matt.mitovich

Ratings: Gosh, VP Debate Draws a Darn Decent Crowd

Once all of the numbers are in for both broadcast and cable, Thursday's vice-presidential debate between Palin and Biden is expected to have drawn more than 70 million total viewers, making it the most-watched debate of any kind in 16 years and the second most-watched of all time (trailing only Reagan v. Carter, 1980). For comparison, 52.4 mil checked out the McCain-Obama face-off last week  and they're the guys who'd actually be running the place, not attending ribbon-cuttings. Among regular programming, CBS' Survivor: Gabon was Thursday's most-watched show, delivering 12.85 million viewers. Placing second during the 8 o'clock hour was Ugly Betty (8.58 mil), down 12 percent from its season premiere.Back-to-back Earls did seven mil (up 600K week-to-week), while Smallville (3.95 mil) slipped just a hair.At 9 pm, a superb Supernatural (3.57 mil) gained 310 thou.  Matt Mitovich

Fri, Oct 3, 2008

Ratings: Gosh, VP Debate Draws a Darn Decent Crowd

Smallville Execs: Clark's Flight Will Not Be Aborted by Robin Series

Avowing their "every intention of letting [fans] be the first to know the reality," Smallville executive producers Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders have issued a statement addressing rampant speculation that the development of The Graysons, a new CW series chronicling the pre-Batman days of young master Dick, means that Clark Kent's own days are numbered. "Never have we been so committed to the continuing success of Smallville as we are to seasons 8 and 9," the pair say in a note posted to KryptonSite.com. "While we are extremely excited to... create the origin story of Dick Grayson, it has never been intended as a replacement for Smallville." Souders and Petersen, who are creating The Graysons with Supernatural executive producer McG, go on to promise Smallville fans, "[We] are all working full-steam ahead on a storyline for Clark that allows for seasons of further trials and adventures for our favorite hero."  Matt MitovichRelated: Holy Prequel, Robin! The Graysons Com...

Thu, Oct 2, 2008

Smallville Execs: Clark's Flight Will Not Be Aborted by Robin Series

Ratings: CBS and NBC Kick Some Addison

Wednesday's ratings recap:8 pm/ETBones handily topped the hour (and demos, with 9.82 million total viewers (up 220K week-to-week). Knight Rider (somehow) got a bit more gas  adding 260 thou to its debut numbers  to place second with 7.56 million.CBS' combo of Christine (6.86 million) and Gary (6.98 million) placed third, each gaining about 150 thou. Pushing Daisies returned to an audience of 6.3 million, down 11 percent from its last episode (12/12/07). Top Model held steady with 4 million.9 pmCriminal Minds came out on top with 14.5 million, dipping 600K, followed by the America's Got Talent finale (12.55 million). (Deal or No Deal steps in for NBC next week.) Private Practice's Season 2 launch drew just 8 million, down 22 percent from its Season 1 sign-off. A pair of 'Til Deaths averaged 4.26 million. 10 pmCSI: NY was this Wednesday's most-watched program, with 14.67 million viewers. The Season 2 bow of Dirty Sexy Money placed second with 7.15 million, up a hair from i...

Thu, Oct 2, 2008

Shawn as Gossip Girl Love Interest? Not Inconceivable!

Final details have trickled in regarding Gossip Girl's guest-casting of Wallace Shawn.The Princess Bride's utterly inept villain will play the father of Serena's new beau, Aaron (Vanished's John Patrick Amedori), as originally reported by EW's Ausiello. It has since been confirmed that Shawn's character, in keeping with the Gossip Girl books, will also emerge as a love interest for Blair's mother, Eleanor.We've also nailed down Shawn's first air date: His multiple-episode arc kicks off in the heat of sweeps, on Nov. 11.  Matt Mitovich

Thu, Oct 2, 2008

Shawn as Gossip Girl Love Interest? Not Inconceivable!

Megan Mullally and Cheryl Hines Embrace Motherhood

As hoped, Megan Mullally and Cheryl Hines have signed on to join the cast of In the Motherhood, ABC's broadcast adaptation of the popular online series starring Chelsea Handler, Leah Remini and Jenny McCarthy, and chronicling "the hilarious ups and downs of motherhood."While Mullally (a winner of two Emmys for her work on Will & Grace) and Hines (twice nominated for Curb Your Enthusiasm) represent the only official casting to date, there has been speculation that from the Internet original, Handler might cross over to round out the trio.ABC's In the Motherhood is targeted for an early 2009 bow. — Matt Mitovich

Wed, Oct 1, 2008

Megan Mullally and Cheryl Hines Embrace Motherhood

Ratings: NCIS Steps on Dancing's Toes

Tuesday's tallies, in short:8 pm/ETAfter nipping at DWTS' heels last week, NCIS this time around emerged as Tuesday's most-watched program, delivering 17.24 million total viewers. House (12.6 mil) topped the night in demos, and added 460K to its previous tally. Behind Biggest Loser (7.2 mil), Opportunity Knocks (six mil) found 800,000 fewer people to be home. 90210 (3.2 mil) bounced back from last week's dip.9 pmDancing with the Stars (15.14 mil) dropped 17 percent week-to-week, and even trailed The Mentalist (15.27 mil) in viewers. At 10 mil, Fringe was up 390 thou, while Privileged (1.88 mil) inched up juuuust a hair.10 pmWithout a Trace surged 11 percent to top the hour with 12.65 mil, though SVU (10.22 mil, up 720K) was No. 1 in demos. ABC's Half Their Size special (5.36 mil) ostensibly would have beaten a test pattern.

Wed, Oct 1, 2008

Mega Minute: Tree Hill Wedding Talk, Chuck & More

Now playing in this week's Mitovich Mega Minute: You asked, I got an answer: Will Tree Hill's Peyton and Lucas make it to the altar this season? Raise your hand if you want Zach Levi or Yvonne Strahovski "in" your living room! TV's Terminator meets... The West Wing ?!Enjoy!  Matt Mitovich

Tue, Sep 30, 2008

Ratings: The Future Looks Bright for Housewives

Sunday's ratings recap:7 pm/ETThe season premiere of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition averaged 9.55 million total viewers.8 pmThe Amazing Race 13 placed third for the hour, premiering to 10.29 mil (down 25 percent from Cycle 12's launch). The Simpsons returned to an audience of 9.3 mil, dipping just 135K from its previous opener; King of the Hill led out with seven mil. 9 pmHousewives bested NBC's coverage of the Eagles-Bears with 18.44 mil, virtually matching last season's premiere. Cold Case (11.24 mil) dropped a mil. Family Guy (9.2 mil) built on King's audience, while American Dad (6.86 mil) was up 13 percent from its previous premiere.10 pmBrothers & Sisters (12.35 mil) trailed football, but was down just seven percent from a year ago. The Unit (9.75 mil) lost nearly a mil from its previous, Tuesday-night season opener.

Mon, Sep 29, 2008

Ratings: The Future Looks Bright for Housewives

Exclusive: Ming Na Makes Private Practice Appointment

Ming Na, who once played a doctor on ER, next will be playing with the doctors of Private Practice.In the fifth episode of the ABC drama's second season (which kicks off this Wednesday), Ming Na will guest-star as a friend of Violet's, and thus will help shed some light on Amy Brenneman's introverted shrink. (Oh wow, it just hit me  she's a "shrinking Violet." D'oh!)Ming Na's other credits include NBC's short-lived Inconceivable and Fox's almost-as-fleeting Vanished (in which she was woefully underserved).Previously announced Private guest-stars for the coming season include Billy Dee Williams (as a man who has taken care of his ill wife, at great cost to his own health) and Grant Show (playing Addison's brother).  Matt MitovichCrave scoop? E-mail Matt and Mickey at megascoop@tvguide.com.

Mon, Sep 29, 2008

Exclusive: Ming Na Makes Private Practice Appointment

VIDEO: Chuck Returns... on Zachary Levi's Birthday!

Back in July (hence the dated iPhone prattle), I had the pleasure of visiting the Buy More. There, I "picked up" three interviews, with Chuck cast members Zachary Levi, Adam Baldwin and Joshua Gomez. In this first vid, Levi reflects on the comedy's strike-shortened first season, saying, "It's tough when you're off the air" for so long. That said, he's glad to celebrate the series' return on Sept. 29, "which just so happens to be my birthday!"Levi also talks about his "double"-the-everything promise for Season 2 (at the 2:45 mark), the prospects for Chuck and Sarah moving in together (3:30), and the fine roster of guest stars on the way, including John Larroquette, whom he says "is a god, but not the God."Also check out my Q&As with Baldwin and Gomez.  Matt Mitovich

Mon, Sep 29, 2008

VIDEO: Michael C. Hall Weighs in on Dexter Bombshell

The following story contains a spoiler from the Dexter season premiere.As if Dexter Morgan didn't have enough Daddy issues to deal with, at the close of Sunday's season opener our friendly neighborhood killer was presented with the likelihood that girlfriend Rita is pregnant. "It's totally unanticipated," Hall told me at the Emmys, previewing his alter ego's reaction. "He struggles with it."Cue up this vid for a bit more of Hall's take.  Matt Mitovich

Mon, Sep 29, 2008

VIDEO: Is Heroes' Matt Parkman Destined for Villainy?

Where in the world is Matt Parkman? Turns out that Future Peter has banished him to Africa, where the former flatfoot has crossed paths with a mysterious newcomer (played by Ntare Mwine; see related video). In this on-the-set video, Greg Grunberg details Matt's reaction to realizing he has a "stalker"  one who's rather handy with a paint brush at that!Grunny also previews Matt's run-in with "the Speedster" (at the 2:40 mark), saying that he and new cast mate Brea Grant "have done some great stuff together," and then raves about this season's "unbelievable" new scripts.Since this volume of the NBC series is dedicated to "Villains," might Matt be lured to the dark side? "Parkman has the potential to go there," says the actor, elaborating on that ominous thought at the 4:40 mark.  Matt MitovichRelated:• Preview: Is Heroes' Angela Dreaming a Nightmare of a Future?

Mon, Sep 29, 2008

Ratings: For CSI: NY, Crime Pays Handsomely

Wednesday's ratings rundown:8 pm/ETDancing with the Stars' second results show of the week delivered 15.7 million total viewers, topping the hour in demos as well. Bones dipped only a bit, placing second with 9.6 million. Knight Rider (7.3 million) slowed down from its TV-movie try-put, shedding 42 percent of that February audience.The New Adventures of Old Christine faced a new problem  its Wednesday time slot  drawing 6.7 million, a far cry from the 12 million or so it got on Mondays. (Lead-out Gary Unmarried debuted to 6.84 million, showing 102 percent retention.)9 pmCriminal Minds returned to 15.1 million viewers, a 19 percent surge from its previous premiere. America's Got Talent dropped nearly 2 million to place second with 10.2 million. Back-to-back 'Til Deaths averaged 4.08 million (down another million week-to-week), trailing ABC's David Blaine thing.10 pmCSI: NY dominated with an audience of 15.55 million, a 22 percent leap from its year-ago opener. Though it f...

Thu, Sep 25, 2008

Ratings: For CSI: NY, Crime Pays Handsomely

Christopher Knight: I Had to Choose Between My Wife and Brady Mom

In this video, Christopher Knight first talks about the "insidiously difficult" job of hosting a game show, as he does with the brand-new and syndicated Trivial Pursuit: America Plays. "The producers saw something in me," he shrugs. "But it isn't easy."At the 3:15 mark, I ask Christopher about the feud he was subject to earlier this year, when Brady Bunch mom Florence Henderson broadcast her disapproval of his choice of wife, former Top Model Adrianne Curry. Reflecting on Flo's rant, Knight says, "I don't know what she was thinking," deeming Henderson determined to "be public with her disbelief of my marriage." In the end, Knight was forced to choose, and he goes into detail about that decision at the video's end.  Matt Mitovich

Thu, Sep 25, 2008

Karate Kid Brings His Chops to Ugly Betty

Ralph Macchio will turn to Ugly Betty for some beautifying when he pays Hilda's salon a visit on the Oct. 30 episode of the ABC comedy. The Karate Kid? Beauty salon? Insert your own "Wax on, wax off" joke here.Macchio will be playing a city official named Archie Rodriguez, and could appear in more than one episode. TVGuide.com's Erin Fox spoke to Macchio about his Betty gig Wednesday night at a Showtime soiree. Watch that video here.

Thu, Sep 25, 2008

Criminal Minds Promises Explosive Repercussions

The following contains spoiler information from Wednesday night's Criminal Minds premiere.Criminal Minds fans got their answer on Wednesday night, when it was revealed that SSA Kate Joyner was the agent critically, and eventually fatally, injured by the exploding SUV. But Thomas Gibson's Hotchner didn't escape the tragedy scot-free. No, not by a stretch. "In the aftermath of Kate's death, Hotch will ignore medical advice and continue to work with his post-explosion injuries, putting himself in danger of permanent injury," executive producer Ed Bernero tells TVGuide.com. "The team will then slowly realize that Hotch is working almost non-stop, and begin to worry further about his health." Of course, Minds' even bigger bang came when the ambulance driven into the clear by Derek Morgan went kaboom in the middle of Central Park. Shemar Moore obviously had only one take to get that scene right, as his character was revealed to have ducked out the driver door just seconds before the expl...

Thu, Sep 25, 2008

Criminal Minds Promises Explosive Repercussions

Mega Buzz on Bones, NCIS, Grey's and More!

Senior editors Matt Mitovich and Mickey OConnor answer your questionsTell me that Hart Hanson is not seriously thinking of having Booths brother Jared and Bones get into a relationship with each other SharonMatt Relationship can be such a nasty word Brennan most certainly will be attracted to the upstanding Navy officer I am assured and he to her But really how en fuego can these two get in just the two episodes Brendan Fehr is signed on for I need at least four outings to get my own mojo workingNow that we know the paper NCIS Vance shredded is important Im curious does its significance relate to the content of the document actually shredded on screen it can be read in large part if you pause on it on HD or will it relate to something different MicheleMatt In this video from TV Guides after-Emmys party Rocky Carroll confirms that the doc contained top-secret information that could be incriminating for Vance He decided that if hes going to

Thu, Sep 25, 2008

Mega Buzz on Bones, NCIS, Grey's and More!

Exclusive: Pushing Daisies Gets a Very Brady Visitor

Last week, the magical world of Pushing Daisies scoop delivered unto us Mary Kay Place, playing a sure-to-be-colorful character named Annabelle Vandersloop.Now, TVGuide.com has learned, a separate episode will boast another three-named actress: Jennifer Elise Cox, who in recent TV seasons has ad-libbed with the best of 'em on such series as Lovespring International and 10 Items or Less, but to some will always be the big screen's Jan Brady.Cox will pop up in an episode titled "Robbing Hood," playing a widow. But read that episode title again. Yeah, she has a secret agenda up her sleeve. Rhymes with "cold-wigging door." Pushing Daisies returns Oct. 1.  Matt MitovichRelated: Lee Pace Teases Daisies' New Season, Shares Casting Scoop VIDEO: Chi McBride previews Season 2 VIDEO: Lee Pace on Ned and the Pie Hole's future VIDEO: Anne Friehl teases a Daisies catfight!• VIDEO: Swoosie Kurtz spills the Season 2 beans

Thu, Sep 25, 2008

Exclusive: Pushing Daisies Gets a Very Brady Visitor

Exclusive: NCIS Investigates Gibbs' Past; Ralph Waite Guest-Stars

This season, NCIS will do something it has rarely done: Tell us a little something about Leroy Jethro's background.TVGuide.com has learned exclusively that in the Oct. 14 episode, when a pair of Marines are ambushed, the NCIS team's investigation leads them to no less than Gibbs' hometown. There, viewers will meet Gibbs' father  played by guest-star Ralph Waite (The Waltons, Cool Hand Luke)  as well as learn secrets about the enigmatic special agent."Taking Gibbs [played by Mark Harmon] back to his roots was something we've talked about doing for some time," executive producer Shane Brennan tells us. "It was an easy creative decision to make, but a challenging story to tell."The writers of the hit CBS drama, of course, met the challenge, and are excited to serve up a precious glimpse into their lead character's origins. "The episode is a little piece of magic, with revelations about how Gibbs grew into the man we all admire and respect," says Brennan. "It is a funny, rev...

Wed, Sep 24, 2008

Exclusive: NCIS Investigates Gibbs' Past; Ralph Waite Guest-Stars

Knight Rider: An Inside Look at KITT's Extreme Makeover

If there was any hope for a new Knight Rider series (premieres Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 8 pm/ET, NBC) to meet the expectations of today's entertainment consumer, Gary Scott Thompson is the man you want behind the wheel. Last spring, after NBC put in gear a TV-movie reboot of the '80s series, the former Las Vegas boss was tapped to look under the hood and figure out how this baby could purr on a week-to-week basis. "I did see every episode of Knight Rider as a kid, so I felt, as the viewers and the press did, 'Ah, they missed a few things [with the movie]," Thompson tells us. "NBC told me, 'We don’t know what the series is. Do you?' I did, and I really haven’t deviated from that." First up was finding ways to make today's viewer ooh and ahh at a series that used to impress us with a talking car (gee, th

Tue, Sep 23, 2008

Knight Rider: An Inside Look at KITT's Extreme Makeover

90210 Exclusive: Riches Kid Moves to Beverly Hills

With a full-season pick-up, you get a new face. The CW's 90210, which on Monday was granted a full-season order  the first brand-new series to merit such an honor  is rounding out its cast a bit further. TVGuide.com has learned exclusively that Michael Trevino, who might either be familiar to you from his run on FX's The Riches or CBS' short-lived Cane, has landed the role of Ozzie, a new student at West Bev.Further details on Oz (including his first appearance) are expected shortly, held up only by a last-minute decision to tweak a bit of his back story. Hmmm....  Matt MitovichRelated:• 90210 Gets Full Season as CW's Steamiest Zip Code• Spend some time at West Bev with 90210 clips from our Online Video Guide

Tue, Sep 23, 2008

90210 Exclusive: Riches Kid Moves to Beverly Hills

Bones Picks Roswell Alum to Play Booth's Bro

Fox is now confirming that which was first and exclusively reported by... the actor himself: Brendan Fehr, who cut his teeth on Roswell and very recently costarred on the ABC Family series Samurai Girl, is going to guest on Bones as Booth's younger brother, Jared.Fehr is booked for two episodes, the first of which will air Nov. 2, just as sweeps month kicks off. No coincidence there, seeing as the buzz is that Jar might close the very deal Bones fans have wanted his big bro to better apply himself to all these years. OK, that phrasing came out a bit obtuse. He will pitch woo with Brennan."It's going to be a lot of fun and I'm really looking forward to it," Fehr wrote on his official web site. "The character is great and well-written.... He's got a lot of stuff to work with on the screen and with a great back story."  Matt Mitovich

Tue, Sep 23, 2008

Bones Picks Roswell Alum to Play Booth's Bro