Bad news for Necessary Roughness fans: the series has been canceled by USA Network. The dramatic pigskin program will not be picked up for a fourth season, so says the network in a statement thanking the cast and showrunners. The cast was led by Callie Thorne and featured Mehcad Brooks, Marc Blucas, John Stamos, David Anders, and Karissa Lee Staples.
“We are proud of this show and its writers, which had a unique ability to address topical subjects before they unfolded in real life on the sports pages,” the cabler said in a statement. “We want to thank Liz Kruger and Craig Shapiro, the incredible cast led by Golden Globe nominee Callie Thorne and our partners at Sony Television.”
In a series of tweets, Callie Thorne responded to the cancellation and consoled fans of the show:
Noel McKay and Brennen Leigh (Photo Credit: Melinda K. Thoms)
Before the World Was Made is a delicious mix: raw, retro Country plus sweet irony. That’s apparently the specialty of Brennen Leigh and Noel McKay, the Austin-based duo whose debut, on their B&N imprint, is hilarious, sentimental, and profound, usually all at the same time.
Produced by Gurf Murlix, with only one of its 12 tracks penned by an outside writer, this album draws from Guy Clark, Lucinda Williams, the Louvin Brothers and, perhaps unconsciously, Nichols and May. Backed by a bare-bones band that consists of a drummer playing mainly snare, an acoustic bassist and occasional guests, they ponder love’s absurdities. A theme emerges in their titles alone. “Breaking Up Is Easy” is followed by “Breaking Up and Making Up Again,” in which McKay intones, “I forgot that you’re a bore,” and Leigh responds, “And I forgot how loud you snore,” both singing with a delightfully flat, deadpan delivery.
And who could resist the wisdom of “Let’s Go to Lubbock on Vacation,” which reasons that if they survive a week or so there, they’ll know they’re in love? Or “The Only Other Person in the Room,” a forlorn pickup song involving the last two folks in the honky-tonk at closing time?
But then they close with “Great Big Oldsmobile,” an unexpectedly touching pledge of lifelong adoration. “I’ll be deafer than a post and grayer than a ghost, but you’ll still steam my glasses up when you’re 92,” McKay promises — and we believe him.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
MUSICAL HERO
BRENNEN: “Jim Lauderdale.”
NOEL: “Guy Clark.”
ALBUM IN YOUR PLAYLIST
BOTH: “Guy Clark’s My Favorite Picture of You.”
DREAM DUET PARTNER
BRENNEN: “Melba Montgomery.”
NOEL: “I sing with my dream duet partner nearly every night.”
PET PEEVE
BRENNEN: “Everything.”
NOEL: “Tailgating.”
FAVORITE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
BOTH: “Train!”
ACTOR WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A BIOPIC
BRENNEN: “Jackie Chan.”
NOEL: “Brigitte Bardot, of course.”
MOMENT YOU’D LOVE TO RELIVE
BRENNEN: “Getting to play mandolin and sing with Charlie Louvin.”
FAVORITE FOOD ON THE ROAD
NOEL: “Peanut butter and strawberry sandwiches that Brennen makes while I’m driving.”
The new horror series The Strain has been given a 13-episode order by FX. The series is based on the bestselling books by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan and will have del Toro, Hogan, and Carlton Cuse shepherding it as creators/executive producers. Production is expected to begin in Toronto this month, and FX is eyeing a July 2014 premiere.
Eric Schrier and Nick Grad, the Presidents of Original Programming for FX Networks and FX Productions, announced the 13-episode order, saying, “We could not be more excited to be moving forward with Guillermo, Carlton, and Chuck on The Strain. This is an epic story with stunning visuals and remarkable acting. The Strain totally reimagines and reinvents the genre.”
Del Toro directed the series pilot from a script he co-wrote with Hogan. “The Strain books are near and dear to my heart and now, Chuck and I have the blessing of a partnership with Carlton and FX that holds great promise,” said del Toro. “Working with FX has yielded an amazing experience with total creative freedom and support.”
Cuse added, “Working with visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and the team at FX has been a dream come true for me. Guillermo’s epic, cinematic pilot for The Strain starts a chilling and compelling story that will upend everything you thought you knew about vampires.”
The cast of The Strain includes Corey Stoll, Mia Maestro, Sean Astin, Kevin Durand, Natalie Brown, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Robert Maillet, Jack Kesy, Ben Hyland, and Miguel Gomez. John Hurt had been attached to the project. However, his role is currently being recast.
The Plot: The Strain is a high-concept thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Corey Stoll), the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team, and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers wage war for the fate of humanity itself.
ABC 2013-2014 MIDSEASON SERIES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:
THE ASSETS
“The Assets” is an eight-part limited series based on the real life events of CIA counter-intelligence officer Sandy Grimes (Jodie Whittaker). The year 1985 serves as the backdrop to the final showdown of the Cold War when Sandy and her partner Jeanne Vertefeuille (Harriet Walter) vowed to find the mole who would turn out to be the most notorious traitor in US History, Aldrich Ames (Paul Rhys). Sandy is in a race against time to save the Soviet intelligence officers from being caught and killed. Living her own double life at home, this beautiful wife and mother vowed to stop at nothing until she uncovered the truth. “The Assets” will look inside the true, personal stories of the conclusion of the Cold War as told by the keepers of the nation’s secrets: the CIA.
“The Assets” stars Paul Rhys (“Borgia”) as Aldrich Ames, Jodie Whittaker (“Venus”) as Sandy Grimes, Harriet Walter (“Babel”) as Jeanne Vertefeuile, Stuart Milligan (“Jonathan Creek”) as Paul Redmond, Julian Ovenden (“Downton Abbey”) as Gary Grimes, Christina Cole (“Casino Royale”) as Louisa, and Ralph Brown (“Withnail and I”) as Lawrence Winston.
THE BACHELOR
Juan Pablo Galavis, the sexy single father from Miami, Florida, is ready to find love. He’ll have his own opportunity to find his wife and stepmother to his daughter when he stars in the 18th edition of “The Bachelor.” With his Spanish accent, good looks, salsa moves and undying devotion for his daughter, Juan Pablo, 32, was a fan favorite on the ninth edition of “The Bachelorette.” Sadly, Bachelorette Desiree Hartsock couldn’t see a future with Juan Pablo and sent him home from Barcelona. Although he was blindsided by not getting a rose, the experience of being on “The Bachelorette” opened his eyes to the possibility of finding a real, everlasting love. He witnessed firsthand how it worked with Desiree, and has decided that he can’t give up on love and on giving his daughter, Camila, what she wants more than anything else in the world – a brother and a sister to complete their family. Juan Pablo is ready and hopeful that he’ll find love and the missing puzzle piece to fulfill his family here on “The Bachelor.”
KILLER WOMEN
Of all the notorious lawmen that ever patrolled the violent frontier, none are more storied than the Texas Rangers. Ballsy and badass Molly Parker (Tricia Helfer) is one of the first women to join this elite group of law enforcement agents. From executive producer Sofía Vergara (“Modern Family”) and creator Hannah Shakespeare (“The Raven”), “Killer Women” takes us inside the dangerous world of the Texas Rangers from a female perspective.
Molly is committed to finding the truth and seeing justice served. In a male-dominated world, she is aided by her sixth sense for why women kill — rarely out of hatred, usually for what they love. Standing squarely behind her is her boss, Company Commander Luis Zea. Molly also has the support of her loving family, including her brother Billy and his wife Becca. On the verge of getting divorced from her narcissistic husband, Jake, Molly relishes her newfound freedom as she begins an affair with a sexy, dangerously handsome DEA agent, Dan Winston.
“Killer Women” stars Tricia Helfer as Molly Parker, Marc Blucas as Dan Winston, Marta Milans as Becca Parker, Michael Trucco as Billy Parker, and Alex Fernandez as Luis Zea. “Killer Women” is produced by ABC Studios. Hannah Shakespeare (“The Raven”) and Ed Zuckerman (“Law & Order”) serve as executive producers/writers, along with executive producers Sofía Vergara (“Modern Family”), Martin Campbell (“Casino Royale”), Ben Silverman (“The Office”), and Luis Balaguer (“Viva Hollywood!”) on the series.
MIND GAMES
With a little bit of science, a dash of con artistry, plus a smattering of Jedi mind tricks — brothers Ross (Christian Slater) and Clark Edwards (Steve Zahn) can tailor a plan to influence any life-altering situation, thereby making their clients’ dreams come true and their nightmares go away. They are partners in The Edwards Agency, an unusual business based on the belief that people’s decisions are influenced by their environment in ways they’re not aware. Clark is a former university professor and world-renowned expert in the fields of human behavior, psychology and motivation. But Clark has mood swings which are a result of him not taking his meds for a bipolar condition, sometimes resulting in quirky, manic episodes. Older brother Ross, a brilliant schemer recently out of prison after a two-year stint for fraud, has come up with the business model that he believes can make him and his team millions of dollars. Although his energy is infectious, his tactics can be questionable and his strategies border on the illegal. Now, if he can just avoid letting his manic brother from going off the rails…
Their team of master manipulators include the serious Latrell Griffin (Cedric Sanders); the geeky, trust fund baby Miles Hood (Gregory Marcel); Samantha “Sam” Gordon (Jaime Ray Newman), an ex-con who Ross met during his court mandated group therapy and rehabilitation sessions; Megan Shane (Megalyn Echikunwoke), a former infomercial actress; and Beth Scott (Katherine Cunningham), Clark’s former grad student with whom he had an affair.
“Mind Games” stars Steve Zahn as Clark, Christian Slater as Ross, Megalyn Echikunwoke as Megan, Gregory Marcel as Miles, Jaime Ray Newman as Sam, and Cedric Sanders as Latrell. Written and executive-produced by Kyle Killen, the series is also executive-produced by Keith Redmon, Timothy Busfield and Donald Todd. “Mind Games” is a 20th Century Fox Television production.
MIXOLOGY
One bar. One night. Ten single people. Welcome to Mix, a high-end bar in Manhattan’s trendy meat-packing district. Recently dumped by his fiancée, Tom (Blake Lee) hasn’t been out on the town in a decade. His best friends, handsome, confident Cal (Craig Frank) and fast-talking Bruce (Andrew Santino), are throwing Tom back into the dating pool whether he likes it or not. Tom’s first encounter is with Maya (Ginger Gonzaga), an attorney who’s as beautiful as she is brutal — before long, Tom is in tears. After that, it only gets worse. Rounding out Mix’s chic crowd is Maya’s engaged-for-now friend, Liv (Kate Simses), aggressive single mom Jessica (Alexis Carra), Jessica’s gorgeous and chic frenemy Fabienne (Frankie Shaw), bubbly cocktail waitress Kacey (Vanessa Lengies), dark, mysterious bartender Dominic (Adan Canto) and failed internet entrepreneur Ron (Adam Campbell), who’s having the worst night of his life.
“Mixology” stars Adam Campbell (“Epic Movie”) as Ron, Adan Canto (“The Following”) as Dominic, Alexis Carra (“Incredible Girl”) as Jessica, Craig Frank (“8.13”) as Cal, Ginger Gonzaga (“Legit”) as Maya, Blake Lee (“Parks and Recreation”) as Tom, Vanessa Lengies (“Glee”) as Kacey, Andrew Santino (“Punk’d”) as Bruce, Frankie Shaw (“Blue Mountain State”) as Fabienne and Kate Simses (“What’s Your Number”) as Liv.
RESURRECTION
The people of Arcadia, Missouri are forever changed when their deceased loved ones suddenly start to reappear. An 8-year-old American boy (Landon Gimenez) wakes up alone in a rice paddy in a rural Chinese province with no idea how he got there. Details start to emerge when the boy, who calls himself Jacob, recalls that his hometown is Arcadia, and an Immigration agent, J. Martin Bellamy (Omar Epps), takes him there. The home he claims as his own is occupied by an elderly couple, Henry (Kurtwood Smith) and Lucille Langston (Frances Fisher), who lost their son, Jacob, more than 30 years ago. While they look different, young Jacob recognizes them as his parents. Those closest to the family try to unravel this impossible mystery, including Sheriff Fred Langston (Matt Craven), whose wife Barbara, drowned 30 years ago while trying to save Jacob. But this boy, who claims to be the deceased Jacob, knows secrets about his own death that no one else knows — secrets that Fred’s daughter, Maggie Langston (Devin Kelly), will begin to investigate and discover to be true.
“Resurrection” stars Omar Epps (“House”) as J. Martin Bellamy, Matt Craven (“Crimson Tide,” “A Few Good Men”) as Fred Langston, Devin Kelley (“Chernobyl Diaries,” “The Chicago Code”) as Maggie Langston, Frances Fisher (“Titanic”) as Lucille Langston, Kurtwood Smith (“That ’70s Show”) as Henry Langston, Sam Hazeldine (“The Raven”) as Caleb Richards, Samaire Armstrong (“Entourage,” “The O.C.”) as Elaine Richards, Mark Hildreth (“Dragon Ball Z”) as Tom and Landon Gimenez as Jacob. Written by Aaron Zelman (“Damages,” “The Killing”), “Resurrection” is executive-produced by Aaron Zelman, JoAnn Alfano, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Jon Liebman, Brillstein Entertainment and Plan B. The pilot was directed by Charles McDougall. “Resurrection” is produced by ABC Studios.
SUBURGATORY
Single father George Altman (Jeremy Sisto) was doing his best to raise his sixteen-year-old daughter Tessa (Jane Levy) in the big city. But when he discovered a box of condoms in her bedroom, he moved her to a more wholesome and nurturing environment: the suburbs. Only behind the beautiful homes and perfect lawns of Chatswin lurk the Franken-moms and Red Bull-guzzling teens who have nothing in common with Tessa and George. It’s a whole new world, one that makes George wonder if they haven’t jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire. In seasons one and two, with the help of suburbanites like flirty hot mom Dallas (Cheryl Hines), alpha neighbors Sheila and Fred Shay (Ana Gasteyer and Chris Parnell), and awkward classmate Lisa (Allie Grant), George and Tessa learned to navigate the pitfalls of suburban life. With time, they realized life in Chatswin wasn’t so bad. Once you got past the plastic smell.
This season, George and Tessa find themselves more at odds with bucolic Chatswin than ever before. George struggles to once again navigate life as a single suburban dad after a tumultuous breakup with Dallas. While Tessa, abandoned by her mother at the start of her senior year, no longer has any interest in trying to fit in. So she and George recommit to walking amongst the suburban hordes without becoming them. Only Chatswin’s pull is stronger than they anticipated. Elsewhere, after the Shays’ beloved son Ryan heads off to college, they welcome an unexpected new addition to the family, one that is a new thorn in Lisa’s side. Luckily, she can focus her attention on Malik as they take their relationship to new heights. And Dallas deals with both the loss of a relation and her relationship with George. But no one suffers from the break-up more than Dalia (According to Dalia). And it only amplifies her feud with Tessa. And when a new, calm Noah (Alan Tudyk) emerges after intensive anger management therapy, it enrages George.
The show stars Jeremy Sisto as George Altman, Jane Levy as Tessa Altman, Cheryl Hines as Dallas Royce, Allie Grant as Lisa Shay, Ana Gasteyer as Sheila Shay, Chris Parnell as Fred Shay, and Carly Chaikin as Dalia Royce. Emily Kapnek (“Hung”) writes and executive-produces this bitingly ironic single-camera comedy. Patricia Breen also writes and executive produces the series along with co-executive producer Andrew Guest. It is produced by Warner Bros. Television.
THE TASTE
One blind spoonful could change everything. Now in its second season, “The Taste” returns with a new two-hour format. In this exhilarating cooking competition series, “The Taste” puts 16 culinary competitors, who range from home cooks and professional chefs to everything in between, in the kitchen where four of the world’s most notable masters of the food world judge their creations based on a blind taste. In this pressure-packed contest, a single spoonful can catapult a contender to the top or send them packing. “The Taste” features no-holds barred chef Anthony Bourdain, British food star Nigella Lawson, expert chef/author Ludo Lefebvre and author, chef/restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson. These four culinary superstars and “Taste” mentors will coach a team of four competing pro and amateur cooks chosen from a nationwide casting call, as they vie to create the best tasting dish in a state of the art kitchen. Each week the groups will face team and individual challenges with a variety of culinary themes through several elimination rounds. At the end of each episode, the mentors will have to judge the competitors’ dishes blind, with no knowledge of whose creation they’re sampling, what they’re eating, how it was prepared or whom they could be sending home.
Fox will be helping viewers to get into the Thanksgiving/winter holiday spirit with special Thanksgiving-themed episodes of Bob’s Burgers, American Dad, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, New Girl, and Glee. Then after all the turkey and other assorted Thanksgiving meal options have been consumed, it’s time to move on to yuletide offerings with new The Mindy Project, The Simpsons, and Dads holiday episodes.
Fox also announced the return of holiday favorites Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas and DreamWorks Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury on December 16th, and Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown on December 20th.
2013 Fox Holiday Program Lineup:
Saturday, Nov. 23
ANIMATION DOMINATION HIGH-DEF (11:00 PM-Midnight ET/PT) – AXE COP – “28 Days Before”
It’s Thanksgiving and Axe Cop (Nick Offerman) hasn’t been seen since Halloween. How will his team defeat the evil Turkey Turkey (guest voice Jack McGee) without him?
Sunday, Nov. 24
BOB’S BURGERS (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “Turkey in a Can”
Determined to have a perfect Thanksgiving, Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) meticulously prepares the family turkey. But to his horror, he finds that someone then dumps the turkey in the toilet in an act of Thanksgiving sabotage.
AMERICAN DAD (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Kung Pao Turkey”
Stan’s (Seth MacFarlane) plans for a perfect Thanksgiving watching football in his underwear are thwarted when Francine (Wendy Schaal) invites her adoptive parents (guest voices Amy Hill and Tzi Ma) to join them for the holiday. Mariah Carey also makes a guest-voice cameo.
Tuesday, Nov. 26
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “Thanksgiving”
Amy (Melissa Fumero) wants to host a Thanksgiving dinner for the entire precinct, but it turns into a holiday disaster when Holt (Andre Braugher) and Jake (Andy Samberg) must leave to go catch a perp. So, Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) steps in to save Turkey Day.
NEW GIRL (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) – “Thanksgiving III”
Jess (Zooey Deschanel) and the gang’s survival skills are put to the test when Nick (Jake Johnson) takes them camping for Thanksgiving. Coach (guest star Damon Wayans, Jr.) and Schmidt (Max Greenfield) battle it out over who is the best woodsman, while Cece (Hannah Simone) and Winston (Lamorne Morris) bond over their mutual distaste for the outdoors.
Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 28
THE X FACTOR (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) – “Results Show”
Tune in to see if your favorite singing acts make the cut in the all-new LIVE “Results Show” episode of THE X FACTOR airing on Thanksgiving night!
GLEE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Puppet Master”
Demi Lovato and Adam Lambert guest-star in an all-new episode airing on Thanksgiving. Blaine (Darren Criss) believes he has the best plan to win Nationals, but he doesn’t take the glee club’s criticism too well when the students accuse him of being too controlling. Over in New York, Kurt (Chris Colfer) also runs into control issues when the band disagrees over the venue of their first official gig, and Sue (Jane Lynch) reveals the story behind her iconic tracksuit.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
DADS (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) – “The Glitch That Stole Christmas”
When Eli (Seth Green) and Warner (Giovanni Ribisi) fire one of their employees right before the holiday season, the ex-game designer seeks his revenge by including an offensive word in their family-friendly Christmas game. Meanwhile, Edna (Tonita Castro) encourages David (Peter Reigert) to get a job as a mall Santa, so he can earn enough money to buy Eli a gift. An encore airs on Tuesday, Dec. 24 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT).
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “Christmas”
Jake is assigned to protect Holt when death threats are sent his way. Amidst the chaos, Amy attempts to coordinate a Christmas photo for the squad. An encore airs on Tuesday, Dec. 24 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT).
THE MINDY PROJECT (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Christmas Party Sex Trap”
Mindy (Mindy Kaling) throws a Christmas party in an attempt to spend time with Cliff (guest star Glenn Howerton), a lawyer in the building on whom she has a crush, but everything goes completely sideways.
Thursday, Dec. 5
GLEE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Previously Unaired Christmas”
Sue Sylvester introduces the episode as a Christmas special that FOX did not allow to air last year, in which the members of New Directions audition for roles in McKinley’s living Nativity Scene. Meanwhile, in New York, Rachel (Lea Michele), Kurt and Santana (Naya Rivera) work as Santa’s elves at a mall.
Friday, Dec. 13
RAISING HOPE (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) – “The Chance Who Stole Christmas”
The town blames Burt (Garret Dillahunt) for ruining Christmas, when, as interim mayor, he’s forced to cancel the Natesville Christmas Festival. An encore airs on Christmas, Wednesday, Dec. 25 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT).
Sunday, Dec. 15
THE SIMPSONS (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) – “White Christmas Blues”
Springfield is inundated with holiday revelers after the nuclear power plant springs a radiation leak, causing snow to fall all over town. When the tourists drive up Christmas shopping prices, Marge (Julie Kavner) opens up the Simpsons’ house to boarders. An encore airs Sunday, Dec. 23 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT).
BOB’S BURGERS (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “Christmas in the Car”
After purchasing a last-minute tree, the Belcher family spends Christmas Eve trying to outrun a truck shaped like a giant candy cane. Back at home, Bob’s (H. Jon Benjamin) friend, Teddy (Larry Murphy), accidentally gets stuck in the kids’ Santa trap.
FAMILY GUY (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) – “Christmas Guy”
Peter (Seth MacFarlane) infuses Lois’s dad with the holiday spirit, while Stewie (Seth MacFarlane) learns the meaning of confession.
AMERICAN DAD (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Minstrel Krampus”
It’s holiday time in Langley Falls, and Steve (Scott Grimes) starts acting like a spoiled brat, prompting Stan to take him to see his incarcerated Grandpa Jack (guest voice Daran Norris), who recounts how he, as a boy, captured the legendary Minstrel Krampus (guest voice Danny Glover), a demon who punished naughty children on Christmas. Meanwhile, Hayley (Rachael MacFarlane) gets a job at the airport, but is not cut out for customer service.
Monday, Dec. 16
ICE AGE: A MAMMOTH CHRISTMAS (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) – Annual Return
America’s favorite arctic herd is busy decorating for the holiday season. In his rush to help, Sid (John Leguizamo) destroys Manny’s (Ray Romano) favorite decorations. Manny is so upset he convinces Sid he is now on Santa’s naughty list. Sid, Crash (Seann William Scott), Eddie (Josh Peck) and Peaches (Ciara Bravo) take off for the North Pole to plead their case to Santa (Billy Gardell).
Meanwhile, Manny, Ellie (Queen Latifah) and Diego (Denis Leary), worry over Peaches’ safety and race to find her. Back at the North Pole, Sid and his crew accidentally destroy Santa’s Workshop on Christmas Eve, and it’s up to these newfound friends to orchestrate a Christmas miracle. The special, directed by Karen Disher, also features the voice talent of Chris Wedge, T.J. Miller and Judah Friedlander. An encore airs on Christmas, Wednesday, Dec. 25 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT).
DREAMWORKS DRAGONS: GIFT OF THE NIGHT FURY (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Annual Return
Inspired by the popular “How to Train Your Dragon” film franchise, this special is a story of faith, love and friendship that takes viewers on an adventure of dragon-sized proportions as the villagers of Berk prepare for the winter holidays. As their festivities approach, the dragons make a sudden mass exodus leaving Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), Astrid (America Ferrera), Stoick (Gerard Butler) and the rest of the gang saddened by the loss of their winged friends.
A wild turn of events leads Hiccup to discover a mysterious, never-before-seen island and learn the true reason why the dragons left the village. Friendship and loyalty abound in this touching holiday tale of spreading one’s wings, but always staying close to home. An encore airs on Christmas, Wednesday, Dec. 25 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT).
Wednesday, Dec. 18
THE X FACTOR (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Season Finale, Part One”
The remaining finalists take the stage LIVE to mark their spot on the last performance show of the season.
Thursday, Dec. 19
THE X FACTOR (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Season Finale, Part Two”
Find out who will triumph as host Mario Lopez reveals the winner LIVE.
Friday, Dec. 20
HAPPINESS IS A WARM BLANKET, CHARLIE BROWN (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – Annual Return
In this annual holiday special, the Peanuts gang is back and ready to help Linus (Austin Lux) break away from his childhood security blanket. The stakes are high as Linus learns his grandmother is coming to visit, and he must decide whether or not to dispose of his most cherished possession.
In an effort to help Linus kick his habit, Charlie Brown (Trenton Rogers), Lucy (Grace Rolek) and even Snoopy pitch in to help. Lucy is quick to attempt her amateur psychiatric skills, while Snoopy employs the age old drag-and-run method. Despite all attempts, Linus eventually learns that security is a valuable quality in life and everyone is entitled to their own version of a security blanket.
Sunday, Dec. 22
BOB’S BURGERS (7:00-7:30 PM ET/PT) – “God Rest Ye Merry Gentle-Mannequins” (Encore)
In a holiday-themed encore episode, Bob inherits a storage unit, and the whole family imagines treasures, but only finds a man named Chet (guest voice Zach Galifianakis) living inside. Imbued with the holiday spirit, Linda (John Roberts) persuades Bob to invite Chet to stay at the restaurant, where it’s discovered that this stranger, who claims he was once a mannequin, has a gift for intricate and living window displays.
THE SIMPSONS (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) – “To Cur with Love” (Encore)
In an encore episode, when a fire at the retirement home forces Grampa (Dan Castellaneta) to move home with the Simpsons, Homer throws out his back on moving day and decides to stay home to recover. While enjoying his time alone, Homer gets distracted by “Villageville” – a super-addictive tablet game in which he is able to create his own virtual village – and loses the family dog, Santa’s Little Helper.
THE SIMPSONS (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “White Christmas Blues” (Encore)
An encore of the Dec. 15 holiday-themed episode.
FAMILY GUY (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) – “Jesus, Mary & Joseph” (Encore)
Peter tells his own version of the Nativity story in an encore episode.
Tuesday, Dec. 24
DADS (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) – “The Glitch That Stole Christmas” (Encore)
An encore of the Dec. 3 holiday-themed episode.
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “Christmas” (Encore)
An encore of the Dec. 3 holiday-themed episode.
NEW GIRL (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) – “Santa” (Encore)
In an encore, when the gang attempts to juggle multiple holiday parties in one night, Jess tries to avoid a remorseful Sam (guest star David Walton), Nick (Jake Johnson) tries to keep up with a sexually adventurous Angie (guest star Olivia Munn) and Winston panics when he gets a cranberry stuck in his ear.
THE MINDY PROJECT (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Josh & Mindy’s Christmas Party” (Encore)
Mindy throws an office Christmas party at her apartment, and she’s eager for her colleagues to finally meet her boyfriend, Josh (guest star Tommy Dewey) in an encore of last year’s holiday-themed episode. Meanwhile, Jeremy (Ed Weeks) deals with doling out the office holiday bonuses, much to everyone’s chagrin.
Christmas, Wednesday, Dec. 25
ICE AGE: A MAMMOTH CHRISTMAS (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT)
An encore broadcast of the seasonal favorite.
DREAMWORKS DRAGONS: GIFT OF THE NIGHT FURY (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT)
An encore broadcast of the seasonal favorite.
RAISING HOPE (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) – “Last Christmas” (Encore)
In an encore, Virginia (Martha Plimpton) is convinced that the world is going to end on Dec. 21, 2012. So she uses her extreme couponing skills to stock up on supplies and she forces the family to train for the apocalypse. Meanwhile, Jimmy (Lucas Neff) is determined to give Hope (guest star Baylie and Rylie Cregut) the best Christmas he can, since it likely will be the first one she remembers, and Maw Maw (Cloris Leachman) tries to knock a few more items off her bucket list before the world ends.
RAISING HOPE (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “The Chance Who Stole Christmas” (Encore)
An encore of the Dec. 13 episode.
Thursday, Dec. 26
GLEE (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) – “Extraordinary Merry Christmas” (Encore)
When New Directions is asked to perform at two different events – on the same day, at the same time – they have a tough decision to make in an encore of a holiday-themed episode. Will they choose correctly and spread Christmas cheer, or will their ambition get the best of them?
GLEE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) – “Glee, Actually” (Encore)
In an encore of last year’s tribute to the film “Love, Actually,” seemingly separate storylines come together as one holiday-themed episode, in which Sam (Chord Overstreet) and Brittany (Heather Morris) live their lives to the fullest before the much-heralded Mayan Apocalypse occurs. Meanwhile, Jake (Jacob Artist) and Puck (Mark Salling) spend quality sibling time together for Hanukkah, Artie (Kevin McHale) has a holiday dream that changes his outlook on life and Kurt has a Christmas he’ll never forget.
Tuesday, Dec. 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE (11:00 PM-12:30 AM ET/CT/MT/PT)
Count down the final moments of 2013 while watching the ultimate year-end bash, set to feature the year’s chart-topping musical guests. As 2014 nears, FOX cameras will capture every electrifying moment both from Las Vegas and the heart of New York City as the world-famous New Year’s Eve Ball makes its descent into Times Square.NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE is executive-produced by Bob Bain and produced by Paul Flattery.
Patton Oswalt at the ‘Young Adult’ premiere (Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures)
Patton Oswalt’s been tapped to host the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards to be held on March 1st on the beach in Santa Monica. The Spirit Awards are the independent film version of the Oscars, with a less formal ceremony and a much more casual atmosphere.
It was also announced by Film Independent that Diana Zahn-Storey will be returning as executive producer for the 29th annual awards show.
“Patton is an incredibly talented writer, actor, and comedian whose irreverent humor is the perfect fit for our show. We couldn’t be more thrilled that he will be hosting the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards,” said Zahn-Storey.
“Patton has been a long supporter of our organization, he has participated in several Film Independent Live Reads at LACMA and is also a card-holding member of the organization. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us at the Awards show in March,” said Josh Welsh, President of Film Independent.
The awards show will be broadcast on IFC (not live) at 10:00pm ET/PT on March 1st.
Patton Oswalt Profile (Courtesy of Film Independent):
Patton continues to find success in all areas of entertainment, from his Grammy-nominated comedy specials to his many memorable guest roles on his favorite TV shows (including Parks and Recreation, for which he received a TV Critics Choice Award), in addition to the upcoming comedy The Secret Life of Walter Mitty coming out this December, with Ben Stiller, as well as his starring role on Adult Swim’s The Heart, She Holler. He is also the narrator on ABC’s breakout comedy The Goldbergs.
Last year, he was recognized for his work on the big screen, nominated for a Critics Choice Award for his brilliant performance in Jason Reitman’s film Young Adult, starring opposite Charlize Theron. In 2009, Patton received critical acclaim for his performance in Robert Siegel’s Big Fan; the film was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award, and Patton earned a Gotham Award nomination for his performance.
As a comedian, Patton has shot four TV specials and four critically acclaimed albums, including his latest Finest Hour which received a Grammy nomination for “Best Comedy Album,” as well as a Showtime one-hour special of the same name. In 2009, Patton received his first Grammy nomination for his album My Weakness Is Strong which was distributed through Warner Brothers Records.
In addition to his guest roles this past year on Parks and Recreation, Justified, Two and a Half Men, Portlandia, Burn Notice, Patton also voiced characters on The Simpsons and Bob’s Burgers. He was a series regular on Showtime’s United States of Tara, appeared as a guest star on Bored To Death and Flight of the Conchords on HBO and The Sarah Silverman Program on Comedy Central. He also recurred on the SyFy series Caprica.
Patton was also a regular contributor to Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Real Time with Bill Maher and Lewis Black’s Root Of All Evil. In 2009, Patton appeared in Steven Soderbergh’s feature film The Informant, and Observe and Report with Seth Rogen.
Patton provided the voice for ‘Remy’, the rat, in Pixar’s Oscar-winning Ratatouille. He also voiced characters on Word Girl and Neighbors from Hell. Patton has also appeared in more than 20 films, including Magnolia, Starsky and Hutch and Reno 911!: Miami.
Patton starred in The Comedians of Comedy, which was shot as an independent feature film, a TV series, and a long-running tour.
He tours regularly and extensively, headlining both in the United States and UK, and is a regular at music festivals like Bumbershoot, Bonnaroo, Comic-Con, and Coachella. Patton also has a regular, bi-monthly show at the new Largo at the Coronet Theater in Los Angeles.
On TV, he played ‘Spence’ on The King of Queens on CBS for nine seasons, as well as appearing on Seinfeld, Reaper, Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Tim and Eric’s Awesome Show, Great Job!.
Patton’s first published book Zombie Spaceship Wasteland was released in January 2011 and is a New York Times Best Seller.
Saving Mr. Banks star Emma Thompson will receive the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Modern Master Award at a tribute set for Saturday, February 8, 2014 at Arlington Theatre. Actor/writer/producer Thompson was selected to receive the festival’s highest honor for her “illustrious versatile career,” joining a list of previous winners that includes Ben Affleck, Christopher Nolan, Michael Douglas, Jodie Foster, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Diane Keaton, Sean Penn, Jeff Bridges, Peter Jackson, George Clooney, Will Smith, Cate Blanchett, Clint Eastwood, Christopher Plummer, and James Cameron.
“With the distinction of being the only artist to win an Oscar for both Best Actress and Best Screenplay, Ms. Thompson exemplifies the spirit of the Modern Master,” said SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling.
The 2014 Santa Barbara International Film Festival will run January 30th through February 9th.
Emma Thompson Profile (Courtesy of SBIFF):
Emma Thompson is one of the world’s most respected talents for her versatility in acting as well as screenwriting. She first caused a sensation with her portrayal of Margaret Schlegel in the Merchant-Ivory adaptation of E.M. Forster’s Howard’s End, which garnered many awards, including an Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. She earned two Oscar nominations the following year for her work in The Remains of the Day and In the Name of the Father. She went on to win the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for her adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, directed by Ang Lee.
Thompson’s recent film credits include Pixar’s Brave, Men in Black 3;, and both Nanny McPhee and its sequel, Nanny McPhee Returns, for which she wrote the screenplays and starred in the title role. She brought to the screen JK Rowling’s character of Sybil Trelawney in the Harry Potter series. Other film credits include Henry V, Dead Again (1991), Peter’s Friends (1992), Much Ado About Nothing (1993), Junior (1994), Carrington (1995) and The Winter Guest (1997), Love Actually for director Richard Curtis and Imagining Argentina for director Christopher Hampton. She has starred in three projects directed by Mike Nichols: Primary Colors (1998), the HBO telefilms Wit (2001, in a Golden Globe-nominated performance) and Angels in America (2002, Screen Actors Guild Award nomination and EMMY Award nomination).
Lifetime’s set a January 25, 2014 premiere date for the dramatic movie Lizzie Borden Took An Ax directed by Nick Gomez (The Blacklist) from a script by Stephen Kay (The Mod Squad). Christina Ricci takes on the title role with Billy Campbell and Clea DuVall co-starring.
Judith Verno (Masters of Sex) serves as executive producer and Michael Mahoney (The Memory Keeper’s Daughter) produces.
The Plot:
The nursery rhyme “Lizzie Borden took an ax…and gave her mother forty whacks…when she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one” has been folklore for generations. But, in fact, it was Lizzie Borden — one of the most legendary figures in American history – who first whetted the public’s voracious interest in scandalous crimes in the 1800s with her own gruesome story involving the brutal murder of her parents.
On a scorching, hot summer day in 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts, Lizzie Borden (Ricci) returns home to the house she shares with her father Andrew, stepmother Abby and sister Emma (DuVall). But, unlike any normal day, Lizzie encounters the bloody scene of her parents violently murdered. Police quickly question multiple suspects in town, but evidence keeps pointing back to the Borden’s youngest daughter Lizzie, the seemingly wholesome Sunday school teacher, as the prime suspect. Lizzie’s lawyer, Andrew Jennings (Campbell), proclaims her innocence arguing that it is inconceivable a woman could commit the heinous crime of brutally murdering her family with an ax. Or is it? Lizzie is put on trial for the murders, both in the courtroom and in the press, sparking a widespread debate about her culpability. As the case rages on, the courtroom proceedings fuel an enormous amount of sensationalized stories and headlines in newspapers throughout the country, forever leaving Lizzie Borden’s name in infamy.
Gin Blossoms have announced proceeds from their November 21, 2013 Stage 48 performance in New York City will go toward helping out victims of Typhoon Haiyan (also known as Typhoon Yolanda). Proceeds from the Stage 48 concert will be donated to the Philippine Red Cross.
Said the band’s Robin Wilson: “We hope everyone will come to Stage 48 this coming Thursday, Nov 21st for a Rockin’ fun night and help the Philippine people in need!”
The Philippine Red Cross is trying to assist more than 20,000 families who were left homeless and are now sheltered in 300+ evacuation centers. Money raised from the Gin Blossoms concert will go toward helping the Philippine Red Cross purchase food, blankets, hygiene kits, and essential non-food supplies to those in need.
Per the official announcement:
“Gin Blossoms would like to encourage their friends and fans to make a monetary donation at the following link: ushare.redcross.org.ph/. “Any amount our fans and friends can afford will offer much relief to affected families fast” says Robin. “We performed in Manila less than a month ago. It’s so tragic that this has affected so many of those wonderful people” says Jesse.”
Gin Blossoms – Rockin’ for Philippines
Stage 48 / NYC
605 West 48th Street
NYC, 10036
Doors: 7:00pm
Show: 8:00pm
Tickets: $25. Available at the box office or:
www.ticketsweb.com
Red Cross donations: ushare.redcross.org.ph/
Twitter: #GBFansRockPhilippines
www.ginblossoms.net
Terry Schappert, Jake Zweig, Tom Moore, Matt Graham and John Hudson star in 'Dude, You're Screwed' (Photo by John Chapple/Discovery Channel)
How long would you last on your own in a remote location? For me, the answer’s pretty simple: not long at all. However, the contestants on Discovery Channel’s new series Dude, You’re Screwed are much better prepared than the average Joe.
Five elite survivalists will be taking part in the new survival game, which kicks off its seven-episode run on December 8, 2013 at 10pm ET/PT.
Here’s who will be taking part in the unscripted series:
· Terry Schappert, a Green Beret, A-Team leader, medic, sniper and close combat specialist
· John Hudson, an Extreme Survival Instructor for the UK Royal Air Force.
· Matt Graham, a primitive skills expert, and a desert survival instructor
· Jake Zweig, a former Navy SEAL, certified in Surface Warfare & as a dive safety officer and helicast master
· Tom Moore, a veteran Army Scout, bushcraft master and wilderness guide
The Rules:
Each survivalist is captured one at a time by the other four. The capture could take place at work, at home, at a coffee shop, ANYWHERE! They must always be on guard. Then, they are dropped in one of the world’s harshest environments and must make their way back to civilization, alive and unscathed, all within 100 hours, or it’s game over! Meanwhile, the other four compatriots monitor & scrutinize the target’s progress (and vital signs) from a nearby remote command center.
It’s man against nature (and his four “best” friends) as each action-packed, dramatic episode of Dude, You’re Screwed crisscrosses the globe — from dense jungles to frigid glaciers — to match wits in this game of survival. With reputations and bragging rights on the line, do these guys have what it takes to survive the ultimate challenge?
To win the game, you got to do more than just survive.
Bad news for Necessary Roughness fans: the series has been canceled by USA Network. The dramatic pigskin program will not be picked up for a fourth season, so says the network in a statement thanking the cast and showrunners. The cast was led by Callie Thorne and featured Mehcad Brooks, Marc Blucas, John Stamos, David Anders, and Karissa Lee Staples.
Stumble It! 
Lifetime’s set a January 25, 2014 premiere date for the dramatic movie Lizzie Borden Took An Ax directed by Nick Gomez (The Blacklist) from a script by Stephen Kay (The Mod Squad). Christina Ricci takes on the title role with Billy Campbell and Clea DuVall co-starring.
