“Common Law” with Angela Kinsey & Kyle Gass

Here’s a little funny (or die) from THE OFFICE star Angela Kinsey and Kyle Glass of Tenacious D.

The End of EXTRAS is Extra good

If you are lucky to be an HBO subscriber then you are in for a special treat as EXTRAS: THE EXTRA SPECIAL SERIES FINALE debuts tonight at 9pm. I was lucky enough to get the screener a few weeks back and have watched it numerous times since then…yes, it’s that good.

Comedic geniuses Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are back to properly send off their brilliant HBO series that had its official ending more than a year ago. As was the case with the special Christmas episode of Gervais & Merchant’s other hit, THE OFFICE, the EXTRAS post-series finale special achieves a sense of closure on a series that left the audience with a rather anti-climactic first take at the series finale.

The EXTRAS: THE EXTRA SPECIAL SERIES FINALE is the preeminent episode of the entire series with nods to what was so brilliant in its original run – sharp but dark comedy, uncomfortable hilarity, fantastic cameo appearances (of which I’m choosing remain mum as I don’t want to spoil you – but they are good), and just enough heart to allow the audience to truly empathize with the characters. But what sets this 80-minute episode apart from all others is Ricky Gervais’ stunning dramatic turn. Known to all for his comedy, Gervais turns in an unbelievably authentic performance that shows he more than just the guy “having a laugh”. The comedy is a given, but the range of arrogance, sympathy, anger, humility and self realization was more than I expected from Ricky Gervais – shame on me.

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LEATHERHEADS Official Site Launches

The official site for the upcoming John Krasinski film LEATHERHEADS has just launched. Yeah, that’s right…I said it. It’s the new John Krasinski film. Perhaps others will call it the George Clooney or Renee Zellweger movie, but around these parts it’s all about John Krasinski.

It’s time to get excited. April is just around the corner and John will be back on the big screen again. The official site contains a gallery, downloads and a link to the new HD trailer. Check it out here!!

Update: The official trailer has just been made available on YouTube so I thought I would post it here:

Since we do our best to support Mr. Krasinski in all his endeavors, expect to be hearing much more about LEATHERHEADS as the premiere date approaches.

Related posts:

• LEATHERHEADS Trailer – First Look
• New LEATHERHEADS Pictures
• Krasinski & Clooney in LEATHERHEADS (New Pics)
• New Pics of John Krasinski in “Leatherheads”

MOONLIGHT Looks Good on Jason Dohring

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Jason Dohring a few times over the past few years, and let me tell you…it doesn’t get old. I find Jason one of the most captivating actors on the small screen today, and was beyond excited when I learned this summer that he was cast in MOONLIGHT, the intriguing vampire drama on CBS.

Earlier this week I, along with a few other reporters, had the opportunity to talk to Jason about his role as Josef Konstantin and got a little insight on how he’s taking to his new role and his new life on a big network series. Jason (and Josef) has his biggest role to date on the series tonight (airing at 9/8c on CBS), and we’ll learn a little more about what makes this young but old vampire tick.

Best known for his role as Logan Echolls on the dearly departed VERONICA MARS (a moment of silence please), Jason Dohring has gone from the bratty rich kid with a good heart to a 400 year old vampire always on the hunt for blood in CBS’s MOONLIGHT. In doing so he also went from a much beloved, yet underwatched show to a big network gig that has more than four times the amount of viewers as Veronica Mars…and it isn’t lost on Dohring. “It’s a much bigger show,” Dohring said. “When I got there I could tell that the cast is bigger and everything. We shoot in on the same stage that East of Eden and Streetcar Named Desire were shot on. It’s the same stage and there’s so much history there. And it’s not three hours away (Veronica Mars was filmed in San Diego). You just feel it’s bigger, because you get this big comfy trailer and stuff like that.”

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CHUCK Stars in Rock Band

Yeah, I’m already going through CHUCK withdrawals. I knew early on that CHUCK would be one of my favorites of the new TV season, but I don’t think I was prepared for the mad love I have for the show. So for all you CHUCK fans out there that need just a hint of Bartowski and Grimes to get you through the holidays, check out this video of Zach Levi and Joshua Gomez playing the video game “Rock Band” on the red carpet of the Video Game Awards last week. (This is why I love YouTube).

Back from the WGA Boston TV Party

Just getting settled into Starbucks after this morning’s Boston TV Party rally and march in support of the WGA. You can expect a full report tonight or tomorrow, but right now I can hardly move my fingers on this keyboard I am so cold. Weather wise it was treacherous but everyone braved it in the snow to show their support of their favorite shows and writers.

Yes, I did get to meet Joss Whedon. Actually I got to walk and talk with him for awhile. I know it was a bit wasted me as I just watched my first episode of BUFFY last night (which Joss got a big kick out of) but I tried to represent for you all Buffy fans and Browncoats out there.

It was a great turn out, and even more so considering the conditions. I took a ton of pics that I can’t wait to upload and share with you all. Right now Joss Whedon, Rob Kutner (The Daily Show) and Jamie Paglia (Eureka) and having some fun with some fans at a local bookstore here in Cambridge, MA. Although I have the day off, I opted not to go as I have some real-job related stuff to get done.

Wish you all were there…it was a fantastic event!!

Cocktail Party Primer (Episode #16)

Sorry for last week’s absence. A dear old friend jetted in from New York, and she insisted on a quick jaunt up to the wine country last Thursday. After a coupla dozen half-ounce pours of Sonoma’s finest, somehow it just totally slipped my mind that there was something I’d meant to write. What with the holidays and the WGA strike, there’s only so much going on in the first place, but I know you forgive me for being a bit sparse. Here are a few tidbits I picked up this week to get you through the opening rounds of gossip over the eggnog bowl.

• Remember when everyone said they were “cautiously optimistic” about coming to a deal to end the WGA strike by December 4th? At the time, that struck me as a suspiciously ambiguous phrase of the sort of that PR people spout so they don’t have to admit that they have no idea what’s going on. Turns out, in this case “cautiously optimistic” was code for “Everything’s going to go all to hell and there won’t be any new TV for ever and ever and it will just be poorly conceived reality shows as far as the eye can see while great shows don’t get renewed and Martha moves to Tibet to live a yurt since that is the only place where the specter of Let’s Hook a Dancing Celebrity up to a Lie Detector can’t haunt her.” Ahem. Sorry. I’m feeling a bit melodramatic about the whole business lately. When you hear they may have to cancel the Oscars since there wouldn’t be anyone to write the crappy monologues, you can’t help but feel a little pessimistic. And hell, I don’t even watch the Oscars.

• Kid Nation and America’s Top Model both wrapped up this week, basically making it the Super Bowl for whiny, attention-desperate people who weigh less than 85 pounds. Seriously though, I didn’t watch either of these shows. I came across a few clips in various places, but in both cases, there was something about the contestants’ shrill voices yapping away that made my cat’s tail get all bushy and made me reach for a bottle of Bombay Sapphire. Since I try to avoid any stimulus that turns me into a bigger drunken fuddy-duddy than I already am, I’m unable to watch the shows and thus unable to report of who actually won them, not that it much matters in the great cosmic scale of things. This tendency also means I haven’t watched a music video since 1996, that I grow faint the presence of velour jogging suits with words across the behind, and that I wouldn’t recognize any of those Disney Channel mini celebrities if they bit me. It’s just the cross I must bear.

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Off to Strike

Hey GMMRers…
Just how am I spending my day off from work? Cozying up in front of the fire with a loved one? Doing some much needed holiday shopping? Reading the classics? No, I’ll be off freezing my ass off at the Boston TV Party – a rally and strike to support the WGA in Cambridge, MA.

I’ll be providing updates all day via Twitter, so be sure to follow me along in my day.

follow GMMR at http://twitter.com

WGA Nominations Honor Best Writing in TV

All the buzz is around the Golden Globes nominations announced this morning, but yesterday the nominees for this year’s WGA Awards were unveiled. The best writing in TV was honored by fellow writers. No word yet if or when a ceremony will take place since the WGA is on strike (wait, had you heard…yeah, they’re on strike).

DRAMATIC SERIES
“Dexter”
Written By Scott Buck, Daniel Cerone, Drew Z. Greenberg, Lauren Gussis, Kevin Maynard, Clyde Phillips, Melissa Rosenberg, Tim Schlattman; Showtime
“Friday Night Lights”
Written By Bridget Carpenter, Kerry Ehrin, Carter Harris, Elizabeth Heldens, David Hudgins, Jason Katims, Patrick Massett, Andy Miller, Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, John Zinman; NBC
“Mad Men”
Written By Lisa Albert, Bridget Bedard, Andre Jacquemetton, Maria Jacquemetton, Tom Palmer, Chris Provenzano, Robin Veith, Matthew Weiner; AMC
“The Sopranos”
Written By David Chase, Diane Frolov, Andrew Schneider, Matthew Weiner, Terence Winter; HBO
“The Wire”
Written By Ed Burns, Chris Collins, Dennis Lehane, David Mills, George Pelecanos, Richard Price, David Simon, William F. Zorzi; HBO

COMEDY SERIES
“Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Written By Larry David; HBO
“Entourage”
Written By Marc Abrams, Lisa Alden, Michael Benson, Brian Burns, Doug Ellin, Alex Gansa, Tim Griffin, Dusty Kay, Stephen Levinson, Ally Musika, Wes Nickerson, Rob Weiss; HBO
“Flight Of The Conchords”
Written By Damon Beesley, James Bobin, Jemaine Clement, Eric Kaplan, Bret Mckenzie, Iain Morris, Duncan Sarkies, Paul Simms, Taika Waititi; HBO
“The Office”
Written By Steve Carell, Jennifer Celotta, Greg Daniels, Lee Eisenberg, Anthony Farrell, Brent Forrester, Mindy Kaling, Ryan Koh, Lester Lewis, Paul Lieberstein, B.J. Novak, Michael Schur, Justin Spitzer, Gene Stupnitsky, Caroline Williams, Larry Wilmore: NBC
“30 Rock”
Written by Brett Baer, Jack Burditt, Kay Cannon, Robert Carlock, Tina Fey, Dave Finkel, Daisy Gardner, Donald Glover, Matt Hubbard, Jon Pollack, John Riggi, Tami Sagher, Ron Weiner; NBC Read more

LEATHERHEADS Trailer – First Look

Finally, finally, finally…the long awaited, much anticipated trailer for the upcoming George Clooney, Renee Zellweger, John Krasinski football comedy LEATHERHEADS is finally here!!

Update: The official trailer has just become available, so enjoy!

The LEATHERHEADS trailer first premiered on ET the other day, and I happen to see an alternate version on E!’s Daily Ten. Either way I am so excited to share it with all of you. Krasinski fans should keep an eye out for the trailer featured on E! as our boy was featured a bit more. Here’s the version featured on ET.

Click here for all the latest news on LEATHERHEADS.

2008 Golden Globe Nominations – TV

The nominations for the 2008 Golden Globes were announced just minutes ago in Hollywood. Here are the nominations in the TV categories…a few shockers!! To say that I was surprised to see that THE OFFICE wasn’t nominated for Best Comedy is an understatement. But I’m not as disappointed in that oversight as I am that once again FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS was ignored in every category. It’s just egregious. Is the Hollywood Foreign Press even watching the show? I just don’t understand!! On the lighter side, I’m over the moon to see that PUSHING DAISIES and its stars, Lee Pace & Anna Friel, were nominated in the comedy categories.

Highlights in red are my favorites in each category. Now I can’t say that these are they favorites to win, just my personal choices.

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
Big Love
Damages
Grey’s Anatomy
House
Mad Men
The Tudors

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
Patricia Arquette (Medium)
Glenn Close (Damages)
Minnie Driver (The Riches)
Edie Falco (The Sopranos)
Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters)
Holly Hunter (Saving Grace)
Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Hugh Laurie (House)
Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors)
Bill Paxton (Big Love)

TV SERIES, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
“Californication”
“Entourage”
“Extras”
“30 Rock”
“Pushing Daisies”

BEST ACTOR, TV MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Steve Carell (The Office)
David Duchovny (Californication)
Ricky Gervais (Extras)
Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies)

BEST ACTRESS, TV MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Christina Applegate (Samantha Who?)
America Ferrera (Ugly Betty)
Tina Fey (30 Rock)
Anna Friel (Pushing Daisies)
Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Ted Danson (Damages)
Kevin Dillon (Entourage)
Jeremy Pvien (Entourage)
Andy Serkis (Longford)
William Shatner (Boston Legal)
Donald Sutherland (Dirty Sexy Money)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Rose Byrne (Damages)
Rachel Griffith (Brothers & Sisters)
Katherine Heigl (Grey’s Anatomy)
Samantha Morton (Longford)
Anna Paquin (Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee)
Jamie Pressly (My Name is Earl)

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
“Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee”
“The Company”
“5 Days”
“The State Within”
“Longford”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Bryce Dallas Howard (As You Like It)
Debra Messing (The Starter Wife)
Queen Latifah (Life Support)
Sissy Spacek (Pictures of Hollis Woods)
Ruth Wilson (Capturing Mary)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Adam Beach (Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee)
Ernest Borgnine (A Grandpa For Christmas)
Jim Broadbent (Longford)
James Isaacs (The State Within)
James Nesbitt (Jekyll)

Will Arnett to Voice KNIGHT RIDER’s KITT

One of the sexiest men in television, who just happens to have one of the sexiest voices in television will now voice the sexiest car in television. According to the Televisionary, Will Arnett will lends his voice to KITT, Michael Knight’s fast talking car in the upcoming KNIGHT RIDER series. Rumors had been circulating the past few days that Rainn Wilson of THE OFFICE was up for the role, but it looks like Will Arnett has won out.Being the voice behind a car isn’t a new thing for Will. Back in the day, while I was working with a little client called General Motors, Will Arnett was the voice behind GMC trucks. Do you remember “It’s not more than you need, just more than you’re used to.”  Well if so, you probably didn’t know that it was Gob Bluth now did you?

The 2-hour backdoor pilot will air on February 17th. For more on the new KNIGHT RIDER series, click here.

What do you think of the Arnett as KITT?

LOST Season 4 Trailer

When people I meet find out I have a certain “interest” in television I am inevitably asked one question more than any other question…”When is LOST coming back”. For so long I would say “February 2008” and be met with eyes bulging out of heads followed by a few “WTF!” and “What are they The Sopranos”.

But friends, February 2008 isn’t that far away any more. Then again, we don’t know for sure that LOST will premiere in February. Due to the WGA strike there’s been talk of pushing the premiere back to April, or (gasp) holding out until 2009 (although I don’t see that really happening). What I do know is that ABC held off so long between seasons 3 and 4 so it could have a nice, uninterrupted season. But as it stands, this season of LOST only has 8 new episodes to air before they run of out of new scripts. Wah Wah!!

Let’s keep happy thoughts, and focus on the positive – like the first trailer released for Season 4 of LOST. Let the speculation begin.

Golden Globes in Jeopardy

Tomorrow morning, Ashley Judd and HEROES star Hayden Panetierre, will be on hand to announce the nominees for the 65th Annual Golden Globes. But the big question is, will the Globes actually take place and if so will there be any stars on hand to accept the grand gesture from the Hollywood Foreign Press?

With no end in sight for the WGA strike, the buzz all around Hollywood is that SAG will be asking that the actors not cross the picket lines to accept awards in a show of solidarity with the writers. Because really, without the words they need to demonstrate their talent and craft, actors are just pretty faces on a screen.

So no actors and writers to receive awards. Perhaps the costume designers will finally get their chance to shine.

The Golden Globes are scheduled to air on Sunday, January 13th.

Check back to GMMR tomorrow when I post the nominees in all the TV categories as well as my take on who the winners will be and who they SHOULD be.

What to Watch…Wednesday, December 12, 2007

A little Wednesday night TV anyone?  My Wednesday night regulars of PUSHING DAISIES and PROJECT RUNWAY are being joined by DEAL OR NO DEAL tonight.  What’s that you say?  Yes, I’ll be tuning into Howie and his suitcases tonight because he’ll have special guests Angela, Brian and Oscar from THE OFFICE, and well, I love those three little buggers!

Pushing Daisies | 8pm on ABC
“Corpsicle”
Ned splits time between investigating the case of a frozen insurance adjuster and making amends with Chuck. Meanwhile, scent expert Oscar Vibenius (Paul Reubens) returns to handle an aroma-related inquiry. Swing on over to ThePieMaker.com tonight at 9pm and watch Pushing Daisies with me!!

Deal or No Deal | 8pm on NBC
“The Office” cast members Brian Baumgartner, Angela Kinsey and Oscar Nuñez surprise a Florida man playing for $1 million. Also: Howie introduces “The Deal Wheel,” which gives contestants a chance to double or triple their money, or cut their winnings in half.

Project Runway | 10pm on Bravo
The designers embark on a challenge involving seamless fashion transformations. I missed last week’s episode of Project Runway and haven’t yet come across it in reruns this week. I’ve been avoiding spoilers so I don’t even know who was booted. Hopefully I can watch last week’s episode before I watch tonight. Full recap tomorrow.

Also playing…

• America’s Next Top Model | 8pm on The CW
• Kid Nation | 8pm on CBS
• Criminal Minds | 9pm on CBS
• Kitchen Nightmares | 9pm on Fox
• Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants | 9pm on The CW
• CSI: NY | 10pm on CBS

…what will make it’s way on to your TiVo tonight?

GMMR’s daily “What to Watch” is powered by MeeVee’s interactive TV listings.

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