Scoop: Criminal Intent Alum Needs Eli Stone's Help
matt.mitovich
Smallville's Supergirl Returns! (But She's Feeling Not-So-Super)
After spending what to us seemed like an eternity trapped by Brainiac in the Phantom Zone, Clark Kent's cousin, Kara, returns this Thursday to Smallville (8 pm/ET, the CW). Laura Vandervoort shared with us a super peek at where Kara has been... and where her own career is going. (Hint: She donned a bikini to follow in Jessica Alba's barefootsteps.) TVGuide.com: Where in the universe has Kara been?Laura Vandervoort: She's been in the Phantom Zone — and apparently Smallville had forgotten that, because no one has mentioned her since the season started. [Laughs] TVGuide.com: Is she any worse for the wear?Vandervoort: Yeah. Time passes by faster in the Phantom Zone, but when Clark finds her she's a little bit messed up ...
Gay-Marriage Ban: Takei Astounded by California Vote, DeGeneres "Saddened Beyond Belief"
The vote to ban gay marriage in California disappointed Star Trek alum George Takei and many other who seized the chance to tie the knot earlier this year when the state's highest court ruled such nuptials were legal.Takei — who made Brad Altman his husband in September —was quick to weigh in on unofficial results that showed voters on Tuesday approved the constitutional ban known as Proposition 8. "It was astounding to think that the hard-won equality that made my recent marriage to Brad Altman [possible] would no longer be possible for others," Takei told UsMagazine.com. Ellen DeGeneres, who in August exchanged vows with actress Portia de Rossi, at first declined to comment on the outcome ...
Ratings: ABC Ekes Out Win on Biggest Election Night Since 1980
After more than 130 million Americans cast their vote for President of the United States on Tuesday, a full 71 million tuned into 14 broadcast and cable networks to see who would emerge the winner, according to Nielsen. (Spoiler alert: Obama won.) Of that total, ABC topped the pack in viewers, averaging 13.1 mil. CNN placed second with 12.3 million, the largest audience in the cabler's 28-year history. Among the Big 4 networks, ABC and Fox posted gains over their 2004 presidential election coverage — of 13 percent and 29 percent, respectively — while CBS (plunging 22 percent) and NBC (down 10 percent) fell short of their previous performances. All told, this year's coverage of the race to the White House was up 16 percent over the 2000 nail-biter, and represented the most-watched election night since 1980. It was also TV's most watched event since February's Super Bowl (97.5 mil). Of the scarce scripted fare, the CW's 90210 (3.02 million viewers) dipped 180K week-to-week, but Privileged (2.26 mil) managed a slight increase. (Nope, no word yet on the back nine.) In the land of cable, the Colbert and Stewart-hosted Indecision 2008: America's Choice drew 3.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched special in the history of Comedy Central's Indecision political coverage.
Private Practice's Tim Daly Does Not Prescribe Desk Sex
On ABC's Private Practice last week, new light was shed on Oceanside Wellness' alternative-medicine man when former flame Meg popped back into his life. (They quickly picked up where they left off... right there, in his office.) What other surprises does Pete have for us? Tim Daly teases what's to come, as well as shares a cautionary tale about the perils of desk sex. (Private Practice airs Wednesdays at 9 pm/ET.) TVGuide.com: I have to say, it's good to see Pete doing something with another woman these days, instead of working the Addison thing so intently.Tim Daly: The Addison thing, it just seemed unrealistic to me. They're adults, so if they're not going to get it on, move on. When you reach a certain age and two people are attracted to one another, it's like, "This ain't high school, so what's the impediment? Let's ...
Michaela Conlin Teases Bones' Surprising New Romance
The reveal doesn't come entirely out of left field — it had been established that Angela likes her men and her women — but still, expect some murmuring tonight on Bones (8 pm/ET, Fox), when a beautiful blast from the forensic femme's past resurfaces. Michaela Conlin shares a peek at whether Angela's old flame might heat up a reconciliation for her and Hodgins. TVGuide.com: So... Angela has a girlfriend.Michaela Conlin: For now, yes. [Laughs] Who knows how long it will last. It's somebody she dated in college, they had a relationship. And now she's back for a bit. TVGuide.com: How hot-and-heavy were Angela and Roxy, back in the day?Conlin: I'm sure it probably was like any relationship — I don't think they were exclusive. It was what it was. But they were together for a little while.Read on for much more, including Conlin's take on an Angela-Thirteen hook-up!
Mega Buzz on 24, CSI, Without a Trace and More!
Senior editors Matt Webb Mitovich and Mickey O'Connor answer your burning questions. Be sure to direct any new seekage of spoilers to megascoop@tvguide.com. The new 24 trailer is totally awesome! I seriously can't wait for Season 7. I'm in urgent need of some scoop to satisfy this 24 craving of mine! — JackMATT: First off, how much do I doubt your name is actually Jack? Too coincidental. But yeah, the new trailer is very much awesome — especially when Bauer tells you-know-who, "I will kill you, and you'll stay dead this time." Speaking of resurrections, the trailer also suggests to me that someone who I thought I saw die in the prequel movie (coming to you Nov. 23) has somehow been granted a second life. Interesting. Can we expect anything of substance regarding the rest of the Without a Trace cast beyond the Jack and Samantha storyline? — JenniferMICKEY: Boy, do I have good news for you, Jen. An upcoming episode will ...
GLAAD Sad about Grey's Lesbian-ectomy; Plus the Latest Scoop on Erica's Exit
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, which just weeks ago singled out the ABC lineup for boasting seven characters that are either gay men or bisexual women — the most of any broadcast network — is sad to see that lead weakened by the news that Brooke Smith's Grey's Anatomy storyline will be brought to a halt with the Nov. 6 episode.Read the group's response, plus get scoop on Dr. Erica Hahn's abrupt exit, after the jump.
Ratings: Biggest Bang Ever, SNL Bash Gets Popular Vote
Monday's ratings highlights: 8 pm/ETDancing with the Stars dipped eight percent, averaging 17.34 million total viewers over its 90-minute run. CBS' swelling sitcombo placed second, with both Big Bang (rising 620K to an all-time high of 9.9 mil) and Mother (9.56 mil, +200K) posting gains. Behind Deal or No Deal, Sarah Connor did 5.16 mil, sliding 180 thou. Gossip Girl (3.16 mil) enjoyed a small increase. 9 pmThe SNL Presidential Bash special had the popular vote, averaging 14.36 million viewers over its two-hour run. That of course whittled away at everyone else's numbers, with Two and a Half Men (12.8 million, -1.75 mil), Worst Week (8.4 mil, down 16 percent) and Samantha Who? (9.7 mil, down 12 percent) suffering the biggest blows during this hour. Prison Break (5.23 mil) bid adieu to 600K viewers (as well as an original cast member). Tree Hill dipped 120 thou, to 3.02 mil. 10 pmTrailing the back half of the SNL bash, CSI: Miami delivered 12.7 mil (down 600K). Boston Legal had a cow, plunging 20 percent to 7.22 mil.
Bachelorette DeAnna Jilts Jesse; Hollywood Dreams to Blame?
Someone is a Bachelorette again. DeAnna Pappas, who in July handed Jesse Csincsak her final rose on the ABC dating series, has ended her engagement to the snowboarder. A May 9, 2009 wedding date had been set. Get all the details — and watch Jesse's emotional video about the break-up — after the jump.
Mega Minute: Supernatural Scoop, Brothers & Sisters and More
Now playing in this week's Mitovich Mega Minute: As reported earlier today in the news blog, "Two and a Half Men meets Stars Wars." Get the exclusive casting news all over again... if only to hear me talk funny. Inside scoop for Supernatural fans on the "familiar" place Sam and Dean visit this week. In a time of need, Brothers & Sisters's Rebecca leans on a surprising shoulder. Find out whose!Watch and discuss the video after the jump.
Grey's Actress "Really, Really Shocked" by Ouster from Show
It is the worst and last news that "Callica" fans expected to hear. But the fact is that Brooke Smith, who first appeared as Grey's Anatomy's Dr. Erica Hahn in May 2006, has been abruptly let go from the show — just as her lesbian storyline with Sara Ramirez's Callie was taking off. Read Smith's reaction to the news and get Grey's creator Shonda Rhimes' take on the situation, after the jump.
Exclusive: James Earl Jones Officiates at Two and a Half Men Funeral
This... is Two and a Half Men. Sources tell TVGuide.com exclusively that James Earl Jones and his world-famous baritone — which in the past has been put to great use as Darth Vader and the "voice" of CNN, to name but two examples — are going to be paying a visit to the CBS hitcom. What brings Jones to the Harpers' world? As the episode's title makes clear, it is the none-too-small matter of ...
Ratings: The Simpsons Scares Up a Big Audience
This Sunday, as NBC's coverage of the Patriots-Colts game averaged 14.2 million total viewers: 8 pm/ETThe Simpsons won its time slot with an audience of 12.48 million, up 760K from last year's "Treehouse of Terror" special and the series best numbers since Feb. 22, 2004. In turn, lead-out King of the Hill (8.6 mil) gained 17 percent. Extreme Makeover did 11.7 mil, dipping 450 thou week-to-week, while Amazing Race held steady at 9.76 mil. The CW's Valentine (772,000) bled another 70K. 9 pmHousewives topped the hour (and the demos) with 15.86 million viewers, inching up 200 thou. Placing third behind football, Cold Case (11.64 mil) dropped 350K. Both Family Guy (9.97 mil, +900K) and the just-renewed American Dad (7.2 mil, +600K) saw increases over their last fresh eps, while the CW's Easy Money slid 170 thou to 650K. 10 pmBrothers & Sisters placed second with 9.72 mil, slipping 390 thou week-to-week. It was followed by The Unit (8.97 mil), which was down 130K.
VIDEO: Are Tree Hill's Lucas & Peyton Heading for a Wedding?
Here in Part 1 of this video Q&A with Chad Michael Murray, the One Tree Hill fave and I catch up on some unfinished business, getting his reaction to Lucas' choice of fiancée. "It had to be Peyton, ultimately," he chimes in. "They're almost the same person." Chad then joins me in raving about Hilarie Burton's "fantastic personality." At the 1:00 mark, Murray offers what he believes to be the odds of "Leyton" making it to the altar this season, and then addresses the pregnancy rumor circling the show. Other topics include film producer Julian's mysterious connection to Peyton, James van Der Beek's "return" and whether Chad plans to stick around if Tree Hill gets renewed. Watch the video after the jump.
How Y&R's Eric Braeden (Barely) Met CBS' Mother
How I Met Your Mother fans will meet for the very first time tonight Robin Scherbatsky — Sr., that is — when The Young and the Restless' Eric Braeden guest-stars as the comely Canadian's pop. The story: As Ted tries to avoid seeing Stella at a restaurant, the rest of the gang share stories about who they would least like to see at that moment. Robin's beef with Robin? He really wanted her to be a boy, and did everything he could during childhood to make her into one. Cue flashbacks. In this Q&A, Braeden reveals how he and Mother nearly did not come to be, detailing his apathy for prime-time TV appearances. Also: A status report on life in Genoa City.
24's Season 7 Clock to Start Ticking on Jan. 11
Drop it! Your mouse, that is, and check this out. Fox has announced that time, place and manner in which Jack Bauer's seventh very bad day will kick off. Get all the details after the jump.
Is McTreemy James Tupper the One for Samantha Who?
Two big treats are on tap this week for the forsaken Men in Trees fans. First up is the arrival of James Tupper on ABC's Samantha Who?, starting tonight at 9:30 pm/ET. TV's former "McTreemy" plays an environmentalist who strikes Sam's fancy, so much so that Tupper's visit has been extended through, well, whenever. In this Q&A, Tupper lets us know what's what with Who, compares Christina Applegate to real-life lady love Anne Heche, and previews his big-screen turn opposite Zac Efron. TVGuide.com: In this week's Samantha Who?, "Sam strives to stick to her path of morality, but her handsome first client - played by James Tupper — throws her off course." How so?James Tupper: First of all, I have to say it's really weird to see that word, "handsome." We all have our way of seeing ourselves in the world, and I grew up in a big family where everybody ignored me. It's just so strange. It confuses my ...
McCain's SNL Ratings Pale in Comparison to Palin's
This weekend's Saturday Night Live, hosted by Ben Affleck and featuring musical guest David Cook and appearances by Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain and Tina Fey as McCain's running mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, delivered the NBC program's second-highest household rating in nearly 11 years. That performance is surpassed only by ...
Ratings: Numbers Really Add Up with a Stronger Lead-In
Which Friday shows got tricked, and which received treats? Let's assess the goodie bags. 8 pm/ETGhost Whisperer won the hour this week with 9.4 million total viewers, a 537K dip from last week's season high. (See our GW celeblog for insight on You Know, That Rumor.) Halloween really scared away the reality fans, with Deal or No Deal (five mil), 5th Grader (4.6 mil) and Wife Swap (3.6 mil) all posting percentage drops in the double digits. Similarly, the CW's family friendly Chris (1.26 mil) and The Game (1.24 mil) each sank 30 percent. 9 pmCBS looked Ex-tremely smart, as an NCIS repeat not only doubled The Ex List's last audience, but also topped the hour in viewers, with 11.2 million. Lyrics (4.56 mil) and Supernanny (4.2 mil) both were down 17 percent, while NBC's Crusoe (4.17 mil) saw 30 percent of its audience wash away. 10 pmThanks to the stronger lead-in, Numbers delivered 10.62 mil, a 17 percent improvement upon last week's season high. Trailing 20/20 (6.9 mil), newly relocated Lipstick Jungle (3.18 mil) kissed off 35 percent of its final Wednesday audience.
Ratings: 30 Rocks Hard with its Biggest Audience Ever
Thursday's numbers, at a glance: 8 pm/ETSurvivor (13.15 million total viewers) and Betty (8.55 mil) put up typical numbers to claim the top two spots. While NBC's Earl (6.17 mil) dipped a bit, lead-out Kath & Kim (5.46 mil) reversed its downward trend by gaining 500K. Smallville held steady at 4.24 mil. 9 pmCSI led the hour with 18.64 mil (down 553 thou) but this week ceded command of the demos to Grey's Anatomy (which at 15.05 mil was up six percent). Now here's where things get serious, yet funny. The Office (9.32 mil) surged 20 percent week-to-week, setting up 30 Rock for its largest audience ever — 8.53 mil. That represents a 16 percent bump over the Rock's previous season opener, and a 52 percent improvement on its last episode. Well-played, Garkle! Supernatural was up nine percent, to 3.53 mil. 10 pmEleventh Hour (11.47 mil) dipped six percent, but still easily bested ER (9.12 mil) and Life on Mars (8.4 mil, adding 349K week-to-week).
McCain Makes Date with SNL; Can He Beat His Veep's Ratings?
Because it is clearly what you do these days if you have any intention of crossing the White House's threshold, Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain will take a detour from his final slew of campaign stops to put in an appearance on NBC's Saturday Night Live this weekend. Ben Affleck, an avowed Barack Obama supporter, will be the guest host. Awk. Ward. When McCain last appeared on Saturday Night Live ...
