Keely's Korner

FIRST LOOK
http://www.eonline.com/news

ON TELEVISION (THURSDAY 9/19/13)
ABC: Wipeout (Finale) at 8pm
AMC: Owners Manual (Finale) at 10:30pm
NBC: Million Second Quiz (Finale) at 8pm

Binge viewing is increasing, according to a new study from Nielsen. The measurement company’s 2013 Over-the-Top Video Analysis found 88 percent of Netflix users and 70 percent of Hulu Plus users report streaming three or more episodes of the same show in one day.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Lexus will start airing live commercials on NBC‘s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, with improv comedians acting out concepts submitted by viewers via Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram. Bottom line: the stunt should drive tune-in for the ads.
(Source: Cynopsis)

The 65th Emmy Awards will pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of two seminal moments in TV history: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963 and the Beatles’ appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964. The Emmy segment will “explore the tie between them.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

Emmy producer Ken Erlich addressed the backlash since the announcement that his awards telecast would single out five actors for special tributes, apart from the traditional In Memoriam segment. The inclusion of relative newcomer Cory Monteith (Glee) and exclusion of TV icon Larry Hagman (Dallas), in particular, has drawn criticism. “There’s only so much you can do,” Erlich told reporters Wednesday. “In all candor, this becomes a producer’s option.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

Michelle Obama gathered media, entertainment and food industry execs to discuss food marketing to children. The First Lady praised Disney for its initiative, launched last year, to set higher nutritional standards for products featured in its children’s programming.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Bravo is airing a reunion special for makeover show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy (2003-2007). Hosted by the net’s Andy Cohen, the show will bring back the “Fab Five” to reminisce and share updates. Queer Eye: The Reunion bows next month.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Mario Lopez (Extra) joins Eva Longoria to host the 2013 NCLR Alma Awards, honoring Latino entertainers. The one-hour special airs live on MSNBC Friday, September 27 at 10p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

The Grammys Nomination Concert is coming back to the City of Angels. After a year in Nashville, the event returns to LA’s Nokia Theatre for a live show on CBS Friday, December 6 at 10p. Grammys air Sunday, January 26.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Missi Pyle has been cast in TV Land pilot Jennifer Falls, as the BFF of Jaime Pressly‘s Jennifer. Pyle guested on the net’s The Exes.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Taye Diggs (Private Practice) will guest star on the third season of Fox‘s New Girl. Diggs plays a ladies man on the same ep that Damon Wayans Jr., who was in the Fox sitcom’s pilot ep, returns for a story arc. New Girl airs Tuesdays at 9p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

BROADWAY
Lavish Bio-Musical “All That Glitters” about Liberace starring Richard Kline is heading to Broadway in December 2014.
http://ppc.broadway.com/buzz/171868/here-comes-liberace-lavish-bio-musical-all-that-glitters-heading-to-broadway-in-2014-starring-richard-kline/

FIRST LOOK
http://www.eonline.com/news

ON TELEVISION (THURSDAY 9/12/13)
ABC: Rookie Blue (Finale) at 10pm
USA: Burn Notice (Finale) at 9pm
USA: Graceland (Finale) at 10pm

AMC and Sony Pictures Television have struck a deal for a Breaking Bad spinoff. A prequel, the one-hour drama will focus on Saul Goodman (working title: Better Call Saul). Breaking Bad’s series finale airs Sunday, September 29 at 9p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

NCIS EP Gary Glasberg promised a “pretty damn heart-wrenching” farewell for Ziva David, the popular character played by Cote De Pablo, who quit the show. In an open letter to fans, Glasberg said of upcoming season eleven, “Prepare yourselves for a moment in television history. Images that will end up in the archives.” NCIS returns to CBS Tuesday, September 24 at 8p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

CNBC offers a peek inside mansion gates in Secret Lives of the Super Rich. Robert Frank reports, with an assist by NYC super broker Dolly Lenz, on mega-mansions, yachts and Ferraris, and an over-the-top wedding for a wealthy groom and his Playboy playmate. Eight-ep series debuts Wednesday, September 25 at 9p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Target is getting in the digital video game, aiming for a more family-friendly offering than what’s available now. Deals are in place with major studios like Disney and Warner Bros., as well as TV networks, but keeping it simple may be the key: the retailer’s research shows half its customer base has never downloaded or streamed video entertainment.
(Source: Cynopsis)

The Killing is most sincerely dead. AMC canceled the Fox Television Studios drama after season two, then brought it back, but said it won’t invite the show back for a fourth go-round. While the 2011 series premiere drew 2.7 million viewers, the season three finale earned 1.5 million.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Reality show Alaskan Women Looking for Love relocates six women frustrated with the dating pool up north to sunny Miami Beach. Six-part fish-out-of-water series debuts on TLC Sunday, October 6 at 10p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Fox is bringing back So You Think You Can Dance for an eleventh season, exec producer and judge Nygel Lythgoe announced on the dancing competition’s season finale Tuesday night. (Winners: Fik-Shun and Amy Yakima.)
(Source: Cynopsis)

The season nine wedding of Bones‘ Dr. Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and Special Agent Booth (David Boreanz) won’t include Deschenal’s sister Zooey (New Girl), who has guested as Brennan’s cousin. But it will include her husband, David Hornsby (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), reports E!. Ep will air later this fall.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Syfy drama Defiance has added William Atherton (Centennial) and Anna Hopkins (Circle of Friends) to its season two cast. Atherton will play jaded Earth Republic official Viceroy Mercado; Hopkins joins the show as fearless soldier Jessica Rai. Sophomore season launches in June, 2014.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Michelle Monaghan (Source Code) joins HBO drama pilot Open, from Ryan Murphy Productions and Fox 21. Monaghan also stars in the net’s eight-ep True Detective, debuting in January 2014.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Covert Affairs has enlisted Jonathan Togo (CSI: Miami) for season four. Togo will play family man Nelson Smith. The USA spy drama ends a ten-ep run on Tuesday, September 17 at 9p, returning for six more on Thursday, October 17.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Caitriona Balfe (Super 8) has won the female lead in Starz‘ adaptation of best-selling book series Outlander, from Sony Pictures Television. Starz placed a 16-ep order for the drama.
(Source: Cynopsis)

The week of August 26 was good for for syndicated entertainment magazines, bolstered by interest in Miley Cyrus‘s VMA antics and the Michael Douglas/Catherine Zeta-Jones breakup. Access Hollywood was up 13 percent week to week with a 1.7 rating. Extra bounced up 7 percent, to 1.5, and leader Entertainment Tonight drew 3.4, up 6 percent.
(Source: Cynopsis)

BROADWAY
Becoming Dr. Ruth starring Debra Jo Rupp is coming to Broadway on Tuesday October 29, 2013.
http://ppc.broadway.com/buzz/171677/lets-talk-about-sex-tickets-now-on-sale-for-becoming-dr-ruth-starring-debra-jo-rupp/

FIRST LOOK
http://www.eonline.com/news

ON TELEVISION (THURSDAY 8/15/13)
AMC: Owner’s Manual (Premiere) at 10pm
TRAVEL: Mysteries At The Museum (Premiere) at 9pm
WE TV: L.A. Hair (Finale) at 9pm

As its debut date approaches, FOX Sports 1 is still trying to work out a distribution deal with Time Warner Cable. While a TWC spokesman said on Tuesday the two were “in talks,” time is running out before the channel’s Saturday, August 17 launch.
(Source: Cynopsis)

That launch is naturally being eyed by the biggest names in the television sports world, many of whom were on hand for Wednesday’s Cynopsis Sports Summit in NYC. “It’s not easy,” said Jon Miller, president of programming for NBC Sports and NBCSN of the distribution and rights skirmishes FOX Sports 1 is facing. “Multiple battles have to be waged, and the consumer conditioned to come. But they’re starting with a variety of assets with a strong following.” Tracy Dolgin also took the high road with the soon-to-be rival, pointing to the value of having another player in the field. “The world can coexist with multiple sports systems,” said the YES Network president and CEO. “This is the reason people are going to stick with cable – it’s good for the industry.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

Among Hallmark‘s fall offerings is The Hunters, a movie about parents who raid museums to protect fairy tale artifacts, and the children who scour the world to save Mom and Dad when they disappear. Victor Garber and Michelle Forbes star – and Garber tells Cynopsis he had a “great time” working on the project. “It was challenging and fun to enter into a world of myths and fantasy,” said the film/Broadway/TV vet. “Fortunately the director and the very talented cast were on the same page, so we had a lot of laughs, and worked very hard.” Movie premieres Friday, October 25 at 8p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Oxygen Media is running a series on Instagram featuring 15-second videos of never-before-seen content from the net’s original shows. Wednesday, Oxygen’s Daily Oxygram launched with footage from the new season of Bad Girls Club: Miami. “As storytellers, we want to give our fans the ability to enjoy BGC any way they choose and on any platform,” Daniel Tibbets of Bunim/Murray Productions, which produces BGC, tells Cynopsis. “A platform like Instagram is best experienced on your phone,” adds the svp of digital media. “While time viewing on the phone continues to increase at a considerable rate, the enjoyment of short-form, or in this case ultra-short-form, video content is the most relevant way to deliver these storylines to our viewers.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

Twice as many households as last year have a streaming media device, according to research group Parks Associates. The firm found in a study of 100,000 broadband households that of the 14% of homes that have a device, 37% opt for Roku, versus 24% for Apple.
(Source: Cynopis)

Good luck with that: GSN is launching a half-hour game show, Mind of a Man, in which female contestants get an assist from a celeb panel to try and figure out what men are thinking about when it comes to dating, marriage, etc. The net ordered 40 episodes of the series, set to premiere in late 2013 from Never Nominated Productions; Mark Cronin will exec produce. “The great thing about this show is that it has big, big laughs coupled with insightful take away information,” Amy Introcaso-Davis, GSN’s EVP, Programming and Development, tells Cynopsis. “MIND OF A MAN is a contemporary spin on the classic celebrity panel game, and a hilarious show for the Twitter and Facebook era.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

Discovery Fit & Health two-parter Pregnant Behind Bars explores the challenges faced by expectant women doing hard time. Series premieres Thursday, August 22 at 10p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Great American Country Network and Special Olympics Pennsylvania are asking viewers of tonight’s episode of Farm Kings, about a Pittsburgh-area farm family, to check in on the series web site (http://GACtv.com/farmkings). For each check-in, the network will donate $1, up to $5000 to the sports organization.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Adam Ferrara has been upped to series regular on Nurse Jackie. Ferrara plays the love interest of Edie Falco on the Showtime dramedy, heading into season six in April.
(Source: Cynopsis)

British actor Rhys Ifans (The Amazing Spider-Man) has been cast in Showtime pilot Trending Down, described as “a blistering attack on our youth-obsesses culture.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

NBC is developing Sparks, a drama based on the case files of neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks (Awakenings). Glenn Gordon Caron (Medium) and Michael London (Milk) will exec produce.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Andy gets to be the boss! Office alum Ed Helms will exec produce a sitcom for ABC, from writer Mike Arnold. Series is about a big-city attorney’s rocky adjustment to small-town life.
(Source: Cynopsis)

E! added six more episodes to surging WWE reality series Total Divas, about pro female wrestlers. The July 28 debut drew 1.3 million viewers; last Sunday’s ep reached 1.7 million. The series finale is Sunday, September 15, but the new eps will start airing Sunday, November 17 at 10p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

BROADWAY
Emmy Winner Tom Skerritt To Make His Broadway Debut in John Grisham’s “A Time To Kill”
http://ppc.broadway.com/buzz/171168/emmy-winner-tom-skerritt-to-make-his-broadway-debut-in-john-grishams-a-time-to-kill/

FIRST LOOK
http://www.eonline.com/news

ON TELEVISION (THURSDAY 8/1/13)
DISCOVERY: Airplane Repo (Premiere) at 9pm
FOOD: Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell (Premiere) at 10pm
HISTORY: Hatfields & McCoys (Premiere) at 10pm
REELZ: Hollywood Buzz (Premiere) at 9am
TNT: The Hero (Finale) at 8pm

A small business will muscle into Super Bowl action with the big guys, thanks to a campaign by Intuit. The financial software company is soliciting company stories from small businesses for online voting by the public. The final four will receive TV advertising, with the winner getting at 30-second spot on the big game on FOX (approximate value: $3-4 million).
(Source: Cynopsis)

Showtime goes live: Showtime Networks added live East and West Coast feeds to its TV Everywhere service, Showtime Anytime. Subscribers can click on the “Live TV” button and watch what’s airing on the network, and switch between the East and West Coast feeds.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Talk about TV Everywhere: TV-movie Sharknado has had two encores since its July 11 premiere, and will get Regal Theaters screenings Friday, August 2. Now Syfy and The Asylum have signed a merchandising deal for the cult hit. “The bold and over-the-top Sharknado brand is the perfect fit for a wide range of fun merchandise,” said Syfy Ventures vp Jeff Li of the upcoming t-shirts, posters, etc.
(Source: Cynopsis)

ABC’s Revenge is also getting marketed off-screen, in the form of a novel. Schooled In Revenge focuses on Rebun Island, where the soap’s Emily Thorne trained for her mission to avenge her father being framed for a murder he didn’t commit. The book, featuring a new vengeance-hungry heroine, will be available in paperback and digitally on Tuesday, August 20, the same day as the release of the show’s second season DVD. Season three of the drama premieres Sunday, September 29 at 9p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Will Dexter live on? Showtime president David Nevins said at the TCA that “of course” a spinoff of serial killer drama, now in its eighth and final season, is possible. The net inked a deal with showrunner Scott Buck, pointed out Nevins, so “draw your own conclusions.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

Ross Mathews headlines new E! talker Hello Ross, a “weekly fan destination where the intersections of celebrity gossip and pop culture collide.” The show, premiering September 6 at 10p, will use social media to connect host, guests and viewers.
(Source: Cynopsis)

At the TCA to pitch her new Sony Pictures TV talker, The Queen Latifah Show, the royal one had a gift to pique the interest of attendees: a live version of “When you’re Good to Mama,” her signature tune from Chicago, customized for the TCA audience to focus on her new show. (Latifah was nominated for a Supporting Actress in the 2002 film.) The actress/singer/comedian’s hour-long program, airing on CBS owned-and-operated channels, debuts Monday, September 16.
(Source: Cynopsis)

President Obama will appear on the Tuesday, August 6 broadcast of NBC’s Tonight Show. It will be his sixth on-camera chat with Jay Leno; the net says talk will center on jobs initiatives and the economy (though we’re hoping for a few more bars of “Let’s Stay Together,” too).
(Source: Cynopsis)

ABC reality series Celebrity Wife was picked up for a 13-ep season three. In the series, couples with different lifestyles trade spouses; sophomore season included Andy Dick, Bristol Palin and Alan Thicke.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Season three of OWN‘s Home Made Simple is in production, with Soleil Moon Frye (yup, Punky Brewster) as the weekly show’s new host. Mom-of-two Frye has written a parenting book, Happy Chaos and is a regular contributor on Today.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Calling All Joan Rangers! Joan Rivers, Kelly Osbourne and crew return to E!’s Fashion Police on Friday, September 6 at a new time: 9p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

ABC has hired Dustin Lance Black (Milk) to develop an eight-hour miniseries about the gay rights movement, with ABC Studios. The story will be based on Black’s experience as a gay rights activist.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Nick Cannon will get his Robin Leach on in a revamped version of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous for Style Media. “Nick’s comedic and down-to-earth perspective on the opulence of the wealthy makes him the ideal host as we reinvent this pop culture classic,” said Style Media president Salaam Coleman Smith of the actor/rapper/husband of Mariah Carey. “With Nick’s humorous insight, Style will give viewers front-row access to how today’s wealthy live, paying homage to the original ‘Lifestyles’ in a fresh, fun and irreverent way.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

NBC‘s Parks and Recreation will lose two of its stars mid-season. Rob Lowe and Rashida Jones will leave after the 13th episode; the two play an on-again, of-again couple on the show. Season six premieres Thursday, September 26 at 8p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Kelly Reilly (Sherlock Holmes) will star in the ABC limited series, The Black Box, about a neuroscientist secretly struggling with mental illness. No premiere date has been set.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development) will guest on the fourth season of FOX‘s Raising Hope. Series returns Friday, November 8 at 9p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Jim Murray (Chaos) has been cast in season two of Syfy drama Defiance. He’ll play the town’s  “shrewd, polished and charming” mayor.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Newbie Yael Grobglas will play noblewoman Olivia on the new CW period drama Reign. “In each episode, we’ll educate people on what element of history helps our story,” executive producer Laurie McCarthy told reporters Tuesday at the TCA. But they won’t take themselves too seriously, promises the exec: “It’s TV, so we can take creative license. We’re going to have fun.” Show bows Thursday, October 17 at 9p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

At the TCA to promote the animated comedy he co-created for Hulu, The Awesomes, Seth Meyers talked about taking over for Jimmy Fallon on Late Night in February. “We’re in the early stages,” Meyers said. “More than anything we’re staffing – we know how important it is to put together a strong staff of writers.” As for his Weekend Update job on SNL, “I’ll go back to SNL in the fall and work there up until Late Night… I’ll stay at that desk until they get a new desk.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

Danny Trejo has landed a role on FX’s new George Lopez sitcom, St. George, about a recently divorced dad. Also joining the cast are Jenn Lyon and Kaden Gibson.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Ripper Street adds three actors to its cast for season two: David Costabile (Breaking Bad), Damien Molony (Being Human), Joseph Mawle (Game of Thrones) and Leanne Best join the BBC America drama set in 1890 London.
(Source: Cynopsis)

BROADWAY
Denzel Washington confirms plans to return to Broadway in A Raisin In The Sun in Spring 2014.
http://ppc.broadway.com/buzz/170907/denzel-washington-confirms-plans-to-return-to-broadway-in-a-raisin-in-the-sun/

FIRST LOOK
http://www.eonline.com/news

ON TELEVISION (THURSDAY 7/25/13)
WE TV: Sanya’s Glam & Gold (Premiere) at 10pm
FOX: Hell’s Kitchen (Finale) at 8pm
REELZ: Race The Scene (Finale) at 10pm

TODAY is launching a new app for Android and Windows 8 Phone today, the first in a “parade of major releases,” Vivian Schiller, Chief Digital Officer at NBC News told Cynopsis. “We spent the last year unplugging and reorganizing,” after NBC and Microsoft ended their website joint venture, “so this app was created by an in-house team that was completely enmeshed with editorial.” Schiller says the most innovative feature is the Multi-tasker View, which allows users to watch video while simultaneously browsing articles and photos. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” she says. “It really reflects the way people use media.” America’s Natural Gas Alliance will sponsor the app during its launch phase, which ends September 30th. Schiller is looking, of course, for high engagement stats and app ratings to measure success. Look for the IOS version of the app in a few days, as well as a rollout of MSNBC.com and relaunches of iVillage.com and NBCNews.com in the next six months, all from the NBC News Digital Group.
(Source: Cynopsis)

ABC and Clear Channel Media have struck a deal that will bring ABC news and entertainment programming to Clear Channel’s new iHeartRadio feature, including exclusive content from Good Morning America, and highlights from Jimmy Kimmel Live and The View. iHeart will help GMA tap up-and-coming artists for its 2014 concert series, and provide the iHeart Radio DJ on the morning show this fall. “Our collaboration with Clear Channel will expand ABC’s unmatched content to loyal viewers in the digital audio space while attracting iHeartRadio’s dedicated listeners to ABC’s top programs, including ‘Good Morning America,’ ” said Steve Jones, vp and general manager of ABC Radio. “This new partnership opens up incredible possibilities for cross promotion across radio and television.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

You knew A&E smash hit Duck Dynasty was just the beginning. Discovery Channel is running for the hillbillies with Porter Ridge from Gurney Productions, the folks who brought us A&E’s bearded brothers. Porter focuses on a “colorful cast of rural characters including a garbage man, a country calendar girl and an Elvis lookalike.” The series debuts Tuesday, August 13 at 10:30p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

The Insane Clown Posse has gone linear. Response to the digital series featuring the horrorcore hip hop duo’s take on music videos inspired Fuse to create The Insane Clown Posse Theater, a weekly show featuring Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope’s candid commentary on popular culture. Sound crazy? Not to Violent J, who tells Cynopsis, “This is definitely one of the coolest, biggest highlights of our career. It’s absolutely hilarious, and we think everyone, Juggalo or not, will enjoy what we’ve created with Fuse. We’ve got it all, and we can’t wait share this show with viewers everywhere.” The show debuted last night; it airs Wednesdays at 11p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Nickelodeon is launching a new animated series, Paw Patrol, about rescue dogs. The net has partnered with the ASCPA to teach pre-schoolers about pet care and how to be an animal advocate; show premieres Monday, August 12 at 8:30p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

E! News airs “A Royal Family: E! News Special” tonight, promising, “all those juicy tidbits about life in a palace viewers are dying to learn,” from nursery news to staffing secrets. Special airs at 8p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

A&E‘s Duck Dynasty returns for season four with clean-shaven older Robertson brother Alan, who’s given up his job as a preacher. The most-watched reality show on cable, Duck’s finale in April drew a record 9.6 million viewers, the most in the net’s history. Premiere is Wednesday, August 14 at 10p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Spiritual life coach Iyanla Vanzant is back in OWN‘s Iyanla: Fix My Life. In the series premiere on Saturday, July 27, Vanzant helps singer/reality star Syleena Johnson repair a family rift.
(Source: Cynopsis)

FX‘s Sons of Anarchy returns on Tuesday, September 10 with a 90-minute episode. Peter Weller, who directed several episodes of the biker drama, will play a former cop.
(Source: Cynopsis)

They’re the ultimate trophy wives. Bravo, home of the Housewives franchise, has greenlit a new reality series, working title Game of Crowns, that follows six glamorous, super-competitive beauty queens. Description: “In this world of boobs, botox and butt glue, the women pay top dollar for perfection at any price.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

CBS has partnered with Litton Entertainment for its three-hour Saturday morning programming block for teens called “The CBS Dream Team, It’s Epic.” Targeted to 13-16-year-olds, shows will include uplifting fare from the likes of TV food personality Jamie Oliver and athlete Laila Ali, and is compliant with the FCC educational/informational rules. The Saturday block launches September 28.
(Source: Cynopsis)

John Travolta gets in front of the camera again with his Look Who’s Talking co-star, Kirstie Alley, for her new TV Land sitcom, Kirstie.  “It’s always a treat to be surrounded by people you respect so much both personally and professionally,” said Travolta. The series bows on Wednesday, December 4.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Another ’70s heartthrob making a sitcom stopover is Happy Days alum Henry “The Fonz” Winkler, who plays Jean-Ralphio’s father on the season six premiere of NBC’s Parks and Recreation on Thursday, September 26.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Where are superpowers when you need them? Dean Cain has been named host of Spike TV‘s new reality competition, 10 Million Dollar Bigfoot Bounty. Nine teams of big game hunters compete to discover proof of the big guy’s existence. If one of them succeeds, they bring home a cool ten million. Avid sportsman Cain serves as expedition leader. Series premieres in January 2014.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Daphne Zuniga joins the cast of Hallmark Channel‘s Dead Letters as a postal supervisor. The TV-movie premiere’s Saturday October 12 at 9p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Killed off of NBC‘s Revolution last season, Daniella Alonso has landed a spot on the net’s new medical drama Night Shift, where she’ll play a “sexy, cool and fun-loving tough Texas girl.” No premiere date has been announced.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Lost’s Josh Holloway makes a guest appearance on Nick Jr.‘s Yo Gabba Gabba! as a farmer who teaches about vegetables and hoedowns  not exactly field work for the actor’s upcoming role on CBS‘s midseason spy thriller Intelligence, but a guy’s gotta keep busy.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Larisa Polonsky is returning to Chicago Fire for recurring story arc as Zoya, Otis’s Russian-speaking cousin.
(Source: Cynopsis)

BROADWAY
“Houdini” Will Make Magic on Broadway in 2014 with Hugh Jackman.
http://ppc.broadway.com/buzz/170804/houdini-will-make-magic-on-broadway-in-2014-if-all-goes-well-says-star-hugh-jackman/

Dule Hill will join Fantasia Barrino on Broadway in “After Midnight” in October 2013.
http://ppc.broadway.com/buzz/170812/emmy-nominee-dule-hill-will-join-fantasia-barrino-in-broadways-after-midnight/

FIRST LOOK
http://www.eonline.com/news

ON TELEVISION (THURSDAY 7/11/13)
NBC: Hollywood Game Night (Premiere) at 10pm
TEEN NICK: Degrassi (Premiere) at 9pm
USA: Summer Camp (Premiere) at 8pm

Kris, the one-hour Twentieth Television talker starring the oft black-and-white-clad Kris Jenner will premiere on Monday, July 15th and there’s already more buzz than what usually surrounds a six-week entry into the already-crowded talk show arena (which is not surprising, given the heat that always seems to emanate from anything Kardashian). Executive Producer Robert Lifton tells Cynopsis that the nattering about Jenner objecting to having co-hosts is not to be paid attention to. “She wanted to have co-hosts from the get-go, ” says Lifton. “It’s an important part of the show and she’s 100% behind it. She’ll have a foil with whom she can talk about what she did the night before, like a West Coast Kelly & Michael.”  For now, the show will air on select FOX stations including Fox 5 in New York, Fox 11 in Los Angeles, Fox 9 Minneapolis, Fox 10 Phoenix, Fox 4 Dallas, and Fox 46 Carolinas. After the six weeks, expect Fox and Twentieth to decide the show’s future.
(Source: Cynopsis)

It’s confirmed that Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who made her last appearance on ABC‘s The View on Wednesday, is heading to FOX News morning talk show Fox & Friends. She will replace Gretchen Carlson, who moves on to anchor a new daytime program this fall, and will join Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade. Hasselbeck’s new gig is slated to start in mid-September. Her departure from The View follows the previously announced exits of the show’s co-creator Barbara Walters, and Joy Behar.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Charlie Sheen and his character Charlie Harper may be long gone from CBS‘ Two And A Half Men, but according to E! News the character’s illegitimate daughter is being written into the show. The 21-year-old young woman, named Jenny, has been described as sexy, gorgeous and gay. So she’ll share her deceased dad’s love for the ladies. The role will start out as recurring with the possibility of becoming a regular. The show, which goes back into production in August, will return this fall.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Auditions for the new season of FOX‘s American Idol have been slightly tweaked. Hopefuls vying for a spot on the singing competition will be allowed to bring a guitar with them, but will have to audition a cappella first. Then, producers will decide if the potential contestant can strum along as they sing. Season 13 auditions begin on Thursday, July 11 in Salt Lake City.
(Source: Cynopsis)

DIY Network has started production on Rev. Run’s Renovation [wt]. The new series will chronicle the home renovation of hip hop icon Joseph Simmons, a.k.a. Rev. Run and DJ Run from the  rap group, Run DMC. “This house has been the same for close to 13 years, so we are thrilled that it’s going to get the facelift it deserves,” said Rev. Run. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get this thing done.  But it will not be without conflict.  Pray for the Reverend!” The show is slated to premiere in 2014.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Let the supernatural fun begin. Nickelodeon‘s new ghostly comedy, The Haunted Hathaways, premieres Saturday, July 13 at 8:30p. The series centers on the Hathaways and the Prestons, a not-so-typical blended family. The hijinks start after Michelle Hathaway and her two daughters relocate to a new home in New Orleans and quickly discover it’s already occupied by the ghostly jazz musician Ray Preston and his two sons.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Summer Glau has booked a recurring role on The CW action drama Arrow. The Firefly star will play the beautiful and dangerous Isabel Rochev and will make her debut in the show’s second season premiere.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Lord of the Rings alum Sean Astin has joined the cast of the FX drama pilot Strain. He’ll play Jim Kent, a political operative and the best friend of Corey Stoll and Mia Maestro‘s characters.
(Source: Cynopsis)

House‘s Lisa Edelstein has landed a multiple-episode guest spot on ABC‘s Castle. She’ll portray Rachel McCord, a smart, tough federal investigator.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Here comes the judge! Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development) has been tapped to guest star on the fifth season premiere of CBS‘ The Good Wife. His character will rule on a case dealing with the death penalty.
(Source: Cynopsis)

BROADWAY
Idina Menzel, Taye Diggs and more Broadway Stars Sing Karaoke for Charity; Whoopi Goldberg Hosts
http://ppc.broadway.com/buzz/170548/idina-menzel-taye-diggs-and-more-broadway-stars-to-sing-karaoke-for-charity-whoopi-goldberg-hosts/

FIRST LOOK
http://www.eonline.com/news

ON TELEVISION (THURSDAY 6/20/13)
FX: Wildred (Premiere) at 10pm
REELZ CHANNEL: The Big Picture (Premiere) at 11pm
SHOWTIME: Gigolos (Premiere) at 11pm

Selma Blair has exited FX comedy Anger Management. Amid reports that there was tension between Blair and the series’ star Charlie Sheen, Lionsgate, which produces the series, released the following statement: “We are confirming that Selma Blair will not be returning to ‘Anger Management’ and we wish her the very best.” Blair played Dr. Kate Wales, a therapist and regular bedmate of Sheen’s Charlie Goodson character.
(Source: Cynopsis)

E! is airing a Pretty Wild marathon on Friday, June 21 in celebration of the Sophia Coppola film Bling Ring being released the same day. Viewers will get to relive the much-buzzed about story first hand via a two-hour marathon of episodes that follow Alexis Neiers‘ alleged involvement in the ring during her time on the series and some of the early court proceedings. The marathon will air from 1 to 3p on E!.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Big Brother‘s new season, premiering Wednesday, June 26 at 8p on CBS, will feature two new twists. Instead of two houseguests being nominated for eviction each week, contestants will now nominate three. A second twist will allow viewers to cast votes for the houseguest they feel is playing the best game. The houseguest who receives the most votes will be anointed that week’s Big Brother MVP.The full scope of the MVP’s secret power will be revealed during the season premiere. America will be able to cast their votes for the first  MVP on Thursday, June 20, following CBS’ cast announcement of the new houseguests, at http://www.cbs.com/big_brother/.
(Source: Cynopsis)

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network premieres new episodes of four primetime series this summer. Oprah’s Lifeclass returns on Sunday, July 7 at 9p with a special 90-minute episode focusing on the growing epidemic of fatherless sons in America. On Saturday, July 27 at 9p, Iyanla: Fix My Life debuts with five all-new episodes, as host Iyanla Vanzant travels to Atlanta, Georgia to help mend the volatile relationship between R&B recording artist Syleena Johnson and her mother. Welcome to Sweetie Pie‘s returns Saturday, July 27 at 10p, as  Miss Robbie and her son Tim debate the potential shutdown of their original Sweetie Pie’s restaurant location. Oprah: Where Are They Now? debuts on Sunday, July 28 at 10p and features a roster of guests, including Charlie Sheen‘s ex-wife, actress Denise Richards, Fab Morvan from Milli Vanilli, and Anna Nicole Smith‘s daughter Danielynn and Danielynn’s father Larry Birkhead.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Looking to make a love connection? Who better to turn to than The Bachelor host Chris Harrison and the show’s creator Mike Fleiss? The duo and Perceptual Networks have announced the launch of At First Sight, a new dating app that uses video profiles to help members make genuine connections. It’s available now on iOS and Android.
(Source: Cynopsis)

ABC Family‘s new drama series The Fosters will feature the new hit single Live It Up from Jennifer Lopez on Monday, June 24 at 9p. Lopez serves as executive producer on the series.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Loretta Devine of The Client List and Peggy Lipton, remembered from The Mod Squad, have been tapped to guest star on the eighth season of USA comedy Psych. Both actresses will appear in the series’ fifth episode. Devine will portray Melba Birdson, a former back-up singer for 1960s sensation Myles Valour Jr. Lipton will play Scarlet Jones, former main squeeze of mob boss Rodney Caruso.
(Source: Cynopsis)

BROADWAY
Dancing With The Stars Headliners Karina Smirnoff & Maksim Chmerkovskiy Headed Back To Broadway in Forever Tango.
http://ppc.broadway.com/buzz/170222/dancing-with-the-stars-headliners-karina-smirnoff-maksim-chmerkovskiy-headed-back-to-broadway-in-forever-tango/

FIRST LOOK
http://www.eonline.com/news

ON TELEVISION (THURSDAY 6/6/13)
BBCA: In The Flesh (Premiere) at 10pm
REELZ: Race To The Scene (Premiere) at 9pm
STYLE: Style Pop (Premiere) at 8pm
TNT: The Hero (Premiere) at 8pm
TNT: 72 Hours (Premiere) at 9pm
USA: Burn Notice (Premiere) at 9pm
USA: Graceland (Premiere) at 10pm
WE TV: L.A. Hair (Premiere) at 10pm
WE TV: Braxton Family Values (Finale) at 9pm

The epic saga of The Borgias is coming to an end. Showtime has canceled the series. Its third season finale, airing Sunday, June 16 at 10p, will now be its final episode.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Conan O’Brien heads to Turner Classic Movies (TCM) this summer to host Carson on TCM. The new series features memorable Johnny Carson interviews from three decades of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The show debuts Monday, July 1 at 8p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Get ready for Hot in Cleveland live! TV Land is airing a special episode of the series, guest starring William Shatner and Brian Baumgartner, on Wednesday, June 19 at 10p. Shatner says he’s looking forward to sharing the screen with veteran star Betty White. “At long, long last, I am working with someone who is older than me,” he joked.
(Source: Cynopsis)

A battle of the sexes? The CW has announced the two-hour premiere of its first ever “Guys and Girls” edition of America’s Next Top Model on Friday, August 2 at 8p. The series is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with The Tyra Banks Company.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Spike TV‘s Ink Master is back for a third season on Tuesday, July 16 at 10p, as 16 top tattoo artists battle it out in permanent ink for a $100,000 grand prize, an editorial feature in Inked, and the title of Ink Master. For the first time this season, the show’s contestants will have a vote in the Elimination Tattoo, helping to determine which artist is sent home.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Let the cooking begin. Bravo‘s Top Chef Masters returns for a fifth season with 13 new award-winning chefs ready to compete for bragging rights, the title of Top Chef Master and $100,000 for their charity, on Wednesday, July 24 at 10p. In a new twist, each Master will have his or her sous chef compete in an online competition, Battle of the Sous Chefs. The results of each online battle directly impacts the Masters.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Oxygen Media‘s I’m Having Their Baby returns for its second season on Wednesday, June 12 at 10p. The series provides an intimate and emotional look at adoption through the eyes of the birth mother.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Tyler Florence scours the US to help aspiring entrepreneurs realize their dreams of opening their own restaurant in the new Food Network series Food Court Wars. The show, produced by One Potato Two Potato, premieres Sunday, July 7 at 10p and will air on Sundays at 8p starting July 14. Each episode features two teams competing against each other for the chance to open a restaurant, rent-free, for one year in a mall food court.
(Source: Cynopsis)

The hosts for the 40th annual Daytime Emmy Awards have been named. HLN has announced that Good Morning America‘s Sam Champion will join HLN’s A.J. Hammer and Robin Meade to emcee the festivities on Sunday June 16 at 8pm ET. Hammer will also host the live red carpet special, Showbiz @ The Daytime Emmys, with HLN’s Christi Paul. Also, added to the list of of presenters are: Rachael Ray, Kathy Griffin and the cast of The Talk.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Justin Chatwin‘s stint as a series regular on Shameless has come to an end. Chatwin played Emmy Rossum’s Fiona’s on-again, off-again love interest on the Showtime series for three seasons. However, the actor may return for one or two episodes in season four.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Mexican television personality Poncho de Anda will host El Factor X, slated to premiere this summer on MundoFox. The new singing competition marks de Anda’s return to broadcast television. He will join previously announced judges Belinda and Chino & Nacho and Angelica Maria. El Factor X is a production by FremantleMedia Latin America for MundoFox.
(Source: Cynopsis)

BROADWAY
Matthew Morrison, Megan Hilty & More Complete List of 2013 Tony Award Presenters; Mayor Bloomberg to Receive Special Award
http://ppc.broadway.com/buzz/169908/matthew-morrison-megan-hilty-more-complete-list-of-2013-tony-presenters-mayor-bloomberg-to-receive-special-award/

FIRST LOOK
http://www.eonline.com/news

ON TELEVISION (THURSDAY 4/18/13)
SHOWTIME: Gigolos (Premiere) at 11pm
COMEDY: The Ben Show (Finale) at 10pm
COMEDY: Nathan For You (Finale) at 10:30pm

HBO is extending the run of its freshman series, Vice, from eight to ten episodes. The show’s season finale on Friday, June 14 will focus on North Korea.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Actor and comedian Tracy Morgan will host the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, airing live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 19 at 8p on ABC. “I’m honored to be a part of one of music’s biggest nights,” said Morgan. “And how can you say no when Prince is going to be there?!” As host of the awards show, Morgan joins previously announced performers Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Miguel and the aforementioned Prince, who will be honored with a Billboard Icon Award.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Bravo Media‘s new docu-series, Princesses: Long Island will premiere June 2 at 9p. The show follows six college-educated young women from affluent areas of Long Island, who live pampered lifestyles in their parents’ homes, offering a window into their family dynamics and personal lives filled with labels, luxury and love trials. The series is produced for Bravo by True Entertainment.
(Source: Cynopsis)

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kim Wayans (In Living Color) has been tapped for a guest starring role on the TV Land comedy Soul Man. She’ll play Dr. Owens in an upcoming season two episode to air in June.
(Source: Cynopsis)

BROADWAY
The Assembled Parties, starring Judith Light, Jessica Hecht & Jeremy Shamos opens on Broadway today.
http://ppc.broadway.com/buzz/168765/the-assembled-parties-starring-judith-light-jessica-hecht-jeremy-shamos-opens-on-broadway/