Adam Arkin's Wife Files for Divorce
Life
- Metascore66
- 2007-2009
- 2 seasons
- NBC
- Suspense, Drama
- TV-14
"Life," from Rand Ravich ("The Astronaut's Wife") and Far Shariat ("Confessions of a Dangerous Mind"), focuses on a detective who is given a second chance. Golden Globe nominee Damian Lewis ("Band of Brothers") plays complex, offbeat Detective Charlie Crews, who returns to the force after serving time in prison for a crime he didn't commit.
- Metascore66
- 2007-2009
- 2 seasons
- NBC
- Suspense, Drama
- TV-14
"Life," from Rand Ravich ("The Astronaut's Wife") and Far Shariat ("Confessions of a Dangerous Mind"), focuses on a detective who is given a second chance. Golden Globe nominee Damian Lewis ("Band of Brothers") plays complex, offbeat Detective Charlie Crews, who returns to the force after serving time in prison for a crime he didn't commit.
Pilot Season: Gillian Anderson, Rachael Taylor Join NBC's Rand Ravich Drama
The X Files' Gillian Anderson and 666 Park Avenue's Rachael Taylor have joined the cast of NBC's untitled Rand Ravich pilot, TVGuide.com has learned. In the drama...
Walking Dead Names New Showrunner for Season 4
The Walking Dead executive producer Scott Gimple will succeed Glen Mazzara as the zombie drama's showrunner, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Mazzara, who replaced original showrunner Frank Darabont midway through Season 2, announced his departure last month when...
Bones Exclusive: Meet Brennan's Mom (Again!)
An upcoming near-death experience for Bones' Temperance Brennan will have her seeing things — including her dead mom!Fall TV Report Card: How's the new class doing?Former Melrose Place star Brooke Langton has been cast as Christine Brennan, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively. Astute viewers may recall that Brennan's mom ...
Exclusive: Castle Gets a Mr. Freeze in William Atherton
William Atherton has booked a chilly guest spot on the upcoming season of Castle, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively.Fall Preview: Get scoop on your favorite returning showsThe veteran actor will play Dr. Ari Weiss, a "life-extension researcher" who has dedicated most of his work to the study of cryogenic freezing...
Exclusive: Adam Arkin to Guest-Star on The Closer
Former Chicago Hope and Sons of Anarchy star Adam Arkin will guest-star on the upcoming season of The Closer, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively.The Closer promotes Mary McDonnell for final seasonArkin will play Steven Hirschbaum, a Bernie Madoff-like businessman who is convicted in a massive federal fraud trial and is being sued by the former employees and investors from whom he stole. The question troubling Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick): Just how far will those angry investors go to exact their revenge?This marks...
Discovery Sets Human Planet Airdate
Discovery has assigned an airdate to Human Planet, its next epic series in the vein of recent hits Planet Earth and Life. The six-part Human Planet will air from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on three consecutive Sundays this spring: April 10, 17 and 24. Human Planet, a co-production between Discovery and the BBC, will look at how humans live in a wide variety of habitats — including the Arctic, rivers and oceans, mountains, grasslands ...
Are Wildlife Shows Real?
TV is a wildlife lover's Garden of Eden. Networks like Animal Planet, Discovery, National Geographic, NAT GEO Wild and PBS fill their schedules with documentaries and critter reality programs. These shows promise a real glimpse into the behavior of wild animals. But just how authentic are they? "There's a degree of audience deception that goes on," says veteran wildlife producer Chris Palmer, whose recent book, Shooting in the Wild, reveals some of the trickery.
Glee Tops the Television Critics Awards
Fox's Glee led the winners of this year's Television Critics Association Awards, taking home statuettes for Program of the Year, Outstanding New Program and Individual Achievement in Comedy for Jane Lynch. Modern Family (ABC) won Outstanding Achievement in Comedy, while Lost (ABC) and Breaking Bad (AMC) tied for the Outstanding Achievement in Drama prize. The group also recognized Julianna Margulies for Individual Achievement in Drama for The Good Wife (CBS). The complete list of winners:
July Fourth Weekend TV Marathon Roundup
Too hot outside? If you'd rather spend July Fourth on a couch, there's plenty of TV to watch. Check out our marathon roundup for the holiday weekend: (All times are ET/PT and subject to change) Monday, July 5Real Housewives of New Jersey marathon (3 p.m.-Midnight, Bravo)Cake Boss marathon (6 a.m.-8 p.m., TLC)
Ratings: Castle Explodes to New Series Highs
Castle beat time-slot rival CSI: Miami for the first time ever Monday, pulling in the ABC procedural dramedy's biggest audience so far. The episode — the first half of a two-parter that ended with Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) being blown up in her apartment — drew...
Tonight's TV Hot List: Sunday, March 21, 2010
Breaking Bad10/9c AMC While Season 2 ended with a bang for Walt and the gang, Season 3 begins in creepy fashion. Everyone is reeling from the mid-air collision of the two planes. Walt is foundering on his own; Jesse is languishing in anguish in rehab; and something wicked their way is a-coming. Walt gets an offer he can't refuse — but he does, and you wonder how long his resolve will last. This unnerving and suspenseful hour is also darkly humorous, and the series hits the ground running. Can't wait to see where it takes us.Read on for previews of The Simpsons, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Life and Cold Case.
Tom Cavanagh Returns to TV
Tom Cavanagh will star in ABC's new pilot Edgar Floats, Entertainment Weekly reports. Cavanagh (Ed, Eli Stone) will take on...
Mega Buzz on Lost, Grey's, Gossip Girl, Tree Hill and More
Every week, senior editors Matt Webb Mitovich, Mickey O'Connor and Tim Molloy satisfy your need for TV scoop. Please send all questions to megascoop@tvguide.com.I know you guys have some hints about Lost's finale. Don't hold out. — JosephTIM: ABC's promos spoil that Sawyer, Kate and Juliet return to the island, so we asked Patrick Fischler (aka the Dharma Initiative's Phil) what could possibly turn the sub around. "Let me see, how do I put this? Sawyer," he said. Fischler says Phil plays an "interesting part" in a season finale that answers lots of questions, but ends with a game-changing cliff-hanger. Might Phil face the music for belting Juliet last week? "I think Sawyer may have to have a little payback," says Fischler. Look for our full Q&A with the actor, whose credits also include Southland and Mad Men, next week. What can you spill about the Grey's Anatomy season finale? Are we definitely saying goodbye to George and T.R. Knight? — KellieMATT: Yes, there are rumors swirling that the finale not only paves the way for George's departure ...
Mega Buzz on Grey's, Housewives, Lie to Me, Bones, Life & More
Every week, senior editors Matt Webb Mitovich, Mickey O'Connor and Tim Molloy satisfy your need for TV scoop. Please send all questions to megascoop@tvguide.com. I adored the "McFamily" scenes last week on Grey's Anatomy. What's next for Mark, Lexie, Meredith and Derek? — KellyMATT: For Mark and Lexie, much cuteness is on the immediate horizon. I mean, as much as Thatcher Grey makes my skin crawl (no offense, Jeff Perry!), the way things play out when he returns is better than I expected. For Mer and Der, there's the none-too-small matter of a stern ultimatum coming from the bride. As that gets sorted out, the would-be marrieds will find cause to fast-track their wedding, so get to updating that website, illing Izzie! So I'm guessing that Gaby will be hosting the spoiled teen diva on Desperate Housewives. They should totally get Selena Gomez to play the part! — DarcyMICKEY: I like where your head's at, Darcy, what with the Disney/ABC corporate synergy and all. It won't be Selena, but the Housewives casting elves ...
Ratings: After a Faltering Finale, Will Life Go On?
Wednesday's ratings rundown: 8 pm/ETLie to Me topped the hour with an audience of 8.42 million total viewers, down 560K week-to-week. CBS' Old Christine and Gary Unmarried combined for second, both delivering 7.3 mil. ABC's sitcoms, meanwhile, lagged behind a Law & Order repeat, with Scrubs managing 4.67 mil (down 335K) and Better Off Ted drawing 4.2 mil (down 500 thou). Top Model tallied 3.7 mil, dipping 250K. 9 pmAmerican Idol ruled with 22.43 million viewers, slipping 5 percent week-to-week. Criminal Minds followed with 13.25 mil, dropping 750 thou. Lost lost 12 percent of its last audience, hitting 8.3 mil. NBC's Life wrapped up its sophomore run with an audience of 4.5 mil, plunging 19 percent. Will Life go on? Although it might seem unlikely, there is talk of struggling NBC picking up "mini" seasons of a few on-the-bubble series. Stay tuned. 10 pmCSI: NY was No. 1 with 12.5 mil, followed by the premiere of ABC's The Unusuals, which copped 6.84 million viewers. As a benchmark of sorts, Life on Mars' first après-Lost outing grabbed 300K fewer heads than that.
Mega Buzz on Lost, CSI, NCIS, Fringe, Grey's & More
Every week, senior editors Matt Mitovich, Mickey O'Connor and Tim Molloy satisfy your need for TV scoop. Send all questions to megascoop@tvguide.com. I miss seeing Jack and Juliet together on Lost. Is there anything to look forward to? — MariaMATT: It's a good thing spring has sprung, because, I am sad to say, it looks like you won't have any "Jacket" to keep you warm. When I asked Elizabeth Mitchell about what's ahead for Juliet and Jack, she said, "We very rarely have anything to do together anymore, but we do have a few moments, and they are very rich and full." So get while the getting is good, 'shippers. Are CSI's Wendy and Hodges ever going to get more face time? Together? — AngelicTIM: They will indeed. In a Battlestar-studded April episode, as they investigate a murder at a sci-fi convention, Wendy and Hodges discover their mutual love ...
Ratings: Life Makes a Lively Comeback
Wednesday's ratings rundown: 8 pm/ETAmerican Idol eliminated 750,000 viewers, but of course still won the hour with an audience of 26.26 million. Lagging behind a Criminal Minds repeat, Knight Rider dropped off 19 percent of its previous audience, hitting 4.94 mil. ABC's enhanced Lost repeat drew 4.8 mil. 9 pmFox's Lie to Me stayed on top with 13 million viewers, up 900K from last week. Lost tied the Fox newbie in the demos while holding steady at 11 million viewers. NBC's Life returned to an audience of 6.76 mil, surging 30 percent from its last fresh outing. Katie Couric's Grammy special cued up 6.8 mil, but was bested by Life in its back half-hour. 10 pmLaw & Order won the time period with 8.7 million viewers, followed by a CSI: NY repeat (7.54 mil) and Life on Mars (6.02 mil, down 480 thou).
Mega Buzz on House, Heroes, 24, 90210 & More
Senior editors Matt Mitovich, Mickey O'Connor and Tim Molloy answer your questions. Drop us a line at megascoop@tvguide.com. House is my favorite show, but I am getting sick of this season's Thirteen-centered storylines. When will we see more of Wilson, who has been woefully underused? — GillianMATT: Personally, I'm (Olivia) Wilde for Thirteen, partly because her portrayer gives great quotes on the red carpet (and, ahem, is definitely not chilly). But I hear your woe, and can promise that Robert Sean Leonard has meaty stuff coming up later this season, only some of which has to do with Wilson's long-lost brother. Also, for what it's worth (and as hinted at this week), we'll also be spending a bit more time with Peter Jacobson's Taub. I hear that either Hayden Panettiere or Ali Larter wants to be released from her Heroes contract. Is this true? — BrianTIM: One of the key Heroes dies at the end of this volume, so that would be an easy out. But Larter ...
Life-Changing Event: Sarah Shahi Is Pregnant
Life beauty Sarah Shahi is expecting, and viewers can expect some changes for her character, according to the NBC cop drama's show runner."She's about four months pregnant," Rand Ravich told E! Online. Shahi's reps have yet to confirm the pregnancy.What does this mean for Shahi's character, Dani Reese? Find out after the jump.
NBC Gives Life More Life
Life has received a sentence from NBC — for a full season.The network has ordered the back nine episodes of the quirky cop drama, giving it a full 22-episode season pick-up.The ratings-challenged sophomore series has ...
Ratings: Dancing Puts the Brakes on Knight Rider
Wednesday's ratings recap: 8 pm/ETA special election-delayed broadcast of the Dancing with the Stars results show averaged 15.6 million total viewers, and thus played havoc with the competition. While Bones (10.1 mil) fought the good fight, dipping just 250K from its last outing, Knight Rider found water in its tank, skidding 29 percent to hit 5.14 mil. Similarly, CBS' Christine (6.57 mil) and Gary (6.44 mil) both dropped about 16 percent. Top Model matched last week's 3.94 mil. 9 pmCriminal Minds topped the hour with 14.29 million viewers, up 480K. Goosed by a stronger (non-Daisies) lead-in, Private Practice surged 23 percent to a season-high 9.54 mil. NBC's relocated Life (5.82 mil) was up 320K from its last Friday airing, and the CW's Stylista inched up 130K, to two mil. 10 pmTrailing CSI: NY (which at 11.75 mil was down 14 percent), Law & Order's 19th season premiered to an audience of 7.85 mil. That's down slightly from its May season finale, and a full 40 percent off from its previous season opener. Dirty Sexy Money inherited third place from Lipstick Jungle, delivering 6.25 mil (up 170K).
Mega Buzz on Lost, House, NCIS, Gossip Girl & 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. I have this nagging feeling that Lost from here on will focus on the Oceanic 6, at the expense of the people - my Sawyer included! - left on the island. Please tell me I'm wrong. - LaurenMatt: I take great pleasure in telling you that you are wrong. I then laugh derisively in your general direction. Have no fear, Lauren, the left-behinders will get plenty of air time. In fact, a (probably well-tanned) setsider tells me that Elizabeth Mitchell, for one, has never had more to do and as such is busier than a one-armed paperhanger. But is she getting busy with Your Sawyer? That's the question. After "The Kiss," can we expect a House-Cuddy romance to bloom? - MandyMickey: As I learned the hard way one hot summer night in July 1987, a kiss does not necessarily equal a relationship. Then ask yourself ...
Fighting for Life: NBC Revamps Wednesday Line-Up
In this tough, low-rated TV season, NBC is the first network to reshuffle its lineup. What's the Peacock's solution? Crime night! According to the Hollywood Reporter, starting Wednesday Nov. 5, NBC will present a block of crime dramas: Knight Rider at 8 pm/ET, Life at 9 pm (moving in from Fridays at 10), and the return of longtime staple Law & Order at 10 pm. Details on the other programming tweaks after the jump.
Life's Damian Lewis Shakes Things Up
"Little fazes Charlie Crews," says Damian Lewis of the Zen-stabilized, wrongly jailed homicide detective he plays on NBC's Life. Oh yeah? How about an earthquake? We'll find out Friday, Oct. 24 (10 pm/ET) when Crews & Co. deal with a crime wave in the aftermath of said tremor in "Did You Feel That?", an episode that includes a combination jailbreak and armored-car heist by a familiar bad guy. On July 29, life imitated Life, as there was an actual earthquake in Los Angeles. After the jump, Lewis tells TVGuide.com his quake story, and then details some other shocking things that will shake out this season.
Ratings: Life (All Together Now…) Shows Some Life
How Friday's fare fared: 8 pm/ET Ghost Whisperer topped the hour with 8.87 million total viewers, dipping just eight percent from last week. The first hour of NBC's Crusoe placed second with 6.79 mil. Wife Swap, at just under five mil, gained 16 percent week-to-week. Behind a 5th Grader repeat, the CW's Chris (1.79 mil) inched up a bit, while The Game (1.8 mil) dipped 90K. 9 pm The Ex List (6.35 million) rebounded with an 11 percent gain and topped the demos, but was bested in total viewers by the second hour of Crusoe. Supernanny (5.34 mil) added 340 thou. 10 pm Numbers (8.6 mil) netted a seven percent bump, and was followed by 20/20 (6.87 mil). NBC's Life surged 21 percent to flirt with six mil.
For Sarah Shahi, Life Is Beautiful
Sarah Shahi's got a cool cop show, a hot new look — and she's getting married. What's not to love? We talked to the Life (Oct. 6 at 10 pm/ET, NBC and then Fridays at 10 pm) star about what's ahead for Dani this season, her stint on The L Word and growing up in Texas with a name like Aahoo. TV Guide: Your character on Life, cop Dani Reese, is looking pretty hot this season. Did she get a makeover? Sarah Shahi: My hair is down! You will never see that bun again. We wanted to make the show a little sexier, a bit more fun. [Laughs] Next thing, a bikini. TV Guide: So what's up for the crack detective and recovering addict? Shahi: Dani has a love interest! And she has a relapse. TV Guide: Could it be her new boss who's smitten? Shahi: Captain Tidwell [Donal Logue] and Dani do get it on. She's really surprised she's taken by him. He says the most inappropriate things and has about 18 ex-wives.
For Sarah Shahi, Life Is Beautiful
Sarah Shahi's got a cool cop show, a hot new look — and she's getting married. What's not to love? We talked to the Life (Oct. 6 at 10 pm/ET, NBC and then Fridays at 10 pm) star about what's ahead for Dani this season, her stint on The L Word and growing up in Texas with a name like Aahoo. TV Guide: Your character on Life, cop Dani Reese, is looking pretty hot this season. Did she get a makeover?Sarah Shahi: My hair is down! You will never see that bun again. We wanted to make the show a little sexier, a bit more fun. [Laughs] Next thing, a bikini. TV Guide: So what's up for the crack detective and recovering addict? Shahi: Dani has a love interest! And she has a relapse.TV Guide: Could it be her new boss who's smitten?Shahi: Captain Tidwell [Donal Logue] and Dani do get
Ratings: How Did Chuck's Hot Date Go?
Here's how Monday played out this week:8 pm/ETDancing with the Stars was the night's most-watched program, averaging 19.28 million total viewers (an eight percent dip) over its two-hour run. CBS' Big Bang (8.7 mil, down 650K) and Mother (8.8 mil, down 900 thou) placed second, followed by Chuck, which kicked off its sophomore run with 6.6 mil. That's off 29 percent from the NBC series' launch, yet on par with its latest airing (in January). Terminator (5.33 mil) lost another 480K, while Gossip Girl (3.54 mil) gained 190 thou.9 pmTrailing DWTS, Two and a Half Men did 13.76 mil, shedding a million-plus from its season premiere; lead-out Worst Week (9.3 mil) in turn dropped 15 percent from its debut. Heroes (9.34 mil, down 550K) and a good episode of Prison Break (5.25 mil, down 680 thou) both took hits, while One Tree Hill (3.42 mil) saw a 320K increase.10 pmCSI: Miami (14.3 mil) dominated, albeit with a 15 percent smaller audience that tuned in for its premiere. (Yes, Worst Week, all ...
NBC's Newest Cop Drama Gets a Second Life
Guns drawn a quartet of cops moves into position outside a warehouse in downtown LA Its blisteringly hot in the sun but the scene indoors is what makes Det Charlie Crews sweat an armored truck still dotted with flames two lifeless charred bodies and the realization that an escaped con he once put away is responsible for the damage Now thats how you get peoples attention Last season Life premiering Monday Sept 29 at 10 pmET NBC revolving around Crews Damian Lewis a cop who returns to the job after 12 years in prison for a crime he didnt commit earned critical props but didnt arrest a lot of viewers This fall the show about second chances is getting one of its own albeit nine months after it went off the air thanks to the writers strike Regardless cocreator Rand Ravich isnt about to squander the opportunity The people whove found us really appreciate the show he says But were gonna do everything we can to make sure more peop
Mad Men's Christina Hendricks Comes Back to Life
Mad Men viewers know Christina Hendricks best as sexy and sassy office manager Joan, but the few of you who stuck with NBC's Life last season also know her as Olivia, the fiancée of Charlie's estranged father. Well, Life fans, I've learned that Olivia will be back in Season 2.While chatting with me about Sunday's episode of Mad Men, Hendricks said she would be shooting an episode for Life's sophomore season next week. "I don't know [what I'll be doing] — they haven't even sent me the script — but I will be continuing the character I was playing last year for an episode and hopefully another one after that."For those who can't wait until fall, Hendricks has an extra juicy storyline in Sunday's Mad Men (read more about it in the full interview). Are you excited to see Hendricks bring Olivia back to Life? — Adam BryantRelated:• Christina Hendricks Shares Mad Men Office Gossip
VIDEO: Life Goes on for Damian Lewis and Sarah Shahi
Damian Lewis and Sarah Shahi, the stars of NBC's Life, clown around with our Erin Fox — a lot — and then preview what's ahead for the second season of the unorthodox cop drama. (The best stuff comes at the 3:00 mark.)
Mega Buzz on Bones, Ghost Whisperer, CSI & More!
Senior editors Matt Webb Mitovich and Mickey O'Connor answer your questions!Can you confirm the Bones gossip that there will be a kiss between our favorite non-couple in the Season 4 episode "Crank in the Shaft"? — MagaliMickey: I can neither confirm nor deny the buzz — else risk penalty of death — but I will cryptically say this: It's best not to focus on this one episode in particular. There are lots of surprises planned for this season.Do you have any scoop on Ghost Whisperer? I heard that David Conrad (Jim) is leaving the show. Is it true? — ZachMatt: Everywhere I turned, your buzz on David/Melinda's hubby was met with people-in-the-know exclaiming, "Hogwash!" (I mean, didn't Close to Home already make that mistake?) As for other scoop.... Did you know that the gorgeous brunette from She's All That is buds with the gorgeous brunette from Can't Hardly Wait? 'Tis true — on Ghost Whisperer, at least. Rachael Leigh Cook will be guesting as a former(and appa...
Any scoop on Life? Pretty ...
Question: Any scoop on Life? Pretty please? Answer: Apparently Charlie Crews (Damian Lewis, aka David Caruso with a Sense of Humor) is getting a new coworker. Captain Brian Tidwell, a new, as-yet-uncast series regular, is a hard-drinkin' and -gamblin' and -sexin' kind of a guy, a perfect foil/temptation for Crew's Zen-spouting goofball flirt. It's unclear how Tidwell will jell with Charlie's crabby partner Dani and his roommate/former cellmate Ted, but here's hoping for a poker night in their collective future.
NBC Supersizes Heroes, Picks Up Chuck and Life
NBC has, yes, picked up Heroes for a third season. (No shocker there.) But the network has also ordered second, 13-episode seasons of both Chuck and Life, says the Reporter.Heroes, meanwhile, will air more than 22 episodes (the exact number is TBD) when it returns. None of the three shows will air new fare this spring.Speaking of TV's post-strike "spring awakening," check our Strike Watch blog for a roundup of NBC's plans for its Thursday-night lineup.
Ratings: Samantha Misses Dancing's Lift
8 pmWith ABC's Charlie Brown Christmas encore topping the hour (at 9.3 million total viewers), Chuck placed second with 8.36 mil, a 120K increase from last week's impressive outing. Everything else was repeats, with House (8.3 mil) nipping at Chuck's heels and delivering the best demos.9 pmWithout the Dancing stars to give her a lift, Samantha Who? is missing her certain something, this week dropping 40 percent to 7.52 mil. Similarly, Notes from the Underbelly (5.5 mil) shed 33 percent. Heroes' ersatz "season finale" fell just shy of 11 mil, dipping 860 thou week-to-week.10 pmA CSI: Miami repeat was No. 1 with 10.1 mil, followed by Life (6.6 mil, 420K better than Journeyman's most-recent journey) and October Road (5.25 mil, down 750K).
Have you gotten onboard with ...
Question: Have you gotten onboard with Life yet? Answer: No, but Intern Rob got his hands on tonight's episode — the conclusion of the two-parter that began on Monday — and he tells me that Crews coaxes a personal confession out of the real Seybolt family killer, which finally allows him to clear his name. Of course, there's still the mystery of who set him up, and dang-it if Jack isn't harboring the one person who could clear the whole thing up. I (or rather, Rob) would tell you who that person is, but NBC has sworn us to secrecy.
Thank you so much for the ...
Question: Thank you so much for the news that Life was picked up for a full season. Answer: I did good, right?
Exclusive: NBC Extends Chuck, Life for Full Season!
It took 'em a while, but NBC is finally rewarding a few of its freshman series with back-nine orders — and methinks you guys will be very pleased with the first two recipients.Sources confirm to me exclusively that the Peacock has picked up Chuck and Life for the full season. That noise you hear is Jaime Sommers' artificial ego short-circuiting.What Chuck and Life have lacked in ratings might, they've more than made up for in buzz — a fact I'm reminded of every time I peer into my Ask Ausiello mailbag. (And with the exception of One Tree Hill, you Ausholes are rarely, if ever, wrong.) That's not to say that either show is tanking in the Nielsens. Chuck, which, IMHO, hit a creative peak with last week's episode, is holding its own in a tough Monday time slot. Life, meanwhile, is showing signs of just that Wednesdays at 10 pm. In fact, last week it built on its sagging Bionic Woman lead-in for the first time in adults 18-49 — one of which will soon be me. (As you guys k...
Scheduling Notes: Bionic Woman Unplugged, Life Cut Short
Sci Fi is pulling the plug on its Bionic Woman repeats and USA is cutting short its run of Life encores after this week, according to the thefutoncritic.com.... But the news isn't all fatalistic for Life. NBC has scheduled the first of a two-part arc for Dec. 3 at 10 pm/ET, following Heroes' fall finale. (And if that doesn't breathe some life into the ratings.... ) Part 2 will air in the show's regular time slot, on Dec. 5.... Forget Deal or No Deal, this is more like "Making a Killing or Overkill." The briefcase-picking game show will "treat" us to two-hour episodes on Dec. 10 and 12, and just for good measure, NBC is squeezing in yet another hour-long installment on the 11th. — Ben Katner
I need some spoilers for Life ...
Question: I need some spoilers for Life stat!Answer: Tonight, Crews' secret extracurricular project will be discovered by someone close to him. And if that's not enough drama, he finally comes face-to-face with the infamous Jack Reese. BTW, the volume of Life-related e-mails I've been receiving has skyrocketed in recent weeks. I'm starting to think maybe I should give this show another look-see.
Damian Lewis Shares His "Gorgeous" Life
British actor Damian Lewis talks to TV Guide about his swanky school days, sobering up for Spielberg and his quirky Life (Wednesdays, 10 pm/ET, NBC) role. TV Guide: Your character, Charlie Crews, is a cop who was wrongly imprisoned for murder for 12 years. He's very eccentric, isn't he? Damian Lewis: His quirkiness is born out of subtle psycho­logical damage that one would suffer from years in a maximum-security prison. His personality is cracked. TV Guide: What's with all the Zen pronouncements? Lewis: He uses Zen to control anger and bitterness. He has almost a child­like enthusiasm for life and an incredible optimism. TV Guide: Would you call him the anti-House? Lewis: Yes, he's the white to House's black. But he does struggle. He's not morally p
Bionic Woman, Chuck Get NBC's Thumbs-up
NBC has issued a vote of confidence to all four of its freshman series by ordering three more scripts for the buzzworthy Chuck and Bionic Woman as well as the less-warmly received Life and Journeyman, Variety reports.Typically, though never guaranteed, additional-script requests are seen as a precursor to a full-season nod. But realistically, who could say no to Yvonne Strahovski?!
Ratings: Bionic Woman Gives Addison a Scare
This Wednesday, as DWTS' first results show topped the night with 16.62 million total viewers:8 pm/ETKid Nation was a distant second with 7.61 mil, a 15 percent drop from its premiere. Similarly, Fox's twofer of Back to You (7.54 mil) and 'Til Death (6.2 mil) each shed 20 percent of their previous audiences. Top Model (4.85 mil) saw 300K take a catwalk.9 pmPrivate Practice (14.4 mil) came away with a slight lead over Bionic Woman (13.6 mil) in total viewers, though Jaime Sommers drew a slightly sexier demo. (Note: The Grey's eppy that laid the foundation for the spin-off drew 21 mil. Apples, oranges, I know.) Criminal Minds was No. 3 with 12.7 mil (a 23 percent plunge from a year ago). Gossip Girl (2.55 mil) was down 30 percent from its debut. UPDATE: BW was NBC's highest-rated Wednesday series launch (in 18-49) since '99's The West Wing, and is the TV-season-to-date's best drama debut in said demo.10 pmCSI: NY delivered 12.7 mil (down 21 percent from last fall's opener), followed b...
Bionic Woman Runs Free... on Amazon's Unbox
As of, like, right now, Amazon's Unbox service is offering free downloads of the very first episodes of four new NBC series: Bionic Woman, Chuck, Life and Journeyman. I can vouch for at least two of these shows, thus far.If you're on dial-up, there's always the VHS tape you have of last season's Twenty Good Years.For much more on the upcoming "Is it here yet?" season, check out our super-special online Fall Preview Guide.
Chuck, Other NBC Newbies Sneak Peek on VOD
In an arrangement touted as "unprecedented in terms of its scope and participation," all four of NBC's freshman series — Chuck, Bionic Woman, Journeyman and Life — are being made available early, starting Sept. 10, as free video-on-demand offerings via Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Charter and other major cable operators, Variety reports. The cablers' VOD services will also make available the Peacock's 30-minute fall-preview special, a two-minute trailer for Heroes, exclusive scenes from The Office and 30 Rock, as well as other featurettes. Dish Network is also making the four premieres available, while DirecTV is said to be offering a version of the NBC preview show.
NBC Fall Preview Includes Heroes Host, Sneak Peeks
The Peacock is unfurling The NBC Primetime Preview Show, a 30-minute showcase for its coming season, starting Aug. 11 on select affiliates and NBCU-owned cablers (check local listings). If you're lazy like me, the special can be found Sept. 8 at 8:30 pm/ET on NBC proper.Hosted by Heroes' Greg Grunberg, the Primetime Preview will feature drop-bys from the Bionic Woman (Michelle Ryan), Chuck's Zachary Levi and others. As part of the initiative, NBC is also letting cable, satellite and telco (that Fios thing?) outlets premiere the first episodes of Bionic Woman, Chuck, Life and Journeyman two weeks early.But remember, Matt Parkman is hosting the special, so be careful with your thoughts on the new programs. He can hear them.
Farscape Stars Browder and Black Keeping Busy
Whether or not Farscape stars Ben Browder and Claudia Black reprise their roles on the upcoming Scifi.com webisodes, the actors have plenty of other projects to keep them busy. Browder is writing and starring in Going Homer, Sci Fi Channel's just-announced six-hour miniseries. He’ll play the father of a 12-year-old boy who sees Greek and Roman gods walking among us. The actor/writer and his writing partner, Farscape’s Andrew Prowse, have also sold a movie script, Black Mountain, to MGM. In the flick, Browder will get his action hero on, playing a investigator trying to solve horrific murders in a small town. We hear shooting could start this fall. As for Black, she had to bow out of a role on the new NBC cop drama Life, in which she would have played star Damian Lewis’ former wife, because of a scheduling conflict. The Australian actress is due to give birth to her second baby in November. Life producer Rand Ravich says he hopes to find a role for her in the show late...
Friday Night Lights' Langton Finds New Life
Melrose Place alumna Brooke Langton, who had been a recurring player on Friday Night Lights during its freshman season (playing Jackie Miller), has joined the new NBC drama Life as a series regular, says the Hollywood Reporter. Langton is replacing Melissa Sagemiller in the role of the married lawyer who gets the central figure, a wrongfully imprisoned cop, sprung from the joint and back onto the force. Adulterous sparks ensue.Related: Friday Night Lights Adds 24 Fave, Tree Hill Hottie.
Everwood, Deadwood Stars Each Find a New Life
Let the fall-season recasts continue. Stephanie Niznik, best known to TV fans as Everwood's Nina, is taking over the role of the wife/mother on the CW's Life Is Wild, replacing Judith Hoag (who played the part in the pilot). Just last week, the family patriarch was recast with Hidden Palms' D.W. Moffett.Also per the Hollywood Reporter, Brent Sexton (aka Deadwood's Harry Manning) has been added to the series-regular cast of the new NBC drama Life, playing the former partner of Damian Lewis' wrongfully imprisoned and now back-on-the-force lawman.
Advertisement