Advertisement
Home Blog Page 2830

Fox Announces Their 2012-2013 Primetime Schedule

Mob Doctor Cast
Jordana Spiro (center), Wendy Makkena, Jesse Lee Soffer, William Forsythe, James Carpinello, Zach Gilford, Zeljko Ivanek, Floriana Lima and Jaime Lee Kirchner star in 'Mob Doctor' - Photo Credit: Patrick Ecclesine/FOX.
Two new comedies and a new dramatic series will be premiering when the 2012-2013 fall season kicks off on Fox. Fox announced the network will have a new Tuesday comedy block comprised of new series The Mindy Project and Ben and Kate joining returns shows Raising Hope and New Girl.
 
Fox will be debuting The Following, starring Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy, at midseason. The comedy The Goodwin Games will also show up on the network’s midseason schedule.
 
“Television continues to be the most vibrant, emotionally rich platform in the world,” stated Peter Rice, Chairman, Entertainment, Fox Networks Group, announcing the fall lineup. “FOX has been the No. 1 network for eight seasons by delivering groundbreaking, engaging and culturally relevant shows that connect with our audience, not only on-air, but wherever they are in the digital or social space.”
 
“With first-year culture-driving hits like New Girl and The X Factor and strong returning tentpoles like American Idol and Glee, we were laser focused on our development and it has really paid off,” said Kevin Reilly, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “I have no doubt that our two genre-defying new dramas, our new FOX Sports Saturdays, and our three new distinctive, sharp and upscale comedies – all fronted by incredible talent – can propel FOX to even greater success.”
 

FOX 2012-2013 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

(All Times ET/PT)

MONDAY

8:00-9:00 PM BONES

9:00-10:00 PM THE MOB DOCTOR (new)

THE FOLLOWING (new) joins in midseason.

TUESDAY

8:00-8:30 PM RAISING HOPE

8:30-9:00 PM BEN AND KATE (new)

9:00-9:30 PM NEW GIRL

9:30-10:00 PM THE MINDY PROJECT (new)

THE GOODWIN GAMES (new) joins in midseason.

WEDNESDAY

8:00-10:00 PM THE X FACTOR (fall) / AMERICAN IDOL (midseason)

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 PM THE X FACTOR Results (fall) / AMERICAN IDOL Results (midseason)

9:00-10:00 PM GLEE

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 PM TOUCH

9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE (fall)

HELL’S KITCHEN returns in midseason.

SATURDAY

7:00-10:30 PM FOX SPORTS SATURDAY (fall)

COPS returns in midseason.

ANIMATION DOMINATION HIGH-DEF (new) will join late-prime in 2013.

SUNDAY

7:00-7:30 PM NFL Game (fall) / ANIMATION DOMINATION (encores)

7:30-8:00 PM THE OT (fall) / THE CLEVELAND SHOW

8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS

8:30-9:00 PM BOB’S BURGERS

9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY

9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD

NEW SERIES SYNOPSES:

BEN AND KATE

What happens when an exuberant, irresponsible dreamer who always says “yes” moves in with his overly responsible little sister to help raise her five-year-old daughter? BEN AND KATE, a new single-camera young ensemble comedy, follows these odd-couple siblings as they push each other out of their comfort zones and into real life. KATE FOX (Dakota Johnson, “The Social Network”) followed the rules all her life…until she got pregnant in college and dropped out just shy of graduation. After the birth of her daughter, MADDIE (Maggie Jones, “We Bought a Zoo,” “Footloose”), Kate put her twenties on hold. Now working as a bar manager to make ends meet and maximize her time with five-year-old Maddie, she’s uber-prepared for every possible catastrophe – except for the arrival of her older brother, BEN FOX (Nat Faxon, “Bad Teacher”). Ben likes trouble a lot more than his sister does. His infectious energy makes you want to follow him into any number of bad ideas. He’ll totally screw up your life, but somehow, you’ll feel good about it. Where Kate is all about planning and preparing, Ben is big on spontaneity and out-of-the-box ideas. But don’t let the Velcro wallet fool you – he’ll probably be a millionaire someday. When Ben comes to crash on Kate’s couch for a few days, he finds a sad state of affairs. Kate’s surviving, but not living. Ben realizes that for the first time in their lives, Kate needs his help and he’s determined to bring some much-needed chaos into her overly stable world. He starts by offering to help look after Maddie so Kate can get back to experiencing her mid-twenties and making mistakes, since the one real “mistake” she’s made turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to her. Always there to help with Ben’s crazy schemes is his partner-in-crime, TOMMY (newcomer Echo Kellum), who worships Ben like a hero and nurses a serious crush on Kate. Kate’s British best friend, BJ (Lucy Punch, “Bad Teacher”), is a cocktail waitress at the bar that Kate manages and an all-around hot mess who would do anything for Kate, even if her advice is often questionable and occasionally illegal. From writer/executive producer Dana Fox (NEW GIRL, “What Happens in Vegas”) and executive producer/director Jake Kasdan (NEW GIRL, “Bad Teacher”), BEN AND KATE is a heartwarming story of deeply mismatched siblings: a sister who needs to go for her dreams and a brother who needs to get his head out of the clouds.

THE MINDY PROJECT


THE MINDY PROJECT is a new single-camera comedy from Emmy Award-nominated writer/producer and New York Times best-selling author Mindy Kaling (“The Office”) that follows a woman who, despite having a successful career, desperately needs to break bad habits in her personal life. After all, how many doctors make inappropriate toasts at their ex-boyfriend’s wedding, nearly drown at the bottom of a stranger’s pool and get arrested for disorderly conduct just moments before having to deliver a baby? Funny, impatient and politically incorrect, MINDY LAHIRI (Kaling) can quote every romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan that exists. She loves the good ones and the bad ones, because the girl always gets the guy. Mindy is determined to be more punctual, spend less money, lose weight and read more books – all in pursuit of becoming a well-rounded perfect woman…who can meet and date the perfect guy. Mindy is a skilled OB/GYN and shares a practice with a few other doctors, none of whom make life any easier for her. JEREMY REED (British writer/comedian Ed Weeks) is the walking definition of total bad news. He not only shares a practice with Mindy, but sometimes her bed as well – despite her best efforts to resist. He is funny, self-absorbed and super sexy. In contrast, DANNY CASTELLANO (Chris Messina, “Damages”) is a hothead and guys’ guy who has a habit of stealing Mindy’s patients. Danny criticizes her for everything, including her struggling love life and her lack of professionalism – even though it’s obvious to everyone except Mindy that he secretly admires her work. His blue-collar childhood gives him a big chip on his shoulder, but he is a dedicated physician, which Mindy can’t stand to admit because he’s always getting on her case. Rounding out the office staff are the receptionists – BETSY PUTCH (Zoe Jarman, “Huge”), young, earnest and easily excitable, who thinks the world of Mindy and is always trying to impress her; and SHAUNA DICANIO (newcomer Dana DeLorenzo), a self-assured Jersey Girl who is indifferent to Mindy, always knows where the cool party is and carries a poorly concealed torch for Danny. Mindy is in constant communication with her beloved best friend from college, GWEN GRANDY (Anna Camp, “The Good Wife”), who also happens to be the governor’s daughter. Gwen is a hilarious, sometimes too-blunt friend, and secretly a former carefree party girl (which only Mindy seems to remember). Although Gwen is now happily married to a financial analyst, with a six-year-old daughter, this lawyer-turned-Pilates mom remains squarely in Mindy’s corner. As Mindy attempts to get her career off the ground and meet a guy who passes her red flag test (no drug habits, no skinny jeans and no secret families, among others), only time will tell if she gets her romantic comedy ending.

THE MOB DOCTOR

For most physicians, the Hippocratic oath is sacred. But for one Chicago doctor, who is indebted to the mafia, saving lives isn’t her only concern. THE MOB DOCTOR is a fast-paced medical drama featuring a brilliant young female cardiothoracic surgeon who is split between two distinct worlds as she juggles her promising medical career with her lifelong debt as a doctor to Chicago’s Southside mob. DR. GRACE DEVLIN (Jordana Spiro, “My Boys”) is a top resident at Chicago’s Roosevelt Medical Center. Smart and self-assured, she’s heralded as one of the country’s most promising young surgeons. But family ties keep her glued to her Southside roots. To pay off her brother’s life-threatening gambling debt, she makes a deal with the devil and agrees to work “off book” for the mafia men she once despised. During the day, Grace must deal with the emotionally compelling cases at Roosevelt Medical – a toddler in need of a heart transplant, an elderly man desperate to donate a lung to his sick wife, the mass chaos in the wake of a two-train collision on the ‘L.’ But in her other vastly different world, she must juggle an onslaught of mob-related demands, including operating in mob-sanctioned locations, removing bullets from dead bodies to hide incriminating evidence, saving a juiced-up race horse and covertly helping an aging mobster with his erectile dysfunction. All the while, Grace must keep her dual life a secret from everyone: her protective best friend, NURSE ROBERTA “RO” ANGELI (Floriana Lima, “Glory Daze”); her handsome, blue-blooded boyfriend, DR. BRETT ROBINSON (Zach Gilford, “Off The Map,” “Friday Night Lights”); her boss at Roosevelt Medical and Chief of Surgery, DR. STAFFORD WHITE (Zeljko Ivanek, “The Event,” “Damages”); her rival, DR. OLIVIA WATSON (Jaime Lee Kirchner, “Necessary Roughness,” “Mercy”); even her well-meaning screw-up brother, NATE (Jesse Lee Soffer, “As the World Turns”), and her overly dramatic mother, DANIELLA (Wendy Makkena, “NCIS”). The only one who knows the true scope of Grace’s activities is the man to whom Grace owes her debt: the charming and diabolical Southside mob boss CONSTANTINE ALEXANDER (William Forsythe, “Boardwalk Empire”), an oddly compassionate killer whose relationship with Grace is more than it seems. Recently released from prison, the former head of the Chicago mob looks to reclaim his place in the organization, with the help of his right-hand associate – and Grace’s ex-boyfriend – FRANCO (James Carpinello, “The Good Wife”). As Grace tries to heed the demands of these two conflicting worlds – not to mention the needs of her own slightly dysfunctional family – her moral center comes into direct conflict with the very immoral things she’s asked to do. But with nerves of steel and a tough-as-nails exterior, she somehow manages to make it all work – at least for now.

THE FOLLOWING

THE FBI estimates there are currently over 300 active serial killers in the United States. What would happen if these killers had a way of communicating and connecting with each other? What if they were able to work together and form alliances across the country? What if one brilliant psychotic serial killer was able to bring them all together and activate a following? Welcome to THE FOLLOWING, the terrifying new thriller from creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Dawson’s Creek,” the “Scream” franchise). When notorious serial killer JOE CARROLL (James Purefoy, “Rome”) escapes from death row and embarks on a new killing spree, the FBI calls former agent RYAN HARDY (Emmy-nominated actor Kevin Bacon, “X-Men: First Class”) to consult on the case. Having since withdrawn from the public eye, Hardy was responsible for Carroll’s capture nine years ago, after Carroll murdered 14 female students on the Virginia college campus where he taught literature. Hardy is a walking textbook of all-things Carroll. He knows him better than anyone; he is perhaps Carroll’s only psychological and intellectual match. But the Ryan Hardy who broke the Carroll case years ago isn’t the same man today. Wounded both physically and mentally by his previous pursuit of this serial killer, it’s been a long time since Hardy has been in the field. This investigation is his redemption, his call to action. In contrast to nine years ago, Hardy isn’t calling the shots on this case. He works closely with an FBI team, which includes all-business and tough-as-nails JENNIFER MASON (Jeananne Goossen, “The Vow,” ALCATRAZ) and young, razor-sharp MIKE WESTON (Shawn Ashmore, “X-Men”).

The team considers Hardy to be more of a liability than an asset. But Hardy proves his worth when he uncovers that Carroll was covertly communicating with a network of killers in the outside world. It quickly becomes obvious that he has more planned than just a prison escape, and there’s no telling how many additional killers are out there. The FBI’s investigation leads Hardy to CLAIRE MATTHEWS (Natalie Zea, “Justified”), Carroll’s ex-wife and mother of the criminal’s 10-year-old son, JOEY (newcomer Kyle Catlett). Close during Hardy’s initial investigation, Hardy turns to Claire for insight into Carroll’s next move. The tension rises when Carroll’s accomplices kidnap his intended last victim from nine years ago. Hardy becomes ever more determined to end Carroll’s game when he realizes that this psychopath intends to finish what he started. The thriller will follow Hardy and the FBI as they are challenged with the ever-growing web of murder around them, masterminded by the devious Carroll, who dreams of writing a novel with Hardy as his protagonist. The reinvigorated Hardy will get a second chance to capture Carroll, as he’s faced with not one but a cult of serial killers.

THE GOODWIN GAMES

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And when that will’s worth more than 20 million dollars, you can bet someone’s going to find a way to get the cash. From the executive producers of “How I Met Your Mother,” THE GOODWIN GAMES is a single-camera comedy that tells the story of three grown siblings who return home after their father’s death, and unexpectedly find themselves poised to inherit a vast fortune – if they adhere to their late father’s wishes. If any of the Goodwin kids feel like they deserve the money, then it’s HENRY (Scott Foley, “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Felicity”), the eldest child and an overachieving surgeon. He sees himself as a role model for his less successful siblings – and reminds them every chance he gets. Returning home will force Henry to question the choices he’s made, especially as he reconnects with his first love and true soulmate, LUCINDA (Felisha Terrell, “Days of Our Lives”). Middle sibling CHLOE (Becki Newton, “Ugly Betty”) was a child prodigy in math, and her unofficial role as “the smart one” of the family still sends Henry into fits of jealousy. But long ago, Chloe gave up academics in favor of being the popular girl. Now, through a series of hidden messages, her late father will lead Chloe back to her old love of numbers – and back to the person she’s meant to be. Of the three siblings, the youngest, JIMMY (Jake Lacy, “Better With You”), could use the inheritance the most. A small-time ex-con and dull-witted guitarist who’s deep in debt to a loan shark, Jimmy may be the family screw-up, but he has more heart than anyone. Like his siblings,

Jimmy’s also returning to something in this town: his eight-year-old daughter. Pulling the strings from beyond the grave is the children’s late father, BENJAMIN (guest star Beau Bridges, “The Descendants”), a college math professor. Guilty over not parenting his kids better, Benjamin has left behind a series of unique challenges – administered by his estate attorney APRIL (newcomer Melissa Tang). Through these tasks, Benjamin hopes he can get his children to rediscover their true selves and learn the lessons he failed to instill in them while he was alive. Their potential reward? More than 20 million dollars – a fortune that they never knew their father had – and the chance to become the people their father wanted them to be. So let THE GOODWIN GAMES begin!

Source: Fox

Kate Hudson, Sarah Jessica Parker Guest Star on Glee

Kate Hudson at the Something Borrowed Premiere
Kate Hudson at the Something Borrowed Premiere - Photo © Richard Chavez
Oscar nominee Kate Hudson will appear in a six-episode arc on season 4 of Glee, and Sarah Jessica Parker – last seen on TV in HBO’s Sex and the City – will also appear in this upcoming season of the musical comedy TV series. Fox hasn’t revealed how many episodes Parker will appear in or who either actress will be playing.
 
Fox will be moving Glee to its new home on Thursday nights at 9pm this upcoming season, placing it in the timeslot immediately following The X Factor.
 
Hudson and Parker join the list of Glee guest stars that includes Neil Patrick Harris, Gwyneth Paltrow, Carol Burnett, Kristen Chenoweth, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Griffin, Jonathan Groff, Ricky Martin, Idina Menzel, Olivia Newton-John, Britney Spears and John Stamos.
 
More on Kate Hudson [Courtesy of Fox]:
 
Golden Globe Award winner and Academy Award nominee Hudson made her studio film debut in 200 Cigarettes, then she went on to co-star in Desert Blue and Gossip. It was her career-making performance in Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous that won the hearts of critics and moviegoers around the world. Her touching portrayal of band aid “Penny Lane” earned her a Golden Globe Award, an Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actress and a BAFTA nomination, amongst numerous other honors and recognition, including the Broadcast Film Critics’ Award for Breakthrough Performance. The Golden Globe Award winner for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, about the world of 1970’s rock won rave reviews for the film and its gifted cast. She went on to star in Dr. T and the Women, About Adam and The Four Feathers.
 
Hudson achieved global box office success starring opposite Matthew McConaughey in the hit romantic comedy, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Her film credits also include Alex & Emma, Le Divorce, Raising Helen and Skeleton Key. She starred in the comedy You, Me and Dupree and re-teamed with Matthew McConaughey in Fool’s Gold. She appeared alongside Dane Cook and Jason Biggs in My Best Friend’s Girl and starred opposite Anne Hathaway in Bride Wars, which also marked her debut as a producer.
 
In 2009, Hudson dazzled in the role of a Vogue journalist in Rob Marshall’s all-star movie musical, Nine, also starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench and Sophia Loren. Her show-stopping number, “Cinema Italiano,” was written specifically for the film, with her in mind. She followed that with a chilling turn in The Killer Inside Me, and has since appeared in the romantic comedy based on the international best-selling novel, Something Borrowed, and A Little Bit of Heaven. She has completed The Reluctant Fundamentalist for director Mira Nair opposite Liev Schreiber and Kiefer Sutherland and will provide a voice for the upcoming animated feature, Me and My Shadow, to be released next year.
 
In 2007, Hudson made her directorial debut with the short film, Cutlass, as part of Glamour magazine’s “Reel Moments,” with first-time female directors working from readers’ personal essays. She is Global Brand Ambassador for Almay, where she has been the face of the company’s new and existing cosmetic products since 2010. 2011 saw the launch of CH+KH, a unique line of jewelry and accessories Hudson created with her longtime friend Laurie Lynn Stark, co-owner of Chrome Hearts.
 

More on Sarah Jessica Parker [Courtesy of Fox]:
 
Celebrated in film, television and fashion, Sarah Jessica Parker continues to expand upon her impressive collection of credits with her remarkable range and effortless style.
 


Parker recently completed production on Lovelace, in which she stars as Gloria Steinem alongside Amanda Seyfried as Linda Lovelace, James Franco as Hugh Hefner and Peter Sarsgaard as Chuck Traynor. This summer, she starts filming the comedy, Married and Cheating, starring opposite Brendan Fraser. Next year, Parker will lend her voice to family-friendly animated feature Escape from Planet Earth with Jessica Alba, Brendan Fraser and James Gandolfini.
 
Parker served as a producer and reprised her Emmy Award-winning role as Carrie Bradshaw in the screen adaptation of the hit HBO series Sex and the City, followed by the theatrical release of Sex and the City 2. She won over critics and audiences alike in the series for which she was awarded a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2001. Parker was also an executive producer on the series, which received the Golden Globe for Outstanding Comedy Series three years in a row in 2000, 2001 and 2002, and was honored with an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2001.
 
Other film credits include: Douglas McGrath’s comedy I Don’t Know How She Does It, based on the critically acclaimed bestseller by Allison Pearson; Garry Marshall’s New Year’s Eve, the sequel to the hit comedy Valentine’s Day, which also starred Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer and Hilary Swank; Did You Hear About The Morgans opposite Hugh Grant; Smart People opposite Dennis Quad; Failure to Launch opposite Matthew McConaughey; her Golden Globe- nominated performance in The Family Stone; David Mamet’s satirical comedy, State and Main; ‘Til There Was You; Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks; If Lucy Fell opposite Ben Stiller; Tim Burton’s Ed Wood co-starring Johnny Depp; The First Wives Club with Bette Midler, Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn; Miami Rhapsody with Antonio Banderas; Hocus Pocus; Honeymoon in Vegas opposite Nicholas Cage; and her breakthrough role in L.A. Story co-starring Steve Martin.
 
Early motion picture roles include: Flight of the Navigator, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Footloose with Kevin Bacon, Michael Apted’s First Born, Somewhere Tomorrow, and Rich Kids.
 
Through her production company Pretty Matches Productions, Parker has a first-look deal with HBO to develop and produce films, television series, and long form programming. She has served as an executive producer on both seasons of Bravo’s Work of Art: The Next Great Artist. The series features aspiring artists who compete for a solo show at the prestigious Brooklyn Museum.
 
Parker also lends her time to charitable causes, and she currently serves as a UNICEF ambassador. In November 2009, the Obama administration elected her to be a member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.
 
Source: Fox
 

True Blood Season 5 New Trailer

For fans of Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse book series, the new trailer for season 5 of True Blood is sure to leave you scratching your head. This season looks to be the biggest departure from the books, as book #5 of Harris’ found the telepathic waitress reluctantly working with Alcide to help his father become the pack master while a sniper is taking shots at non-humans. Watch the new trailer and it’s evident this season has nothing to do with the book’s main storylines. But, it’s not as though previous seasons of the HBO series have fallen in step with Harris’ books. Usually it’s a matter of taking the absolute most basic idea of Harris’ books and then expanding and venturing off in different – mostly bizarre – directions.

That said, as a fan of Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse (Southern Vampire) series, book #5 wasn’t a particular favorite but season #5 of True Blood looks wickedly entertaining. There’s even the re-introduction of one of the show’s best supporting characters – seen in the very end of this new trailer.

Check it out and see what you think:

Sookie Stackhouse Poster True Blood Season 5

NBC Reveals Its 2012-2013 Primetime Schedule

Animal Practice Cast Photo
Justin Kirk as Dr. George Coleman, Bobby Lee as Dr. Yamamoto, Tyler Labine as Dr. Doug Jackson, Crystal as Dr. Zaius in 'Animal Practice' -- (Photo by: Chris Haston/NBC)
NBC will be debuting the comedies “Go On,” “The New Normal,” “Animal Practice” and “Guys with Kids” as well as dramas “Revolution” and “Chicago Fire” this fall when the 2012-2013 TV season kicks off. And in a change for the previous two seasons, NBC will be bringing “The Voice” back during the fall season.
 
New shows set to launch at mid-season include “Save Me,” “1600 Penn,” “Next Caller,” “Do No Harm,” “Infamous,” and “Hannibal.” Shows returning to the lineup this fall include “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “The Office,” “30 Rock,” “Community,” “Parenthood,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Whitney” and Up All Night.”
 
The announcements were made by Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment.
Announcing the 2012-2013 schedule, NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt stated: “We’ve taken a few first steps toward a turnaround over this past season and now we’re seeing a real opportunity to accelerate that process. We’ve got a lineup of new shows that will really get people to sit up and take notice. And with the Olympics coming this summer and two nights of ‘The Voice’ in the fall, we’ve also got the tools we need to give our shows the kind of launch they deserve.”
 

NBC FALL 2012-13 SCHEDULE

*New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET)

MONDAY
8-10 p.m. – “The Voice”
10-11 p.m. – “REVOLUTION”

TUESDAY
8-9 p.m. –”The Voice”
9-9:30 p.m. – “GO ON”
9:30-10 p.m. – “THE NEW NORMAL”
10-11 p.m. – “Parenthood”

WEDNESDAY
8-8:30 p.m. – “ANIMAL PRACTICE”
8:30-9 p.m. – “GUYS WITH KIDS”
9-10 p.m. – “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”
10-11 p.m. – “CHICAGO FIRE”

THURSDAY
8-8:30 p.m. – “30 Rock”
8:30-9 p.m. – “Up All Night”
9-9:30 p.m. – “The Office”
9:30-10 p.m. – “Parks and Recreation”
10-11 p.m. – “Rock Center with Brian Williams”

FRIDAY
8-8:30 p.m. – “Whitney”
8:30-9 p.m. – “Community”
9-10 p.m. – “Grimm”
10-11 p.m. – “Dateline NBC”

SATURDAY
Encore programming

SUNDAY (Fall 2012)
7- 8:15 p.m. — “Football Night in America”
8:15-11:30 p.m. — “NBC Sunday Night Football”

SUNDAY (Post-football/Winter 2013)
7-8 p.m. – “Dateline NBC”
8-9 p.m. – “Fashion Star”
9-10 p.m. – “The Celebrity Apprentice”
10-11 p.m. – “DO NO HARM”

2012-13 NEW SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

New Comedies

“Go On” — Misery loves company. Unless you’re sportscaster Ryan King (Matthew Perry, “Friends,” “Mr. Sunshine”) who thinks misery should just be left alone. After taking some time off, Ryan – who recently lost his wife in a car accident – is now ready to get back to work. And while he seems like his same old charming, cocky self, his boss won’t set him back on the air until he seeks counseling. So, Ryan reluctantly joins a support group with one goal in mind: get in, get out and get back on the radio as quickly as possible. Played by the fast-talking, sarcastic, and charismatic Perry, Ryan gives grief a real run for its money. Within one day of group therapy, he hijacks the meeting and suddenly the downtrodden are cajoled into playing a game of “who’s got the best sob story?” And in no time all of them are battling it out, trying to one-up each other’s despair. Now, this is fun! Ryan’s total lack of interest in healing might be just what this group needs – and maybe, exactly what he needs to move on with his life. Also starring are Tony winner Laura Benanti (“The Playboy Club”), Julie White (“Transformers”), Suzy Nakamura (“Dodgeball”), Khary Payton (“General Hospital”) and Allison Miller (“Terra Nova”). From the Emmy-winning writer and executive producer Scott Silveri (“Perfect Couples,” “Friends”) comes a new series that proves grief can be good. Todd Holland (“Malcolm in the Middle”) and Karey Burke (“Free Agents,” “Miss/Guided”) also serve as executive producers. The pilot was directed by Holland. “Go On” is a production of Universal Television, Dark Toy Entertainment and Silver & Gold Productions.


“The New Normal” — These days, families come in all forms – single dads, double moms, sperm donors, egg donors, one-night-stand donors… It’s 2012 and anything goes. Bryan (Andrew Rannells, “Girls,” “The Book of Mormon”) and David (Justin Bartha, “The Hangover”) are a Beverly Hills couple and they have it all. Well, almost. With successful careers and a committed and loving partnership, the one thing missing is a baby. And just when they think the stars will never align, enter Goldie (Georgia King, “One Day”), an extraordinary young woman with a checkered past. A Midwestern waitress and single mother looking to escape her dead-end life and small-minded grandmother (Ellen Barkin, “Ocean’s Thirteen”), Goldie decides to change everything and move to L.A. with her precocious 8-year-old daughter. Desperate and broke – but also fertile – Goldie quickly becomes the guys’ surrogate and quite possibly the girl of their dreams. Surrogate mother, surrogate family. “The New Normal” is produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Ryan Murphy Productions. Murphy serves as creator/executive producer and director along with executive producer/creator/writer Ali Adler (“Glee,” “Chuck”) and executive producer Dante Di Loreto (“Glee,” “American Horror Story”).

“Animal Practice” — Meet Dr. George Coleman (Justin Kirk, “Weeds”), a top-dog New York veterinarian. With an unorthodox style of operating, George’s success comes from his undeniable gift with animals of all kinds. That is, all but the human kind. Dorothy Crane once held the key to George’s heart, but today she also holds the key to the family business as she takes over Crane Animal Hospital. Not only is she George’s new boss, but her romantic history with him and her lack of experience with animals is seriously cramping his style. Dorothy is whip-smart and ambitious, and she’s going to make George pay for the past. Needless to say, he’s determined not to make any changes in his (animal) kingdom — which includes poker games with a resident capuchin monkey. Also starring are Tyler Labine (“Reaper,” “Sons of Tucson”) as Dr. Doug Jackson, a vet who’s great with animals but hapless in matters of the heart, Bobby Lee (“Harold & Kumar”) as Dr. Yamamoto, and newcomer Betsy Sodaro as Angela. “Animal Practice” is a production of Universal Television and American Work Inc. The executive producers are Scot Armstrong (“The Hangover Part II,” “Old School”) and Ravi Nandan (“Best Friends Forever”) of American Work Inc. (“Best Friends Forever”) along with Emmy Award winners Joe & Anthony Russo (“Community,” “Arrested Development”). “Animal Practice” was written by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka (“The Sitter”), who also serve as executive producers. Gail Lerner (“Happy Endings”) also is an executive producer. Directed by the Emmy-winning Russo brothers, “Animal Practice” is a comedy where the animals are running the asylum.

“Guys with Kids” — From Emmy winner and executive producer Jimmy Fallon comes a new comedy about three thirty-something dads trying to hold on to their youth, while holding onto their new babies’ hands. Easy, right? Thankfully, Chris (Jesse Bradford, “The West Wing”), Nick (Zach Cregger, “Friends with Benefits”) and Gary (Anthony Anderson, “Law & Order”) have each other to help navigate their survival as new dads, while still trying desperately to remain dudes. Balancing work or staying at home, painfully married or happily divorced, they know that taking care of the little ones while maintaining a social life is a daily challenge. Whether it’s hosing the little squirt down in the kitchen sink or hitting the bar strapped with a baby björn, these guys are on a roller-coaster adventure – parenting like you (and they) have never seen before. Also starring are Jamie Lynn Sigler (“The Sopranos”) and Tempestt Bledsoe (“The Cosby Show”). Someone once said it is much easier to become a father than to be one. These three guys are about to find out just how true that is. “Guys with Kids” is produced by Universal Television and Holiday Road. Fallon (“Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”) serves as executive producer/creator along with executive producer/creator/writer Charlie Grandy (NBC’s “The Office”) and executive producer/creator Amy Ozols (“Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”) as well as executive producers Rick Wiener and Kenny Schwartz (“Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place,” “American Dad”). Emmy-nominated director Scott Ellis (“Modern Family,” “30 Rock”) is the director.

“Save Me” — Welcome to the Midwestern suburbs, where exciting things never happen. Well, almost never. After a near-death experience (choking on a hero sandwich), Beth (Emmy nominee Anne Heche, “Hung”) is revived only to realize she now has a direct line to God. Of course, her husband Tom (Michael Landes, “Final Destination 2”) is skeptical and dismissive – and his mistress (Alexandra Breckenridge, “American Horror Story”) is stunned to learn that her lover’s wife is now a prophet! But when inexplicable things begin to happen, everyone’s beliefs are tested. Beth starts to say and do things that shock her family and entrance her friends, but she isn’t going to be your typical “fire and brimstone” prophet. Let’s just say, if God had a desperate housewife as His mouthpiece, Beth would be it! She is the absolute last person on Earth who would be chosen. Then again, they say He works in mysterious ways. And this one is a real mystery! Heather Burns (“Bored to Death”) and Madison Davenport (“Shameless”) also star. “Save Me” is produced by Sony Pictures Television and Original Film. Novelist John Scott Shepherd (“Henry’s List of Wrongs,” “The Days”) is executive producer/creator along with executive producer/director Scott Winant (“Breaking Bad,” “True Blood,” “Californication”) and executive producers Neal H. Moritz (“The Big C,” “Prison Break,” “Fast Five”), Vivian Cannon (“The Big C”) and Alexa Junge (“Friends,” “Sex and the City”).

“1600 Penn” — The Gilchrists are just the average American family dealing with all the everyday issues – like a grown kid who’s forced to move back home, children who are smarter than their teachers and a stepmom (Jenna Elfman, “Dharma and Greg”) desperately trying to win over the kids. They’re loving, fun and a little crazy. In other words, just like everybody else. With one exception: they live in a very special house. The White House! Whether it’s entertaining foreign dignitaries, sneaking away for a night out, dealing with middle school crushes or putting out fires – figuratively and sometimes literally – there’s never a dull moment in the Gilchrist White House. For example, the First Son (Josh Gad, star of Broadway sensation “The Book of Mormon”) is one of the administration’s biggest liabilities, but also the glue that holds this family together. The President (Bill Pullman, “Independence Day,” “While You Were Sleeping”) knows too well that the only thing harder than being Head of State is being head of the family. Also starring are Martha MacIsaac (“Superbad”), Andre Holland (“Friends with Benefits”), Amara Miller (“The Descendants”) and Benjamin Stockham (“Sons of Tucson”). “Modern Family” meets “The West Wing” in this election-year comedy from Emmy-winning executive producer/director Jason Winer (“Modern Family”). The executive producers are Winer, Gad and Jon Lovett (former White House speechwriter). Winer also directed the pilot. “1600 Penn” is produced by 20th Century Fox.

“Next Caller” — What happens when a foulmouthed satellite radio DJ – played by the multi-platinum selling artist and outrageously charming Dane Cook (“My Best Friend’s Girl”) – is forced to share the mic with a chipper NPR feminist? It’s anyone’s call in this sharp new comedy from producer Stephen Falk (“Weeds”) and Emmy-winning director Marc Buckland (“Grimm,” “My Name Is Earl”). It’s her first day in New York City, and 26-year-old Stella Hoobler (Collette Wolfe, “Young Adult”) is ready to take on the world. After a stint on public radio, she’s been hired to co-host the no-holds-barred show “Booty Calls with Cam Dunne.” Smart, spunky and passionate, Stella is determined to elevate the show beyond its boy’s-club-locker-room humor into a respected debate about men, women and the state of human relationships. But there’s a problem: Cam! She’s going to find out the hard way that he’s got no intention of sharing the spotlight, especially with someone like her. It’s going to be a tense fight, but with the station’s one rule being “make some noise,” Cam and Stella could be a winning combination – as long as they don’t knock each other out on their way to success. Jeffrey Tambor (“Arrested Development”), Joy Osmanski (“True Jackson, VP”) and Wolé Parks (“Premium Rush”) also star. The series is created and executive-produced by Stephen Falk (“Weeds”) and directed by Emmy Award-winning director Marc Buckland (“Grimm,” “My Name Is Earl”), who also serves as executive producer on the pilot. “Next Caller” is produced by Lionsgate Television and Universal Television.

New Dramas

“Revolution” — Our entire way of life depends on electricity. So what would happen if it just stopped working? Well, one day, like a switch turned off, the world is suddenly thrust back into the dark ages. Planes fall from the sky, hospitals shut down, and communication is impossible. And without any modern technology, who can tell us why? Now, 15 years later, life is back to what it once was long before the industrial revolution: families living in quiet cul-de-sacs, and when the sun goes down lanterns and candles are lit. Life is slower and sweeter. Or is it? On the fringes of small farming communities, danger lurks. And a young woman’s life is dramatically changed when a local militia arrives and kills her father, who mysteriously – and unbeknownst to her – had something to do with the blackout. This brutal encounter sets her and two unlikely companions off on a daring coming-of-age journey to find answers about the past in the hopes of reclaiming the future. From director Jon Favreau (“Iron Man,” “Iron Man 2”) and the fertile imaginations of J.J. Abrams (“Lost,” “Person of Interest”) and Eric Kripke (“Supernatural”), comes a surprising “what if” action-adventure series, where an unlikely hero will lead the world out of the dark. Literally. The series stars Billy Burke (“The Twilight Saga”), Tracy Spiridakos (“Being Human”), Anna Lise Phillips (“Terra Nova”), Zak Orth (“Romeo + Juliet”), Graham Rogers (“Memphis Beat”), J.D. Pardo (“A Cinderella Story”), Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad”), David Lyons (“The Cape”), Maria Howell (“The Blind Side”), Tim Guinee (“Iron Man”) and Andrea Roth (“Rescue Me”). Kripke, Abrams, Favreau and Bryan Burk (“Lost,” “Star Trek”) serve as executive producers. “Revolution” is produced by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions, Kripke Enterprises and Warner Bros. Television. The pilot was directed by Favreau.

“Chicago Fire” — No job is more stressful, dangerous or exhilarating than those of the Firefighters, Rescue Squad and Paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51. These are America’s everyday heroes — the courageous men and women who forge headfirst into danger when everyone else is running the other way. But the enormous responsibilities of the job also take a personal toll. Big reputations and hefty egos, coupled with the pressure to perform and make split-second decisions, are bound to put squad members at odds. When a tragedy claims one of their own, there’s plenty of guilt and blame to go around. In the middle of a divorce, Lt. Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer, “House M.D.”) tries to go about business as usual but can’t help butting heads with the brash Lt. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney, “The Vampire Diaries”) of the Rescue Squad – and each blames the other for their fallen team member. When it’s “go-time” though, they put aside their differences and put everything on the line for each other. “Chicago Fire” is a look inside one of America’s noblest professions. Also starring are Eamonn Walker (“The Messenger”), Charlie Barnett, (“Law & Order: SVU”), David Eigenberg (“Sex and the City”), Monica Raymund (“The Good Wife”), Lauren German (“Hawaii Five-O”), Teri Reeves (“Three Rivers”) and Merle Dandridge (“Sons of Anarchy”). “Chicago Fire” is produced by Universal Television and Wolf Films. Emmy Award-winning creator/ producer Dick Wolf (“Law & Order” brand), Derek Haas (“3:10 to Yuma”), Michael Brandt (“3:10 to Yuma”), Peter Jankowski (“Law & Order” brand) and Danielle Gelber serve as executive producers. Haas and Brandt wrote the pilot, which was directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff (“Homeland”). From renowned Emmy-winning producer Dick Wolf and the writing team behind “3:10 to Yuma” comes an edge-of-your-seat view of a dirty job that often means the difference between life and death.

“Do No Harm” — Dr. Jason Cole (Steven Pasquale, “Rescue Me”) is a highly respected neurosurgeon who has it all – a lucrative career, confident charm, the gift of compassion. But he also has a deep, dark secret. One morning when he wakes up disoriented in a wrecked hotel room amidst several near-naked women he’s never seen before, he knows one thing: it’s happening again. Every night at the same hour, something inside Jason changes, leaving him almost unrecognizable – seductive, devious, borderline sociopathic. This new man is his dangerous alternate personality who goes by the name of ‘Ian Price.’ For years he’s battled Ian, keeping him in check with a powerful experimental sedative. But now his – their – body has developed a resistance to the serum, setting Ian free once again. And to make matters worse, after being suppressed for so long, Ian’s hell-bent on taking revenge on his oppressor. With everyone Jason cares about at risk – patients, friends, coworkers and even the woman he loves – he’s got to stop Ian once and for all. Will they find some common ground, or will they bring each other down? Hell hath no fury like an alter ego scorned. Also starring are Alana De La Garza (“Law & Order”), Mousa Kraish (“Superbad”), Michael Esper (“A Beautiful Mind”), Ruta Gedmintas (“The Borgias”) and Phylicia Rashad (“The Cosby Show”). “Do No Harm” is produced by Universal Television and Traugott Company. The executive producer/writer is David Schulner (“Desperate Housewives,” “The Event”). Peter Traugott (“Ringer”) and Rachel Kaplan (“Ringer”) also are executive producers. Michael Mayer (NBC’s “Smash”) is the co-executive producer and director.

“Infamous” — When wealthy socialite and notorious party girl Vivian Bowers is found dead of an overdose, no one is really surprised. The heiress to the Bowers pharmaceutical empire has been tabloid fodder for years: wild, pretty, privileged… and now dead at the age of 32. But for FBI agent Will Moreno (Laz Alonso, “Avatar”), things don’t add up with this suspicious dynasty. Convinced that the troubled girl’s death was a homicide, he has a clever plan to get to the truth. Her name is Detective Joanna Locasto (Meagan Good, “Think Like a Man”). Twenty years ago she was Vivian’s best friend and practically grew up inside the Bowers’ home. And when she appears at Vivian’s funeral, the family re-embraces her and no one is the wiser. Joanna quickly begins to uncover dark secrets and clues about why Vivian’s life was very much in danger. At the same time, she rekindles an old romantic relationship and rediscovers the allure of the luxurious lifestyle she once knew. She’s about to see once again just how the other half lives… and dies. Also starring are Victor Garber (“Alias”), Tate Donovan (“Damages”), Katherine La Nasa (“Alfie”) and Ella Rae Peck (“Gossip Girl”). “Infamous” comes from executive producer/writer Liz Heldens (“Friday Night Lights”) and director Peter Horton (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Dirty Sexy Money”). Gail Berman, Lloyd Braun and Gene Stein are also executive producers. The series is from Universal Television and BermanBraun.

“Hannibal” — One of the most fascinating literary characters comes to life on television for the first time: psychiatrist-turned-serial-killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. In this new drama from Bryan Fuller (“Pushing Daisies,” “Heroes”), based on the characters from Thomas Harris’ classic novels, we see where this incredible story began. Will Graham (Hugh Dancy, “The Big C”) is a gifted criminal profiler who is on the hunt for a serial killer with the FBI. Graham’s unique way of thinking gives him the astonishing ability to empathize with anyone – even psychopaths. He seems to know what makes them tick. But when the mind of the twisted killer he’s pursuing is too complicated for even Will to comprehend, he enlists the help of Dr. Lecter, one of the premier psychiatric minds in the country. Armed with the uncanny expertise of the brilliant doctor, Will and Hannibal (known as a serial killer only to the audience) form a brilliant partnership and it seems there’s no villain they can’t catch. If Will only knew… Fuller is writer and executive producer. Martha De Laurentis (“Red Dragon,” “Hannibal”), Sara Colleton (“Dexter”), Jesse Alexander (“Lost”, “Heroes”), and Katie O’Connell also serve as executive producers. David Slade is the director/executive producer for the series pilot. “Hannibal” is produced by Gaumont International Television.

New Alternative Shows

“Stars Earn Stripes” – The TV cop who wants to prove he can handle a gun in real life. The athlete making the transition from field to battlefield. The performer who wants to show how well she can perform under a different kind of pressure. In this fierce, entertaining and emotionally charged new competition honoring America’s armed forces, nine celebrities will gather at a secret training facility where they will be challenged to execute complicated missions inspired by real military exercises. From helicopter drops into treacherous locations to long range weapons fire, these stars will be tested physically, mentally and emotionally – and emerge in awe of the men and women who do such tasks on behalf of our country every day. From executive producers Dick Wolf (“Law & Order,” “Law & Order: SVU”), Mark Burnett (“The Voice,” “Survivor”) and David A. Hurwitz (“Fear Factor”), this extraordinary show will donate money raised through the competition to veterans’ charities. Committed to hiring recent vets onto the crew, “Stars Earn Stripes” hopes to inspire other employers throughout the country to make similar commitments to our returning heroes, not to mention proving how impossible their service missions really are. The series is a production of Universal Television, One Three Television, LLC, Wolf Reality, LLC and Bill’s Market & Television Productions.

“Howie Mandel’s White Elephant” — From Howie Mandel (“America’s Got Talent”) comes an exciting new game show based on one of the most wildly popular holiday party games in America. A contestant selects a box from a studio full of unmarked packages containing millions of dollars in prizes, showing what’s inside to the others. Then, the next player is faced with a potentially life-changing dilemma: do they steal a prize that has already been revealed, or do they take a chance with another unopened box, hoping what’s inside is worth more? But that’s just the beginning. When there are only two contestants left, Howie will reveal what’s inside the boxes and give the players a choice: share… or steal. If both players choose to share, they will each keep the prizes they have won in the prior rounds. If one player shares and the other steals, the player that chose to steal will go home with all the prizes. But if both choose to steal, they both go home with nothing! The stakes are insanely high as each contestant grapples with the choice of a lifetime… and the white elephant in the room. “Howie Mandel’s White Elephant” is from Universal Television and Alevy Productions. Mandel and Mike Marks are the executive producers.

“Ready for Love” — What does it take to find your soul mate? Well, producer Eva Longoria (“Desperate Housewives”) is inviting every eligible woman in America to participate in an innovative and dramatic new dating competition to find out how easy it can be. She has hand-selected three impossibly handsome grooms and enlisted the three best Matchmakers in the world to find them life partners. Let the dating begin! The show kicks off with mass auditions screened by the Matchmakers, and then launches into a romantic journey that will combine the best elements of in-studio competition and story-based reality. Each week, the contestants will be whittled down until the dramatic finale, when the three “grooms” and final three “brides” decide if they’ll get engaged, married or simply live happily ever after… because they’re all Ready for Love! Bill Rancic (“Giuliana and Bill”) and Giuliana DePandi-Rancic (“Giuliana and Bill,” “Fashion Police”) are the hosts. “Ready for Love” is produced by Renegade 83, UnbeliEVAble Entertainment and Universal Television. Longoria, Jason Ehrlich (“The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette”), Greg Goldman (“Secret Millionaire,” “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!”), David Garfinkle (“Blind Date,” “The 5th Wheel”) and Jay Renfroe (“Blind Date,” “The 5th Wheel”) serve as executive producers.

“Surprise With Jenny McCarthy” – Actress, comedienne and best-selling author Jenny McCarthy hosts “Surprise With Jenny McCarthy,” a unique variety show that will treat the audience to a funny, irreverent and heart-warming television experience that centers around giving people surprises of a lifetime. “Surprise With Jenny McCarthy” will spotlight multiple surprises within the one-hour episode — from dramatic reunions to surprise announcements to good-natured pranks with fantastic feel-good twists. And, whether the surprise is an emotional roller coaster, a heartfelt thank-you, a hero’s reward or a slightly devilish prank with a happy ending, viewers get a chance to know the true stories of the people involved, which makes the payoffs all the more meaningful. As ringleader, cheerleader, head instigator and mistress of ceremonies, McCarthy helps pull off all kinds of incredible surprises on people from all walks of life. Funny, touching, engaging, exciting and always unpredictable, “Surprise With Jenny McCarthy” will keep viewers laughing, crying and on the edge of their seats. Arthur Smith (“Hell’s Kitchen,” “Kitchen Nightmares”) and Paul Buccieri are executive producers of the presentation from A. Smith & Co. and ITV Studios.

Source: NBC

Blue Bloods Season 2 Finale Recap and Review

Reviewed by Kevin Finnerty

Will Estes, Len Cariou, Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan and Donnie Wahlberg Blue Bloods
Will Estes, Len Cariou, Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan and Donnie Wahlberg star in 'Blue Bloods' - Photo: Craig Blankenhorn/CBS
“New York City will come under attack in less than 24 hours” – This is why Police Commissioner Reagan (Tom Selleck) is in his private situation room on the Saturday morning before Mother’s Day in the second season final episode of the CBS hit police/family drama, Blue Bloods.
 
Being a family man, of course his first instinct is to protect his own family. But, being the Commissioner, the crisis must remain top secret if his police force is going to catch the three terrorist suspects whose plan is to release a super-flu virus somewhere in the city. The only advantage he and his cops have is that so far the terrorists don’t know the police are onto them.
 
Meanwhile, the Commissioner’s two sons – Detective Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) and police officer Jamie Reagan (Will Estes) – are having a heated disagreement over an arrest Jamie made and exactly who gets credit for the collar. After a rough interrogation, Danny gets a lead involving an old cold case of his involving a missing/possibly abducted little boy from three years ago.
 
Back at his office, Commissioner Reagan spends part of his day with his granddaughter, Nicky (Sami Gayle), due to an arrangement he made with his daughter, Erin (Bridget Moynahan), before he was informed of the crisis. Commissioner Reagan does his best to coordinate the hunt for the terrorists while keeping his precocious, sensitive 15 year old granddaughter in the dark about the impending threat.
 


The Blue Bloods season 2 finale (“Mother’s Day”) is an extremely well-written, suspenseful close to what is hands-down the best police drama to come along on the small screen in years. The series has one of the most talented ensemble casts, led by seasoned veteran Tom Selleck as the patriarch of the family and the tough but usually fair NYC Police Commissioner. Selleck shines in this episode, showing his unwavering determination to catch the terrorists and keep a tight lid on the threat while struggling with his parental instincts to get his family out of the city and away from potential danger. The scenes between he and his granddaughter (played by the impressive young actress Sami Gayle) are some of the best in the episode, with Selleck showing the quiet strain in his face of keeping Gayle’s character in the dark about why he’s really working on a Saturday. She knows her grandfather too well and sees the sadness and concern in his face but lets him off the hook by not pushing him to tell her what’s going on. It’s these little, touching but authentic scenes which give the show its heart and soul.
 
Donnie Wahlberg is pitch perfect as Danny, the oldest son in the Reagan who’s a tough, hard-nosed detective who sometimes pushes the edge of the envelope in order to ensure justice for the criminals he pursues. It’s his best role since he co-starred in the HBO mini-series Band of Brothers.
 
Engaging and bittersweet, the Blue Bloods season two finale is the perfect mixture of exciting police action and family drama.
 
GRADE: B
 
Blue Bloods airs on CBS on Fridays at 10pm.
 

TNT Adds Two Unscripted Series to the Lineup

TNT Logo
TNT is moving forward with two new unscripted series: Boston Blue and 72 Hours (the titles may change). Each series has been given an eight episode first season order, with TNT set to premiere both shows in 2013.

Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies, explained what the shows will bring to the network. “Boston Blue and 72 Hours are excellent fits for two of TNT’s most important audience segments. With Boston Blue, we’re looking to grab viewers who come to TNT for such blockbuster originals as The Closer and Rizzoli & Isles. And with 72 Hours, we’re going after fans of TNT’s action-packed dramas, like Falling Skies and Leverage. We’re very excited about moving further into the realm of unscripted dramas with these outstanding additions to the TNT lineup.”

Boston Blue Details:

Boston Blue follows the men and women of the Boston Police Department’s exclusive and highly decorated Gang Unit. Their unit’s name doesn’t begin to describe the breadth of crimes these detectives, investigators, patrol officers and special victims officers deal with on a daily basis. They are the go-to unit for many large-scale crimes in Boston. Boston Blue comes to TNT from Jarrett Creative Group (Celebrity Ghost Stories), with Julie Insogna-Jarrett and Seth Jarrett serving as executive producers along with Donnie Wahlberg and his Donnie D. Productions.

72 Hours Details:

72 Hours is an action-packed, white-knuckle competition series that drops competing teams from a helicopter into the wilderness. The competitors are then given only three days and a GPS tracking device to find a hidden suitcase full of cash. Along the way, they must hike across treacherous terrain and battle the elements to locate the cash before their rival teams. 72 Hours comes to TNT from Lighthearted Entertainment (Extreme Makeover), with Howard Schultz (The Moment of Truth) and Rob LaPlante (The Apprentice) serving as executive producers. Jeff Spangler serves as co-executive producer.

Source: TNT

TBS Partners with Jason Bateman and Will Arnett on DumbDumb

DumbDumb
TBS is teaming up with DumbDumb, the digital advertising production company founded by Jason Bateman and Will Arnett, along with Electus on an “industry-exclusive agreement” that kicks off with six short-form comedy videos for TBS.com. The videos will each feature a sponsor’s brand and include “the DumbDumb stable of comedic stars.” DumbDumb was created two years ago and has already made comedy videos for Orbit, Old Navy, and Denny’s.

“We are looking to innovate creatively together with our advertising partners and develop meaningful opportunities with multi-screen content that is smart, fresh and, in the case of TBS, extremely funny,” stated Donna Speciale, president of Turner Entertainment and Young Adults Ad Sales. “Our exclusive partnership with DumbDumb offers select advertisers that sought-after environment through a strategic, portable distribution plan across television, digital and social media outlets.”

“Will and I feel very lucky to be in business with such a supportive group,” said Jason Bateman. “We’re equally excited about the proximity to multiple post season ticket opportunities.”

“Jason Bateman and Will Arnett are two of the funniest and most creative guys in the industry,” said Laura Dames, Senior Vice President, Business Operations, Turner Entertainment Networks. “We are thrilled to pair their very funny, sponsor-driven videos with TBS’s reach and distribution to bring this content to our young, comedy-loving audience on TBS.com, as well as across TBS’s social network footprint.”

Watch the introduction to DumbDumb video: http://bit.ly/GHCOvy

Source: TBS

Revenge is Rewarding Fans with a Getaway Sweepstakes

Want a chance to win a one-week getaway to an oceanfront house in the Hamptons? ABC’s Revenge, Lexus and Yahoo!’s IntoNow are teaming for a sweepstakes that will give one lucky fan a shot a living like the Graysons for a week.

The sweepstakes is the first of its kind, engaging viewers of the show during a “live viewing” on IntoNow.

Here’s the scoop on how the sweepstakes will work, courtesy of ABC:

“With over 80 percent of tablet owners using their devices while watching TV, ABC and Yahoo! are teaming up for an industry-first, interactive experience during the last two episodes of this season’s hottest primetime show airing on WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 and WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET.) Viewers will have the chance to engage with the show in new and compelling formats and be rewarded in the process.

Beginning on May 16, when fans tag ABC’s Revenge with IntoNow app on their mobile phone or tablet device, they can participate in the following activities:

– Enter for a chance to win a week-long escape to the Hamptons. For more details on the Hamptons getaway presented by Lexus, please visit ABC.com/Hamptons-Getaway
– Connect and share with friends (and other Revenge fans) on Facebook, Twitter and in the app while they’re watching the episodes
– Test their knowledge of the series through fun trivia questions
– Follow real-time Twitter feeds related to Revenge cast and crew
– Access related videos and information on Revenge, including the actors and the plot”

More on Revenge:

Emily Thorne (Emily Van Camp) is the newest arrival in the Hamptons. By all appearances, she’s a friendly and sophisticated “girl next door,” but the exclusive world she’s immersed herself in is tied to a dark family history and Emily is anything but what she seems. 17 years ago, Emily’s father was framed for a horrific crime by neighbors he trusted and sentenced to a life in prison. She never saw her father again and spent her childhood consumed by rage, loss and betrayal. Years later, Emily returns under an assumed identity with one endgame—REVENGE, every social overture a carefully planned chip at the foundation of her sworn enemies, until their lives come crashing down around them.

Revenge Contest

HBO and VICE Partner on a News Magazine Show

HBO and Vice Partner on a News Magazine Show

HBO and VICE will be bringing a news magazine show hosted by VICE founder Shane Smith to the cable network. HBO Programming President Michael Lombardo made the announcement, saying, “VICE has emerged as a premier new media brand through a savvy combination of irreverence, smarts and fearlessness. We are excited to offer a forum for their groundbreaking style of news coverage and look forward to a show that’s like nothing else on TV.”

Bill Maher, Shane Smith, and Eddy Moretti are executive producing.

The news series, VICE, will feature news from around the world. Segments in production include news on Taliban child suicide bombers, North Korean slave labor camps, New York’s underground voodoo heroin clinics, Somalian pirates, and Satanic dentists in the Pacific Northwest.

Adele Live in London Airing June 3rd

AdeleNBC will be presenting Adele Live in London on Sunday, June 3rd at 8pm. The one hour special marks the first time the Grammy winning singer will take part in a network special. According to NBC, the special will feature an exclusive interview by Matt Lauer as well as six performances from the singer’s “Adele Live at The Royal Albert Hall” (including “Someone Like You” and “Rolling in the Deep”).

“We are thrilled to partner with Adele on her first-ever network special and are excited to give our viewers an opportunity to see this truly phenomenal artist perform live, in her hometown, from the historic Royal Albert Hall in London,” stated Doug Vaughan, SVP of Special Programs and Late Night for NBC.

More on Adele [Courtesy of NBC]:

Named as Billboard’s and iTune’s “Artist of the Year,” Adele has also been featured as one of Time Magazine’s “100 most influential people,” and Entertainment Weekly’s “Entertainers of the Year.” Her latest CD, 21 has sold over 22 million copies worldwide to date and was the #1 Album of 2011 and #1 best-selling digital album of all time. An eight-time Grammy winner, Adele is only the second artist in Grammy History to have won The Recording Academy’s top three categories, “Record of the Year,” “Album of the Year” and “Song of the Year,” while also possessing a “Best New Artist” Grammy. In 2012, Adele swept the Grammy Awards, winning each of the six Awards she was nominated for including: Record of the Year (“Rolling in the Deep”), Album of the Year (21), Song of the Year (“Rolling in the Deep”), Best Pop Solo Performance (“Someone Like You”), Best Pop Vocal Album (21), and Best Short Form Music Video (“Rolling in the Deep”).

Source: NBC

Trending