May 20, CBS announced its 2009-2010 primetime schedule. The network that claims four number one series in their respective categories, has reupped eighteen of its series and will add eight new series for Fall or midseason. Medium also joins the lineup, moving from NBC to CBS to be paired on Friday nights with Ghost Whisperer.
New series for Fall include the NCIS spin-off, NCIS: Los Angeles; The Good Wife, a courtroom drama about a wife whose politician husband is incarcerated; Three Rivers, which follows the personal and professional lives a transplant surgical team; and Accidentally on Purpose, starring Jenna Elfman as a woman who finds herself pregnant by a much younger man.
CBS has also picked up four new shows for midseason, including a Jerry Bruckheimer medical drama, Miami Trauma. The police drama, The Bridge, and alternative series, Undercover Boss, and Arranged Marriage, are also slated to premiere in early 2010.
Returning series are the #1 drama, CSI; #1 comedy, Two and a Half Men; #1 new series, The Mentalist; #1 news magazine, 60 Minutes; Survivor; The Amazing Race; The Big Bang Theory; How I Met Your Mother; CSI: Miami; NCIS; The New Adventures of Old Christine; Gary Unmarried; Criminal Minds; CSI: NY; Ghost Whisperer; Numb3rs; 48 Hours Mystery; and Cold Case.
All times are ET/PT and subject to change.
Monday
8:00 PM - How I Met Your Mother (new time)
8:30 PM - Accidentally on Purpose (new)
9:00 PM - Two and a Half Men
9:30 PM - The Big Bang Theory (new time)
10:00 PM - CSI: Miami
Tuesday
8:00- PM NCIS
9:00 PM - NCIS: Los Angeles (new)
10:00 PM - The Good Wife (new)
Wednesday
8:00 PM - The New Adventures of Old Christine
8:30 PM - Gary Unmarried
9:00 PM - Criminal Minds
10:00 PM - CSI: NY
Thursday
8:00 PM - Survivor
9:00 PM - CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
10:00 PM - The Mentalist (new time)
Friday
8:00 PM - Ghost Whisperer
9:00 PM - Medium (new day, time and network)
10:00 PM - Numb3rs
Saturday
8:00 PM - Crimetime Saturday
9:00 PM - Crimetime Saturday
10:00 PM - 48 Hours Mystery
Sunday
7:00 PM - 60 Minutes
8:00 PM - The Amazing Race
9:00 PM - Three Rivers (new)
10:00 PM - Cold Case (new time)
The midseason schedule and premiere dates will be announced later this year.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
CBS Network 2009-2010 Primetime Schedule
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts Review
The Dr. Dolittle series continues with "Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts," released on DVD and Blu Ray May 19, 2009.
Dr. Dolittle is helping animals in China as his daughter, Maya, prepares to go to veterinary school. Her pet dog, Lucky, isn't too happy about the separation, but it's what she needs to do to help animals. As she's packing, the DVD orientation arrives. The years of study, training, and examinations are overwhelming to the young woman who only wants to help animals. Her mother, Lisa, reassures her that the time spent is well worth the effort for the rewards it will bring Maya.
The day is interrupted by a neighborhood emergency - a cat is stuck in a tree top. Maya quickly climbs up a ladder and begins talking to it to see if she can find out why it won't come down. It seems the cat is being bathed by its elderly owner. Maya expalins to the lady that cats aren't supposed to take baths. The owner and pet are reunited with a new understanding.
The event was captured by a television news camera and soon, Maya's gift is known to Hollywood. An agent enlists his superstar, Tiffany Monaco, to entice Maya to LA so he can get her signed and on television. Tiffany is glad to help, especially since Maya helped her with her own pet dog.
Promising her mother that she'll be gone just for the weekend, Maya heads to the bright lights and seductive glamour of Hollywood. She attends an A-list party where she meets a famous, well-adjustedm former child star, Brandon Turner. He can't believe she really talks to animals, so Maya asks his pet Sheltie for a piece of information about Brandon that only his pet pooch would know. With an embarrassing fact revealed, Brandon is convinced - and smitten with Maya's sweet personality and good looks.
Tiffany and Maya make the rounds as they try to find famous young celebrities who will participate in a television show that let's Maya help animals by listening to their problems with their owners and helping them solve them. The stars of movies, television and music are thoroughly convinced that Maya helped them and endorse the show. The unscrupulous agent persuades Maya to sign the contract without reading it, even though Maya knows she shouldn't.
To do this show and stay with her celebrity friends, Maya decides to not go to college. Her mother, of course, is shocked. But, Maya has been convinced that she can help animals without all those years of vet school. It takes a sick dog that Maya cannot help without medical training to persuade her that if she really wants to help animals as her father does, she must complete her education. That's great, but there's that nasty contract she signed that just might prevent Maya from fulfilling her dream.
Dr. Dolitle: Million Dollar Mutts really is a heart-warming family film. It conveys the importance of a complete education to reach one's highest goals. The film also emphasizes that not all child stars are spoiled or get into drugs or face tremendous problems. Brandon is a nice young man, who follows Maya's lead to college. Maya's mother has a strong, but kind, disposition, allowing her daughter a special opportunity, but is there to remind her of what is important in the long run. The film also shows that a young adult who has been raised with strong values will recognize what is important, even if they are momentarily blinded by the glitz of celebrity life.
Special Features found on both the Blu Ray Disc and Standard DVD include:
Special features include:
Tiffany’s Tricked Out Cell Phone featurette
No Business Like Show Business featurette
Star Tours: Dolittle Style featurette
DVD Special Features:
Presented in widescreen (1.78:1 ratio) format, English, Spanish and French Dolby Surround 5.1 with English and Spanish subtitles.
Blu-Ray Special Features:
The feature film is presented in widescreen format (1.78:1
aspect ratio) with English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio and Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital with English, Spanish, French, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Thai subtitles.
Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts
Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts [Blu-ray]
Cast
Kyla Pratt... Maya Dolittle
Karen Holness... Lisa Dolittle
Tegan Moss... Tiffany Monaco
Brandon Jay McLaren... Brandon Turner
Jason Bryden... Rick Beverley
Crew
Director: Alex Zamm
Writers: Steve Altiere
Daniel Altiere
ABC Network 2009-2010 Primetime Schedule
May 19, ABC announced its primetime schedule for 2009-2010. The network had previously announced its returning shows were America's Funniest Home Videos, The Bachelor, Brothers & Sisters, Dancing with the Stars, Desperate Housewives, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, Private Practice, Saturday Night Football, Supernanny, Ugly Betty, Wife Swap, and 20/20. Better Off Ted, Castle, Scrubs, and True Beauty were added to the renewal list.
New shows coming to primetime during the '09/'10 season are Cougar Town, The Deep End, Eastwick, Flash Forward, The Forgotten, Hank, Happy Town, The Middle, Modern Family, Shark Tank, and V.
All times are ET/PT and subject to change.
Monday
8:00 PM - Dancing with the Stars (two-hours)
10:00 PM - Castle
Tuesday
8:00 PM - Shark Tank (new)
9:00 PM - Dancing with the Stars: The Results Show
10:00 PM - The Forgotten (new)
Wednesday
8:00 PM - Hank (new)
8:30 PM - The Middle
9:00 PM - Modern Family
9:30 PM - Cougar Town
10:00 PM - Eastwick
Thursday
8:00 PM - Flash Forward
9:00 PM - Grey's Anatomy
10:00 PM - Private Practice
Friday
8:00 PM - Supernanny
9:00 PM - Ugly Betty
10:00 PM 20/20
Saturday
8:00 PM - Saturday Night College Football
Sunday
7:00 PM - America's Funniest Home Videos
8:00 PM - Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
9:00 PM - Desperate Housewives
10:00 PM - Brothers & Sisters
The Midseason schedule will be released at a later date.
FOX Network 2009-2010 Primetime Schedule
May 18, FOX Channel announced its 2009-2010 programming slate. House, Lie to Me, Dollhouse, 'Til Death, Bones, Fringe, American Dad, Family Guy, The Simpsons, Cops, America's Most Wanted (AMW), 24, Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, So You Think You Can Dance, and, of course, American Idol are returning to primetime. So You Think You Can Dance moves to the Fall schedule for its sixth season (suppose FOX hopes a Fall run will up the pre-Idol ratings). 24's day will be set in "...New York City, amidst the shadows of the Statue of Liberty and the United Nations."
The network previously announced that King of the Hill, MadTV, and Prison Break were canceled. Although ABC had considered taking King, they opted to bring a new animated comedy from the show's producers to their primetime schedule.
New shows include the much buzzed about Glee, which has a sneak peek Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT. Other freshman series are Brothers, The Wanda Sykes Show, Human Target, Past Life, The Cleveland Show, from the team behind Family Guy.
All times are ET/PT and subject to change.
Monday
8:00-9:00 PM - House
9:00-10:00 PM - Lie To Me
Tuesday
8:00-10:00 PM - So You Think You Can Dance Performance Show
Wednesday
8:00-9:00 PM - So You Think You Can Dance Results Show
9:00-10:00 PM - Glee (new)
Thursday
8:00-9:00 PM - Bones
9:00-10:00 PM- Fringe
Friday
8:00-8:30 PM - Brothers (new)
8:30-9:00 PM- 'Til Death
9:00-10:00 PM - Dollhouse
Saturday
8:00-8:30 PM - Cops
8:30-9:00 PM - Cops
9:00-10:00 PM - America's Most Wanted
11:00 PM-Midnight - The Wanda Sykes Show (working title) (new)
Midnight-12:30 AM - Animation Domination Encores
Sunday
7:00-8:00 PM - The OT (NFL post-game)
8:00-8:30 PM - The Simpsons
8:30-9:00 PM - The Cleveland Show
9:00-9:30 PM - Family Guy
9:30-10:00 PM - American Dad
All times are ET/PT and subject to change.
Monday
8:00-9:00 PM - House
9:00-10:00 PM - 24
Tuesday
8:00-9:00 PM - American Idol Performance Show
9:00-10:00 PM - Past Life
Wednesday
8:00-9:00 PM - American Idol Results Show
9:00-10:00 PM - Human Target (January) / Glee (Spring)
Thursday
8:00-9:00 PM Bones
9:00-10:00 PM Fringe
Friday
8:00-8:30 PM - Brothers
8:30-9:00 PM - ‘Til Death
9:00-10:00 PM - Dollhouse
Saturday
8:00-8:30 PM - Cops
8:30-9:00 PM - Cops
9:00-10:00 PM - America's Most Wanted
11:00 PM-Midnight - The Wanda Sykes Show (working title) (new)
Midnight-12:30 AM - Animation Domination Encores
Sunday
7:00-7:30 PM - Animation Domination Encores
7:30-8:00 PM - American Dad
8:00-8:30 PM - The Simpsons
8:30-9:00 PM - Sons of Tucson
9:00-9:30 PM - Family Guy
9:30-10:00 PM - The Celveland Show
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Superstars
Based on the Wide World of Sports series The Superstars, this competition premieres on ABC, Tuesday, June 23, 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT.
Eight celebrities are paired with eight professional male and female athletes to compete against each other in varying sporting events. Each week a team will be eliminated until one team is ultimately crowned the winner. Competitors' athletic prowess will be put to the test with events including swimming, biking, running and kayaking, in addition to other head-to-head athletic challenges that will test strength, speed, stamina, agility, as well as an element of strategy. The six-episode series will be shot entirely on location at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.
“The Superstars” is produced by Juma Entertainment and Blue Entertainment Sports Television (BEST). Robert Horowitz, president, Juma Entertainment, Lewis Fenton, head of production, Juma Entertainment, Dennis Spencer, executive vice president, BEST and Michael Principe, managing director, BEST, are the executive producers.
Source: ABC Press.
Game Shows - Japanese Style
Last summer's phenomenom, Wipeout, returns Wednesday, May 27, 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT on ABC, while the reality game show, I Survived a Japanese Game Show, returns Wednesday, July 8, 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT. Both enter their second seasons.
In every weekly episode, 24 contestants maneuver through crazy and difficult obstacle courses hoping to win the title of "Wipeout Champion" and the $50,000 grand prize. These daring men and women come in all ages, shapes and sizes, which only adds to the comedy and the sometimes surprising wipeouts.
The Qualifier will add new obstacles, such as Plank in the Face, Hurtles, and Gyro Sweeper.
The Wipeout Zone has new challenges, including the Catapult and Gears of Doom.
The Big Balls returns with a new twist called "The Motivator," during which an ovesized anvil pushes them onto the Big Balls, should they hesitate.
“Wipeout” is hosted by John Henson (E! Entertainment’s “Talk Soup”) and John Anderson (ESPN’s “SportsCenter”). Jill Wagner is co-host. Executive producers are Matt Kunitz and Scott Larsen (“Fear Factor”). Shye Sutherland, Kevin Wehrenberg, Trice Barto and J. Rupert Thompson are co-executive producers. The series is produced by Endemol USA. David Goldberg is the chairman of Endemol North America.
"I Survived A Japanese Game Show" follows 12 Americans who travel to Japan to compete in a Japanese game show. Different culture, different language, and a type of game show that takes humiliation and physical challenges to new levels. The result reveals aspects of both our national psyche and that of the Japanese. The contestants' find themselves in various awkward and comedic situations both in their daily lives and during the game show competitions. The final winner will take home $250,000.
The game show host Rome Kanda (“Pink Panther,” “Saturday Night Live”) returns. Kanda leads the contestants through all of the zany challenges. Mamasan, a "house mother and resident pot stirrer" is back, as is Judge Bob, the referee of the games.
The executive producers are Arthur Smith and Kent Weed for A. Smith & Co. (“Kitchen Nightmares,” “Hell’s Kitchen”); and David Sidebotham, Karsten Bartholin and Tim Crescenti for Babyfoot APS Denmark. “I Survived A Japanese Game Show” is one of only four U.S. shows nominated for a Rose D’Or Award, and the series received a DGA nomination for Best Reality Competition Show.
Million Dollar Password '09
One of the keys to the success of a game show is the ability for viewers to play along. Appealing hosts and likeable players add to the show's watchability. With the help of Regis Philban, one of the all-time most popular television personalities, CBS resurrected one of the longest-running 60's/70's game shows, Password. Regis' upped the ante and renamed it "Million Dollar Password," we assume with the blessings of Betty White.
The comedienne often appeared as a celebrity player on classic "Password." Her husband was the late Alan Luden, host of the orginal daytime game show. They met on the set. According to Ms. White, Alan was sure she was the one, but she had her doubts. She was dating others when he proposed. She turned him down. Nonplussed, he wore the engagement ring he had bought her on a chain around his neck, until she finally said, "Yes."
Million Dollar Password returns for its summer run, Sunday, May 24, 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT. Sadly, it begins with a rerun. A new epsiode airs on May 31 and June 14. The show is pre-empted June 7th for CBS's annual broadcast of the Tony Awards. Rebroadcasts of other episodes air June 21, 28, and July 5.
Contestants are paired with celebrities in teams of two. Two teams vye against each other during each round. The team members take turns being the clue-giver and clue-receiver. They can use only one word to describe the secret word. The clue-receiver can pass if they can't come up with the word. The clue-giver can pass if they cannot come up with a descriptive synonym. If a team can make it through several rounds without being eliminated, they have a chance at the Million Dollar Password and the non-celebrity goes home with the cash prize.
Sunday, May 24 - 8:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT
Rebroadcast: Emmy Award winner William Shatner ("Boston Legal") and actress/comedian Aisha Tyler (CBS's "CSI" and "Ghost Whisperer").
Sunday, May 31 - 8:00 - 9:00 PM ET/PT
Jamie Kennedy (CBS's "Ghost Whisperer") and comedian Norm MacDonald.
Sunday, June 7 - 8:00 - 9:00 PM ET/PT
Preempted: "The 63rd Annual Tony Awards"
Sunday, June 14 - 8:00 - 9:00 PM ET/PT
Jeff Garlin ("Curb Your Enthusiasm") and Chelsea Handler ("Chelsea Lately").
Sunday, June 21 - 8:00 - 9:00 PM ET/PT
Rebroadcast: Neil Patrick Harris (CBS's "How I Met Your Mother") and television personality Rachael Ray.
Sunday, June 28 - 8:00 - 9:00 PM ET/PT
Rebroadcast: Julie Chen (CBS's "The Early Show") and Phil Keoghan (CBS's "The Amazing Race").
Sunday, July 5 - 8:00 - 9:00 PM ET/PT
Rebroadcast: Legendary comedic actress (and veteran player of the original "Password") Betty White and radio/television host Adam Carolla.
Million Dollar Password is produced by FremantleMedia North America. Vincent Rubino is executive producer.
Million Dollar Password
Clever communication is the key as Password players must rely on one-word clues to guess the secret word;
Played just like the TV game show; Million Dollar Password is a modern twist on the original word association classic;
Based on the popular TV game show featuring new host; Regis Philbin;
The game is played between two competing teams in a deceptively simple word guessing game.
This home edition brings all the excitement home for hours of family fun. Suitable for ages 10+. Contains a timer/game console(Requires 3 AA batteries. Batteries not included.)
iToys Million Dollar Password Handheld with Touch Pad
Single and multiplayer games;
Includes over 1000 questions;
Fast paced and fun with standard and lightning round questions;
On screen animations;
Alpha-touch keypad for easy word entry.
Password DVD Game
New DVD edition of the classic game show combines all the fun and excitement of the game show along with the strategy and interactivity that has made the home version the number 2 best selling word game of all time. Featuring retro "reveal glasses" that enable only the clue givers the ability to see the Password.
Complete with virtual host "Charmin" Chuck Harmon;
Password is the #2 best selling word game of all time;
New DVD edition combines fun and excitement with strategy and interactivity.
Quick Picks Password Travel Game
Based on the popular TV game show;
Travel size tin;
The whole family can enjoy.
