matt.mitovich

CBS Adds More Power, and Other Coming Attractions

CBS has greenlit another, six-episode cycle of Power of 10, to air sometime during the 2007-08 TV season.... Also per Variety, CBS has scheduled for Nov. 30 My Night at the Grammys, a two-hour special tied to the awards show's 50th anniversary and featuring 25 memorable performances from past Grammycasts. The playlist will be determined by online voting at MyNightAtTheGrammys.com through Oct. 7.... ABC has nabbed rights to Duel, a French quiz show that combines a standard question-and-answer format with the bluffing elements of gambling. Meaning, I would suck at it.

Mon, Sep 10, 2007

CBS Adds More Power, and Other Coming Attractions

Box Office: 3:10 to Yuma Shows How the West Is No. 1

Maximus plus Batman equals success. The Russell Crowe- and Christian Bale-fronted Western 3:10 to Yuma topped the weekend box office, taking in $14.1 million in its debut. Last week's chart-topper, Rob Zombie's Halloween ($10 million), slipped to the No. 2 spot.Rounding out the top five were Superbad ($8 million), Balls of Fury ($5.7 mil) and The Bourne Ultimatum ($5.48 mil).Clive Owen's Shoot 'Em Up opened at No. 6 with $5.45 mil, barely half of its studio's anticipated gross.

Mon, Sep 10, 2007

Box Office: 3:10 to Yuma Shows How the West Is No. 1

Shark's Jeri Ryan Expecting, and More Short Cuts

Shark star Jeri Ryan is expecting in March 2008 her first child with new husband Christophe Erne, says People. Ryan has a 12-year-old son from a previous relationship. A CBS rep has yet to comment on whether the pregnancy will be incorporated into Shark.... The Thursday-at-10 premiere of Tim Gunn's Guide to Style drew nearly a million viewers, giving Bravo a 134 percent increase over its average for the time period.... Arriving on DVD Nov. 20: Hudson Hawk: Special Edition — featuring, what, loads of mediocre extras?

Mon, Sep 10, 2007

Shark's Jeri Ryan Expecting, and More Short Cuts

At the Emmys: Filthy Mouths Win Big, Idol Avoids Biggest Loser Title

Gold mixed with blue at Saturday night's Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony. Though HBO's Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee took home the most kudos  five statues in all  several major wins either were born of or unexpectedly led to salty language.Where to start? Kathy Griffin, whose Life on the D-List won best (non-competition) reality program, mock-scoffed at those who thank J.C. for their good fortune by saying (and I apologize for sharing this on a Sunday morning), "Suck it, Jesus, this award is my god now." Also using salty slang in accepting her award was Elaine Stritch, named best guest actress in a comedy (for her turn on 30 Rock). "It's kind of obvious how long I've been in this profession," said Stritch. "And I can't get over that I still feel the way I do. It's unf--kingbelievable."Another veteran actress, Leslie Caron, was Stritch's counterpart in the drama race (for her appearance on Law & Order: SVU), while Stanley Tucci (Monk) and John Goodman (Studio 60) ...

Sun, Sep 9, 2007

At the Emmys: Filthy Mouths Win Big, Idol Avoids Biggest Loser Title

"Embarrassed" Vanessa Apologizes to HSM Fans, as Disney Backs Star

Speaking out for the first time since her nude and racy photos slipped into cybercirculation, Vanessa Hudgens offers impressionable High School Musical fans an earnest mea culpa (have Mom look it up in a Latin dictionary). "I want to apologize to my fans, whose support and trust means the world to me," the 18-year-old starlet says in a statement released to TVGuide.com. "I am embarrassed over this situation and regret having ever taken these photos. I am thankful for the support of my family and friends."And the Mouse House's take on it all? "Vanessa has apologized for what was obviously a lapse in judgment," Disney Channel spokeswoman Patti McTeague tells the AP. "We hope she's learned a valuable lesson."Related: HSM Starlet's Nude Pic Goes Public; Disney Mum on "Fired" Rumblings

Sat, Sep 8, 2007

"Embarrassed" Vanessa Apologizes to HSM Fans, as Disney Backs Star

Why Kathie Lee Eschewed The View: "I Had My Fill"

See that .38-caliber projectile whizzing past your head, fans of The View? That's the bullet you dodged when Reege's "ex," Kathie Lee Gifford, removed herself from consideration to replace Rosie on ABC's other daytime talker. "[The View] did ask me last spring [to consider the gig]," Gifford tells Entertainment Weekly. "And I graciously said, 'No thanks.'" Why the rebuff? "It's a world I know too well," says Cody et al's momma. "So many people who would just die for fame and fortune don't understand that you can die from it. I had my fill of the negative side of fame and fortune long ago."View executive producer Bill Geddie clarifies for EW that while "we love Kathie Lee and always love having her on the program"  she has guest-hosted numerous times  "Whoopi [Goldberg] was always our first choice and the only person the network offered the job to."

Sat, Sep 8, 2007

Why Kathie Lee Eschewed The View: "I Had My Fill"

Family Guy 'Toons into the Emmys, Star Wars

Family Guy's Brian and Stewie Griffin will pay musical tribute to the year in television with an original onstage performance at this year's Primetime Emmy Awards, airing Sept. 16 on Fox. In a statement, Stewie says, "I'm going to get me a nice big whiff of some Ryan Seacrest." Why do I get the feeling it will smell exactly like "too much Axe"?Fox has also released a promotional poster for Family Guy's Sept. 23 premiere, where the Griffin gang gets reimagined as Star Wars characters. Check out the full image here.

Fri, Sep 7, 2007

Family Guy 'Toons into the Emmys, Star Wars

In the Works: A New Round of Californication, and More

Showtime has granted a second-season pickup to the freshman series Californication, ordering a dozen new episodes to likely unspool next summer.... MTV on Oct. 9 will premiere A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila, a dating competition series where the bisexual MySpace personality will get wooed by guys and dolls.... Fox is developing Smile! You're Under Arrest, an unscripted series about criminal suspects duped into being captured, says MediaWeek.

Fri, Sep 7, 2007

In the Works: A New Round of Californication, and More

Spider-man vs. Giant Robots, and More Movie News

Warner Bros. Pictures has picked up the feature rights to Robotech, a 1980s Japanese cartoon series featuring giant lizards robots. Tobey Maguire is being eyed for the lead role, and will also produce, says the Reporter.... Per Variety, Will Smith will star in Seven Pounds, about a man who falls in love while trying to kill himself.... Ralph Fiennes will play opposite Keira Knightley in The Duchess, a period romance based on the historical bio Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. I'm already asleep.... Sony Pictures Animation is developing Open Season 2 as a made-for-DVD 2009 release.... Did I mention that the Shrek 3 DVD streets on Nov. 13, aka my sons' birthday? Kismet, I tell you.

Fri, Sep 7, 2007

Spider-man vs. Giant Robots, and More Movie News

Studio 60, Ugly Betty, the Big Ten and More Short Cuts

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip arrives on DVD Oct. 16 in a six-disc, 22-episode set.... Tonight's the night that ABC's 20/20 sticks its nose in Dateline: To Catch a Predator's business. The sucker punches start at 10 pm/ET.... Marlo Thomas will guest on Ugly Betty this fall as a jewelry company owner with a "thing" for younger men  namely, Daniel.... ABC Family's Lincoln Heights set a series high with its Tuesday Season 2 premiere, drawing 1.6 million total viewers. That's a 14 percent increase over the show's January launch.... EchoStar's Dish Network has agreed to host the Big Ten Network, and just in time for this weekend's college football games, says TV Week.

Fri, Sep 7, 2007

Studio 60, Ugly Betty, the Big Ten and More Short Cuts

HSM Starlet's Nude Pic Goes Public; Disney Mum on "Fired" Rumblings

This news certainly will make mild-mannered Mickey Mouse's ears perk up. Hours after a nude photo of someone resembling Vanessa Hudgens circulated the Internet, the 18-year-old High School Musical star came forth to admit that it is, in fact, her in the pic. In a statement to TMZ, a rep for Hudgens says, "This was a photo which was taken privately. It is a personal matter and it is unfortunate that this has become public." The Enquirer, which broke the story, claims Hudgens snapped some racy pics for HSM beau Zac Efron. Alas, they fell into nefarious hands (as nude pics of up-and-coming starlets tend to do). "Shooting into a mirror with her camera phone, she took photos of herself stripped except for a gold chain around her waist," writes the tabloid. "She also photographed herself in the tub, blowing kisses... and sensuously pulling down her bikini bottom."It's enough to make Corbin Bleu turn red. As for Disney, the company thus far is offering a firm "No comment" on talk that Hud...

Fri, Sep 7, 2007

HSM Starlet's Nude Pic Goes Public; Disney Mum on "Fired" Rumblings

Wentworth Miller Ponders a Five-year Prison Stay

Echoing what Dominic Purcell told us a few weeks ago, Wentworth Miller says that Prison Break's upcoming season crackles in a way not seen since the Fox series' early days. "I can honestly say that the episodes we just shot are among the best so far," he tells TVGuide.com. "It's just as intense and gritty and claustrophobic as the first season, except this time we don't have to lay out all of the backstory, which means we can hit the ground running."Miller says the new season finds "Michael and Lincoln trying to survive as pawns in a very large and very deadly game of chess"  a face-off that could last longer than anyone suspected back when a show about a prison escape first hit the tube. "As far as this thing continuing on nine or 10 seasons like a Friends or a CSI, I'm not sure we'll go that far," he said during a conference call with reporters. "But I do think we have at least another two or three seasons in us."

Fri, Sep 7, 2007

Wentworth Miller Ponders a Five-year Prison Stay

Exclusive: Sopranos' Falco Gets a Piece of the 30 Rock

Looks like someone made her an offer she couldn't refuse. Sopranos matriarch and three-time Emmy winner Edie Falco has been booked for a three-episode run on NBC's 30 Rock, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively. Says Falco, "I have laughed out loud at this show, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with such great comic actors." Series creator/star Tina Fey in turn says, "We're thrilled to have such an amazing actress come join us. Also, a lot of guys on our crew want The Sopranos' ending explained to them." Details on exactly who Falco will be playing are not yet available, but the sitcom stop-by marks her first TV gig since The Sopranos went black. Other guest stars lined up for the show's sophomore season (premiering Oct. 4) include Rip Torn, Will Arnett and Sherri Shepherd.More TVGuide.com casting news: Exclusive: Earl Charmed By Alyssa Milano, Exclusive: Friday Night Lights, Trace Casting Scoops, Lee Majors Is Game's Six Million Dollar Coach

Thu, Sep 6, 2007

Exclusive: Sopranos' Falco Gets a Piece of the 30 Rock

It's Britney, Bi--h: VMAs Confirm Spears as Opening Act

This just in from the TV of M:"After weeks of mind-blowing media speculation, MTV confirms that Britney Spears will be opening the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards. Celebrating her long-awaited comeback to her fans, Spears will be performing live her new song 'Gimme More' from her highly anticipated album due out Nov. 13. The star-studded awards show will air live Sunday at 9 pm/ET."Immediately following Spears' performance, fans can download two ringtones available exclusively through MTV Mobile  one for 'Gimme More' and the other featuring the much discussed 'It's Britney, B---h' catchphrase. MTV Mobile also will carry a live simulcast of the show, a first for an awards show."

Thu, Sep 6, 2007

It's Britney, Bi--h: VMAs Confirm Spears as Opening Act

Grey's T.R. Has "Nothing to Say" as "Anniversary" Nears

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, T.R. Knight sought to put to rest, once and for all, the controversy which has consumed the Grey's Anatomy set for nearly a year and led him out of the closet. Though Isaiah Washington has used multiple forums to offer his take on the October 2006 on-set scrape, Knight says, "I have nothing, absolutely nothing to say about it. With all due respect, I haven't said much at all, but I have said some, and I don't need to say more.... 'Cause it's August of '07.... And it's a beautiful sunny day. In. August. Of 2007.""Sunny" can't be used to qualify Katherine Heigl's take on the sitch. She chimes in to the Times, "I have no respect for how Isaiah has handled this. I'm disgusted. That's probably a strong thing to say and I'm probably going to get yelled at... but I felt so infuriated because [Washington's] was the only opinion getting heard. But [T.R.] was right  to say nothing at all is the most dignified thing he could do." Ooh, look  irony!

Thu, Sep 6, 2007

Grey's T.R. Has "Nothing to Say" as "Anniversary" Nears

Entourage Finale "Cannes" Match Premiere Ratings

 Sunday night's Entourage season-ender delivered 2.2 million total viewers, matching the HBO series' Season 4 premiere numbers. Still, it was off from the 3.4 mil who tuned in for the Season 3 finale. But our little Johnny fell in love, so it's all good. Leading out of Entourage, Flight of the Conchords wrapped its freshman run with an audience of 950,000, down a quarter-mil from its June 17 debut. The CMT original film Dale drew 3.1 million viewers on Tuesday, making it the most-watched telecast in the cabler's history.

Thu, Sep 6, 2007

Entourage Finale "Cannes" Match Premiere Ratings

Avril, Kelly Clarkson Targeted By SNL Music CD

The first CD of Saturday Night Live performances in nearly 10 years will be sold exclusively at Target beginning Sunday, says Reuters. Live from SNL! features 11 tracks from the past four seasons, including tune croons by Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Maroon 5 and the Foo Fighters. (What is "foo," by the way? Always wondered.) Anyone looking for Ashlee Simpson's "live" performance need simply cue up any of her prerecorded CDs.Plans are being made for a separate compilation of R&B/hip-hop SNL performances, as well as a DVD counterpart.

Thu, Sep 6, 2007

At the Movies: Ryan Phillippe On a Viking Quest

According to the Reporter, Ryan Phillippe and Abbie Cornish (hmmm...) and Sean Bean have boarded Last Battle Dreamer, a Viking epic pegged as "a love story written in fire and blood"  just like my blog!.... Leonardo DiCaprio is circling producer Scott Rudin's forthcoming adaptation of the Robert Graves novel I, Claudius.... Per Variety, Jeff Daniels and Neal McDonough have joined Traitor, an espionage thriller starring Don Cheadle and Guy Pearce.... Christini Ricci's oft-postponed Penelope will premiere her profound proboscis on Feb. 1, 2008.

Thu, Sep 6, 2007

At the Movies: Ryan Phillippe On a Viking Quest

A Pussycat Doll, Damages and Other Short Cuts

Nicole Scherzinger and Lil Wayne will perform during The 2007 VMA Pre-Show Royale, airing Sunday at 8 pm/ET on MTV.... Former NYPD Blue costars Gordon Clapp and Debra Monk play Ellen's parents on the last few episodes of Damages, says the New York Post.... Blades of Glory skated to the top of both the DVD sales and rental charts last week. The Heroes: Season 1 set was the No. 2 seller.... Full House: The Complete Eighth Season as well as The Complete Series Collection (32 discs for $169.72) arrive on DVD Nov. 6.

Thu, Sep 6, 2007

Opera Great Luciano Pavarotti Dead at 71

From the AP, because I could never do it justice:"Luciano Pavarotti, opera's biggest superstar of the late 20th century, died Thursday. He was 71. He was the son of a singing baker and became the king of the high Cs."Pavarotti, who had been diagnosed last year with pancreatic cancer and underwent treatment last month, died at his home in his native Modena, his manager told The Associated Press in an e-mailed statement. His wife, Nicoletta, four daughters and sister were among family and friends at his side, manager Terri Robson said."'The Maestro fought a long, tough battle against the pancreatic cancer,' Robson said. 'In fitting with the approach that characterized his life and work, he remained positive until finally succumbing to the last stages of his illness.'"

Thu, Sep 6, 2007

Opera Great Luciano Pavarotti Dead at 71

Office Star Jenna Fischer, Filmmaker Hubby Split

Now reporting this makes me sad, because Jenna is a favorite around here. The Office cutie Jenna Fischer and her screenwriter/director husband James Gunn have announced the end of their six-year marriage. In a statement posted on their respective MySpace pages, they share, "We are sorry for any pain this causes family and friends. The enthusiasm we have expressed for each other's lives, spirits and careers is real  we have been each other's cheerleader and friend... and continue to be so now and in the future."Knowing how this Internet thing can be, the couple adds, "You might be tempted to make one of us 'feel better' by putting the other one down in a [message board] post. Please don't. We still have the utmost respect for one another, and we'd have to delete you."Gunn directed his wife in the campy horror hit Slither.

Thu, Sep 6, 2007

Office Star Jenna Fischer, Filmmaker Hubby Split

Has Food Network Put a Fork in Mario Batali?

According to a report in the New York Post, Food Network has informed the colorful Mario Batali that his numerous shows would not be getting renewed. In response to the rebuff, Batali allegedly refused to compete any longer on Iron Chef, "and then [the network] essentially said ciao," shares an insider. The move, says industry buzz, is indicative of Food Network's progression away from "real" chefs and more toward celebrity/TV-created spatula-wielders.UPDATE: Food Network Is Still Hot for Mario Batali

Thu, Sep 6, 2007

Has Food Network Put a Fork in Mario Batali?