NBC announced May 3, that it's first scripted pickup for the 2010/2011 season is Undercovers. Described as ".... a sexy, fun, action-packed spy drama that proves once and for all that marriage is still the world's most dangerous partnership." Inspired, perhaps, by the Pitt/Jolie hit, Mr. and Mrs. Smith? The series is from JJ Abrams. 'Tis hard to think it will be a boring series.
As with anything from Abrams, expect surprises. There's always, always something else going on between the lines. Abrams is co-writer, executive producer, and director of the pilot. NBC notes that this is JJ's first time directing a pilot since Lost's gripping plane crash on that mysterious island which now bends time and storylines.
In Undercovers, Steven Bloom (Boris Kodjoe, "Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion," "Soul Food," "Resident Evil: Afterlife") and his wife, Samantha (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, "Doctor Who," "Bonekickers"), are your ordinary married couple. They own a catering business in Los Angeles. Samantha's "easily frazzled" younger sister, Lizzy (Jessica Parker Kennedy, "Smallville"), helps them with the business.
Before they were cooking, Steven and Samantha were two of the CIA's best spies. Five yars ago, they fell in love and retired. Then, their friend Nash (Carter MacIntyre, "American Heiress"), also a spy, disappears while tracking a Russian arms dealer. Their old boss Carlton Shaw (Gerald McRaney, "Deadwood") reinstates them so they can find and rescue Nash.
As they travel the world looking for their friend, the Blooms realize that the exciting covert world of espinage that brought them together is what will recharge their marriage.
Ben Schwartz (NBC's "Parks and Recreation") also stars in Undercover.
"Undercovers" is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television. The pilot was written by J.J. Abrams & Josh Reims and directed by Abrams. Abrams, Reims and Bryan Burk ("Fringe," "Lost, "Alias") are the executive producers.
Should be lots of buzz about this at the Upfronts.
Source: NBCU Media Village
Monday, May 3, 2010
Ya Know It Won't be what It Seems to Be
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Merlin: The Series
NBC continues their tradition of airing adaptations of classic stories. Last Fall, it was Robinson Crusoe. This summer, it's Merlin, premering Sunday, June 21, 7:00-9:00 PM ET/PT. The series will air on CTV in Canada.
Set in the mytical kingdom of Camelot before history began, legendary beasts and mysterious people lived in a dangerous land where magic has been banned. Camelot is ruled by the tyrant Uther Pendragon.
Merlin is a young man gifted with magical powers. When he comes to Camelot, he quickly makes enemies, including Prince Arthur, the heir to Uther's crown. But Uther's physician, Gaius, befriends Merlin, who quickly learns not only how to defend himself with his powes, but also how to unlock the secrets of Camelot. Surprisingly, one of those secrets is that he and Prince Arthur must share destiny.
The series stars Colin Morgan as Merlin, Bradley James as Prince Arthur, Anthony Head as King Uther, Richard Wilson as Gaius, Katie McGrath as Morgana and Angel Coulby as Gwen, “Merlin” is an imaginative and enthralling new twist on a legend that is as old as time.
"Merlin" is produced by the award-winning team behind Hex and Sugar Rush, Julian Murphy, Johnny Capps, Jake Michie and Julian Jones and directed by James Hawes.
More about the series can be found at NBC's website.
Casting Calls - The Biggest Loser
Audtions begin June 27 for the ninth season of The Biggest Loser. Casting teams will be visiting Chicago, Detroit, San Jose, Tampa, Atlanta, Mobile, New York City, San Antonio, Dallas, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Des Moines, and Los Angeles. Season 9 premieres in early 2010 (Season 8 begins this September.)
Casting producers are looking for outgoing and charismatic family teams of two, especially those who have the personality, desire and competitive edge to vie for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lose weight, change their lives forever and compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Individuals who don't have a partner can audition on their own. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and legal residents of the United States.
Casting teams will try to see everyone, especially the first 500 people in line. Lines will not be allowed to start until three hours before the open calls begin. Each candidate should bring a photograph of them and their partner. Photos are not returnable.
June 27
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Chicago
NBC Tower
454 N. Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
June 27
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Detroit
Gardner White Furniture
45300 Hayes Rd.
Macomb, MI 48044
June 27
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
San Jose
24 Hour Fitness
1610 Crane St.
San Jose, CA 95112
June 27
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tampa
Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place
Tampa, FL 33602
July 11
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Atlanta
Dave & Buster's
4000 Venture Dr.
Duluth, GA 30096
July 11
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Mobile
Veets Bar And Grill
66 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36602
July 11
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
New York City
NBC Experience Store
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York City, NY 10112
July 11
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
San Antonio
Nix Downtown
414 Navarro
San Antonio, TX 78205
July 18
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Dallas
Dave & Buster's Stemmons
10727 Composite Drive
Dallas, TX 75220
July 18
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Kansas City
Nebraska Furniture Mart
1601 Village West Parkway
Kansas City, Kansas 66111
July 18
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Philadelpha
NBC 10
10 Monument Rd.
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
July 18
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Phoenix
Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino
10438 N Fort McDowell Rd.
Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
July 25
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Oklahoma City
TBA
July 25
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Des Moines
Valley West Mall
1551 Valley West Drive
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Aug. 1
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Los Angeles
Citadely Outlets
100 Citadel Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90040
To check for the latest updates and casting calls, or for information on how you can apply, if you cannot make one of the open casting calls, visit www.nbc.com/casting and www.thebiggestlosercasting.com.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Season Finales, Pt. 2
Season Finales
Monday, April 27
8:00-9:00 PM ET - "Chuck." NBC. (As always, surprisingly good.)
9:00-10:00 PM ET - "Heroes." NBC. (Vol. 5 began, with Nathan the focus. We do hope the show runners get the series back on track. There were glimmers of hope - Hiro, Ando and Matt; Coyote Sands; That was about it IMO. Cannot stand the boring, frustrating, never-ending story of Sylar.)
Thursday, April 30
10:00-11:00 PM ET - "Private Practice." ABC.
Friday, May 1
8:00-8:30 PM ET - "Howie Do It." NBC.
8:00-9:00 PM ET - "Wife Swap." ABC.
9:00-10:00 PM ET - "Supernanny." ABC.
Wednesday, May 6
8:00-9:00 PM ET - "Scrubs." "My Finale." ABC. Do J.D. and we finally learn the Janitor's name? (Series finale.)
Sunday, May 10
8:00-10:00 PM ET - "The Amazing Race 15." CBS.
8:00-11:00 PM ET - "The Celebrity Apprentice." Live episode. NBC. (Renewed)
9:00-10:00 PM ET - "Cold Case." Part II. - CBS.
10:01-11:00 PM ET - "Brothers and Sisters." ABC.
Monday, May 11
8:00-8:30 PM ET - "The Big Bang Theory." "The Monopolar Expedition." CBS.
10:02-11:00 PM ET - "Castle." ABC.
Tuesday, May 12
8:00-11:00 PM ET - "The Biggest Loser: Couples." Live episode. NBC.
Wednesday, May 13
9:00-11:00 PM ET - "Lost." "The Incident, Parts I & II." ABC.
Thursday, May 14
8:30-9:00 PM ET - "Parks and Recreation." NBC.
9:00-9:30 PM ET - "The Office" 100th Episode. The company picnic is "eventful." Amy Ryan and idris Elba guest star. NBC.
9:00-10:00 PM ET - "CSI." "All In." - CBS
9:00-11:00 PM ET - "Grey's Anatomy." "Here's to the Future" / "Now or Never." ABC.
9:30-10:00 PM ET - "30 Rock." Alan Alda guest stars, along with "surprise musical guests." NBC.
Friday, May 15
8:00-9:00 PM ET - "America's Funniest Home Videos." The 19th season finale announces the grand prize winner. ABC.
8:00-9:00 PM ET - "Ghost Whisperer." "The Book of Changes." CBS.
10:00-11:00 PM ET - "Numb3rs." "Angels and Devils." CBS.
Saturday, May 16
11:30 PM - 1:00 AM ET - "Saturday Night Live." Will Ferrell guest hosts. The musical guest is Green Day. NBC.
Sunday, May 17
7:00-9:00 PM ET - "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." "McFarland Family." ABC.
9:00-11:00 PM ET - "Desperate Housewives." "Everybody Says Don't" / "If It's Only in Your Head" Will Susan and MJ survive Dave's plans?
Monday, May 18
8:30-9:00 PM ET - "How I Met Your Mother." "The Leap." CBS.
9:00-9:31 PM ET - "Two and a Half Men." "Baseball with Better Steroids." - CBS
10:00-11:00 PM ET - "CSI: Miami." "Seeing Red." - CBS.
Tuesday, May 19
9:00-11:00 PM ET - "Dancing with the Stars." ABC.
9:00-10:01 PM ET - "The Mentalist." "Red John's Footsteps." CBS.
Wednesday, May 20
8:30-9:00 PM ET - "Gary Unmarried." CBS.
Thursday, May 21
8:00-9:00 PM ET - "Ugly Betty." ABC.
10:00-11:00 PM ET - "Southland." NBC.
Season Finales, Pt. 1
Season Finales
Monday, April 27
8:00-9:00 PM ET - "Chuck." NBC. (As always, surprisingly good.)
9:00-10:00 PM ET - "Heroes." NBC. (Vol. 5 began, with Nathan the focus. We do hope the show runners get the series back on track. There were glimmers of hope - Hiro, Ando and Matt; Coyote Sands; That was about it IMO. Cannot stand the boring, frustrating, never-ending story of Sylar.)
Thursday, April 30
10:00-11:00 PM ET - "Private Practice." ABC.
Friday, May 1
8:00-8:30 PM ET - "Howie Do It." NBC.
8:00-9:00 PM ET - "Wife Swap." ABC.
9:00-10:00 PM ET - "Supernanny." ABC.
Wednesday, May 6
8:00-9:00 PM ET - "Scrubs." "My Finale." ABC. Do J.D. and we finally learn the Janitor's name? (Series finale.)
Sunday, May 10
8:00-11:00 PM ET - "The Celebrity Apprentice." Live episode. NBC. (Renewed)
10:01-11:00 PM ET - "Brothers and Sisters." ABC.
Monday, May 11
10:02-11:00 PM ET - "Castle." ABC.
Tuesday, May 12
8:00-11:00 PM ET - "The Biggest Loser: Couples." Live episode. NBC.
Wednesday, May 13
9:00-11:00 PM ET - "Lost." "The Incident, Parts I & II." ABC.
Thursday, May 14
8:30-9:00 PM ET - "Parks and Recreation." NBC.
9:00-9:30 PM ET - "The Office" 100th Episode. The company picnic is "eventful." Amy Ryan and idris Elba guest star. NBC.
9:00-11:00 PM ET - "Grey's Anatomy." "Here's to the Future" / "Now or Never." ABC.
9:30-10:00 PM ET - "30 Rock." Alan Alda guest stars, along with "surprise musical guests." NBC.
Friday, May 15
8:00-9:00 PM ET - "America's Funniest Home Videos." The 19th season finale announces the grand prize winner. ABC.
Saturday, May 16
11:30 PM - 1:00 AM ET - "Saturday Night Live." Will Ferrell guest hosts. The musical guest is Green Day. NBC.
Sunday, May 17
7:00-9:00 PM ET - "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." "McFarland Family." ABC.
9:00-11:00 PM ET - "Desperate Housewives." "Everybody Says Don't" / "If It's Only in Your Head" Will Susan and MJ survive Dave's plans?
Tuesday, May 19
9:00-11:00 PM ET - "Dancing with the Stars." ABC.
Thursday, May 21
8:00-9:00 PM ET - "Ugly Betty." ABC.
10:00-11:00 PM ET - "Southland." NBC.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Newsletter - Turbo Dogs - qubo - Beverly Hills Chihuahua - Animalia
Screen Scene Newsletter In This Issue: Kids TV Emmy-winning Bindi Irwin continues the second leg of her "American Road Trip," Bindi: The Jungle Girl Oct. 4 at 5:00pm e/p on Discovery Kids Channel. The colorful video postcard is both funny and informative. Family Movie In spite of some critics' early reviews knocking it, this movie may be a funny adventure movie that families will enjoy seeing together. There will be spectacular Mexican scenery and its ancient ruins. Audiences will get a message about tolerance, self-worth, and responsibility. Beverly Hills Chihuahua Synopsis, Cast & Fun Facts About the Production >> TV Highlights At 9:00pm e/p on Oct. 3, CBS and Global TV premiere The Ex-List. Bella Bloom (Elizabeth Reaser, Grey's Anatomy is in her 30s and a successful business owner. She's also unmarried. One day, a psychic informs Bella that she has already dated her future husband, but doesn't tell her who it is. Furthermore, Bella has only one year to find him or she will be single forever. At a bachelorette party for Bella's sister, Daphne (Rachel Boston, American Dreams), the psychic gives her a tip - Bella will find her soul mate if she revisits her past relationships and sorts through the mistakes. Bella is doubtful, but begins analyzing every liason and failed romance. Her friends help her dissect her past. "High Exposure" is the fifth season premiere of Numb3rs, Oct. 3, 10:00pm e/p on CBS. When two rock climbers are killed, Don and the team search for the killers. Meanwhile, Charlie decides if he should get his FBI clearance reinstated and Agent Nikki Betancourt (Sophina Brown - Shark) joins the team. Lou Diamond Phillips ("La Bamba") returns as Agent Ian Edgerton. America's Funniest Home Videos returns Sunday, Oct. 5 at 7:00pm ET on ABC and, in Canada, "A." Children's DVD The series subtly shows the importance of strong communication and literacy skills. The episodes encourage viewers to be knowledge seekers to solve problems. The library is the center of knowledge for both our world and that of Animalia. The stories show the value of using books to find solutions - sometimes with facts and sometimes by triggering creative solutions from our imaginations. The value of team work and overlooking each others differences is also demonstrated. In addition to first four episodes from the series, the release includes informative and interesting featurettes. "Animalia Book to Screen" features an interview with author Graeme Base, who discusses how he lost an advertising job and turned to illustrating which led to the book. "The Animation Process" shows the various steps required to transport Base's illustrations to television. Both are excellent extensions of the series, showing kids and their parents the creative process behind writing a successful book and producing a hit educational cartoon series. Halloween DVDs for Kids
Vol. I, Issue No. 6
Oct. 3, 2008
Kids TV - Turbo Dogs
Family Movie - Beverly Hills Chihuahua
TV Highlights
Children's DVD - Animalia
The Rising popularity of qubo is due in part to its entertaining children's programming and its efforts to win the trust of parents. Joining qubo's line-up is Turbo Dogs, a racing action series that encourages fair play and literacy. Turbo Dogs premieres Friday, Oct. 3, at 3:30pm ET on ION; Saturday, Oct. 4, at 12:00 Noon ET on NBC; and Saturday, Oct. 4, at 8:00am ET on Telemundo.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua
In Theaters Oct. 3, 2008
Adventure / Comedy / Kids / Family
Walt Disney Studios Films
Rated: PG for some mild thematic elements (Parents cautioned.)
Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore) is a Beverly Hills Chihuahua living the poshest of lives. She is so content with the life she leads that she barely notices that the gardener's Chihuahua, Papi (voiced by George Lopez), is passionately in love with her. But when an irresponsible dog-sitter loses Chloe on a weekend vacation to Mexico, Chloe embarks on her own adventure in the country of her ancestors. Meanwhile, Papi is desperately searching for his beloved.
CBS and CTV premiere the fourth season of Ghost Whisperer Friday, Oct. 3, 8:00pm e/p. During the season premiere, "Firestarter," Jamie Kennedy will be introduced as a series regular, portraing Pscyhology Professor Eli James. Jay Mohr (Gary Unmarried) will make a guest apperance as Prof. Rick Payne.
Animalia: Welcome to the Kingdom
The first Animalia DVD has been released on standard and Blu-ray by Porchlight Entertainment.
Get Goosebumps!
As a child, I loved scary stories and spooky movies and TV episodes, similar to R. L. Stine's books. Scholastic and Fox Home Entertainment have released three Goosebumps DVDs based on Stine's writings: One Day at Horrorland; Monster Blood; and A Night in Terror Tower DVDs. The first title is part of the Stine's HorrorLand series that also includes books and video games. The Goosebumps book and television series receives a great deal of criticism from some parents' groups. Nevertheless, they are entertaining scary stories for the preteens who love this genre. Stine's stories seem to be inspired by O'Henry's surprise endings and Twilight Zone's twists and turns.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Broadcast Network Upfronts
'Tis the season...for 2008-2009 programming announcements by ABC, CBS, CW and FOX. This year, there were no shocking cancelations, no schedules for a new network, and, really, nothing terribly notable. Anything that would set fans on their ears was leaked in advance, preparing them for bad news. The CW did announce it would lease its Sunday evening programming block, but they already announced doing the same with their Saturday morning cartoons. That means more to advertisers and production companies than to the average viewer, except, as the network noted, the Sunday programming block will now have more original programming than the previous two years. The change is really a sign that things are not going all that well at the fledgling network. That's too bad for some of it programs. Smallville continues to be one of the most underated dramas on television. Life is Wild was not all that bad, either. We do wish CW more success in the coming year. The most notable announcements were made in April when NBC courted potential advertisers a good six weeks early. Although NBC is barely ahead of The CW in ratings, it pitched its upcoming year with an emphasis on mobile and Internet content in a way that sounded unusually exciting. The rundown for each network:
* ABC
* CBS
* CW
* FOX
* NBC
* Broadcast Network Fall Programming Grid