FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Cast at the Upfronts

Despite all the fun I had at the NBC Upfronts yesterday, I will say that the most disappointing part of the day was missing my chance to talk to the cast of FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. Although as I mentioned before, I did see Connie Britton at the presentation (she bumped into me on the way out and called me ‘sugar’ – love her), and Kyle Chandler and Gaius Charles at the after party, I missed the red carpet arrival of the cast before the presentation began. And until I checked out the photos this morning I had no idea that Taylor Kitsch, Jesse Plemmons, Zach Gilford, Minka Kelly or the rest of the cast were even there. Bummer!

I’d love to know what you all think of NBC’s decision to bring FNL back at 10pm on Fridays. I’m happy the show is back and as long as it’s on the schedule I’m happy. But I will say a wee bit disappointed that such an amazing drama, one the whole family can watch will be on so late on a Friday. The competition isn’t heavy during that time slot so the show has a really great chance. And don’t forget to tell your friends to watch the show from the beginning as it reairs on NBC starting on May 27th.

So here are some pics from yesterday’s red carpet arrivals.

ABC’s 2007-08 Fall Schedule

What an exciting time for TV lovers. Getting a sneak peek at what could possibly be the new TV classics or at least the next big hit. This morning I was there as Steve McPherson, President of ABC Television announced the ABC 2007-08 Fall Schedule.

“We’re heading into the new season with a strong lineup of returning shows that we’ve developed and nurtured over the past few years,” said McPherson. “That solid foundation will help us launch an exciting development slate as we continue our forward momentum this fall. We’re dedicated to working hard week after week to deliver the best stories and most memorable characters on TV.”

ABC’S FALL SCHEDULE

 Scheduled to debut next season are four new comedy series: “Carpoolers,” “Cavemen,” “Miss/Guided” and “Sam I Am”; along with seven new drama series: “Big Shots,” “Cashmere Mafia,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Eli Stone,” “Private Practice,” “Pushing Daisies” and “Women’s Murder Club.” Alternative series “Oprah’s Big Give” is also slated to debut.

In addition to the new series, ABC previously announced season renewals for “Brothers & Sisters,” “Men in Trees,” “Ugly Betty,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Boston Legal,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “The Bachelor,” “Supernanny,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos” and “Wife Swap.” “October Road” and “Notes from the Underbelly” will return for second seasons as well.

More on each series after the jump.

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24 Recap: Day 6, 3:00am – 4:00am

Title: “Day 6, 3:00am – 4:00am”
Original Airdate: 5/14/07
GMMR Recapper: LaLa

Oh Josh, you poor kid.  Forced to be a sacrifice to your sociopathic grandfather in order to prevent World War 3 with Russia (which, conveniently, they will not launch for two more hours, which – wouldn’t you know it! – happens to be how much time is left in the season).  At least the kid has spunk, though, and actually managed to kick evil Cheng in the face and escape his clutches (man, that moment was awesome).  Here’s hoping the kid has enough spunk to escape Daddy Bauer once the U.S. delivers him to his dear old evil grandpa in exchange for the Russian nuclear component.  I know you’re scared, kid, and hate your psychotic grandfather, but seriously: you’ll be fine, especially compared to the possible World War 3 and millions of lives lost that will ensue if you don’t go.  Of course, it would be nice if someone (*cough* Doyle *cough*) had the decency to explain that to Josh before abducting him again.  Oh well.

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Oh What a Night…

Middle of May back in 2007…ok, the tune doesn’t quite fit but seriously what a day and night! I know I said I’d be back to update GMMR right after the NBC Upfront presentation, but I was lucky enough to score an invite to the NBC party over at Rockefeller Center and I just got home now. Let me say this…may I NEVER take all these amazing opportunities for granted. It’s was a blast.

NBC stars seemed to be every where I looked and they all were eager to meet their fans. HEROES were walking among us like civilians. I was lucky enough to meet Milo Ventimiglia, Masi Oka, Jack Coleman, and even Greg Grunberg (a personal favorite of mine for years) among others. Then the cast of THE OFFICE showed up, which of course was a blast. And because I know you’ll ask, let me say that I saw John Krasinski from afar but he went into the event without coming down our way (more on that later). But I got to see most of the cast later (including Steve Carell) and as always they were just fantastic as they always are – and wait until you see Angela Kinsey with bangs – hot mamma!!

At the party, just walking around were cast members of all the new NBC shows (some of which looks really fun – more on that tomorrow) and current favorites. I wasn’t there 10 minutes and I spied Kyle Chandler from FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. I walked out of the Upfront presentation with Connie Britton who was smokin’ in her red dress. I was talking with a friend when I noticed Smash Williams was right next to me. Bizarre.

For a TV addict like me, it was a pretty spectacular night. I’ll be sure to post the pics and more details of the night when I can get online tomorrow.

ABC is tomorrow night, and fingers crossed it’s going to be me and McDreamy tomorrow night.

NBC Upfronts: The Latest

It’s a gorgeous day here in NYC.  I’m so excited for the official NBC Upfront presentation to begin in just a few hours.  I’ll be updating GMMR as soon as I have any news to share.  But really, no need to wait for the network presentation…we’ve got all the latest and great from NBC right here. Sorry this is a frantic post, but I have only a few minutes before I have to jet.Quick Notes…

• My Name is Earl – Episodes increased to 25 for the season
• The Office – The network has ordered 30 half-hours of “The Office,” including five hour-long episodes.  The show will move to 9pm on Thursday nights
• Friday Night Lights – NBC has renewed the freshman critically acclaimed show and decided to try it out on Friday nights…go figure.  Friday Night Lights will air on Fridays at 10pm
• Heroes- NBC has announced has ordered a combined 30 episode of “Heroes” and “Heroes: Origins,” an innovative new spin-off that each week will introduce a new character — one of whom will be chosen by viewers through the “Heroes” website on NBC.com to become a cast regular the following season.  (can’t wait to talk more about this soon)

The NBC Newbies…
(not much new from what reported earlier this week, but it’s now official)

•  “Journeyman” (Mondays, 10-11 p.m. ET), a romantic-mystery from the Emmy Award-winning producers of “The West Wing,” concerning a San Francisco newspaper reporter (Kevin McKidd, “Rome”) who inexplicably begins to travel through time and alter people’s lives
•  “Chuck” (Tuesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET), a comedic spy thriller about an unassuming computer geek who is unexpectedly catapulted into a new career as a government agent after spy secrets are mysteriously embedded into his brain.
• “Bionic Woman” (Wednesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET), a re-imagination of the classic from David Eick (“Battlestar Galactica”) and Jason Smilovic (“Kidnapped”). “Bionic Woman” stars Michelle Ryan (“EastEnders”) as a young woman whose life is radically altered and empowered after a car crash.
• “Life” (Wednesdays, 10-11 p.m. ET) features a complex police detective (Damian Lewis, “Band of Brothers”) who’s given a second chance on the force after serving years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
• “Lipstick Jungle,” from bestselling author Candace Bushnell (“Sex and the City”), is set to debut in January 2008 on Sundays (10-11 p.m. ET). Created by Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Helene, (“How I Met Your Mother”), the series involves the lives of three high-powered friends (Brooke Shields, “Suddenly Susan,” Kim Raver, “24,” and Lindsay Price, “Beverly Hills, 90210”) who are determined to achieve their dreams and to do it on their own terms.
• “The IT Crowd,” based on the acclaimed British series that takes a behind-the-scenes peek at the misunderstood techies (Joel McHale, “The Soup,” and Richard Ayoade, “The IT Crowd” — U.K.) who toil in the Information Technology department of a large, impersonal corporation. “The IT Crowd” is scheduled to join the NBC schedule during the course of the 2007-08 season.

FOX Upfront News & Rumors

Fox’s fall schedule will be announced on May 17th, but TheFutonCritic.com is reporting that a few shows already got an early nod. Remember nothing if official until the announcements are made, but these early reports are usually accurate.
New dramas for Fox include:

Sarah Connor Chronicles -a small screen take on the “Terminator” film franchise set between the last two films with “300’s” Lena Headey in the title role. New Amsterdam – series about a 400-year-old cop (Nikolaj Coster Waldau) cursed with immortality until he finds true love. K-Ville – a police procedural set in post-Katrina New Orleans starring Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser.

On the comedy side, Fox has opted to pick up:

Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino’s The Return of Jezebel James. The Kelsey Grammer/Patricia Heaton-led Back to You…and, wait for it…The Rules for Starting Over – the Farrelly brothers comedy starring Craig Beirko and Rashida Jones*

I’ll be sure to update GiveMeMyRemote.com as OFFICIAL word comes from the network next Thursday.

* More after the jump Read more

John Krasinski Takes the Stage with Ben Gibbard

Just before 1 AM this morning I got an email from GMMR reader Jessica. It seems Jessica’s friend Stephanie was enjoying the concert of Death Cab’s front man Ben Gibbard at the 9:30 Club in D.C. when none other than Jim Halpert himself, yes John Krasinski took to the stage. According to Stephanie, Ben and John were joking around and having fun. John, armed with a guitar, professed his loved for the band Wilco and sang a little tune.

John has been a long time fan of Death Cab and even co-hosted their Directions DVD launch party last year. Ben Gibbard is making his acting debut in the much anticipated “Brief Interviews with Hideous Men” which coincidentally was written and directed by Krasinski.

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A special thanks to Jessica and Stephanie for sharing this pic of John and his guitar on stage exclusively with GiveMeMyRemote.com and to Morgan for her short movie moment of JKras.

Related Posts

• John Krasinski reading from “Brief Interview with Hideous Men” at Jest Fest ’06 (VIDEO)
• John Krasinski & Will Arnett Host Death Cab for Cutie Screening

BATTLESTAR GALACITCA: The Final Season

iF Magazine recently caught up with BATTLESTAR GALACTICA star Edward James Olmos who broke the news that BSG is now shooting it’s final season.  The veteran actor seemed genuinely remorseful for the shows demise.  Check out what Olmos has to say about the final season.

iF MAGAZINE: What’s coming up for season four?

EDWARD JAMES OLMOS: It’s fantastic. I think they’re going to discover some very important issues about what the fan base really, really wants to see and what’s to understand about this show. We’re heading into the final season. This is the final season as we speak. All of us are very saddened by that, but we always knew there was going to be a conclusion and we would find Earth, so we will be finding Earth this season. I wish it would [keep going]. I could do 10 years like this season. I think that this is some of finest usages of television that I have been a part of in my life. Bar none. I’ve been doing this for 42 years. I’ve done some really good work in television and motion pictures but there really is nothing like this show. I can honestly tell you that this is one of the finest dramatic pieces work on humanity I’ve ever seen in my life.

Read more of iF Magazine’s interview with Edward James Olmos here.

NBC Upfront Rumors: Lipstick Jungle In…Scrubs Out?

UPDATE: This is getting all kinds of stressful now.  E! is reporting that SCRUBS just got picked up by NBC for 18 episodes next season.  At this point I wish NBC would just release the news or wait until Monday.  

NBC won’t release it’s official Fall schedule until this Monday, but loose lips sink ships and in this case they also sink a fun hospital staff, the people behind late night comedy and a group of Irish guys just trying to get by in New York.

If the rumors are true, NBC will pass on STUDIO 60, THE BLACK DONNELLYS, and SCRUBS, and CROSSING JORDAN. While Studio 60 and The Black Donnellys comes as no surprise, I am a bit taken back by the cancellation of Scrubs. Not that I didn’t see it coming, but it’s more that I’ve seen it coming for the past 4 years and NBC has never followed through. If this in fact true I think the waiting game will begin to see if ABC opts to pick up what will most likely be the final season of Scrubs. If I were a betting woman, I would say it wouldn’t happen. But you never know.

So what new shows will NBC give a shot this Fall season? After yesterday’s news that Friday Night Lights for the full season pick up I’m not sure if I’m that worried about the rest of NBC’s schedule. But I know NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly is. Known for giving quality shows like FNL, The Office and 3o Rock a chance to survive despite poor ratings, Reilly needs a few bonafide hits this Fall season to get NBC back from its worst ratings year ever.

It seems that NBC is planning on picking up 5 new dramas and at least on new comedy.

THE BIONIC WOMAN is a remake of the 1970s classic starring Michelle Ryan and Battlestar Galactica’s Katee Sackhoff (Starbuck).

JOURNEYMAN starring Kevin McKidd as a journalist who becomes involved in some unexplainable time travel.

It’s more SciFi for NBC with CHUCK. After a computer chip is downloaded into this brain, a young whiz kid reluctantly works as a government agent. How the hell did he get a computer into his brain? Well NBC you have me hooked already…good job.

What is life like after spending 12 years in prison for a murder you didn’t commit? And can you go back to your job as a police detective once you know what it’s like on the inside? LIFE stars Damian Lewis, Adam Arkin and Robin Weigert.

Can Brooke Shields be the new Sarah Jessica Parker? NBC’s drama LIPSTICK JUNGLE centers around a group of successful women living and loving in New York. Shields, Lindsay Price and Kim Raver (24) star in this new drama from Candace Bushnell, the co-creator of Sex and the City.

Now let’s remember that nothing is set in stone until it’s announced during the Upfronts on Monday. And even then, let’s face it…these shows aren’t safe. I’ll be in NYC for the NBC presentation on Monday and will bring you all the scoop as soon as I can.

Jamie Pressly Welcomes Baby Boy

CONGRATS goes out to MY NAME IS EARL star Jamie Pressly and her fiance Eric Cubiche on the birth of their son Desi James. Desi was born just this morning at 7:31am and weigh 6lb 4oz. The Emmy nominated actress and her son are doing well.

Source: People.com

THE OFFICE Recap: Beach Games (aka Oh.My.God)

I’m not sure I’m of the right emotional state to write a proper recap of tonight’s episode of THE OFFICE, but I’ll try. I will say that I thought there were some really funny moments in tonight’s episode. Andy floating in the lake might just replace the picture of John Krasinski and I as my screensaver (yes, I thought it was that funny). But to be honest, I was so caught up with what happened in the last few minutes of the show that everything that came before is a bit of a blur. So my apologies to Greg Daniels and Jennifer Cellota – you wrote a great episode but it was all about the ending for me.

Let’s talk about what happened during Dunder Mifflin’s Beach Games, shall we?For reasons that completely bewilder me, Michael Scott gets a call from the Dunder Mifflin CFO informing him he’s being considered for a position with Corporate. His interview is next week, and he needs to come prepared with a name of a replacement for the Scranton Branch. Despite the fact that his obvious replacement would be the Assistant Regional Manager, Jim Halpert, Michael decides to hold a Survivor-esque competition to see who can be the last man standing and take over ad Regional Manager.

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TRAVELER Sneak Peek Tonight

I secretly love this time of year.  Yes my favorite shows are taking that long summer break, but there are a crop of new shows hitting the scene. Remember when there was nothing but repeats on during the summer? Gone are those days.  The lines between when the official TV season begins and ends are blurred.  New shows premiere throughout the year…and sometimes right before the end of the TV season.  So it the case of the new ABC show TRAVELER which premieres tonight at 10pm, right after Grey’s Anatomy.

Please let me apologize for not telling you about this show until now.  I recieved the screener for the pilot some time ago but I wanted to wait to write about it until the premiere got closer – you know, so it was fresh in your minds.  I didn’t realize until about an hour ago that the ABC sneak peek premiere was tonight.  My bad.

So what you really need to know is if you should set the TiVo for TRAVELER tonight.  In my opinion – YES!!  The first episode was an exhilarating hour of suspense and maybe I be so bold to say that it reminded me a bit of ALIAS. This isn’t a spy drama, but it had that same “I have no idea what’s going to happen next” vibe that made Alias so intriguing. TRAVELER is dark and does ask the viewer to forgive some unrealistic plot points (which may be answered in future episodes), but I thought it was worthy of my valuable TV time.

Here’s the low down on the show.  Three recent Yale Graduate students: Jay Burchell (Matthew Bomer), Will Traveler (Aaron Stanford) and Tyler Fog (Logan Marshall-Green – best known as Trey from THE OC) embark on a cross country road trip before beginning their lives in the professional world. The begin their journey by checking into a posh Manhattan hotel and plan on taking in the Big Apple before settling into a cramped car for a few months.  Their first stop in NYC in the famous Drexler Museum. At the suggestion of Will, the threesome decide to live it up and have a little fun. Will dares Jay and Tyler to throw on their rollerblades and race from the top level of the museum to the bottom without getting caught.  As Will stays behind to videotape them, the pair race down the stairs while being chased by security guards.  Sharing a laugh just minutes after making it out the museum, Jay gets a call from Will.  Will first makes sure the guys are out of the museum before apologizing and abruptly hanging up the phone.  Just seconds later the Drexler Museum explodes.  Before having time to process what happened Jay and Will spot themselves on TV as the two suspects in the bombing. Uh Oh!

The story continues to unfold as Jay and Tyler try to figure out Will’s involvement.  Did they ever really know their friend at all?  And once it’s revealed that someone took a major insurance policy out on the art showcased in the museum, the boys realize that this is bigger than just Will – they are being framed.

On the run from the Feds the guys don’t know who they can trust.  Help seems to come from unexpected sources, but everyone seems to have their own agenda.  Who is behind this?  And who is Will Traveler?

I sometimes feel like my recommendation of the show is the kiss of death (see The Nine, Drive, etc).  But I’m going to go ahead and take my chances.  Check out TRAVELER tonight after Grey’s Anatomy and let me know what you think about the adventure.

Watch a preview on ABC 

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Renewed!!!

YIPEE!!!  This by far the most incredible news to come out of next week’s Upfronts.  According to Kristin Veitch (who is on fire today), the cast of the BEST drama on television, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS just got word that they got picked up for a second season of the show.  I couldn’t be more excited.  Now if you haven’t seen the show, I beg of you to catch all the episode online for FREE at NBC.com.  You won’t be disappointed…I promise you.

So the Dillon Panthers will live to play again!!  Oh happy day!!

(By the way, this is one of those times I am really glad I don’t have a video blog, because me dancing around my apartment should not be seen by others).

THE OFFICE Likely Going to 1-Hour Next Season

UPDATE (8:35pm EST): Kristin V. just posted again that she’s now heard from sources that The Office will have 24 episodes next season including 4 hour-long specials. (Thanks GiGi)

It’s not official but….

The rumors have been floating around for the past couple of weeks now that NBC was going to permanently supersize the Emmy winning THE OFFICE. The half hour comedy would be expanded to one hour each week. Well, it seems that this might be more than just a rumor, and we will all know for sure when NBC presents its schedule next Monday in NYC. Two bits of information were just released that certainly point to 60 minutes of love from THE OFFICE.

First check out the latest from Brian Baumgartner’s (Kevin Malone) MySpace blog which he posted earlier today:

Check the newspapers and internet blogging machines. On Monday NBC will be announcing it’s plans for next year. Even though the mothership has previously announced that our little show will be back next year, I expect some big news coming from the mouth of giants on Monday in New York. If you are in New York, stop by Radio City Music Hall sometime in the afternoon. But don’t try and break in, it could get uglly. Either way, stay tuned for a big announcement Monday.

Since we know the show is already picked up for a full season, what other BIG news would be announced at the Upfronts?

And then just minutes ago we get a post from E! Online’s Kristin Veitch saying that her sources say the the show is likely to be moved to the one hour format, and on the off chance it’s not, NBC is looking to order at least 37 new episodes for the 2007-08 season. As most shows get a 22 show full season pick up, 37 episodes would be a big deal. Clearly NBC loves the ladies and gents at Dunder Mifflin…at least as much as we do.

I’ve gone on the record as saying that I think this is a fantastic idea. Clearly Greg Daniels and co were consulted and thought they could pull it off. I’m sure if they had their reservations than NBC wouldn’t bother messing with the show. Based on the last time we talked about this, many of you seem to be on board. Are you still? Is one hour a week of Dunder Mifflin too much for you?

Ellen DeGeneres Gets PRIVATE PRACTICE Picked Up for Kate Walsh

Ellen DeGeneres makes things happen. Earlier today Kate Walsh of GREY’S ANATOMY appeared on the ELLEN DEGENERES show and the two discussed Kate’s new Grey’s Anatomy spin-off PRIVATE PRACTICE.  Kate told Ellen that she wouldn’t know for a few days whether or not the show would be picked up for the 2007-08 season.  Not wanting to wait until Tuesday for the ABC Upfronts presentation, Ellen picked up the phone and called ABC President Steve McPherson and asked him straight out if PRIVATE PRACTICE was going to be picked up or not.  And here’s what he had to say…

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