National Geographic’s hit series Life Below Zero returns for season two on April 17, 2014 at 9pm ET/PT. The series debuted in May 2013 and immediately built up a fan following and the new season promises to be just as riveting, as viewers are once again allowed inside the world of people who live in Alaska’s remote wilderness.
Details on the New Season of Life Below Zero:
It won’t be long before bone-chilling cold puts the series’ six Alaskans to a minute-by-minute test of survival. Ingenuity and strength of mind and body are essential, as seen in a broad array of building projects, cold weather survival skills, food acquisition and resource management. Only the mentally fit will be able to endure the extreme test of isolation and endless work required to survive the many months of winter in the Alaska bush.
Fan favorite Sue Aikens lives 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle at the Kavik River Camp, where nine months of the year she is the sole resident, with only a family of foxes and a retired sled dog to keep her company. The challenges for her this winter are tougher than ever. She’ll finally get the chance to face down a grizzly bear that’s been taunting her camp for years, and the purchase of a new all-terrain vehicle will force her to navigate a hundred miles of desolate tundra in the dark and bitter temperatures. Through it all, she never loses the no-nonsense toughness that viewers have fallen in love with.
Chip and Agnes Hailstone have many mouths to feed, and it’s finally time for their eldest children to step up and help with the familial responsibilities. The first order of business will be to seek out new hunting grounds in time for the all-important annual moose hunt, which could yield several hundred pounds of fresh meat for their family. Chip will also put his handyman skills to work repurposing everyday items into essential appliances and tools, such as a wood-burning stove from a used oil drum.
Andy and Kate Bassich will have an extra set of hands this winter, as they take on an apprentice in hopes of training a whole new generation of off-the-grid pioneers. This newbie will be thrown into the deep end to learn the ins and outs of surviving off the land in the Alaskan bush. The Bassiches will start winter with one of their most important tasks: catching thousands of pounds of salmon to feed more than 20 sled dogs. If the dogs can’t eat, the dogs can’t live, leaving Andy and Kate without transportation and with little hope of survival.
Erik Salitan, who is back for season 2, will return home from guide season to his home in Wiseman. An avid subsistence hunter, Erik’s on a mission this winter to take down an elusive wolf whose fur could provide him the means to purchase fuel, food and other winter necessities. He has also expanded the size of his camp, which increases the burdens of maintenance when supplies are often scarce.
Casting is underway for Fox’s unscripted series Utopia, a groundbreaking social experiment in which everyday people will have to form their own community and basically create a new civilization. The series is looking for “motivated and adventurous people who possess the passion and determination to create and build a whole new world – just the way they want it! Entrants should express their ideals, beliefs, skill sets, and vision for their interpretations of UTOPIA.”
In order to be considered for the reality series, contestants must be at least 21 years old as of March 24, 2014 and be legal US citizens. Utopia hopefuls must also be able to put aside an entire year if they’re chosen for the cast. Anyone interested should visit utopiatv.com for more information and to submit a video. Only one video per person is allowed.
The Details: Utopia will follow 15 inhabitants as they leave their everyday lives to move to a beautiful, but isolated and undeveloped location – for up to an entire year – challenging them to create their own world. The series offers people from across America the chance to be part of a groundbreaking social experiment – the pioneers will make every decision about how they will live, work, and what the rules and laws of UTOPIA will be.
With no existing power structures and limited amenities, these “pioneers” must draw on their own ideals and everything they know about societies around the world, to create a new one…will it be better? Will they rewrite the rules they have always lived by? Will they falter or prosper?
ABC will be debuting the new shows The Astronaut Wives Club, Bachelor in Paradise, Rising Star, and The Quest this summer as they move into primetime slots along with returning shows The Bachelorette, Bet On Your Baby, Extreme Weight Loss, Mistresses, Motive, NY Med, Rookie Blue, and Wipeout.
ABC will also get a headstart on the summer season by premiering the new drama series Black Box on April 24, 2014 at 10pm ET/PT.
2014 ABC Summer Schedule
Sunday, May 18
8:00-11:00 p.m. “The 2014 Billboard Music Awards”
Monday, May 19
9:30 – 11:00 p.m. “The Bachelorette”
Wednesday, May 21
10:00-11:00 p.m. “Motive”
Monday, May 26
8:00-10:00 p.m. “The Bachelorette” (regular time period premiere)
9:00-11:00 p.m. “Rising Star” (new series premiere)
Tuesday, June 24
10:00-11:00 p.m. “NY Med”
Sunday, June 29
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Wipeout” (regular time period premiere)
Thursday, July 17
10:00-11:00 p.m. “Rookie Blue”
Thursday, July 24
9:00-10:00 p.m. “The Astronaut Wives Club” (new series premiere)
Monday, August 4
8:00-10:00 p.m. “Bachelor in Paradise” (new series premiere)
Series Descriptions:
“BLACK BOX” – PREMIERES THURSDAY, APRIL 24
Catherine Black is a world-famous neurologist at the state-of-the-art medical institution known as “The Cube.” Catherine is brilliant, beautiful, and at the top of her game, though she’s hiding a secret of her own: she’s bipolar. Each week, the doctors on staff attempt to unravel the mysteries of the brain and are constantly challenged by cases never-before-seen on television. The medical stories are moving, bizarre, and a visual feast.
The personal stories are riveting. The patients have rare, highly visual, often hallucinogenic and startling conditions, which we’ll see through their eyes as Catherine diagnoses and treats them.
“Black Box” stars Kelly Reilly as Catherine Black, Ditch Davey as Dr. Ian Bickman, David Ajala as Will Van Renseller, Ali Wong as Dr. Lina Lark, Laura Fraser as Reagan Black, David Chisum as Joshua Black, Siobhan Williams as Esme Black with Terry Kinney as Dr. Owen Morely and Vanessa Redgrave as Dr. Hartramph.
“THE BACHELORETTE” – PREMIERES MONDAY, MAY 19
Andi Dorfman, 26, a beautiful and successful woman, has it all at first glance — her loving family, her great friends, and even her dream job. But she realized there was something missing. So, last September, she put her busy life on hold to try and find love on “The Bachelor.” She thought she had found her match, but in the end it was not meant to be, and Andi walked away from Juan Pablo. She did not, however, let that experience stop her desire to find her perfect soul mate. Andi will embark on her own journey to find love when she stars in the tenth edition of “The Bachelorette,” on ABC.
“MOTIVE” – PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
“Motive” returns for an exciting second season with gripping new cases featuring more complicated killers and intricate crime scenes. Homicide detective Angie Flynn is as determined as ever, and her pursuit for justice never falters. Her partner, Detective Oscar Vega, continues to be her rock with his no-nonsense attitude and methodical approach. Detective Brian Lucas is no longer the rookie at the station, a role he’s happy to hand over to the very keen and ambitious Officer Wendy Sung. And confident and charismatic new Team Commander Sergeant Mark Cross shakes up the station when he joins the team. He and Angie share a mysterious and strained connection, one she would prefer to leave in the past.
The tension leads to a breakdown in trust between Angie and Vega, and Angie realizes she must find a way to work with Cross, even if it means confronting the truth and the secret that drove them apart years ago.
“Motive” stars Kristin Lehman as Detective Angie Flynn, Louis Ferreira as Detective Oscar Vega, Brendan Penny as Detective Brian Lucas, Lauren Holly as Dr. Betty Rogers, Warren Christie as Sergeant Mark Cross and Valerie Tian as Officer Wendy Sung.
“EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS” – PREMIERES TUESDAY, MAY 27
Hit series “Extreme Weight Loss” is a unique, non-competitive show about weight-loss transformations that documents the unprecedented 365-day journey of courageous, “super-obese” participants. In each of the 13 stand-alone, two-hour episodes, the participants — whose lives have become unmanageable because of their weight — will undergo a transformation not only of their bodies, but of who they are as individuals. With the proper nourishment, exercise and guidance assured by “Extreme Weight Loss,” they are afforded a fresh perspective.
In addition to having participants continue to work alongside transformation specialists and trainers Chris Powell and his wife, Heidi, the show is taking a unique approach in the upcoming fourth season: each participant will spend the first 90 days of the weight loss journey at the renowned University of Colorado’s Anschutz Health and Wellness Center (AHWC) in Aurora, CO. Chris & Heidi, with AHWC’s medical director Dr. Holly Wyatt, MD and associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado, will guide these individuals to safely lose up to half their body weight, ultimately revealing an amazing metamorphosis.
The Anschutz Health and Wellness Center offers some of the country’s most advanced research and science-based expertise, focusing on a comprehensive weight loss and weight-loss management approach, including fitness, nutrition, and wellness services.
“BET ON YOUR BABY” – PREMIERES SATURDAY, MAY 31
All parents think they know their baby well, but are they willing to bet on it? Find out when actress/comedienne and working mom Melissa Peterman, star of ABC Family’s “Baby Daddy,” hosts this adorable, hilarious and surprisingly suspenseful game show. Parents try to predict their toddler’s next move in an effort to win money for their child’s future education.
“MISTRESSES” – PREMIERES MONDAY, JUNE 2
Based on the hit UK television series of the same name, “Mistresses” returns for a second season on the ABC Television Network. The provocative and thrilling drama will continue to focus on the scandalous lives of a sexy and sassy group of four girlfriends, each on their own path to self-discovery. When it comes to love, these friends find support and guidance with each other as they push the limits, test their boundaries and discover just how far they are prepared to go. They are willing to brave love’s turbulent journey, as well as its excitement, secrecy and betrayal, all the while bound by the complex relationships they’ve created.
“Mistresses” stars Alyssa Milano as Savannah (“Savi”) Davis, Yunjin Kim as Karen Kim, Rochelle Aytes as April Malloy, Jes Macallan as Josslyn Carver, Brett Tucker as Harry Davis, and Jason George as Dominic Taylor.
“THE QUEST” – PREMIERES THURSDAY, JUNE 19
Great fantasy is filled with adventure, challenges, discovery, fish out of water and good vs. evil — turns out, another modern genre shares these exact same traits. Announcing “The Quest,” a reality show that will literally take contestants and audiences to an amazing, imaginative realm, where the ogres are advancing in the woods, the dragons are stirring, agents of a dark lord are infiltrating the keep, and the only thing that stands between peace and chaos are 12 very unlikely heroes.
From the producers of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, paired with the producers of “The Amazing Race,” “The Quest” will be a fully immersive experience. In and around this castle, our fantasy realm will come to life with state-of-the art projections, animatronics, prosthetics, real-time motion capture and art direction. The narrative and mythology of “The Quest” is deep and fully imagined, and it has been designed to incorporate seamlessly with the unexpected actions and decisions of our contestants – fantasy comes alive as it never has before in this genre-bending series.
“WIPEOUT” – PREMIERES SUNDAY, JUNE 22
As summer temperatures heat up, everyone’s favorite Big Balls are coming back! Each episode will showcase twenty four daring contestants of all shapes and sizes as they compete in the world’s largest extreme obstacle course, but for the first time ever, winners will be brought together at the end of the season for a “Tournament of Champions,” during which they will compete for the title of Ultimate Wipeout Champion.
The season will continue to bring lots of laughter, with new special themed episodes, including a chance to win a date with Jill Wagner, and the return of some of our favorites, such as “Family,” “Exes,” and “Hotties vs. Nerds.” In the end, only one contestant will be victorious and win the title of Wipeout Champion, while everyone else will “wipeout!”
The series is hosted by John Anderson (ESPN’s “SportsCenter”), John Henson (E! Entertainment’s “Talk Soup”) and co-hosted by Jill Wagner (MTV’s “Teen Wolf”).
“RISING STAR” – PREMIERES SUNDAY, JUNE 22
ABC’s new reality series “Rising Star” completely reinvents the traditional singing competition as–for the first time ever–the audience has the final say in real time. The show follows a group of aspiring singers as they audition in live performances. During the performances, viewers vote via an App in real time to determine if the singer will advance in the competition. If the voting reaches a certain threshold, the performer moves on, and the performer can see how the voting is going during the performance, so the feedback is immediate and dramatic.
“NY MED” – PREMIERES TUESDAY, JUNE 24
Fans of ABC’s widely acclaimed real life medical series can take heart. A fresh edition of the multi award-winning “NY Med” will air this summer after nearly two years of production. Expanding their scope, the producers offer a riveting tale of two cities. Each episode in this eight-part series toggles between the renowned surgeons of Manhattan’s New York Presbyterian Hospital and the gritty world of trauma surgeons at Newark’s University Hospital where the ER is a doorway to the mean streets of one of America’s most violent cities.
Sometimes poignant and often uproarious, this limited series takes a deep dive into high stakes medicine through the eyes of unforgettable characters, including a hilarious trio of returning ER nurses who must cope with tricky personal crises while caring for some of the nation’s most bossy patients. Mehmet Oz rounds out the character roster with his extraordinary surgical skills on full display as his deft hands work to fix damaged hearts and save lives.
“ROOKIE BLUE” – Premieres THURSDAY, JULY 17
In keeping with last season’s theme of ‘change’, 15 Division welcomes two new characters who shake up the familiar dynamic. Inspector John Jarvis (Oliver Becker, Rent-A-Goalie) strolls into 15 Division with a serious agenda. He wants the real story: is this a division full of heroes or a minefield full of screw-ups? Seamlessly flipping from pleasant to menacing, Inspector Jarvis is a political spin-master of epic proportions. He’s out to shake things up and make his mark.
Also new to the team is 15 Division’s brand-new rookie, Duncan Moore aka “Selfie” (Matthew Owen Murray, Degrassi: The Next Generation). He is the very picture of a fresh-faced millennial: confident, eager to impress, and excellent at pointing out mistakes, particularly other people’s. But when Duncan struggles to fit into the group at 15, the officers soon have their hands full with this challenging and well-connected new recruit.
Andy McNally (Missy Peregrym), Dov Epstein (Gregory Smith), Sam Swarek (Ben Bass), Chris Diaz (Travis Milne), Traci Nash (Enuka Okuma), Gail Peck (Charlotte Sullivan), Nick Collins (Peter Mooney), Chloe Price (Priscilla Faia), Oliver Shaw (Matt Gordon), Marlo Cruz (Rachel Ancheril), Noelle Williams (Melanie Nicholls-King), Steve Peck (Adam MacDonald), and Holly Stewart (Aliyah O’Brien) all return for Season 5.
“THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB” – PREMIERES THURSDAY, JULY 24
Based on the book by Lily Koppel, this 10 episode limited series tells the story of the women who were key players behind some of the biggest events in American history. As America’s astronauts were launched on death-defying missions, Life Magazine documented the astronauts’ families, capturing the behind-the-scenes lives of their young wives. Overnight, these women were transformed from military spouses into American royalty. As their celebrity rose and tragedy began to touch their lives, they rallied together.
“The Astronaut Wives Club” stars JoAnna Garcia Swisher as Betty Grissom; Odette Annable as Trudy Cooper; Zoe Boyle as Jo Schirra; Azure Parsons as Annie Glenn; Desmond Harrington as Alan Shepherd.
“BACHELOR IN PARADISE” – PREMIERES MONDAY, AUGUST 4
From the creator of “The Bachelor” franchise comes the new summer series, “Bachelor in Paradise.” Some of “The Bachelor’s” biggest stars and villains are back. They all left “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette” with broken hearts, but now they know what it really takes to find love, and on “Bachelor in Paradise” they’ll get a second chance to find their soul mates. Contestants will live together in an isolated romantic paradise and, over the course of six episodes, we’ll follow these former bachelors and bachelorettes as they explore new romantic relationships.
America will watch as they fall in love or go through renewed heartbreak. The romantic dating series will feature new twists, shocking surprises, unexpected guests and some of the most unlikely relationships in “Bachelor” history, plus all the usual romance, drama and tears we’ve come to expect from the “Bachelor” franchise. It all comes together in the romantic television event of the summer.
Sebastian’s still in danger, Mary is still torn between the two half-brothers even though she’s married to Francis, and there appears to be something otherworldly lurking in the woods in the March 27, 2014 episode of Reign titled “Monsters.” The episode premieres at 9pm ET/PT on The CW.
The Plot of Monsters: BASH SAVES FRANCIS FROM DEATH — When Francis (Toby Regbo) reluctantly agrees to help Bash (Torrance Coombs) uncover the threat in the woods, he ends in grave danger, with only Bash to save him. Meanwhile, the King’s madness causes chaos when a servant (guest star Kathryn Prescott) wins “Queen for the Day,” and the King becomes obsessed with her. The King also forces a surprising, and unbreakable, union with a new couple at Court.
Meanwhile, Greer (Celina Sinden) gets caught kissing kitchen servant Leith (guest star Jonathan Keltz), which threatens to ruin her. Adelaide Kane, Anna Popplewell and Caitlin Stasey also star. The episode was directed by Jeff Renfroe and written by Drew Lindo and Wendy Riss Gatsiounis.
Disney’s It’s a Small World (Photo Credit: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts)
If the song doesn’t annoy you and if you’re into all things Disney, then mark April 10, 2014 on your calendar now. That’s when cast members and guests at Disney Parks around the globe will drop everything and burst out in song. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the “It’s a Small World” attraction, Disney Parks worldwide will be conducting a global sing-along.
And good news for Disney fans who aren’t planning a trip to any of the parks (Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan, Disneyland Paris, or Hong Kong Disneyland Resort) on that particular date, you can participate at home (or work) at SmallWorld50.com.
The iconic attraction was created by Walt Disney and was introduced at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. “It’s a Small World” is now a part of all five Disney Resorts, with dolls representing different nations singing the catchy tune created by Oscar winners Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman (Mary Poppins).
“‘It’s a Small World’ has inspired hundreds of millions of people through its timeless theme,” stated Tom Staggs, chairman Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Every moment of every day there are Disney guests enjoying ‘It’s a Small World’ somewhere around the globe. The 50th anniversary of this attraction represents a celebration of the shared optimism, hope, and humanity of people throughout the world.”
Disney’s also going to be helping out UNICEF by donating $150,000 in honor of the 50th anniversary celebration of “it’s a small world.” The Walt Disney Company has also pledged an additional $1 donation for “every sing-along video recorded on SmallWorld50.com and another $1 for every virtual doll created on the website, up to $100,000.”
“We are thrilled to add a second Chicago event at a venue where we have achieved much success over the years,” says John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. “And teaming up with the great Bruce Campbell to put on the ultimate horror event really gives the fans a reason to come out to the Donald E. Stephens Center twice a year!”
“This is really a dream come true for me,” says Campbell. “I have always wanted to be part of a great organization and run a top-notch horror convention that sees my vision of what it could be. The fans have supported me all these years, so I look forward to giving back and providing a unique experience.”
And for those into Wizard World’s Comic Cons, here’s the latest list of upcoming 2014 events:
January 24-26 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
February 7-9 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
March 7-9 – Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con
March 28-30 – Wizard World Louisville Comic Con
April 4-6 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
May 2-4 – Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con
May 30-June 1 – Wizard World Atlanta Comic Con
June 19-22 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 1-3 – Wizard World San Antonio Comic Con
August 21-24 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 12-14 – Wizard World Richmond Comic Con
September 26-28 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
October 2-4 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
October 31-November 2 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
November 7-9 – Wizard World Tulsa Comic Con
November 21-23 – Wizard World Reno Comic Con
NBC’s The Biggest Loser is looking for contestants who’d like to lose at least 100 pounds during the upcoming season of the reality competition. Anyone over the age of 18 and a legal United States resident is welcome to apply for the 16th season of The Biggest Loser, and one lucky contestant in four of the audition cities will even win a one-week resort stay.
Casting producers will be hitting the road for a seven-city audition process. They’ll be looking for people who are charismatic, looking for a positive change in their lives, and want to lose weight while competing for a $250,000 grand prize.
NBC asks that contestant hopefuls not line up more than three hours prior to the open call start time. You should also bring a non-returnable photo with you to the audition.
Adam McKay has signed on to adapt and direct The Big Short set up with Paramount Pictures and Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B. The film is based on the bestselling book by Michael Lewis (the full title is The Big Short: Inside The Doomsday Machine) and tells the story of credit bubble of the 2000s.
“Michael Lewis has the amazing ability to take complex formulas and concepts and turn them into page turners. Plan B and I connected over that breathless quality the book has. Very excited to jump into this,” said McKay.
Said Adam Goodman, Paramount Film Group President, “I am so excited as this project marks my third collaboration with Adam McKay – a tremendously talented filmmaker and one of my favorite storytellers.”
“There are those rare literary treasures – as with The Big Short – that park in the harbor and you just wait, with hope. Adam McKay is a singular voice and talent and a ferocious mind – the vector of Adam and this book is what a producer dreams of,” said Plan B.
McKay’s directing credits include both Anchorman movies, Step Brothers, Talladega Nights, and The Other Guys.
“So many battles waged over the years, and yet none of them like this. Are we destined to destroy each other or can we change who we are?”
It’s been nearly four months since the first official trailer for X-Men: Days of Future Past arrived and finally 20th Century Fox has debuted a new look at the X-Men film that brings Bryan Singer back to the director’s chair. The new trailer shows off X-Men from the past and the future as well as much more of the actual action.
X-Men: Days of Future Past will open in theaters on May 23, 2014. The cast includes Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Ellen Page, Shawn Ashmore, Peter Dinklage, Omar Sy, Daniel Cudmore, and Lucas Till.
The original Broadway cast of If/Then will be recording an album of the show’s tunes, with Masterworks Broadway aiming for a June 3, 2014 release of the original cast recording. Idina Menzel (or as John Travolta knows her, Adele Dazeem) leads the Broadway production, heading up If/Then and marking her return to the stage with the musical directed by Michael Greif.
Tom Kitt wrote the music and Brian Yorkey handled the book and lyrics.
If/Then will open at The Richard Rodgers Theatre on March 30, 2014.
In addition to Menzel, the cast includes LaChanze (Tony Award-winner for The Color Purple), Anthony Rapp (Rent), James Snyder (Cry-Baby), Jerry Dixon (tick, tick…Boom!), Jenn Colella (Chaplin, ), Jason Tam (A Chorus Line), Tamika Lawrence (Matilda), and Jackie Burns (Wicked). Joe Cassidy, Miguel Cervantes, Curtis Holbrook, Stephanie Klemons, Tyler McGee, Ryann Redmond, Joe Aaron Reid, Ann Sanders, Marc Delacruz, Charles Hagerty, Janet Krupin, and Pearl Sun are also featured in the musical.
Larry Keigwin handled the choreography, Mark Wendland designed the sets, and Emily Rebholz is the costume designer.
The Plot: If/Then is an original new musical that follows Elizabeth as she rebuilds her life in New York, a city of infinite possibilities. By the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning creators of Next to Normal, this contemporary musical is set where choice and chance collide. In one moment, Elizabeth will lead parallel lives. This is the story of both.
Stumble It! 
NBC’s The Biggest Loser is looking for contestants who’d like to lose at least 100 pounds during the upcoming season of the reality competition. Anyone over the age of 18 and a legal United States resident is welcome to apply for the 16th season of The Biggest Loser, and one lucky contestant in four of the audition cities will even win a one-week resort stay.
Adam McKay has signed on to adapt and direct The Big Short set up with Paramount Pictures and Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B. The film is based on the bestselling book by Michael Lewis (the full title is The Big Short: Inside The Doomsday Machine) and tells the story of credit bubble of the 2000s.
