Showing posts with label Leverage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leverage. Show all posts
Friday, October 8, 2010
TNT's "Leverage" to Return December 12, "Closer," "Men" Due Back on December 6 Read more: Breaking News - TNT's "Leverage" to Return December 12, "Closer," "Men" Due Back on December 6 | TheFutonCritic.com http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2010/10/08/tnts-leverage-to-return-december-12-closer-men-due-back-on-december-6-790400/8911/#ixzz11mvrHeOa
Friday, July 30, 2010
TNT Renews 'Closer', 'Rizzoli' & 'Leverage'
No surprise here: freshman Rizzoli & Isles and veteran The Closer have been on fire since getting paired on Monday earlier this month. Leverage also has been a solid performer for the network, showing growth in its new Sunday slot. No word yet on freshman Memphis Beat and Hawthorne. Here is TNT's release.
TNT has ordered new seasons of three of the network’s hit series. The Closer, which continues to rank as ad-supported cable’s #1 series of all time, will return for its seventh season. Rizzoli & Isles, which currently ranks as cable’s #1 new series for the year-to-date, will return for a second season. Leverage, which is performing exceptionally well in its new Sunday timeslot, will be back for a fourth season. TNT has ordered 15 episodes each of The Closer and Leverage, along with 13 episodes of Rizzoli & Isles, with all three slated to start their new seasons in 2011.
“TNT has enjoyed tremendous success on Sunday and Monday nights with Leverage, The Closer and Rizzoli & Isles,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president and head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “All three shows feature terrific casts, sharp writing and top-notch production teams. We look forward to continued success with new seasons in 2011.”
The Closer
The Closer is averaging 7.1 million viewers in its sixth season, up 7% compared to last season. The July 12 season premiere was watched by 7.7 million viewers and ranks as ad-supported cable’s top scripted series telecast for the year-to-date. The Closer is produced for TNT by The Shephard/Robin Company, in association with Warner Bros. Television. The series was created by James Duff, who serves as executive producer with Greer Shephard, Michael M. Robin, Rick Wallace and Kyra Sedgwick.
Rizzoli & Isles
Rizzoli & Isles, which is based on the crime novels by best-selling author Tess Gerritsen, stars Angie Harmon (Law & Order) as Boston detective Jane Rizzoli and Sasha Alexander (NCIS) as medical examiner Maura Isles.
With 7.1 million viewers, Rizzoli & Isles currently ranks as cable’s #1 new series for the year-to-date. The July 12 premiere of Rizzoli & Isles was watched by 7.6 million viewers and holds the record as cable’s #1 commercial-supported series launch of all time. Rizzoli & Isles is produced for TNT by Warner Horizon Television, Janet Tamaro’s Hurdler Productions and Bill Haber’s Ostar Productions. Tamaro (Bones, Lost) and Haber (TNT’s Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King, TCM’s upcoming Moguls and Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood) serve as executive producers, along with Joel Fields (Ugly Betty). Michael M. Robin (TNT’s The Closer) is a consulting producer.
Leverage
Leverage is currently averaging 4.1 million viewers in its third season, showing growth among young adult demos when compared to the second season. For the first five episodes this summer, Leverage has grown its total audience by 60% when compared to live viewing (33% compared to Live + Same Day). Leverage is executive-produced by Dean Devlin (Independence Day, TNT’s The Librarian trilogy) and creators John Rogers (Transformers) and Chris Downey(The King of Queens). The series is produced for TNT by Devlin’s Electric Entertainment.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Cable shows with the wealthiest viewers
Two-time drama series Emmy winner "Mad Men" returned to AMC on Sunday night after a whirlwind of previews and promotions in print, broadcast and online.
Despite all the attention and the show's affluent viewership, "Mad Men" has averaged far fewer viewers than other summer cable dramas like USA's "Burn Notice," and ad rates also are lower.
An average 30-second spot on first-run episodes of "Mad Men" fetches about $20,000-$25,000, according to a recent trade media report -- not much, but it is a multiple of AMC's primetime movies. Plus, AMC bets that marquee shows boost its visibility, image and value.
"Shows like this help improve their branding, which increases their value to multichannel operators," SNL Kagan analyst Derek Baine said. "They are hoping with more original high-profile programming, they can increase license fees."
Ratings for Sunday's Season 4 premiere of "Mad Men" are expected Monday.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Watch w/ Kristin Spoiler Chat 7/19/10
Sigh. Don't these big fancy TV producers know what they're doing with our fragile wittle hearts?!
Oh right, yes, they know precisely what they're doing, and as it turns out, gut-wrenching will-they-or-won't they drama can make for some mighty fine TV. Sometimes.
So what's next for your favorite could-be couples on Glee, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill and more?
Read on!
Jackie in Maryland: Please tell me that the promos are misleading and Frank is not going to mess things up with Ali on The Bachelorette tonight!
Don't kill the messenger, but Frank has only got googly eyes for his ex-ladylove, who we'll meet in tonight's episode. And unfortunately for Ali, Frank makes the choice to rekindle the flame with said ex, then head to Tahiti to fill in the Bachelorette. Boo to the hoo, right?!
Beth in Maine: Please tell me there was more Lost-related chatter from your Michael Emerson interview!
As a matter of fact, Michael was happy to talk about the end of Lost and how fans have been impacted by the way it wrapped up. "I was thrilled and proud of the finale, and especially delighted in the way my character was wrapped up," Michael said fondly. "And the fans that I've run into I think we all feel a sense of brotherhood, like we've gone on this arduous journey together." Well said, brotha.
Jackson in Seattle: Got anything fun on Sons of Anarchy? I'm so excited for that show to return.
The fourth episode of Sons of Anarchy's third season is titled "Home." Let's guess what that might mean: (1) Jax gets his son back, safe and sound; (2) Gemma returns from her temporary life on the run; (3) Ummm, any other ideas?
Adam in Fontana, Calif.: I miss Modern Family. How's the second season coming along.?
It's not coming along quite yet! The gang starts shooting again Aug. 2, but we just spoke to Emmy nominee (and one of our favorite funnymen) Eric Stonestreet, and he revealed his one hope for Modern Family's season two. "It's gonna be incredible to go back and see the kids and celebrate with them," he said. "Hopefully Lily knows our names—she's had some time to practice her words. But it's in our contract, so Jade and Ella better know Eric and Jesse!"
Theresa: Kristin, I'm so glad you're back from vacation! Where'd you go? And when will Tater Top Awards end?
You have only a few more hours to vote, so do it now right here! As for vacay, it was absolutely dreamy thanks to the kind people at Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It's quite honestly the most heavenly place I've ever been, and I highly recommend it for a thoroughly relaxing vacation. I know what you're thinking: Relaxing with a 1-year-old baby...Say whaaa? But my own San "Luca" loved it, too, and it was an awesome time all around. Even if you're staying elsewhere in Cabo, check out their restaurant, El Restaurante. My husband and I might need to renew our vows just to be able to have a reception there cause it's so purrrty. That's completely rational, right?
Monica: Please, some good Gossip Girl news! I heard that Clémence (Eva) is going to be a series regular. Please say that's not so! I want hope for Chuck and Blair.
Here's the teensy bit of hope I can offer: I'm told Clémence Poésy is not a series regular for the coming season. I'm also told that Blair does not have a new love interest in the works. So maybe that's...something?! In other news, you know those photos of Dan and Serena pushing around a stroller? I hear that's Dan's actual baby! I'm still in shock they're going through with that storyline...You? Should be Crazytown.
Gina in Tallahassee: Will Dan and Serena be together when this season starts?
I'm hearing no. I can't imagine what she doesn't see in her sorta-kinda half brother soon to be with child!
Wendell: That photo of Nina Dobrev on Twitter seriously freaked me out! Tell me that is Katherine and not Elena going all nutty or something.
It's defintely Katherine!
Rebecca in New York: Hey, what's with Sophia Bush hinting that she and Austin Nichols will get married on One Tree Hill? Is there a wedding or not?! Also, will Peyton and Lucas ever come back?
I'm hearing there's no wedding yet in the works. Probably some day, but I'm told there are no current plans right now.
Jackie in Miami: Got any Glee scoop on Will and Emma? They're my favorite couple on Glee!
Sorry to break it to ya, but don't think that smooch in last season's finale led to a full-fledged relationship over summer break. We spoke with show runner Brad Falchuk who told us this upcoming season they'll be exploring, "What does Will look like as a single guy, for real?" Also standing in their way? A little guest star you may have heard of named John Stamos and Will's ex-wife Terri, who yes, is still in love with everyone's favorite Spanish teacher and determined to win him back. By the way, make sure you check out my exclusive interview with John Stamos that just posted, where he talks Entourage, Beach Boys, Glee and that unfortunate extortion. He starts filming Glee soon!
Burt in Indiana: Have you seen the premiere of Project Runway yet?
Get this, we have and it's good. Even better, the premiere has a little twist: You'll meet the contestants in the beginning of the ep, per usual, but they're not really contestants yet! We'll give you a second to process that 'dun-dun-dun!' Once the gang arrives in New York, they'll be given five hours to put together a look and the worst of the worst will be sent packing, failing the last phase of the audition process. Side note: The new 90-minute format feels a little long.
Joe in Costa Mesa, Calif.: I am seriously loving this season of True Blood! I'll take any scoop you've got!
How about some Bon Temps body count intel? Director Scott Winant tells us: "This season the fewest actors die. I killed my share, but compared to season two, not as many." Are you breathing a sigh of relief that we'll be losing less of our beloved characters or do you tune in for the blood and carnage? We won't judge. Well, maybe just a little.
Gracie in Kansas: What's ahead for Jason?
Looks like that annoying quarterback is going to continue honing in on Jason's old stomping grounds, because our True Blood sources say his next stop is going to be working with the infamous road crew. Guess that scholarship didn't come around after all?
Cara in Highland, Calif.: What's the deal with Tommy's dad?
Are you referring to that freaky head of hair, or the whole "I own my son!" thing? Let's go with the latter. Without revealing too much, we'll say that the Mickens family has a means of income and it involves pimping out their youngest son, so to speak. Oh, and it's illegal and does not occur when Tommy's in his human form.
Brynn in San Diego: How about some 90210 scoop?
Forget Liam. Annie's found a sexy new mature man, and it's all because of some spilled coffee. Thanks to a little run-in with a sexy stranger, Annie is going to find someone she has a lot in common with (theater geek, anyone?), but unfortunately, at least initially, Naomi's ex will stand in the way of a little lovin'. Oh, and did we mention that this guy might just be related to Mr. Liam?
Jasmine in North Dakota: I love Annalynne McCord. Any fun stuff coming up for her?
Jen and Naomi are going to continue duking it out, only this time there are lawyers involved. And N's eight-month pregnant sis is determined to keep her equally unstable sis away from the family funds, but luckily (?) for Naomi the court sides with her this time around.
Brandon in Oklahoma: How about some long overdue Life Unexpected news?
Got it! The radio station is trying to sex things up a bit when LUX returns—by adding a born-again Christian to Ryan and Cate's morning show. Huh? And yep, it's safe to assume Cate will not like this chick one bit.
Jon in Charlotte, N.C.: Anything on the final two episodes of Friday Night Lights? I need it to prepare for the end of season four!
Yikes, how are you gonna deal when the end of the series comes? Don't answer that. We're not ready either. Thankfully, the final two episodes of this season are remarkable, so hopefully that'll tide you over until season five starts. The controversy with Tami's advice to Becky reaches a breaking point, and the school demands a public apology. But she didn't do anything wrong, you insist? Well, Tami agrees.
Brant in Rockford, Ill.: The Riggins Brothers on FNL are just begging for trouble with that chop shop. Just tell me it works out in the end!
You think life in Dillon ever works out smoothly for anyone? Especially not for the Riggins brothers. Sorry to tell you buddy, but there are some rough roads ahead for Tim and Billy. But the silver lining to that is seeing Taylor Kitsch in some of his best acting in the series. And that's saying something.
Bobby in Downers Grove, Ill.: What's this I'm hearing about Burt Reynolds on Burn Notice?
It's mustache mayhem when the iconic actor guests this week on Burn Notice! Burt Reynolds steals every scene as a hilariously out-of-touch retired spy targeted by his Cold War Russian enemies. While Michael Westen guards the old-timer (aka his "Ghost of Christmas Future"), Fi and freshly burned spy Jesse (Coby Bell) confront his old boss (Richard Kind, Curb Your Enthusiasm's Cousin Andy). Jesse gets closer to the truth...while Fi and Michael grow farther apart. Sadface.
Gregory in Houston: Please tell me something about Bones.
Get ready to see some of Tamara Taylor's great acting chops when Bones returns. Cam sets up an on-air interview and unbeknownst to her, the journalist only intends on grilling her about an ongoing, and very sensitive, investigation. And without revealing the case at hand, let's just say things get ugly very quickly.
Hank in Boise, Idaho: I'm really digging Rookie Blue. What's coming up?
Andy finds herself in some serious danger this week when she and a fellow rookie are the first on the scene of a violent crime. She's eventually left to fend for herself, which ends up being an eye-opening experience.
Andrea in Canton, Ohio: Leverage is awesome this summer! Can you give me any scoop on this week's episode?
Rest assured, Eliot's hair will continue to be luxurious and shiny. Oh, you want more scoop than that? Then prepare for a romp in the great outdoors, courtesy of Eliot and Hardison, the latter being less than thrilled about being away from his precious electronics. But it's necessary if the gang wants to take down an evil money launderer. Are there any other kinds of money launderers? Well, this one is also...patriotic.
Frankie in Greensville, N.C.: Loved last week's Rescue Me. What's in store this week?
Franco becomes a doctor! Well, sort of. He slips into the white coat to sneak around the hospital, so that kind of counts. And get ready for a pretty intense and sexually charged scene that involves plumbing. And in no way do we mean that figuratively.
Lisa in Hollywood, Calif.: I love that Tommy is trying to stay sober on Rescue Me. Does it stick?
What do you think? He definitely wants to stay clean, especially now that Father Phil (Peter Gallagher) is all up in his grill about getting his act together. But by the end of the episode, after an awkward conversation in his home, Tommy might find the bottle to be his only friend.
May in St. Louis: I'm kind of curious to see how Joe Jonas does on Hot in Cleveland. Got any scoop on his character?
He'll be playing Will, Melanie's son, and it's safe to say at first look, their relationship is not exactly smooth. ""It's typical. I'm on my phone a lot, kind of distracted, doing my own thing," Joe tells us. "She wants to get close to him, but it's kind of hard." Kids today with their texting and tweeting and whatnot. Valerie Bertinelli also adds that Joe has an "adorable scene" with the always flawless Betty White. Maybe he serenades her? Fingers crossed.
Joe in San Francisco: I'm so excited for My Boys to come back! What can you tell us about the first episodes back?
How about one of my favorite moments with the gang I've ever witnessed? In an upcoming episode, someone makes brownies that have a certain extra ingredient. What would be a typical stoner storyline turned into something simply awesome because of the unlikely victims of the fun brownies. Trust, it makes for some crazy hilarious scenes, and you don't need to be baked to enjoy them.
Lacey in Omaha: My Boys returns this week! Got scoop?
Check out our favorite single duo, Mike and Brendan, suiting up in one of the early episodes. Seriously, Barney Stinson would be proud. Like usual, they're trying to pick up girls. Unlike usual, they do it in an entirely classy way. Too bad they run into the others at the bar, and we can't promise the girls stick around after that unfortunate meeting.
Aimee in Las Vegas: I miss Parks and Recreation. Anything cute coming up?
When Parks and Recreation returns (soon please, NBC), Leslie (Amy Poehler) and Ben (Adam Scott) take to the airwaves to promote a fun little city event. Sadly, it turns into the Bash Ben for Being a Young mayor hour, and Leslie, of course, comes to his defense. Can these two please just do it already?!
Jesse in St. George, Utah: Entourage, puh-leeze.
The tension continues to grows between Eric and Vince on Entourage, due to the superstar's new need for speed. "E is very sensitive so he can't accept that Vince is maybe moving on a little bit himself, Adrian Grenier tells us. "It's not just E that is moving on and growing up. Vince is also finding his wings and becoming a man."
Patrice in Helena, Mont.: How about some Hung fun?
According to series star Rebecca Creskoff (Lenore), the Hung season-two finale is a shocker: " Big cliffhanger! There was one version of the finale that was very tied up and they were like, 'Oh no, no, unravel that!' So that was good."
Beatrice in California: What's ahead for Pretty Little Liars?
Allison's brother is set to make a triumphant return to town—and not in a welcome way. The long-gone lady's bro is out to take the girls down by discovering what really happened to A, thus ruining the lovely memorial Aria and Co. had planned for their friend.
Breanne in Long Island: Please tell me you have some scoop on Make It or Break It?
Think Lauren's changed? That one deserves a big ol' HA! When the Rock starts planning its annual Rocky Awards, this bad girl goes all out to win Miss Congeniality, even if it means returning to her bribing, cheating ways.
Linda in Calabasas, Calif.: I wish you'd talk about Huge more often. It's such a cute show.
As you wish. Will is about to demonstrate some Brave Little Toaster-type behavior when she feels like her crush Ian is slipping away. The cure: writing him a love song, of course.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Ask Ausiello 7/14/10
Question: Though I can’t imagine The Office without Michael Scott, I’m more concerned about Holly and Michael getting their much-needed reunion before he bids adieu. Any chance this will happen? —Meaghan
Ausiello: I’d say there’s a very good chance considering the fact that [exclusive scoop alert!] Amy Ryan (a.k.a. Holly) is not only returning to The Office, but will be playing a sizable role in the show’s upcoming seventh season. “We set her return up in the finale, so it would be the biggest [cop-out] of all time if we didn’t [follow through] on it,” says coexec producer and cast member Mindy Kaling. “She’s definitely coming back.”
Question: How can I get your autograph? —Danny
Ausiello: You can bring a Sharpie to Comic-Con next week and follow the scent of Diet Raspberry Snapple and blue PVC.
Question: I love True Blood. I love Eric. Scoop, please. —Angi
Ausiello: Is it too soon to be talking about the finale? No? Cool. Exec producer Alan Ball tells me that there will be a “lot of Bill-Sookie-Eric stuff” in the season 3 finale. “It involves blood, it involves trust, and it does not go where we expect it to go.”
Question: There’s a hot debate in the Gossip Girl fan community about Dan and Serena. Are they getting back together next season? —Kelly
Ausiello: I’ll say this: They will be spending a LOT of time with each other in the first few episodes back, but I think it would be wrong to suggest they’ll be together. Catch my drift?
Question: I’m just going to keeping asking for some Leverage scoop until you answer me. Every week. For eternity. —Matt
Ausiello: We have a strict policy against negotiating with terrorists, but I’ll look the other way this week and ONLY this week. This Sunday’s Leverage finds the gang heading to Nashville to take down a corrupt record producer. Eliot is forced to play the role of a country-music singer-songwriter — and surprise, the big lug can actually sing!
Question: It’s my birthday! Bones scoop would be a fantastic gift. —Talitha
Ausiello: So much for that one-year jump forward. I hear the gang will have been gone for just seven months when Caroline summons Booth and Brennan back to the Jeffersonian in the Sept. 23 season premiere to help Cam solve a controversial case — and save her job in the process. “The first episode begins with Brennan and Booth reuniting with the squints to save the career of one of their own,” confirms exec producer Stephen Nathan. “They each bring a new past with them as they forge their old alliances in new ways.” Bonus scoop: We may get to see Booth play hero in Afghanistan!
Question: Any Chuck scoop? Maybe some intel on who Dolph Lundgren and Harry Dean Stanton are playing in the premiere? —Dave
Ausiello: “Dolph Lundgren plays Marko,” explains Chuck co-creator Chris Fedak. “Is he Russian? Yes. Is he a terrifying bad guy? Yes. Will he say, ‘I must break you’? You’ll have to wait for the return of Chuck.” I’m counting the days! Now, what about Stanton? “Harry will play Harry Dean, the man who comes between Chuck and his search for Mom. Who is he exactly? Well, we’ll say this: Only Harry Dean Stanton could play this part.” Okay, now I’m counting the minutes!
Question: I’m so psyched about Jim Parsons’ Emmy nod. Any idea which episode he’ll submit? —Jason
Ausiello: “I am submitting the episode where Sheldon is accepting an award and he gets advice from everybody and then ends up on stage drunk and loses his pants,” Parsons tells me, before adding with a laugh, “Sex sells, and I drop my pants, so I really think this could be my year.”
Question: Supernatural spoilers seem to be few and far between. Any chance you have any new ones to share with us? —Judy
Ausiello: Season 6 will revolve around Dean’s new life as loving husband to Lisa and doting father to Ben. I keed, I keed. Despite the domestic situation Dean found himself in at the end of last season, exec producer Eric Kripke assures me that Supernatural will continue to be about the Winchester brothers “on the road together.” That said, Kripke confirms that “Dean’s situation creates all sorts of angst and conflict. The question [we'll be] exploring is, How can you be a hunter when there are actually people that you care about? I think we will mine it for all of the emotional angst and conflict that we can. But [Lisa] is not — nor is anyone — going to be riding in the backseat of the Apollo with Sam or Dean.”
Question: Thanks for all the Good Wife spoilers earlier this week. Got anything else about my fave character Kalinda? —Joel
Ausiello: Major drama! “Kalinda [Emmy nominee Archie Panjabi] always seems to be on top of her game,” says exec producer Robert King. “We are going to throw [her] off her game a little bit in the second season. Her past comes back to haunt her, and she also finds some competition.”
Question: I will draw you a Smurf picture if you let me know whether or not Kenneth is returning to 30 Rock. —Veronica
Ausiello: Yes, he is, although exec producer Robert Carlock says, “We haven’t cracked HOW he is getting [his job] back, but of course he will get back somehow. We just wanted a fun thing to shuffle the deck a little bit and send him off into the world. Of course, he will miss it and he will be missed. Events will bring him back.”
Question: I know last season stunk, but I’m still looking forward to Big Love returning. Any new news on season 5? —Joanne
Ausiello: You betcha! The show is currently casting three new recurring characters: John Ivey, a thirtysomething high school math teacher, straightlaced and disarmingly charming; Midge Buckley, another thirtysomething, this one blonde, Republican, Mormon, and a member of the Utah House of Representatives from the same district as Bill; and finally, Midge’s mom, an antiporn activist whose worldview is so conservative, she makes Sarah Palin look liberal by comparison.
Question: Hi, please let me know if you are in the dog-product business! — AJ
Ausiello: Not since I licked that case of fleas that had been bugging me, no. But hey, thanks for asking!
Question: I love ya, Ausiello, but you apparently got it wrong about Javier Bardem being on Glee. It was denied by his people, and you should take this down from your site and print a retraction. What ever happened to journalistic integrity? — Andrea
Ausiello: First of all, what gave you the impression that I had integrity, much less the journalistic kind? Second of all, when I’m wrong, I’ll let you know, not the other way around. Now then, let me let Glee mastermind Ryan Murphy explain to you exactly what happened, how about that? At the press junket for Eat Pray Love, Murphy tells me, “the first thing [Bardem] said was ‘Oh my God, I just watched the whole first season on DVD. It was like crack, and I could not get enough. I want to play a Spanish rock star.’ And I was like, ‘Okay.’ I mean, how to say no to Javier Bardem?” So, in other words, Andrea, yes, it IS happening. “It won’t be in the first 13 [episodes of season 2],” Murphy clarifies, “but I do want to do it. I think you have to come back and remeet the characters [first].” So there.
Question: Any more scoop on Charice’s role on Glee? —Kelly
Ausiello: Why, yes, as a matter of fact. Though Ryan Murphy says the hitmaker “comes on in a very sort of minor part,” it obviously grows, and fast, because, notes Lea Michele, while “the rivalry [between our characters] is going to be what everyone will pin it as, you know Ryan — it’s never going to be what you think it’s going to be.”
Question: Any whisperings on the new Torchwood you’d care to share? — Nicky
Ausiello: Whisperings? More like shoutings. Among the casting intel I’ve gathered on the new season (airing on my new favorite cable network, Starz), the show is out to cast a new series regular — Rex Matheson, a wickedly funny (operative word: wicked) CIA agent born to make waves. Almost as key to the new season are recurring characters Esther Katusi, a CIA grunt in her early 20s who learns what she’s really made of only when she’s forced to, and Oswald Jones, a convicted murderer and pedophile who will be as shocked as anyone to learn how easily infamy and fame can be exchanged for one another.
Question: You were the second person I thought of after my mom that would be bursting with excitement over Kyle Chandler’s and Connie Britton’s Emmy nominations. I’m also thrilled! — Tiffany
Ausiello: What a coinkydink. The second person I thought of was me, too. And the first. And somewhere in between, I thought of Kyle and Connie. They were probably happy-ish too.
Question: I am looking to make a one-time cash donation to support a nonprofit charity or rescue group. I would love to know more about your work and why you think this donation would be beneficial to your work. —John Hamilton
Ausiello: Um, because one never knows when their fleas might recur?
Question: Scoop on The Closer will earn you my eternal thanks. —Sasha
Ausiello: FYI: Cold hard cash is the new eternal thanks. Just something to think about moving forward. Regarding The Closer, in the second episode, airing July 19, Captain Raydor (Mary McDonnell) returns and is initially thought to be doing a background check on Chief Pope. But there’s more to the story. And apparently it’s VERY top secret because the screener TNT sent us left out the final scene. Bastards. It’s not like I was going to spoil it or anything.
Question: Have you seen the Mad Men premiere? Thoughts? —Theresa
Ausiello: I have seen it and it’s fantastic. In many ways, it feels like an entirely new show. My fave line of the episode? “I won’t even tell people after it airs.” Who says it and what does it mean? Hit the comments!
Question: I’m so incredibly proud of you for finally getting acquainted with Spartacus: Blood & Sand and acknowledging Andy Whitfield’s awesomeness. Now how about you throw us a couple of season 2 spoilers? —Alex
Ausiello: Given the events of the mind-blowing season 1 finale, it’s not much of a spoiler to say the show will undergo a huge transformation in season 2. “It’s a testament to Starz that they allowed us to do that,” says showrunner Steven S. DeKnight of the big changes in store. “The bigger broadcast networks [would be too concerned with] protecting the franchise. It’s a huge risk. But at the end of the day we ARE telling the story of Spartacus, which is largely the slave rebellion. Those first 13 episodes were literally two paragraphs in the history books. Most of what’s known about him is after the break-out.”
Question: What’s going on with Heroes—are they going to make a movie or not? —Ana
Ausiello: My money continues to be on not, especially since NBC’s contractual hold on the cast expired on June 30. It’s going to be tough to make a movie when you don’t have anyone to star in it. Unless they go the CGI route. Or use puppets.
Question: Any juicy spoilers on which hottie is coming out of the closet on 90210? I need more hints then just Liam, Navid, or Teddy! —Jacob
Ausiello: How about this: This person’s last name is Court, Shirazu, or Montgomery.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Fancast Big Tease 7/06/10
Wanna know what’s coming up on your favorite show, from summer or fall? Tuesday is tease-day at Fancast, and MattMtvguy@gmail.com is the place to send your questions. Here now the scoop!
Will Jonathan Groff come back to ‘Glee‘ next season? Please say yes! – IrisWoo
What is Javier Bardem, chopped liver? I’m hearing nothing about a Groff encore, but instead how about a visit from ‘Big Bang’s Sheldon? That’s right, Jim Parsons is open to following in fellow CBS sitcom scene-stealer Neil Patrick Harris’ footsteps by guesting on Fox’s talent-magnet of a musical-comedy. “I feel like I could pop up on ‘Glee,’” Jim said – after much consideration – when I asked what other sandbox he might ever play in. As for what he can bring to the table, “I can hold a tune,” he maintains. “No one’s going to put me in an opera, but I’ve done musicals!” Gleeks, feel free to use the Comments section to suggest who Jim could play.
Is Michael Trucco coming back to ‘Castle‘? I think it would be interesting to have Demming around for a while. – Kat
See, here’s the thing. Though there was talk that Trucco’s recurring run might extend into Season 3, the cold, hard fact is that he is now busy shooting ‘Facing Kate,’ the new USA Network series on which he plays the ex-husband of Sarah Shahi’s titular mediator. The word from ABC is that it’s “too soon to tell” if Trucco will be needed back, while a USA source says they probably wouldn’t be opposed to loaning him out for some ‘Castle’ closure. But one way or another, he’ll be facing a Kate, see?
I love ‘The Closer‘ and can’t wait for the season to begin. How is it looking? – Poetic_line via Twitter
Remember how a few Teases ago I said that the July 12 season opener was fine if nothing terribly special? Well, the second episode more than makes up for it. Seriously, it ranks among the TNT drama’s best hours ever. While the guest cast includes Mary McDonnell (’BSG’), Titus Welliver (’Lost’) and D.W. Moffett (’Friday Night Lights’), it’s series reg Raymond Cruz (aka Sanchez) who really gets a chance to shine. Fun fact: The DVD screener purposely omitted the episode’s “surprising” final scene, which elicited more than one expletive form me on the couch!
Hey Matt, how’s the toe? And now that I have buttered you up, got any ‘Sons of Anarchy‘ scoop? – OliviaRoy via Twitter
The right pinky toe is all healed, thanks for asking/conditionally caring! Turning to ‘SOA’: You know how Gemma is on the lam? Well, her escape route will take her all the way to Belfast, Ireland, where half of Season 3’s dual narrative will take place. Alas, while there she and her Celtic cronies still aren’t able to outrun the law, leading her to pull off one of her baddest-ass moves ever.
How do you think ‘The Office‘ will write out Steve Carell/Michael? – Denise
As quietly as possible, if Carell has his way. “There was one show where Stanley and I waited in line for pretzels the entire show,” he notes. “I love those moments, so I would be inclined to make it a more subtle and kind of simple departure as opposed to any big ‘very special episode’ kind of thing.” (FYI, this is the place to suggest Michael Scott’s replacement.)
Any scoop on ‘House’s Jennifer Morrison? – Aurore59
I checked in with Jennifer’s peeps, and the main headline is that ‘Warrior,’ the indie she did with Nick Nolte and Frank Grillo, hits theaters at Thanksgiving time. As for Morrison scrubbing back in as Cameron, I’m hearing that even though production is underway on the new season, there is no ‘House’ in her immediate future.
I know that Wil Wheaton is returning to ‘Leverage.’ Does that mean trouble for Sophie? Because last time he did send her a motion sensitive bomb! – Hilla
As part of my upcoming feature Q&A with Aldis Hodge (aka Hardison), I asked him to spill on what Wil is up during his next turn as Chaos. Alas, his response: “I can’t tell you what’s going on, but he’s definitely back, doing his thing!” I tried!
Any ‘Leverage’ spoilers? Possibly Parker-related ones? – cyclonekat via Twitter
Hold tight for the aforementioned Aldis Hodge interview, coming Friday!
Any scoop on ‘Human Target‘? – DullyEl via Twitter
Fox’s sophomore action-drama is in the process of casting Ames, a sassy young thing who’s a bit of a thief, and as such aligns herself for a possible job with Chance’s crew. Dichen Lachman, call your agent!
I’m totally loving Cartoon Network’s new show, ‘Unnatural History‘! Do you have any scoop on it? And is the show inching toward a Jasper/Maggie pairing? – Susan
OK, this marks my first time ever scooping a Cartoon Network series. Here goes! Exec producer Mike Werb answers, “I won’t deny there’s chemistry between Jasper and Maggie. But whether or not they deny it is another question!” Werb goes on to reveal that upcoming episodes involve a cursed ruby and the reading of Henry’s godfather’s will, which divulges a dangerous secret.
Got any scoop on the ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent‘ season finale? I can’t believe it’s here already. – Craig
Yes, this Tuesday’s episode wraps up the season, and the big guest star is F. Murray Abraham, playing Zack’s father. Listen to proud “son” Jeff Goldblum kvell: “The great thing about this show is that every week we get the cream of the crop, and [Abraham] is just spectacular for the role they’re written for him.” Though father and son famously do not get along, Goldblum says, “There is the possibility for some healing to take place. We’ll see what happens.”
I heard a rumor that author Richelle Mead was approached by a major network that wants to turn her ‘Vampire Academy’ books into a television series. Can you tell me if you have heard about this? – Kristi
If true, said major network is now bumming. Lest Bill Compton and Damon Salvatore get any new competition, the ‘Vampire Academy’ series is instead destined for the Cineplex. So game on, Edward!
