Posts Tagged ‘NBC’

Hilary Duff, better known in younger circles as Lizzie McGuire, is headed back to the small screen – this round with NBC. Seems the peacock network signed McGuire to a yet-to-be-named series, in addition to signing her on with several network shows.

McGuire, who grew up before our eyes as the Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire, took a break from acting in TV and film to pursue (surprise!) a singing career.

Though McGuire didn’t strike the big-time with her first CD, there’s still hope for her in that department. (She’s one of the few actresses who actually can carry a tune.)

Still, apparently her past came calling – or maybe she just missed a regular gig. Whatever the reason, we’re anxious to see what NBC comes up with for the young starlet. Welcome home, Lizzie.

NBC announced on Friday that the former Disney Channel tween-queen will be joining the network and starring in her own series.

“Hilary is an incredibly versatile talent with a huge following whose career we know will continue to soar on NBC,” Teri Weinberg, Executive Vice President of NBC Entertainment said in a statement on Friday.  ”We are confident we will develop great ideas that would feature her vast talents and are thrilled to have this opportunity.”

According to the press release, the one-year contract will allow Duff, 21, to also guest appear in other NBC series.

Duff is no rookie to the small screen after starring and gaining fame in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire, which aired from 2001 to 2004.

She continued to find success with a music career. Her latest album, Best of Hilary Duff, released November 4.  No premiere date has been set for the series so far.

The 100-day writer’s strike may be long over, but the networks are still reeling from it as evidenced by the recent announcement of shows being cancelled.

Many shows that premiered last fall, such as ABC’s Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money and Private Practice, had low ratings last season but were given second chances this fall because of the lack of new scripted shows.

Yet, Private Practice is the only one of those shows that has been picked up for the rest of the season. ABC’s Samantha Who?, the CW’s 90210, Fox’s Fringe and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, NBC’s Knight Rider and CBS’ The Mentalist are also safe for the rest of the season.

Shows not so lucky include ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money, Eli Stone, Life on Mars and Pushing Daisies, NBC’s Kath & Kim, Lipstick Jungle, Life and My Own Worst Enemy, the CW’s Privileged and CBS’ Worst Week. These shows haven’t been picked up for the whole season, but they haven’t been cancelled yet.

Kath & Kim, as well as fellow low-performing NBC shows My Own Worst Enemy and Crusoe, may have taught networks to make pilot episodes first instead of just going ahead and ordering a series of episodes as they did with these shows, according to TV Guide magazine.

Speaking of cancelled, CBS’ The Ex-List was axed after only four episodes, Fox’s Do Not Disturb after three episodes, ABC’s Opportunity Knocks after three episodes and the CW’s Valentine after eight episodes.

Other long-term shows ending their runs include ABC’s Boston Legal after five seasons, Fox’s King of the Hill after 13 seasons, NBC’s ER after fifteen seasons and FX’s The Shield after seven seasons.

Four Reasons Not to Cancel Dirty Sexy Money

It’s soapy and sensational fun: It’s a modern day Dallas with its custody battles, murder trials, blackmailing, affairs and deceitful alliances.

They’re rich and bratty but aren’t so hard to hate: Former couple Nick and Karen Darling have such an irresistible chemistry that it makes me secretly wish they would get back together even though he’s married to Lisa. And despite Brian Darling calling his recently discovered illegitimate child “smurf” and “dwarf,” Brian Jr. has made us see that the ever-moody former reverend does indeed have a heart.

The great performances: Donald Sutherland gives the show drama and potency as the Darling family patriarch and Peter Krause gives the superficial, materialistic show some heart and roots it in reality.

They’re rich and loving it: While the economy is suffering, it’s fun to escape into the world of the Darlings and watch the beautiful cast zip around in sports cars, throw their money around, strut around their mansion in gorgeous clothes, and watch them so terribly misbehave.

The third-season premiere of NBC’s “30 Rock” Thursday night reminded us why it won Outstanding Comedy at this year’s Emmys with its offbeat humor and strong acting by stars Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin.

Recently “Must See TV” Thursday night has turned into “Maybe watch something else” Thursday night with the awful addition of “Kath & Kim” and the decreased funniness of “My Name is Earl” and “The Office.” Luckily, “30 Rock” came back just in time to give us some much needed laughs.

Thursday’s show began with Liz Lemon’s (Tina Fey) boss, Jack (Alec Baldwin) returning to GE to work his way back up to the top at GE after Devin Banks (guest star Will Arnett) took over. Devin’s making a mess out of the place – even selling the “E” in GE to Samsung who’s now known as “Samesung.”

Jack happily starts out in the mailroom but not to worry because he’s already promoted to director of mail services the next day.

Meanwhile, Bev (“Will & Grace’s” Megan Mullally), an adoption agency official follows Liz around at work to see if she’s fit to adopt a child. Chaos ensues with her outrageous employees botching the interviews, the fake greenroom-turned nursery’s furniture needed to be returned by 5, and a set falling apart to subsequent cussing right after Liz tells Bev it’s a great place for a child to hang out.

“30 Rock’s” only main flaw is trying to take on too many storylines and then quickly wrapping them up to make a tidy ending to its 30 minute show, such as giving Liz a second chance to impress Bev after she gets knocked out by Frank’s nunchucks and then forgets she had already spent the whole day surveying Liz. Yet, the show keeps its reality by not giving Liz a happy ending because Bev still rejects her. Not so lucky for Liz, but lucky for the show because it keeps it from becoming too corny.

The best part of the show is Liz and Jack’s comfortable, easy-going chemistry in scenes such as when they quickly lapse into a pretend corny soap opera scene to fool Devin’s soap opera obsessed wife, Cathy, into thinking they’re lovers.

Yet, maybe could-be couple Liz and Jack just couldn’t force themselves to kiss at the end of the scene. But whether they ever become real lovers or not, we still love “30 Rock.”

Entertainment Weekly recently mentioned decreasing watchers of shows hurt by last season’s writers strike (yes, we’re still talking about it). It’s surprising which ones made the list because of troubled ratings so far this season. Here are some of the shows and the reasons you should be tuning in.

Pushing Daisies – Reasons to Watch: It’s the most inventive show on TV right now. With all the “CSI’s” and “Law & Order’s”, it’s refreshing for a light hearted series to be in the mix. “Daises” was nominated for 15 Emmys this year. They have a terrific line up of cameos so who knows who may pop up next. Guests include Joel McHale, Molly Shannon, David Arquette, Fred Willard and others. Tune in just for the shear whimsy and quirkiness (instead of debates and blah economic news). Oh, and Kristin Chenoweth steals the show. Catch it Wednesdays at 8pm on ABC.

Dirty Sexy Money – Reasons to Watch: It’s a primetime soap without the clichés. It was the first show picked up after the writer’s strike. Donald Sutherland, William Baldwin, Lucy Liu and Blair Underwood round out the talented cast. “Money” offers superior writers, some have written for “Brothers and Sisters,” “Lost,” and “Six Feet Under.” Executive producer Bryan Singer has a reputable list of projects – Valkyrie, Superman Returns, The Usual Suspects, and the X Men series. The actors, writers and producers make this a show for viewers who like good TV. Catch it Wednesdays at 10pm on ABC.

Chuck – Reasons to Watch: Next to “Pushing Daisies”, it’s the second most innovative series on TV. Defying clichés of the geek turned 007, “Chuck” is sincere, goofy and action packed. The beauty of season two is that Chuck (the character) is learning to be a legitimate spy. We have the goofy nerd helping the CIA and NSA on purpose and succeeding. The chemistry between Chuck and Sarah is wonderful and the brother sister dynamic is not too common in primetime and throws relatable situations into the script. Catch it Mondays at 8pm on NBC.

Heroes – The biggest surprise on the list! “Heroes” grazes the supernatural and science fiction genres without over doing it so audiences who normally aren’t into Sci-fi still enjoy the show. Expect a hitman on the loose, an important war to take a new turn and someone will try to save the whole Earth! This is an adrenaline riddled show. Critics love it too saying “it’s out of its sophomore slump” and that it’s a show “with lots of violence, special effects and laser-fast editing. The plot and ever-escalating conspiracies are hard to follow, but even first-time viewers can easily get the gist.” Catch it Mondays at 9pm on NBC.

I’ve read a few negatives reviews on the new NBC espionage series, “My Own Worst Enemy,” and I have to tell you – I don’t know WHAT show those guys are watching!

I’ve watched it from the beginning and have even re-watched online (mainly because I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed and I often need clarity when it comes to espionage). But my point is that Slater is at his best as Edward/Cool King of Spies vs. Family Man/Henry the Clueless.

Here’s the scoop: Henry is a great guy. Dull, but great. He’s a devoted family man, “taking one for the team” as his job is apparently quite lame.

Then there’s Edward. Dear, homicidal-but-for-the-cause Edward. Yeah, I dig Edward (a lot), but clearly he has issues. (I mean that whole bedding a woman before putting a bullet in her head…well, I’m not into it all that much, but who am I to judge?) I tend to think these two guys could be great friends – if they weren’t the same person.

Ok, here’s the deal: Edward and Henry occupy the same body. Rather, it’s actually Edward’s body (thus Edward’s real life), and Henry is actually a “cover” to give Edward some normalcy in society. Except that Henry knows nothing of his “cover” until that stupid chip malfunctions (o’ the chip!). The chip was implanted in his (their) brain, courtesy of some twisted, clandestine government agency. (Isn’t that just the way? No wonder there’s no trust in the government!)

Anyway, imagine the worst-case scenario as Edward the Ultimate Spy snaps out of the actual reality, only to become Henry, the sappiest husband this side of Petticoat Junction.

Still, the show is thrilling, suspenseful and boasts a great cast. And in the three episodes shown there were plot twists thicker than curdled milk.

So like I said, those other folks – I don’t know WHAT they’ve been watching to give poor reviews to NBC’s best new series, “My Own Worst Enemy,” ‘cuz I just can’t stop watching. The show is great. And Christian Slater is still hot.

Mark Paul Gosselaar Now: “Raising the Bar” on TNT Where You Know Him From: Welcome back Zach Morris! Gosselaar last played the Bayside High School heartbreaker in 1994.  It’s been a few years and Gosselaar is all grown up and has appeared on reputable shows like “NYPD Blue” and “Commander and Chief” – giving his “high school” image a makeover.

Jennie Garth Now: “90210” on CW Where You Know Her From: Jennie Garth portrayed Valerie Tyler on “What I Like About You” until 2006, but it was when she portrayed Kelly Taylor on 90’s young adult drama “Beverly Hills 90210” that brought her fame. The original show closed up shop eight years ago, but the CW and a new, young cast is bringing Kelly Taylor back to Beverly Hills and back to TV.

Joshua Jackson Now: “Fringe” on Fox Where You Know Him From: “Dawson’s Creek” was Pacey’s, I mean Joshua’s, launch into TV prominence. Anyone in high school from 1998-2003 watched the “Creek,” which was the last time Jackson’s occupation was as a main character on a TV series. During the time that the “Creek” ended but before “Fringe” began Jackson remained busy debuting a play in London and creating about nine films.

Laurence Fishburne Now: “CSI” on CBS Where You Know Him From: The last time this Emmy winning actor had a reccurring role on a television series was in 1987 as … ready for this… Cowboy Curtis on “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.”  Now he joins the cast of CSI adding another member to the team once character Gil Grissom leaves. Maybe he’ll wear a cowboy hat just for fun on investigations.

Molly Shannon Now: “Kath & Kim” on NBC Where You Know Her From: She’s one of the most talented comedic women in show business- she’s performed a one-woman show, showcased an uncountable amount of characters on SNL, and starred in a ton of comedies, but now, along with Selma Blair, she’s making the American adaptation of the Australian “Kath and Kim.”

Lisa Bonet Now: “Life on Mars” on ABC Where You Know Her From: Yes, it’s Denise Huxtable! “The Cosby Show” and “A Different World” ended over 15 years ago, but the Huxtable daughter is coming back to TV stardom with “Life on Mars.”

Christine Helen Lakin Now: “Valentine” on CW Where You Know Her From: Formerly a star of a TGIF series, Lakin hits the small screen again with “Valentine.”  Al Lambert, the tomboy daughter on “Step by Step,” which aired for 7 years, is grown up and now the actress is conquering more grown-up themes such as playing a Cupid-like god that helps singles fall in love.

In Harms Way: This weekly, one-hour series follows regular people who risk their lives performing dangerous jobs every single day such as avalanche hunter, oil well capper, Coast Guard rescue swimmer and hurricane chaser. I think “be careful” is an understatement. Premieres September 21 on the CW.

Hole in the Wall: In a nut shell, this is a human stunt version of the video game Tetris. Two teams of two earn points by contorting their bodies to fit through cutouts in a wall or they will get pushed into a pool below them. I hope these contestants have been going to the Yoga classes.  Premieres September 7 on Fox.

Opportunity Knocks: Each week host JD Roth knocks on a family’s front door to engage them in a full blown game show right in their neighborhood.  In front of a live audience consisting of friends and neighbors, they earn money and prizes by answering questions about each other and performing challenges such as “you have 45 seconds to trash your sister’s room and find her diary.”  It looks like family game night has been updated. Premieres September 23 on ABC.

Stylista: Contestants wanting to be fashion editors compete in challenges ranging from assistant-like activities (such as fetching coffee) to high fashion emergences, all to win a mentorship at ELLE magazine, a paid lease on a Manhattan apartment, and a clothing allowance at H&M, which is a prize totaling $100,000. Premieres October 22 on The CW.

Old Favorites Coming Back:

• America’s Next Top Model – Premieres September 3 on the CW       
• The Biggest Loser: Family edition – Premieres September 16 on NBC.
• Survivor: Gabon – Premieres September 25 on CBS.
• The Amazing Race 13 – Premieres September 28 on CBS.

Say what you will about celebrities. 

They’re getting arrested, or about to get arrested, or in the nude on YouTube, or throwing a tantrum. 

But when the call goes out for help, you can count on them to show their support. As is the case with the ever-growing fundraiser, “Stand Up to Cancer,” to be shown simultaneously on ABC, CBS, NBC and E! Entertainment on September 5. 

The roster includes a who’s who among top-ranking celebrities, with showings expected by Jessica Alba, Jennifer Aniston, Christina Applegate, Halle Berry, Kate Bosworth, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kirsten Dunst, Melissa Etheridge, America Ferrera, Scarlett Johansson, Rob Lowe, Meryl Streep and Charlize Theron…and there are bound to be more last-minute commitments so stay tuned.

When the leaves begin to change color, and I am forced to trade in wedge sandals and shorts for boots and my Burberry trench, this will only mean one thing: new episodes of my favorite TV shows have arrived!

While I anxiously await to discover if Meredith’s candle dream house will become a reality or if Jim and Pam will finally tie the knot, there are also a number of enticing new shows on the horizon for fall. 

So set your TIVOs because here are three new shows that you won’t want to miss:

1. Do Not Disturb (FOX): The adorable Jerry O’Connell stars in what has been deemed the “new work-place comedy”.  The multi-camera sitcom is set in a hip, celebrity ridden New York City hotel.  Be sure to catch Audrina from The Hills display her acting chops (or perhaps, lack of?) when she appears as a guest star on the show.

2. America’s Toughest Jobs (NBC): The creators of Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers decided that thirteen people abandoning their mundane occupations to attempt some of the world’s most dangerous jobs in a extreme reality competition would make for better entertainment than watching the pros.  Sure there’s a cash prize in the end but is going head to head with an angry bull or oil rigging worth it?

3. 90210 (The CW): This is probably the most anticipated new series appearing this fall.  I debated including it due to some less than stellar buzz surrounding the show (the producers are not allowing it to be previewed by critics), but I couldn’t resist as I am embarrassingly excited about new Brenda and Kelly drama and the return of The Peach Pit.  Plus the new very young, very attractive cast undoubtedly will generate some juicy tabloid stories.