Talk about a genius move: The Big Bang Theory has quietly promoted the hilarious and very much in-demand Melissa Rauch — a.k.a. Howard’s main squeeze Bernadette — to a series regular.
Although Rauch’s deal doesn’t call for her to appear in every episode (and may or may not continue past this season), the upgrade is a nice vote of confidence for the actress — particularly since Bernadette was only meant to be around for an episode or two.
It also gives producers the security of knowing Rauch — who played Hoyt’s scarily devoted girlfriend in season 3 of True Blood — won’t get poached by another show.
I wholeheartedly approve!
Showing posts with label The Big Bang Theory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Big Bang Theory. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
'Big Bang Theory' promotes Melissa Rauch to series regular
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Ask Ausiello 10/6/10
Question: I have to admit, I’m a little disappointed that it’s Christina and Owen getting married in the Grey’s premiere and not Callie and Arizona. Will you make me feel better by giving us some Callie-Arizona scoop? —J
Ausiello: There’s a major Calzona development in the Oct. 28 episode, but a Grey’s source assures me that it’s not a turn for the worse. So don’t go barraging Shonda Rhimes with angry tweets. In the same episode, a camera crew invades Seattle Grace to film a documentary about the hospital’s recovery in the wake of the shooting rampage. In fact, the entire ep will be shot from the POV of the crew, so if shaky-cam makes you queasy you’d best pop a Dramamine before showtime.
Question: So sad to hear that you’re leaving EW! So, to cheer me up, any chance you could give me some Grey’s Anatomy scoop? —Mary
Ausiello: The sublime Amanda Foreman, who’s currently recurring on Parenthood, will guest-star in the aforementioned Oct. 28 episode as (I believe) a patient. This is also the episode that marks the return of Mandy Moore and Ryan Devlin. BTW, you’re not getting rid of me that quickly. I’m still here for a few more weeks—plenty of time to get me a really expensive farewell gift. (Registry info is forthcoming.)
Question: Good Wife scoop, please! —Cliff
Ausiello: Sounds like the show is breaking TV’s last taboo. No, not [blank], incest! A casting call has gone out for Molly, Cary’s beautiful 18-year-old cousin whom he is taking on a tour of the University of Chicago. During said tour, little Miss Molly makes it clear that she still has a crush on her older cuz. He, in turn, makes it clear that that’s gross he’s not interested. Perhaps they’re cousins once or twice or thrice removed? Or maybe they’re cousins in the way that, you know, Keri and I are cousins.
Question: What’s the poop, er, scoop on Elizabeth Reaser’s Good Wife character? —Tim
Ausiello: The scoop is … Alicia will probably get the urge to key her car. “She plays a sports writer, and she and Will develop sparks in a way that Will hasn’t with any other woman except Alicia,” explains exec producer Robert King. “We’re thrilled with [Elizabeth]. I’ve loved her since The Ex List. She’s doing an excellent job.”
Question: Could you please give us something good on Law & Order: SVU? —Kenleigh
Ausiello: I’m not sure this qualifies as good, but Emmy winner Marcia Gay Harden is reprising her role as FBI agent Dana Lewis. But she’s not returning to work on a case. She’s returning to BE the case.
Question: Were you able to find out why Glee is casting miniature versions of Puck, Santana, Rachel, Brittany, and Mercedes? Are they doing a flashback? —Shelly
Ausiello: Nope. It’s a fantasy sequence. Or nightmare sequence if Sue’s the one doing the dreaming.
Question: You must give us some scoop on whether Darren Criss will be playing Kurt’s new love interest on Glee! —Ashley
Ausiello: That’s still TBD. All I know for certain is that they’ll be good friends.
Question: College applications are getting me down. Any news on Darren Criss’ Glee character to remotivate me? Is it too much to hope that he’ll be singing one of his own songs? —Sabrina
Ausiello: Sorry to add to your doldrums, but I do believe it’s too much to hope. But let me get confirmation of that from Criss himself. “Well, it really isn’t up to me,” shrugs the up-and-comer. “But even if it was, and as cool as that would be—personally, for me as an artist—I think it’s important to keep a bit of separation from the actors’ realities and the characters’ realities. For example, as much as I would love to geek out over Matthew Morrison singing “Passeggiata” from Light in the Piazza—or any of the Spring Awakening-turned-Glee kids doing a number from that show—it probably would shake the audience out of the world of McKinley High, or at least the Broadway fans of the show anyway. But hey, what’s best for the show is best for the show, and I trust the creators in their choice of music. If the time was right, and they ever approached me to have one of my songs used in the show, of course, I’d be absolutely thrilled.” Talented, pretty, and eloquent? Bitch.
Question: Do you have any scoop on the upcoming season of Southland? —Autumn
Ausiello: It premieres in early January, and there’ll be a new face on the force. The show is casting the role of a Latina cop who is impulsive, no-nonsense, and occasionally annoying. She’s also, and I quote, “not gorgeous, but real.” I’d hate to be the actress who gets recommended for that role.
Question: Any new Smallville scoop? —Adelle
Ausiello: Present-day Clark comes face-to-face with future Clark (a.k.a. Superman) in next Friday’s 200th episode. But I’m pretty sure that’s old news. Here’s some new news. In the Oct. 22 episode, Clark finally decides to tell Lois his secret. Which is kind of funny because that’s the same episode she decides to tell him her secret: that she already knows! Hilarious, right? I thought it was.
Question: Any cool Big Bang Theory casting scoops? —Barrie
Ausiello: This isn’t as cool as Eliza Dushku guest-starring in an episode, but actress Aarti Man (Heroes‘ Shaila) has been cast as Koothrappali’s never-before-seen sister Priya.
Question: Is the rumor true that a Dallas reboot starring Josh Holloway and Jennifer Love Hewitt is being developed? Please say it’s true! —Lillie
Ausiello: It’s sort of true. TNT is developing a new Dallas series, but it’s more of a sequel than a reboot, as it takes place a few decades after the original series left off. No one is currently attached to the project, and that includes Josh Holloway, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and (last week’s big rumor) Kiefer Sutherland.
Question: Please tell me when Chuck and Blair will be back together on Gossip Girl! —Abbey
Ausiello: Serena and Nate lay the groundwork for a possible C&B reconciliation later this month when they negotiate a peace treaty between the warring exes. A literal treaty.
Question: The synopsis for the Oct. 29 episode of Supernatural says that one of the boys faces a truth about himself that sends the other brother reeling. Any insight on which brother is “facing a truth” and which brother is sent “reeling”? —Kat
Ausiello: Sam is facing the truth; Dean is reeling.
Question: So before you leave to open your Smurf museum, could you tell me if Bones will have a Christmas episode this season? —Amanda
Ausiello: Most likely not. There’s some uncertainty about what order Bones‘ November/December episodes will air in because of the World Series, so I think all parties felt it was easier not to do one this year.
Question: Remember a little show called Brothers & Sisters? Doesn’t seem like it, considering you rarely talk about it in AA. —Steve
Ausiello: My bad. Here are a few teasers about this Sunday’s episode.
* Someone goes missing.
* Someone gets caught lying about her age.
* Someone considers plastic surgery.
* Someone (temporarily) assumes a new identity.
* An estranged couple, um, reconnect.
Question: I am really liking the show The Big C, but I am getting over the story line of her not telling anyone she has cancer. This past Monday’s episode really irked me, because I thought she was finally telling someone. It was like the House/Huddy hallucination. Do you have any spoilers on when she’s going to reveal her secret? —Melodie
Ausiello: This probably isn’t what you want to hear, but there’s another near miss coming on Oct. 18 when Cathy finally decides to tell Paul the truth. Unfortunately, before she gets the chance he drops a bombshell on HER: He wants a divorce!
Question: Any word yet on whether AMC is going to pick up Rubicon for a second season? —Christine
Ausiello: Not a peep. I imagine a decision will have to come down soon, since there’s only two episodes left.
Question: I ask you for the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Philo T. Farnsworth. How is the future looking for one of my favorite new shows this season, The Whole Truth? Remember, Mr. Ausiello, you are under oath. —Ryan
Ausiello’s attorney: Objection. Counsel is leading the witness.
Judge: Overruled. Mr. Ausiello, please answer the question.
Ausiello: The Whole Truth is one more low-rated episode away from getting pulled off the schedule.
Judge: I like your shoes, BTW. Cole Haan?
Ausiello: Yes! They’re so comfortable!
Question: Is Miles Heizer’s character on Parenthood gay? —Colleen
Ausiello: My gut says yes, but exec producer Jason Katims says no. I’m going to side with Katims on this one.
Friday, October 1, 2010
'Big Bang' Updates: Kaley Cuoco Returns Next Week & Mayim Bialik Books More Eps
Great news for Big Bang fans: injured star Kaley Cuoco is expected to return to work in time for the taping on Oct. 13, which means that she will only miss 2 episodes - the one whose taping was right after her horse-riding accident and the one that is currently in production, following the show's 2-week hiatus. It hasn't been decided yet if Cuoco's broken leg will be incorporated into the show.
Meanwhile, there is more romance in store for Jim Parsons' Sheldon. Mayim Bialik, who guest starred as the nerdy Amy in Big Bang's last season's finale and this season's premiere, has been booked for additional episodes and is expected to recur this season, the series' fourth.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Eliza Dushku Has a 'Big Bang Theory'
'The Big Bang Theory' is no stranger to sexy sci-fi starlets, having scored geektastic cameos from Katee Sackhoff and Summer Glau in seasons past (with the former about to make a hotly anticipated reappearance) -- but this latest casting coup is certain to get fanboy hearts a'fluttering.
Having earned her action credentials as butt-kicking Faith in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and the enigmatic Echo in 'Dollhouse,' it's no surprise that 'The Big Bang Theory' tapped Eliza Dushku to play yet another strong female character.
So far, she's confirmed to appear in one episode of the CBS comedy's fourth season (now airing Thursdays at 8PM ET). Join us after the jump for more info on what we can expect when Dushku makes her 'Big Bang' bow.
Details are sparse at this stage of the game (Dushku's character is as-yet unnamed), but a rep for the comedy confirmed that Dushku will appear in episode 7, playing an FBI agent who has the unenviable task of interviewing Wolowitz's (Simon Helberg) friends to ascertain whether our tight-pant wearing engineer should be granted top level security clearance. Something pertaining to his work with NASA, perhaps?
Somehow, if Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) is involved, we're guessing that Wolowitz's case isn't looking too great -- but if Wolowitz succeeds, just imagine the slew of new pick-up lines he can use. Nothing impresses a woman like secret government access, right?
The fourth season of 'The Big Bang Theory' premieres tonight at 8PM ET on CBS.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Watch w/ Kristin Spoiler Chat 9/20/10
It's here, TV fans! The new fall television season begins tonight, and we're kicking off the party with a big, juicy spoiler chat full of scoop about your favorite TV shows. Want dish on House, Fringe, Chuck, How I Met Your Mother and many more? Click in!
Melody: The Glee premiere is tomorrow! Spill!
Chord Overstreet is dreamy as the new football player Sam Evans (Sam and Dianna Agron's Quinn are going to make gorgeous blond babies together!); there's an unholy alliance between Sue and Will; and the Lea Michele-Charice diva-off is not to be missed! Oh, and Ken Tanaka had a nervous breakdown, while Matt (aka copresident of the background dancers union) transferred, Brittany's blank-faced one-liners are better than ever, and we absolutely love the backstory on Tina's hookup with Mike Chang. It's a great season premiere. You guys will love.
Jaqueline in Athens, Ga.: What's the 411 on Kristin Chenoweth's return to Glee?
April Rhodes is on her way back to McKinley High and a little birdie we like to call Kristin Chenoweth tells us we're in for a nearly nude treat! "I'm going back in two weeks to do Glee. I did hear April will be stripping and it made me nervous—made me not want to eat." Just don't expect any smooth moves on the stripper pole. Says Kristin: "I'm not going to practice it either because I don't think April would know how!"
Parker: Stop skimping on the Chuck and Blair Gossip Girl info!
Except for the fact that they're seeing other people and they're trying to pretend they're over each other, the Chuck and Blair scene that ends tonight's episode is perfect. Don't worry about that French girl too much, OK, Chair fans? There's no way she could ever compete with Chuck's love for Blair. Waldorf and Bass are epic, eternal and sure to reunite again one of these days.
James in Virginia: What can you tell me about Fringe?
Fringe is usually one of the chillier shows on TV, but by the end of Thursday's season premiere, little girl lost Olivia (Anna Torv) gets a heartwarming reunion that will melt even the grouchiest sci-fi fan's ice-clad heart. Of course, the specific circumstances of the reunion also mean that Olivia is more lost than ever. That girl can't get a break!
Adele in Florida: Please tell me it's true that House and Cuddy are sticking together this season!
Oh, it's true. House executive producer Katie Jacobs tells us so, and she also told us to look for a wedding-centric episode later this season. No, it's not House and Cuddy getting married (just a hospital poobah peripheral to the story), but the circumstances of preparing for the wedding are going to make for a very romance-centric episode, wherein everyone in a relationship starts to look more closely at who they're with and why.
Terri in Washington, D.C: Am I right that Julia Stiles plays Dex's girlfriend or Harrison's nanny on Dexter this season?
Two strikes! (1) Exec producer Sara Colleton told us most emphatically, "God no! No no no no no no. It's way too soon" for Dexter to be thinking of romance. (2) Dexter does hire a nanny—a virtual Mary Poppins who seems almost too good to be true. (We're keeping our eyes on that lovely Brit.) When an almost unrecognizable Julia Stiles does finally appear at the very end of the Oct. 10 episode, we realize why Colleton refers to her character as "damaged." So, so, so very damaged.
Jude in Overland Park, Kan.: Poor Deb has the worst luck in boyfriends on Dexter. Will her track record improve this season?
Signs point to yes! Who's Deb's (Jennifer Carpenter) lucky guy? Let's just say Batista (David Zayas) and LaGuerta (Lauren Velez) aren't Dexter's only interoffice romance this season. Hmmm....Could Masuka's (C.S. Lee) dreams finally be coming true? You'll have to watch to find out! Meanwhile, married couple Batista and LaGuerta could become separated—by prison bars!
Elle in Oregon: So excited for The Big Bang Theory's move to the big-time, aka Thursdays! Got any scoop?
The season premiere centers on a threesome between Sheldon, Amy and Penny. OK, not a sex threesome, exactly, but Penny does chaperone the nerds on their first date, during which Sheldon genially calculates Penny's slut quotient. Meanwhile, Mayim Bialik continues to be hilarious and perfect as Sheldon's lady friend Amy.
Patty in Boulder, Colo.: There's only one thing I care about this fall, and that's Chuck. Please tell me Chuck and Sarah are finally just happy together.
Oh yeah, they're happy all right. Happy and cohabiting and—sexting! You know, sexy texting? (90210 did a whole episode about it last season, you might recall.) OK, confession time: Yes there is lots of sexting going on, but Morgan (Joshua Gomez) is responsible for most of it. (Promise you'll understand what that means after you watch tonight's premiere.) Thankfully, Chuck and Sarah really do seem happy together, and more lovey-dovey than ever.
Delia in Maine: I need Bones news!
(1) Emily Deschanel's new bangs are sooo cute! (2) If you missed Hodgela as much as we have, you have got to tune in. Their joy at being prospective parents is palpable and adorable. (3) B&B fans should keep their eyes peeled for the look on Brennan's face just before they take down the bad guy, because there's never been clearer visual evidence that she loves Booth like crazy.
Charlie in Sparta, Michigan: Can we hear some more Sons of Anarchy scoop? But not about Jax, Tara or Gemma. I want to hear more about the others.
Even though it's only been a few months since Donna's death in the timeline of the show, Opie (Ryan Hurst) seems to be growing closer and closer to Lyla (Winter Ave Zoli). Look for some serious stuff with them on Tuesday night.
Liam in Smithtown, N.Y.: What's coming up for Bonnie on The Vampire Diaries? Will she continue to feel guilty after forcing Damon to give Caroline his blood?
Definitely…but only to a point. Katerina Graham recently told us: "This is somebody who you love and you're putting pressure on other people to help you out to protect someone else. There's guilt with the whole process." However, Mystic Falls' resident witch still feels the vampires are ultimately to blame...for everything that's ever happened in the entire world. Or something like that. "It's still their fault that this happened in the first place. At the end of the day, if the vampires didn't come to town, this wouldn't be a problem." We think Damon said it best: "Witches, judgy little things."
Jordan in Prescott, Ariz.: Tell us more about Castle!
What about a—gasp!—Lanie-Castle hookup?! We'll let Tamala Jones elaborate: "I get to interact with Castle a lot more, which I love," Tamala tells us. "We're getting closer, but you don't know what it is. It could be, 'Does Castle like Lanie?' 'Does Lanie like Castle?' And it leads you in some different areas. But you know Lanie likes Esposito, and Esposito likes Lanie—still, what's this Lanie/Castle thing?" Dun-dun-dun!
Michelle in Miami: I'm kind of shocked by how much I liked Hellcats. Any chance we'll be seeing Dan and Savannah hookup?
We're happy to report that you can expect the pretty pair to start dating very soon. Ashley Tisdale tells us, "At first it's like really weird. You're like, Oh, why are they getting together? But then I think throughout each episode you're like, Oh, I get it!" And what romance is complete without a little drama? The Tiz says Savannah's extremely religious upbringing will lead to some (non?)sexual tension. "She's very Christian and so is her family, so she's not used to dating outside of the church. This is a whole new experience with a boyfriend who isn't that religious."
Sandra in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.: When are we going to see this big wedding of Brooke's on One Tree Hill?
That all depends on what the CW Powers That Be decide about picking up One Tree Hill's back nine episodes. If the current 13-episode order stays as is, we'll see a Brulian wedding around episode 11 or 12 (Mark Schwahn tells us it definitely won't happen in the final ep). And if OTH fans are blessed with a full season (fingers crossed), Brooke's nuptials might be pushed back a bit, but still midseason. So start marking those calendars now—in pencil, of course.
Wendee in Beaumont, Calif.: Something on Smallville would really make my day.
Smallville's final season premiere starts just a few seconds after last season's finale, and Clark's 10th season adventures continue on from that point. It's going to be a struggle for the someday superhero, but with help from his dad Jonathan Kent (oh yes, he's back in full force), Clark will eventually make peace with things and be the good guy we all know and love. And Lois is going to start keeping some secrets of her own—starting with not telling Clark she knows who he really is. Hey, someone's gotta look after his well-being, right?
Kirstin in Sykesville, Md.: Please, please, please tell me we're going to see Math get some love on Life Unexpected this season. It's long overdue!
We're right there with ya, and lucky for everyone involved (Austin Basis included!), so is Life Unexpected's awesome show runner gal Liz Tigelaar. "Math always takes Baze's like sloppy seconds, but he wants to be seen as his own person," Liz tells us. "We definitely have him interested in different people and we'll definitely do a story about it. I want to give Math his relationship!" Start your casting call in the comments.
Jessie in Michigan: Anything you can spill on How I Met Your Mother's Robin Sparkles reboot would be amazing!
We just ran into little ole Cobie Smulders (a chick we absolutely adore and are totally girl-crushing on!), and she told us of her next Robin Sparkles episode: "It's some kind of 80's variety show with Alan Thicke, and all those ingredients create a recipe that could be genius. It's powerful stuff," Cobie teased.
Kevin in New York: Any scoop on The Mentalist's Amanda Righetti?
"We are going to see Jane [Simon Baker] becoming more obsessed with Red John, and we do actually get closer to Red John," says Righetti. "And Grace gets a love interest this year, so that's exciting. It's Eric Winter." So romance with Rigsby is on the back burner for the time being. Sniff.
Bethany in New Orleans: Rules of Engagement is my favorite show. Could you do a girl a solid and share something about the new season?
"[Adam and Jennifer] are not getting married; it's not gonna happen," Oliver Hudson tells us. "And there could be a separation." Laughs his onscreen gal Bianca Kajlich: "We're hoping there's a separation, actually."
Jamie: So excited that Parenthood is back! Any scoop?
Kevin Alejandro brings his usual hotness to the table in a courtship of Lauren Graham's Sarah Braverman! Oh, and one of the four Braverman kids is working on bringing another kid into the world. Gasp! Care to guess who? Hit the comments!
Chris in Phoenix: I don't care what the haters say, Rubicon is the smartest show on TV right now. Any scoop on the final episodes?
Couldn't agree more—Rubicon is like gourmet TV! Coming up, Will (James Badge Dale) and Katherine Rhumor (Miranda Richardson) join forces—until that nasty Donald Bloom shows them just how unlucky four-leaf clovers can be. And enigmatic Kale (Arliss Howard), one of TV's most delicious characters, shows he's really one of the good guys. Aw.
Friday, September 17, 2010
'Big Bang Theory' extends hiatus, Kaley Cuoco to miss 'a few' episodes
First the good news: Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco is expected to make a full recovery in the wake of a weekend horseback-riding accident that left her with a fractured leg.
Now the bad news: It looks like the CBS hitcom will be Penny-less for more than one episode.
Although a Warner Bros. spokesperson declined to comment, a Big Bang source confirms that Cuoco—who remains hospitalized in Los Angeles—is now expected to miss “a few” episodes; initial reports had her missing just a single episode.
Additionally, the show—which was previously scheduled to go on hiatus next week—will shut down production for an additional week. Producers will use the extra downtime to determine how best to explain Cuoco’s absence onscreen (Mandi Bierly’s got a few ideas!).
The source points out that Big Bang‘s air schedule will not be impacted by the disruption, which comes as the series is making a high-profile move to Thursday nights. Judging by how well Sheldon & Co. performed in repeats last night, industry analysts (read: me) expect next week’s fourth-season premiere to trounce the competition.
And I repeat: Get well soon, KC!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Ask Ausiello 9/15/10
Question: I know you are busy and all with getting your fall season tactics together, but can you please give me some Private Practice scoop? —Vernice
Ausiello: Fall season tactics? You tickle me, Vernice. Let’s grab a drink sometime. Here’s your Private spoiler: Something tragic will happen to a major character during November sweeps. It’s probably the darkest story PP has ever tackled—and this show has tackled some dark stories. Consider yourself warned.
Question: Seriously, no Fringe scoop last week? Why do I even bother to read this column? —Brett
Ausiello: That’s between you, your therapist, and the lovely people at CVS. If it’s any consolation, I have Fringe scoop this week. Actually, I’ve got a few Fringe scoops. The first one comes courtesy of John Noble, who reveals exactly how Walternate plans to pull Peter’s strings from the alt-universe. “[Walternate] has to ensure that [Peter] continues to work on our side,” says Noble, “and he’ll do that through alt-Olivia.” Okay, I’ll bite: How exactly will Bolivia manipulate Peter? Noble hesitates before whispering, “She seduces him… Did I just say that? Did I just drop a big teaser?” I believe you did, sir!
Question: Does the fact that Fringe is setting every other episode “over there” mean that we’re going to see more of Charlie this season? —Melissa
Ausiello: That’s precisely what that means. Charlie remains active in the alt-world’s Fringe division, so look for him to appear in multiple episodes—beginning with next Thursday’s season premiere.
Question: Can I get some good Grey’s Anatomy news regarding Der and Mer? —Betsy
Ausiello: Among the manifestations of Derek’s post-bloodbath adrenaline junkie phase will be an increased sexual appetite. “[There's] a lot of sex,” says series creator Shonda Rhimes. “He’s on the high that a person gets when they face death and survive it.”
Question: I heard a rumor that Kevin Sorbo will be on The Big Bang Theory playing Sheldon’s much less geeky, way older brother. True? —Ish
Ausiello: False.
Question: I’ll be watching six shows this fall: House, Chuck, Glee, Bones, The Office, and Smallville. You have to have a scoop on at least one of them! Please? —Hillary
Ausiello: How about more on Glee’s emotional third episode? Cory Monteith will be in the spotlight, performing R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” as Finn finds—and loses—his faith in the course of the hour. “So cool,” Monteith says of his solo. “I’ve been a huge Michael Stipe fan all my life.” Apparently he’s a Joan Osborne fan as well: “We end the episode with ‘One of Us,’” he says. “I think it’s been a long time since the song was done properly. I hope we do it well.”
Question: We’re so close to the premiere of Dexter and yet there was nothing in the last AA. Shame. —Adam
Ausiello: A scene in the Sept. 26 premiere in which Astor and Cody learn that their mother has been savagely murdered features a twisted-even-by-Dexter-standards piece of product placement. Hint: The folks at Disney are gonna be out for blood!
Question: My fiancé and I just watched all four seasons of Dexter in one week, and we’re completely hooked. Got any scoop on season 5? —Leslie
Ausiello: The premiere flashes back to Dex and Rita’s very first date. And given what went down on date No. 1, you’ll be shocked they made it to No. 2.
Question: Rumor has it House was shooting some big event on location in downtown Los Angeles last week. Got any deets? —Claudia
Ausiello: You sitting down? Good, ’cause a little birdie confirms to me exclusively that they were shooting a wedding! Now go ahead and stand back up because the bride and groom are, well, nobodies. At least they’re nobodies to us. They’re somebodies to House and Cuddy, who attend the nuptials along with Sam and Wilson. “None of our series regulars are getting married that I know of right now,” says exec producer and aforementioned little birdie Katie Jacobs. “But weddings tend to be a flashpoint for couples. And every couple that has to attend this wedding [ends up] examining where they are in their own relationship.”
Question: Please tell us who kidnaps Lois in the Smallville premiere. Or at the very least give us a hint. —Brian
Ausiello: It is not Lex Luthor. It is, however, the next worst thing.
Question: How much longer will Crosby and Jasmine be doing the long-distance thing on Parenthood? —Christine
Ausiello: “As the season progresses, all three of them find that [the arrangement] hasn’t really worked out,” says exec producer Jason Katims. “So things start to evolve pretty early on in the year. I don’t want to give away exactly what happens, but their living arrangements change.”
Question: Help me! I need some 90210 scoop that doesn’t involve Teddy being gay! —Ely
Ausiello: Look for Deb (Lori Loughlin) to pay an unannounced visit to Cougar Town—the metaphorical one, not the literal one—when she randomly hooks up with Ryan (Ryan Eggold) in November. For those keeping track at home, there’s a 20-year age difference between the two. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Question: Sorry to hear about your wrist! What’s making you feel better as you convalesce? —Ben
Ausiello: My good friend Paulie Percocet has been cheering me up. And in between doses his visits, I watch this.
Question: Did you break your wrist watching the House premiere? —@Sudsy95
Ausiello: No, I broke it *a****g *f* a ******. In related news, the first person to correctly solve that asterisk quiz wins this. Please email your most educated guess to ausielloscoop@ew.com and be sure to include “House contest” in the subject line.
Question: The DirecTV press release about the final season of Friday Night Lights doesn’t mention anything about Gaius Charles returning. Does this mean Smash is not in season 5? If so, did they want to bring him back and couldn’t for scheduling reasons, or was it a creative choice? —Jake
Ausiello: Smash will not be back for the fifth and final season, and, according to exec producer Jason Katims, creative and scheduling considerations came into play. “It was a combination of [Gaius'] availability and the storytelling,” he tells me. “With only 13 episodes, we ended up having to pick and choose which stories and characters to service. The story drives everything. We didn’t want to bring [alums] back just to bring them back. We wanted to make sure we had a good story for them.” That said, Katims says Smash is “referenced” in one of the episodes. “We find out how he’s doing in school.”
Question: Could you give us a clue about your wedding blind item from a while ago? —Jaimee
Ausiello: It’s not Grey’s Anatomy. Or Private Practice.
Question: How about a scoop on Community? All those commercials on Emmy night got me excited for season 2! —Jenny
Ausiello: Señor Chang’s transition from teacher to student will be a rocky one—and that’s a good thing, insists Ken Jeong. “Watching him assimilate into the school he once abused is all sorts of fun,” enthuses Jeong. “I’m having more fun than I’ve ever had on the show right now.”
Question: I’m very disappointed by the lack of Spartacus: Blood and Sand spoilers. To make up for this, how about a spoiler on the second season? It’s only fair. —Carol
Ausiello: I broke my wrist *a****g *f* a ******. Don’t lecture me about fairness, Carol. Having said that, your timing is fortuitous as I just got off the phone with series creator Steven S. DeKnight. Sparty’s boss told me that the search for a new Big Bad (or big Bads) to fill the void left by John Hannah’s Batiatus will soon get under way. “There will be some new people on the villain side,” he says. “But we’re not far enough into [season 2] to nail down any big casting news.” DeKnight went on to say that he “kicked around” the idea of a romance between sworn enemies Spartacus and Ilithyia, but he added that “it’s a tricky thing since she tried to kill him several times, and he firmly connects her to Glaber, who he partially blames for the death of his wife. But will they have some interesting interactions in season 2? Absolutely.”
Question: I have a craving for anything Castle! —Trish
Ausiello: I’ve got three words for you: Castle. Beckett. Nudity. Allow exec producer Andrew Marlowe to explain: “They have to go to a strip club to investigate a murder, and Castle is very excited about this. Unfortunately for him, it turns out to be a male revue with crazy bachelorettes running around. He, of course, ends up being fresh meat.”
Question: Can I have a scoop on Bones please? —Pauline
Ausiello: The rumors are true: Angela, who had a little pregnancy scare last season with boyfriend Wendell, is actually having a baby with husband Hodgins. Actress Michaela Conlin expects Angela to “weave in some of her craziness” to their impending parenthood. “I think we may see her interviewing some doulas and wild pediatricians and things like that. And hopefully, she’ll be eating a lot of weird stuff,” Conlin says. “I think it’s going to be nice to see another side of her this season.”
Question: I love Sweets on Bones, but I hate to see him get the short end of so many sticks. Any news on what’s in store for him this season? —AJ
Ausiello: A possible reunion with Daisy is in store—provided he’s able to forgive her for choosing her career over him. “He’s taking baby steps to finally let [Daisy] back into his heart,” reveals Sweets’ portrayer, John Frances Daley. “He has a very fragile heart. He’s been through a lot. Obviously, they have very strong feelings for each other, and they can’t really stay apart for too long—as we establish [in he premiere]. He’s a good guy generally, so I think ultimately, yeah, he’ll take her back.”
Question: I know TPTB on How I Met Your Mother have said that season 6 is going to be more Ted-centric, but do you think there is even the slightest glimmer of hope for Barney and Robin?—Jessica
Ausiello: “No comment,” responds exec producer Craig Thomas. Adds fellow EP Carter Bays: “We can’t say one way or the other. But we, like everyone, love them together. There is chemistry there that is undeniable.”
Question: Please elaborate on your recent item about a major character being killed off of Burn Notice when it returns in the fall. I’m seriously freaking out here! —Pat
Ausiello: The major character in question is [spoiler alert]. Furthermore, [spoiler alert] will ********** be [spoiler alert]. Hope that helps!
TV Guide Megabuzz 9/14/10
How is Nolivia different than Olivia on Fringe? — Ken
MICKEY: The season premiere, titled simply "Olivia," addresses that question in an unexpected way. You see, not only has Olivia been kidnapped and imprisoned "over there," but her captors are trying to forcibly convince her that she is Nolivia. They start with her marksmanskip skills.
Will Callen get some answers about who's been following him in the NCIS: Los Angeles premiere? — Maggie
ADAM: Yeah, I'd like that answer as well, but executive producer Shane Brennan says that solving that riddle would give away the series' ultimate end. Instead, he promises smaller bits of insight. "The truth of what he finds out is startling," Brennan says. "It's a mystery now, and the further he goes down the rabbit hole, the deeper the mystery gets." Instead, Brennan says to keep your eyes on Callen's boss: "There's a little moment at the very end of Episode 2 that lifts the veil on Hetty. It's setting up something that comes later in the season that will be one of the most powerful episodes we do all season."
I'm so excited for House and Cuddy, sitting in a tree! Give me House scoop. — Katy
MICKEY: Well, before Huddy settles into a normal-couple rhythm, we'll get the rom-com, soft-focus sex scene we've all been waiting for, including a scar kissing that is actually quite touching. But if the cranky doc pitching woo makes you want to retch, there's this: Thirteen is leaving! It's no spoiler to say that she is taking a leave of absence from Princeton-Plainsboro and has booked a flight to Rome. But why Rome, bella Tredici? That is indeed the question.
What can you tell me about The Big Bang Theory? — Jimmy
ADAM: We're hearing that Raj's cousin, who is visiting from India, will go on a date with Leonard — and it, and she, will be a wild one. Meanwhile, Wolowitz takes a very different approach to romance when he gets, um, very hands-on with a robotic arm that belongs to NASA.
It seems like there are a lot of new characters on 90210 this season. I'm concerned. — James
MICKEY: Don't be, they're full of surprises. (But you didn't hear it from me.) The new girl at West Bev used to make adult films with Navid's porn-producer papa, and Liam's sketchy benefactor is dealing more than fake purses. I hate gossip, don't you?
Any Kevin-Scotty spoilers from Brothers & Sisters? — Wendy
ADAM: You know about the couple adopting a troubled teen. What you don't know is that Kevin, who was baby-crazy last year, is initially opposed to the idea. He's taken the surrogate's miscarriage badly, and worse, he won't even talk to Scotty about it. Possibly because he's as torn-up over Robert as Kitty is.
Will The Good Wife's Eli clean up his act this season? I hope not! — Carole
MICKEY: Let's ask Alan Cumming. "I do something at the start of the season that, if [Alicia] ever finds out, there will be trouble," he says. If you're thinking that something has to do with that fateful call in the cliff-hanger, you're right, and duh — of course she finds out. "There are fireworks ahead," Cumming warns.
What more can you tell me about James Remar's guest role on Private Practice? — Samantha
ADAM: He plays an old friend of Pete's whose ethical standards aren't exactly the highest. "He accepts donations from some questionable characters so that he can help people who are less fortunate," Remar says. His reunion with Pete (Tim Daly) makes an impact. "[Pete] gets really turned on to doing emergency medicine again," Daly says, "which kind of takes care of his adrenaline."
I understand that Bree needs to move on after Orson, but Brian Austin Green? Really, Desperate Housewives? Crazy! — Marilou
MICKEY: Marcia Cross agrees with you! "When I heard that Brian Austin Green would be joining the show, I never in a million years thought it would be for me," she says. But Bree's new contractor makes for an interesting palate cleanser after Orson's starchy traditionalism. It's just a shame about that temper of his.
I am badly in need of some killer Dexter scoop! — Brad
ADAM: Rita's murder sends Dexter on the run from the FBI, but our favorite blood-spatter analyst can't disappear too easily: He gets shot within the first three episodes of Season 5 — but not with a bullet.
Parenthood is nothing without Lauren Graham — what's she up to this season? — Matthew
MICKEY: That Sarah Braverman is a gigantic flirt. It's no wonder that the on-a-good-day dyspeptic Adam is even more irritated when his sister joins his company and almost immediately finds not one, but two co-workers with which to behave inappropriately. One of them is Adam's boss.
Why did Sons of Anarchy kill off Hale? — Will
ADAM: Creator and executive producer Kurt Sutter says his writing team developed a "Plan B" in case the contract negotiations with the actor, Taylor Sheridan, went south. "Ultimately, we all creatively fell in love with Plan B, and that became the decision and we moved ahead," Sutter says, noting that the decision also allows new character growth for Unser. "What happens when Unser has to actually be a cop?" Sutter asks. "Everything he does, even his relationship with Sons, has been about protecting Charming. He really has to decide this season between Charming and the Sons."
Adam's Mega Rave: If you're not watching Rubicon (and unfortunately most of you aren't), you're missing Arliss Howard's delightfully twisty performance as puppetmaster Kale. Who else could hire Maggie as a spy while ratting her out to Will, and still be the only person either of them trusts?
Mickey's Mini Rant: I don't need everything tied in a bow, True Blood, but a show that makes us wait nine months between seasons owed us more closure.
'Big Bang Theory' Stars Score Huge Paydays After Hardball Bargaining; Jim Parsons Told 'Take It Or Leave It' Today
I've learned that the stars of The Big Bang Theory are getting fat new paychecks just as the hit CBS comedy is getting ready for its big move to Thursdays next week. After almost 3 months of negotiations with series producer Warner Bros TV, Big Bang leads Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, and Jim Parsons have agreed to a major salary hike that would bring the trio's salaries to $200,000 an episode for the upcoming fourth season, up from about $60,000 last season. The salaries will rise to $250,000 in Season 5, then $300,000 in Season 6 and 350,000 in Season 7. Additionally, they will each receive .25 point of the series' lucrative backend and will be paid $1+ million as an advance against it now and another $1 million in Season 7. That effectively adds another $50,000 to their per-episode paycheck over the life of the deal.
I hear Galecki and Cuoco, who have been negotiating together, closed their deals on Monday in a face-to-face meeting between their representatives and Warner Bros following a powwow with the two actors and their teams on Friday where the studio's final offer was presented. Meanwhile, recent Emmy winner Jim Parsons had been holding out for more money and had handled his negotiations separately despite the fact that he is represented by the same law firm as Galecki and Cuoco (Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren & Richman). I learned that Parsons was offered the same deal as Galecki and Cuoco and given a deadline to take the take it or leave it by today. He just accepted. Talk about hardball: I hear the studio, which had made it clear it was planning to do "favored nations"-type deals (paying all the stars the same), was prepared to table re-negotiations with Parsons until next summer if he had turned down the offer.
Sources close to the talent and studio side called this a great deal for a first renegotiation, though some noted that the trio of Big Bang stars could have gotten even bigger salary bumps if Parsons had not gone solo and they all had bargained together. That's how the Friends cast got to $100,000 an episode each in 1996 dollars during their first renegotiations with Warner Bros after Season 2. Big Bang has the potential to become the next Friends, especially if its move to Friends' Thursday 8 PM time slot works well. The series is coming off a red-hot 3rd season, in which it became the highest-rated comedy on TV, and a blockbuster syndication deal that netted Warner Bros. $2+ million per episode.
In fact, speculations about major cast salaries renegotiations started shortly after the giant syndication deal was announced in May. Talks began in late June with an $100,000 per-episode offer by the studio, to which the actors’ reps didn’t even respond. After Comic-Con, where the Big Bang cast was among the most popular attractions, talks remained stalled. But in the week leading to the show’s production start date, the two sides re-engaged and continued communication with a lot of backchannel conversations back-and-forth until an agreement was reached. "It’s been arduous and hard but amicable and based on real relationships," between reps and Warner Bros execs, one source close to the negotiations tells me. Added another of my insiders, "It was done in a quiet, fair and respectful way." Indeed, the actors never even considered a walkout and fulfilled all their duties on the show throughout the entire renegotiation process.
In the only downer, Cuoco won't be able to fully celebrate her new deal right away. She is at a hospital recuperating from a horseback riding accident over the weekend but is expected to make a full recovery.
Next to renegotiate are Big Bang's co-stars Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar, who also are expected to negotiate salary increases. Reps for Warner Bros. and the actors declined to comment for this story.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
'Big Bang Theory' star Kaley Cuoco on temporary medical leave following weekend fall
The Big Bang Theory has been rendered Penny-less in the wake of Kaley Cuoco’s weekend horseback-riding mishap.
A rep for Cuoco confirms that the actress suffered a broken leg and is currently recuperating in a Los Angeles hospital. “She’s scheduled to make a full recovery,” says the spokesperson.
A Big Bang rep, meanwhile, says Cuoco will be written out of the episode that is taping tonight. The show will then take a previously scheduled weeklong hiatus.
Cuoco’s accident was first reported by TMZ.
Get well soon, Kaley!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Ask Ausiello 9/1/10
Question: Where is the Hugh Laurie interview you promised us from the Emmys?! House fans are an impatient lot! —Gillian
Ausiello: First off, simmer yourself. I’ve had a lot on my plate the past few days, if you hadn’t noticed. Second, the interview is RIGHT. HERE.
So they’re finally going there with Huddy.
HUGH LAURIE: It seems that way.
Scared?
LAURIE: I’m scared for him. Terrified. But so far so good. Baby steps.
Are you happy they finally took the plunge?
LAURIE: I care less about what happens than how it happens. And if you do it right, it will work. And if we don’t do it right, nothing works. But I think we’ve danced around the idea long enough, it was time to take some action.
Is it safe to say that if it doesn’t work with Huddy it won’t work with anyone?
LAURIE: That’s a possibility. He might be fatally flawed.
Question: Please give me some scoop about Jenny’s return to Gossip Girl! —Giovanni
Ausiello: I was right. Jenny reappearance is directly connected to Tim Gunn’s upcoming cameo. Turns out Blair permits her nemesis to return to the scene of her last crime (i.e. Manhattan) just long enough for her to interview for a job with Gunn at Parsons. Without giving too much away, Raccoon Eyes inadvertently gets caught up in Chuck and Blair’s latest drama, and the whole mess comes to a head at (natch) a big fancy party.
Question: How long is Mayim Bialik (Amy) sticking around for on The Big Bang Theory? —Holly
Ausiello: Exec producer Bill Prady tells me the actress fka Blossom is booked for a handful of episodes and there’s “no end in mind.” He adds that after embarking on their first date in the season premiere, Sheldon and Amy “are going to settle into a very peculiar relationship that doesn’t involve a lot of physical proximity—lots of video chatting and texting. But the big crisis coming up for Sheldon is the possibility that Amy is expressing feelings for him. That’s going to be a big problem for him.”
Question: I will literally take anything you’ve got on One Tree Hill. —Jasmine
Ausiello: A major-ish character is going to do some time in the slammer this season. That’s literally all I’ve got.
Question: Got anything on the Grey’s Anatomy/Private Practice crossover involving Derek’s sister? —Nick
Ausiello: I’ve got this quote from exec producer Shonda Rhimes: “Amelia goes to visit Derek in the third episode of Grey’s. Derek got shot and he hasn’t been returning her phone calls. He’s never returned her phone calls. And what I love about the episode is that it really illuminates Derek. Remember: Derek’s father was shot when they were kids—something that both Amelia and Derek witnessed. And for both of them, Derek’s shooting brings up all of these memories of that. And you also get to see the two Shepherd neurosurgeons operating together, which I think is kind of badass.”
Question: I thought for sure the Grey’s couple tying the knot was Callie and Arizona. Imagine my surprise to find out it was Cristina and Owen! Anyhoo, what’s in store for Calzona if not wedding bells? —Steve
Ausiello: A very crowded house. Arizona decides to move in with Callie, who is currently sharing an apartment with Cristina—who just got married to Owen! That’s enough to put a little strain on any relationship. And another obstacle looms later in the season. Teases Rhimes: “Some stuff happens with their careers that’s going to take them in opposite directions possibly.”
Question: I’ve had a rough day. Do you think you could give me a Chuck scoop and make it better? —Jenny
Ausiello: Chuck and Sarah will be swapping genders this season, and their relationship could suffer as a result. Allow exec producer Josh Schwartz to explain: “In their relationship, Sarah is kind of the guy and Chuck is a little bit more of the emotional one. Chuck is someone who is very comfortable with commitment. And Sarah’s only real commitment is to people that she feels are probably going to die in the line of duty.” Adds fellow EP Chris Fedak: “Chuck also has a lot of access to his emotions and Sarah is one who likes to keep her emotions under wraps to a degree.”
Question: Any chance Steve Carell might change his mind and stick with The Office for another year? —Sandra
Ausiello: There was a chance, but that ship has long since sailed, according to exec producer Greg Daniels. “We held out a lot of hope at the beginning of the year when it was first coming out that [Steve] might leave,” he tells me. “We didn’t comment on it at the time because we were making a last-ditch effort.” But Carell stuck to his guns, and, at this point, Daniels does not anticipate an 11th hour reversal. “Steve doesn’t play a lot of games. He said what he wants to [leave] and he’s doing it in a very classy, typical-Steve fashion. I’m 100 percent confident it’s not some kind of ploy. He gave us plenty of lead time to really construct a great exit for him as well as a great ongoing storyline for other people.”
Question: I’d love a Lie to Me scooplet! —Jonathan
Ausiello: As it happens, I have a capital-S Super one for you: The Man of Steel’s mother, Smallville fave Annette O’Toole, is about to guest on the show and give what I assume will be a tour-de-force performance. She’s been cast as a 60-year-old harboring the proverbial dark secret that makes it extra tricky for her to be treated for her early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Question: Any juicy scoop on CSI: Miami that doesn’t involve Calleigh and Delko? —Ann Marie
Ausiello: Yep, but you may feel like you’ve heard this one before—because, in a way, you have. Just as Bones has a Jersey Shore-inspired episode coming up, so does CSI:M. If ever there was a good time to be a Sookie or Situation look-alike, I’ll be damned if this isn’t it.
Question: Thanks for the awesome video of Chris and Mariska on the Emmy red carpet! Did you get any other SVU scoop there? —Jennifer
Ausiello: Not from them, no, but I did hear that Numb3rs’ David Krumholtz is about to guest in an episode. He plays an expert on fancypants mushrooms who’s mixed up in the same murder investigation that involves Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Rosemary Harris.
Question: What’s this I’m hearing about Lux having an affair with her teacher this season on Life Unexpected? —Kayla
Ausiello: Can’t confirm an affair. Can confirm a crush. “They definitely have a dynamic between them,” acknowledges exec producer Liz Tigelaar of Lux and her new hottie teacher, played by Melrose Place‘s Shaun Sipos. “It’s a different kind of story. Lux is a character that doesn’t have any desire to play by the rules. She’s also an old soul. She’s drawn to someone different than the typical high school guy. What do you do when you’re not allowed to be drawn to that? And how do you deal with it? And how does it make you feel? What we really want to do is tell a story that gets underneath this girl [and find out] where boundaries should be crossed with her and why she kind of feels like she’s kind of above the rules.”
Question: Any Emmy stuff you didn’t tell us about already that you probably should have? —Janet
Ausiello: Come to think of it, yes. I have a new hero: Eva Longoria Parker. You see, I was taping my red-carpet interviews right next to TV Guide Channel, and unfortunately, their celebrity wrangler, in her zeal to keep their live coverage seamless, busted in on one Q&A after another in a way that brought to mind the word “inexcusable.” As you can imagine, this peeved me, and many of my fellow reporters, to no end. Even more frustrating was the fact that the stars’ publicists allowed it to happen, over and over. But then there was Parker. When the aforementioned wrangler tried to pull her away mid-conversation from another journalist, the Desperate Housewife said, in essence, “No. That’s rude. I’ll be there as soon as I’m done here.” And, with that simple display of common sense and impeccable manners, she rose to the top of my list of favorite people. (BTW, you can get a glimpse of said wrangler doing the devil’s work at the tail end of my interview with John Krasinski.)
Question: Can I just say that your interviews were so cute I just want to pinch your cheeks. Now do you have any good Bones spoilers? —Madeline
Ausiello: You can touch the cheeks, but no pinching. They bruise easily. Here’s your Bones spoiler: Brennan is having a change of heart about Booth!! “What happened at the [end of last season] was that we saw Booth move on and not have any regrets,” recounts exec producer Stephen Nathan. “He did his best. He professed his love and when she couldn’t reciprocate he realized at that point this is now crazy, I have to be happy. I have to try to make a life for myself. And he’s moved on. Now Brennan—who felt very secure in her decision last year—has had seven months alone to think about this. And we think that she’s come back reevaluating her situation and the choice she made with Booth. Brennan is seeing things differently. She seemed to have one take for five years and I think the time away has made her reevaluate what she wants from life and perhaps a relationship with Booth. I don’t think this is something that she has an easy time admitting to herself. And perhaps it hasn’t even bubbled up from her subconscious yet, but it’s something that’s real this season.” I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: This is the season it happens! I can feel it in my, er, bones!
Question: Enough about Booth and Brennan. How about something on Angela and Hodgins? —Missy
Ausiello: The buzz is it’ll be smooth sailing for the newlyweds this season, but Michaela Conlin isn’t buying it. “I don’t believe that,” Angela’s portrayer tells me, before hinting that “something happened” during the seven-month flash forward between the two that “will come up” later in the season. Hmm….
Question: More Bones scoop, please! —Matt
Ausiello: Daisy and Sweets will “reconnect” in the season premiere, but “their relationship is different,” notes EP Stephen Nathan. “Sweets has become a free man in his seven months without Daisy and isn’t initially willing to give that up.”
Question: Since Jason Segel reportedly wants out of How I Met Your Mother when his contract expires after season 8, does that mean that’s when the show will end? —Chip
Ausiello: Maybe… maybe not. “It was funny to see that [quote] become such a story,” laughs executive producer Craig Thomas, “because all our contracts are through eight seasons. [But we all love it] so much, we’d be willing to talk about going beyond that point, too.” Especially since the series’ heart soon will be once again in the right place. Says fellow EP Carter Bays: “We gave our director our little document, [our] Season 6 Map, and she came in with tears in her eyes and said, ‘We’re back!’”
Question: We already know Kate (Alexandra Daddario) is returning to White Collar, but do you know anything about the story—aside from the fact that it’s a flashback episode? —Julie
Ausiello: The episode—the first one back in January—focuses almost entirely on the origin of the Kate-Neil relationship and how it folds into the show’s mythology (i.e. the music box).
Question: A Smallville spoiler in honor of the show’s 10th and final season? —Nelson
Ausiello: Sources confirm to me exclusively that there will be at least one huge “Clois” moment in each of the first eight episodes.
Question: 30 Rock scoop….please? — Randy
Ausiello: On the red carpet at the Emmys, Jane Krakowski told me that as the show enters its fifth season, the show within the show is entering its fifth season as well. And “Jenna has all these wacky things built into her contract [that kick in at this point], because nobody thought we’d still be on the air,” she said. “So I get to be a producer.”
Question: You’re always so nice about making with the 30 Rock spoilers. Please don’t let the streak end today. —Henna
Ausiello: Since you lied about me being so nice, how can I resist? At the Emmys, Keith “Toofer” Powell revealed that, in one of the first new episodes, he’d be getting a big storyline. And not just that, “it involves one of the funniest scenes I have ever read,” he teased. Okay, I’m intrigued. You?
George Takei Warps to 'Big Bang Theory'
It's safe to say that the nerds of 'The Big Bang Theory' -- Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Sheldon (Emmy winner Jim Parsons), Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) and Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar) -- are quite familiar with 'Star Trek' lore.
But this season, only one of that quartet will share a scene with 'Star Trek's' Sulu, George Takei, who'll play himself on the CBS comedy in an episode tentatively scheduled for Thu., Oct. 14.
Take a moment to absorb this phaser blast: In that episode, Takei will appear alongside fellow geek icon Katee Sackhoff ('Battlestar Galactica'), who, as I reported last week, is returning to 'Big Bang Theory' to play Wolowitz's conscience.
In an interview, Prady explained that Wolowitz is thinking about getting back together with his ex-girlfriend Bernadette (Melissa Rauch), and it sounds as though Sackhoff and Takei will represent opposing points of view.
"George Takei plays himself, and he's the other person guiding Wolowitz in his thoughts as he tries to figure out what to do about Bernadette," Prady said.
Prady won't disclose the venue for this conversation, but he ruled out a return to Wolowitz's bathtub, where Sackhoff famously appeared last season. But Sackhoff and Takei do share some dialogue, Prady noted.
"I think they do discuss being typecast in science-fiction shows," Prady said.
Though the CBS comedy is opening up a new comedy block for CBS on Thursdays this fall, Prady said that the show doesn't have any plans to alter its basic DNA or engage in crazy stuntcasting.
He noted that he's not a fan of guest stars that "take you out of the world" that the characters normally live in, hence the show's plans to continue casting people and actors that "mean something to these guys."
Stuntcasting means that "you're not watching the show -- you're watching Madonna or Britney Spears. You're watching something that's meta. What we often do is have people from the sci-fi or technology world, often playing themselves," Prady said.
Along those lines, computer pioneer Steve Wozniak will appear in the second episode of the season, and Prady and co-creator Chuck Lorre hope to engineer a return visit for Wil Wheaton, a 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' veteran who has guested on the show a few times as Sheldon's nemesis.
Speaking of guest stars, Mayim Bialik, who plays Sheldon's new friend Amy Farrah Fowler, will recur this fall, and Laurie Metcalf will return in episode 3 as Sheldon's mom.
Wait, I have a feeling I've forgotten something. Oh yeah! Jim Parsons won a Best Comedy Actor this week. Thoughts, Mr. Prady?
"We couldn't be prouder of him," Prady said. "He obviously brings an astonishing performance."
But Prady went out of his way to praise the entire cast, which includes Kaley Cuoco as Penny.
"Usually when you do this [job], when you sit in the writers' room, there's a cast member you're writing away from. You're sitting in the room going, 'Well, he can't deliver a line like that' and 'She'll never give you this moment that you're envisioning, so let's just write away from it,'" Prady said. On 'Big Bang,' "we sit in a room and never once, not for a moment, do we talk about any of these actors not being able to do anything we can think of. It's so wonderful to have Jim's performance acknowledged by the Academy, but it's one of five incredible performances that we experience."
I'll have more from Prady closer to 'The Big Bang Theory's' Sept. 23 season premiere.
'Big Bang Theory': Evil Wil Wheaton poised to return
It looks like Sheldon is climbing back in the ring with his longtime rival, Evil Wil Wheaton.
Big Bang Theory executive producer Bill Prady confirms to me exclusively that he wants to revive the ugly feud this season—possibly in time for November sweeps.
“We started talking about the idea of minor celebrities cutting in line,” Prady says, “and we thought it might be funny to have our [Big Bang] guys waiting in line for a one-time-only midnight screening of something like Raiders of the Lost Ark with restored footage, and Wil Wheaton and his three friends cut the line. When it comes time for our guys to get in, the line stops; Wil took the last four seats and Sheldon is just furious. Because it doesn’t make sense to him. Wil’s celebrity is not applicable here. This is not Star Trek. It’s just wrong.”
Prady says the plot—which is still in the planning stages—was not inspired by that highly publicized June incident in which Jason Bateman was allowed to jump to the front of a massive iPhone 4 line at a Los Angeles-area Apple store. “Someone brought that up, but we were mostly talking about our good friend Adam Savage from Mythbusters,” says Prady. “He was apparently in Las Vegas for a Star Trek auction, and there was a preview and he got to cut the line.”
Big Bang Theory‘s fourth season—its first on Thursday night—kicks off Sept. 23.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
'Big Bang Theory' spoiler alert: What's the story behind this picture?
Why is Penny tagging along on Sheldon’s first date with Amy (Mayim Bialik) in the season premiere of The Big Bang Theory? Kaley Cuoco provided some much needed context at last night’s 2010 Entertainment Weekly and Women in Film pre-Emmy bash. The game actress also offered a spoiler about an upcoming episode involving expensive *o*o*s, and tearfully accepted Big Bang‘s EWwy award for best comedy series. The Cuoco Q&A is after the jump!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Katee Sackhoff Returning to 'Big Bang Theory'!
My new AOL TV column doesn't officially debut until Sept. 1 -- and debut it will, with a title and picture and everything. But when the nerd Batphone rings, you can be sure Mo Ryan will answer it, whether or not the Photoshop wizards have finished working on my column photo.
I found out that 'The Big Bang Theory' is breaking out the big guns for its impending move to Thursdays, and I just had to get this exclusive news out there now: Katee Sackhoff is guest starring on the CBS comedy again this fall.
The actress, who played Kara "Starbuck" Thrace on 'Battlestar Galactica' and Dana Walsh on '24,' won't be in the season premiere of 'Big Bang' (Thurs., Sept. 23, 8PM ET on CBS), but keep reading for scoop on that one, too.
Sackhoff will return later this fall to the role she first played last year -- the version of "Katee Sackhoff" who acts as the conscience of Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg). The episode will also feature the return of Melissa Rauch as Wolowitz's ex-girlfriend, Bernadette.
"He's struggling with his feelings about Bernadette and them breaking up, and in pops Katee Sackhoff again," Sackhoff laughed. "I can probably say [the scene] won't be in the bathtub. I don't know for sure ... I can't imagine them doing the same thing twice, but you never know."
Appearing on 'Big Bang' -- which grew into such a hit that CBS is using it as part of a new sitcom block in a hotly contested Thursday slot -- "really, really helped me decide that I could do [comedy]," Sackhoff said. "So when [co-creator Chuck Lorre] called to see if I could do a second episode, I said, 'Of course.'"
Sackhoff admitted that, prior to her first 'Big Bang' experience, she had avoided funny roles for years. It's not surprising given that her first Hollywood guest role -- on the WB comedy 'Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane' -- didn't go very well, especially when her character had to deliver a "throaty laugh."
"I was 18 years old. I had no idea what a throaty laugh was," Sackhoff said. When the episode aired, another actress' voice had been dubbed over hers for the laugh. Sackhoff's reaction: "And I will never do comedy again!"
But she said that a decade spent playing serious roles on shows like '24,' 'Battlestar Galactica' and 'Bionic Woman' had her on the lookout for a change of pace. "I think that people remember you for your last job, and ... no one can picture you outside of that," Sackhoff said. "So I was looking for something to tear the lid off that box."
Appearing on 'Big Bang' last November (in the aforementioned bathtub scene with Wolowitz) was "daunting ... thank God for the bubbles, because I didn't have to do it in front of a live audience," she added with a laugh. Though she said she was relieved that the episode was largely well-received, she was a bit thrown by the surprising reaction in some quarters.
"My mom called me and she goes, 'Everyone online thinks you've had your boobs and your lips done.' I was like, 'What?!'" Sackhoff recalled. "I just thought it was absolutely the funniest thing ever. I realized it's because they've never seen me with that much makeup on before. And because it's supposed to be Wolowitz's fantasy, I had on the stuff that pushed my boobs together and we traced the line of my lips to make them bigger, because in his mind, they're huge. I mean, it was a caricature of myself. I cracked up."
So is she open to coming back for more? Absolutely. "We're just trying to figure out how many times Starbuck or Katee Sackhoff can pop up in Wolowitz's head. It can't be every episode ... I mean, I would love to have me pop up every episode, but maybe it's too much. Maybe I could do a 'final thought,' like Andy Rooney does, at the end of every ['60 Minutes'] episode," she joked.
If you can't wait until Sept. 23 to see Sackhoff, she's also appearing on 'Futurama' this Thursday (Aug. 26, 10PM ET on Comedy Central).
Oh, and if you see her and Tricia Helfer (Six!) passing through your town this October on motorcycles, know that A) You are not seeing things, and B) the 'Battlestar Galactica' castmates -- who are very good friends in real life -- are riding from Los Angeles to Louisiana to raise money for the Gulf region in the wake of the BP oil spill.
"We're trying to continue to raise awareness that this will be an ongoing problem," said Sackhoff, who'll start selling T-shirts benefiting Gulf causes via the site actingoutlaws.org in a couple of weeks.
Even when not riding for charity, she and Helfer like getting on their motorcycles and cruising around Los Angeles. I asked what the reaction is when 'Battlestar' fans see them at gas stations. "It's kind of funny, especially when [fellow 'BSG' actor] Michael Trucco goes with us," Sackhoff said. "People are like, 'Wow, what just happened?'"
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Fancast Big Tease 8/24/10
With Alex O’Loughlin starring in the new ‘Hawaii Five-0‘ (premiering Sept. 20, CBS), I would love to see this hottie in an on-screen romance. Any scoop on that? – Amy
Will there be onscreen romance for Alex’s Steve McGarrett? “Goodness gracious, yes!” a (female) source assures The Big Tease. In fact, just three or four episodes into the season, you can count on some seriously “hot ‘n heavy action” for Hawaii’s top cop.
On September 13, ‘Hawaii Five-0‘ premieres at Sunset On The Beach in Waikiki. Which actors will attend the premiere? Alex O’Loughlin, perhaps? – Karen
I am happy to say that the entire ‘Five-0′ ensemble – AO’L included – will be there. Aloha!
Can we expect to see more of Parker this season on ‘Bones‘? That kiddo is just too cute to be off screen for so long. – Amanda
It won’t be long at all ’til you spy the rugrat: Booth’s son – still played by Ty Panitz – shows up in the September 23 premiere.
Temperance wore some strikingly beautiful silver jewelry during the first few years of ‘Bones,’ and I have never seen any jewelry similar. Can you tell me something about it? – Georgeann
According to the show, there are two L.A-based designers they use to accessorize Brennan: Aklia Chinn of Aklia, and Kate Lindsay of Kate Lindsay Designs.com.
Got anything on ‘Supernatural‘? – Beth
Jared Padalecki will seize the spotlight as Season 6 launches Sept. 24, when “Sam comes back under mysterious circumstances – as people tend to do when they get out of Hell!” show runner Sera Gamble shares with a chuckle. And though the bros have the Apocalypse behind them, don’t worry about them kicking back with historically disposable love interests. “No, what the boys need is to be hunters, to save people while probably suffering a lot in their personal life on every level,” says Gamble. “That’s what makes them heroes.”
Will the fact that Tony and Gibbs missed Ziva’s citizenship ceremony in the ‘NCIS‘ season finale be addressed in the Sept. 21 premiere or any episode after? – Lyss
I asked around for you, Lyss, and that topic does not come up, at least in the first few episodes of Season 8.
Matt, I was hoping for any scoop on the ‘Smallville‘ episode “Isis.” – Chrisluvstom via Twitter
As revealed by Kryptonsite, “Isis” is this season’s fifth episode, and there’s been speculation over what/who exactly the title refers to. I have confirmed this much: Although DC lore does boast an Isis character (born of a live-action Saturday-morning series I was addicted to as a lad – “Oh Mighty Isis!”), ‘Smallville’ is serving up a non-branded Egyptian goddess – though the eagle-eyed may catch a wink-wink to the DC heroine.
Can you confirm that Allison Mack will only be in five episodes of ‘Smallville‘ this season? – Jessica
At first glance, that tally seemed skimpy, but it’s the real deal. As Chloe’s portrayer – now starring in the Broadway play ‘Love, Loss and What I Wore’ – told the New York Post, “I didn’t feel comfortable walking away from the show, and my character, without a completion. So I committed to doing five episodes to giving her the ending I think she deserves.”
Any scoop on my favorite ‘Glee‘ couple, Tina and Artie? – Dee
Oh, you haven’t heard? Those two are totes dunzo when Season 2 arrives on September 21. Kevin McHale reveals how Artie blew it big-time in this video Q&A.
I am in love with ‘Covert Affairs.’ Any scoop? And if you wanna be extra nice, I’d love for it to be about Ben (played by Eion Bailey)! – Melissa
As the double-episode, September 14 season-ender nears, I’ve been promised that there will be “a lot of Ben.” Yet at the same time poor Annie will be left to wonder – more than ever – who she can and cannot trust.
Any goodies on ‘Hellcats,’ ‘Nikita’ or ‘No Ordinary Family‘ (premiering Sept. 28, ABC)? – HellcatsNewsTV via Twitter
I choose door #3 and present this video Q&A with Michael Chiklis and Julie Benz. (P.S. I apologize to Buffyverse fans for brainfarting that Julie “died” like 17 times before her ‘Dexter’ demise.)
Thanks for the scoop on ‘Royal Pains‘ new and returning guest stars. But I hope that Brooke D’Orsay is back in the winter, too! “Paigan” = the best ‘RP’ ’ship to date. – Rivier via Twitter
Worry not, the ‘Drop Dead Diva’ beauty will be back as Paige when Season 1.5 arrives in January.
I heard that an ingénue by the name of Amelia Pedlow, a local gal from Philly, will have a part on ‘The Good Wife.’ Any truth to the rumors? – Alan
We here at Fancast – a Comcast site – do love the City Of Brotherly Love, so here’s a shout-out to the local girl done good: Pedlow is guest-starring in the second episode of the season as Daria Joyce, the girlfriend of a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan.
Is ‘Pretty Little Liars‘ returning to let us know if Allison is really alive? Surely they are not leaving us with the way it has ended! – Yolanda
They will not leave you hanging, and stop calling me Shirley. ‘PLL’ will likely resume its freshman run sometime in January. To bide the time, check out my video Q&A with Bryce Johnson (aka Officer Wilden), who hopes to have one of the girls behind bars by season’s end.
Is ‘Big Bang Theory’s move to Thursday the kiss of death for this intelligent and funny show? I note that it will now directly compete with another highly original sitcom, ‘Community.’ Thank heavens for DVR and On Demand. – Jim
Listen, you’re talking to the guy who questioned moving ‘Big Bang’ to the après-’Two And A Half Men’ slot. Result: the gangbustiest ratings ever. Exec producer Chuck Lorre is among those who urge us all to trust CBS. “One assumes they’ve given it a lot of thought, so if they think this is a good call, then that’s great,” he says. “Our job is to make a good show… [to] grow the crops. We don’t have the truck that brings them to market.” To bolster ‘Big Bang’s chances, CBS is running a promotional blitz as we speak, and loading up on winning guest stars such as Mayim Bialik (back in the Sept. 23 premiere as Sheldon’s “perfect match,” Amy Farrah Fowler), Laurie Metcalf (playing Sheldon’s mom) and Apple founder Steve Wozniak as… Apple founder Steve Wozniak.
Is Dillon Casey returning to ‘The Vampire Diaries‘ as Noah? – Johanna
Sorry, Jo, but this is an instance where IMDb “bites.” Says exec producer Julie Plec, ” There is nothing scheduled for him currently.” ‘TVD’ returns Sept. 9.
Do you know if ‘Flashpoint‘ is coming back for another season? – Deacon
I do not – and nether does anyone at CBS. Yet.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The Future of Big Bang, The Good Wife, Charlie Sheen and More...It's CBS' Day to Schmooze the Critics
We love us some Big Bang Theory. And hey, we know loads of people love Two and a Half Men too.
But lest there ever be a class-off between the stars of Chuck Lorre's two hit CBS comedies, you should hear what BBT's star Kaley Cuoco told reporters today.
CBS rolled out stars from its new and returning fall series in Beverly Hills today, as the 2010 Television Critics Press Tour kicked off, and here's what you need to know about what went down:
The Big Bang Theory: Everyone's beloved Big Bangers made their post Comic-Con appearance today, bringing along even more scoop for the masses. Like what, you ask?
Um, like the return of Wil Wheaton and Wolowitz's onetime ladylove Bernadette. "He's evil," Bill Prady teased of Wil. "He's Sheldon's mortal enemy." And Melissa Rauch makes a comeback, although it's still unclear as to what her relationship with Howard will be.
Speaking of Sheldon, someone braved the topic of Jim Parsons' character having some sexytime with returning love interest Mayim Bialik (Blossom!), and Jim responded: "I don't know the answer to it, but I wouldn't hold anything past anybody at this point. I might have said no for sure six months ago, but I never thought we'd even stumble upon a female that he communicated with. [And] we did that." And all Chuck Lorre would say is, "He'll have a very specific relationship with Mayim." Uh-huh. Sure.
And before you broach to subject of those much-talked about contract negotiations with Kaley or Jim, think again. This cast is far too classy and tactful to discuss such things. Unlike the most recent tactics of a certain Two and a Half star, it seems they'd prefer to keep their bargaining details out of the press.
"We have people that kind of help us with that and take care of it," Kaley responded. "I mean, I'm doing next season for free. I don't know about you guys. I just figure it would make things a lot easier." Like we said, class-ay!
CBS Executive Session: Head gal-in-charge Nina Tassler chatted with critics and responded to the recent failing grade from GLAAD (gulp!). Nina promises more sexually diverse characters on the way in the coming season. "We're very disappointed in our track record so far," Nina admitted. "[But] we know we will do better...You're going to meet Alicia's brother in The Good Wife, a gay character. We're also going to be adding a new character to Rules of Engagement. Jeff and Audrey's surrogate will be a member of Jeff's softball team, and she's a lesbian. We're also going to be recurring a character in $#*! My Dad Says, [played by] Tim Bagley."
Also exploring a new side of her sexuality in the coming year is The Good Wife's Kalinda (Archie Panjabi). "You [won't] see it in the first part of the season, but you will later on," Nina tells critics. "People love speculating about her personal life and her sexuality, so as long as people keep talking about it, we don't want to spill the beans just yet."
Nina also made known that Two and a Half Men fans need not fret over Charlie Sheen's availability despite his ongoing criminal case. "We happen to have a really wonderful relationship with [Warner Bros.] and there's been no indication that there will be any interruption to the delivery of the episodes or to production." According to sources, he will be able to make it on set when the show resumes production next week.
Hawaii Five-O: With Comic-Con survivors Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park hard at work back on the island, CBS fave Alex O'Loughlin and Entourage's Scott Caan chatted up critics Tuesday afternoon to talk about their new series—which is not a remake, just so you know!
"For me, the word 'remake' suggests we're doing exactly the same thing," explained show runner Alex Kurtzman. "And in our experience in Star Trek we felt like you have to find the spirit of what that original franchise was about, and you have to really be true to it, then you have to expand on it and bring it into the modern time with whatever rules will govern it."
Scott revealed that he did not go back to rewatch the original series in hopes to make his character Dano his own. Alex tuned in a bit, but only enough to get a sense of who MacGarrett was.
Fun fact: Peter Lenkov dubbed DDK "the unofficial mayor of Waikiki," thanks in large part to his Lost history in Hawaii.
Mike and Molly: Alright you guys, listen up. We all know you've seen the promos for Chuck Lorre's latest TV venture, but please, please do not mistake it for a show about being overweight (like, ahem, some critics in the room may have). Seriously.
"It's about real people with real issues trying to have a relationship," Chuck explained. "Television would normally have cast Chris O'Donnell and Courteney Cox as the people who meet at Overeaters Anonymous. But in this case we had the courage and the wisdom to cast people that are just people. They're trying to make their lives better, and find someone that they can love and be loved by." Well said, C.L.
But for the record, both Melissa McCarthy (Gilmore Girls!) and Billy Gardell (who couldn't be more endearing in real life) are still grateful. Says Billy: "These men are incredibly gracious to put someone who's not 'normal'-looking in the middle of the show, and I know Melissa feels the same way too. When you're a fat guy in Hollywood, you're the bad guy, the cop, or the neighbor. That's what you're doing."
The Defenders/Blue Bloods/$#*! My Dad Says: CBS' newest cop/legal drama-ramas (and Twitter operation) all showed up here today, too, with TV vets Jim Belushi (so funny), William Shatner and Tom Selleck in the house, plus two of our faves Donnie Wahlberg and Jerry O'Connell.
Like what you see? Hope so! Fill us in in the comments section, and stick around for coverage from your favorite shows all week.
'Big Bang' Renegotiations Update: The Two Sides Are Talking But Nowhere Near Deal
One week before CBS’ hit The Big Bang Theory is scheduled to go back into production on Season 4, I hear the main cast is still nowhere near a deal in their salary renegotiations with producing studio Warner Bros. TV. But actors, at least most of them, are expected to report to work when filming starts next Wednesday as their contracts stipulate.
I hear the studio went to the 3 stars of the show, Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco, about a month ago with an offer for $100,000 an episode. While that is a sizable bump from what the trio most recently made (around $60,000 an episode), that number is way lower than the $250,000 per episode range that has been speculated about by industry insiders given Big Bang’s high ratings, its importance to CBS as a new Thursday 8 PM anchor and mostly because of the show’s recent record-breaking syndication sale by Warner Bros. of $2M+ per episode.
I hear the reps for the actors didn’t respond to the offer, leading to 3 weeks of radio silence between the two camps. The silence was broken a couple of days ago, following Comic-Con where the Big Bang cast was among the most popular attractions and heading into start of production next Wednesday and CBS’ TCA presentation today. I hear it was WBTV that reached out to the actors and there has been some back-and-forth but no new money offer is on the table. I hear complicating things is the fact that Parsons has separated himself from the others as he reportedly pursues a bigger paycheck. (He, Galecki and Cuoco continue to be represented by the same law firm, Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren & Richman. (As I stated before when that was only a possibility, I believe the three actors can accomplish a lot more if they stick together the way the Friends cast did years ago.) From what I hear, while not specific, talks between the two sides are pretty civil and there could be a breakthrough before Aug. 4. If not, negotiations are expected to continue while the actors are working. That would be in contrast to the case with the Friends cast who demanded salary increases to about $100,000 each per episode after the first two seasons and threatened to boycott production of Season 3 episodes if they didn't get what they wanted. They eventually did.
The Big Bang cast took a light approach when asked about the state of renegotiations at the show's TCA panel today.
“I don't think any of us really even know what's going on,” Cuoco said. “We have people that help us with that and take care of it. I mean, I'm doing next season for free. I don't know about you guys. I just figure it would make things a lot easier,” she said, drawing laughs from the audience. “But, no, we all have people behind the scenes that we pay to take care of this so we won't have to deal with it. And I think it will all be find in the end. This is just the way it goes.”
Added Parsons: “My people work for free,” leading to another zinger, this one from co-star Kunal Nayyar: “I don't have any people." (Nayyar and Simon Helberg are also expected to renegotiate their deals, probably after Parsons, Galecki and Cuoco complete theirs.)
Also at TCA today, CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler was optimistic that “things will work out” the way they did on another WBTV-produced comedy series, Two and a Half Men, which recently went through negotiations with star Charlie Sheen. The Big Bang situation is actually less complicated because the actors are under existing contracts whereas Sheen's deal was up.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
‘Community’ creator: We’re terrified over ‘Big Bang’
"Community" creator Dan Harmon says his team is "terrified and humbled" to go up against CBS' mega-rated "Big Bang Theory" on Thursday nights this fall.
"I hope I don't get destroyed," Harmon said. "I think there's room for both. I think we're like little containers of peas in that frozen dinner, but we're not quite the Salisbury steak." Full video interview below:
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Coming This Summer To CBS And WBTV: 'The Big Bang Theory' Cast Renegotiations
It’s renegotiations time for the Big Bang gang. The CBS comedy is coming off a red-hot third season and a gigantic off-network syndication deal, putting the cast of the show in a prime position for big salary bumps. Which brings me back to a post I did a month ago titled Is The Big Bang Theory the next Friends? The two comedies share a similar setup: ensemble multi-camera sitcoms about single twentysomethings, the majority of them living in two apartments across the hall; similar ratings strength: Big Bang is now the highest-rated scripted series on TV just like Friends once was; and now the two also share the same time slot, Thursday 8PM, after CBS decided to move Big Bang there in the fall.
Yes, I felt the two comedies had a lot in common… until now. One of the signature moves of the Friends cast was that they negotiated their deals together in an all-for-one, one-for-all fashion, getting to $100,000 per episode each in their first go-around with producer Warner Bros. TV after two seasons and eventually to $1 million per episode. Now, the cast of Big Bang is facing their first salary renegotiation with WBTV following a record-breaking syndication deal for the show, that netted the studio $2+M per episode. But I hear one of the three leads, Jim Parsons, is considering negotiating separately from co-stars Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco.
Some of the rationale behind the strategy is that Parsons has been the breakout star of the series and that he is the only regular who has been nominated for an Emmy. But while Parsons gets a lot of attention, some argue that Cuoco might be the one with the most leverage as her feature career is picking up. She was offered 3 movies to do during her hiatus this year and was able to fit in 2, I Hop and The Last Ride. To keep the Friends analogy, Cuoco has potential to become the next Jennifer Aniston. But despite that, I hear neither Cuoco nor sitcom veteran Galecki have any interest in negotiating their deals separately from their co-stars.
Parsons has already gotten recognition on the show with larger salary bumps early on. Since the trio’s initial salaries were based on their quotes, Galecki and Cuoco, both sitcom veterans, started off with bigger paychecks than Parsons who was less known. Going into season 4, all three have reached parity, each making around $60,000 per episode. The 3 are also bound by another thing: they all are represented by the same law firm, Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren & Richman.
And, whether the three renegotiate in coordination or not, I hear WBTV is looking to give them “favorite nations” deals, meaning all would get the best terms any of them was able to negotiate. “The studio has to do it that way,” one insider said. “They will have an unhappy set otherwise.”
For that reason, favored nations deals have become common practice on ensemble shows these days. The four leading ladies on ABC’s Desperate Housewives too started off at different salary levels but the differences were erased after the first couple of seasons and the four have been cutting equal paychecks ever since, currently $250,000 per episode each. And while they don’t negotiate together per se, there is coordination among the actresses’ reps.
It is not clear where the three stars of Big Bang will end up salary-wise as talks are yet to begin. (They could potentially reach the $250,000 per-episode salary of the Desperate Housewives stars given the extraordinary size of Big Bang’s syndication deal.) Since the Big Bang actors are under multi-year contracts and are not entitled to a raise, it is customary for the studio to reach out first with an offer for more money that triggers a back-and-forth with the actors’ reps. That hasn’t happened yet on Big Bang, with many studio executives and agents away on vacation. But when the two sides begin negotiations, probably soon, I hear WBTV may look to add at least two and maybe even 3 more years to the actors’ current contracts. The standard salary renegotiations practice on successful series calls for the cast to get another year added to their original six-year contracts in exchange for getting more money than originally negotiated. But WBTV just sold 9 seasons of Big Bang episodes in syndication. Longer-term deals with the primary cast would prevent a repeat of the Two and a Half Men standoff this year where star Charlie Sheen, who had no deal beyond Season 7, held up the eighth season of the hit WBTV comedy, which had already been picked up by the network and sold in syndication.
So whatever salary bumps Galecki, Cuoco and Parsons secure for the next 3 seasons, which they already have deals for, they will be even more handsomely rewarded for any extra seasons they agree to. The trio’s salary renegotiations will also set the pace for the two other co-stars of the show, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar, who are also expected to get raises.
As for the timetable of the talks, it’s unclear for now. Following WBTV’s syndication deal for Friends during the show’s second season, the cast demanded salary increases to about $100,000 each per episode and threatened to boycott production of Season 3 episodes if they didn't get what they wanted. For the Big Bang cast, early indications are that talks could proceed peacefully and may stretch into the fall, possibly continuing while the actors work on Season 4.
