers is developing a TV series based on the act, NBC reports.

Dan Aykroyd, who was half of the original Blues Brothers with the late John Belushi, has joined forces with former “SNL” writer Anne Beatts to create the series. Also involved in the project is Belushi's ex-wife Judy.

Beatts told the website that the idea for the program "would be 'Route 66' meets 'Glee.'"

3,500 TVGuide.com Users Say Which Shows They Are Most Looking Forward to This Fall. See the List

TVGuide.com has surveyed its users to determine which of the new television shows for fall are the most eagerly anticipated. The results: Fox’s “Terra Nova” tops the list, followed by CW’s “Ringer” and NBC’s “Prime Suspect.”

“Terra Nova” is a dinosaur drama produced by Steven Spielberg and starring Jason O’Mara as a police officer who travels back to prehistoric Earth with his family to save the human race.

Sarah Michelle Gellar plays twins Bridget and Siobhan in “Ringer,” a drama in which one twin assumes the identity of the other and goes on the run.

“Prime Suspect” is NBC’s remake of a British miniseries, with Mario Bello taking over the Helen Mirren role as a tough female detective.

The rest of the top 10, in order: “Person of Interest,” “New Girl,” “The X Factor,” “Unforgettable,” “Pan Am,” “Charlie’s Angels” and “Grimm.”

The survey, conducted earlier this month, polled 3,547 of the approximately 10,000 members of TVGuide.com's TV Team research panel.

'Survivor' Fan Favorite -- He Appeared on Three Editions of the Show -- May Run for Governor of Indiana

A fan favorite on CBS's "Survivor" who has appeared on three installments of the reality competition is considering running for governor of Indiana, according to Indystar.com.

Rupert Boneham filed papers with the Indiana Election Division to create an exploratory committee for running as a Libertarian, the story notes. Boneham also has a website, www.rupertforgovernor.com, which says he will make a final decision about running in several weeks, the piece points out.

“I have spent my entire adult life serving my community and I see an opportunity to make a difference for Indiana,” Boneham wrote on the site.

Boneham first appeared on "Survivor" in 2003, on "Survivor: Pearl Islands," and later returned for "All Stars" and "Heroes vs. Villains."

Rupert Boneham

Google's Dream of a Competitor to Facebook Appears to Be Stumbling Out of the Starting Block

In a sign that Google's new social network faces an uphill fight in its attempt to woo consumers away from Facebook, the amount of time U.S. users spend on the new Google+ service has been stagnating, reports Bloomberg.

For the week ended Aug. 27, users spent an average of 5 minutes and 47 seconds on Google+, a 4% gain from the previous week, according to a report from Experian Hitwise. But that's down from a peak of 5 minutes, 50 seconds during the week of July 16, the story points out.

“The people that you’d want to add are in many cases very happy on Facebook and they don’t want to have another social network,” said Charlene Li, an analyst with Altimeter Group.

In another sign of slowing user interest, U.S. visits to Google+ declined 5.5% to 1.16 million during the week ended Aug. 27, the story notes. However, Google has not yeat invited the broad public to join so it may be too early to judge, according to Gartner analyst Michael Gartenberg.

Judge Urges Parties in 'Desperate Housewives' Lawsuit -- in Which Nicollette Sheridan Says Show Creator Marc Cherry Hit Her -- to Settle

"Desperate Housewives" actress Nicollette Sheridan has had a judge limit the damages she may recoup from her wrongful termination lawsuit if she wins at trial, reports the Associated Press.

The Los Angeles Superior Court judge, Elizabeth Allen White, also urged attorneys to try to settle the lawsuit over her ouster from the show, the story notes.

Sheridan's character, Edie Britt, was killed off in the fifth season, with attorneys for the show saying it was a creative decision. The actress alleges she was fired for complaining that "Housewives" creator Marc Cherry allegedly hit her during a 2008 fight.

Actual damages would be limited to the roughly $980,000 Sheridan would have earned during the show's sixth season if she hadn't been written off the program, the story says. Sheridan sought damages reflecting the entire run of the show, which is entering its eighth and final season.

Sheridan may also be entitled to punitive damages. A trial is scheduled to start in October.

Nicollette Sheridan

HBO Orders Pilot for Drama Series From Mike Tyson and Spike Lee

HBO has ordered a pilot for a drama from former heavyweight boxing champ Mike Tyson and director Spike Lee, according to The Hollywood Reporter's The Live Feed blog.

The boxing drama, "Da Brick," is loosely based on Tyson's early career. The project comes from Tyson, Lee, "Entourage" creator Doug Ellin and his producing partner Jim Lefkowitz, and writer/producer John Ridley (“Third Watch,” “Wanda Sykes Show”).

Lee will direct with Ridley writing and serving as showrunner. The show will be set in Newark, N.J., which has the nickname "Brick City.”

The project will reflect Tyson's early life in the way that Mark Wahlberg's life served as the inspiration for "Entourage," the article says.
 

Stars Including Chris Noth, Derek Jacobi and Neve Campbell Are Lining Up for TV Version of Titanic Story

A 12-part take on the story of the ill-fated luxury liner Titanic is lining up a slate of stars, reports Deadline.com. The British miniseries, "Titanic: Blood & Steel," has yet to land a U.S. distribution deal.

Chris Noth, Derek Jacobi, Neve Campbell and Kevin Zegers are in different stages of negotiations to join the $28 million BBC production, which has started filming in Belfast.

The miniseries will track the building of the Titanic, starting in the early 1900s. Noth is expected to play financier J.P. Morgan, while Jacobi would play Lord William Pirrie, the chairman of the company that built the doomed ocean liner.

Campbell would play a reporter covering the ship's first voyage, while Zegers would play Mark Muir, the metallurgist on the project who discovers flaws in the quality of the ship’s metal.

Yahoo Readying a Slate of Original Programs

Yahoo is preparing a slate of original programs to launch this fall, with eight short-form series to debut starting Oct. 3, reports the Los Angeles Times' Company Town blog.

The lineup includes "The Failure Club" from filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, known for his "Super Size Me" documentary. His new documentary series is about overcoming fear of failure.

Other series include "Let's Talk About Love," a weekly relationship show hosted by Niecy Nash of "Reno 911"; and "Ultimate Proposal," which shows unusual marriage proposals and is hosted by "All My Children’s” Cameron Mathison.

The story adds: “These new Web series are an extension of Yahoo Executive Vice President Ross Levinsohn's strategy to bring more premium entertainment to the Internet portal, which is already among the top online destinations in the U.S., attracting about 178 million monthly visitors, according to measurement firm comScore.”

Weather Channel Continues Its Record Ratings Run -- Including Blowing Away CNN and Fox News on Saturday

Even after being downgraded to a tropical storm, Hurricane Irene delivered record ratings for the Weather Channel, with Saturday's numbers representing the network's highest-rated entire day in its 29-year history, reports The New York Times' Media Decoder blog.

One 15-minute block, when Irene hit North Carolina's Outer Banks, drew more than 4 million viewers, surpassing the Weather Channel's previous quarter-hour peak of 3.93 million during Hurricane Katrina, the story notes.

Overall on Saturday, the network averaged 2.45 million viewers, almost 1 million more than than CNN and Fox News each drew that day, the story notes. Viewership fell on Sunday, however, when the storm reached New York: The network had an average of 1.29 million viewers that day, in the ballpark of Fox News' 1.37 million and CNN's 1.24 million, the piece points out.

As previously reported, the Weather Channel was pushed into the top position as the most-watched cable-news network on Friday, both among total viewers and in the key news demo of adults 25 to 54 years old.

ABC Buys Comedy Project From 'Seinfeld' and 'Scrubs' Writers

ABC has bought a comedy project from a "Seinfeld" writer and a "Scrubs" writer, according to The Hollywood Reporter's The Live Feed blog.

The untitled project from "Seinfeld" writer Jennifer Crittenden and "Scrubs" writer Gabrielle Allan focuses on a 1990s all-girl band that reunites after 20 years.

Said Allan: "Our way into that world, our main character, is a mom who was a rock star and part of this group, and now she’s driving her kids around. I feel like there’s a lot of frustrated rock stars driving their kids around, and the difference is that she’s actually a rock star.”

Crittenden noted that the idea was inspired by 1980s girl bands such as the Go-Gos and the Bangles, and that the project will feature a comedic focus similar to "Spinal Tap," the story notes.

The project will focus on four women and their 20-year-old manager/production assistant, who is the son of their former manager, the story notes.

Ridley and Tony Scott's Sci-Fi Series Zeroing In on Another Network After Cinemax -- Fully Loaded With New Dramas -- Takes a Pass on the Project

"The Sector," a sci-fi action-crime series from Ridley and Tony Scott's Scott Free Prods., may get picked up by Discovery's Science after Cinemax passed on it, reports Deadline.com.

Described as an action-crime show similar to "Blade Runner" and "District 9," the show was in development at Cinemax for several months, the story says.

But Cinemax decided to pass on the project as it already had another direct-to-series prime-time drama, "Strike Back," on the air; another, "Transporter," in production; and a a third, "Banshee," from Alan Ball, with a possible spring start, the story says.

Science is known for its documentary series, so an original scripted show might be a step toward raising the network’s profile, the story says. Science earlier this year picked up reruns of the popular sci-fi series "Firefly."

Report: Onetime High Flyer AOL Considering Going Private

AOL, the onetime darling of the late 1990s Internet boom, is considering going private, according to the New York Post.

Early discussions have focused on finding a price that might convince AOL's management to consider investing in taking the company private, the story notes.

As previously reported, AOL has hired a top M&A team, although the company has denied it is contemplating a merger.

The appeal of going private is that the company would be allowed to restructure without shareholder scrutiny, the story says.

Icahn Abandons Three-Year Battle for Control of Lionsgate

Billionaire Carl Icahn has agreed to sell all of his holdings in Lionsgate Entertainment, ending his three-year attempt to take over the film and television studio, reports the Los Angeles Times' Company Town blog.

In what the article calls a "significant victory" for Lionsgate Chief Executive Jon Feltheimer and Vice Chairman Michael Burns, Icahn and his son, Brett, will sell 44.2 million shares, representing their 33.2% stake in the company.

Both parties will drop their outstanding litigation against each other, the story notes. Lionsgate is known for TV shows such as "Mad Men," as well as films including the Tyler Perry pictures.

The reason for Icahn's decision may lie in Lionsgate's stock price, the article points out. With the stock trading at more than $7 per share, Icahn decided it was too expensive to continue increasing his investment in an attempt to gain control of the company, the story says, citing a source familiar with Icahn's thinking.

Steven Spielberg, Stephen King Collaborating on Drama Series

A high-powered Hollywood duo is joining forces to develop a drama series, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Steven Spielberg and Stephen King are working on an adaptation of King’s “Under the Dome” for Showtime. DreamWorks will produce the project, which focuses on a Maine town that is surrounded by a force field and cut off from the rest of the world.

King will exec produce with DreamWorks’ Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank, the story says.

TNT developed King and Peter Straub’s 1984 novel “The Talisman” into a miniseries in 2006, the story notes, but that project was eventually scrapped.

Veteran News Producer Dies

A former producer for ABC’s “World News Tonight” and ABC newsmagazine “20/20” has died, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Bernie Cohen was 84.

Cohen, a Bronx native, died Saturday in New Hyde Park, N.Y., the story reports.

According to the report: “Cohen worked with many ABC News personalities throughout the years, including Geraldo Rivera, Frank Reynolds, Harry Reasoner, Barbara Walters, Peter Jennings, John Stossel, Hugh Downs and Tom Jarriel, his closest associate. With Cohen as his producer, Jarriel won an Emmy for a segment titled ‘The Ump’ that aired on 20/20 in the mid-’80s.”

Cohen went to work for ABC in 1965, producing “World News Tonight” with anchors Reasoner and Walters and later moving over to “20/20.”

History's 'Hatfields and McCoys' Adds Star Power

History’s upcoming miniseries “The Hatfields and McCoys” has added a few Hollywood mainstays to a lineup that already boasted Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton as the rival family patriarchs, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Joining the project are Tom Berenger, Powers Boothe and Mare Winningham. Also on board, to direct, is Kevin Reynolds of “Red Dawn.”

The project is due to air next year, in remembrance of the 150th anniversary of the famous feud.

Daryl Hannah Arrested in White House Protest

Actress Daryl Hannah was arrested today in front of the White House during an environmental protest, the Associated Press reports.

Hannah and other protesters were arrested during a protest against plans to build a pipeline from Canada to the Gulf Coast, the story reports. The Keystone XL pipeline would pass through six states.

Hannah talked to the press earlier, calling for freedom from dependence on fossil fuels and expressing hope that President Obama will resist pressure from oil lobbyists.

The actress, who has also been arrested in the past at environmental protests, reportedly refused to move after she sat on a sidewalk and was ordered to move by U.S. Park Police.

George Clooney Drops Out of High-Profile Project

Oscar-winning actor George Clooney has backed out of a big-screen remake of a classic TV series, reports Deadline.com.

The project, Steven Soderbergh's remake of the 1960s TV spy series "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.," is still on track for Warner Bros. and the studio anticipates a February 2012 start date.

E! Online reported that old injuries Clooney suffered while filming "Syriana" were to blame for his dropping out of the movie. The report quotes a source on “Man From U.N.C.L.E.” saying: "He said he just can't do the action and stunt scenes. In fact, I think he's planning on having another operation during the time he would have been filming."

Clooney reportedly hurt his back on “Syriana,” along with other injuries. He also won an Oscar for his work on the movie.

The original stars of the television show were Robert Vaughn as Napoleon Solo and David McCallum as Ilya Kuryakin. They were super spies who worked for U.N.C.L.E. -- United Network Command for Law and Enforcement.

TNT Picks Up Drama From Jerry Bruckheimer

TNT has picked up a new drama to be executive produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, with a script from Greg Plageman, the writer of CBS's new drama series "Person of Interest," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The show, "Bishop to Pawn," is about an L.A. private eye who works out of his pawn shop. It comes from Jerry Bruckheimer Television in association with Warner Horizon Television.

Executive producing along with Bruckheimer is Jonathan Littman, a "CSI" veteran, and co-executive producing is KristieAnne Reed.

20th Century Fox Fills Key PR Position

20th Century Fox has hired a new executive VP, domestic publicity, replacing former Executive VP of Publicity and Field Marketing Carol Sewell, who left Fox in May, TheWrap reports.

The studio hired Bumble Ward, the woman behind the Bumble Ward & Associates public relations agency. Ward has recently been making a name for herself with Miss Whistle, a popular blog. She has also been a social media marketing counsel for her clients.

In her new role with Fox, Ward will report to Oren Aviv, the studio's president of domestic theatrical marketing and chief marketing officer, and Tony Stella, president, domestic theatrical marketing and chief creative officer.

Stella and Aviv issued a statement of the new hire, saying, "Her wealth of experience in both traditional and cutting edge approaches will bring an exciting new dynamic to our publicity team, as we continue to innovate and evolve to maximize the opportunities presented by the rapidly changing media landscape."
 

CNN Acquires Tech Company

CNN has acquired a tech company that developed a news app for the iPad, Multichannel News reports. Terms of the deal to acquire Zite were not disclosed.

It had been reported recently that CNN was looking to purchase the firm for between $20 million and $25 million.

The company will become a wholly owned subsidiary of CNN, the story reports.

The Zite app is a piece of free software for Apple’s iPad that aggregates news content from a range of Internet sources, customized for users based on their preferences.

The story reports: “In March 2011, Zite received a cease-and-desist letter from a group of media companies -- including Time Warner Inc. (parent of CNN), The Washington Post, AP, Dow Jones and Getty Images -- asserting that the startup was "misappropriating" their intellectual property. Zite ‘responded immediately’ to the cease-and-desist notification, according to a CNN spokeswoman, and ‘hasn't heard any concerns from those publishers’ since. Zite changed the app to link to news stories from those companies rather than presenting them in ‘reading mode’ directly within the app.”

NBC Puts Veteran Exec in Charge of Olympics Coverage

NBC has decided who will succeed Dick Ebersol, the former NBC Sports chairman who produced every Olympics since 1992, as the executive producer of NBCUniversal's 2012 coverage of the London Olympics, reports Deadline.com.

The network named “Today” executive producer Jim Bell to take over the job. Like Ebersol, Bell has also worked the NBC Olympics coverage since 1992, on either the sports or the news side, winning Emmys for his efforts in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2002.

Bell will also continue to shoulder his responsibilities at the "Today" show, but is expected to have others do the daily chores for "Today" while the games are under way.

Cable Network Appears to Be Getting Out of the Scripted Business

Scripted development has been put on hold at one cable network, with executives telling agents over the past few weeks that the network -- Spike -- is getting out of the scripted business, reports Deadline.com.

One of Spike's two executives for scripted programming, Laurence Sullivan, has left to join Conan O'Brien's Conaco production company, the story notes. Spike last announced a scripted development slate back in October 2010, with one of the projects -- "Thunderballs" -- going to pilot but not yet picked up to series.

Spike recently picked up four new series, but all four are in the reality genre. The channel has done well in the genre, including enjoying a current hit with “Auction Hunters.”

Dustin Davis remains as Spike’s only exec for scripted, and oversees the network’s only current scripted show, “Blue Mountain State.” He does have an existing development slate, including a series about a New York bomb squad.

TV Chef Says He Regrets Bashing Food Network Star -- But He Adds That He Still Hates Her Food

In a gesture that’s likely either to quell or to add fuel to a recent war of words between rival TV food personalities, television chef Anthony Bourdain said on an episode of radio's "Leonard Lopate Show" that he regrets making personal comments about Food Network star Paula Deen, the New York Post reports. But Bourdain added that he still is not a fan of Deen’s food.

"You know, I deserved the whacking I got back on that,” he said. “I hate to beat up on her personally. I feel bad. I stand by the substance of what I said, but I certainly think it came across as more crass, personal and just plain nasty than I intended it."

As previously reported, a fight broke out between Deen and Bourdain, who stars on both Travel Channel and Bravo, after he called her "the most dangerous person in America" during a TV Guide interview. In the widely reprinted interview, he reportedly said of Deen: “She’s proud of the fact that her food is f--king bad for you.”

In the radio interview, Bourdain added, "Is it necessary to serve bacon cheeseburger between two donuts? Is that what America needs right now?”

Bus Driver Will Press Charges Against 'Lost' Star

The driver of a party bus who is accusing former “Lost” star Matthew Fox of starting a fight with her says she is definitely pressing charges against the actor, TMZ.com reports.

Heather Bormann revealed bruises and a hand injury Monday in Cleveland, where the alleged altercation took place over the weekend, as previously reported. She indicated Fox was drunk, saying he smelled “like a bar,” according to the report.

Said Bormann: “He just stepped in for a right hook to my pelvis area and started wailing on me like I was a man."

The story adds: “Heather says she fought back in self-defense -- landing a left to Matt's jaw.”

Report: Large-Screen TVs Will Soon Cost Less than iPads

With television set prices falling, a large-screen liquid-crystal display TV will soon cost less than an iPad, which is one-tenth of the size, reports Bloomberg.

The average price of a 42-inch LCD TV will probably decline 10% this year, ending at an average price of $578, according to research firm DisplaySearch, the story notes. By comparison, iPad tablet computers cost between $499 and $829 in the U.S., with the Wi-Fi only, 32-gigabyte version selling for $599, the piece points out.

In 1954, the first color RCA-brand TV with a 12-inch screen was sold in the U.S. for $1,000, the story notes. Almost a decade ago, Samsung began offering a 40-inch LCD set for about $8,000. iPad prices haven't changed since Apple introduced the first model in January 2010, the piece points out.

GLAAD Responds to Contestant Announcements for 'Dancing with the Stars'

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, known for critiquing the level of gay-friendly content in television programming, has given a stamp of approval to ABC's upcoming season of "Dancing with the Stars," reports EW.com's Inside TV blog.

With the announcement of the next season's contestants, GLAAD notes that both a transgender person and an openly gay man are competing, the story says.

“With both gay and transgender contestants represented on this upcoming season, ABC will send viewers a strong message about the diversity within the LGBT community,” said Herndon Graddick, senior director of programs for GLAAD, in a statement.

As previously reported, Chaz Bono, who transitioned from female to male, will be joining the cast, as will Carson Kressley, an openly gay man and the host of his own show on OWN.

Bono's involvement "is a tremendous step forward for the public to recognize that transgender people are another wonderful part of the fabric of American culture," GLAAD said.

'Mad Love' Star to Play Ashton Kutcher's Ex on 'Two and a Half Men'

One of the stars of CBS’s "Mad Love" will play the ex of Ashton Kutcher’s character on "Two and a Half Men," reports TVGuide.com.

Judy Greer will play Bridget, who is divorcing Kutcher's Walden Schmidt, an Internet billionaire, the story says. She will appear in several of the show's episodes.

Greer has appeared on "Two and a Half Men" before. The actress played Myra, a love interest for Charlie Sheen's character, on two 2007 episodes, the article notes.

A New Champion Is Crowned in Cable News -- for One Night, Anyway

As Irene approached the East Coast Friday, viewers tuned in to one cable news network in unusually large numbers, pushing that network -- The Weather Channel -- into the lofty position of the most-watched cable news outlet , both in total viewers and in the key news demo of adults 25 to 54 years old, reports TVNewser.com.

During prime time on Friday, TWC averaged 2.45 million viewers, including 1.11 million adults in the 25-54 demographic. That compared with 1.96 million total viewers for Fox News and 1.39 million for CNN. Demo numbers were 462,000 adults 25-54 for Fox News and 477,000 for CNN, giving CNN a rare win over Fox in the demo.

MSNBC’s totals were 680,000 total viewers and 205,000 adults 25-54.

AMC Shoots Pilot for Talk Show Focusing on ... AMC

AMC has shot a pilot for a talk show that focused on one of the network’s own dramas -- an idea that’s similar to Bravo's successful "Watch What Happens: Live," reports Joe Adalian in New York Magazine's Vulture blog. AMC is reportedly working on creating a talk show examining such signature series as “Walking Dead” and “Mad Men.”

AMC tapped "Watch What Happens" executive producer Michael Davies and his Embassy Row Productions to shoot the pilot. "Watch What Happens," which is hosted by Andy Cohen and capitalizes on the popularity of Bravo’s “Real Housewives” shows, drew an average of 1.5 million viewers for the live talk show, the story points out.

Former MTV personality Chris Hardwick, who recently hosted BBC America's "Doctor Who" specials, served as the host of the pilot, which focused on discussing "Walking Dead," the story adds.

"It makes plenty of sense for AMC to consider launching a companion talk show to one of its series. As its recent budget battles with producers and studios underscore, it's not easy making money off of cable dramas, even ones as critically acclaimed and, in the case of 'Dead,' highly rated," Adalian writes. "Pairing a drama series with a relatively cheap-to-produce talk show could give AMC a chance to hold on to audience members unlikely to stick around for another showing of 'Die Hard,' essentially making a show like 'Dead' more of an event rather than a simple one-hour broadcast."

TLC to Gaze Into the Afterlife With New Series

TLC has ordered eight half-hour episodes of a new series that aims to give viewers a glimpse into the afterlife, according to The Hollywood Reporter's The Live Feed blog.

The series is “Long Island Medium,” a reality show focusing on psychic Theresa Caputo. The program will debut Sunday, Sept. 25, at 10 p.m.

The show tracks Caputo as she helps clients find closure with recently deceased loved ones, while also dealing with her skeptical teenage daughter, retired husband and 21-year-old son, the story notes.

Beyonce's Baby Announcement at the VMAs Breaks a Record

Beyonce's news that she's expecting a baby -- revealed on television during MTV's Video Music Awards -- broke a record on Twitter, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Twitter reported that messages featuring the news were issued at 8,868 tweets per second, the highest number ever recorded for a single event, the story notes.

The previous record, 7,196 tweets per second, was set in July during the last moments of the Women's World Cup final, when the U.S. women's soccer team lost to Japan in the final seconds of the game.

Bravo Reveals How It Plans to Handle Suicide of Estranged 'Real Housewives' Husband

Bravo will deal with the suicide of Russell Armstrong, the estranged husband of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong, by airing a special addressing his death, reports the Los Angeles Times' Show Tracker blog.

With the exception of Taylor Armstrong, all the women of the show -- Lisa Vanderpump, Camille Grammer, Kyle and Kim Richards and Adrienne Maloof -- were taped Monday for the special. It's not certain whether the special will air before or after the show's second-season debut.

The women weren't told how things would unfold during the taping, as a way to get their reactions, the story notes. Bravo has also finished re-editing the debut episode of the show's second season, although the network would not say whether the final edit would include particular scenes from the original version, such as Taylor Armstrong discussing marriage counseling and shopping for lingerie as a way to perk up her marriage.

Will Sheen Use His Comedy Central Roast to 'Hit the Reset Button on His Future'?

Charlie Sheen's upcoming Comedy Central roast -- set to air the same night that "Two and a Half Men" returns to CBS with a new star -- presents the troubled actor with the opportunity to set the tone for his future career, reports the New York Post.

On Sept. 19, the night when Ashton Kutcher debuts on Sheen's old sitcom, Sheen will have a high-profile platform on "The Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen.”

Comedian Jeffrey Ross, a friend of Sheen’s and the producer of the roast, said: “I feel like the rebuttal will be a real moment for him to set the record straight on his past and hit the reset button on his future. I see these roasts often as a new beginning for people. Once you have gone through that gauntlet, you have a lot of good will from the audience to not only get the roasters, but also to set yourself up for your next move.”

"Two and a Half Men" is scheduled to air its season debut at 9 p.m.. with the roast set for 10 p.m. Roasters on the Comedy Central special will include "Jackass" star Steve-O, TMZ boss Harvey Levin and former boxing champ Mike Tyson. Seth MacFarlane will host.

It was still uncertain whether Denise Richards, Sheen’s ex-wife, would participate, although she indicated during a recent appearance on “The View” that she would probably turn down the invitation.

Ross, who collaborated on Sheen’s Violent Torpedo of Truth tour, indicated the roast could get ugly -- and that’s how Sheen wants it. “He is going to want it rough,” Ross said. “He is a masochist in a lot of ways.”

VMAs Draw Biggest MTV Audience Ever

"The 2011 Video Music Awards scored MTV's biggest audience in the network's history with a record-breaking 12.4 million total viewers," MTV has announced.

The show, which aried live on MTV on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011, also did a big number for MTV among its targeted audience of 12-34, delivering "a 10.8 rating and 8.5 million P12-34 viewers, making it MTV’s most-watched telecast of all time in the demo. Versus the 2010 VMAS, the award show is +8% with P12-34 and +9% with total viewers. In addition, the VMAs is the #1 cable telecast of 2011 with P12-34 and the #1 non-sports cable telecast of 2011 with total viewers."

The release continues, "The VMA Pre-Show ranked as the best on record in both P12-34 and total viewers, garnering a 6.6 P12-34 rating and 5.2 million P12-34 viewers, +13% from last year. In addition, the pre-show attracted 7.3 million total viewers, +16% from last year.

Furthermore, according to the announcement, "MTV Digital saw its highest VMA day ever on Sunday, with VMA content attracting 2 million unique visitors, an increase of +33% year over year. In addition, more than 10 million page views were garnered on Sunday, up +18% year over year. VMA video content generated 2.3 million streams for the day, up a whopping +41% vs. the day of the 2010 VMAs. MTV’s mobile site reached its highest day in history thanks to the VMAs as well, with over 2.7 million mobile views for the day, more than +50% higher than the previous record. Also MTV Digital hosted its biggest live event ever on Sunday; over 1.2 million streams were generated on MTV.com, tablet, and mobile devices across a multitude of cameras giving users the ultimate backstage experience. It was the most social VMA day ever, with social networks driving +76% more traffic than a year ago".

A Thespian, a Former Lesbian and a Kardashian. Plus a Stylist, a Jurist and a Songstress. And More. Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls: Meet the Celebrities Who Will Be on 'Dancing with the Stars' This Fall

Here are the 12 celebrities who will compete on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" starting Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, the network has announced.

David Arquette: Actor, writer, director and producer.

Chaz Bono: Born Chastity Bono to parents Sonny and Cher, Bono previously wrote about being a lesbian. More recently Bono, 42, became a female-to-male transgender man.

Rob Kardashian: The only brother of celebrity sisters Kourtney, Kim and Khloe Kardashian. He lives with Khloe and her husband, Lamar Odom. 

Carson Kressley: Celebrity stylist, fashion designer and Emmy winner for "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."

Nancy Grace: Controversial jurist hosts HLN's top-rated program.

Chynna Phillips: This songstress, the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and the Papas, is the Phillips of the trio Wilson Phillips.

Hope Solo: The beloved goalie of the U.S. women's national soccer team.

Ron Artest: Veteran professional basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Ricki Lake: The popular former daytime talk show host who will return to the talk show wars in the fall of 2012. As an actress she played, most memorably, Tracy Turnblad in John Waters' movie "Hairspray." 

J.R. Martinez: Actor on "All My Children. He is also an Iraq War veteran and motivational speaker.

Elizabeth Canalis: Model and actress.

Kristin Cavallari: After appearing in the reality show "Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County," Cavallari focused on acting.   

Must Read: Google Chairman Eric Schmidt on the Future of Television. He Says, 'Linear viewing is remarkably robust -- in 2010, over 90% of broadcast TV viewing remained 'live.' But I sense the default mode of viewing will inexorably shift.' Here's How

Clearly Google is one of the innovative companies that is pretty good at taking the pulse of what consumers want and discern how they behave.

So when Google Chairman Eric Schmidt gives a major speech about the future of television, it behooves all of us in the TV industry to pay attention.

Schmidt gave just such a speech last Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, at the Edinborough International TV Festival in the U.K.

Thanks to our good friends at Deadline.com, we can all read a transcript of Schmidt's speech, and we here at TVWeek highly recommend it to all in the TV and advertising industries.

Here are some key excerpts from Schmidt's fairly lengthy speech:

[Y]ou ignore the Internet at your peril. The Internet is fundamental to the future of Television for one simple reason: because it’s what people want.

Technologically, the Internet is a platform for things that traditional TV cannot support. It makes TV more personal, more participative, more pertinent.

[A] system for recommending content is so vital. It’s what channel schedulers have done since the beginning of TV. But traditional scheduling is one size fits all. Sometimes their recommendations suit me, but just as often not.

Online – for those who wish it and grant permission – things could be vastly different. Online, through a combination of algorithms and editorial nudges, suggestions could be individually crafted to suit your interests and needs. The more you watch and share, the more chances the system has to learn, and the better its predictions get. Taken to the ultimate, it would be like the perfect TV channel: always exciting, always relevant – sometimes serendipitous – always worth your time.

We’ve already had a glimpse of the power of recommendations to sway viewing with Netflix. Around 60% of Netflix rentals are a result of algorithmically generated recommendations. Another example is Amazon. Their recommendations – like “others who bought this also bought” – are incredibly compelling, and in recent years have accounted for between 20% and 30% of their sales.

A social layer is something viewers – or at least a substantial number – clearly want. It’s also great for broadcasters. Trending hashtags raise awareness of shows, helping boost ratings. It can be a metric for viewer engagement, a vehicle for instant feedback, a channel for reaching people outside broadcast times. It can also provide a great incentive for watching live.

In fact, I don’t expect TV viewing will ever switch to be entirely on-demand. There will always be a cultural pull, for some shows, on some occasions, to watch in real-time. Linear viewing remains remarkably robust – in 2010, over 90% of broadcast TV viewing remained ‘live’. But I sense the default mode of viewing will inexorably shift...

Social signals are another powerful driver of behaviour. If three of my friends highly rate a TV series, odds are I’d check it out even if reviewers say it’s rubbish. We’re just at the earliest stage of learning how best to use social signals and other taste indicators to provide more personalised content and services.

So, what are the trends to watch? I can sum that up in 3 words: mobile, local and social.

More generally, think about what on-demand means for traditional business models. Most TV channels seem to practice a drip-feed approach to releasing content. But in an on-demand world that’s outdated. Netflix get this. In March they outbid the networks to win exclusive rights to screen the US version of ‘House of Cards’, and plan to make episodes available in clusters rather than one a week.

Consider too the way first-run airings attract an ad premium. That’s a less relevant distinction as viewers shift to watch on their own schedule. If it’s the first time you watch a show, it’s first run to you, no matter how many times it has been broadcast. As TV becomes more personalized, ad models should adjust accordingly.

Of course, doing this also requires new processes – not least changes in the way TV viewing and ad effectiveness is measured. To that end, Google – and others – are investing in research to better understand how viewers are consuming TV and the web across multiple platforms. In the UK we have recently teamed up with Kantar to create a single source research panel to measure web and TV habits.

'Lost' Star Detained by Police, Accused of Assault on Female Bus Driver

An actor who played one of the lead roles in ABC’s “Lost” found himself involved in an alleged altercation over the weekend, ABC News reports.

Matthew Fox, who played Jack Shephard in the drama series, allegedly assaulted the female driver of a party bus after she refused to allow him to board the bus in a parking lot near a bar in Cleveland early Saturday morning.

The police report says Fox, after being denied access to the bus by driver Heather Bormann, 29, “punched her in the chest and stomach area.” The story says Bormann punched Fox in the mouth, causing a cut on his lip.

According to the ABC News story: “The report said that Fox was not arrested, got released ‘to a friend’ and took a taxi to his hotel. Both he and Bormann, a local resident, refused medical treatment, but the report said that she now believes she may have broken her hand.”

Bormann was reportedly meeting today with prosecutors to discuss pressing charges.

Fox, 45, was in the area to film scenes for “World War Z.”

Fox was nominated for an Emmy for lead actor last year for his role in “Lost.”

One of the Hosts of 'The Talk' Makes It Official: She's Out

Following weeks of rumors that she has been planning an exit from CBS's daytime show "The Talk," one of the show’s co-hosts, actress Leah Remini, announced via Twitter that she will not be staying with the show, reports UPI.com.

"It is official: I am sorry to say that I have NOT been asked back on the show. Sorry to my fans. U worked so hard! I adore u guys," she tweeted. Remini also responded to a question from a fan to reveal that no reason had been given for her apparent dismissal.

The future of another "Talk" hostess, Holly Robinson Peete, is still undetermined. Peete tweeted of her future, "Still under contract but have not been picked up yet. #fingerscrossed #realtalk."

Disney Channel Renews Sitcom

The Disney Channel announced that it is bringing back a sitcom for a third season, Deadline.com reports. The show is "Good Luck Charlie," which is set to begin production soon for an early 2012 season premiere.

"Good Luck Charlie" is the story of the Duncans, a traditional family that includes three teens and toddler Charlie. The series has also inspired an upcoming Disney Channel holiday special, "Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas!"

The show was created by Phil Baker and Drew Vaupen.

Beloved British Comedy to Return to the U.S. as a Series of Specials

BBC America and Logo have agreed to a deal to co-produce three new specials based on the hit BBC sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous," reports Deadline.com.

Creator and star Jennifer Saunders will return with sidekick Joanna Lumley, along with the rest of the original cast.

In a statement, Saunders said, "We are thrilled to be able to celebrate our 20th birthday with all of the original cast. We hope that, like a good bottle of champagne, we have grown better with age but lost none of our sparkle. We fully intend to party like it’s 1991."

Logo is currently airing the first five years of "Ab/Fab."

TBS Orders Sitcom Pilot From 'Franklin & Bash' Star, Exec Producer Behind 'My Boys'

TBS has ordered a pilot for a multicamera comedy from one of the stars of “Franklin & Bash” and an executive producer with a growing list of credits including “My Boys,” “Hawthorne” and “Happy Endings.”

Actor Breckin Meyer and writer/producer Jamie Tarses are teaming up on the project, called "Men At Work," reports Deadline.com.

The show is produced by Sony Pictures TV and Fanfare, Tarses' studio-based company -- the same production company behind Meyer's TNT drama series "Franklin & Bash."

"Men At Work" is a workplace comedy about four guys -- good friends -- who all work at the same magazine. TBS is reportedly anxious to return to half-hour comedy production.

Legendary Baseball Announcer Will Stay on the Job at Least One More Year

A Hall of Fame baseball broadcaster has confirmed that he will keep his job for at least one more year, TVNewser.com reports. Vin Scully will continue as the television broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers through 2012, according to the report.

During Friday's broadcast of the Dodgers and Colorado Rockies, Scully announced that he will be returning for a 63rd season (!) with the team. He began with the Dodgers when they were still in Brooklyn.

According to L.A. Times columnist T.J. Simers, Dodgers season-ticket holders were recently sent a mailing in which they were asked to rate Scully's performance. Results weren’t available, but a team spokesman said recently that the job is Scully’s for as long as he wants it, according to Simers.

Tennis Channel Expands Reach for U.S. Open Coverage

With the upcoming broadcast of the U.S. Open, the Tennis Channel will be available to a much broader range of homes than its usual reach, reports Multichannel News.

Partnerships with DirecTV, Dish Network and AT&T U-verse will boost the penetration of the sports channel from its base of 31 million homes to more than 50 million. The Tennis Channel will present 236 hours of coverage of the U.S. Open tournament from Flushing Meadows, Queens, in New York.

DirecTV will show the U.S. Open Experience free to all subscribers, while AT&T U-verse will offer a freeview from Aug. 29 through Sept. 2, during the 10 days of the tournament.

Family of Reality Show Contestant Receives Death Threats After Heated Night on the Show

The family of a reality show contestant -- including her 8-year-old daughter -- has received death threats after an especially heated episode of the show aired Thursday night, TMZ.com reports.

Shelly Moore, a houseguest on CBS’s “Big Brother,” played a part in the eviction of popular contestant Jeff Schroeder on Thursday’s episode of the show. Her family and her employer subsequently received harassing phone calls, including demands that she be fired from her job.

“Big Brother” executive producer Allison Grodner took to Twitter to reply to the threats, tweeting: "No matter how much you dislike an HG, this is wrong! True BB fans do not try to ruin lives. Please stop!"

Moore’s family indicated it was taking the threats seriously and planned to get the FBI involved.

Brad Pitt Turns Hero, Rescues Woman During Film Shoot

Actor Brad Pitt became a real-life hero during a film shoot in Scotland last week, The Scottish Sun reports, rescuing a woman from being trampled.

The incident took place Thursday on the set of “World War Z,” when more than 700 extras were reportedly packed into George Square in Glasgow to film a zombie invasion scene. The woman apparently fell down as hundreds of extras were fleeing the invasion, and Pitt stepped in to get her back on her feet.

An eyewitness is quoted as saying: "It was total chaos as 700 extras were trying to get down the street -- they were banging into moving cars, cameras and military who were carrying heavy machine guns. Lots of people hurt themselves, and Brad came to the rescue of a woman who slipped. I don't think she could believe it when Brad picked her up.”

The witness added: "He didn't have time to speak to her as it was mid-shoot. But she said afterwards how grateful she was, despite having a badly grazed knee."

According to the story, it was revealed that dozens of extras have been injured during the difficult film shoot, including a number of broken bones.

Fired Disney Channel Star Received $100,000 for Not Starring in Movie

A former Disney Channel star was paid $100,000 in severance for not starring in a movie that she was cut from after revealing her pregnancy, reports TMZ.com.

As previously reported, Hilary Duff was dropped from “Bonnie and Clyde” because her pregnancy means she won't be available until next June.

Duff's contract for the film, in which she was slated by play Bonnie Parker, ensured the six-figure payment if for any reason the production decided to terminate her employment, the story says.

Ray Romano Gives Fans Some Bad News: He's Unable to Rescue His Show

Ray Romano and Mike Royce say they’re giving up on trying to find a new home for the show they created, which was canceled recently by TNT, Deadline.com reports.

Romano and Royce have been shopping “Men of a Certain Age.” The pair published a letter on Facebook letting fans know their attempts have been unsuccessful.

"Unfortunately there's been nothing to report," the letter reads. "And at this point, since we want to be straight with you guys, I have to tell you that we've kind of reached the end of the road."

The letter continues: "We called everybody. We tried online, satellite, alternate content providers, corporate sponsorship, Taxi TV, filmstrips ... everything. We've exhausted every possibility and then some."

Programming Insider Moves On: After 16 Years at Mediaweek/Adweek, Marc Berman Gets New Gig. Plus Some TV Trivia Any Self-Respecting Baby Boomer Will Want to Know

Our good friend Marc Berman, who wrote the Programming Insider for Mediaweek for years -- and continued writing it when Mediaweek was folded into Adweek, has moved on.

Marc has emailed us that he's editor-in-chief of a new publication called TV Media Insights.

He adds, "I will be launching a daily email newsletter, plus a website and a forum that will include up-to-the minute ratings, breaking news, observations, scheduling, facts and figures, casting news, executive annoucements, trivia, and much more. And I will be covering broadcast, cable and syndication, plus digital. The initial roll-out will be September 6, with TV Media Insights in full force for the start of the new TV season."

Love the TV trivia. Here's one we'll bet Marc might not even know. The famous theme to "The Dick Van Dyke Show' has got lyrics! The theme was written by Earle Hagan -- who also wrote the theme to "The Andy Griffith Show." The lyrics to "The Dick Van Dyke Show" theme were written by co-star Morey Amsterdam.

Furthermore, if you listen to the podcast, below, you can hear Dick Van Dyke singing the theme with the lyrics. It's from an appearance Van Dyke made last October on NPR's "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me." If you move the podcast bar to the 8:55 mark, that's when Van Dyke starts singing.

Video Music Awards Prove (Barely) MTV Still Has Something to Do With Music

The annual shockfest known as the Video Music Awards left viewers with just enough reason to believe MTV still cares about music, according to an analysis by Tim Molloy on TheWrap.com.

While the show may have been “more packed wih music history than any in recent memory,” Molloy writes, it still wasn’t all that convincing.

According to Molloy: “No one, with the exception of Gaga, Adele, a pregnant Beyonce and a couple of others, seemed that into it. Usually it doesn't matter: No one expects anything but perfunctory performances from the VMAs (or Grammys, or any other awards show). But usually MTV lucks into -- or creates -- some kind of outrageous moment distracting enough to make us forget about the music. Not this year.”

The piece says this year’s best moments, few as they were, came during the musical numbers, with Adele, Lady Gaga -- performing in drag as her alter ego Jo Calderone -- and Beyonce -- delivering a strong performance shortly after announcing her pregnancy -- among the highlights.

With Britney Spears and Gaga’s Calderone stopping short of a kiss and Kanye West behaving himself, Molloy concludes that the show, to its detriment, was lacking in shock value this year.

Irene Takes a Bite Out of Entertainment Business

Even downgraded to a tropical storm, the Event Formerly Known as Hurricane Irene took a bite out of the entertainment business as it breezed across the East Coast over the weekend.

The storm’s toll on weekend box office was estimated at $25 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter, as hundreds of theaters were closed.

The story reports: “Overall revenues may not even reach $90 million for the frame, the second worst showing of the year after Super Bowl weekend ($87 million). All told, business was down as much as 25% from the same weekend last year.”

“The Help” remained the top draw in its third weekend, grossing $14.3 million to push its U.S. total to $96.6 million.

TV productions on the East Coast were shut down over the weekend, including “One Tree Hill,” which shoots in Wilmington, N.C., reports EW.com's Inside TV blog. The show was expected to resume shooting Monday.

New York City shut down filming in the city, with its Office of Media and Entertainment revoking filming permits for Sunday, Aug. 28, because of the storm.

But the six productions slated to film had already rearranged their schedules, with reality TV shows "Hoarders" and "Clean House" among those making other arrangements, the story notes.

On Broadway, theater productions reportedly shut down due to weather concerns and the shutdown of New York’s mass-transit system, Entertainment Weekly reported. All performances were expected to be back on schedule Monday.

A number of concerts in the path of the storm were either canceled or postponed, according to The Hollywood Reporter, including performances by the Dave Matthews Band, Styx, Pat Benatar, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Kenny Chesney.

After Getting a Renewal, USA Series Gets a New Showrunner

After receiving a second-season renewal, a USA Network show will also receive a new showrunner, reports Deadline.com.

“Suits” creator Aaron Korsh is being promoted from co-executive producer to executive producer and showrunner. He replaces Sean Jablonski, who was the show's executive producer and showrunner for the first season.

It's not uncommon for TV shows to tap experienced showrunners for a new series until a program's novice creator learns the craft of showrunning, the story points out. Korsh had no producing experience before "Suits" and had only served as a staff writer on two series, "The Deep End" and "Notes From the Underbelly," before he created "Suits."

PBS Show Losing the Last of Its Original Co-Anchors

A PBS newsmagazine is losing the second of its original co-anchors, reports Elizabeth Jensen in The New York Times' Media Decoder blog.

Alison Stewart will leave "Need to Know" when the show moves to a half-hour format Sept. 16. She has served as the sole anchor on the hour-long program since Jon Meacham become a contributing editor in April.

WNET, where the program originates, declined to comment on any potential successor, the story says.

Ricky Gervais Says He's Been Asked to Host Golden Globes Again

Ricky Gervais, who was warned he wouldn't work in Hollywood again after his controversial turn as the host of the Golden Globes back in January, said he's been invited back to host the awards ceremony, reports the Guardian newspaper.

Gervais said NBC has asked him to host again next year, but he indicated he's unlikely to accept the offer, the story says.

"I love NBC; I love the fact they stuck by me through it," Gervais told interviewer Richard Bacon at the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival. Asked whether he would consider returning, he replied, "I am, but I shouldn't do it. It's a second encore. Don't do a second encore. I don't think I should do it. What am I going back as?"

Gervais stirred up controversy with jokes at the expense of Charlie Sheen, Hugh Hefner, Robert Downey Jr. and others at the ceremony earlier this year. During the interview, he addressed his critics: "Just because you are offended doesn't mean you are right. People fall into this myth that I'm a shock comedian. I've never been that. People say I crossed the line but I didn't draw the fucking line, you did."

Beyonce Reveals Pregnancy at MTV's Video Music Awards

Beyonce Knowles revealed her pregnancy at MTV's Video Music Awards on Sunday, reports MTV.com. 

Knowles has been married to Jay-Z for three years and had previously said she wanted to start a family by the time she was 30, the story notes. The singer turns 30 next month, the piece notes.

At the awards show, Knowles unbuttoned a sparkly jacket and rubbed her belly, the story says. There's no word on when the baby is due.

Apple Shuts Down 99-Cent TV Rental Program, and Explains Why

Apple is ending its 99-cent rentals of television shows, the Los Angeles Times' Company Town blog reports. The company has decided to focus instead on sales of TV episodes.

The reason? “iTunes customers have shown they overwhelmingly prefer buying TV shows,” Apple said in a statement. The introduction of its iCloud service allows customers to store content online and then watch it from whichever device they prefer, the story points out.

But another reason for ending the rental service was lack of traction, the article notes. Major TV studios including CBS and NBCUniversal refused to offer shows through Apple at the 99-cent rate, which could undermine demand for purchases, the story points out.

'Treme' Actor's Final Days: Depression and a Devastating Disease

Police investigating the death of Michael Showers, whose body was found floating in the Mississippi River this week, say the actor died of drowning, People magazine reports.

Showers, who had a small role in HBO’s “Treme,” was reportedly battling anxiety and depression, and received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in March. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities were awaiting results of toxicology tests.

Police said they found no signs of trauma to Showers’ body. They were still searching for his car.

Showers’ girlfriend, Melinda Carlos, said Showers had gone to a bar that night with someone named Joe, and at one point in the evening had sent her a text message with a photo of himself and Joe. Authorities were trying to track down Joe.

“Treme” creator David Simon released a statement, saying: "Michael Showers was a fine actor who contributed his talents to our drama in the warmest and most professional way."

WBAL-TV Stands Behind Reason for Flanagan Suicide Despite Conflict With Police Report

Baltimore station WBAL-TV is standing behind a report it aired on the suicide of former Cy Young Award winner and baseball commentator Mike Flanagan, even though discrepancies have surfaced between that report and the police investigation, the Baltimore Sun reports.

The station’s report Wednesday night by sportscaster Gerry Sandusky attributed the suicide to Flanagan’s being “despondent” over being perceived as having failed his team, the Baltimore Orioles. Police, on the other hand, have put forth the idea that Flanagan’s troubles had more to do with “financial difficulties.”

No suicide note was found.

The station’s news director, Michelle Butt, said multiple sources indicated Flanagan had been depressed since he left the Orioles. She added that those sources said Flanagan “was depressed at how the community perceived how he had done his job" with the Orioles.

After the police version was revealed, Butt told the paper: "What we reported last night, we still stand by. There were many other things that the sources told us. We were not surprised by what we heard today in the press conference."

'My Name Is Earl' Star Avoids Jail

One of the stars of “My Name Is Earl” has struck a deal with prosecutors that will enable her to stay out of jail in her DUI case, E! Online reports.

Jaime Pressly pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence. She will serve three years on summary probation and must complete a six-month alcohol program and pay fees of $390 plus penalties.

Pressly was stopped Jan. 5, 2011, for a routine traffic violation in Santa Monica, Calif. When she failed a field sobriety test, Pressly then took a Breathalyzer and reportedly registered a .22, about three times the state's legal limit.

TV Outlets Bracing for Hurricane Coverage

As the East Coast braced this afternoon for Hurricane Irene, TV news outlets mustered their resources to cover the storm’s landfall, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The networks had different approaches to today’s brief speech by President Obama on the hurricane.

According to the story: “NBC, ABC and CBS pre-empted their programming to air his short address, in which he announced that he'd spoken to governors of affected states and asked people to heed evacuation warnings. Fox, however, remained on an episode of ‘The Dr. Oz Show.’”

The story notes that Fox is unlike the other three networks in that it does not have a news division.

On cable, all the major news networks were devoting extensive airtime to coverage of Irene. The Weather Channel, which said it was focusing on the hurricane “24/7 for the foreseeable future,” was enjoying a bump in ratings, THR reported separately. Weather.com, meanwhile, saw a surge in traffic.

10 Things You Don't Know About Steve Jobs. For Example, Did You Know That He Was Adopted and That Biologically He's Half Syrian Muslim?

With Steve Jobs cutting back his role at Apple, the iconic tech guru is all over the media this week. One of the more interesting takes on Jobs appears in The Huffington Post, where columnist James Altucher reveals 10 tidbits that most people probably didn’t know about Jobs.

Here they are:

(1) His sister is the novelist Mona Simpson, although Jobs didn’t know it until he was an adult and tracked her down. Simpson’s first novel, “Anywhere but Here,” is about her relationship with her parents -- who are also Jobs’ parents.

(2) Biologically, Jobs is half Syrian Muslim. His father’s name is Abdulfattah Jandali. His parents, grad students at the time, put him up for adoption and then had another child, his sister, Mona Simpson, a few years later.

(3) He created the game “Breakout” for Atari, before going on to form Apple. (4) He lied to Steve Wozniak, his partner in the deal with Atari, reportedly telling Wozniak they got $700 for the game, which they split 50-50. In reality he was reportedly paid $5,000.

(5) He denied paternity after fathering his first child. He claimed he was sterile, according to the piece, and the child’s mom raised the kid on welfare.

(6) Jobs does not give money to charity. As Apple CEO, he pulled the plug on the company’s philanthropic efforts.

(7) He’s a pescetarian, eating fish but no other meat. (8) He’s a Zen Buddhist, (9) he didn’t go to college, and (10) he used LSD at least once when he was young. He reportedly called the LSD experience “one of the two or three most important things I have done in my life.”

Western Genre Continues to Gain Momentum: NBC Orders One (With a Twist) From 'Friday Night Lights' Pair

Two of the people behind “Friday Night Lights” have received a script order from NBC for a new Western series, as the genre continues to build momentum with the TV networks, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Peter Berg, one of the creators of "Friday Night Lights," and Liz Heldens, a writer and co-executive producer on the show, sold the concept for a Western told from a female perspective. Heldens will write and executive produce, while Berg and Sarah Aubrey -- who also worked on “Friday Night Lights” -- will executive produce.

Universal Media Studios and Berg's Film 44 are producing the project.

The sale continues a growing trend toward Westerns at the networks. AMC is filming "Hell On Wheels," about the Union Pacific Railroad; A&E has "Longmire," about a Wyoming sheriff; TNT has "Gateway"; while David Zabel’s "Gunslinger" and James Mangold’s "Ralph Lamb" are coming from ABC and CBS, respectively.

'Lost' Actor Gets Fairy Tale Gig -- and Others May Follow

An actor best known for his role on the hit ABC drama “Lost” will find himself back on the nework soon, reports TVLine.com.

Alan Dale, who played Charles Widmore on “Lost,” will appear in the network’s new fantasy series, “Once Upon a Time.” Dale will again be playing a father, this time to Josh Dallas, who plays the young Prince Charming.

Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis, two "Lost" producers, are heading up the new series. Horowitz talked about Dale's role, saying: "It’s a really pivotal role, and a pivotal part of the Snow White and Prince Charming story that we don’t think has been told yet."

Dale is slated for one episode, Horowitz said, "But we’re leaving the door open for a larger tale to potentially tell with him.”

Other “Lost” alumni are likely to also show up in the series, the story says.

The report adds: “The pilot alone contains numerous references to the late ABC drama, including a clock stuck at 8:15 and a Geronimo Jackson bumper sticker. It also boasts ‘Lost’ co-creator Damon Lindelof as a consultant.”

Earlier this month, Kitsis said of Lindelof: “His name is not on the show, but he is in the DNA of it.”

ABC Rejects Ad for 'Our Idiot Brother' -- and Lists Just What the Problems Are

ABC has turned down an ad for the film "Our Idiot Brother," sending a memo to the Weinstein Co. outlining its objections, reports the New York Post. The ad has been running on other networks.

“Please remove the visual of the exchange of what is assumed to be drugs," the memo says, according to the piece. “Please remove the visual of the character using the juice box to depict urination,” and, “Please remove the references to getting high and smoking.”

The comedy, which stars Paul Rudd, was produced by Harvey and Bob Weinstein, who fell out with Disney, which owns ABC, in 2005, the story points out.

ABC said it has run other ads for "Our Idiot Brother" but objected to this spot because it "violated our long-established ad guidelines," the story notes.

'The Talk' Appears to Have Two New Hosts Lined Up -- Including the Matriarch of a VERY High-Profile TV Family

CBS is closing in on two new hosts for “The Talk” after the network declined to pick up the contracts of Leah Remini and Holly Robinson Peete, reports EW.com's Inside TV blog.

The network may be positioning Kris Jenner, the mom and manager of the Kardashians, as one of its new hosts. For now, though, it’s a guest-hosting gig.

Jenner has signed on for a two-week appearance early in the season and is being considered as a substitute for Sharon Osbourne when she isn't available, the story notes.

"The Talk" has also picked comedian and radio personality Sheryl Underwood to join as a co-host at the start of this season, with Underwood possibly becoming a regular, the piece adds.

Julie Chen and Sara Gilbert remain on board, with the new season set to launch Sept. 6.

Photoshopped White Version of Michael Vick Has ESPN Under Fire

ESPN has stirred up controversy and drawn criticism for publishing a photoshopped image of NFL quarterback Michael Vick that makes Vick, who is African-American, appear white, Yahoo! Sports reports.

The photo was published online and accompanies a column from the Sept. 5 issue of ESPN The Magazine with the headline “What if Michael Vick were white?”

The story reports: “After immediate backlash to the image, which was also posted on ESPN's website, editors replaced the online picture with a regular photograph of Vick. The website then reversed course and, as of 2:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, had restored the original, controversial image to the top of the online story.”

The column itself is described as “a thoughtful piece by noted cultural critic Toure on how Vick's race has shaped both the positive and negative aspects of his life. The author dismisses the hypothetical question posed in the article's title saying that changing Vick's race would be to fundamentally change the athlete so much as to render him unknowable.”

Toure reportedly asked editors not to use the title they picked for the story, and said he wasn’t consulted about the choice of an image to accompany the story. Toure said on Twitter: “Judge me on the story, not the art.”

Here's the controversial image:

Maria Menounos Is Sued for Defamation

Former “Access Hollywood” host Maria Menounos has been hit with a lawsuit accusing her of defamation, according to The Hollywood Reporter's Hollywood, Esq. blog.

Lindsay Albanese, who worked as a stylist for Menounos from 2005-09, filed suit in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, claiming she attended a gift suite event in Hollywood in June when Menounos asked to talk with her, the story says. Menounos allegedly "loudly accused [Albanese] of stealing by claiming, 'Dolce and Gabbana won't lend to me anymore because they said you never return anything,’" the piece notes.

Albanese claims Menounos told people that Albanese had been stealing from her, and Albanese alleges she has lost clients because of the false accusations, the piece says.

Menounos' attorney said the suit is "absolutely meritless and a poor attempt to extort money from Ms. Menounos," the article notes. Damages aren't specified in the suit.

'Little House on the Prairie' Star Files for Divorce

A star best known for her role on "Little House on the Prairie" has filed for divorce from her actor husband after 16 years of marriage, the Associated Press reports.

Melissa Gilbert filed a petition for divorce from actor Bruce Boxleitner this week in Los Angeles. The petition states that the couple separated in January, soon after their 16th anniversary, and gives the reason as irreconcilable differences, the story says.

Gilbert and Boxleitner have a 15-year-old son together.

Gilbert served as president of the Screen Actors Guild for two terms. She was nominated for an Emmy in 1980 for the TV adaptation of “The Miracle Worker.” Boxleitner has appeared in a number of movies and TV series including "Scarecrow and Mrs. King."

USA Renews Drama Series

USA Network has announced that it is ordering another 16 episodes of a drama series, bringing the show back for a fourth season, according to The Hollywood Reporter’s The Live Feed blog.

The show is "White Collar," a thriller with a financial twist, created by Jeff Eastin. Production is slated to start next year.

The show is currently taping the second half of its third season, which will return in January 2012, the piece notes.

The drama, which stars Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay, ended the first half of its second season with a season-high 4.3 million total viewers, the story says. For the season so far, it has averaged 3.9 million viewers.

China Says Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Katy Perry and Other Pop Stars Are Threats to National Security

China apparently is not a fan of Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Katy Perry and other Western pop stars. The country’s Ministry of Culture has ordered music sites to remove material from the pop divas, along with the Backstreet Boys and others, according to The New York Times’ Arts Beat blog.

Officials reportedly posted a list of 100 songs that it demands be removed from Chinese websites by Sept. 15. The ministry has said the pop artists are threats to “cultural national security.”

The story reports: “Six songs from Lady Gaga’s most recent album are on the list: ‘The Edge of Glory,’ ‘Hair,’ ‘Marry the Night,’ ‘Americano,’ ‘Judas’ and ‘Bloody Mary.’ Beyonce’s ‘Run the World (Girls)’ has also been banned as well as Katy Perry’s ‘Last Friday Night,’ which deals with a three-way sexual encounter. Oddly, the list also includes ‘I Want It That Way,’ a Backstreet Boys song released more than a decade ago.

Artists from Taiwan and Hong Kong are also on the list. The Chinese government has long been known to screen imported entertainment material for political content, and reportedly became more sensitive about it after Bjork shouted “Tibet!” during a concert in Shanghai in 2008.

Charlie Sheen's New Comedy Project Looks to Bring In 'Drew Carey Show' Creator

Charlie Sheen's "Anger Management" sitcom project is in discussions with "The Drew Carey Show" creator Bruce Helford, reports Deadline.com.

Helford is the leading candidate to write the project, a Lionsgate TV-produced series starring Sheen. No final decision has been made, the piece adds.

Helford is looking to return to TV full time after taking a break to focus on his children, the story says.

Is AOL Contemplating a Merger? The Company Says No, but It Has Put Together a Top M&A Team

Following a stock slide, AOL has hired investment bank Allen & Co. and law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz as advisers, reports Adweek. Both firms are prominent in mergers and acquisitions, and their hiring could signal a "high-level transaction" is under consideration, the story says.

However, AOL CEO Tim Armstrong said via email: "There is no deal on the table, no proposed deal, and both parties are on retainer with us and we work with them. Our strategy hasn't changed and we are moving faster than ever on it."

The company declined to say whether talks are taking place about a merger or acquisition, the story notes. AOL could be a prime target for private equity firms eager to jump into the digital space.

AOL's price has fallen by 40% since buying The Huffington Post, indicating a lack of confidence in the company's ability to become a top Internet advertising source, the story says.

Bravo Denies It Wants to Turn 'Real Housewives' Husband's Suicide Into a Special

Bravo is said to be in talks with Taylor Armstrong of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" for an interview following the suicide of her estranged husband, reports the New York Post's Page Six. That’s according to sources, but the cable network has a different version.

One source says Bravo wants to do a sit-down, one-hour show with Armstrong and Bravo executive Andy Cohen, the story says. Armstrong's representative said Armstrong's people are talking with Bravo, although no decisions have been made.

A rep for Bravo denied the claim, saying: “It’s not true; there are no plans like that.”

Another source said: “They’ve been discussing options for a week, but no programming has been formalized.”

Taylor Armstrong’s rep said Armstrong is “still devastated” about Russell Armstrong’s suicide.

CW, Searching for a New Superhero, Taps 'Supernatural' Creator to Develop Comic-Based Series

Eager to get a new superhero into the lineup -- especially after “Smallville” ended its 10-season run earlier this year -- the CW has tapped "Supernatural" creator Eric Kripke to develop a show based on the DC Comics series "Deadman," reports Deadline.com.

Kripke will write and executive produce the project, which is about the spirit of a murdered man, Boston Brand, which continues to live by inhabiting other people's bodies.

The project is produced by Warner Bros. TV, which is working on the DC catalog for TV shows.

"Supernatural" is starting its seventh season this fall.

One of the Arquettes Reportedly to Compete on 'Dancing With the Stars'

ABC’s "Dancing with the Stars" has signed a member of a well-known family of actors to appear on the show, reports TMZ.com.

David Arquette, whose acting siblings include Patricia Arquette and Rosanna Arquette, has agreed to appear on the show and has reportedly already shown up to meet his dancing partner, Kym Johnson, the story says..

The new season of the hit dancing competition show will premiere at the end of September, the piece notes.

Baseball Commentator and Former Cy Young Award Winner -- Reportedly Despondent Over His Perceived Role in His Team's Poor Performance -- Commits Suicide

A former Major League Baseball player who won the Cy Young Award as a pitcher in 1979 before becoming a broadcaster for his team, the Baltimore Orioles, has died in what is being reported as a suicide, reports Sportsnewser.com

According to the story, "Former Cy Young Award winner Mike Flanagan, a longtime pitcher with the Baltimore Orioles who later ascended to a top executive position with the club and in recent years served as a television commentator, reportedly committed suicide Wednesday afternoon, 'despondent over what he considered a false perception from a community he loved of his role in the team’s prolonged failure,' according to WBAL-TV sports director Gerry Sandusky.' 

Flanagan, 59, was the general manager of the Orioles from 2002 to 2008.

Flanagan was found near his home in Monkton, Md.

Flanagan’s playing career spanned 18 years, in which he won 167 games -- including 23 the year he won the Cy Young Award, 1979.

Peter Angelos, owner of the Baltimore Orioles, issued a statement, saying: "It is with deep sadness that I learned of the death of my friend Mike Flanagan earlier this evening. In over a quarter-century with the organization, Flanny became an integral part of the Orioles family, for his accomplishments both on and off the field. His loss will be felt deeply and profoundly by all of us with the ballclub and by Orioles fans everywhere who admired him. On behalf of the club, I extend my condolences to his wife, Alex; and daughters Kerry, Kathryn and Kendall.”

Mike Flanagan

Simon vs. Simon: Attorney for Fuller Fires Back at Cowell in 'American Idol'-'X Factor' Legal Showdown

An attorney for “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller lashed out at Simon Cowell after Cowell sounded off about Fuller’s lawsuit over the U.S. version of “The X Factor,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Mr. Cowell would be better served reading scripts than legal pleadings and documents he clearly does not understand,” Fuller attorney Dale Kinsella told the publication.

His comments came after Cowell said in an interview with THR that Fuller has no right to seek an executive producer credit on “X Factor,” which premieres next month.

Cowell told the publication: “It’s like me saying I want to be executive producer on ‘The Voice’ or ‘Project Runway.’”

The latest report notes: “The feud between the two Simons goes back years. Fuller sued Cowell shortly after ‘X Factor’ first appeared on British television in 2004, leading to the settlement that Fuller now claims granted him the right to a rich fee and credit on the U.S. ‘X Factor.’”

Network Bidding War Over CMAs Appears to Be Settled

After what has been reported as a bidding war among ABC, CBS and NBC over the Country Music Awards, the telecast appears to have found a home. B&C reports that the awards will remain on ABC as part of a multiyear deal that could be worth upwards of $30 million per year.

The deal will reportedly also include the summertime CMA Music Festival and a Christmas special.

The ceremony has been on ABC since 2005, after ABC grabbed it from CBS.

ABC’s rivals reportedly made serious bids to get the event, with NBC’s Steve Burke and CBS’s Leslie Moonves personally involved in the pitches.

'Glee' Actor Headed to Big Screen

A TV veteran who is a cast member on Fox’s “Glee” has joined a high-profile feature film project, Deadline.com reports. The supernatural cop comedy “R.I.P.D.,” starring Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds, has tapped “Glee’s” Mike O’Malley to play Elliot, a ghost character.

Besides his current work as a semi-regular on “Glee,” O’Malley is a writer for Showtime's "Shameless."

The movie, based on the Peter Lenkov comics about a group of undead police, is due in theaters June 28, 2013. The Universal feature is being directed by Robert Schwentke.

Today's Quiz: Which One of These Celebrities -- Charlie Sheen, Snooki and Rosie O'Donnell -- Has Been Banned From Getting a Star on Hollywood Boulevard?

Many disparate celebrities have stars on Hollywood Boulevard -- from Heidi Klum to Dwight Yoakam to Andrew Lloyd Webber -- but one of the folks in our headline doesn't have a chance of getting one, at least right now.

The person not currently eligible to get a star on what is known as the Hollywood Walk of Fame is Snooki from MTV's "Jersey Shore."

According to The Hollywood Reporter: "'Someone asked if we give reality show characters stars? Hell to the No!' was posted on the Walk of Fame's Facebook page on Wednesday. Adds Ana Martinez, vice president for media relations and producer for the Hollywood Walk of Fame: 'It's just not on the radar for us right now.'"

Klum has a star, but it's under Victoria's Secret and she was honored as a model for the company. Charlie Sheen received a star -- in the motion pictures category -- way back in 1994.

The article also quotes Martinez as saying, "We just want to bring the tourists to Hollywood."

If that's the goal, one would think Snooki and other reality stars would fit the bill.

MSNBC Tweaks Its Anchor Lineup

MSNBC continues to tinker with its on-air lineup, with the latest move shifting a longtime anchor to what appears to be a lower-profile role on the cable nework, TVNewser.com reports.

Contessa Brewer, who has been with MSNBC since 2003 and has anchored the noon (ET) hour for the past year and a half, will no longer be an anchor, according to the report. Her last daily newscast is scheduled for this Friday, Aug. 26.

Brewer will continue to be the host of the weekend documentary series "Caught On Camera," and will begin working on other NBC News and MSNBC projects.

Interim anchors will take over Brewer's noon spot for now, with a reworked show expected to launch after Labor Day.

The story notes that MSNBC also recently added Craig Melvin to its anchor lineup.

Contessa Brewer

'Seinfeld' Star Slates Guest Spot on Legal Show

One of the main cast members from the long-running NBC comedy “Seinfeld” will surface in the fall season in a guest spot on an NBC legal series, TVGuide.com reports.

Jason Alexander, best known as George Costanza on "Seinfeld," will check into the legal show "Harry's Law," which stars Kathy Bates. Alexander will play a public school teacher who gets caught up in a controversy involving Darwin.

According to the episode description, Richard -- Alexander's character -- is fired because he fails a student who claimed that Darwinism is "a crock." Harry -- Kathy Bates’ character -- decides to defend Richard.

The show returns for its second season on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 9 p.m. ET. Alexander’s appearance is set for the season’s fifth episode.

Alexander was nominated for an Emmy seven times as a supporting actor for playing George on “Seinfeld” -- every year from 1992 to 1998 -- but never won the award. He also received an Emmy nomination for a guest appearance on HBO’s “Dream On” in 1994.

NBC Promotes 'Today' Producer

Dee Dee Thomas, currently the senior producer of the 8 a.m. hour of NBC's "Today," has been promoted to the weekend executive producer of "Today," reports TVNewser.com.

She replaces Pat Burkey, who moved on to "NBC Nightly News" in July to become executive producer.

"Today" executive producer Jim Bell said in a statement, “Dee Dee has been an integral part of the senior leadership team here at ‘Today.’ She is a first-rate producer, and I am thrilled to see her return to the broadcast where she first began her career here at NBC News.”

Emmy Winner to Serve as Voice of Roger Ebert

An Emmy-winning actor has landed an unusual role -- he will be the voice of famed film critic Roger Ebert in the audiobook version of Ebert’s memoir. Ebert personally chose Edward Herrmann, best known as Richard Gilmore on "Gilmore Girls," to give voice to "Life Itself," according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Ebert could not do the voice himself because he can not longer speak due to a number of cancer surgeries he's had over the years.

Ebert wrote a column about his choice, saying: "Edward Herrmann is a pro. He positions the material in the foreground but he never tries to sell it. He brings it into existence clearly, concisely, with flawless control of timing and tone. It doesn't sound as if he's ‘reading.’ It sounds like he might have had these memories -- as if he's confiding events and conversations he remembers. He's friendly, but not like some affable uncle crowding you on the sofa. He doesn't insist that we listen."

Herrmann reportedly has already recorded his reading of the 448-page book. He has been nominated five times for Emmys, and won the award in 1999 for a guest appearance on “The Practice.”

Body Found in Mississippi River Is That of Actor From HBO's 'Treme'

A dead body that was found floating in the Mississippi River has been identified as that of an actor who appeared recently on the HBO drama “Treme,” the Los Angeles Times reports.

Actor Michael Showers, who played a recurring role as Capt. John Guidry in the New Orleans-based HBO show, was 45. No cause of death has been reported.

Showers played small roles in a number of movies and also made guest appearances on TV in “Breaking Bad” and “The Vampire Diaries.” He appears in the new movie “Colombiana” and had roles in “Traffic” and Jim Carrey’s “I Love You Phillip Morris,” among other films.

Showers’ girlfriend reportedly told authorities that he went out for a drink Tuesday and never returned home.

Michael Showers

Ritzy Connecticut City Kicks 'Disruptive' ABC Show Out of Town

The wealthy town of Greenwich, Conn., has kicked an ABC show out of town, reports the Greenwich Time newspaper. Officials asked the television show "What Would You Do?" to leave, describing taping of the show as "disruptive," according to the report.

"We told them, 'You can't film here,'" said Dustin Anderson, the executive assistant to First Selectman Peter Tesei, the story says. The show's crew was reportedly allowed to finish taping Tuesday but was asked to move on for its Wednesday shoot.

The hidden-camera show follows the reactions of bystanders after it stages ethically challenging situations, the story notes. According to Greenwich Police Capt. Tim Berry, the Tuesday filming involved an intoxicated adult who needed to be driven by a child, the piece adds.

A man came to a local store on Tuesday and asked employees to call police, describing a situation similar to the one staged by the show, the piece adds. Officials determined that another day of filming in the area would cause too big a disruption for local businesses.

The show is hosted by John Quinones; ABC didn't immediately return calls seeking comment.

Who WON'T Be Hosting the VMAs: MTV's Surprise Decision

MTV has made a surprising decision about the hosting of the upcoming Video Music Awards, set for Aug. 28. The cable network has decided to go without a host for the show, reports Billboard.

The decision came after MTV had a tough time finding an appropriate person to host the ceremony, the story reports, citing an interview with MTV executive Amy Doyle, who is producing the show.

Before the decision was made to put on the show without a host, Doyle noted, "It's going down to the wire. Hosting is such a unique element. We feel we got it right by putting new talent on the stage like Chelsea (Handler) and Russell (Brand). We're really challenging ourselves to find the right person so that the show feels complete."

Even though there's no host, the show will have plenty of talent, with Adele, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown and Lil Wayne among the performers booked for the Aug. 28 show, the story notes.

The network has also scheduled two concerts in L.A. in connection with VMAs weekend, featuring acts such as Cobra Starship, Joe Jonas, Miguel, Swizz Beatz and Chiddy Bang.

20th Century Fox Films Hit With Lawsuit Over 'The Wonder Years'

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. was hit with a lawsuit Wednesday, filed by a former studio executive who says he is owed unpaid bonuses linked to the show's recent syndication run, according to The Hollywood Reporter's Hollywood, Esq. blog.

Edward Gradinger, the former president of New World Pictures, sued the successor company Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp, which bought New World. Gradinger was president of New World's TV group when it debuted "Wonder Years," which ran from 1988 to 1993 on ABC. His suit claims he was awarded "bonuses" for at least 66 episodes produced and distributed while he was president, the piece notes.

The lawsuit alleges that Fox acknowledged his rights and paid him the bonuses when "Wonder Years" was sold to networks including ABC Family and Nickelodeon. But the suit claims Fox refused to pay when the series was sold in 2010 to cable network The Hub.

Damages aren't specified in the suit, and Fox wasn't immediately available for a comment, according to the piece.

'Grey's Anatomy' Creator Sells Period Drama to ABC

"Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes has sold ABC a period drama set in 1895, reports TVLine.com. 

The drama, "Gilded Lillys," is set in New York City and tracks the fictional story of the first luxury hotel built in the Big Apple, the story says.

The project is written by "The Nine" co-creator and "Gossip Girl" writer K.J. Steinberg, who will executive produce with Rhimes and Betsy Beers of "Grey's Anatomy," the story says.

Producer of Popular British Comedies -- Including 'Monty Python's Flying Circus,' 'Fawlty Towers' and 'Mr. Bean' -- Dies at 72

A former child actor who went on to produce and direct some of Britain’s most popular television comedies has died of cancer, The New York Times reports. John Howard Davies was 72.

Davies starred in the 1948 David Lean movie "Oliver Twist" when he was 8, the story says. That film starred Alec Guinness as Fagin, the old man who teaches boys how to pickpocket. Davies left acting as a teenager, and became a production assistant at BBC in 1966.

Eventually Davies headed the BBC comedy division, a role he held from 1977 to 1982, the story says. Under his management, shows such as "Yes Minister" and "Not the Nine O'Clock News" were greenlighted.

His work as producer involved some of Britain's most influential comedies, including early episodes of "Monty Python's Flying Circus," which made stars of John Cleese, Eric Idle and Terry Gilliam, as well as the 1970s series "Fawlty Towers," which starred Cleese as the rude owner of a hotel.

Davies later produced and directed "Mr. Bean," another popular British comedy, and in the 1990s produced and directed episodes of "Hope It Rains" and "Law and Disorder," among other shows.

John Howard Davies

Heather Graham to Star in Sitcom Pilot

In a rare television role for the actress, Heather Graham has signed on to star opposite Rob Corddry in Fox's comedy pilot "Little in Common," reports Deadline.com.

Graham and Corddry will play a couple who move from California to Texas, but find it tougher to adjust than they had thought, the story notes.

Graham is best known for her work in feature films, including "Drugstore Cowboy," "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me," "The Hangover" and "Boogie Nights." She is taking on a role that's been recast, as the original pilot starred Paula Marshall, the piece says.

During earlier pilot screenings, "Little in Common" had solid buzz but didn't receive a series order in May. Fox then ordered a retooled pilot for midseason consideration.

Heather Graham

Diane Keaton Back in Business With HBO -- Even After the Network Pulled the Plug on Her Comedy That Was Reportedly to Be Based on Deadline's Nikki Finke

Diane Keaton has signed a new talent holding deal with HBO, following the pay-cable network's decision not to go forward with "Tilda," a dark comedy that would have starred Keaton, reports Deadline.com.

HBO has writers developing projects for the actress, the piece notes. It had previously signed Keaton in a talent deal a few years ago, the story says.

As previously reported, HBO passed on "Tilda," about a writer said to be based on Deadline.com entertainment blogger Nikki Finke, noting that "ultimately this was not the right show for us at this time."

TeenNick Takes to Social Media for Programming Tips, Revives Two More '90s Classics for Thriving Retro Block

Even though its nostalgic programming block The ‘90s Are All That has been a ratings success, TeenNick is tinkering with the formula and will bump "Clarissa Explains It All" and "Doug" in favor of two animated shows, reports EW.com's InsideTV blog.

"Hey Arnold" and "Rocko's Modern Life" will replace the other two shows on Monday through Friday nights, joining "All That" and "Kenan and Kel," the story says. The two-hour block airs weeknights from midnight to 2 a.m. and replays from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m., the piece says.

The decision came after TeenNick polled its fans via social media sites, the story adds. TeenNick has seen a double-digit gain in viewership since debuting the programming in July, the piece points out.

Writers Make History With Contract for Web Work

Marking the first time it has signed a contract for Web news writing and promotions, the Writers Guild of America, West, signed a contract with CBS that covers 15 Web writer-producers in TV and radio news, reports the Los Angeles Times' Company Town blog.

The three-year agreement includes increases in minimum wages and establishes paid vacations, health and pension benefits and grievance procedures, the story says.

The ratification comes two years after the writer-producers voted to be represented by the guild, the article says.

Son of Ryan O'Neal and Farrah Fawcett Convicted in Drug and Weapons Case, Ordered to Rehab

Redmond O'Neal, the son of Ryan O'Neal and the late Farrah Fawcett, has been ordered to spend a year in rehab, reports Reuters.

O'Neal, 26, was arrested in Los Angeles earlier this year after police found heroin and marijuana in his car during a routine traffic stop, the story says. O'Neal pleaded no contest to drug and weapons charges on Wednesday, with the judge also sentencing him to five years’ probation, the piece adds.

U.S. Investigation Continues Into Claims of Phone Hacking of 9/11 Victims by News Corp.; Officials Meet With Victims' Families

The U.S. is continuing an inquiry into claims that News Corp. hacked into the phones of 9/11 victims, reports Bloomberg, citing an attorney for victims' families who met with Attorney General Eric Holder.

Holder met with nine family members at the Justice Department at their request, according to attorney Norman Siegel, the story says. Holder said the department is committed to the inquiry, although he wouldn't confirm whether there was evidence in News Corp. reporters' phone records, the piece adds.

The meeting, which lasted 75 minutes, included five Justice Department officials and three officials from the FBI, including Kevin Perkins, the agency's assistant director overseeing criminal investigations, the story says. Holder said that if the allegations were found to be true, there would be "full justice," according to Jim Riches, whose 29-year-old son Jim, a NYC firefighter, died in the 9/11 attacks, the piece adds.

News Corp. Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch said last month that he had seen no evidence of the allegations, the story says.

With Steve Jobs' Surprise Resignation as Apple CEO Today, What's Next for the Company?

Steve Jobs, 56,  has resigned his day-to-day responsibilities as the CEO of Apple. The company's board of directors immediately elected him chairman of the company and named Tim Cook, who has been Apple's chief operating officer, to replace Jobs as CEO.

Here's Jobs' letter of resignation:

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Here's part of a statement released by Apple:

“Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” said Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple's Board. “Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”

“The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” added Levinson. “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”

Not mentioned specifically in either statement is Jobs' health issue. He's a cancer survivor and he had a liver transplant in 2009. Jobs has been on medical leave from Apple since Jan. 17, 2011, when he sent the following email to Apple employees:

Team,

At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple’s day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.

I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.

Steve

So, what does this mean for Apple. In a quick analysis made this afternoon, Dwlight Silverman, who runs theTechBlog for the Houston Chronicle writes: "Clearly, Apple’s success has been tied closely to Jobs’ vision of personal technology. The company was at death’s door when he returned to it in 1997, affecting one of the most dramatic corporate turnarounds in American business history. Earlier this month, it became the most valuable company in the world, passing ExxonMobil...For the foreseeable future, Apple will likely continue to do well."

But then Silverman adds, "But history is not on Apple’s side. As time goes on and other leaders take Apple’s helm, the company is bound to change. Jobs’ charisma and crystal-clear vision will dim as other leaders step in over the years. Look at what has happened at HP, which had similarly inspiring founders, and at Microsoft, which seems to be unfocused after the recent departure of Bill Gates. In the short term, expect Apple to remain Apple. In the long term, unless Tim Cook can bottle Steve Jobs’ mojo and pass it down to his own successor, the future is anyone’s guess."

At 4:52 pm PT, in after hours trading, Apple stock on the NASDAQ exchange was down just over 5%, or about 18 points to $356 and change, according to Yahoo Finance.

Fox Grants a Stay of Execution to Previously Canceled Show -- 13 Episodes Ordered as Part of a Deal to Get Another Series

Fox has reversed its decision on a series it previously canceled, and will bring the show back with a new 13-episode order, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The show is the Christian Slater caper comedy "Breaking In," which was given new life as part of a deal in which Fox will get a new comedy series from Adam F. Goldberg, who is also behind “Breaking In.” Both shows are from Sony Pictures TV and are co-produced by Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison.

The new show is a single-camera project that is expected to focus on Goldberg’s 1980s upbringing. Other networks were reportedly interested in it, prompting Fox to sweeten its end of the deal by reviving “Breaking In.”

At the TCA press tour this summer, Fox entertainment chief Kevin Reilly admitted to a fondness for "Breaking In," and tipped his hand about the show’s possible fate, saying: "We had a very passionate group of producers and actors who wanted to try to keep it going. ... It still has a shot. They’ve agreed to extend an option, so we’ve kept it alive. You know what? Stranger things have happened."

Simon Cowell Reveals Why, in the End, He Really Left 'Idol'

Simon Cowell has revealed why, in the end, he really left the No. 1 show on U.S. TV, "American Idol."

According to an article in the weekly print edition of The Hollywood Reporter, "In the end, Cowell says he didn’t see much personal or professional gain from the ['American Idol' business] arrangement, other than the payday. 'My attitude on "Idol" was, I didn’t have anything,' he elaborates. 'I had a stupid three- or four-year license for the records, and that’s not what I wanted or expected.'

Of course, it was quite a payday, worth, some reports say, more than $50 million a year.

Still, Cowell tells The Reporter that it bothers him when he reads or hears remarks playing down his role in "Idol's" popularity: " 'The truth is, I was a big part of "Idol" being a success,' says Cowell. 'I worked my nuts off. Then when you read catty comments that play down my role, that’s disrespectful.' "

In the THR article Cowell also goes into some detail about what happened with Cheryl Cole, who was going to be a judge on Cowell's upcoming "The X-Factor" on Fox, but who ended up getting replaced after a few days of taping. Cole had originally been a judge on the U.K . version of "The X-Factor," which has been a big hit. Unlike on "Idol," where Cowell was just a hired hand, he owns "The X-Factor."

According to the article, "Cole’s quiet demeanor on camera prompted a call from Cowell on Day 2 of filming. 'I said: "Cheryl, you’ve got to raise your game a bit. This is America, it’s a much tougher market." ' Cowell explored the idea of having her return to the U.K. show and had even secured a substantial pay raise (more than $4 million, according to a source); 24 hours later, they were negotiating the offer. 'We had gotten to the point where she wanted my dressing room,' Cowell continues. But Cowell says Cole then never responded to the final offer. They haven't spoken since."

'Survivor: South Pacific' Brings Back Two Former Players -- Who They Are May Surprise You

Two returning contestants will be featured in the upcoming edition of CBS's long-running reality show "Survivor," reports Entertainment Weekly.

"Coach" Benjamin Wade and Ozzy Lusth are coming back for "Survivor: South Pacific," the 23rd edition of "Survivor."

Wade made it as far as the jury for the Tocantins and Heroes vs. Villains seasons, while Ozzy was a jury member on Fans vs. Favorites and a runner-up on Cook Islands.

Host Jeff Probst commented on the two men, telling EW: "Coach? He blew it in Heroes vs. Villains. He blew it seven different ways. And Ozzy got voted out with an idol in his hand! If that doesn’t speak to how bad you are in the social part of this game. So we looked at it and said here are two guys that do have a redemption story. Yes, you’ve played. Yes, you’re popular, but you don’t know what you’re doing in this game.”

Video: Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan Talks About Allowing TV Cameras Into the Supreme Court. Here Are Her Unexpected Thoughts on the Matter

Discovery Orders Car Series With a Twist

Discovery has announced a new car-oriented reality show called "Carfellas," reports Entertainment Weekly. 

The angle is that the car folk to be featured on the show are all ex-cons. The show follows former prisoner Mike DeLucia and his buddies as they sell cars on a lot in Long Island, N.Y.

The network has ordered 12 episodes of "Carfellas," set to debut later this year. Discovery will preview the program on Monday, Aug. 29, at 10 p.m. ET, after "American Chopper."

Old Spice Guy Joins New Network Cop Show

The actor who has made a big splash with his appearances in commercials as the Old Spice Guy is moving into a role on a new prime-time cop show, TVLine.com reports.

Isaiah Mustafa will take on a recurring role on ABC’s new reboot of “Charlie’s Angels.” Mustafa will play Det. Ray Goodson, the former fiance of Angel Kate, who is being played by "General Hospital" star Annie Ilonzeh.

"Charlie's Angels" will air Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET. The season premiere is Sept. 22.

Music Icon Set for Amy Winehouse Tribute at VMAs -- and He's Bringing Video of Their Collaboration

At MTV’s upcoming Video Music Awards, a music icon and multiple Grammy winner will present a special tribute to the late Amy Winehouse, RollingStone.com reports.

Tony Bennett, making his first visit to the VMAs since 1993, will unveil footage of himself and Winehouse in the recording studio working on a number for his upcoming "Duets II" album.

Bennett and Winehouse recorded the song "Body and Soul" for the album, working together in London back in March.

In a statement about Winehouse's recent passing, Bennett said: "It was a thrill to record with Amy Winehouse, and when you listen to the recording of 'Body and Soul,' it is a testament to her artistic genius and her brilliance as one of the most honest musicians I have ever known.”

Video: Tennessee Women's Basketball Coach Pat Summitt Opens Up About Her Dementia Diagnosis

The winningest college basketball coach in history released a video in which she talks about her diagnosis of early-onset dementia, CNN.com reports.

Pat Summitt, head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers women’s basketball team, announced in the video, addressed to her “Tennessee family” -- the university, boosters and fans -- that she was diagnosed earlier this year by doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., with a form of Alzheimer’s disease. She said she will continue to coach the team.

She asked viewers to respect her privacy as she continues to deal with her health issues.

Here’s the video, posted by CNN:

Tuesday Ratings: NBC Wins the Night With Two-Hour 'America's Got Talent'

A two-hour edition of "America's Got Talent" helped NBC coast to an easy win in the Tuesday night ratings, TVbytheNumbers.com reports.

NBC wound up with a 2.4 average rating for the night in the 18-49 demo, easily beating Univision (1.5 average), ABC (1.5), CBS (1.5) and Fox (0.8). NBC also won total viewers, averaging 9.2 million to 8.4 million for CBS, 4.6 million for ABC, 3.8 million for Univision and 2.4 million for Fox.

At 8 p.m. the lone new program for the hour was NBC's "It's Worth What?," which managed a 1.1 average rating in the 18-49 demographic.

From 9 to 11 p.m. "America's Got Talent" earned a 3.1 in the 18-49 demographic, ahead of ABC's two one-hour shows, "Take the Money & Run" (1.6) and "Combat Hospital" (1.0).

Popular 'Jimmy Kimmel' Cast Member Dies

A former police officer who became a character on his nephew Jimmy Kimmel's television show has died, reports the Associated Press.

Frank Potenza, a retired cop and security guard, was 77. He was "beloved by his co-workers and considered an uncle to all," according to a statement from ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" The show is on hiatus until Sept. 6 and ABC didn't have information about whether there will be an on-air tribute to "Uncle Frank.”

Potenza worked as a police officer for 20 years before working as a security guard in Las Vegas and at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan. Kimmel then asked him to move to Los Angeles and work with him, with Potenza appearing in uniform in comedy bits with Guillermo Rodriguez, an actual parking lot security guard, the story says.

Potenza also appeared with his former wife on the show, with Kimmel sending them on "adventures" to learn self-defense, for example, the piece adds.

Frank Potenza

After 11-Year-Old Bashes His 'Mad Men' TV Mom, Another Cast Member Comes to Her Defense

A "Mad Men" co-star came out in defense of January Jones after 11-year-old actor Jared Gilmore made some not-so-flattering comments about her, reports E! Online.

Gilmore, who played Jones' son on the AMC show before leaving for a role on another show, told TVGuide.com that he had advice for his successor: "Be careful around January Jones. She's not as approachable as the others."

Another cast member, John Slattery, later stepped up to defend Jones, E! notes. "Well, it's an intimidating character," Slattery said. "I mean, that's the character. Betty Draper is an intimidating woman, I suppose, if you were a 7-year-old boy [or] her son."

Slattery, who plays Roger Sterling on the show, also called Jones a "sweetheart," the story says.

Gilmore, who played Don and Betty Draper’s son Bobby on “Mad Men,” left the show this year for a job on the new ABC show “Once Upon a Time.” Talking about his “Mad Men” TV mom he also told TV Guide: “She’s really serious about what she does.”

And it’s apparently just her. His thoughts on the rest of the cast: “Everyone else is so nice.”

Novels by One of the Best-Selling Thriller Writers in the World Being Developed as TV Series by Creator of 'NCIS: Los Angeles'

Four novels by one of the world's best-selling thriller writers are being developed into a TV series by Shane Brennan, the creator of "NCIS: Los Angeles," Deadline.com reports.

The novels, by David Balducci, are known as the King and Maxwell series, as they feature two former Secret Service agents-turned private eyes named Sean King and Michelle Maxwell.

According to the article, " 'David has created a fascinating world with those 2 characters who are involved in the shadowy side of the power and politics from inside the Beltway to Wall Street,' Brennan said. Because a broadcast series calls for 22-24 episodes a season, 'we’ll take the characters further than David would do,' Brennan said, 'but we will be very true to the mythology of the characters he created.' Balducci himself had offered to help in bringing his heroes to the screen."

For our money here at TVWeek, we think Balducci may be the premier mainstream thriller writer around today. Furthermore, his works are surprisingly absent from Hollywood, for the most part. Prior to this announcement, the only Balducci work tackled by Hollywood has been Clint Eastwood's 1997 theatrical movie "Absolute Power," based on Balducci's novel of the same name. That movie had William Goldman adapting the novel.

The four King and Maxwell novels that will be the basis of the series are "Split Second," "Hour Game," "Simple Genius" and "First Family."

Brennan's self-named production company, based at CBS Studios, will be developing the project for CBS. "Brennan has tapped CBS TV Studios’ current executive Grant Anderson to run his Shane Brennan Prods. as president," the article adds.

One final note. If you have not read Balducci before, we here at TVWeek highly recommend his "The Simple Truth" as a good starting point. (It's got nothing to do with the 1986 movie of the same name.) In 1999 then President Bill Clinton said Balducci's "The Simple Truth" was his favorite novel of the year. With the dog-days of summer upon us, it's a great page-turner to read at the beach or the pool or wherever you may be trying to beat the heat.

One Mobile Device Reportedly Continued to Work Through East Coast Quake While the Others Failed

When Tuesday’s earthquake on the East Coast created a communications emergency, one device reportedly rose above the fray and continued to work while others failed, Bloomberg reports.

In what may prove to be a boon for Research in Motion, its BlackBerry devices continued to deliver email messages while calls on other services such as Verizon Communications failed as people tried to reach friends and relatives, the story reports.

The BlackBerry, once the country’s top smartphone, is trying to regain market share after falling behind Apple's iPhone and devices running Google's Android software, the story notes. RIM relies on thousands of its own servers for email service instead of phone companies' networks, the piece points out.

RIM's service operated normally all day, while a spokesman for Verizon said some customers had to call several times to get through in a few places, the piece notes. Sprint Nextel said there were no reports of "impact to its network," although the company was encouraging people to text rather than to call, the piece says.

Envelope With White Powder and Threatening Letter Sent to Late-Night Host Craig Ferguson

Late-night host Craig Ferguson revealed that an envelope filled with white powder was mailed to his show in Los Angeles, reports The New York Times' ArtsBeat blog.

The host of CBS’s “Late Late Show" wrote on his Twitter account Tuesday evening, "I'm not a big fan of that sort of thing," the story reports. Ferguson also tweeted that the sender claimed the substance was anthrax.

Two people at CBS Television City who were exposed to the powder at 3 p.m. were temporarily placed in isolation, the Associated Press reported.

The pair were released after it was determined that the powder was benign, the piece notes. Nevertheless, the FBI is working with the police to find the sender of the envelope, which included a threatening letter aimed at Ferguson, the story says. The police declined to disclose the threat, although the letter was sent from overseas, the article adds.

Ferguson joked about the letter on his show, notes The Times.

“Nowadays white powder in the mail is a bad thing," he said. "I called CBS security and they said, ‘We’re busy.’ So I told them I am a personal friend of Drew Carey and they sent somebody over right away.”

Carey, who gave Ferguson a part on his ABC sitcom "The Drew Carey Show," is now the host of CBS's "The Price Is Right."

The anthrax scare comes on the heels of an Internet death threat against Ferguson’s CBS late-night colleague David Letterman, whose Worldwide Pants produces Ferguson’s show.

Former 'Glee' Actor Heads Back to School on Another Network

A former actor on Fox’s “Glee” will be back in school when he returns to network TV on another show, TVGuide.com reports.

Chord Overstreet, who was a student at “Glee’s” McKinley High, will be a teacher this time. He will play an elementary school teacher in a guest appearance on ABC's "The Middle," the story says.

Overstreet will play Ralph Wilkerson, young Brick Heck’s fourth-grade teacher, who is enthusiastic and energetic but might be too forward-thinking for Brick's parents, the story says.

NBC's 'Prime Suspect' Remake Taps Comic Actor

NBC's remake of the BBC police drama "Prime Suspect" is bringing aboard a comic actor, reports EW.com's Inside TV blog.

The show has tapped Jay Mohr for a guest appearance that could become a recurring role, according to the report.

Mohr, who most recently appeared on CBS's "Gary Unmarried," will appear in "Prime Suspect's" first season as New York City Assistant District Attorney John Bullock, the story says.

His character won't be on the same wavelength as Maria Bello's Jane Timoney, the piece adds.

Why One Wall Street Analyst Thinks Selling Hulu Would Be a 'Mistake of Epic Proportions'

One Wall Street analyst is arguing that it would be a "mistake of epic proportions" for News Corp., The Walt Disney Co. and NBCUniversal parent Comcast to sell Hulu, reports the Los Angeles Times' Company Town blog.

"Media companies should be going out of their way to retain ownership of Hulu and allow it to flourish," wrote Richard Greenfield, a media analyst with BTIG. "The bigger Hulu gets, the more dollars it can pay content creators on an annual basis."

Hulu has attracted interest from companies including Amazon.com, DirecTV, Google and Yahoo, who are expected to submit bids as high as $2 billion for the service, the story says. Initial bids were expected to come in today.

Hulu has been gaining momentum and is on pace to hit $500 million in revenue this year, Greenfield notes.

The Times story reports: “Hulu's media owners have long struggled with the service's success, which some see as threatening established business relationships with cable, satellite and telecommunications companies. These distributors have balked at paying for popular prime-time shows that Hulu has made available online for free a scant 24 hours after an episode's initial airing.”

But Greenfield noted that the trend toward “authentication” -- allowing only cable and satellite subscribers to gain immediate online access to current shows -- "solves that problem for very recent content."

Andre Braugher in Talks for Role on 'Law & Order: SVU'

Two-time Emmy winner Andre Braugher is in talks for a role on NBC's "Law & Order: SVU," reports Deadline.com. 

Braugher, who last month received his second consecutive Emmy nomination for his role on the now-canceled TNT comedy "Men of a Certain Age," is closing in on a recurring role on "SVU" as an attorney who may get close to Det. Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay. His character works for the underprivileged, the piece adds.

Braugher guest-starred in an episode of "Law & Order" 15 years ago, the story notes. He won an Emmy in 1998 for another NBC crime drama, “Homicide: Life on the Street,” and has another Emmy to his credit, for FX’s “Thief” in 2006.

Fox Defends Hulu Delay After Report of Piracy Surge

Fox Television is defending its plan to delay the online availability of its shows on Hulu by eight days after reports that piracy for the network's shows is surging, according to The Hollywood Reporter's Hollywood, Esq. blog.

Since the delay went into effect this month, two Fox shows that aren't in reruns saw a jump in piracy, with "Hell's Kitchen" more than doubling in downloads on BitTorrent and "MasterChef" almost tripling, the story says.

Scott Grogin, a spokesman for the network, said the reason for the delay was "about receiving fair value so we can continue to produce this expensive and high-quality programming. We are pursuing a strategy where the 90+ million households who pay to watch our programming via cable/satellite/telco will ultimately receive maximum benefit."

Grogin added he doesn't want to get lost in "piracy claims that may or may not be accurate regarding two shows," the story notes. He added, "We take content theft very seriously."

NBC Buys 1980s Wrestling Drama from 'The Rock' and Jerry Bruckheimer

NBC has bought a wrestling drama set in the 1980s that is executive produced by Dwayne Johnson, the wrestler-turned-actor also known as "The Rock," from Jerry Bruckheimer Television, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The one-hour project has a put pilot commitment from the network, the story says. It also counts Brent Fletcher and Seamus Kevin Fahey, writers on "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," as co-executive producers and writers, the piece notes.

Pop Superstar Tapes Appearance on 'The Simpsons'

One of music’s biggest stars has recorded an appearance on Fox’s long-running animated hit "The Simpsons," reports EW.com's Inside TV blog.

Lady Gaga will be heard in an episode called "Lisa Goes Gaga," in which the singer stops in Springfield after learning that the town is filled with low self-esteem, the story says. She ends up cheering up Lisa through singing and a flash mob, the story says.

“I would say this is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done,” the singer said. “My dad’s probably going to do 80 backflips when the episode comes out.”

According to some reports, the episode will include a kiss between Lady Gaga and Marge Simpson.

The episode will air in the spring of 2012, the piece notes.

TNT Unveils Fall/Winter Schedule

TNT has rolled out its lineup for the upcoming season, with the cable channel’s original programming to return starting Nov. 27, Multichannel News reports.

“Leverage” returns that night for its fourth season, which will consist of eight episodes.

“The Closer” returns for its seventh and final season Nov. 28 at 9 p.m., rolling out the first of five new episodes before the last six episodes will play out in summer 2012. “The Closer” will be followed Nov. 28 by the return of “Rizzoli & Isles” at 10 p.m., with five new episodes on the schedule.

“Southland’s” fourth season premieres Jan. 17 at 10 p.m.

Launching Nov. 29 is “The TNT Mystery Movie Night,” which will be a showcase for original movies. First up is Scott Turow’s “Innocent.”

A couple of specials are set: “Christmas in Washington,” to air Dec. 16 at 8 p.m.; and the “18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards,” a live simulcast with TBS, set for Jan. 29 at 8 p.m.

Alaska Mom Convicted of Child Abuse for Hot-Sauce Punishment of Son -- an Apparent Ploy to Get on 'Dr. Phil'

An Alaska mother was convicted of misdemeanor child abuse Tuesday for forcing her 7-year-old adopted son to keep hot sauce in his mouth for more than a minute -- a punishment that prosecutors said may have been designed to get her on "Dr. Phil," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Jessica Beagley also made her son stand in a cold shower when he misbehaved, the story says. The punishments were videotaped and used during an October 2010 "Mommy Confessions" segment on "Dr. Phil," the article notes.

Beagley had first contacted the show in 2009 to join in an "Angry Moms" discussion, the story says. She asked her 10-year-old daughter to tape her punishing her son a year and a half later after the show's producers said they needed tape of her disciplining him, the story says.

Her defense team said she resorted to these types of punishments because nothing else had worked, the piece adds.

Stations Scramble to Cover Quakes (Surprisingly, Not in California); CNN Divides Time Between Big News Stories

With earthquakes in both the Eastern and Western United States, TV stations’ news operations scrambled to stay on top of the natural disasters, B&C reports.

Cable news outlets such as CNN, meanwhile, had to divide their attention between breaking events at home and abroad, as Libyan rebels seized the compound of Moammar Gadhafi. CNN captured the moment live on video from Tripoli, where correspondent Sara Sidner, in full battle dress, covered the seizure of the compound and the subsequent celebration live.

Stations on the U.S. East Coast, where earthquakes are relatively rare, were caught off guard by a 5.9 quake that hit suburban Virginia and was felt across several states.

Bill Lord, VP of news at WJLA-TV in the Washington market, said: "We all felt it -- we all thought it was a Metro train going under us. Then it got worse and worse and worse."

B&C reports: “Lord, speaking about 30 minutes after the quake, said staffers promptly resorted to their ‘battle stations,’ such as the control room and out in the field, to tackle the unique story. ‘The sites are going crazy, [News Channel 8] cable is going crazy, the stations are on all over the place,’ he says.”

Across town, the quake shook the NBC building in northwest Washington, where WRC-TV Senior Producer of Content Matt Glassman, who has worked in the town for 23 years, commented: “I’ve never felt anything like this in Washington.”

WRC “had the good fortune of having anchor Barbara Harrison shoot a cooking segment with a couple local chefs from her home as the quake hit, which provided a live shot of the frightful shaking,” B&C reports.

An earlier earthquake measuring 5.3 hit Colorado late Monday, followed by a series of strong aftershocks. While quakes are more common in the West, this one got people’s attention. "Usually they shake the windows and don't really do anything," said Greg Boyce, interim news director at KOAA-TV in the Colorado Springs market. "This one actually did some damage."

Here's some of CNN's video from Tripoli, Libya:

TV Writer Suggests Scrapping 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' in Wake of Suicide

A television writer who says season one of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” was one of the best shows ever to come out of Bravo is calling for the show to take drastic action in the wake of the suicide of Russell Armstrong, the estranged husband of one of the show’s cast members.

Tom Gliatto writes in People magazine: “The fact remains that public interest in the show is now higher than ever. But, in a better world, Bravo would just go ahead and scrap not just the season but the entire series. And I say that as a fan of the show.”

Instead, the upcoming second season of the show is likely to be postponed and re-edited to remove and reshape references to Armstrong. His estranged wife, Taylor Armstrong, remains an integral part of the show.

Gliatto writes: “The death of Russell can’t be treated merely as an act of God or some incidental tragedy. His suicide by hanging weeks before the premiere was intimately connected with Taylor's public and personal life. It may very well be that his death would have happened without press scrutiny, without Taylor's overnight fame and the disturbing revelations about his abusive behavior, but the possibility can't be eliminated. This isn't a garnish of parsley that can be scraped aside and off the plate.”

In a related development, The Huffington Post reports that production on one of the franchise’s other shows, “Real Housewives of New York City,” has been postponed by three weeks. The move is considered to be a ripple effect of Russell Armstrong’s suicide.

In addition, “New York” is reportedly sticking with its existing cast members, despite rumors that the lineup would be changing.

A source was quoted as saying: "After what has happened, it might be more beneficial to proceed with the devil you know. The New York cast is certainly wacky, but for the most part, we are all mentally stable, which has to be a bigger priority at the moment than making crazy TV."

Amy Winehouse Toxicology Report Contains a Surprise

The family of singer Amy Winehouse, who was found dead July 23, revealed that toxicology results have come in and there’s a surprise in the report: No illegal drugs were found in Winehouse’s system, Reuters reports.

Winehouse died in her London home at age 27, and while an autopsy failed to determine her cause of death it was widely assumed that substance abuse played a role. That assumption has yet to be confirmed or refuted, with full results of an inquest into Winehouse’s death expected in October.

Winehouse’s ongoing struggle with addiction, including a series of attempts to clean up, was widely covered by the media.

News Veteran Bill Moyers Returns to TV With New Show

News anchor Bill Moyers, once a mainstay on PBS, is returning to television with "Moyers & Company," a new hourlong interview show that will appear on American Public Television, reports The New York Times.

The program will seek to interview unique guests, "thinkers who can help us understand the chaos of this time," Moyers told the newspaper.

The program will be broadcast on WNET in New York City on Sundays at 6 p.m. ET. The APT outlets that broadcast the show will be allowed to choose the time slots when they will air the show.

Moyers retired from PBS in April 2010. For the new show, Moyers received $2 million from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. He first went to PBS with the show, but was told there was no appropriate time slot for the new program.

The Times reported that Anne Bentley, a spokesperson for PBS, issued a statement saying, "Bill Moyers has been a distinctive voice on public television for decades,” and adding that his new show "will build on this legacy."

Rev. Al Sharpton Gets Nightly Show

The Rev. Al Sharpton, who has been appearing on a fill-in basis on MSNBC, has been given a weeknight show on the cable network, Multichannel News reports.

The new show, “PoliticsNation,” will air nightly at 6 p.m. ET, starting Aug. 29.

It had been widely anticipated that Sharpton, a minister and outspoken civil rights activist, would get the 6 p.m. slot on the network. He has been guest-hosting a number of MSNBC shows, including “MSNBC Live” and “The Ed Show.”

In a statement, MSNBC President Phil Griffin said: "I've known Rev. Sharpton for over a decade and have tremendous respect for him. He has always been one of our most thoughtful and entertaining guests. I'm thrilled that he's now reached a point in his career where he's able to devote himself to hosting a nightly show. ‘PoliticsNation’ is going to be an incredibly strong kick-off to our evening schedule."

The show will be executive produced by Matthew Saal.

NBA Stars Head to 'Law & Order: SVU'

While the NBA continues to have a labor dispute that threatens the upcoming season, two major NBA stars will be appearing as themselves on NBC's "Law & Order: SVU," reports NBCNews.com.

Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony will appear on the Sept. 28 episode, "Personal Fouls." The two basketball stars are in the opening scene and the show's climax.

Also in the episode are Dan Lauria, best known from "The Wonder Years," and the rapper/actor Heavy D.

NBC's "Law & Order: SVU" will air Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET.

Veteran Feature Director Inks Deal With ABC Studios

Jon Turteltaub, a veteran film director and the executive producer of "Jericho," has inked a deal with ABC Studios to produce TV series through his Junction Entertainment production company, Deadline.com reports.

Turteltaub had been with CBS TV Studios for four years, spearheading the series "Jericho" and "Harper's Island." The USA Network program "Common Law," which has yet to bow, is also one of Turteltaub's productions.

His new pact with ABC Studios is an overall deal for two years.

As a feature director, Turteltaub had a hit in 2004 with "National Treasure," starring Nicolas Cage, and more recently directed "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" -- also with Cage.

Junction Entertainment has been run by Karim Zreik and Dan Shotz for more than 10 years, the story notes.

'Charlie' Issues: Why Sheen's Ex Turned Down Guest Appearance on 'Two and a Half Men'

Actress Denise Richards, Charlie Sheen’s ex, declined an invitation to appear on CBS's "Two and a Half Men" because she wanted to avoid a scene with her ex-husband, the former star of that sitcom, reports TMZ.com.

Richards was asked to be in the upcoming season premiere -- the episode in which Sheen’s character, Charlie Harper, is reported dead -- but she said no, telling sources that she “would never hear the end of it from Charlie."

Richards recently has been a regular on the Spike series "Blue Mountain State" and starred in the 2008-09 E! reality TV show "Denise Richards: It's Complicated."

Dueling 'Glee' Divas? Show May Have Downsized One Singer's Appearances to Avoid Upsetting Another Star

Fox’s “Glee” reportedly cut down dramatically on the screen time and singing time for one big-voiced diva during the past season to avoid upsetting another one. According to a source, Charice Pempengco had her vocal numbers cut back to avoid upsetting Lea Michele, reports the New York Post's Page Six.

Pempengco plays Sunshine Corazon, an exchange student who competes against Rachel Berry, played by Michele. Pempengco’s scenes were cut after she and Michele recorded their version of "Telephone," a hit song for Lady Gaga and Beyonce, for the season opener, the story says. The show's producers are trying to keep Michele happy, the piece adds.

A "Glee" representative denied the report, saying, "While it is true that [Pempengco] appeared in fewer episodes last year than we originally anticipated, this was due to her busy schedule and the natural creative process in which some story arcs ... did not materialize as planned. Lea is a consummate pro who couldn’t be more welcoming of other powerhouse singers on the show."

Michele has had only good things to say about Pempengco, saying recently: “She’s definitely the tiniest ball of talent I’ve ever seen in my life. Charice is beyond talented!”

Part of the problem may be attributed to show creator Ryan Murphy, who raved about Pempengco during the season, saying: “She’s coming back for five episodes at the end of the year. Lots of big, big, big ballads for Charice.” Pempengco then resurfaced in a smaller role in only the final two episodes of the season, the story notes.

David Letterman Responds to Al Qaeda Death Threat

After receiving a death threat from a message board used by Al Qaeda, late-night host David Letterman responded Monday by poking fun of it in his "Top 10" list and monologue, reports Bill Carter in The New York Times' Media Decoder blog.

The Top 10 list, “Top 10 things that went through my mind after I heard about the threat," included jokes such as:

Number 8: “Why is the staff in such a good mood?”

Number 4: “How can someone be so angry at a time when Kim Kardashian is so happy?”

Number 3: “Some people get Emmy nominations; some people get death threats.”

During his monologue, Letterman also made several jokes, such as: “I have a fatwa on me. And they say the guy that issued the fatwa is an Internet jihadist. Internet jihadist, and I said, ‘Well, heck, who says Obama isn’t creating jobs?’"

And: “State Department authorities are looking into this. They’re not taking this lightly. They’re looking into it. They’re questioning, they’re interrogating, there’s an electronic trail -- but everybody knows it’s Leno.”

'Housewives' Husband Called Bravo Executives 'Bastards' in Interview Shortly Before Hanging Himself

In one of Russell Armstrong's final interviews before he committed suicide earlier this month, the estranged husband of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong lashed out at Bravo, reports Maer Roshan at TheFix.com.

"As it happens, I'd met with the 47-year-old venture capitalist two months ago, and continued a dialogue with him until shortly before he hanged himself," Roshan writes. Armstrong was interested in buying a piece of TheFix.com, he notes, which was how the two met.

Armstrong criticized the show's producers for portraying him as a villain, Roshan writes. "Everything you see on that show is bullshit," Armstrong said. "Those Bravo bastards take every little argument out of context and just magnify it. They think that tension drives ratings, and of course they're right."

Roshan notes that TheFix.com's interest in joining in a partnership ended when he learned of allegations that Armstrong had illegally pocketed a $1.5 million investment, the story notes.

TV Industry Employing Fewer Women, Both In Front of and Behind the Camera; Study Reveals Which Broadcast Networks Had the Highest and Lowest Ratios

The television industry employed fewer women in the 2010-11 season, with fewer females both in front of the camera and behind it, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Just 15% of the writers on prime-time dramas, comedies and reality shows on broadcast networks were women during the last TV season, compared with 29% for the 2009-10 season, the story says, citing a study from the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University.

Even fewer were represented in the director's role, where 11% were women during the past season, down from 16% in the 2009-10 season, the piece notes.

As for on-air characters, women accounted for 41% of all TV characters, down from a record high of 43% the year before, the story says.

The study, which has been undertaken since the 1995-96 season, found that The CW was the most realistic, with female characters representing 52% of its entire TV population, "in accurate proportion to their representation in the U.S. population," according to the study.

NBC had the lowest percentage of women on-air, with just 36%, the story says.

'Modern Family' Star Working on HBO Project About One of the Most Infamous Show Biz Scandals of All Time

One of the stars of ABC’s "Modern Family" is working on an HBO Films project focusing on one of the biggest stars of the silent film era, reports Joe Adalian in New York Magazine's Vulture blog.

Eric Stonestreet, who plays Cameron on “Modern Family,” is behind the project about silent film star Fatty Arbuckle, who faced three trials after being charged with the rape and murder of actress Virginia Rappe. The case effectively ended Arbuckle’s career even though he was acquitted. It remains one of the most infamous show business scandals ever.

The project is called "The Day the Laughter Stopped," with "John Adams" writer Kirk Ellis working on the script and Barry Levinson attached to direct. It's based on a book of the same name by David A. Yallop.

"When the charges were filed, Paramount had just wrapped production on three Arbuckle pictures worth, in today's terms, nearly $200 million, but the studio decided it couldn't wait for a verdict and shelved them all," Adalian writes.

Stonestreet said he has been thinking about playing Arbuckle since the late 1990s, the story notes.

"In addition to the fact that I'm from Kansas and he's from Kansas, I just always found it to be such a fascinating and tragic story," Stonestreet said. "He went from this jolly person who fell down and entertained people into a sexual deviant. It's a true story people don't know about, with a twist."

A Headline on The New Yorker Website Says It All: 'Jerry Leiber: Half of Everything.' One of the True Legends of Rock 'n' Roll Has Died. Leiber Co-Wrote Classics Including 'Stand By Me,' 'Hound Dog,' 'Poison Ivy' -- the List Goes On & On

"Jerry Leiber, who with his songwriting partner Mike Stoller created a songbook that infused the rock 'n' roll scene of the 1950s and early '60s with energy and mischievous humor, has died," reports the Los Angeles Times. He was 78.

Stoller, who is also 78, is still very robustly with us. He was seen this past season on "American Idol," when the contestants sang songs written by Leiber and Stoller.

The article adds, "Leiber, the words half of the duo, died Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles of cardiopulmonary failure, said Randy Poe, president of the songwriters' music publishing company."

In a tribute at the website of The New Yorker that carries the headline: "Jerry Leiber: Half of Everything," Ben Greenman writes, "Listing the great rock ‘n’ roll songs that Jerry Leiber wrote, mostly with his partner Mike Stoller, is listing rock ‘n’ roll: there’s 'Hound Dog,' which Big Mama Thornton recorded, powerfully, and then Elvis Presley rerecorded, definitively; 'Jailhouse Rock,' also Elvis; 'Yakety Yak,' 'Poison Ivy,' 'Charlie Brown,' and almost two dozen more Coasters classics; 'Stand By Me' (with Ben E. King); 'Spanish Harlem' (with Phil Spector); 'On Broadway' (with Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill)."

The L.A. Times article adds, "As Leiber-Stoller biographer Robert Graham wrote, the Coasters' songs 'were arguably the most enduring and hands-down funniest records of the rock 'n' roll era.' With their sassy lyrics and playful melodies, the songs liberated American teenagers to enjoy their youth and poke fun at their elders."

The pairing of the famous duo began, the L.A. Times notes, "When Leiber and Stoller met in Los Angeles in 1950 as teenagers, their talent for writing songs together was so immediate that they each described it as 'spontaneous combustion.' It was not unusual for them to write a song in a matter of minutes, songs that to their surprise were still being sung and recorded four or five decades later."

A final tribute: Here's rare footage of a live version of Peggy Lee singing her hit version of Leiber and Stoller's "Is That All There Is?":

Sordid Past of Bravo 'Real Housewife' Being Shopped as Scripted Series

The sordid past of one of the former cast members of Bravo’s "Real Housewives" franchise is being shopped by Sony Pictures as a new scripted TV series for a fall 2012 start, reports the New York Post.

The series involves the story of Danielle Staub, a former cast member of "Real Housewives of New Jersey." The show is based on the out-of-print true crime book "Cop Without a Badge," which outlines Staub's past arrest on drug and kidnapping charges, the story says.

The book focuses on former con man Kevin Maher, who became an undercover informant for the New York Police Department and FBI in the 1980s, the piece adds. Staub was Maher's girlfriend during the time, although she allegedly lived under her birth name, Beverly Merrill.

Staub left "Real Housewives" last year.

Sony won't hire actors until next year, when it plans to make a pilot. The TV show will be written by "Law & Order" alumnus David Black and former "Cosby Mysteries" writer Charles Kipps.

MTV Developing Scripted Show With 'Wonder Years' Star Fred Savage

Seeking to add to its scripted programming, MTV is developing a show with "The Wonder Years" star Fred Savage, who would serve as executive producer, according to The Hollywood Reporter's The Live Feed blog. The show is called “Bottomfeeders.”

Savage would also direct if the project receives a pilot order, the story says. Stand-up comic Arden Myrin (“Chelsea Lately”) would star in and write the project with Bruce McCoy, who worked with Myrin on "Mad TV," the story says.

'Survivor' Winner Continues Legal Fight From Prison, Says He's Destitute

The original "Survivor" winner is claiming he's destitute and is asking for a court-appointed attorney to help him appeal a nine-month sentence for tax evasion, reports the Associated Press.

Richard Hatch, 50, was returned to prison for failing to pay taxes on his $1 million winnings from the first season of the CBS reality show, the story says. He's appealing to the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, although the federal court in Rhode Island is likely to rule on whether he's entitled to free legal representation, the piece notes.

Hatch asserted he's "financially destitute" in a handwritten court filing, the story adds. He is currently doing time in a West Virginia prison, where he is due to be released in December.

ABC Developing 'Jekyll & Hyde'-Inspired Drama From Oscar-Nominated Writer

A modern-day version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has been set up at ABC, reportsn our friend Nellie Andreeva at Deadline.com.

The project from Sheldon Turner--who was nominated for an Academy Award for the George Clooney film "Up in the Air"--and ABC Studios, marking the first sale for Turner's Vendetta production company set up with Jennifer Klein.

The company has a first-look deal with ABC Studios, the story says.

According to the article, "Turner will write 'Hyde,' which centers on Grant Hyde, a thirtysomething ER doctor with a degenerative eye condition who is conflict-averse and hesitant to be captain of his own destiny. After attempting an experimental treatment to improve his eyesight, he begins to experience a strange side effect — when he goes to sleep, his id manifests itself as Hyde, a fearless, gregarious personality who takes control where Grant cannot."

'Fear Factor' Stuntman Seriously Injured While Testing New Challenge for Show

A stuntman for NBC's "Fear Factor" was seriously injured while testing a new challenge that will be featured on the show, reports TMZ.com.

The stuntman broke both ankles when a safety mechanism failed during a jump from the height of six stories, the piece notes. His fall was slowed by a backup safety mechanism, and he was quickly taken to a hospital for his injuries, the story says.

"Safety is our first priority, and because of that we test these stunts repeatedly with trained stuntmen to ensure our contestants' well-being." the show's producers said.

The accident follows another incident on the set of the show earlier this month, when a contestant was taken to the hospital after a truck she was standing on hit a stunt car. The contestant reportedly had no major injuries.

Real Soap Opera Behind the Scenes: Darren Star, Who Created the TV Version of 'Sex and the City' and 'Beverly Hills, 90210,' Is Off the Set of ABC's 'Good Christian Belles'

A rift between executive producer Darren Star -- known for creating hits such as "Sex and the City" -- and other exec producers of ABC’s “Good Christian Belles” has pushed Star off the set, reports Nellie Andreeva at Deadline.com. Star remains with the show, according to the story, but is working from a distance.

The tension is reportedly between Star and writer and executive producer Robert Harling, with EPs and showrunners Aaron Harberts and Gretchen Berg aligned with Harling. Star, who also oversees marketing for the show, no longer talks with Harling, Harberts or Berg and no longer goes to either the set or his office for the show, according to the story.

The trouble apparently started when ABC marketed "Good Christian Belles" at its upfront presentation as a Darren Star series, without mentioning Harling, the article says. Things got worse as Harling, Harberts and Berg started getting the show's staff together to work on scripts, with input from Star coming from afar, the piece notes.

Harling and Star have a longtime friendship, with Star bringing in Harling to write the TV adaptation of the book "Good Christian Bitches," the article adds.

"In the end, I hear the work environment became intolerable, prompting ABC Studios to come up with the new arrangement, which is deemed temporary, at least for now, until things get smoothed out," Andreeva writes.

Star continues to provide notes on scripts and cuts to the studio, the story notes.

Donald Trump Creating Scripted Show Set in Trump Tower

Donald Trump is reportedly creating a scripted series based on characters living in New York's Trump Tower, according to the New York Post.

The world-famous address -- a 68-story building at 721 Fifth Avenue that has been home to the likes of Johnny Carson, Michael Jackson and Steven Spielberg, among others -- would be the focal point of the drama series. While the show would be fictional, the writers might have some fun with real-life celebrities who could be inserted into the setting.

According to Michael Cohen, Trump's special counsel, "Several major networks and cable channels have already called, and a battle has begun to see where it will air."

Producers are reportedly reaching out to A-list celebs for key roles.

ABC Commits to Drama From 'The Shield' Creator Shawn Ryan

ABC is in business with the creator of “The Shield,” who is joining forces with “Dead Like Me” writer Karl Gajdusek to bring a futuristic thriller to the network, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The network has committed to a pilot for “The Last Resort,” from “The Shield’s” Shawn Ryan. Produced by Sony Pictures Television, the show focuses on the activities of an isolated U.S. nuclear submarine.

The pilot will be written by Gajdusek and Ryan.

Ryan also executive produced "The Chicago Code," which ran for 13 episodes on Fox earlier this year.

Oscar Winner Among Those Fleeing to Safety as Fire Destroys Richard Branson's Island Mansion

About 20 people, including an Oscar-winning actress, fled to safety as an overnight fire destroyed an eight-bedroom house on billionaire Richard Branson’s private island, the L.A. Times reports in the Ministry of Gossip blog.

Actress Kate Winslet, an Academy Award winner in 2009 for “The Reader,” and her children were among those escaping the fire in the building known as the Great House. Winslet was vacationing with her two children and her boyfriend on Branson’s Necker Island.

Branson, who was staying nearby with his wife and son, Sam, 25, attributed the fire to lightning.

In a statement today, Branson said: "We had a really bad tropical storm with winds up to 90 miles per hour. A big lightning storm came around 4 a.m. and hit the house. My son Sam rushed to the house and helped get everyone out.”

Necker Island was featured in a TLC special on the wedding of Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo, which took place on the island.

FCC Takes Fairness Doctrine Off the Books

The Federal Communications Commission announced today that it has officially taken the Fairness Doctrine out of its rulebook, Multichannel News reports. The move includes striking the doctrine’s corollaries on personal attacks and free response, and extends to 83 other media-related rules the agency says are not needed.

According to the report: “The FCC has not enforced the doctrine, which required broadcasters to affirmatively seek out opposing viewpoints on controversial issues, in almost a quarter century. However, it continued to cast a shadow over the agency from the viewpoint of many Republicans; broadcasters, particularly religious broadcasters; and others concerned about the speech regulation implications of its return.

The doctrine was effectively eliminated back in 1987, a move that helped create the landscape for conservative talk radio, the report says.

The story adds: “FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and President Barack Obama had said they did not support the doctrine and that it was not coming back. But some Republicans saw its shadow in issues like proposals of community advisory boards for TV station public interest programming.”

Genachowski said in a statement today: "The elimination of the obsolete Fairness Doctrine regulations will remove an unnecessary distraction. As I have said, striking this from our books ensures there can be no mistake that what has long been a dead letter remains dead. The Fairness Doctrine holds the potential to chill free speech and the free flow of ideas and was properly abandoned over two decades ago. I am pleased we are removing these and other obsolete rules from our books."

Preseason Football Rules the Night in Sunday Ratings

NBC’s coverage of preseason football gave the network a win in the ratings Sunday night, TVbytheNumbers.com reports.

NBC wound up with an average rating of 2.9 for the night in the 18-49 demo based on fast affiliate ratings, with adjustments expected due to the live broadcast. CBS trailed with a 1.7 average, followed by ABC (1.3), Fox (1.2) and Univision (1.2).

NBC also won total viewers, averaging 8.9 million to 6.7 million for CBS, 5.4 million for ABC, 3.2 million for Univision and 2.6 million for Fox.

At 7 p.m. NBC's "Dateline" was just ahead of CBS's "60 Minutes," 1.5 to 1.4 in the 18-49 demographic.

At 8 p.m. CBS's "Big Brother" was bit ahead of the first hour of NBC's "Sunday Night Football" game featuring the Chargers at the Cowboys, 3.3 to 3.2 in the 18-49 demographic. ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" had a 1.1 in the same demo for the hour.

At 9 p.m. NBC's football game rose to a 3.7 in the 18-49 demographic, while ABC's "Sunday 20/20: The Sixth Sense" had a 1.3 in the same demo. AT 9:30, Fox's new "In the Flow with Affion Crockett" registered a 1.2 in the 18-49 demo for the half-hour.

The 10 p.m. hour saw NBC's NFL game on top with a 3.1 in the 18-49, well ahead of hour two of ABC's "Sunday 20/20," which had a 1.4 in the same demo.

Your TV IQ: If We Named a Show Simply 'Katie,' Would It Refer to Katie Holmes, Katie Couric, Katie Sipowicz or Katie Bar the Door?

If one was to call a show simply "Katie," would most people know to whom it refers?

Clearly Jeff Zucker thinks so.

"Katie" is the name that has been chosen for Katie Couric’s widely anticipated syndicated daytime talk show that debuts in fall, 2012, TVNewser reports

Zucker, the executive producer of the upcoming show, and the former CEO of NBC Universal, gave a hint of the show’s title when he talked about Couric back in June: “I think Katie is a unique brand in television,” he said then. “The mere fact that you can just say Katie and know who we are talking about is evidence of that.”

Disney-ABC has begun rolling out marketing material for the show, and plans are under way to create an interactive online presence. A website is in the works at TalkToKatie.com, which is expected to be a fan portal for the program.

Former VP of Development and Programming for TLC--Who Was Involved in the Creation of Shows Such as 'Cake Boss'--Gets New Gig. In Addition, TVLand's Former SVP Development and Original Programming Also Gets a New Job

Brent Zacky, the  former vice president of development and programming for TLC, who was involved in the creation of shows including "Cake Boss," Homecoming," "Niecy Nash's Wedding Bash" and the upcoming "All-American Muslim," has a new gig.

He's been hired by Logo as its new senior vice president of original programming and development, reports Deadline.com. Zacky will report to Logo Executive VP and General Manager Lisa Sherman.

In his new role, Zacky will be in charge of original programming and will oversee the network's development team.

Separately, Deadline.com, in another article, reports that Eliot Goldberg, the former SVP Development and Original Programming at TVLand, who was involved in the development of "Hot in Cleveland" and other shows, "has joined CMT on the West Coast as SVP Development and Programming. He will oversee development of new programming -- both unscripted and scripted -- reporting to Jayson Dinsmore, EVP Development and Programming."

Drug Charge Dropped Against Former 'CSI' Star

A former regular on CBS's "CSI" has had a drug charge issued against him in June dropped by the authorities, reports TMZ.com. Gary Dourdan was accused of having oxycontin when he was in a car accident in June.

Dourdan's SUV reportedly crashed into a parked vehicle. Prosecutors have decided not to go after Dourdan for possession of the prescription drug at the time of the wreck. However, Dourdan will still have to face the judge to deal with a drug paraphernalia charge.

Man Who Directed More TV Episodes Than Any Other Dies: Among Other Accomplishments He Created One of the Most Memorable Images in TV History (Hint--It Involves a Little Known Mary Tyler Moore--Jennifer Jason Leigh Connection...)

The man who directed more U.S. TV episodes than any other person--over 430 of them--has died.

His name was Reza Badiyi, he was 81, and he died on Saturday, Aug. 20th at the UCLA Medical Center. No cause of death was on the release TVWeek received, though the release said he died "peacefully."

According to an article published in Mediaweek on March 23, 1998, by our friend Betsy Sharkey (now with the L.A. Times), "Badiyi, who studied at the Royal Academy of Drama in Iran before moving here and first working in Hollywood as a cameraman for the likes of Robert Altman and Sam Peckinpah, has directed series as diverse as 'Buffy, The Vampire Slayer,' 'Cagney & Lacey,' 'Knot's Landing,' 'Baretta' and 'Falcon Crest.' Badiyi is also credited with creating the visual style for 'Mission: Impossible'--the quick cuts and fast pacing."

He started directing in 1963.

The occasion of Sharkey's piece 13 years ago was the completion of the 400th TV episode that Badiyi directed, an episode of USA's sci-fi series "Sliders." His record number of TV shows that he directed has been commemorated by the Directors Guild of America, which also presented Badiyi with its Humanitas Award.

That Mediaweek article also notes that Badiyi's legacy "includes such memorable images as Mary Tyler Moore flinging her hat skyward for the opening sequence of the 'Mary Tyler Moore Show'--a hat that Badiyi had borrowed that day from his stepdaughter, Jennifer Jason Leigh."

Former CBS News VP Dies at 67; His Producing Skills Brought Him 13 Emmys. Many Will Remember Him in Tiananmen Square

One of CBS News' most popular producers has died at age 67, after suffering a heart attack at his home in Maui, Hawaii, on Aug. 19, 2011, where he retired several years ago.

Lane Venardos was remembered, in a statement, by Jeff Fager, CBS News chairman and the executive producer of "60 Minutes": “Lane was a wonderful and talented man who had a great gift: he had the ability to make everyone around him smile and laugh no matter what the circumstances. So many of us at CBS News loved him and we will miss him very much.”

The CBS News release about the death of Venardos also says, "During special coverage of the events in China’s Tiananmen Square in May 1989 -- broadcast live during an interruption of the CBS hit 'Dallas,' -- millions watched the large, bespectacled Venardos arguing with Chinese officials who were trying to shut down his satellite news operation."

The release continues, "[Venardos] produced most of CBS News’ live coverage of the Persian Gulf War, including 'America Tonight,' a weeknight news program he created to maximize coverage of the war broadcast at 11:30 P.M. and anchored by Charles Kuralt and Lesley Stahl. Venardos also supervised coverage of world summits in Moscow, Malta, Iceland, London, Bonn, Rome, Paris, Tokyo and Beijing, in addition to Hirohito’s funeral in Japan in 1989, and the historic meeting between the leaders of China and the Soviet Union that same year in Beijing. He was the executive producer of CBS News coverage of the political campaigns of 1986, ’88, ’90, ’92 and ’98.

"Venardos’ documentary work included two highly acclaimed programs. He produced the CBS News special celebrating the life of Lucille Ball, 'Lucy,' which was produced and broadcast on the day of the star’s death, April 26, 1989. He won an Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University award for the seminal documentary '48 Hours on Crack Street,' the two-hour look at the life of crack cocaine addicts during the drug epidemic of the mid-Eighties."

The released adds, "Venardos’ path to the powerhouse CBS News Washington Bureau began at WBBM Radio in Chicago in 1968, where he was managing editor for two years. After a brief stint as an editor for NBC, he came to New York as a producer of special events for CBS Radio News in 1971. He moved to Washington D.C. the next year to become senior producer for CBS Radio News. He then returned to Chicago to become the assistant news director for the CBS Television affiliate WBBM-TV, where he became the acting news director. He came back to Washington in September 1974 to become a producer for the 'CBS Evening News With Walter Cronkite.' "

Showtime Greenlights Three Pilots, Including 'Masters of Sex'

Showtime has greenlighted three pilots, including one called "Masters of Sex" that focuses on the unusual relationship between sex researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The one-hour drama from Sony Pictures TV is based on Thomas Maier's book of the same name, the story notes.

Showtime also ordered "Gurland on Gurland," Andrew Gurland's first-person, half-hour docu-comedy that's based on his experiences as a writer-director.

The third project is a one-hour dark family drama called "Ray Donovan,” which is about an L.A. fixer for the famous whose own life is in shambles.

Charlie Sheen Has 'Got It Together,' According to Brother Emilio Estevez

Charlie Sheen has "got it together" and is "a completely different guy," his brother Emilio Estevez told “Access Hollywood.”

"He's got his voice back. And I think he's got his focus," Estevez told the show, according to AccessHollywood.com. Estevez said their mother is moving "back and forth" between Sheen's house and her own, noting that their family is "very close" and "every real family has real problems."

Sheen has "gone through it, and he's come out the other side, and I think we're all really excited to see what the next chapter of his life is going to be like," Estevez said.

'Bonnie and Clyde' Movie Dumps Former Disney Channel Star

A former Disney Channel star who was scheduled to play Bonnie in "The Story of Bonnie and Clyde" has been dropped from the production, reports TMZ.com.

The producers opted to move on without Hilary Duff after she revealed her pregnancy, according to the report.

Duff was slated to play Bonnie Parker in the feature film, but the production is now looking for another star to take on the role, since she won't be available until next June, the story says. The film is slated to start shooting in the fall, the piece notes.

A representative for Duff didn't return calls, the story says.

Cable Reality Show Is Beating the Yankees in New York Market

A cable reality show is attracting more New York-area television viewers than the New York Yankees, reports the New York Post.

Local ratings found that Yankees baseball averaged 506,000 viewers between two games on YES and one on WWOR-TV between Aug. 8 and Aug. 11, the story notes. But MTV’s "Jersey Shore" averaged 848,000 viewers in the New York area during the same week.

One exception took place during the week: a tightly contested game between the Yankees and their longtime rivals, the Boston Red Sox, on Aug. 7. For that game, the Yankees beat out Snooki and her friends.

"Jersey Shore," which debuted its fourth season Aug. 4, has been growing its audience about 5% each week, the piece points out. It's the second summer in a row that "Jersey Shore" has outdrawn the Yankees, the story adds.

Is Television Making Too Big a Deal of the 9/11 Anniversary?

Between this week and Sept. 11, more than 40 television specials are scheduled to air to mark the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, reports the New York Post's Michael Shain.

The piece asks the question, "Is it all too much?"

Television critics have asked the same question, including Brian Lowry in Variety, the story notes.

Almost all the shows were in the works before Osama bin Laden was killed last May, but the death of the man who masterminded the 9/11 attack is giving the TV specials new life, the story notes.

"Imagine watching all those shows with the gnawing feeling that the central figure behind the attacks was still at large," Shain writes.

Rep for Jerry Lewis Says Report of His Reinstatement With MDA Telethon Is False

Jerry Lewis won't be returning to the muscular dystrophy fund-raiser this year, his spokeswoman says, denying a report published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, according to Reuters.

On Sunday the Las Vegas Review-Journal published a piece by Norm Clarke that said Lewis and the Muscular Dystrophy Association "have made peace." Calling it a "stunning reversal," the piece said Lewis was reinstated to the telethon, a job he has performed since 1966.

"Him being reinstated as the host of the MDA telethon is not accurate," Candi Cazau, a publicist for Lewis, told Reuters. Clarke said in a Twitter post that his source had misspoken, and that he meant Lewis had been "reconciled," not "reinstated," the Reuters story notes.

A representative for the MDA didn't return calls, the article notes.

Miramax Launches Largest-Scale Facebook Streaming Movie App Yet

Miramax has launched what is reportedly the largest-scale Facebook streaming movie app yet, expanding on the model tried previously by Paramount and Universal, paidContent.org reports.

The Miramax eXperience went live with 20 titles available for rent in the U.S., along with 10 titles in the U.K. and 10 in Turkey, according to the report. France and Germany were expected to be added to the rollout soon.

Among the titles are “Chicago,” “Cold Mountain” and “Good Will Hunting,” all of which are available in all three markets. In the U.S. only, among the additional titles are “No Country for Old Men” and “Pulp Fiction.”

“Facebook users can rent the films for 30 Facebook credits, the equivalent of $3; the rental is active for 30 days but the viewing window is 48 hours once you start to watch,” the story reports.

Movies rented on Facebook can be viewed on iPad and on Google TV, the report adds.

With Rebound in Local TV Advertising, Stations Are Expanding TV News

With local television advertising up by almost 25% in 2010 compared with a year earlier, television stations are expanding their local news broadcasts after years of cutting news staff, reports The New York Times' Brian Stelter.

KSDK-TV, the NBC affiliate in St. Louis, is adding news at 4 a.m., 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the story points out. Some stations are adding local news broadcasts to replace "The Oprah Winfrey Show," while in many news markets stations are opting for super-early broadcasts, the piece says. At KSDK the station is hiring 10 people and buying new equipment such as cameras and trucks, the story adds.

Along with a bump in ad spending, stations are benefiting from retransmission fees paid by cable and satellite companies, with bigger stations in local markets receiving even bigger fees, according to the article.

“Our view was that local broadcasting had gone on autopilot,” said Dave Lougee, president of Gannett Broadcasting, the owner of KSDK. Across the industry, he said, newscasts had “become sort of commoditized and formulaic -- arguably in many cases irrelevant.”

Now station reporters and anchors are interacting with customers on Facebook and Twitter, and many have been trained to become multimedia journalists, the piece notes.

Rapper Arrested After Organizing Flash Mob

A well-known rapper was arrested over the weekend after he allegedly used Twitter posts to organize a flash mob at a mall in the Cleveland suburbs, CBS News reports.

Rapper Machine Gun Kelly and two other people were arrested Saturday at the mall, according to the story. Kelly was reportedly charged with disorderly conduct.

After being released from custody, Kelly tweeted: "All yall industry cats, yall wanna see a REAL movement? Holler at my fans. Today was a statement. EST till the death, lace up. Cult s**t."

Kelly was reportedly signed recently by Sean “P.Diddy” Combs to his Bad Boy Records label.

New Executive Producer Reveals Where CBS's 'Blue Bloods' Is Headed

The new executive producer of "Blue Bloods" hinted at his plans for the second season of the CBS drama, reports TVGuide.com.

Despite speculation that Ed Zuckerman, who used to work on shows such as "Law & Order” and “JAG," would change the show into more of a procedural, he said he won’t be changing the formula that made the show a hit in its freshman year.

"The idea is to keep the show the same balanced show between a case of the week and Reagan family issues and family drama. I think if anything, we might be doing a little more Reagan family stuff this year," Zuckerman said.

"I want to just keep the show as good as it was last year, and try to make it a little bit better. No major changes are in the cards," he said.

Amid Dispute Between Wife and Family, 'Real Housewives' Husband to Have Two Funerals

Amid a dispute between his family and his estranged wife, "Real Housewives of Bevery Hills" husband Russell Armstrong will have two funeral services following his suicide last week, reports TheWrap.com.

Armstrong's family became angry as they waited for word from Taylor Armstrong, his wife, on the funeral plans, the story says. "His sister specifically said Taylor can go to hell," said Russell Armstrong's attorney, Ronald Richards, the story notes.

It's not certain whether Armstrong's family will attend the service planned in Los Angeles, the story says. Richards said that Armstrong's remains would be given to his family to be flown back to Texas or the attorney would deliver them himself for another service there, the story says.

CW Shifts Its Marketing Strategy

The CW is planning to expand beyond its traditional base of women 18 to 34 years old, with new shows "Ringer" and "Hart of Dixie" aimed at helping the network appeal to other age groups, reports B&C.

"Our bread and butter is women 18-34 and to deny that is a mistake," new CW President Mark Pedowitz said at the recent Television Critics Association press tour. "But what we do want to do, which ‘Ringer’ and ‘Hart of Dixie’ provide us the opportunity to do, is to invite more 18-34s in, plus allow other people and other age groups to come sample us."

To achieve that goal, the network will take a different approach to marketing the shows, with "Hart of Dixie" getting a "Southern-fried" media plan that will target viewers in the South and Midwest, according to The CW marketing executive Rick Haskins.

"The South does very well for us, we have very strong affiliates and we think that this is really a good opportunity for us to take advantage of that with a show that they are dying to see," Haskins said. The campaign will include top-50 country radio stations and Country Weekly magazine, as well as aerial banners over NCAA football games in Southern states, the story says.

"Ringer" will focus on star Sarah Michelle Gellar for its marketing, making a broader media buy than The CW has usually made, the story says. That means spreads in large-circulation magazines such as People, as well as ads on cable including BBC America, the piece notes.

Lindsay Lohan Sues Rapper Over Hit Song's Lyrics

Lindsay Lohan has filed a lawsuit against a popular rapper, claiming a reference to the actress in a hit song has caused her “irreparable harm,” TMZ.com reports.

The line in Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything” is: “Hustlers move aside, so I’m tiptoein’, to keep flowin’ / I got it locked up like Lindsay Lohan.”

The lawsuit, filed by attorney Stephanie Ovadia on behalf of Lohan, says: "The lyrics, by virtue of its wide appeal, condemnation, excoriation, disparaging or defamatory statements by the defendants about the plaintiff are destined to do irreparable harm to the plaintiff."

The song is written by Ne-Yo and Afrojack, who are named in the suit along with Pitbull.

The story adds: “Lindsay, who claims in the lawsuit she is ‘a professional actor of good repute and standing in the Screen Actors Guild,’ is suing under the New York civil rights laws, which protects people from having their name exploited for commercial purposes.”

The suit seeks unspecified damages along with an injuntion to halt broadcasts of the song.

Food Fight Has Stars of Rival Cooking Shows Flinging Insults at Each Other

A full-on food fight has broken out between a Food Network star and a Bravo and Travel Channel foodie, reports the New York Post. Food Network’s Paula Deen snapped back at Travel Channel’s Anthony Bourdain after he called her the "most dangerous person in America," the story reports.

Bourdain, the star of Travel’s "No Reservations" as well as a judge on Bravo's "Top Chef," trashed Deen in TV Guide magazine, according to the story, saying: "She revels in unholy connections with evil corporations and she’s proud of the fact that her food is [bleep]ing bad for you … plus, her food sucks.”

Bourdain also ripped Rachael Ray, Sandra Lee and Guy Fieri, all Food Network stars.

Deen responded by telling the Post: "Anthony Bourdain needs to get a life. You don’t have to like my food, or Rachael’s, Sandra’s and Guy’s. But it’s another thing to attack our character. I wake up every morning happy for where I am in life. It’s not all about the cooking, but the fact that I can contribute by using my influence to help people all over the country. In the last two years, my partners and I have fed more than 10 million hungry people by bringing meat to food banks.”

Deen also defended her cohorts. "My good friends Rachael, Guy and Sandra are the most generous, charitable folks I know,” she said. “They give so much of their time and money to help the food-deprived, sick children and abandoned animals. I have no idea what Anthony has done to contribute besides being irritable.”

Burger King Dropping Creepy King Character From Ads

Burger King is reinventing its marketing strategy, shifting its target from teenagers to moms, hiring a new ad agency ... and getting rid of the familiar “King” character that many customers find creepy, USA Today reports.

According to the story: “In a new ad campaign set to air this weekend, Burger King will nationally roll out the California Whopper on Monday, made with what's arguably the gastronomic trend of 2011: guacamole. In a serious image twist, the entire commercial shows only the sights and sounds of the fresh ingredients being washed, sliced and diced. There are no words, just pulsating music.”

The No. 2 burger chain has been struggling lately, and is relying on a renewed focus on the freshness and healthfulness of its food, the story says. Plans for the next year include revamping the food, modernizing the stores and updating the company’s image.

Said Alex Macedo, Burger King’s senior marketing VP: “People want a reason to go back to Burger King. There are no plans to bring the King back anytime soon."

The King is dead.

Apple Locking In Plans for Third-Generation iPad

Apple, creator of the super successful tablet computer the iPad, is set to release a third generation of the device in early 2012, reports The Wall Street Journal. The Northern California company is currently engaging suppliers and assemblers in Asia to get a model ready to start trial production in October.

The iPad 3 is said to feature a high-resolution screen -- 2048 x 1536 compared with the current 1024 x 768 -- and will apparently have a 9.7-inch screen.

Apple in Beijing did not comment on the story, according to the WSJ, but a source at one supplier said: "Suppliers will ramp up production and try to improve the yield rate for the new iPad in the fourth quarter before its official launch in early 2012.”

CBS Yanks Struggling Show From Lineup

CBS confirmed that it has pulled a show from its lineup after airing only four episodes, the Futon Critic reports. Gone from the Sunday schedule is “Same Name,” which has struggled to find viewers.

Repeats of “The Good Wife” will replace the reality show in the 9 p.m. ET hour. Reruns of "CSI: Miami" will follow at 10 p.m. ET.

The network had previously planned to broadcast “Same Name” on Aug. 21 and 28, and those broadcasts have been shelved. The celebrities who were to be featured in those episodes were not announced.

The show’s four broadcasts averaged a 1.5 rating in the 18-49 demo, with total viewers averaging about 4.89 million.

Amazon Reaches Milestone in On-Demand Streaming, May Be in Position to 'Shut Down Netflix'

In a warning shot to Netflix, Amazon has reached a milestone with its Instant Video on-demand streaming service, AOL Tech reports. The service now has 100,000 titles available.

Of those titles, 9,000 are included in the Prime streaming plan, the story says. Most of the library is designated for a la carte rental and purchase. TV titles start at 99 cents and movie titles are $3.99.

“With deep living room penetration, all Amazon needs to do is flip the switch, offer a reasonably priced subscription plan open to all titles, and effectively shut down Netflix,” the story says.

The Amazon on-demand library is said to be about three times the size of Netflix’s offering. The latest developments come at a time when Netflix’s recently announced 60% price increase is about to go into effect.

The story adds: “Amazon Instant Video followed Netflix’s lead into supporting as many hardware platforms as possible. The system is available through the Web, popular HDTVs and many, many set-top boxes. Most have access to Prime Instant Videos, which offers videos through a Netflix-style system. The rest are available for purchase or rental, which isn’t the most cost-friendly route for media hogs.”

Alien Fighter From 'V' Lands Role in NBC's 'Playboy Club'

An actor who played one of the heroic alien fighters in ABC's "V" has joined the new NBC drama "The Playboy Club," reports Deadline.com.

Joel Gretsch will play an adversary of Eddie Cibrian's lead character, Nick Dalton, an attorney and Playboy Club keyholder in the show. Gretsch is taking on a recurring role as the Chicago State’s Attorney, a frequenter of the Playboy Club, too, which brings him in contact with Dalton. As the show progresses, a rivalry between the two men will develop.

"The Playboy Club" premieres on NBC on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, at 10 p.m. ET.

Actor From Beloved Holiday Movie Sues Warner Bros. Entertainment

The annual telecasts of "A Christmas Story" have turned the holiday movie into a cultural touchstone, and one actor from the picture wants his share of the money being made by the studio for licensing his likeness on consumer merchandise, reports Reuters.

Actor Zack Ward played bully Scut Farkus in the 1983 film, and his distinctive visage and shock of red hair were turned into a figurine -- apparently without his permission.

Ward filed a lawsuit Tuesday in California federal court, charging Warner Bros. Entertainment with using his image for products without authorization.

Paul McGuire, a Warner Bros. spokesman, declined to comment, saying that the company had not yet received a copy of the lawsuit. But according to the suit, Warner Bros. responded previously to Ward’s claims, saying: "Although the hat, sweater, jacket and boots are similar to those worn by Mr. Ward in the Picture, the face of the character is not Mr. Ward's face.”

Comedy Pilot Based on Captured Boston Gangster 'Whitey' Bulger, From Former 'Seinfeld' Writer, Being Shopped for TV

A former “Seinfeld” writer is developing a comedy pilot based on longtime fugitive mobster James “Whitey” Bulger, reports TheWrap.com.

Writer Peter Mehlman has sold the pilot to Twentieth Century Fox, which is shopping the project. Bulger, who allegedly is responsible for 19 murders, was captured in June in Santa Monica after nearly 20 years on the run.

Mehlman's show tracks a young couple who meet their new neighbor, who isn't Bulger but is based on him. The couple remain unaware that their neighbor is a murderer, the piece notes.

"I can’t imagine how many times I walked past him," said Mehlman. "They had a dog and walked it in Palisades Park. I walked [my dog] Izzy there every night at sunset. I probably saw him 50 times -- and he has 19 murders under his belt, allegedly."

Mehlman said his ideal casting for the Bulger character would be John Malkovich.

As 'The Office' Beefs Up on Guest Stars in Wake of Steve Carell's Exit, a Major Pop Star Signs on to Play Andy's Brother

A well-known pop singer has been tapped to play Andy Bernard's brother on NBC’s "The Office," according to The Hollywood Reporter's Live Feed blog.

Singer Josh Groban will play the role of Walter Jr. in the show's eighth season, the story reports. Groban's role at this point is just for one episode, which will air sometime this fall.

Groban recently appeared in the Steve Carell romantic comedy "Crazy Stupid Love" and was seen performing Kanye West's tweets in song form, the piece notes.

The casting move comes on the heels of the news that veteran TV actor Stephen Collins was cast as Andy Bernard’s dad for an October episode, as previously reported. Ed Helms plays Andy.

Dee Wallace will reportedly appear as Andy's mom.

One of TV's Most Talked-About Stars Faces Possible FTC Investigation

A high-profile TV star who is involved in one of the most eagerly anticipated shows of the fall season has come under scrutiny over an unrelated project -- a stint as guest editor for an online magazine.

Ashton Kutcher, who made headlines by taking over for Charlie Sheen on CBS’s “Two and a Half Men,” could be questioned by the Federal Trade Commission over his work on an online version of Details magazine, The New York Times reports.

Kutcher failed to disclose his investments in Web companies that were profiled in the magazine’s tech-focused issue called "The Social Issue," the story says. Kutcher has invested in online firms such as Foursquare, Flipboard and Airbnb, which were among the companies profiled in the issue.

“If you’re out there promoting individual products that you have a specific investment in, it needs to be disclosed,” said Richard Cleland, assistant director of the division of advertising practices at the FTC. “If you have a significant economic investment that is not otherwise apparent, that may potentially affect the credibility of your endorsement, and I see that as a potential problem.”

Cleland declined to confirm whether the FTC planned to question either Details or Kutcher, but noted, “A case like this could be investigated," the piece says.

A representative for Kutcher didn't respond to requests for comment. Details editor-in-chief Dan Peres said, "I stand by how we communicated Ashton’s involvement with some of the companies included in our coverage and remain extremely proud of the work we did on this project.”

A line in the introduction mentions that Kutcher "puts his money where his mouth is, backing many of the companies he champions here," the story says.

TLC Cancels Another Show

Days after canceling a long-running reality show, TLC is canceling another show, Deadline.com reports. The cable channel is pulling the plug on Kat Von D’s “LA Ink,” according to the story.

The move comes on the heels of the cancellation Monday of “Kate Plus 8.”

The two shows have something in common, as both are headlined by women who have become tabloid fixtures. But while "Kate Plus 8’s” Kate Gosselin responded to her show’s cancellation by sending out a gracious tweet to her fans thanking them for their support, Kat Von D was less generous, the story points out.

"I love how me deciding to not continue doing 'LA Ink' turns into being 'cancelled,'" she tweeted. "Thanks, TLC."

The series finale of "LA Ink" will air Sept. 15 at 10 p.m.

Helena Bonham Carter, Liam Neeson Join Cast of Sitcom

An eagerly anticipated TV comedy series continues to attract high-profile stars, Reuters reports. Highly regarded actors Helena Bonham Carter and Liam Neeson have joined the cast of the new series from Ricky Gervais, “Life’s Too Short.”

The BBC sitcom focuses on an actor of short stature, played by Warwick Davis, who runs a talent agency. It is set to begin airing later this year in Britain on BBC Two and is due in the U.S. in 2012, on HBO.

The show is described as a fake documentary along the lines of two previous Gervais series, “The Office” and “Extras.” It is written and directed by Gervais and Stephen Merchant, a longtime Gervais collaborator.

Other well-known actors who are on tap to appear in the show include Johnny Depp and Steve Carell.

Well-Known Fox Showrunner Working on Bringing New Program to CW

Most showrunners are not household names. Except this one, who is identified with two of Fox's tentpole series.

"American Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe -- who also wears multiple hats for Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" -- is in talks with The CW to bring a singing competition to the youth-focused network, reports TVGuide.com.

The format might resonate with viewers familiar with 1970s television and "The Partridge Family": The competition would focus on finding the next successful family singing group, the story says.

Lythgoe is talking with Dick Clark Prods., which is behind Lythgoe’s "So You Think You Can Dance," to work as a partner on the CW project, the piece notes.

CW President Mark Pedowitz said earlier this month at the Television Critics Association press tour that the network had its sights set on a music competition. "In terms of reality, we're looking at a wide spectrum of things right now," he said at TCA. "A vocal show is in negotiations at this point. Whether we put it together or not, we'll see."

Bravo Makes Programming Move in Response to 'Real Housewives' Husband's Suicide

Bravo will push back the debut of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" following the suicide of cast member Taylor Armstrong's estranged husband Russell Armstrong, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The new season had been scheduled to debut Sept. 5, but the show’s premiere will be delayed by at least a week, the story says. Some people close to the production are urging Bravo to scrap the season, considering some of its story lines related to the Armstrongs, the piece says.

It's likely that some episodes will be re-edited, although Bravo currently doesn't plan to cancel the season.

Lady Gaga Schedules High-Profile TV Performance

Lady Gaga used her Thursday night special “MTV First: Lady Gaga” to announce a high-profile upcoming performance, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The pop superstar has been tapped as the opening performer for MTV's 2011 Video Music Awards, to be held Aug. 28 at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.

The singer is nominated for four video music awards, including best female video and best video with a message for "Born This Way," the story notes. Katy Perry is this year's top nominee, with nine nods, including video of the year and best female video for "Firework,” the story says.

Adele and Kanye West are also among the leading nominees, with each artist receiving seven nods.

BlackBerry Users Likely to Get New Music Service Soon

The 45 million people who use BlackBerry smartphones may get access to a new music service soon.

"Research in Motion, the maker of BlackBerry smartphones, is in the process of signing deals with the major record companies to develop a limited digital music service for its subscribers, according to several people briefed on the talks," reports The New York Times.

Noting that the story was first reported by Greg Sandoval and Roger Cheng on CNET, The Times article says, "Unlike Spotify, Rhapsody and other so-called cloud music services, which let their users stream millions of songs, the new BlackBerry program would allow users to share only about 50 songs with other users, through playlists and other features. It is expected to cost less than $10 a month, and the charge would be added to the subscriber’s monthly phone bill. Record companies will share some of the revenue."

The service would run in connection with BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), the company's instant-messenger service.

The CNET story itself notes, "For RIM, the deal marks the latest attempt to grow beyond its roots as a stodgy tool of the corporate world and into a more full-fledged entertainment device worthy of consumer attention. Over the past few years, the company has worked to improve its BlackBerry line's music and media players, and worked to associate itself with hip bands such as U2 with varying success.

"RIM is linking its music service to BBM because it remains one of BlackBerry's last critical assets. The messenger service acts as a social network keeping people on their BlackBerrys, and has been a valuable tool in retaining and adding overseas customers and younger consumers in North America.

"To better improve the performance of its BBM service, RIM opened it up to developers last month, allowing deeper integration with separate applications such as video games and social check-in programs like Foursquare."

TNT Orders Western Pilot

Another Western-themed show is in the works for the small screen, as TNT has given a cast-contigent pilot order for a project from “Band of Brothers” writer Bruce McKenna and "CSI" producer-director Danny Cannon, reports EW.com's Inside TV blog.

Called "Gateway," the project is based in a Colorado town of the same name and is set in the 1880s. The story tracks three brothers who try to save their town against a corrupt cattle baron after their sheriff father is murdered.

The Western concept has gained some traction recently, with HBO's "Deadwood" and FX's neo-Western "Justified" doing well, the article points out. AMC, meanwhile, is moving ahead with its post-Civil War story "Hell on Wheels," about an ex-soldier working on the transcontinental railroad.

'How I Met Your Mother' Executive Producer Signs Two-Year Overall Deal With 20th Century Fox TV

An executive producer of CBS's "How I Met Your Mother" has signed a two-year overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV, reports Deadline.com.

Stephen Lloyd will continue to serve as executive producer on the show, but will also develop original projects for the studio.

The deal comes after 20th Century locked in another writer-producer on the show, signing a deal with Kourtney Kang, the story says.

'X-Files' Writer and Executive Producer Developing New Female-Focused Series

Frank Spotnitz, a writer and executive producer on the cult favorite "The X-Files," is working on a new show for Cinemax that will feature a tough female character, reports the Los Angeles Times' Show Tracker blog.

The show will track a female security operative who goes undercover with a military contractor, and is described as having some of the same personality traits as the heroine Lisbeth Salander in "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," the story says. Cinemax currently is airing "Strike Back" from Spotnitz, who is a co-executive producer and writer on that action series, the piece adds.

Cinemax, which confirmed the new deal with Spotnitz, is aiming to build its original prime-time programming and has also made deals with Alan Ball and Luc Besson to develop shows, the story points out.

Report: News Corp. Execs Preparing for Possible James Murdoch Exit

News Corp.'s top management is reportedly starting to plan for the possibility of scion James Murdoch stepping aside, according to Reuters.

James Murdoch, the son of News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch, has been under increasing pressure in the phone-hacking scandal that has led to an inquiry from U.K. lawmakers and the closing of the company's News of the World tabloid.

Executives want to be prepared if he wants to "take a breather," the story says, citing an unnamed News Corp. source. Rupert Murdoch and News Corp. senior management said it was "absolutely not true" the company was considering the possibility of James Murdoch stepping aside, the piece notes.

Even if he is pressured to leave News Corp., it's not likely to be permanent, the story says.

Stocks Plunge, Media Stocks Included

It was another rough day on Wall Street as the Dow Jones Industrial average plunged 419.10 points to 10,991.11. It represented a drop of 3.7% for the day.

The Standard and Poor's index of 500 companies fell 4.5%.

In a quick sampling of media stocks, Time Warner dropped about 6%, CBS over 9%, Cablevision almost 8% and Scripps Nets Interactive was down about 6%.

NBC Wins Bidding War for Sitcom

NBC has won the bidding war for a sitcom to star a high-profile stand-up comedienne, reports Deadline.com.

According to the article, "After a bidding war, NBC has snagged [Sarah] Silverman [for a] single-camera comedy project with a hefty put pilot commitment." We previously reported on the bidding war between NBC and ABC for the show.

The story adds, "Loosely based on Silverman’s life, the untitled single-camera comedy stars the comedian as a woman readjusting to the single life after a decade-long live-in relationship. Silverman is writing with Dan Sterling and Jon Schroeder, who were writer-producers on her self-titled Comedy Central series."

Silverman famously had a long live-in relationship with Jimmy Kimmel.

The article, by Nellie Andreeva, also notes, "At NBC, Silverman joins two other female comedians known for their raunchy, no-holds-barred standup: [Whitney] Cummings, creator and star of her own eponymous comedy series on NBC, which launches this fall, and [Chelsea] Handler, who is behind another upcoming sitcom on the network."

H-P Looks at Getting Out of PC Business

Hewlett-Packard is reviewing its personal computer business and may spin off the division, The Wall Street Journal reports.

According to the story: “In a release Thursday afternoon, H-P said its board has authorized it to explore strategic alternatives for its personal systems group. H-P said it would ‘consider a broad range of options that may include, among others, a full or partial separation’ through a spinoff or other transaction.”

The company also confirmed it’s in negotiations for the possible acquisition of U.K. data-analytics company Autonomy Corp. The takeover would be valued at almost $10 billion.

The news came as H-P reported results for the third quarter, including a preliminary per-share increase in profit.

“Shares were down 7.3% at $29.09 in recent trading, as H-P again cut its full-year guidance and projected fiscal fourth-quarter results below analysts' expectations, based on a Thomson Reuters survey,” the story reports.

The company announced plans to discontinue operations for webOS devices, including the TouchPad and webOS telephones.

“In the latest quarter ended July 31, profit rose to 93 cents a share from 75 cents a share a year earlier,” the story reports. “Excluding restructuring charges and other items, earnings rose to $1.10 a share from $1.08. Revenue increased 1.6% to $31.2 billion.”

H-P’s sales of PCs to consumers have been weak in recent quarters. “The consumer PC weakness was part of the reason the company reined in its full-year outlook in May, in addition to pressure from March's destructive earthquake and tsunami in Japan and lower operating profit in the services unit,” the story reports.

Wow! Poll Says of All Celebrities, This TV Star Is the Nation's Most Popular, Most Trusted, And the Most Powerful Product Endorser. Plus, the Poll's Top 10 -- and Bottom 10

A veteran television performer was named the most trusted celebrity in America in a new poll, Reuters reports.

Coming in at No. 1 on the list was Emmy winner Betty White, 89.

With an 86% favorable rating, White came in just ahead of Denzel Washington (85%), Sandra Bullock (84%), Clint Eastwood (83%) and Tom Hanks (81%).

Rounding out the top 10: Harrison Ford, 80%; Morgan Freeman/Kate Middleton (tie), 79%; Will Smith, 77%; and Johnny Depp, 76%.

At the other end of the spectrum, the 10 least trusted celebrities, with unfavorable ratings, were Paris Hilton, 60%; Charlie Sheen, 52%; Britney Spears/Kanye West (tie), 45%; Arnold Schwarzenegger, 44%; Tiger Woods, 42%; Kim Kardashian, 38%; Mel Gibson, 33%; Donald Trump, 31%; and LeBron James, 29%.

Spike TV Announces Plans to Wrap Up Long-Running Show

As part of the fallout from UFC’s new deal to bring its mixed martial arts competition to Fox and FX, Spike TV announced plans to wrap up its long-running show “The Ultimate Fighter,” reports Deadline.com.

Season 14, which debuts in September, will be the show’s last on Spike.

In a statement about the end of "UF," a Spike spokesperson said, "We are increasing our commitment to distinctive, original series that we own, such as 'Auction Hunters' and 'Bar Rescue,' which are delivering on our goal to reach a broader audience. Our 6-year partnership with the UFC has been incredibly beneficial in building both our brands, and we wish them all the best in the future."

“The Ultimate Fighter” is expected to resurface on FX, as reported previously.

One of the Hottest Players in Daytime TV Will Get Own Talk Show for 2012

One of the hottest players in daytime TV has thrown his hat in the daytime talk ring for what’s shaping up as an unusually competitive fall 2012 season, B&C reports.

Working with Endemol USA to develop and produce the new talk show is Steve Harvey, who currently hosts the TV game show “Family Feud.” NBCUniversal Television Distribution, with whom Endemol did business with the Howie Mandel-starrer ‘Deal or No Deal,’ will distribute the show to TV stations.”

According to the article, " 'Feud' grew 55% last season among daytime's key women 25-54 audience, making 'Feud' syndication's fastest growing program." "Feud" is distributed by Debmar-Mercury.

Harvey is an actor, comedian, radio host and best-selling author, and was one of four comedians spotlighted in Spike Lee’s feature film “The Original Kings of Comedy.”

He starred in the WB sitcom “The Steve Harvey Show” and currently hosts a thriving nationally syndicated radio show, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show.”

According to the story: “Endemol, which Wednesday announced it was launching a scripted division, has been talking to Harvey about doing a show for at least two years, said David Goldberg, chairman of Endemol North America. Said Goldberg: "We go after things that we think make good television and then figure out where they are going to be. It isn't like we've been going out and taking tons of meetings so we could go out and get into syndication. We saw Steve Harvey as a huge talent, and thought that was a logical way to get into this business."

Harvey took over last fall as host of “Family Feud,” succeeding John O’Hurley, and has seen ratings climb steadily. The show typically finishes third among game shows, behind CBS TV Distribution’s “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!”

"I think it's an interesting angle to have a guy in daytime television who's actually built his platform around not only being funny but also being empowering and insightful for women," Harvey said. "I hope to offer women an interesting take on a lot of different things from the male perspective, and I also want to be empowering to people and give them great information. It's a triple threat combination."

OWN Unveils Fall Schedule

Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network released its fall schedule today, with two shows holding down the weekday lineup, Entertainment Weekly reports.

Rosie O’Donnell’s new talk show, “The Rosie Show,” kicks things off at 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, launching Oct. 10. The show is paired with “Oprah’s Lifeclass” weekdays at 8 p.m. -- an edited version of material from Winfrey’s talk show that focuses on life advice.

The Saturday lineup, starting Oct. 15, includes “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” at 9 p.m. and “Don’t Tell the Bride” at 10 p.m.

Sundays, starting Oct. 15, feature “Ask Oprah’s All Stars” at 8 p.m., “Our America With Lisa Ling” at 9 p.m. and “Visionaries: Inside the Creative Mind” at 10 p.m.

Premiere dates for the second seasons of “Enough Already! with Peter Walsh,” “In the Bedroom with Dr. Laura Berman” and “Oprah’s Master Class” have not been released yet.

Bruckheimer Finds Home for Navy SEALs Drama

Prolific producer Jerry Bruckheimer has landed a network deal for his upcoming drama series about the lives of Navy SEALs and their families, reports Deadline.com.

The show is headed to ABC, which has given the project a put pilot commitment to the Bruckheimer TV project.

Rand Ravich, the creator of "Life," is creating the new, still untitled series.

Following the notoriety of the Navy SEALs’ success in bringing Osama bin Laden to justice in May, the military unit is considered to be a good draw for a television program.

Bruckheimer TV last week secured a put pilot commitment from CBS for a procedural written by Aron Eli Coleite on a mom working as a New York State Trooper.

PlayStation 3 Makes Deal to Broadcast 'NFL Sunday Ticket'

Sony, in league with DirecTV, has announced a deal in which PlayStation 3 owners will be able to buy the "NFL Sunday Ticket" to live stream NFL games every Sunday, reports Deadline.com.

Existing subscribers will pay a fee of $50 for the package, but PS3 users who do not have DirecTV already and still want the NFL games will have to pay $339.95 for the entire regular season, including the Red Zone Channel.

On the PS3 blog, Philip Rosenberg, SVP of business development, said of the deal, "We know that PlayStation fans are huge sports enthusiasts, so adding ‘NFL Sunday Ticket’ is the perfect complement to the PS3’s rapidly growing lineup of sports entertainment."

DirecTV is offering new subscribers a free season of "NFL Sunday Ticket."

Character From One Hit CBS Drama to Pay a Visit to Another One

CBS has a little stunt programming up its sleeve for the upcoming season, involving two of its hit drama series, TVLine reports.

Agent Kensi, the “NCIS: L.A.” character played by Daniela Ruah, will appear in “Hawaii Five-0” at some point during the season.

Ruah broke the news in a Twitter post, tweeting: "Aloha. Read my lips closely… Kensi will make her way to 'Hawaii Five-0' this season! Stay tuned…"

A CBS spokesperson later confirmed the programming move, the story reports.

No word on when the stunt will take place, but November sweeps would be a good guess.

TV Comedian Dead at 62

A comedian whose career included regular spots on a number of TV shows has died at 62, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Vic Dunlop, who appeared on the ABC game show "Make Me Laugh" and was a regular on the 1981-82 sitcom "Harper Valley P.T.A.," died Saturday from complications associated with diabetes, according to the story.

Dunlop appeared on a new version of "Make Me Laugh" on ABC, in which contestants watched three stand-up comics perform their acts separately and earned a dollar for every second they kept a straight face, the story says. In one bit, Dunlop dressed up as a baked potato, the article adds.

Other comedians featured on the show included Richard Belzer and Gallagher.

Dunlop started his comedy career as a member of the L.A. improv group Natural Gas in the early 1970s.

Vic Dunlop
 

After Three-Year Hiatus 'Today' Show Bringing Back One of Its Most Well-Known, Popular Segments

It's been three years since one of the most well-known, popular segments of the "Today" show went on hiatus.

And now it's coming back. "Where in the World is Matt Lauer" was last seen on the show during the May sweeps in 2008. It will most likely return for the upcoming November sweeps, reports TVNewser.

At the time the segment left, NBC said it was because the economy was sagging, the story says.

Our TVWeek guess is that NBC has tired of waiting for the economy to improve to bring the segment back.

TVNewser says: "The next installment of the series will be its 10th, and NBC is expected to market it as a '10th anniversary' expedition." The story adds: "NBC has already informed some media buyers about the programming stunt."

Long a fan favorite, "The segment, which began in 1998, sees Lauer visit a different city or location across the globe every day for a week -- usually during sweeps periods," the article notes.

David Letterman Gets Death Threat After Comment on Terrorist Leader

A jihadist has targeted late-night host David Letterman for assassination, reports EW.com's Inside TV blog. The threat appeared on a web forum used to post Al Qaeda dispatches.

According to a private company that tracks extremist websites, a commenter has called on Muslims to kill Letterman after he took offense at a joke Letterman told on his show, the story says.

The threat was made on Shumukh-al-Islam, a site where Al Qaeda threats often first appear online in the U.S., the piece notes. It appeared after Letterman made fun of the death of accused terrorist leader Ilyas Kashmiri, who was killed in June by a U.S. air strike.

The poster wrote: “He showed his evil nature and deep hatred for Islam and Muslims, and said that Ilyas Kashmiri was killed and he joined bin Laden. We ask Allah to paralyze his tongue and grant the sincere monotheists his neck.”

The post, by a commenter calling himself Umar al-Basrawi, also says: “Is there not amongst you a Sayyid Nosair al-Masri (may Allah release him) to cut the tongue of this lowly Jew and shut it forever. Just as Sayyid (may Allah release him) did with the Jew Kahane.” The reference is apparently to Sayyid Nosair al-Masri, who was tried for the murder of Rabbi Meir Kahane in 1990.

CBS, which airs Letterman's show, had no comment, the story says.

Jenny McCarthy Secretly Tapes Talk Show After Ditching Oprah

Jenny McCarthy is moving forward with her own show after recently turning down an Oprah Winfrey talk-show deal, the New York Post reports.

McCarthy taped a secret test show last week in Jerry Springer's Connecticut studio, according to the story. The show was described as a bit like "Ellen" with the depth of "Oprah," with a cooking segment and a panel of friends including actress Mary McCormack from "In Plain Sight."

Former "Early Show" producer David Friedman served as producer. The test show will be shopped to TV stations later this year for a planned 2012 fall debut.

The pilot was taped in front of a live audience. Shows that normally tape in Springer's studio, including programs hosted by Maury Povich and Steve Wilkos, are on summer break, the story notes.

NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution, which already distributes the shows hosted by Springer, Povich and Wilkos, will also handle the distribution chores for McCarthy's program, the article says.

Gerard Depardieu Responds to Incident on Airplane: Says 'Oui' I Did Pee, But with an Explanation

Gerard Depardieu has offered his version of a widely reported incident in which he allegedly urinated in the cabin of an airplane, The Telegraph reports.

The Oscar nominee said he tried to urinate into a bottle “as discreetly as possible” and accidentally spilled some on the carpet of the plane. The actor said he was sorry about the incident.

He had been denied permission to use the plane’s bathroom while the plane was on the tarmac during a flight from Paris to Dublin. After the incident, the plane was reprotedly grounded for two hours while the crew cleaned up.

Piers Morgan Has His First Walk-Off: Politician Complains About Questions, Leaves Set

CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" had its first walk-off Wednesday night, when a controversial politician cut short an interview and left the set, reports B&C.

Republican politician Christine O'Donnell declined to answer Morgan's questions about gay marriage, and ended the interview after he asked her why she wouldn't talk about it, the story says.

"We watched it back and it was just so odd," Morgan said in an interview with B&C. "She was getting some kind of signal from her people off camera, then this woman in our New York studio just jumped in front of the camera." Morgan said he was caught off guard by the incident, especially since he and O’Donnell had had friendly exchanges in the past. The interview was conducted via satellite.

"From an interviewing standpoint, I don't think there was anything that would constitute rudeness," Morgan noted. "The issue of gay marriage is clearly significant in the wake of [the popularity of] Michelle Bachmann. I wasn't asking about to it to be outrageous, I just assumed she would have a standard answer for it since she wrote about it in her book. It was bizarre."

Morgan said he doesn’t believe it was a publicity stunt by O'Donnell to sell more books, and added that he believes she will watch the show and "be embarrassed." He added that he would invite her back for a live appearance on Thursday's show.

O’Donnell lost a bid for the Senate in Delaware in 2010 after receiving widespread media attention for running a campaign commercial in which she denied being a witch.

TBS Mounts Expensive Strategy to Pump Up Sagging Ratings for 'Conan'

Even though ratings for "Conan" have tumbled by about 60% since the show's TBS debut last year, the network plans to increase spending in a move to protect its investment, reports The Wall Street Journal. (Please note that the WSJ is behind a paywall, and not all readers may be able to access the story.)

"Conan’s” audience has dropped from an average of about 2.4 million in the show's first month on TBS to about 958,000 viewers in July, the piece adds.

TBS hired Conan O'Brien for more than $12 million per year in 2010, but viewership among 18- to 49-year-olds has declined 11% at the network this past year despite the addition of “Conan,” the story points out.

In the demo that O'Brien has always particularly targeted--18 to 34 year olds--the fall-off for TBS overall has been about the same: 10.8% over the same time frame.

The Time Warner-owned network is fighting back by buying additional costly programming: TBS will start airing repeats of "The Big Bang Theory" as a lead-in to "Conan" two nights per week, at a reported cost of $2 million per episode, the piece points out.

The network is also developing new content to complement "Conan," including "The Wedding Band," about friends who perform music at weddings, the story notes.

The article adds, "TBS said that Mr. O'Brien continues to attract advertisers because he draws young viewers. According to TBS, the median age of his audience—32 years old—remains the youngest among the late-night talk shows. TBS also said that many of his viewers watch the show online, and don't register in television ratings. His video segments and episodes on his website, teamcoco.com, surpass more than 1 million views each week."

As previously reported, TBS pulled the plug on "Lopez Tonight," which had been the lead-out for "Conan," earlier this month. "Lopez Tonight" suffered from poor ratings and a lack of profitability, the story notes, with the show's audience falling by 40% in its second season to 546,000 viewers.

New ABC Family Original Drama Gets Off to Slow Start

The new ABC Family original drama "The Lying Game" got off to a slow start, according to Deadline.com.

The program debuted with 1.4 million viewers on Monday, retaining 58% of the viewers from its lead-in, "Secret Life of the American Teenager," the story notes.

The opening was lower than the turnout for ABC Family's recent new show "The Nine Lives of Chloe King," which drew 2.2 million viewers for its June premiere, the story says.

"The Lying Game" is based on a series of novels of the same name, which features twin sisters separated at birth.

Ratings System for Measuring TV Viewing on iPads Being Developed

A ratings system for measuring TV viewing on various apps for the Apple iPod is being developed.

Nielsen is working with Time Warner Cable, Cablevision Systems and two programmers on tests to measure live television viewing on the cable operators' iPad apps, reports Multichannel News.

"Right now, iPad streaming is not having an impact on ratings," said Nielsen executive Matt O'Grady. ""But we're taking [the project] dead seriously because our clients need to know what the viewing is on tablet and smartphone platforms."

He declined to name the two programmers joining the test.

'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Fan Favorites to Be Reunited

Two fan favorites from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" will be reunited on a TV drama, reports TVLine.com. "Buffy” veterans Charisma Carpenter and James Marsters have slated appearances on an episode of The CW's "Supernatural," the story reports.

The pair, who played Cordelia and the vampire Spike on "Buffy" and its spinoff "Angel," will be taking on the roles of a wife and husband in an episode called "Shut Up, Dr. Phil.”

“This episode is ‘Bewitched' gone wrong,” showrunner Sera Gamble said. “[It was] all upside for this successful man [Marsters] while he was married to the witch [Carpenter], but now that he’s pissed her off, the whole town is paying the price.”

Carpenter and Marsters will film their roles during the week of Aug. 22; "Supernatural" returns with new episodes Sept. 23, the story notes.

Autopsy Confirms Cause of Death of 'Real Housewives' Husband

An autopsy by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirmed Russell Armstrong, the estranged husband of a "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" cast member, took his own life, reports the Los Angeles Times' Ministry of Gossip blog.

The coroner said the official cause of death was suicide by hanging, the story notes. Toxicology and other tests are pending, but preliminary evidence found no sign of alcohol or drugs, the piece adds.

Bravo, the network that airs the "Housewives" franchise, said it hasn't decided on its next move, according to the article. "We're all still trying to process yesterday's very sad news, and looking at how to proceed with the series, which has finished primary production and was set to premiere on Labor Day," wrote Andy Cohen, the Bravo executive who hosts "Real Housewives," on his blog.

Russell Armstrong was the husband of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" cast member Taylor Armstrong, who recently initiated divorce proceedings.

'Lone Ranger' May Yet Get Back on Horse: Johnny Depp Is Confident Feature Film Version of Classic TV Show Will Once Again Get Green Light

Johnny Depp’s feature film version of "The Lone Ranger" isn’t dead yet, as a film crew was told Wednesday night to hold off on tearing down a Western town set that had been built for the production in New Mexico, reports the Los Angeles Times' Company Town blog.

Since Walt Disney Studios halted production last Friday on the updated version of the classic TV show, the filmmakers have been trying to pare down the estimated $250 million cost to Disney's demand for a budget of about $210 million. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Gore Verbinski and actor Depp have agreed to cut their compensation as a way to meet Disney's demand, the story says.

Depp, who is slated to play the Lone Ranger's Native American sidekick Tonto, said via email that "everything will work out as it should," according to the report. Representatives for Disney and Bruckheimer declined to comment, while a spokeswoman for Verbinski said he was unavailable.

ABC and NBC in Bidding War -- So What's the Show They're Both Trying to Get?

[Updated on 8/17/11 at 2:20 p.m. PT, to include Fox response to TVWeek that Fox Broadcasting is NOT bidding on the show, contrary to the Deadline report. Thus we have changed both our headline and story to reflect the Fox denial.]

ABC and NBC are reportedly in a bidding war over a certain new TV project, with both networks offering major commitments, according to Deadline.com. CBS has not heard the pitch for the  show, the report says.

The object of their desire is an untitled comedy from comedian Sarah Silverman and Imagine/20th Century Fox, which we reported on several months back.

In Deadline's original report, our friend Nellie Andreeva wrote that she had also heard that Fox Broadcasting was in "hot pursuit" of the show. A Fox spokeswoman contacted TVWeek after we also noted that part of the Deadline story, to say that that was not true.

Helping to fuel the interest by at least two of the major networks is that Imagine principal Ron Howard has taken an interest in the show, which is a single-camera effort loosely based on Silverman’s life. While Howard’s partner Brian Grazer generally handles Imagine’s TV projects, Howard reportedly has been involved personally in all the network pitches for the series.

Silverman is writing the show with Dan Sterling and Jon Schroeder, who were also involved in her Comedy Central show.

Sarah Silverman

'X Factor' Adds Star Power with Wooing of Five-Time Grammy Winner, Who Has Sold Over 200 Million (!) Records

Simon Cowell’s upcoming Fox singing competition “X Factor,” closing in on its Sept. 21 premiere, is bringing in a high-powered celebrity as a mentor, Deadline.com reports.

Mariah Carey is reportedly in final negotiations for the job. And feelers are out for others. An insider tells the publication that the show has reachd out to “the Beyonces, the Rihannas, all of them.”

Carey has been talked about as a contender for a spot on the show from the start. Her pregnancy may have prevented her from becoming a judge on the show, the story says.

Burt Reynolds Is Sued, Faces Possible Foreclosure on His Florida Home

Screen icon Burt Reynolds risks losing his home to foreclosure after a suit was filed against the actor that demands mortgage payments amounting to about $1.2 million, the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel reports.

Merrill Lynch Credit Corp. filed the suit against Reynolds, which demands: "Plaintiff must be paid $1,193,808 in principal on the mortgage note and mortgage, together with interest from August 1, 2010, and all costs."

Merrill Lynch wants to foreclose on the 4-acre Indian Hills property and sell it to recoup the debt. The Mediterranean-style home is reportedly valued at $2.4 million.

Reynolds, who recently appeared as a guest on USA Network's "Burn Notice," could not be reached for comment. A message sent to Reynolds' publicist, Erik Kritzer, was not returned, according to the newspaper.

Burt Reynolds

Two Clear Front-Runners Top New List of Richest Teen Entertainers

A couple of familiar names lead the new list of highest-paid teenage entertainers, MTV reports. The list, compiled by People magazine, ranks the teens based on their 2010 income.

Not surprisingly, Justin Bieber tops the list. The 17-year-old reportedly took in $53 million in 2010, most of it from the movie “Never Say Never” and from his fragrance Someday. “Never Say Never,” with sales of more than $73 million so far in the U.S., is said to be the most successful concert movie ever.

Not far behind was Miley Cyrus, earning a reported $48 million, which came almost entirely from touring.

Others on the list include Taylor Lautner, with a combined $16 million for two “Twilight” movies and “Abduction”; and Nick Jonas at about $12.5 million. Angus T. Jones came in at $7.8 million, earning a reported $300,000 an episode for “Two and a Half Men.”

Selena Gomez made about $5.5 million, with Jaden Smith at about $5 million, including $3 million from “The Karate Kid.” Jaden’s sister, Willow Smith, was in the ballpark at $4 million.

Fox Inks Deal for Mixed Martial Arts Events

In a deal that is seen as a big step toward mainstream exposure for the UFC and its mixed martial arts events, the organization is putting the finishing touches on a deal with Fox worth about $90 million, Sports Business Daily reports.

The pact is expected to place as many as four bouts per year on the Fox Network. It would represent the first consistent exposure for UFC on broadcast.

Fox has yet to confirm the deal, but reportedly it will run as long as eight years. As part of the new agreement, most UFC programming currently on Versus and Spike TV -- including fight cards and the reality program “The Ultimate Fighter” -- will move to FX starting in January. Fuel, another Fox outlet, will also receive some UFC programming.

UFC had reportedly been negotiating for months with Comcast/NBC, but those talks apparently broke down.

'The Mentalist' Cast Members Get Salary Hikes

Following a raise in pay for the show’s star, Simon Baker, other principal cast members on CBS’s “The Mentalist” have also been rewarded with raises, reports Deadline.com.

Warner Bros. TV gave Robin Tunney, Amanda Righetti, Tim Kang and Owain Yeoman substantial bumps in salary. In Tunney’s case, the per-episode rate is reportedly going up from about $75,000 to more than $100,000 initially, increasing to close to $200,000 by the end of her contract.

As the star of the show, Baker is said to be earning $350,000 per episode, and that amount is set to increase every year that "The Mentalist" is on the air.

In November 2009, "The Mentalist" earned a big off-network syndication deal. Warner Bros. received approximately $2.2 million per episode in a deal with TNT.

Ron Howard's Ambitious Stephen King Project Isn't Dead Yet

Ron Howard hasn’t given up on plans for a multimedia Stephen King project, even though Universal bailed out on the plan about a month ago, as reported previously.

The director and his producing partner Brian Grazer are looking for another studio for the ambitious adaptation of King’s “Dark Tower,” the New York Post reports.

Grazer told the publication that Howard is "trying to get outside financing to make it, and distribute it through a major."

Javier Bardem remains attached to star in the project as Roland Deschain. Grazer and Howard still envision the project as three movies and a spinoff television show.

Grazer did say that if and when a new studio signs on, the start of work on "Dark Tower" will be pushed back until at least 2012.

Andy's Dad on 'The Office' Is ... a Veteran TV Dad

An actor who is well-known as a TV dad has landed another daddy role, this time on NBC's "The Office," reports TVLine.com.

Stephen Collins will play Andy Bernard's (Ed Helms) father on the award-winning sitcom. Collins is best known from his long run as patriarch Eric Camden on CW's "7th Heaven."

Andy's dad will be showing up in an October episode of "The Office."

Oscar Nominee Relieves Himself on Plane After Being Told He Had to Wait to Use Toilet Facilities

An Oscar-nominated actor reportedly relieved himself in front of passengers on an airplane Tuesday night after being told he had to wait to use the toilet, USA Today reports.

French actor Gerard Depardieu, 62, was on a CityJet flight from Paris to Dublin that was on the tarmac during a flight delay when the incident occurred. He reportedly urinated in the cabin after being denied permission to use the facilities.

A spokesman for CityJet, a subsidiary of Air France-KLM, said, “I will only confirm that he, in effect, urinated in the plane.”

The airline reportedly follwed the incident with a Twitter post, saying: “As you may have seen on the news, we are busy mopping the floor of one of our planes this morning. ... We'd also like to remind all passengers that our planes are fully equipped with toilet facilities.”

It was unknown whether action was being taken against Depardieu. The actor was nominated for an Oscar for Cyrano de Bergerac in 1991.

Former Sportscaster Pleads Guilty in Child Prostitution Case

A former sportscaster pleaded guilty in a child prostitution case and will serve 20 days of community service, reports the New York Post.

Marvell Scott, 36, who was a sportscaster with WABC-TV in New York, left television last year to work as a sports-medicine doctor, the story says. According to the story, a 14-year-old girl was allegedly offered to him as a prostitute in Times Square in 2008.

"On or about June 5, 2008, inside my then-apartment ... I acted in a manner likely to be injurious to the welfare of a child by inappropriately touching her," Scott said in his plea.

Don't-Miss Video: Anne Hathaway Takes Poke at Paparazzi and the Actresses They Photograph in Her Terrific Rap Done Lil' Wayne Style on Conan's Show

Numbers Are In for Anderson Cooper's First Week at 8 p.m.

"Anderson Cooper 360" moved to its new 8 p.m. timeslot in CNN's reconfigured prime-time lineup last week, taking over the spot previously filled by the canceled "In the Arena" show hosted by Eliot Spitzer. It was a rough start for Cooper’s show, which drew lower viewer numbers than its predecessor, reports TVNewser.com.

Cooper averaged 502,000 total viewers, lower than the 599,000 total viewers averaged by Spitzer during the second quarter, the story says. During Spitzer's last quarter on CNN, however, the time period included two presidential addresses, two special editions of Piers Morgan and CNN's New Hampshire GOP debate.

"It is the dead of summer, but considering the busy news week on Wall Street and in politics, it could be a rough climb for 'AC360' at 8 p.m. -- cable news’ most-watched hour," the article says.

One Retailer Wants No Association With 'Jersey Shore' -- And Is Offering to Pay 'The Situation' Not to Wear Its Clothes

While some retailers would jump at the chance to get their products featured on MTV's hit "Jersey Shore," youth-focused clothing company Abercrombie & Fitch wants none of it -- and is even offering to pay Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino to not wear its clothing, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In a statement, Abercrombie & Fitch said it was "deeply concerned that Mr. Sorrentino's association with our brand could cause significant damage to our image," the story says. It added that associating with "Jersey Shore" "is contrary to the aspirational nature of our brand, and may be distressing to many of our fans."

The statement went on to note that the company had offered "substantial payment" to the Situation and the show's producers to have him wear another brand, an offer that it also extended to other cast members, the story says.

Yet despite its distancing from "Jersey Shore," Abercrombie & Fitch last year released a "Fitchuation" T-shirt, the story notes.

Sorrentino told New York Magazine, "The Situation -- my name, or my character -- is known worldwide now. Abercrombie & Fitch, their most popular shirt, they told me, is 'Fitchuation.' I mean, where did they get that from? Obviously from myself."

Friends of Suicide Victim Say Reality Show May Have Played a Part in His Death

Friends of Russell Armstrong, who was found dead Monday night in an apparent suicide, are pointing to the stresses of Bravo reality show "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" as possibly contributing to his death, reports the Los Angeles Times.

"The TV show put a lot of pressure on him to produce financially. You're on a show with a couple like the Maloofs, who are verifiable billionaires, and you're not," William Ratner, a friend, said. He was referring to Adrienne Maloof, whose family owns Las Vegas' Palms casino resort.

Armstrong, 47, apparently wasn't as wealthy as the show presented, the piece notes. He had $12 million in debts garnered during the tech bust and was recently sued, along with his wife, for allegedly taking investors' money to redecorate a mansion, the story notes. His wife, Taylor Armstrong, filed for divorce in July, and he had been staying with a friend.

The second season of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" has been scheduled to debut Sept. 5, although Bravo said a decision is pending as to whether the season will be delayed or the episodes re-edited, the story notes.

Watchdog Group Says Children's Cartoons Contain References to Pedophilia, Rape and Prostitution

Cartoons that are aimed at 12-year-olds include jokes about pedophilia, rape and prostitution, use profanity and portray drug abuse as funny, the watchdog group the Parents Television Council charges, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The PTC report condemned the Disney Channel's "Phineas and Ferb" for helping to mainstream the word "sucks," the story says. Despite that, the Disney Channel received an A from the group for its animated children's content. Not so lucky were Adult Swim and Cartoon Network, which were both awarded F’s, the story says.

While Adult Swim is targeted to adults, the PTC says it routinely draws children as young as 12, airs in prime time and doesn't include warnings about the content, the story says. Cartoon Network completely failed to use warning systems for sex and suggestive and crude language, the PTC charged.

The study looked at 123 episodes of animated shows that attract children, and found that adult content is featured once every 2 minutes and 19 seconds, the story says.

Study Links TV Viewing With Shorter Lifespan

TV addicts are shortening their lifespans by watching too much TV, according to researchers in Australia, reports HealthDay.

People who averaged six hours a day of TV viewing lived nearly five years less, on average, than people who watched no TV, according to research led by Dr. J. Lennert Veerman of the University of Queensland.

Other experts pointed out that the study found only an association between watching a lot of TV and a shorter life, not that TV watching causes people to die earlier.

"As a rule, the more time we spend watching TV, the more time we spend eating mindlessly in front of the TV, and the less time we spend being physically active," pointed out Dr. David L. Katz, director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School of Medicine. "More eating and less physical activity, in turn, mean greater risk for obesity, and the chronic diseases it tends to anticipate, notably diabetes, heart disease and cancer."

The study, which was published in the Aug. 15 online edition of the British Journal of Sports Medicine, tracked data on 11,000 people over 25 years of age from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study, the story notes. That study included survey information about how much TV people watched each week.

The researchers said the statistics indicate that too much TV may be as risky as smoking and lack of exercise in cutting down life expectancy, the article notes.

New Front Opening Up in Widening News Corp. Scandal

The next front in the widening News Corp. scandal may involve the “graduation” of journalists from hacking mobile phones to computer hacking and other forms of spying, according to a British lawmaker, reports Bloomberg.

“My own concerns are that this will lead to other forms of covert surveillance and I think the next scandal will be computer hacking and we’re going to be living with this for weeks and months to come,” said Tom Watson, a Labour Party lawmaker and a member of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee that is investigating phone hacking at Rupert Murdoch's now defunct News of the World Tabloid.

London police opened a third investigation into reporting tactics, with a focus on computer hacking, although it doesn't specifically target News Corp. The inquiry is looking into “a number of allegations regarding breach of privacy” and computer hacking, the police said.

The probe was started after allegations from former British Army intelligence officer Ian Hurst that News Group, a unit of News Corp., had hired a computer expert to hack into his email, the story says. News International declined to comment when asked about computer hacking, the article notes.

Daytime TV Host Gets First Interview With Parents of Casey Anthony

The parents of Casey Anthony, who was recently acquitted of killing her 2-year-old daughter, have given their first television interview to daytime TV host Dr. Phil McGraw, reports The New York Times' Media Decoder blog.

"Dr. Phil" is making a donation to a nonprofit group that the couple, Cindy and George Anthony, are creating, in order to secure the interview, the piece notes. The TV show said the couple will "derive no income" from the nonprofit organization.

The interview will air Sept. 12, the day the 10th season of "Dr. Phil" starts, the article notes. With "The Oprah Winfrey Show" off the air, "Dr. Phil" is likely to become the most-watched daytime talk show in the U.S. -- and the high-profile interview is likely to draw even more viewers, the piece adds.

McGraw said in a statement, "Nothing is off limits during this interview.”

Midnight Cable Show Renewed

An 11-minute comedy that airs at midnight has been renewed for a fourth season, reports EW.com's InsideTV blog.

Adult Swim has ordered 14 episodes of the Rob Corddry show "Childrens Hospital," with the fourth-season debut slated for 2012.

In a statement, Corddry said: “I’m very pleased and honored by this announcement. I’m also very surprised, given that I write this show when I’m very, very drunk. Season four promises to be a cry for help."

Plans for New 'Sex and the City' Series Focus on Broadcast Network

A broadcast network has emerged as the leading candidate to pick up a new series based on HBO's "Sex and the City," Deadline.com reports. The top contender is a network known for its youth appeal: The CW.

While no deals are in place, Warner Bros. TV would produce, with "Gossip Girl" executive producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage potentially joining in the project via their Warner Bros. TV-based Fake Empire production company.

The project would be based on "Sex and the City" author Candace Bushnell's recent book "The Carrie Diaries," which focuses on the high school years of "Sex and the City" character Carrie Bradshaw. Because of Schwartz and Savage's experience working on shows such as "The O.C." and "Gossip Girl," they are seen as a natural fit for the project and are expected to executive produce with Bushnell.

"Sex and the City" creator Darren Star won't be involved, nor will the show's star Sarah Jessica Parker or showrunner Michael Patrick King, the piece notes.

Husband of Popular Reality Show Cast Member -- She Had Recently Filed For Divorce -- Found Dead in Apparent Suicide

The husband of a popular reality show cast member who recently filed for divorce has apparently committed suicide, TMZ.com reports.

Russell Armstrong, 47, the husband of Taylor Armstrong -- one of Bravo's "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" -- apparently hanged himself in the bedroom of his Mulholland Drive home, the story reports. He was found by a roommate, and L.A. emergency responders declared Armstrong dead at 8:16 p.m. Monday.

Taylor Armstrong filed for divorce from Russell last month, accusing him of physical abuse. During the first season of the show on Bravo, the couple’s marriage was shown to be strained.

Latest Bombshell in Phone Hacking Case: Parliamentary Committee Releases 2007 Letter That Alleges Top Editors at News of the World Endorsed Hacking. James Murdoch May Be Asked to Testify Again

"A high-profile parliamentary panel investigating phone hacking at Rupert Murdoch’s now-defunct News of the World tabloid released embarrassing new evidence Tuesday [today, Aug. 16, 2011] that the practice of intercepting voice mail had been widely discussed at the newspaper, contradicting assertions by its owners and editors," reports The New York Times.

The evidence released is a letter, dated March 2, 2007, from Clive Goodman to Daniel Cloke, the Group Human Resources Director for News International. News International is News Corp.'s U.K. subsidiary that owned and ran the British tabloid The News of the World. Goodman is the former royal correspondent for that tabloid who was convicted of phone hacking and fired. You can read Goodman's letter if you click here. 

The Times article continues, "In light of the new evidence, the panel also announced that it was summoning at least four former News of the World figures for questioning at a hearing next month and could possibly ask Mr. Murdoch’s son James, the head of the Murdoch conglomerate’s European operations, back for more testimony as well."

The article adds, "In addition to the Goodman letter, the parliamentary panel released a letter from Harbottle & Lewis, a law firm hired by the Murdochs, which they have repeatedly cited as having given the News of the World a 'clean bill of health' in reviewing a cache of e-mails in 2007. The law firm’s letter contradicts that assertion and says that its own investigation had been limited strictly to advising the company in its employment dispute with Mr. Goodman."

The story also notes that "News International said through a spokesman that it 'recognized the seriousness' of the material disclosed to the police and Parliament and was committed to working in a 'constructive and open way' with all the relevant authorities.'"

'30 Rock' Lands on Cable; Comedy Central Unveils Fall Lineup

Comedy Central has taken the wraps off plans for its fall premieres, including the eagerly anticipated Charlie Sheen roast and the cable debut of “30 Rock,” Multichannel News reports.

The story reports: “Tina Fey's highly acclaimed ‘30 Rock’ will begin its Comedy Central run on Sept. 19, as the network will strip the half-hour series weeknights at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Emmy-winning show will serve as a table-setter for Comedy Central's primetime entries.”

“The Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen,” hosted by Seth MacFarlane, debuts Sept. 19 at 10 p.m. The following night features the season premieres of “Tosh.0” at 10 p.m. and “Workaholics” at 10:30 p.m.

The channel rolls out a new documentary Oct. 2 at 10 p.m. that goes behind the scenes of “South Park” with creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. “South Park’s” 15th season premieres Oct. 5 at 10 p.m., followed by the season two premiere of “Nick Swardson’s Pretend Time.”

“Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand-Up Revolution” bows Oct. 6, taping from Stand Up Live in Phoenix.

The story adds: “There are also specials aplenty: the world premiere of ‘Jeff Dunham: Controlled Chaos,’ Sept. 25 at 9 p.m.; the global debut of ‘Weird Al Yankovic Live! - The Alpocalypse Tour,’ Oct. 1 at 9 p.m.; ‘Craig Ferguson: Does This Need to Be Said?,’ Oct. 15, 10 p.m.; the world bow of ‘Pablo Francisco: They Put It Out There,’ Nov. 5 at 11 p.m.; the world premiere of ‘Donald Glover: Weirdo’ on Nov. 20 (TBD); and the global coming out party of a Carlos Mencia stand-up special on Dec. 4.”

Remarks by Gene Simmons Get KISS Booted From Michael Jackson Tribute

The rock band KISS was kicked off the bill for “Michael Jackson Forever: The Tribute Concert” today after organizers got wind of negative remarks band member Gene Simmons made about Jackson shortly after his death, CNN reports.

The decision came just a day after the announcement on CNN that the band had been added to the lineup for the concert, which is set for Oct. 8 in Cardiff, Wales. It was reportedly made after Michael Jackson fans brought the comments to the attention of the concert’s promoters.

Said Chris Hunt, CEO of Global Live Events: "We have listened to Michael's fans and are grateful to have been alerted to these unfortunate statements by Gene Simmons.”

In the weeks after Jackson’s death, Simmons reportedly said he had suspected that Jackson was a pedophile.

Late Monday, a lawyer for Jackson’s estate, Howard Weitzman, sent a letter to the concert promoters expressing disappointment that KISS had been added to the lineup. "As I am sure you are aware, Mr. Simmons has made numerous disparaging public comments about Michael Jackson after his passing," Weitzman said in the letter.

Promoters said they had been unaware of the comments by Simmons when they booked KISS for the show, and apologized to Jackson’s family for the oversight.

ABC Studios Wins Bidding War for New Sitcom From Jim Belushi

ABC Studios has won the bidding war for a new half-hour comedy series starring Jim Belushi and created by "Murphy Brown" writer Diane English, reports Deadline.com. ABC is where Belushi's previous sitcom "According to Jim" ran for eight seasons.

The show centers on a single father raising a teen-ager. ABC is considered to have the inside track, although the show will be shopped to other networks as well.

Belushi and English will be producing with others, in addition to their contributions in acting and writing, respectively. Belushi is the latest in a series of former sitcom stars -- including Tim Allen, Kirstie Alley and Roseanne Barr -- to opt to return to sitcoms.

Deals for the new show are still in the works, but it is likely to bring in Brillstein Entertainment Partners, which co-produced “According to Jim.”

Oscars Have a Cure in Sight for Recent Lame Hosts

After the past two years of poorly received Oscar hosts, the Academy Awards folks have been hearing murmurs that a former host who was a critical smash might be interested in a return engagement, Deadline.com reports.

Billy Crystal, who was called "one of the greatest Oscar hosts of all time" at last February's broadcast, is apparently "itchy" to do it again.

Crystal mentioned the possibility back in March, just after appearing on this year’s Oscars to honor Bob Hope, and it came up again last week. At Friday’s 20th anniversary celebration screening of his hit movie "City Slickers" at American Cinematheque, Crystal reportedly said: "I came out last year as a surprise. It was a last-minute decision. They had called and said would you do this thing and honor Bob Hope and that was a kind of cool thing to do. I said OK. I did it, and people wanted to see me, they stood up, and I couldn't talk for about a minute. And, um, I got a little itchy. So we'll see what happens. I can't promise anything."

According to the Deadline story, Crystal said he might be willing to host again “maybe one or two more times.”

Back in March, Crystal suggested that the show cut down on the number of awards presented. “There’s too many awards and it has to sort of freshen itself up, and if I can be a part of that, that would be great,” he said.

The Academy has fiercely resisted efforts to cut back on the number of awards included in the ceremony.

Brett Ratner, who is producing the 2012 Oscars telecast with Don Mischer, responded to the piece with a non-committal email, saying he’s currently focused on finishing his film “Tower Heist.” But he added: “I was told by the Academy that I don’t have to make a decision until mid-September.”

OWN Brings Veteran Exec on Board to Lead Distribution Efforts

Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network has hired a veteran of Discovery Channel and MTV to lead the net’s distribution efforts, Multichannel News reports.

Meg Lowe, former senior vice president of distribution for the Discovery Channel, joins OWN as senior vice president of distribution and strategy, the story says. Lowe will oversee sales and affiliate marketing as well as all carriage negotiations for OWN.

In a statement, OWN co-President Erik Logan, said, "Meg has proven her skills working with distribution partners across Discovery's U.S. networks and MTV Networks, and I look forward to putting her expertise to work for OWN."

Lowe's background includes a 15-year tenure with MTV Networks. As SVP, content distribution and marketing, her last position there, she oversaw distribution for all MTV and BET Networks.

OWN is owned in partnership by Winfrey and Discovery, and Lowe will continue to oversee negotiations for two of Discovery’s joint venture services: 3net and The Hub.

No 'Dancing' for Queen Latifah

Actress and singer Queen Latifah denied reports Monday that she will be a contestant on season 13 of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," reports Access Hollywood.

Latifah tweeted the news, saying, "No truth to the rumors of me doing 'Dancing With the Stars.'" The Queen is happy to tune in, however. She wrote, "Love the show though so I'll be watching just like you!"

The official announcement of the contestants will be presented during ABC's "Bachelor Pad" on Monday, Aug. 29.

Tension Behind the Scenes at CBS's 'The Talk': Two Co-Hosts Expected to Leave, and It's Apparently Because of One Co-Host's 'Queen Bee Attitude'

Cast changes are expected at CBS’s “The Talk,” and the trouble can be traced to a “queen bee attitude” on the part of one of the co-hosts, according to a report by the New York Post.

Holly Robinson Peete revealed last week that she will not be back on the show for its second season, the story notes. Now word has surfaced that Leah Remini also plans to quit, and this comes after Sharon Osbourne recently announced that she’s taking a break from the show.

A separate report, in Deadline.com, says the options of Robinson Peete and Remini have not been picked up, and they are not expected to be in the lineup when season two premieres Sept. 6.

Deadline says the show has picked up the options of co-hosts Osbourne, Sara Gilbert and Julie Chen, although Osbourne will be taking some time off in the fall to be with her husband.

The departures of Remini and Peete come as the women allegedly were fed up with Chen's "queen bee attitude," according to the New York Post story.

Chen, who is married to CBS President Leslie Moonves, allegedly told the women they weren't allowed to talk about Casey Anthony without her because she's the only co-host with a background in journalism, the story says.

Another source said the friction was caused by Remini, calling her “a disruptive force” and describing Chen as “the glue that holds the show together.”

TLC Cancels Signature Series That Became a True TV Phenom

TLC has announced the end of a television era with the cancellation of one of its signature shows, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The cable network has canceled "Kate Plus 8," the reality show starring Kate Gosselin and her eight children, the story reports. It was a continuation of its phenomenal predecessor, "Jon and Kate Plus 8," which also featured Kate's husband at the time, Jon Gosselin.

That show became so popular that its fifth season premiere drew about 10 million viewers, making it the largest audience watching any TV show on broadcast or cable that night. 

According to the article, Kate says she plans to spend time writing books and working on her motivational speaking.

The show's final episode will air on Sept. 12, although the network said it plans to telecast occasional specials in the future.

Kate Gosselin wrote on Twitter: "While it is very sad for me and the kids (there were many tears at the breakfast table this morning!), we are looking forward with great anticipation to our bright future! As is very typical for me, I am choosing to see the positive in this situation and I am excited to consider the many more invigorating opportunities that may come my way!"

Another TV Personality Apologizes for Rant About LGBT Community

A well-known television personality has apologized after coming under criticism by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, reports EW.com's PopWatch.

Adam Carolla was accused by GLAAD of "gross intolerance" after the comedian made anti-gay comments on his podcast last week.

In a press release about the incident, GLAAD said: “In his rant, he also told LGBT people to ‘shut up’ because they are ‘ruining his life’ by speaking out about equality. He went on to say that members of the LGBT community should stop using the letters ‘LGBT’ to describe themselves, and should instead use ‘YUCK.’ Regarding transgender people, Carolla at one point asked: ‘When did we start giving a sh-t about these people?’"

Carolla apologized, saying, “I’m sorry my comments were hurtful. I’m a comedian, not a politician.”

Carolla co-hosted "Loveline" on MTV from 1996 to 2000 and was the co-creator of "Crank Yankers.” He currently hosts “The Car Show” on Speed.

Blond Bombshell Known for 1980s Prime-Time Soaps to Spice Up Fox Drama

A blond bombshell who was a TV icon in the 1980s, with roles on prime-time soap operas including “Falcon Crest” and “Flamingo Road,” has booked another prime-time appearance, TVGuide.com reports.

Morgan Fairchild will guest star in the upcoming season of Fox's "Bones," the story reports.

In the show's third episode, Fairchild will play the CEO of a toy company where the remains of an employee are found, the story says. The episode is currently taping.

Morgan Fairchild

LA's KCET, the Nation's Largest Independent Public TV Station, Signs Innovative Programming Deal Worth Up to $50 Million Over Next Five Years. The Idea Is 'Bravo Meets Vanity Fair Meets Arte'

KCET, the Hollywood-based public TV station that broke with PBS at the end of last year, has signed a programming deal worth up to $50 million over the next five years, the station has announced.

According to the announcement, the deal, with Eyetronics Media and Studios, "will launch five new series this year for domestic and international distribution that showcase SoCal’s history, culture and pizzazz as well as its economic relevance to the global marketplace."

According to a statement that Eyetronics CEO Dominique Bigle provided to TVWeek, "The overall concept is to promote art, entertainment and popular culture formatted in a combination of Bravo meets Vanity Fair meets Arte, which fits into KCET's [slogan] 'Rethink TV.' "

Bigle added that "the first five series are slated as non-fiction, though subject to change as we delve deeper into the development process."

Said the announcement, "The venture is to be funded by Eyetronics Media and Studios, which intends to provide up to $50 million in necessary financing to cover original productions, acquisitions and distribution during the initial partnership term of five years. KCET will produce and broadcast these series. Eyetronics will package and distribute the content domestically and internationally across all media platforms. KCET has public television distribution rights domestically and in Canada."

The announcement adds, "The new shows will celebrate the vibrancy of Southern California’s people, places, and culture, as well as its history. The initial slate includes programs that explore everything from the glitz of Hollywood entertainment and multi-cultural eateries to groundbreaking academic research and technological innovation. The new venture’s programs will also utilize assets in Eyetronics’ 'Classic Cool Library,' which includes more than 3,000 classic titles, rare footage, newsreels, cartoons, serials, documentaries, TV movies and series."

KCET's president and CEO is Al Jerome, a longtime, well-known TV executive. He's been at KCET since 1996, and at one point in his career  was president of the NBC television station group. Jerome said of the Eyetronics deal in a statement, "Southern California is a special market, and it is our home. Over the years, we have spoken to generations of Angelenos with our programming. We are eager to collaborate with Dominique and leverage his savvy for international distribution to deliver more exceptional shows and original documentaries with local/global appeal."

Major Change: If You Watch Fox Shows Over-the-Air and Don't Have a Cable, Satellite or Telco Provider Who Has a Deal with Fox, You'll Have to Wait 8 Days to Watch the Previous Night's Episode at Fox.com or Hulu.com. Only Provider Now With Fox Deal Is Dish

"On Monday (Aug. 15), Fox stopped providing new episodes at Fox.com and Hulu.com for free to everyone the day after they air, making them available only to subscribers of participating 'TV Everywhere' distributors (as well as Hulu Plus) for eight days following their TV premiere. So far, only Dish Network has an agreement with Fox for the authentication service."

So writes Todd Spangler in an article on Multichannel News' website.

The article adds, "Fox is approaching the authenticated service as an extension of its retrans agreements. In some cases, Fox may be open to other arrangements, according to a source familiar with the company's strategy."

If you click here, you can watch a video on the Fox site, which is animated and features characters from Seth MacFarlane's shows to explain to consumers Fox's change in policy.

The Multichannel article also says, " 'Frustrated?' the Fox notice reads. 'Join your fellow subscribers and let your TV provider know that you want access to all full episodes on FOX.com. We will send an email when your provider's status changes.' Visitors are invited to fill out their ZIP code, select their provider and enter their name and e-mail address to be notified when their provider has joined the Fox program."

The story adds, "A form letter -- which Fox purportedly will send to the provider selected -- reads: 'Dear [Provider], I want to continue watching full episodes on FOX.com but you are not one of the participating providers. As a customer of [Provider] I want you to know that I expect to have access to these episodes included in my subscription.' "

In the FAQ section of the page on the website Fox writes:

"Why do I need a cable or satellite subscription to watch online episodes I used to watch for free?
You can still watch these episodes online for free after the 8-day period expires."

and:

"How often do I need to log in?
Once activated, your session is valid for 30 days. This is determined by each individual TV provider, so the term may vary."

Former 'Friends' Star Moves Behind the Camera

A former star of the long-running NBC hit “Friends” is ready to tackle a new challenge when she makes her TV directing debut, reports TVGuide.com.

Courteney Cox, who now stars in the ABC comedy "Cougar Town," will direct an episode of the show, the story reports.

Cox, who is also an executive producer on the show, does have previous directing experience, having directed the 2008 short "The Monday Before Thanksgiving," starring Laura Dern.

"Cougar Town" will return for season three at midseason.

'Game of Thrones' Writer Says Scripts Were Stolen; Postal Worker Suspected

George R.R. Martin, the novelist who created the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series that's the basis for HBO's "Game of Thrones," is asking fans to help him track down scripts from the show's first season, reports TheWrap.com's The Box blog.

Martin wrote on his blog that the final shooting scripts from the show's first season had been stolen en route from Northern Ireland, where the show's second season is in production, the story says. The novelist had planned to enter the scripts in a charity auction and wrote they would have earned "significant bucks," the piece adds. "I am convinced the scripts were stolen," he wrote, noting that he suspects the thief is a U.S. postal worker.

"The US post office delivered the envelope in a plastic baggie with a pre-printed note apologizing for the 'damage,'" Martin wrote. "But this was no error in handling. The envelope was torn open at one end, and both scripts were gone, though [co-creator] Dan [Weiss]'s letter remained."

Former 'Daily Show' Writer Has Muppets Project in the Works, Aimed at Grown-Ups, to Retell Historical and Pop Culture Events (Picture Puppet Version of Michael Jackson Dangling a Baby From Balcony)

Former "Daily Show with Jon Stewart" writer Chris Regan has signed on as executive producer and head writer for a project featuring the Muppets, which is aimed at adults and gives a satirical take on history and pop culture, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The pilot, from Bunim/Murray Productions and Henson Alternative, will aim for a subversive tone similar to the animated prime-time shows on Fox, the story notes.

“By using puppets we can have some fun with history,” said Bunim/Murray Chairman Jonathan Murray. “That’s the great thing about it. On 'South Park' and 'The Simpsons,' they can get away with things that you wouldn’t be able to get away with in a live-action show.”

The show will re-enact pop culture moments such as Michael Jackson dangling his child from a hotel balcony in 2002, the story notes. Once a pilot is produced, the companies will pitch it to networks including VH1 and History.

Sean Hayes Comedy Project Taking Shape at NBC -- Subject Matter Revisits 'Will & Grace'

The NBC comedy project from former "Will & Grace" star Sean Hayes is close to signing "Rescue Me' co-creator Peter Tolan and his writing partner Michael Wimer, and has revealed its logline, reports EW.com's Inside TV blog.

The show will track two men raising a 12-year-old, but rather than a buddy show like "Two and a Half Men," the two men will be a gay couple who are co-parenting.

The show would be the only one currently on TV focused on a gay couple, the story says. Shows such as “Glee” and "Modern Family," which includes a gay couple, have also helped gay portrayals make strides on TV, the story notes.

“Will & Grace,” which ran from 1998 to 2006 on NBC, is considered one of the most successful shows ever to feature gay principal characters.

Tolan will serve as writer and executive producer on the new show, which is produced by Universal Media Studios and Sony Pictures TV.

Hayes’ development deal with NBC was announced earlier this month at the Television Critics Association press tour, as previously reported.

Bill Paxton Joins Kevin Costner in Miniseries on America's Most Famous Family Feud

Bill Paxton has joined History’s upcoming miniseries on the most famous family feud in U.S. history, where he will line up on opposite sides of the struggle with Kevin Costner.

Paxton will play Randall McCoy in “The Hatfields and McCoys,” with Costner already announced for the role of “Devil” Anse Hatfield. Kevin Reynolds (“Red Dawn”) is signed to direct.

The miniseries chronicles the deadly battle between two clans that almost led to war between West Virginia and Kentucky.

History says in its announcement: “The Hatfield-McCoy saga begins with ‘Devil’ Anse Hatfield and Randall McCoy. Close friends and comrades during the Civil War, they returned to their neighboring homes -- Hatfield in West Virginia, McCoy just across the Tug River border in Kentucky -- to increasing tensions, misunderstandings and resentments that soon exploded into all-out warfare between the two families. As hostilities grew, friends, neighbors and outside forces joined the fight, bringing the two states to the brink of another Civil War.”

The miniseries is being produced for History by Thinkfactory Media.

MTV Renews Scripted Show

MTV announced the renewal of a scripted show, reports the Los Angeles Times' Show Tracker blog. Getting a sophomore year is the half-hour show "Awkward," the story reports.

The renewal follows the cancellation of "The Hard Times of RJ Berger," which aired on MTV for two seasons.

"Awkward" focuses on a 15-year-old who is awkwardly dealing with high school, and it debuted July 19 with 1.7 million viewers. Its most recent episode attracted 1.9 million viewers.

The 12-episode second season will air in 2012, the story adds.

'America's Got Talent' Host Joins NBC Comedy

The host of "America's Got Talent' is joining the cast of a new NBC sitcom, reports TVGuide.com. Nick Cannon has signed on for a recurring role on "Up All Night," the story reports.

Cannon will take on the role of Calvin, a co-host to talk show star Ava, played by Maya Rudolph. Cannon will continue to host "America's Got Talent" as "Up All Night" starts taping, with the finale of "AGT" providing a lead-in to the debut of "Up All Night" on Sept. 14.

Police Under Fire for Handling of Attack on Pop Star

Police in New York are being criticized for their handling of an attack on a pop singer outside an East Village nightclub, the New York Post reports.

Some New Yorkers are accusing the police of giving preferential treatment Gavin DeGraw following the attack. As previously reported, DeGraw was hospitalized after reportedly being assaulted by three men and then later being hit by a taxi.

DeGraw is best known for his hit song "I Don't Want to Be," which is the theme song for The CW's "One Tree Hill."

The police have plastered the neighborhood with fliers asking witnesses to the attack to come forward, reading, "The police need your help," the Post reports.

One resident, Eddie Hunt, said "I know like six people that have been mugged. I know three bike riders that have been run over. The cops don't put up fliers for them."

So far the investigation hasn't turned up new leads.

'Sex and the City' Eyes Return to TV, Scraps Plans for Third Feature Film

A poor reception for the second “Sex & the City” feature film has the team behind the franchise looking to take it in a different direction, the U.K.’s Daily Mail reports.

It's possible that the Darren Star comedy hit will return to television, the story reports. A source said: "Everyone is agreed a TV show is the direction they want to take the franchise in."

Plans for the third "Sex" film, which would have explored the early lives of the characters with younger actresses in the roles, have reportedly been shelved.

Star Sarah Jessica Parker reportedly will be producing the next installment, the source said, and, “A TV show is definitely something she wants to happen.”

Google Invests $12.5 Billion (!) in War With Apple's iPhone as Google Buys Motorola Mobility

Google dropped a bombshell on the mobile telephone business today, buying communications company Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion, Digital Trends reports. The move is seen as part of a strategy to protect Google’s Android operating system.

"Google sees the need to arm itself with its own in-house device brand to compete effectively with Apple and create an iconic device line like the iPhone,” said Sharon Armbrust, senior analyst with SNL Kagan. “The big premium speaks to the importance of the acquisition to Google and to the job that [Motorola CEO Sanjay] Jha has done in turning Motorola around. Microsoft has already linked arms with Nokia and before that it was using HTC as its stalking horse. We may see an acquisition by MSFT coming up as well."

In a press release, Google said: “The acquisition of Motorola Mobility, a dedicated Android partner, will enable Google to supercharge the Android ecosystem and will enhance competition in mobile computing. Motorola Mobility will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. Google will run Motorola Mobility as a separate business.”

On a conference call today about the acquisition, Google’s chief legal counsel, David Drummond, added: “While I’m not prepped to talk strategies, combining with Motorola and having that portfolio to protect the ecosystem is a good thing.”

Creative Arts Emmys Get New Cable Home

The Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards are moving to a new cable home, Deadline.com reports. The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced that the awards, which have aired on E! for some time, are moving to ReelzChannel.

The fledgling cable channel recently televised the inaugural Critics’ Choice Television Awards. It’s broadcast of the 2011 Primetime Creative Arts Emmys is set for Saturday, Sept. 17, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Spike Jones Jr. will produce the broadcast, his 17th year in that capacity.

John Shaffner, Television Academy chairman and CEO, said in a statement: "It's a pleasure to welcome back the very talented and innovative Spike Jones Jr. as producer of the show, and we are thrilled to partner with ReelzChannel this year to broadcast the awards. The Primetime Creative Arts Emmys is always a special event during which the industry's top talent turns out to honor some of the most creative and hard-working people in the arts and sciences of television. We look forward to working with Reelz to produce it for television."

HBO Putting the 'Mildred Pierce' Team Together Again for Drama Project; A-List Actress May Star

Another HBO drama project is in the works from the team behind the miniseries “Mildred Pierce,” including executive producer and director Todd Haynes and EPs John Wells and Christine Vachon, Deadline.com reports.

It’s another period piece, “Dope,” based on the Sara Gran novel. A-List actress Julianne Moore is reportedly in the running for the lead role.

The story reports: “Haynes would potentially direct the project, now in development, from a script by Gran, who adapted her book. ‘Dope’ takes place in New York around 1950 and centers on a woman who re-enters her life after being away at the farm to treat her heroin addiction and becomes a private eye.”

Moore also stars in HBO’s upcoming movie about the 2008 presidential election, “Game Change,” playing Sarah Palin.

Lawsuit Sheds Light on Unpleasantness Behind the Scenes of Hit Cable Show

A cable network’s $1.5 million countersuit against the former producer of one of its hit shows paints a picture of what the network calls an “intolerable” work environment allegedly created by the producer, according to The Hollywood Reporter’s Hollywood, Esq. blog.

The Food Network filed the countersuit against David Page, former producer of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” saying it was forced to replace him as producer of the show. The countersuit follows a lawsuit filed in May by Page Television and Video Productions accusing The Food Network of breach of contract.

The network’s filing accuses Page of failing to deliver footage on time and mistreating the show’s staff, the story says.

According to the report: “TFN says that Page would send e-mails to staff members calling them, ‘a vile uninformed piece of sh--,’ ‘you are one f**cked up dumba** loser,’ ‘I hope you die so I can dance on your f**ing grave,’ and ‘lets assume im a genius from now on. . . lets all assume i know what the f*** im doing. . . this is no longer a democracy.’”

The countersuit also says Page continues to hold out material for the show and has delivered incomplete work for seasons 12 and 13 of the show.

Veteran Baseball Announcer Dies

A veteran Major League Baseball announcer who called games on television for more than three decades died Friday at 87, SportsNewser reports.

Ernie Johnson Sr., a former player with the Atlanta Braves, was the voice of TBS's broadcasts of Braves games and a member of the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame. He called games from 1966-1999. He had been ill for some time.

Johnson’s son, Ernie Johnson Jr., is a well-known sports broadcaster who's also a Turner Sports regular, including his role as host of "The NBA on TNT."

David Levy, president of sales, distribution and sports for Turner Broadcasting System Inc., issued a statement saying: "The Turner Sports family is saddened by the loss of Ernie Johnson Sr. He was an iconic voice who helped create a national fan base for TBS’s baseball coverage of the Atlanta Braves. Our deepest sympathies to his wife, Lois, his children Ernie Jr., Chris and Dawn, and his grandchildren."

Weather Channel Staffing Up for Push Into Original Programming

Former Scripps Networks executive Mary Ellen Iwata has been hired by The Weather Channel as vice president of Original Content and Development, reports Deadline.com. This is a new position and bolsters the industry buzz that The Weather Channel is stepping up its efforts to develop original programming.

Iwata will be developing, commissioning and acquiring original programming for The Weather Channel, working out of the New York offices. Iwata has been brought on board by the network's new SVP of Content and Development, Michael Dingley, with whom she worked at HGTV.

Bob Walker, The Weather Channel’s new EVP and general manager, is spearheading the push into originals.

Outspoken Showrunner Bails Out on Twitter

Kurt Sutter, the creator of FX's hit "Sons of Anarchy," has decided to quit Twitter, claiming, "I'm a guy desperately in need of buffers," according to his blog, sutterink.blogspot.com.

An outspoken and sometimes controversial artist, Sutter asserted that he has no regrets over anything he has tweeted in the past.

"No one chased me away except me,” Sutter said of his decision to bail out on Twitter. “Yes, the lazy blogosphere has given up on journalism and now trolls Twitter for their on-the-record in-depth articles. Yes, the hate outweighs the love. But my deactivation was pretty much self-preservation. Eventually, I would have said something that got me or someone else buried in a suffocating pile of irrevocable toxic man shit."

Ending with a gag, Sutter suggested, "Maybe I should get a radio show. NPR, Sirius, what d'ya think? Kurt Sutter's Happy Hour?"

Sutter recently tweeted his observations about why Frank Darabont was fired by AMC as showrunner of “The Walking Dead,” as reported previously. Sutter’s tweets blamed the financial demands of “Mad Men” creator Matthew Weiner for hurting other good shows such as “Walking Dead” and “Breaking Bad.”

MTV Cancels Scripted Series

MTV has canceled a scripted series after two seasons on the air, reports the Los Angeles Times' Show Tracker blog.

The show is "The Hard Times of RJ Berger," which attracted 3.1 million viewers for its second-season debut but saw viewership drop below 1 million throughout the season, the story notes.

The series about a well-endowed teenager represented the reality-heavy network's push into scripted programming. It's the second of MTV's new scripted shows to be canceled, following "Skins," a remake of the British show, which was scrapped after one season.

"Teen Wolf," another scripted show, was recently renewed for a second season, while "Awkward" shows potential for a second season, the story says.

Homeless Squatter Takes Over NBC Star's $2.9 Million Residence, Says She 'Means Crap to Me'

A homeless man explained why he has been squatting in a $2.9 million brownstone in New York City for about a year, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The residence is owned by Ann Curry, co-host of NBC’s “Today” show.

“Ann Curry means crap to me,” the man reportedly said. "I'm not a drug addict; I just don't have a place to sleep."

The man reportedly talked to the New York Post, but refused to give his name.

"The reason I lived there was because they chased me out of Central Park," he added.

Police reportedly found the man asleep in a vestbule over the weekend and not completely inside the building, and took him to a homeless shelter. They found him in the area again Sunday.

The 3,700-square-foot residence, which Curry and her husband purchased in 2003, has been unoccupied, and a large renovation project by the couple was abandoned.

A spokesperson for NBC said: "Ann Curry is currently traveling to Africa to cover the humanitarian crisis and could not be reached for comment."

Charlie Sheen Booed, Cheered and Pelted in Detroit Appearance

Former "Two and a Half Men" star Charlie Sheen was pelted and booed -- along with being cheered -- during an appearance at Detroit's three-day music festival called Gathering of the Juggalos, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In a video posted Sunday by BuzzFeed, the crowd can be heard booing the actor, who had to dodge objects thrown at him by the audience, the story notes.

Another video posted by TMZ showed a more positive response from the crowd, which chanted his name and cheered him on, the story adds.

NBC in Talks to Create New Sports Series

NBC is in discussions to create a new sports series that would debut next year, reports The New York Times. The talks are with the Jockey Club and involve creating a series around next year's Triple Crown prep races, as the horse-racing organization seeks to reverse a decline in fans and raise the sport’s television profile, the story reports.

The Jockey Club is spending $10 million over five years to increase television coverage and create a racing series that will be paired with a social-network game and a free-to-play website. The TV part of the campaign comes after a report from consulting firm McKinsey & Company found that attendance is down 30% over the past decade, while betting has plunged 37%.

According to Dan Singer, a director in media and entertainment at McKinsey, horse racing will have 43 hours of national TV in 2011, while pro bowling will reach 92 hours of coverage this year. A decade ago, 9% of new racing fans said they found the sport on TV, but no recent fans singled out TV as the way they became hooked, he said, according to the story.

High-Profile Reality Star and Hip-Hop Singer/Actress Reportedly Will Join 'Dancing with the Stars'

A high-profile reality star and a hip-hop singer and actress are reportedly set to compete in "Dancing With the Stars" during the upcoming season, according to the New York Post.

With the official announcement still a couple of weeks away, "Jersey Shore" star Snooki and singer and actress Queen Latifah’s names have surfaced as being in the lineup for the next season of the ABC dance competition.

The announcement of the show's new cast will be made Aug. 29, the story notes. Representatives for the show and the stars declined to comment on the report.

The lineup is also rumored to include reality stars Kristin Cavallari and Rob Kardashian, as well as actress Tiffani Thiessen from "White Collar," the piece notes.
 

TV Executive With Strong Ties to San Francisco and Pittsburgh Dies -- an Appreciation

A veteran television executive with ties to Pittsburgh and San Francisco died Friday after a lengthy illness, TVNewsCheck reports. Carolyn Wean, a longtime exec with Westinghouse Broadcasting, was 68.

The Baltimore native was best-known for her ties to Pittsburgh and Group W flagship station KDKA-TV. She was the station’s news director in the 1970s and became its vice president and general manager in the 1980s -- the first woman to hold that position in the Group W organization.

In his appreciation written for TVNewsCheck, Arthur Greenwald writes: “The phrase ‘first woman’ is unavoidable when recalling her career. It appears three times in her obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. But that distinction fails to do her justice. That same obituary contains five occurrences of the word ‘award’ -- as in ‘Emmy,’’Peabody’ and ‘Edward R. Murrow.’”

Wean also spent time as VP and general manager of Group W station KPIX-TV in San Francisco, later being named VP of news production for the group. She returned to Pittsburgh in 1995 as head of production for PBS station WQED, leading to a number of awards for the station.

Cable Giant Buys Insight Communications

A major cable operator has finalized an agreement to buy Insight Communications for $3 billion from Carlyle Group, reports Multichannel News.

Time Warner Cable, the second-largest U.S. cable operator, is buying the ninth-largest U.S. cable company, with customers focused in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio.

Carlyle, a private equity firm based in Washington, took Insight private in 2005. The purchase will mark Time Warner Cable's biggest acquisition since it was spun off from Time Warner in 2009 and could help it offset lower demand for pay TV, the piece reports.

The transaction is subject to the customary closing conditions, the story notes.

'Real Housewives' Tour Announced, Raising the Obvious Question: Why?

Bravo has announced that it’s taking its “Real Housewives” franchise on the road for a fall tour of a number of U.S. cities, E! Online reports.

The story then asks the obvious question: Why? The report notes that the reality show stars “won’t be singing, dancing or showing off any other secret talents.”

According to the story: “The Real Housewives Live Tour will feature select stars from the various incarnations of the show sitting together on stage and discussing their most scandalous and least favorite moments from the series.”

Atlantic City will kick things off, with Caroline Manzo, LuAnn de Lesseps, Kyle Richards and Vicki Gunvalson reportedly in the lineup. Chicago and Atlanta are also on tap, with different cast members at each stop.

Tickets reportedly go on sale Friday, and will include a red-carpet package that will let the ticket holder attend a preshow cocktail party hosted by the “Housewives” cast members and arrive via the red carpet.

Performer From Upright Citizens Brigade Tapped for Midseason NBC Comedy

NBC’s midseason sitcom "BFF" has tapped a member of the Upright Citizens Brigade comedy troupe as the male lead, reports Deadline.com.

Luka Jones will play the live-in boyfriend to Lennon Parham's character, whose best friend moves back to New York and into her apartment after getting divorced.

Jones succeeds Adam Pally, who had been cast in the role in the pilot presentation. Pally did the presentation as a guest star, as he's a regular on ABC's "Happy Endings," which has been renewed for a second season.

Study Examines Whether Spoilers Spoil the Fun, and Determines ... Well, We Don't Want to Spoil It

A new study by the University of California at San Diego suggests that so-called “spoilers” -- such as a paragraph early in a book that tips off how it will end -- don’t necessarily spoil the fun, according to Reuters.

The study found that readers preferred stories with a spoiling paragraph written into the story, after looking at writings by authors such as Agatha Christie and John Updike, the story says.

"Like most people, I don't turn to the end of a book to see who dies or what happens," said researcher Nicholas Christenfeld, who said he was surprised by the study's results.

Each story was read by as many as 30 people and presented in two formats, one in the original version and the other with a spoiling paragraph inserted into it, the piece notes.

"Plots are just excuses for great writing," Christenfeld said. In some cases, a book can be reread or a movie seen multiple times and still be enjoyable, he noted.

ABC Has New Drama in the Works From 'Detroit 1-8-7' Creative Team

ABC Studios has tapped "Detroit 1-8-7" creator and executive producer Jason Richman and executive producer and showrunner David Zabel to work on a new drama project, which has sold to ABC, reports Deadline.com.

The project is called "Two Roads" and tracks a young woman on her wedding day as she contemplates how her life would have changed if she had made different choices. The show answers that question by following her as she takes different paths.

"Detroit 1-8-7" was canceled following its 18-episode first season after failing to gain traction in the ratings despite good reviews.

AMC and Sony Finally Work Out What to Do With 'Breaking Bad'

"Breaking Bad" is set to return to AMC after the cable network and Sony Television came to an agreement, settling on 16 additional episodes for the drama about a high school teacher who turns to selling crystal meth, reports the Los Angeles Times' Company Town blog.

It's not likely that the 16 episodes will air as one season, however, the story notes. Instead, AMC is expected to space out the shows over the next few years. Sony and AMC had disagreed over the episode count for a fifth and final season the show, with Sony wanting 13 episodes and AMC eyeing an order of just half a dozen in order to manage costs.

With the new agreement, it's possible that "Breaking Bad" won't air on AMC in 2012, but will return to TV in 2013 and finish its run in 2014. The reason for spreading out the episodes across two years comes down to accounting: A network doesn't have to account for the costs of producing the show until all the episodes are aired, the piece says.

Disney Halts Production of Feature Film Version of the TV Classic 'The Lone Ranger' To Have Starred Johnny Depp as Tonto. Read Why the Studio Shuttered the Production

"In a stunning development, Disney has shut down production on 'The Lone Ranger,' the Gore Verbinski-directed period Western that was to star Johnny Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer as the title character," writes Mike Fleming at Deadline.com.

Fleming continues, "Disney pulled the plug because the budget, which I've heard the filmmakers were trying to reduce from $250 million--I've heard from insider that they'd gotten down to $232 million, but whatever the number, it wasn't close to the $200 million that Disney wanted to spend."

The article adds, " 'Lone Ranger' wasn't starting production until October...even though money has been spent as the picture is in pre-production (Depp is pay or play)....The shoot was set for New Mexico. Between Depp, [producer Jerry] Bruckheimer and Verbinski, the gross outlay on the film is substantial. The film was still casting up, with Ruth Wilson, the serial killer from the BBC's 'Luther' series, set for the female lead.

Though the principals have an excellent track record for Disney, Fleming asks the question, "Is it coincidence that 'The Lone Ranger' halted right after another Western, 'Cowboys & Aliens,' proved to be a pricey disappointment for DreamWorks and Universal?" Of course neither group is necessarily

However, unlike "Cowboys and Aliens," we would point out, "The Lone Ranger" elicits fond memories from millions of male baby boomers who watched it on TV as a kid, and from those even older who remember the series warmly from when it was on radio. Of course neither group is Disney's primary theatrical movie-going target. 

Report Says Upcoming ABC News Special on Jackie Kennedy Onassis Secret Tapes Will Reveal Her Affair With Major Hollywood Star. ABC Responds Saying Report is 'Totally Erroneous'

In September ABC News will broadcast tapes Jackie Kennedy (later Onassis) made months after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. In the tapes she is interviewed by well-known Kennedy historian Arthur Schlesinger. The telecast will be the first time the tapes will be made public.

"Jackie originally planned for the recordings to be made public 50 years after her death, but Caroline Kennedy will reportedly allow their airing early in exchange for ABC's [History Channel] dropping of its Katie Holmes-led miniseries about the Kennedy family, the [U.K. newspaper] Daily Mail reports," says an article earlier this week posted on New York Magazine's Daily Intel blog.

The Daily Intel article continues, "Among the topics discussed, according to the Mail, are Jackie's retaliation affairs with the movie star William Holden and the founder of Fiat, Gianni Agnelli, to get back at JFK for fooling around with a 19-year-old White House intern."

The article adds, "Jackie also voices her suspicions about Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson's role in her husband's assassination."

In response, ABC said, in a statement, according to the Daily Intel piece, "The tabloid reports about the content of the tapes are totally erroneous. ABC News isn't releasing any content from those tapes until mid-September at which point it will be clear how off base these reports are. The actual content of the tapes provide unique and important insight into our recent past from one of the most fascinating and influential First Ladies in American history."

Time Warner Snags Fox Prime-Time Shows for VOD Service

Time Warner Cable and Fox have signed an accord that will put a wide range of Fox’s prime-time programs on TWC’s Primetime On Demand VOD service, Multichannel News reports.

The deal, which does not cover Fox’s TV Everywhere online service, gives Time Warner, the country’s No. 2 cable operator, VOD programming from all four major broadcasters.

The story reports: “Under the deal with Fox, announced Friday, TWC's Primetime On Demand service now offers episodes of shows including: ‘American Dad,’ ‘America's Most Wanted,’ ‘Bob's Burger,’ ‘Bones,’ ‘Cleveland Show,’ ‘Cops,’ ‘Family Guy,’ ‘Fringe,’ ‘Glee,’ ‘Hell's Kitchen,’ ‘House,’ ‘MasterChef,’ ‘Raising Hope’ and ‘The Simpsons.’ The shows are not available the day after air.”

The VOD offerings will have fast-forward disabled, and will be available in standard-definition and high-definition, the story says.

New Reality Show From Ashton Kutcher Tackles an Unlikely Topic

The latest reality television creation from executive producers Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg, the creators of "Punk'd" and "Beauty and the Geek," is set in the Department of Motor Vehicles, reports Entertainment Weekly.

TruTV has given "California DMV: Field Offices" an order and will shoot the program on location in the Golden State. No air date has been announced, but TruTV has committed to four episodes.

Goldberg, who’s co-founder and CEO of Katalyst Films with Kutcher, told EW, "We’ve all spent time at the DMV, but few people know what it’s like to work for the DMV. 'California DMV: Field Offices' promise to be a glimpse at what DMV workers experience, from strange to hilarious.”

Sitcom Veteran -- a Seven-Time Emmy Nominee -- Lands New NBC Comedy

A veteran sitcom star who received seven consecutive Emmy nominations for one show from 2000 to 2006 will return to comedy as the mom on NBC's "Whitney," reports Deadline.com.

The star is Jane Kaszmarek, who was a perennial Emmy nominee on Fox's "Malcolm in the Middle" but came up short of winning the award. She will replace actress Beverly D'Angelo, who was in the “Whitney” pilot.

The scenes from the pilot with D'Angelo will be reshot before the show airs, with Kaszmarek taking over the role as Whitney's much-married, loud-mouth mother.

"Whitney" stars Whitney Cummings and Chris D'Elia as an unmarried, happy couple. The new comedy premieres Thursday, Sept. 22, at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Real-Life Witches Appalled by HBO's 'True Blood' -- They Say Real Witches Would Never Act This Way

The popular HBO vampire series “True Blood” has come in for its share of criticism over sex and violence, but now it is coming under fire for something else altogether, Reuters reports.

The community of witches appears to be up in arms over the behavior of one character in particular: Marnie, who has been a focal point of the show’s current fourth season. Marnie becomes the physical conduit for a long-dead witch, Antonia, who is bent on revenge against the vampires who burned her at the stake, the story says.

Reuters reports: “Marnie winds up as the mouthpiece for Antonia's spell to drive the bloodsuckers of fictional "True Blood" town Bon Temps into the daylight. And that sort of deadly revenge, say some modern-day witches, is what gives witchcraft a bad name.”

Said one real-life witch, who goes by the name Taarna RavenHawk and who is a professor at a college in New England: "I'm absolutely disappointed with the portrayal of Marnie. When Marnie gives up her 'power within,' which is a witch's ability to practice the craft without harming others, it allows possession by Antonia, who becomes the controlling entity. Marnie lets it happen. It's unconscionable a witch would act this way."

According to Reuters: “Elaanie Stormbender, a witch and mother of five who lives in Jackson, Mississippi, said all the members of the small community of witches to which she belongs are displeased with Marnie's behavior. ‘When witches invoke a spirit, they take precautions and retain full control to banish,’ she said.

Stormbender said Marnie’s reckless behavior feeds misperceptions about witches and may fuel people’s fear of witches in the real world.

One of the 12 People Who Designed the Original IBM PC Says the Reign of the Personal Computer Is Coming to an End

As the IBM personal computer marks its 30th anniversary, one of the 12 engineers who designed the original says the reign of the PC is about to end, the U.K. paper The Register reports.

Mark Dean, IBM's Middle East and Africa CTO, writes in a post on an IBM company blog: "They're going the way of the vacuum tube, typewriter, vinyl records, CRT and incandescent light bulbs."

"When I helped design the PC," Dean adds, "I didn't think I'd live long enough to witness its decline. But, while PCs will continue to be much-used devices, they're no longer at the leading edge of computing."

His observations, the story notes, echo those of Apple’s Steve Jobs, who has been widely quoted as saying, "We're living in a post-PC world."

Dean says he now uses a tablet as his main computer, but he believes the focus in computing is shifting from devices to people’s interaction with them.

"It's becoming clear that innovation flourishes best not on devices but in the social spaces between them, where people and ideas meet and interact," Dean writes.

“It is, of course, to be noted that Dean is toeing the company line,” The Register story adds. “IBM is extricating itself from making devices, and through its Smarter Planet initiative is focusing more on outcomes and usage models than mere hardware.”

Commenting on that shift in focus, Dean writes: "An essential part of our continuous transformation is a strategy of leaving commodity businesses and expanding in higher-value markets. Over the past 10 years, in addition to leaving the PC business, we also exited disk drives and printers."

Will TBS Face Fallout for Its Clumsy Handling of the 'Lopez' Cancellation?

TBS gave only 36 hours' notice to George Lopez that it was pulling the plug on his self-proclaimed “baddest show in late-night” -- a decision that is sure to have repercussions.

TVWeek Open Mic blogger Hillary Atkin examines how the cable channel handled the show’s abrupt cancellation -- and what the possible fallout will be. Read her insightful analysis here.

Emmy Winner Joins Cast of 'Nurse Jackie'

Showtime’s dark comedy “Nurse Jackie” is getting a new cast member -- a familiar TV face who already has won an Emmy for his sitcom work, Deadline.com reports.

Bobby Cannavale, who received an Emmy for his guest stint on NBC's "Will & Grace," will appear in all 10 episodes of the Edie Falco hit during season four.

Cannavale will play All Saints Hospital's new administrator, an outsider from the corporation that purchases the budget-strapped hospital, out to shake things up. Season four will begin filming in New York City in September.

The new season of "Nurse Jackie" airs in 2012.

USA Announces Show's 'Return' (Translation: The Show Is Canceled)

Characterizing it as a renewal, USA Network announced plans to end one of its shows, even though it has been pulling in solid ratings.

The show is “In Plain Sight,” and USA revealed in a press release, posted on TVbytheNumbers, that it’s bringing it back for a fifth season, which will be its last. In other words, the show is canceled.

Word of the fifth season was already out there, as USA said last year that the show would go two more seasons.

The order for season five is a short one -- just eight episodes. The season is due to roll out in the spring.

USA is ending the show even though it averaged 4.9 million viewers this season, up 8% from season three. The fourth-season finale scored a season-high audience, the network said, up 6% from the previous year.

“In Plain Sight” stars Mary McCormack as a deputy U.S. marshal working for the federal witness protection program.

Is 'Mad Men' Killing the Best Shows on TV? One Showrunner Thinks So and Says Why

It's hard to argue that "Mad Men," airing on AMC, is not one of the best shows on TV. But could it somehow be responsible for killing some other excellent series?

That's the theory of one of the most outspoken showrunners in Hollywood, "Sons of Anarchy" creator Kurt Sutter. It also involves why AMC cut loose "The Walking Dead" showrunner Frank Darabont,  reports New York Magazine's Vulture blog.

Sutter tweeted, "Why Darabont got fired -- Weiner," the story notes. Sutter was referring to "Mad Men" creator and showrunner Matthew Weiner and his recent deal that gives him about $10 million a year for the next two seasons of "Mad Men." "He held AMC hostage, broke their bank, budgets were slashed, shit rolled down hill onto ['Breaking Bad' creator Vince] Gilligan and Frank. No one else wants to f------ say it, but the greed of 'Mad Men' is killing the other two best shows on TV -- 'Breaking Bad' and 'Walking Dead.' "

Sutter doesn't work for or with AMC. His "Sons of Anarchy" airs on FX. Sutter grabbed attention recently by blasting the Emmys for snubbing his show, as previously reported.

Charlie Collier, president of AMC, has said that it was anticipated that Weiner's salary would go up. To read more of Collier's comments about AMC's scripted series, our friend Maureen Ryan interviewed Collier for her "Stay Tuned" column on AOLTV earlier this month.

Sesame Workshop Releases Statement on Bert and Ernie's Sexual Orientation

The company behind “Sesame Street” says Bert and Ernie, the beloved puppets who have roomed together for 40 years, "do not have a sexual orientation" and won't be getting married in a same-sex ceremony, according to the BBC. Sesame Workshop issued the statement in response to an online petition calling for the marriage.

Sesame Workshop said the pair "remain puppets" although they are "male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics," the story notes. "Bert and Ernie are best friends," the statement said. "They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves."

About 7,000 people have signed the petition, with more than 3,000 joining a Facebook page called "Bert and Ernie Get Married," the piece notes. The online petition says, "We are not asking that ‘Sesame Street’ do anything crude or disrespectful," adding, "It can be done in a tasteful way. Let us teach tolerance of those that are different."

Americans Have a New Addiction That May Be Stronger Than Caffeine or Alcohol -- And You May Be Using It Right Now

Americans have a new addiction, according to a recent study, with more than half of respondents saying they'd rather give up alcohol, caffeine or chocolate for a week before giving up their smartphones, reports the Los Angeles Times' Technology blog.

The reliance on smartphones is the subject of a survey from TeleNav. The study found that iPhone users were the most addicted and were more likely than Android or BlackBerry users to spend a week without their significant other, exercise or shoes rather than give up their devices.

One-third of the people surveyed said they would rather give up sex for a week than give up their mobile phones. Of this group, 70% were women.

Related studies have produced similar results. People who gave up 24 hours of Internet usage described the experience as similar to kicking a cigarette or alcohol habit, according to British company Intersperience, the story notes. Another survey, from the University of Maryland, found that college students forced into an Internet or media blackout displayed withdrawal symptoms, the story says.

Writer of a Crime Movie Many Say Is One of Their Favorites -- It Was Nominated for Best Picture of 1990 -- Is Working on Drama With Crime-Related Theme for CBS

The screenwriter for a crime movie that was nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture of 1990 has turned his attention to TV. 

“GoodFellas” writer Nicholas Pileggi is working with CBS on a new drama series with a crime subtext, according to The Hollywood Reporter's The Live Feed blog.

Set in Las Vegas, the show focuses on former Clark County Sheriff Ralph Lamb, a mainstay of Vegas law enforcement for years. Lamb was a sheriff from 1961 to 1979, and is known for his run-ins with the Mafia and Hell's Angels. He often got into physical fights with crime figures, but is known for never having shot anyone during his career as a crimefighter, the piece notes.

Pileggi will write the script with "Without a Trace" writer Greg Walker, while CBS Television Studios has tapped "Walk the Line" director James Mangold to direct and executive produce, the story says.

By mining material from the 1960s, the show follows in the footsteps of a number of other recent projects that seem to draw inspiration from AMC’s “Mad Men,” such as NBC’s “The Playboy Club” and ABC’s “Pan Am.”

One of the Stars of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Lands Deal for New Sitcom

ABC has struck a script deal with one of the stars and executive producers of the HBO comedy "Curb Your Enthusiasm," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Jeff Garlin will write, executive produce and star in an untitled half-hour comedy at ABC Studios. Bruce McCulloch of "The Kids in the Hall" is set to co-write the script and also serve as an executive producer.

Garlin, who plays Larry David's manager Jeff Greene on "Curb," has TV credits including "Arrested Development" and "Mad About You," the story notes.

Jeff Garlin

Syfy Renews High-Rated Series

Syfy has announced the renewal of one of its series, reports EW.com's Inside TV blog. The network has ordered 13 episodes for a fourth season of "Warehouse 13."

Season four of the comedy-drama fantasy series, which combines steampunk elements with a detective show, will air during 2012.

The renewal is not a surprise, the story says, as the show has boosted its ratings by 15% among viewers 18 to 49 years old during its current season. The first five episodes have averaged 3.2 million viewers, including DVR viewings.

Mark Stern, Syfy president of original content, said in announcing the renewal: “Under executive producer Jack Kenny’s leadership, this superlative team of writers, cast, and crew continue to turn out a series that only gets better and better with every episode. ‘Warehouse 13’ is deservedly the most popular series in our history and we’re delighted to renew it for a fourth season.”

Buddy-Cop Pilot Gets Passed Over Again -- This Time by Comedy Central

Comedy Central has passed on the buddy-cop pilot "Playing With Guns," marking the second time the project has been passed over, reports Deadline.com.

The Varsity Pictures/Lionsgate TV project went to pilot at Spike TV last year but wasn't picked up to series. Then sibling Viacom network Comedy Central greenlighted a new version of the show, with the pilot being one of three under serious consideration at the network, the story says.

The other projects, "The Nick Show Kroll" and an untitled series starring Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, were picked up to series last month.

'iCarly' Star Injured in Tour Bus Crash

The star of 'iCarly' was injured in a tour bus crash Thursday morning, reports the Los Angeles Times' Ministry of Gossip blog.

Miranda Cosgrove, 18, broke her ankle when her bus hit an overturned truck on Interstate 70 in Illinois. Cosgrove, who plays Carly in the Nickelodeon series, was one of seven people hurt on the bus, which hit the semi near Vandalia, Ill., about 70 miles northeast of St. Louis.

The bus driver, who was airlifted to a hospital in St. Louis, was in fair condition and the other injured passengers were said to be in good condition. Cosgrove, who was scheduled to perform Friday in Wichita, Kan., will postpone her “Dancing Crazy Summer Tour” until further notice, the piece says.

Miranda Cosgrove

Amy Winehouse's Home Robbed Just Days After Her Death -- Unreleased Tracks, Handwritten Lyrics and Other Items Disappear

Amy Winehouse's home was robbed just days after she died, with personal belongings such as unreleased tracks, lyric books and letters taken from the home, reports Britain’s The Sun.

Winehouse's father, Mitch Winehouse, has vowed to track down the thief after he returns from a vacation taken to deal with the loss of his daughter, the story notes.

About 20 people, including family, friends, police and security, have had access to the house since the singer's death.

Missing items include one of her favorite guitars and handwritten lyrics for her unreleased third album. The home in North London was declared a crime scene following the death last month of the singer at age 27.

Acquitted Murderers vs. Reality TV Stars: Poll Ranks America's Most Hated Celebrities

A new name tops the list of America’s most hated celebrities, according to The Hollywood Reporter. In a new poll by E-Poll Market Research, acquitted child killer Casey Anthony is No. 1.

Anthony, who was recently declared not guilty of killing her young daughter, earned a 94% rating in the "total dislike" category among 1,100 people surveyed. More than half of respondents described her as "creepy" and 60% said she was "cold," the story says.

Former "Hills" star Spencer Pratt ranked second, while "Octomom" Nadya Suleman came in third, just ahead of O.J. Simpson. Simpson has placed on the "most hated" list since it was started five years ago, the piece notes.

Rounding out the top five was another reality star, Jon Gosselin. The rest of the top 10: Levi Johnston, Jesse James, Paris Hilton, Heidi Fleiss and Howard Stern.

'On Demand Everywhere' Trademark Is Up for Grabs After Time Warner Lets It Expire

Time Warner has abandoned its application for a trademark on "On Demand Everywhere," according to Multichannel News.

According to the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, Time Warner didn't file an "intent to use" statement for the "On Demand Everywhere" mark, so the application was categorized as abandoned earlier this month, the story says.

Time Warner had filed for trademark protection on the phrase in June 2009, the story says.

A representative for the company said Time Warner had never used the name commercially and the application was filed in the early days of planing for TV Everywhere, the company's concept of giving pay-TV subscribers access to TV on many devices.

Accused Trebek Burglar Unveils a Surprise Defense

The woman who allegedly burglarized the San Francisco hotel room of Alex Trebek -- leading to an injury for the “Jeopardy!” host -- has offered up a surprising defense, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Linda Moyers reportedly said she is a prostitute, and was at the Marriott Marquis hotel on business.

Trebek reportedly chased the woman at the hotel after she took off running, injuring his Achilles’ tendon during the pursuit, as previously reported.

A bracelet, $650 in cash and other items were allegedly stolen from Trebek’s room.

Moyers has pleaded not guilty to residential burglary and possession of stolen property, and remains in custody, the story says.

1960s Sitcom About a Family of Monsters -- Ah, But Which One? -- Being Developed for Network Reboot

It has to be either “The Addams Family” or “The Munsters,” right? TV Guide reports that the creator of ABC’s fanciful comedy "Pushing Daisies," Bryan Fuller, is actively developing a remake of a 1960s sitcom about a family of monsters for NBC.

it’s “The Munsters,” and Fuller -- whose credits also include “Heroes” and “Dead Like Me” -- first tried to get the project going last year, before NBC -- pre-Comcast takeover -- eventually lost interest. Now Fuller has received encouragement from NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt, and the project looks as though it might happen this time.

Fuller's idea is to go beyond the situation comedy. His "Munsters" would be an hour long and would have an edge to it, but would bring back all the familiar characters -- including Herman, Lily, Grandpa and the inexplicably “normal” Marilyn -- while also exploring their back stories.

The original "Munsters" ran from 1964-66 on CBS, producing 70 episodes. It was also turned into a feature in 1966 called "Munster, Go Home,” and inspired a number of TV movies and a 1980s syndicated revival.

Bad News for Keith Olbermann

Keith Olbermann, struggling to regain a foothold in cable talk with his fledgling “Countdown” show on Current, got some bad news in the ratings, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Ratings for the show hit an all-time low last week in the key 25-54 demographic, averaging just 85,000 viewers. That was down 2% from the previous week. Numbers were up 5% in total viewers, with an average of 208,000.

The show debuted in June with an average of 131,000 viewers in the 25-54 demo for the week, and 354,000 total viewers, but has since leveled off.

Still, the numbers represent an improvement for Current over pre-Olbermann levels, and channel co-founder and CEO Joel Hyatt had a positive take on the results. Noting that Current is available in only 58 million homes, while CNN is in more than 100 million and MSNBC reaches more than 95 million, Hyatt said: “The only way you can characterize those numbers is outstanding.”

“People can’t watch us,” Hyatt added. “People can watch CNN if they choose to do so in 73 percent more homes than they can if they choose to watch Current. It’s an amazing disadvantage. But notwithstanding, we’re fully competitive with CNN. In the seven weeks since we’ve gone on the air there have been many nights where in the demo there are more [viewers] watching Current than watching CNN. It is mind-boggling. The percentage increase over what we had on before will break your calculator. We’re off to a terrific start. And we’re just beginning.”

Legal Drama Picked Up for Second Season

A quirky legal drama that has performed well on cable during its freshman season will get a chance to show whether it has legs. Deadline.com reports that USA Network has renewed “Suits” for season two.

The 12-episode first season wraps up Sept. 8. USA has ordered 16 more episodes of the show, which stars Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams.

Since its June 23 premiere, “Suits” has enjoyed USA’s third-best freshman season of any original series in key ratings categories, averaging 2.8 million viewers 18-49 (in Live+7) and 6.34 million total viewers.

Said Jeff Wachtel, USA co-president: "With 'Suits,' we've gone to a new level of storytelling and visual sophistication and to a little bit of an edgier place -- Harvey [Macht] is not immediately likable and the young hero has made so many bad choices in his life, when we meet him he is dealing drugs. For a network that has made its mark with aspirational characters and smart escapism, this is a step in a new direction."

Another new USA program, "Necessary Roughness," is also expected to receive a renewal.

Host Named for Comedy Central's Charlie Sheen Roast -- And He's Already Rolling Out the Drug References

When the "Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen" airs Monday, Sept. 19, at 10 p.m. ET -- the same night as CBS's season premiere of the Charlie Sheen-less "Two and a Half Men" -- the host of the roast will be Fox animation domination scribe Seth MacFarlane, reports TheWrap.com.

The creator of "American Dad" and "Family Guy" was announced today as the master of ceremonies. In a statement, MacFarlane said: "I’m very excited to work with Comedy Central again on the roast. Charlie is a true icon with a talent that is strong and pure and concentrated into small crystals, which can be smoked or eaten.”

This will be MacFarlane’s third time as a toastmaster on the program.

'Greatest Spectacle in Racing' to Remain on ABC

The event known as the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” part of auto racing’s unofficial Triple Crown, will remain on ABC through 2018, SportsNewser.com reports.

The new six-year deal keeps the Indianapolis 500 -- which along with the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans forms international auto racing’s Triple Crown -- on the network that has televised the race since 1965.

In the deal announced Wednesday, ESPN on ABC will televise the Indy 500 as well as four additional races. Beginning in 2012, ESPN3.com will stream ABC's onboard cameras live during the Indy 500 and other IndyCar Series races.

In a statement, George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports, said, “The Indianapolis 500 and ABC have been together since 1965 and we are very proud to extend the relationship with this new agreement. The 500 is a uniquely American event and a Memorial Day tradition, and we especially look forward to televising the 100th edition of the race in 2016.”

HBO Confirms Drama Series Will Return for Another Season

HBO confirmed today that it will bring back one of its high-profile drama series for another season, with the announcement following word late last month from the show’s creator that he had signed a deal with the network.

TheWrap.com reports that HBO made the official announcement that “True Blood” will return for season five.

Show creator Alan Ball said a few weeks ago that he had closed a deal for another season of the vampire drama, as reported previously.

In today's announcement, Michael Lombardo, president of HBO Programming, said: “I am thrilled that 'True Blood' continues to enjoy a phenomenal reception from both subscribers and critics. Alan Ball and his gifted team have devised the greatest thrill ride on TV.”

Season five of the series is scheduled to roll out during summer 2012, with production set to launch later this year in L.A.

As NBC Readies U.S. Version of 'Prime Suspect,' an L.A. Station -- Not KNBC -- Mounts Special Airings of British Original

Viewers in the Los Angeles market will have an opportunity to compare and contrast NBC’s new police procedural “Prime Suspect” with the original British drama that provided the inspiration for it.

KCET-TV, billed as the nation’s largest independent public television station since its recent departure from the PBS fold, announced plans to air the complete first season of the acclaimed U.K. version of “Prime Suspect.” The 12 one-hour episodes will be televised each Wednesday night at 9 p.m., starting Sept. 21.

NBC’s series, which the network calls a “reimagining” of the British show, premieres the following night, with Maria Bello and Aidan Quinn heading up the cast.

The U.K. series stars Oscar winner Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison, described by KCET as “a tenacious, difficult and brilliant detective.”

“The original ‘Prime Suspect’ has become an iconic dramatic series due to its smart story lines and extraordinary acting,” Bohdan Zachary, KCET’s vice president of Broadcasting & Program Development, said in a statement. “We thought it would be great to give viewers a unique vantage point with the chance to see the much-heralded British version of ‘Prime Suspect’ from the beginning before they watch a new Americanized one.”

One big difference between the NBC and KCET telecasts: KCET’s “Prime Suspect” will air without commercials.

WABC-TV Now Getting Morning Sports Report From ... Radio

In an unusual example of corporate synergy, ABC’s flagship New York television station, WABC-TV, recently added sports reports from ESPN Radio to its morning news telecasts, the New York Daily News reports.

The radio spots air during the 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. hours, giving the station a chance to provide more up-to-date sports news than was possible when WABC had its primary sports anchor, Rob Powers, stay on after his 11 p.m. broadcast to tape material for the following morning’s news show.

"They are the premiere sports network," said WABC news director Kenny Plotnik, adding that the ESPN Radio spots, which are being used on a trial basis, are well-produced and fast-paced.

WABC opted some time ago to forgo having a sportscaster assigned to the morning show. "This gives us an opportunity to have the latest information," Plotnik said.

Turner Chief on Canceling 'Lopez Tonight' and What It Means for 'Conan'

On the heels of TBS's cancellation of "Lopez Tonight," Turner Entertainment chief Steve Koonin said he "could not be happier with 'Conan' as a show or Conan O'Brien and Team Coco as people and an organization," reports Joe Adalian at New York Magazine's Vulture blog.

The cancellation of "Lopez," Koonin said, was about "a business problem. You had a very big, very expensive show that was hard to sustain at those ratings. We had every intention of letting George find his audience. [But] it was on for over 200 episodes.”

"Lopez Tonight" also didn't drive much digital traffic, which is important for TBS's business model, Koonin said.

Adalian writes: "While Koonin could not have been more definitive with his declaration of support for O'Brien, the exec did admit that TBS hasn't been able to give 'Conan' the most compatible and consistent lead-ins. He predicted that will start to change this fall when TBS will begin airing repeats of 'The Big Bang Theory' as 'Conan's’ lead-in on two nights of the week.”

TBS also plans to make announcements about original programming that could help O'Brien's ratings, Koonin said.

One of TV's Biggest Stars of the 1990s Set to Return to Sitcoms

One of the biggest television stars of the 1990s, who had a long-running prime-time comedy, is set to return to sitcoms, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Roseanne Barr, whose hit sitcom “Roseanne” aired on ABC from 1988-1997, has a project in the works called “Downwardly Mobile.” The show is similar in to "Roseanne" in that it will feature a blue-collar family living in bleak economic times.

The series, from 20th Century Fox Television, has Steven Greener, the executive producer of Barr’s current Lifetime reality show "Roseanne's Nuts," attached as an executive producer.

The show will be shopped to TV networks after it taps a showrunner.

Lifetime Unveils New Sex-Tinged Series for Jennifer Love Hewitt

Lifetime has given the green light to a series that is likely to put star Jennifer Love Hewitt in some sexy predicaments.

TheWrap.com reports that Hewitt will star in and executive produce “The Client List,” a drama series about a Texas housewife who takes a job at a "day spa" after her husband leaves her -- and later realizes that the business provides illicit services.

Her character faces the challenge of managing her role as a single mom and a businesswoman “working with a rowdy, sexy and unpredictable group of women,” Lifetime said.

The series is based on LIfetime’s 2010 movie "The Client List," which also starred Hewitt. It has been greenlighted for 10 episodes.

Jennifer Love Hewitt

Disastrous Launch for TV Chef's New Restaurant

The launch of a new restaurant owned by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay was a washout -- literally -- according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Ramsay’s Montreal eatery Laurier Gordon Ramsay had to be evacuated during Wednesday’s opening night because of a malfunctioning sprinkler system that soaked the establishment.

Ramsay himself was not on the premises, the story reports, having participated in a ribbon cutting the previous day.

The restaurant’s Twitter account posted this message: "Due to a problem with our sprinkler, we evacuated the restaurant. The sprinkler is being inspected. Update to follow."

The restaurant also issued an apology to its customers.

'Law & Order: SVU' Will Stretch Out Story Line on Departure of Chris Meloni's Det. Stabler

Chris Meloni's exit from "Law & Order: SVU," in which he has played Det. Stabler for 12 years, will be dealt with over several episodes, according to TVLine.com.

“The reasons for his absence and the effect it has on the squadroom -- and Olivia [Mariska Hargitay] -- will be explored in the first several episodes," said showrunner Warren Leight. He declined to elaborate.

Meloni's long run on "SVU" entered its end game in May after the actor and NBC failed to come to terms on a new contract.

NBC Entertainment Chief Bob Greenblatt recently ruled out the possibility that Meloni's character would be killed off, as we reported previously.

The show's 13th season starts Sept. 21, with Danny Pino and Kelli Giddish added to the cast to help fill the void.

Today's Daily Double Is Family Dynasties: Who Would Replace Rupert Murdoch Should Anything Happen to Him? He Says He's Sure Who Would Be Tapped to Succeed Him -- And It's NOT Someone Named Murdoch ...

News Corp. Chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch told investors on a conference call Wednesday that the company's board wants him to stay as chairman and chief executive officer, Bloomberg reports.

Murdoch added that if he weren’t able to do the job, Chief Operating Officer Chase Carey would succeed him.

“I hope the job won’t be open in the near future,” Murdoch said. “Chase is my partner if anything happened to me. I’m sure he’d get it immediately if I run under a bus.”

In the question-and-answer section of the call, Murdoch didn't directly say whether his son James, 38, is in line to eventually take the job. But he noted, “Chase and I have full confidence in James.”

Murdoch, 80, made the comments after the company released its fiscal fourth-quarter results. Some investors have asked News Corp. to separate the jobs of chairman and CEO in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal in the U.K.

Two Top Producers Land Projects at CBS, ABC

Two major producers have deals for projects at CBS and ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter's The Live Feed blog.

The producers are Jerry Bruckheimer (“CSI,” "Amazing Race") and Mark Gordon ("Grey's Anatomy,” “Criminal Minds").

Bruckheimer Television has a put-pilot commitment from CBS for a procedural from "Heroes" writer Aron Eli Coleite, about a mom who becomes a New York state trooper, the story reports.

Meanwhile, ABC has reportedly bought a script for a family soap set in the fashion world that's called "Americana.” Gordon, who has a multiyear deal with Walt Disney Studios to do feature films and TV, and Michael Seitzman of "North Country" will write and executive produce.

Viacom and Cablevision Settle Their Dispute, Decide Fate of Viacom Programming on Cablevision's iPad App

Viacom and Cablevision Systems have settled their dispute over Cablevision's iPad app that allows consumers to watch TV shows on their Apple devices, reports the Los Angeles Times' Company Town blog.

Viacom had argued that its agreement with Cablevision didn't give the cable company the right to offer networks such as MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central on platforms other than TV.

The companies released a joint statement saying they had resolved pending litigation and Viacom programming will remain available for Cablevision to place on iPads and other devices. They did not give details on what led to the resolution.

Creator of HBO's 'True Blood' and 'Six Feet Under' Heads for Amish Country -- and Cinemax

The creator of two of HBO’s signature shows -- “True Blood” and “Six Feet Under” -- is taking his act to Cinemax, where his new project will focus on a small town in Pennsylvania's Amish country, reports the Los Angeles Times' Show Tracker blog.

Alan Ball will executive produce the new series "Banshee" for HBO’s sister network. The project is seen as a key element in a renewed push by Cinemax into original programming.

"Banshee" won't have any supernatural elements, instead following a mysterious ex-con with expert martial arts skills who poses as a sheriff.

HBO late last year pulled the plug on Ball’s project “All Signs of Death,” an adaptation of Charlie Huston’s crime novel “The Mystic Arts of Erasing All Signs of Death,” after it had been in pre-production for months.

The Cinemax project reportedly won't affect Ball's schedule for "True Blood," which is currently in its fourth season on HBO and is expected to close a deal for a fifth season.

Ball is developing “Banshee” with writers Jonathan Tropper and David Schickler. Cinemax is working on financing and casting with the aim of filming in the spring.

Disney Stock Falls 9% Amid Concerns of Lower Sales for Syndicated TV Shows and DVDs

Walt Disney's shares fell 9% on Wednesday, even though the company reported third-quarter earnings that beat some analysts' estimates, reports the Los Angeles Times' Company Town blog.

Reaction to the report played out on a day when media stocks -- and the stock market in general -- took a beating, but Disney shares were off more than most.

Disney warned that three issues could affect its fourth-quarter results: lower sales of syndicated TV shows, higher costs at ESPN and lower projected DVD sales.

Analysts also pointed out that third-quarter advertising from its cable network group was up just 2%, less than some had expected.

Some media shares beat the downward trend Wednesday, notably Lions Gate Entertainment, which rose 2%, and DreamWorks Animation, also up 2%.

Hulu Outlines Plans for Its First International Expansion, Targets Asian Nation for Rollout

Hulu is set for its first international expansion, with plans to roll out a premium subscription service later this year in Japan, reports B&C.

Hulu's content will be available on "four screens (PCs, TVs, mobile phones and tablets), for one monthly price," wrote Hulu Senior Vice President of international Johannes Larcher in a blog post.

It's not known whether Hulu's existing broadcast partners, ABC, NBC and Fox, will supply U.S. network television shows to the new Japanese service, the story says.

Larcher said the company’s reasons for picking Japan include Hulu's depth of Japanese programming and the fact that the country is a major producer of content.

Larcher wrote: "In Japan, we also see an unfulfilled market need with respect to premium feature film and TV content, and very favorable environmental factors to a service like ours, including extensive broadband penetration, smartphone and other Internet-connected device ubiquity, and strong consumer interest.”

HBO's 'Game of Thrones' Continues to Flesh Out Lineup for Season 2

HBO’s "Game of Thrones," which has been casting parts for its second season, has tapped a Welsh actor as Craster -- a wildling, or barbarian, who is a shaky ally to the Night's Watch, according to The Hollywood Reporter's The Live Feed.

Robert Pugh has a long list of credits in film and TV, including appearances in the TV shows “Longford,” “Torchwood” and “Doctor Who.” Pugh’s Craster makes Kit Harington’s character Jon Snow, who joined the Night's Watch in the show's first season, very uneasy, especially his abusive relationships to his 19 wives, the story says.

The show recently cast Hannah Murray as Gilly, one of Craster's wives who wants to escape from his household, as previously reported.

Pugh's film credits include "The Ghost Writer" (2010) and "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" (2003).

TBS Pulls the Plug on Talk Show

TBS announced today that it has decided to cancel a talk show after a two-year run, Entertainment Weekly reports.

The show is "Lopez Tonight," starring George Lopez. It has been part of the TBS late-night lineup since 2009, and recently has been the lead-out for "Conan."

In a statement, the network said: "TBS has reached the difficult decision not to order a third season of ‘Lopez Tonight.’ Thursday will be the final episode of the show. We are proud to have partnered with George Lopez, who is an immensely talented comedian and entertainer. TBS has valued its partnership with George and appreciates all of his work on behalf of the network, both on and off the air.”

'Idol' Locks In J.Lo for Second Season

The executive producer of Fox’s “American Idol” confirmed that the show has secured the services of Jennifer Lopez as a judge for the upcoming season, Reuters reports.

Nigel Lythgoe made the announcement today on a call-in to Ryan Seacrest’s radio show, "On Air With Ryan Seacrest."

Lythgoe said via phone, “I am delighted to say that all three judges, along with the brilliant host of ‘American Idol,’ is back for the next season.” That means Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler will also be back for the new season.

Lythgoe added that the three judges would be traveling to singer auditions in Denver, Houston, St. Louis, Portland, San Diego, Pittsburgh and Charleston for Season 11. The auditions are expected to begin in about two weeks.

Lopez will reportedly make $20 million for the season, a raise from the $12 million she made for the previous run. According to some reports, her big raise has caused some uneasiness for Tyler, who has been said to be angling for a similar pay hike.

'Twilight' Actor Arrested

An actor who plays a werewolf in the “Twilight” movies has been arrested on an outstanding warrant in Arizona, CBS News reports.

Kiowa Gordon, 21, was reportedly arrested earlier this week after failing to appear following a guilty plea in a 2010 drug and alcohol case.

Some reports indicated Gordon was arrested on a DUI charge, but it now appears that he was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped for a registration check, which resulted in the discovery of an active warrant for his arrest.

Gordon, who plays Embry Call in the “Twilight” film series, reportedly pleaded guilty in February 2010 to charges involving drug paraphernalia and giving liquor to a minor in Scottsdale, Ariz., and then failed to appear following the plea.

Kiowa Gordon

'Friday Night Lights' Actor to Reprise Role on 'Glee' ... Sort Of

An actor who played a linebacker on “Friday Night Lights” will reprise that role, sort of, on “Glee,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

LaMarcus Tinker will be a linebacker again when he appears on the Fox musical. Tinker will join the series for the season premiere and will have a recurring role as Marcus, the boyfriend of Mercedes, played by Amber Riley. He will be a player on the McKinley High football team.

Mercedes’ love life had a vacancy with the departure of Chord Overstreet from the show.

Tinker played Dallas Tinker, a linebacker on the East Dillon Panthers, in the DirecTV/NBC series “Friday Night Lights.”

He has also appeared on the ABC series “Cougar Town.”

Two Kevin Bacon Comedies in the Pipeline at HBO

HBO has bought a new comedy, which is set to star Kevin Bacon, reports Deadline.com. The network is developing the show, “Valentine,” from writer Bryan Sipe and producers Laurie MacDonald and Walter Parkes.

Bacon stars as a radio talk show host in the series. The show is based on the life of Johnny Valentine -- played by Bacon -- who's a former big-time radio host, with three ex-wives, who's currently down on his luck.

HBO also has another half-hour show in the pipeline for Bacon -- a single-camera comedy based on the Clint McCown book “The Member-Guest,” with Neil LaBute attached as a writer.

Syfy Changes the Plan Yet Again for 'Eureka'

The cancellation notice that went out this week for Syfy's "Eureka," which we previously reported, was slightly premature. It turns out there will be one additional episode of the science fiction program after all, reports E! Online.

The cable channel announced that it has given the OK for a finale to give the series a chance to wrap things up. The decision extends the final season, season 5, from 16 episodes to 17.

Jaime Paglia, "Eureka's" showrunner, said of Syfy's decision to approve episode 17, "They've all been amazingly behind us. [The cancellation] was shocking news -- I think shocking to even the people involved in making the decisions. We just want to go out on a high note in the most positive way we can."

Star Colin Ferguson added, "We have a great season coming up -- 17 episodes left to air. Take a moment, get sad if you want to get sad, but there's some really great work coming. I'm really proud of it. We worked really hard on it. I'd love it if instead of a tone of sadness people could watch it and go out on a tone of joy."

Well-Known Cable Exec Takes Position With MSG Entertainment

MSG Entertainment announced that it has named a new senior vice president, product management and brand oversight, Rockettes. The position has been taken by Chris Moseley, formerly senior vice president of marketing for History Channel.

Making the announcement was Melissa Ormond, chief operating officer, MSG Entertainment. “The Rockettes are an iconic and beloved world-class female dance company, so it was important for us to find exactly the right person to help us grow the brand in new and innovative ways,” Ormond said. “Chris has an extensive background in building strong brands and creating integrated partnerships. She will play an integral role as we continue to grow our Rockette business and seek opportunities to build upon the strength of their renowned history.”

Moseley will oversee brand strategy, development and management for the Radio City Rockettes, including examining how to expand the brand into new platforms, merchandising, partnerships and multimedia applications.

“I am thrilled to join MSG Entertainment to work on such a powerful and iconic brand as The Rockettes,” Moseley said. “I look forward to evolving the Rockette brand in new ways outside of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and bringing the spirit and passion behind this incomparable dance company forward, while maintaining the legacy that surrounds them.”

Host of Crime Show to Receive Special Emmy Honor

The host of "America's Most Wanted" will receive the Governors Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, reports Reuters. John Walsh's show has been responsible for helping police capture 1,500 fugitives and for locating 50 missing children since 1988.

In a statement about the Emmy honor, academy Chief Executive John Shaffner said, "John Walsh has dedicated his life to the betterment of society, and while doing so has used television in an inventive and extraordinary way. His contribution to society goes far beyond just hosting a hit TV show, but sets a prime example of how television can be used to convey an important message."

Walsh's own story, including the 1981 death of his 6-year-old son Adam after the boy was abducted from a mall near his home, inspired him to create "America's Most Wanted." Walsh became a world-renown crime fighter and victims' advocate.

In part because of Walsh's nationwide efforts, in 1984 President Ronald Reagan signed the Missing Children's Assistance Act, prompting creation of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

E! Elevates Two Execs

E! Entertainment Television announced a pair of key executive moves, promoting Cyndi McClellan to president, network strategy and E! News, and adding to the role of John Najarian, Multichannel News reports.

McClellan adds oversight of “True Hollywood Story,” “E! News” and other news programming, along with strategic planning, research, acquisitions and scheduling, the story reports.

Najarian, EVP and general manager of digital and business development, adds oversight of E! Online. He also is responsible for mobile, broadband and VOD.

Both execs will report to E! Entertainment Television President Suzanne Kolb.

In a statement announcing the promotions, Kolb said: "I have had the incredible privilege of working with Cyndi and John for many years and have seen firsthand how their extraordinary talent has contributed to E!'s success. Cyndi possesses a deep understanding of the E! brand and our viewers and has a masterful approach in taking that knowledge to constantly evolve for future growth. John has been the key force in shaping our highly successful digital businesses and in keeping E! at the forefront of new initiatives."

Historic Plunge Seen in Cable and Satellite Subs -- 'Toxic Mix' of Factors Cited

Cable and satellite subscriptions combined for their biggest decline ever during the second quarter, a historic plunge that an analyst attributed to a “toxic mix” of factors, Bloomberg reports.

Subscriptions among the top six publicly traded cable and satellite companies fell by 580,000 during the quarter, fueled by rising prices for cable and satellite subs and the availability of lower-cost alternatives. With the economy still dragging, consumers are opting to cancel their cable and satellite service in favor of cheaper options such as Netflix and Hulu, the story notes.

“For younger demographics, where in many cohorts unemployment is north of 30 percent, and especially for those with limited or no interest in sports, the pay-TV equation is almost inarguably getting less attractive," said Craig Moffett, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein.

Another Star Getting His Own Cable Network

Following in the footsteps of Oprah Winfrey, who is trying to make a go of it with her cable network OWN, another star has been quietly working on a plan to launch his own cable net, The New York Times reports.

Tyler Perry will be the basis for a new cable network backed by Lionsgate, which is betting that his fan base will follow him, the story reports.

While Winfrey, who is a supporter of Perry's, has a broad demographic audience, Perry has focused on African-American women, who have a tendency to follow him across mediums, the story says. His TBS comedies "House of Payne" and "Meet the Browns" have performed well in the ratings, while his stage shows sell out quickly, the piece notes. His films have brought in more than $522 million at the box office.

The cable network will start out by scheduling reruns of Perry's sitcoms and movies, including the Madea series, in which he portrays a gun-slinging grandmother. The network will also buy third-party content that fits in with Perry's material. The network has the working title Tyler TV.

Lionsgate is considering several distribution options, including rebranding all or part of TV Guide Network; buying a small cable channel; or involving Comcast, which has committed to providing more minority-run programming, the story says.

'House' Producers Bringing a Classic Monster Back to Life for NBC

"House" producers Russel Friend and Garrett Lerner are developing a monster classic for NBC, reports EW.com's Inside TV blog. It's said to be a modern-day take on “Frankenstein.”

No other details are available on the project, but Friend and Lerner reportedly have a script deal with the network.

"Frankenstein is one of those concepts where the closer you stick to the original tale, the tougher it becomes to imagine as a TV show -- you’d have to radically change things to have a concept that could run five seasons," writer James Hibberd notes.

Another Classic TV Show Has a Reboot in the Works

On the heels of TV remakes of “Hawaii Five-0” and “Charlie’s Angels,” word has surfaced that another classic TV show may be headed for a revival on network TV, reports EW.com's Inside TV blog.

The latest show being talked about for a high-profile remake is the 1960s sitcom "Bewitched." CBS and Sony, which was behind the “Charlie’s Angels” remake, are developing a script for a reboot of the classic series, which ran on ABC from 1964 to 1972 and starred Elizabeth Montgomery as a witch who marries a mortal.

The project is still in the very early stages, the article notes. The producers of the 2005 “Bewitched” movie, which starred Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell, are reportedly on board.

Famed Feminist Adds Her Voice to Those Calling for Boycott of NBC's 'Playboy Club'

NBC's upcoming "Playboy Club," which has been under fire over its subject matter since the show was announced, has gained another detractor: famed feminist Gloria Steinem, who is calling for a boycott of the show, reports Reuters.

Steinem worked undercover in 1963 as a Playboy bunny in New York City's Playboy Club and wrote an expose about the conditions faced by the women who worked there.

"Clearly 'The Playboy Club' is not going to be accurate. It was the tackiest place on earth. It was not glamorous at all," Steinem told Reuters. She added that she feels AMC’s "Mad Men," also set in the 1960s, is a "net plus" because it depicts the era with "some realism.”

"I expect that 'The Playboy Club' will be a net minus and I hope people boycott it. It's just not telling the truth about the era," Steinem said. "When I was working there and writing the expose, one of the things they had to change because of my expose was that they required all the bunnies, who were just waitresses, to have an internal exam and a test for venereal disease," she said.

We reported recently on Steinem’s undercover work and her 1963 article “I Was a Playboy Bunny” in an Open Mic piece by Hillary Atkin on the upcoming NBC show, which you can read here.

Former Tiger Woods Mistress Eyeing TV Career

The former mistress of golf superstar Tiger Woods is reportedly considering a career in television journalism, reports the New York Post's Page Six.

Rachel Uchitel plans to move to San Francisco with her boyfriend, an insurance broker, after having returned to New York City in March and starting a career as a private detective, the story says.

Uchitel reportedly sold her Park Avenue apartment for $1.95 million. Her representative said she's considering several options, adding, “Nothing is set in stone.”

Fox Boss: Negotiations With 'Idol' Judge Jennifer Lopez Have a 'Lot of Moving Parts'

Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly fielded questions on contract negotiations with “American Idol” judge Jennifer Lopez during the Television Critics Association press tour, and while he steered clear of revealing specifics about the talks, he said they have a "lot of moving parts," reports the Los Angeles Times' Company Town blog.

"It's now a complex deal," Reilly said, adding that one difficulty is figuring out how much value the program brings to the talent, and vice versa.

In retrospect it turned out to be a smart decision for Lopez to sign a one-year deal, the story says, noting that now that the show has performed better than expected, she has the leverage to demand a raise. Time is on her side, the piece adds, with "American Idol" auditions slated to begin in a few weeks, giving her more leverage in any short-term deal.

Market Meltdown Pumps Up Ratings for Cable News

The cable news networks received a ratings boost from coverage of the market meltdown on Monday, reports Deadline.com.

Fox News posted the biggest gain, with ratings up 29% from July averages to 1.3 million viewers in total day, the story says. CNN drew 538,000 viewers, an increase of 21%, while MSNBC was up 2% to 455,000 total viewers, the story says.

Fox News' "The Five," a replacement for Glenn Beck, achieved a series high with 1.8 million total viewers, the story adds.

'Scrubs' Star Signs Development Deal With 20th Century Fox TV

A former star of "Scrubs" has signed a development and talent holding deal with 20th Century Fox Television, reports Deadline.com. Sarah Chalke will develop a half-hour comedy project aimed at debuting in fall 2012.

"She is incredibly talented as a comic force -- she can do physical comedy and has great timing. There is almost a Lucy quality to her," said 20th Chairman Gary Newman, referring to Lucille Ball.

Chalke will soon begin meeting with writers to work on a concept. Studio executives will also consider other comedies under development that could work for her, the story adds.

DirecTV Scores a Win in Court Fight With Comcast

Comcast's attempt to stop an ad campaign by competitor DirecTV has been denied by a federal judge in Illinois, according to The Hollywood Reporter's Hollywood, Esq. blog.

As previously reported, Comcast sued DirecTV over what the cable giant claimed are misleading ads, alleging DirecTV's claims of a "free" NFL Sunday Ticket package were an "outright lie."

DirecTV countered that the allegation "borders on absurd," since the actual phrase in the ads is "no extra charge," the story notes. A federal court agreed and has declined to halt the campaign.

Lionsgate to Test Premium VOD Service With Film Featuring 'Twilight' Star

Lionsgate plans to sell access to "Abduction," a movie starring "Twilight" actor Taylor Lautner, on television for as little as $6.99 just three months after its release in movie theaters, reports Bloomberg.

The film is slated to hit theaters Sept. 23, and would be offered on pay TV for about 10 days starting Dec. 23. That would make the film available on TV a month before the DVD release.

"Abduction" would mark Lionsgate's first test of premium VOD, as studios continue to experiment with earlier release dates to compensate for declining DVD sales. "Abduction," a thriller, is about a teenager who realizes the people he thought were his parents aren't really his parents when he finds a picture of himself on a missing persons website.

Alec Baldwin Keeping Sights Set on Politics, May Head Back to School

"30 Rock" star Alec Baldwin tells The New York Times that he's considering enrolling in a master's program in politics and government to prepare for a possible run for political office.

The degree would be “to help me better understand what the fiscal imperatives of that job are,” he said, referring to the office of New York mayor. “What’s the reality of the city unions, of contracts, agreements, teachers, infrastructure, decentralizing, everything? And utilities, Con Ed, the M.T.A. -- how does it all work?”

Baldwin said it would be almost impossible for him to run for a political office in 2013 because he's under contract to finish the next season of "30 Rock," which will wrap up taping in April, and to appear in some future episodes, the story says. He plans to enroll in a master's program in the fall of 2012 and is talking with two top universities, the piece adds.

The actor appears focused on running for mayor of New York, but is open to the possibility of running for another position, although he dismissed the House of Representatives or serving as a local judge, the article notes.

Social Media, BlackBerry Under Fire in U.K. Riots; BlackBerry Site Hacked

As rioting continues to rage in London and other British cities, authorities are focusing on the role of social media and BlackBerry Messenger in helping to organize the rioters, ABC News reports.

Police have threatened to bring charges against social media users who incite violence, the story says.

“Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stephen Kavanaugh confirmed to U.K. media that officers were looking at Twitter as they investigated the riots, which began after the police shooting of 29-year-old Mark Duggan in the Tottenham section of North London on Thursday,” the story reports. “But some observers have noted that the social media that has really helped ‘organize’ the looting is not Twitter or even Facebook, so central to uprisings throughout the Arab world earlier this year. Many of the teenagers running through London's streets are communicating by BlackBerry Messenger.”

Duggan reportedly sent a message to his girlfriend by BlackBerry Messenger just before he was killed, saying “The Feds are following me.” From that point on, said TechCrunch Europe editor Mike Butcher, “while Twitter has largely been the venue of spectators to violence and is a handy public venue for journalists to observe, it would appear the non-public BlackBerry BBM messaging network has been the method of choice for organising it."

BlackBerry’s attempt to assist authorities in the case resulted in the hacking of the Inside BlackBerry blog, ABC News reported separately.

BlackBerry’s Canadian parent company Research in Motion, or RIM, initially posted the following: "We feel for those impacted by this weekend's riots in London. We have engaged with the authorities to assist in any way we can. As in all markets around the world Where BlackBerry is available, we cooperate with local telecommunications operators, law enforcement and regulatory officials."

That notice prompted the hacking of the site, where this response appeared today:

"Dear Rim; You Will _NOT_ assist the UK Police because if u do innocent members of the public who were at the wrong place at the wrong time and owned a blackberry will get charged for no reason at all. The Police are looking to arrest as many people as possible to save themselves from embarrassment. ... If you do assist the police by giving them chat logs, gps locations, customer information & access to peoples BlackBerryMessengers you will regret it. ..."

The story adds: “Credit for the hacking was claimed by a group that calls itself TeaMp0isoN. It has been linked to other shadowy groups, such as Lulz Security and Anonymous, which have taken credit for breaking into the websites of police departments, the U.S. Senate, the CIA, Sony's PlayStation network and Citibank.”

'Jersey Shore' Cast Members Added to 'Three Stooges' Feature (You Provide the Punch Line)

In news that sounds like a punch line waiting to happen, cast members of MTV's "Jersey Shore" have been added to the upcoming feature film reboot of the Three Stooges, reports Movieline.com.

The film is being directed by the Farrelly brothers, Peter and Bobby, and is based on the classic slapstick comedy of the original Three Stooges, with Sean Hayes playing one of the Stooges, Larry Fine.

"Jersey Shore’s" Snooki, JWoww, the Situation, Sammi Giancola and Ronnie Ortiz-Magro filmed cameos for the production, according to a report in TheWrap.

Attack on Singer Sparks Investigation

An early-moring attack that left singer Gavin DeGraw hospitalized has sparked a police investigation, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

DeGraw, best known for his hit song “I Don’t Want to Be” -- the theme song for CW’s “One Tree Hill” -- was reportedly assaulted by three men early Monday in the street outside his New York club, the National Underground. A short time later, he was hit by a taxi 13 blocks away.

The ordeal left DeGraw, 34, with facial cuts and a broken nose, along with a concussion. He was treated at Bellevue Hospital, remaining there Tuesday in stable condition. Police said the injuries were not life threatening.

Said a rep for DeGraw: "Police are conducting an investigation of the attack. Gavin and his family appreciate everyone's concern at this time. We have no information yet regarding his upcoming concert dates and promotion for his new album.”

DeGraw did cancel a concert appearance that was slated for Tuesday night in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Battle Over Golden Globes Heads to Court

The bitter fight between Dick Clark Productions and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association over TV rights to the Golden Globe Awards will go to trial, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A U.S. District Court judge ruled that a factual dispute exists in the case, which justifies sending the matter to court.

The story reports: “The HFPA sued Dick Clark in November claiming it didn't have the right to negotiate a new television deal with NBC without the HFPA's approval. DCP and its owner, Red Zone, claim that a 1993 deal grants it perpetual rights to produce the high-rated awards show as long as it secured a broadcast partner.”

The trial is set to begin Aug. 30 in Los Angeles.

ABC to Adapt 'Nanny Diaries,' 'Lincoln Lawyer'

ABC has revealed plans to adapt some familiar material, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The network has projects in the works to bring versions of the novel “The Nanny Diaries” and the movie “The Lincoln Lawyer” to the small screen.

“The Nanny Diaries,” a 2003 novel by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, is being adapted as a drama series by “Gilmore Girls” creator Amy Sherman-Palladino. The network is reported to be close to ordering a script.

The novel was previously adapted into a 2007 film starring Scarlett Johansson.

“Lincoln Lawyer” is based on the Matthew McConaughey film from Lionsgate and will be written by John Romano and Michael Connelly.

PBS Readying 'Inspector Morse' Prequel Series

PBS's “Masterpiece Mystery” has picked up a prequel to its popular "Inspector Morse" series, reports Deadline.com.

Called "Endeavour," the series is set in 1965 and stars Shaun Evans as a younger version of the iconic character played by Colin Dexter. The story will follow the investigation into a missing schoolgirl, which will bring Endeavour Morse to Oxford.

Another "Inspector Morse" spinoff is also slated to air on “Masterpiece,” with "Inspector Lewis" slated to start airing Sept. 4. "Inspector Lewis" stars Kevin Whately in the role he plays in "Inspector Morse," the story notes.

Cooking Superstar Joins Bravo's 'Top Chef'

A food TV superstar has a new gig on Bravo's "Top Chef," reports Entertainment Weekly. Joining Padma Lakshmi and Gail Simmons as a judge will be former Food Network star Emeril Lagasse.

Tom Colicchio will continue as head judge, and Hugh Acheson, a contestant on "Top Chef Masters," will also be one of the judges for the show.

In addition to the new judges, "Top Chef" will change up for the new season by originating from three Texas cities -- San Antonio, Dallas and Austin.

Who's the Highest-Paid Sitcom Star?

Now that Charlie Sheen is no longer on “Two and a Half Men” -- where he was widely known to be the highest-paid actor on TV -- there’s a new top dog when it comes to sitcom salaries, TVGuide.com reports.

The top-earning sitcom star is the actor who replaced Sheen on the hit CBS comedy, Ashton Kutcher.

Kutcher is earning $700,000 per episode, which is far more than the $125,000 per episode typically earned by lead actors on new prime-time series but still well below Sheen's top salary of $1.2 million per episode, the story points out.

Veterans Tim Allen and Kiefer Sutherland will receive $225,000 per episode to return to television, the same as Ted Danson’s salary for joining "CSI," the piece notes. For CBS, that represents a savings on Laurence Fishburne's $350,000 per episode for the crime drama.

News divisions are also trying to keep costs down, the story says. Scott Pelley, who replaced Katie Couric at CBS News, is earning less than a third of her $15 million-per-year salary, while Piers Morgan is receiving less than a third of Larry King's salary in King’s final year on CNN.

Fox News Show Targets 'SpongeBob SquarePants'

Fox News Channel's "Fox & Friends" is taking aim at an animated children's show, "SpongeBob SquarePants," which has teamed up with the U.S. Department of Education to teach kids about global warming, according to The Hollywood Reporter's The Live Feed.

The education agency showed a video and handed out books to children that "blamed man for global warming, but they did not tell kids that is actually a disputed fact -- oops," said Gretchen Carlson on the Fox News show.

Fox's Dave Briggs said global warming is "unproven science" and added: "This is a public education system that we all pay our tax dollars for and the SpongeBob book says that it's a manmade problem that requires human intervention."

The mainstream scientific community generally views global warming as caused by humans, although the Fox hosts didn't acknowledge that, the story says.

MTV Reality Performer Arrested

An MTV reality show fixture who has had a series of run-ins with the law was arrested again Monday in North Carolina, TMZ.com reports.

Jenelle Evans, one of the stars of “Teen Mom 2,” was arrested for allegedly violating her probation. Officials initially did not release any additional details, but it was reported by Evans’ lawyer that she had tested positive for marijuana and opiates, according to TMZ.

Evans pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia in April, receiving 12 months’ probation.

Evans was reportedly jailed briefly Monday but has since been released. She’s due to appear in court Aug. 24.

Syfy Cancels Show

Syfy has changed its plans for one of its shows, Deadline.com reports. The channel had previously said it would run a final six-episode season of “Eureka,” but now Syfy is backing away from that plan and has decided to cancel the show after season five.

The channel is citing financial reasons for pulling the plug on the six-episode sixth season, saying it was a “difficult business decision.”

"Eureka" is currently in production with its 13-episode fifth season, with filming due to end in two weeks, the article says. According to Syfy, "The 2012 episodes are some of the best we’ve seen, and will bring this great series to a satisfying end."

Proclaiming 'I'm Done,' Actor Closes the Door on 'Gossip Girl'

One of the actors on “Gossip Girl” expressed a note of finality about his exit from the show during an appearance Sunday at the Television Critics Association press tour, TVLine.com reports.

Connor Paolo, who played Serena's little brother Eric on the CW show, is moving on to become a series regular on the new ABC show "Revenge." Asked whether he might return to "Gossip Girl" should “Revenge” be canceled, Paolo said, “I’m done. You should never go back in life. Only forward.”

Paolo added that he's fine with how his character's story ended on "Gossip Girl," with Eric going to college. He added that he didn't believe the show's producers knew he was leaving in time to create a more definitive story line surrounding his departure.

“Eric’s going to college and he’s going to stay there,” Paolo said. “He doesn’t come home for Christmas anymore.”

'Wire' Actress Guilty in Heroin Case

An actress who appeared on HBO's "The Wire" has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin, reports the Associated Press.

Felicia "Snoop" Pearson, 31, entered the plea in Baltimore a day before her trial was slated to begin. Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill accepted her plea and suspended a seven-year sentence with credit for time served. He also ordered three years of supervised probation with provisions for out-of-state travel for work.

The plea will enable Pearson to continue with her acting career, according to her attorney.

"I can't say she would have been found not guilty," her lawyer said, outside the courthouse. Pearson interrupted, saying, "I would have been found not guilty," the story says.

She added that she's moving to Los Angeles and wrote on Twitter, "I'm FREE," the article adds.

Cable Channel Greenlights Its First Original Scripted Series

A cable channel that is a joint venture of Comcast, Lionsgate and Sony Pictures announced that it has greenlighted its first original scripted series, B&C reports.

FEARnet gave the go-ahead to “Holliston,” a show about two friends who want to become horror movie filmmakers. The show, set in Holliston, Mass., tracks the friends as they struggle to earn a living in a Boston cable-access station after college. It will star Adam Green of "Frozen" and Joe Lynch of "Knights of Badassdom," who will also be the show's directors.

The series will debut in early 2012.

FEARnet, which launched in 2006, operates a cable net, website and VOD service under the ownership of the joint venture Horror Entertainment LLC.

Pioneering Cable Exec Carolyn Chambers Dead at 79

Carolyn Chambers, a pioneering cable executive and the founder and chairwoman of Chambers Communications, died Monday of cancer, Multichannel News reports. She was 79.

The story reports: “Chambers, who among many accomplishments served on the boards of the National Cable Television Association and of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, began Chambers Communications with a license for TV station KEZI in Eugene, Ore., in 1959, at age 25, according to a biography on the Cable Center Web site. KEZI-TV became the start of Liberty Communications, which grew to include six TV stations and 33 cable systems in 11 states, according to a biographical video shown at her Cable TV Hall of Fame induction in 2006 and which can be viewed at this Cable Center link.”

Multichannel News adds, quoting the Cable Center biography: “Liberty Communications was sold to Tele-Communications Inc. in 1983, with Chambers retaining KEZI-TV and four cable systems in Washington and California as Chambers Communications. After other acquisitions and sales, Chambers Communications was left with three TV stations, a cable system, a video production company and an Internet service provider.”

Carolyn Chambers 

CBS in Talks to Buy Crime Drama Script from 'True Blood' Writer

CBS is in negotiations to buy a one-hour crime drama script from "True Blood" writer Chris Offutt, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The project is described as "House" meets "Walker, Texas Ranger.” The drama focuses on a Texas Ranger who takes new Ranger recruits under his wing.

Aaron Kaplan, the founder of Kapital Entertainment, would serve as an executive producer with Offutt, the story says.

Good News for 'Mad Men' Fans: Production Begins on Season 5

After a series of delays marked by difficult contract talks, production finally got under way Monday on the fifth season of AMC’s “Mad Men,” reports the Los Angeles Times' Show Tracker blog.

Little is known about any possible directions the show will take in the new season, which is scheduled to launch in early 2012. One tidbit that has come out is that the fifth season will add a precocious 10-year-old boy to the cast, notes TVGuide.com.

Also, series star Jon Hamm is directing the season premiere.

News Corp. Contemplates a Move Designed to Rebuild Investor Confidence

As News Corp. seeks to regain investor confidence amid a high-profile phone-hacking probe, the company is considering raising its quarterly dividend by 20% when it reports quarterly earnings, according to Bloomberg.

The dividend may rise to 9 cents a share from 7.5 cents, the story says. News Corp. earnings are set to be released tomorrow, Wednesday, after the markets close.

The dividend and a possible share buyback may help placate investors, who have been hurt by a 25% drop in News Corp.'s share value since July 4, when the U.K. newspaper The Guardian reported on phone hacking at News Corp.'s now-defunct News of the World tabloid.

Chairman Rupert Murdoch will participate in an investor conference call after the quarterly results are released, the article adds.

HBO's 'Game of Thrones' Brings New Cast Members on Board

HBO's "Game of Thrones" has added two more cast members to the show for its second season, reports TVGuide.com.

They are Roy Dotrice, who will play Pyromancer Hallyne, and Hannah Murray, who will play Gilly, the story notes.

Dotrice also performed the audiobook adaptation of author George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire," the basis for the HBO series. Murray, who was on the British version of "Skins," will play a young woman who wants to escape from her life with a tyrannical barbarian.

Other additions to the cast announced earlier include Liam Cunningham, Stephen Dillane, Carice van Houten, Gwendoline Christie and Natalie Dormer.

Media Stocks Hit Hard as Market Plummets

Media stocks were not spared Monday as the stock market suffered a steep decline. U.S. stocks had their worst one-day drop since December 2008, Bloomberg reported, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average off 633 points on news of Standard & Poor’s downgrade of the nation’s credit rating.

Among the major media companies caught up in Wall Street’s bad day, CBS Corp. fell 10.31%, News Corp. dropped 7.65%, Viacom was down 7.12%, Sony took a 6.60% hit and Time Warner Inc. was off 5.83%. LIN TV was down a hefty 12.73%, with Sinclair Broadcasting off 9.77%.

The L.A. Times reported the Dow finished the day down 633.17 points, or 5.5%, closing at 10,811.44. The damage was even worse on the broader Standard & Poor’s 500 index, which was down 79.83 points, or 6.6%, at 1,119.55.

The Times reported: “Market experts said the Monday sell-off was sparked by the S&P announcement but was motivated more by growing concerns about the weakness of the global economy. ‘It’s really all about economics,’ said Mike Norman, the chief financial strategist at John Thomas Financial.”

The Times story added: “The concern about the U.S. credit rating was amplified when Standard & Poor's announced Monday morning that it was also downgrading the debt of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which rely on U.S. government guarantees. But traders said much of the pessimism Monday resulted from broader concerns about the economy. ‘I don’t think the S&P announcement is the lead director of the day -- I just think it is the icing on the cake,’ said Jonathan Corpina, a trader on the New York Stock Exchange for Meridian Equity Partners.”

Markets have seen losses almost every day for the past two weeks and have fallen to lows not seen since September 2010.

Added Bloomberg: “On the first trading day after the S&P downgrade, investors retreated from riskier assets on concern the global economy will continue to slow. They poured money into haven assets such as Treasuries, gold, and the Swiss franc, while benchmark equity indexes for Europe, Australia, China and smaller U.S. companies extended losses to more than 20 percent from recent peaks, the level some investors consider a bear market.”

Charlie Sheen Opens Up About Being Killed Off on 'Two and a Half Men'

In the latest twist in the saga of Charlie Sheen and "Two and a Half Men," Sheen had a surprising reaction to word that his character, Charlie Harper, will be eulogized on the CBS show when the season premiere features Harper's funeral, reports TMZ.com.

Sheen expressed gratitude that the show will provide closure to that part of his life -- and appreciation toward Ashton Kutcher for taking over his old job.

He told the website, "I have always been told that I have nine lives, so it is going to be amazing to witness my own funeral, which is clearly a win/win situation because Ashton has just given me a tenth."

Sheen reportedly said leaving "Two and a Half Men" has given him a chance to kick-start his career. He is currently working on a new sitcom based on the Jack Nicholson film "Anger Management."

"Two and a Half Men" plans to make an all-star event out of Charlie Harper's funeral, as reported previously.

ABC's 'Pan Am' Will Stay True to the 1960s -- With One Big Exception

ABC’s new drama “Pan Am” is making a point of re-creating the mood of the 1960s, much in the way that the show it’s often compared to -- AMC’s “Mad Men” -- has succeeded in capturing the feel of that decade.

But “Pan Am” is making one big concession to more modern sensibilities: Despite the fact that smoking on Pan Am flights was a regular thing in the 1960s, the new show will not depict any of the principals smoking cigarettes on flights or in the terminals, reports Entertainment Weekly.

There will be some extras with cigarettes, but the stars, including Christina Ricci and Margot Robbie, won't light up.

According to executive producer Thomas Schlamme, "It's an enormous impressionable element. It's the one revisionist cheat."

In contrast to "Pan Am," the 1960s characters on "Mad Men" smoke frequently.

“Pan Am” is set to premiere Sept. 25.

Veteran ABC, NBC and CNN Exec Named President of Current TV

Current TV announced that it has named a veteran cable and broadcast executive as the new network president. The position will be filled by David Bohrman, whose career as a journalist and news executive has included stops at CNN, ABC and NBC.

Current TV Chairman and former U.S. Vice President Al Gore said: “Current’s mission has always been to shine a light on important issues, to spark debate and to speak truth to power. Earlier this year, we advanced this mission when we brought Keith Olbermann to Current and clearly stated our intent to be a truly independent, conflict-free, progressive voice in the news and political commentary arena. David Bohrman passionately shares our vision.”

Bohrman is expected to work closely with Gore and with Current TV CEO Joel Hyatt.

Gore added that Bohrman “has innovation in his DNA, and he has the unique qualifications and relationships to take Current to a whole new level in programming and production. I very much admire David’s excellent work, his integrity, his drive and his consistent track record of innovation. He will be a tremendous leader for Current, and Joel and I are proud to have David join us in this exciting venture.”

In announcing the appointment, the company said: “For the past decade, Bohrman was CNN’s senior vice president of programming and Washington, DC bureau chief, and in May of this year, he became CNN’s SVP and Chief Innovation Officer Worldwide. As Current’s President, he will be based in New York and San Francisco, and will oversee programming, production, broadcast operations, digital and technology. He will also work closely with Current’s Chief News Officer Keith Olbermann, who is host of Current’s centerpiece program, ‘Countdown with Keith Olbermann,’ as the network expands its primetime line-up and election coverage.”

Daytime Must-See: Legendary Agnes Nixon--Creator of 'One Life to Live' and 'All My Children'--Will Appear on 'All My Children,' Reprising Role She Created in 2005

"Agnes Nixon, creator of ABC’s daytime drama 'All My Children,' returns to the show as Agnes Eckhart, a long-standing board member of Pine Valley Hospital, ABC has announced.

The announcement continues, "Nixon first appeared on 'All My Children' in 2005 as the character Agnes Eckhardt, a role she created to celebrate the show’s 35th Anniversary. This time around, Agnes Eckhardt is admitted to Pine Valley Hospital where Cara (Lindsay Hartley) and David (Vincent Irizarry) tend to her. She also crosses paths with Erica Kane (Susan Lucci). Agnes has a profound effect on all of the characters she interacts with that changes the course of their lives. Nixon’s first episode airs on August 31, 2011."

About Nixon's career  the announcement says, "Nixon, often called the “queen of the modern soap opera,” created 'All My Children' in 1970. She was a pioneer in daytime, writing for such shows as 'Another World,' 'Guiding Light,' 'As the World Turns' and 'Search for Tomorrow' before going on to create 'One Life to Live,' 'All My Children,' 'The City' and 'Loving.' It was on these shows where Nixon brought many current and important social issues to the small screen. She was honored in 2010 with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 37th Annual Daytime Emmys."

'Big Brother' Leads CBS to Sunday Ratings Win

CBS's reality series "Big Brother" was the top-rated program Sunday night, helping the Eye Network take the overall win, TVbytheNumbers.com reports.

CBS finished the night with a 1.7 average rating for prime time in adults 18-49, with Spanish-language broadcaster Univision second with a 1.2 average. Trailing were Fox (1.0 average), ABC (1.0) and NBC (0.7). CBS also won total viewers, averaging 6.6 million to 4.0 million for ABC, 3.2 million for Univision, 2.9 million for NBC and 2.8 million for Fox.

At 7 p.m. CBS's "60 Minutes" topped NBC's "Dateline" with a 1.2 average rating to a 0.5 in the 18-49 demographic.

At 8 p.m. "Big Brother" scored a 2.8 average in the 18-49 demographic for the hour, over the first hour of Fox's "Teen Choice 2011," which had a 1.1 in the same demo. ABC's "Ty's Great British Adventure 2011" trailed with a 1.0 in the 18-49 demo for the hour.

At 9 p.m. CBS's "Same Name" had a 1.6 in the 18-49 demographic for the hour, while NBC's "Marriage Ref" collected a 0.9 in the 18-49 demo.

In the 10 p.m. hour, another installment of "Marriage Ref" rated a 1.0 in the 18-49 demographic against all reruns.

Serena Williams Show Fails to Nail Down a Spot on Lifetime

A reality television pilot from tennis champion Serena Williams has been passed over by the Lifetime Network, according to the New York Daily News.

The pilot about a nail salon, which included footage of Williams doing Oprah Winfrey's toenails as well as the setup of the salon, has failed to pass muster with Lifetime, according to the newspaper's insiders.

Speculation that Williams’ show could wind up at OWN was shot down by a spokesperson for Winfrey’s network, who said, "OWN has no plans for a reality series with Serena Williams."

Member of Famous Acting Family to Appear on 'Hawaii Five-0'

A member of one of Hollywood’s most famous acting families will play a villain during the upcoming season of CBS's "Hawaii Five-0," reports TV Guide.

Peter Fonda, best known for the classic 1960s counterculture movie "Easy Rider," is slated for the guest spot in an October episode, the story reports.

Fonda -- the son of Oscar winner Henry Fonda and brother of Oscar winner Jane Fonda -- has been cast as modern treasure-hunting sea captain who's a con man, ripping off clients to line his pockets. He becomes the suspect in a murder and the focus of McGarrett's investigative team.

Peter Fonda has been nominated twice for Academy Awards -- as a writer for “Easy Rider” and as lead actor in “Ulee’s Gold.”

TV and Film Actor, 48, Collapses in Street and Dies

An actor who appeared in a string of hit television shows and was best known for his role in the Best Picture Oscar winner “Platoon” died suddenly Friday in Malibu, Calif., the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Francesco Quinn collapsed while walking home from a store with his son, according to the story. The son of two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Quinn, Francesco Quinn was 48.

Quinn played raspy-voiced soldier Rhah in Oliver Stone’s 1986 Vietnam War movie “Platoon.” He had roles in a number of television shows, including “NCIS,” “JAG,” “24” and “The Shield.” He also had a run on the soap opera “The Young and the Restless,” playing Tomas del Cerro.

His agent said Quinn apparently died of a heart attack, but the official cause of death had not yet been determined.

Francesco Quinn

ABC Apologizes for Wardrobe Malfunction on 'Good Morning America'

ABC has apologized for a wardrobe malfunction that exposed a bit more of singer Nicki Minaj than she apparently intended during an appearance on "Good Morning America," reports the Associated Press.

Minaj, who performed Friday during the show's concert series, wore a loose halter top that she had to adjust and it occasionally slipped to reveal one of her nipples, the story says.

The slips were seen during the East Coast's live telecast, although they were edited out during later feeds that day. ABC said in statement, "We are sorry that this occurred."

After Reports of Huge Salary Package for Jennifer Lopez, Another 'Idol' Judge Demands More Money

One of the judges on "American Idol" is demanding more money from Fox amid reports that Jennifer Lopez has a huge deal -- worth as much as $20 million -- to return to the singing competition, reports the New York Post's Page Six.

Steven Tyler is restless as he's in the middle of a two-year contract worth about $10 million per year, the story says. His management has approached Fox to ask for a bump in his deal, the piece reports.

The executives behind the show have been arguing that Tyler is tied in to a deal, but a compromise may be in the works to keep Tyler happy.

Randy Jackson, the show's third judge, has said he's committed to returning to the show.

A representative for Lopez said negotiations are ongoing about her contract renewal and declined to comment on the other judges. A representative for Tyler declined to comment, while a representative for Jackson didn't respond, the story says.

Stars Line Up to Eulogize Charlie Harper on 'Two and a Half Men'

A few stars will be on hand to eulogize Charlie Harper on CBS’s "Two and a Half Men," reports TMZ.com.

An actor who was at one time rumored to be a replacement for Charlie Sheen on the show, John Stamos, will appear to say a few words at the funeral service, the story says. It will be revealed that he and Harper were close friends and shared some raunchy adventures together, the piece adds.

Jenny McCarthy, who played one of Harper's ex-girlfriends, will also be at the funeral, the story notes. Also returning will be Rose, played by Melanie Lynskey, who headed to Paris with Charlie Harper in Sheen’s final episode.

FX Renews Three Series -- One of the Shows Will Become the Longest-Running Comedy in Basic Cable History

FX has announced renewals of three shows, and one of the renewals will make basic cable history, reports EW.com's Inside TV blog.

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" will return for two additional seasons, the show's eighth and ninth, the story says. That will make "Sunny" the longest-running comedy series in basic cable history, the piece reports.

"Wilfred," the show about a man who sees a dog as a human in a dog outfit, has been renewed for a second season. "Louie" received a renewal for its third season.

The story reports: “FX President John Landgraf pointed out that ‘Sunny’ helped pioneer a low-cost / high-creative-freedom business model that it’s used for its other comedies as well.”

“They literally had no experience writing, no experience directing,” Landgraf said, talking about the team behind “Sunny.” “They literally made a pilot for $200 they shot in their back yard. They were so young and so willing to learn and we didn’t bring in showrunners over them. It was a good partnership. It started out so bare bones -- [creator-actor] Rob McElhenney was a waiter and didn’t quit his job until season two.”

Comedians, 'Disgusted' by Ouster of Jerry Lewis From MDA Telethon, Gather in Show of Support for Veteran Funnyman

Angry comedians turned out Friday in a show of support for Jerry Lewis, who was dismissed Wednesday night as the host and national chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's annual Labor Day Telethon, reports the Los Angeles Times' Show Tracker blog.

Jamie Masada, the owner of Hollywood's Laugh Factory, said he was "disgusted" by the ouster, noting, "I can’t describe how hurt I am, how hurt every comedian is," the story says.

The comedians gathered at the Laugh Factory for a news conference to show their support. Those attending included Paul Rodriguez, Larry Miller, Tom Dreesen, French comedian Mustapha El Atrassi and 83-year-old Norm Crosby, who the story notes co-hosted the telethon with Lewis for more than a quarter of a century.

Rodriguez said other comedians including Dave Chappelle and Kevin Pollak had called or emailed to show their support, the story says.

Crosby called MDA's dismissal of Lewis, 85, "cruel" and "abrupt," the story says. The Laugh Factory plans a rival fund raiser on Labor Day weekend, with the proceeds to be donated to research for muscular dystrophy, the piece notes.

A spokesman for the MDA declined to comment.

TV Critics Reveal Their Top Shows, and the Program of the Year Is One That Won't Be Back

The Television Critics Association has unveiled the winners of the annual TCA Awards, honoring a show in its final season as Program of the Year, Reuters reports.

The award went to NBC’s “Friday Night Lights.” HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” meanwhile, was honored as the top new show.

Perennial critical favorites “Mad Men” and “Modern Family” won two awards each, the most by any shows. AMC’s “Mad Men” was named top drama while ABC’s “Modern Family” was singled out as the top comedy.

Here's the complete list of winners:

Individual Achievement in Drama: Jon Hamm (“Mad Men,” AMC)

Individual Achievement in Comedy: Ty Burrell (“Modern Family,” ABC) and Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation,” NBC)

Outstanding Achievement in News and Information: “Restrepo” (National Geographic Channel)

Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming: “Amazing Race” (CBS)

Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming: “Sesame Street” (PBS)

Outstanding New Program: “Game of Thrones” (HBO)

Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and Specials: “Masterpiece: Sherlock” (PBS)

Outstanding Achievement in Drama: “Mad Men” (AMC)

Outstanding Achievement in Comedy: “Modern Family” (ABC)

Career Achievement Award: Oprah Winfrey

Heritage Award: “The Dick Van Dyke Show”

Program of the Year: “Friday Night Lights” (DirecTV/NBC)

Does This Video Supplier Have the Guts to Say 'Mea Culpa' to Its 23 Million Subscribers?

Recently, Netflix received lots of flak for raising the price of some of its services.

In this hard-hitting entry by TVWeek Open Mic blogger--and PR guru--Arthur Sando, he puts it on the line, telling Netflix what it needs to do to regain face among its subscribers.

Please click here to read this excellent essay.

Movie Based on TV Show Is Most-Watched Cable Movie of Year

A TV movie that drew 7.6 million viewers Friday night is the most-watched cable movie of the year, reports Deadline.com.

The movie is Disney Channel's "Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension," an offshoot of the popular Disney television series "Phineas and Ferb."

The telecast also ranked as the top scripted telecast of 2011 among children 6 to 11 years old (3.4 million) and kids 9 to 14 years old (2.6 million), the piece notes.

It was the most-watched animated telecast on cable among children 6 to 11 and tweens since "Fairly OddBaby" in February 2008, the article adds.

Starz Takes On a Partner in Drive to Create Original Dramas

Starz has joined forces with a partner to create and distribute original drama series, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Starz and BBC have formed a multiyear partnership, with titles yet to be announced, the story reports. The shows will be distributed by Starz in the U.S. and Canada, while BBC Worldwide will distribute the shows internationally.

Starz and BBC Worldwide co-produced the current sci-fi program "Torchwood: Miracle Day," while the BBC is behind shows such as "Doctor Who" and "Little Dorrit."

"Torchwood: Miracle Day" is in its first season on Starz, the piece notes.

Producer Defends His Show, Which Seems Like a 'Ringer' for Another Show

A show features identical twin sisters from different backgrounds, with the sister from a humbler start taking on the identity of her wealthier sister. Sounds like Sarah Michelle Gellar's "Ringer" on the CW? It's also the premise of ABC Family's "The Lying Game," reports Deadline.com.