Comparisons between NBC's The Playboy Club, the new 1960s-set series that takes place at the first Playboy Club in Chicago, and Mad Men were perhaps inevitable, but the producers and cast of the period drama were on hand at the fall TV previews on Monday to downplay any similarities. "The comparison to Mad Men ends at the era," executive producer Ian Biederman said. "This is a much different show with a much different energy."
Parents Television Council calls for NBC affiliates to drop The Playboy Club
Before the series has even premiered, the show has drawn attention for its name alone, causing the Parents Television Council to question whether a show based on one of the largest adult entertainment industries would be suitable on primetime television. At least one NBC affiliate, Salt Lake City's KSL, has opted to not carry the program, which will be shown in that market by KMYU, the local My Network TV affiliate.
But the producers say it's...
read more
On tonights Shark 9 pmETCBS newly disbarred LA prosecutor Sebastian Stark bets on finding solace in Las Vegas However since Stark can still practice law in Nevada while there he agrees to defend a former client from murder charges Feeling guilty and helping out is Paula Marshall as the ex-attorney generals office staffer who inadvertently caused Sebastian to lose his California licenseWith Jeri Ryan on maternity leave executive producer Ian Biederman says Marshalls Jordan is much more an equal than Ryans Jessica although not as comfortable in his world But then Sebastian doesnt seem too comfortable right now either This is him going back to defending bad guys explains Biederman He realizes he cant do it anymore As far as the shows future is concerned Biederman is cautiously optimistic that the recent switch from Sundays to Tuesdays will improve its chances We feel like weve earned another shot he says James Woods cocky counselor would co
read more
Just a quick addendum to the "Short Cuts" item posted this Monday morning. Getting back to us on the matter of possibly writing in female lead Jeri Ryan's just-announced pregnancy — the actress is due in March 2008 — Shark creator/executive producer Ian Biederman tells TVGuide.com, "We're thrilled for Jeri," then adds, "as of now, no decision has been made about how her pregnancy will or won't be incorporated into the show."At the end of the hit drama's first season, a plot twist found Ryan's character joining the ranks of James Woods' high-profile crime unit, ostensibly further increasing Ms. Devlin's own profile on the series. (Not that Jeri Ryan's profile has ever, ever suffered.)
read more
Shark creator Ian Biederman has signed a two-year deal with 20th Century Fox TV to continue on as show-runner for the hit drama and develop new projects. Heralding Biederman's success, 20th Century president Dana Walden tells Variety, "Ian has created a larger-than-life character in Sebastian Stark that... captured the imagination of the amazing Jimmy Woods, a feature actor who'd never done a television series. The result was the year's most-watched new drama."Looking ahead to Shark's Season 2, Biederman says, "We want to make it a combination of provocative drama and interesting characters... not just a procedural." Tweaks include Jeri Ryan's DA joining Stark's team, giving the supporting cast meatier stories and bringing back Stark's ex-wife.
read more