TV News from Around the Blogs

Quality television may be dying a slow death, but that’s not going to stop the mighty bloggers. Check out what a few of my friends are talking about this week.

Last week I spent some time out with the writers picketing outside NBC in Los Angeles. Yesterday, OfficeTally’s Tanster did the same thing, but alongside the writers of THE OFFICE. Check out Tanster’s updates from the line, and check back throughout the day as she is picketing again today. (Office Tally)

If you’re interested in all the latest news and commentary about the Writers Strike, you really need to check out TV with MeeVee’s coverage. Every morning they gather the best news from around the web (and from both sides of the debate). They started before the strike started and they haven’t let up – kudos. (TV with MeeVee)

I don’t know much about the Australian series KATH AND KIM other than it’s coming to the U.S. soon. Oh and that I like the title because my name is Kath and I have a friend named Kim – good enough reason to be interested in the show, right? People are excited about this one and the leads have just been announced. (Televisionary)

Which TV cult hero is showing some skin (like all of it) in a new series of ads? Any guesses? (Seriously? OMG! WTF?!)

SUPERNATURAL fans have been not so patiently waiting for news about when the remaining four new episodes will be aired on The CW. Well, Ducky has all the scoop on when you will see the Winchester boys next. (DuckyDoesTV)

Elizabeth Mitchell of LOST talks with The TV Addict’s Amrie about the upcoming season, her thoughts on Juliet & Ben, and what’s in store for Juliet and Jack in the romance department. (The TV Addict)

I think I’ve learned more than 5 things from TV, but TVSquad has apparently only learned 5 lessons…don’t you want to know what they are? (TV Squad)

AskMen.com recently spoke with THE OFFICE’s Melora Hardin about her mutli-hyphenated career. (AskMen.com)

Spadada tells us why she watches TV. I know why I watch, but why do YOU watch? (Ramblings of a TV Whore)

AMERICAN IDOL Snooze Diego Auditions

Settling in on my couch with pen and paper in hand, ready to take notes on the most memorable auditions of the evening,I was ready for last night’s edition of AMERICAN IDOL. Fast forward one hour later and my page is nearly blank. A few notes about some guy who is a single father with a kid that I thought was a girl, and a few question marks about the guy with the fan and the fingernails, and that’s about it. Overall, a rather boring episode of AMERICAN IDOL tonight. Something I wasn’t expecting as last night’s auditions were in San Diego, which is just a few hours away from Los Angeles, which is loaded with people who think they are God’s gift to music (believe me, I heard some of them singing karaoke last weekend in L.A.)The bad auditions weren’t bad enough for me to really care about them, and the good auditions were ok, but few and far between. Seacrest didn’t get any taller so no news there. Hmm, what to talk about, what to talk about. Tonight let’s focus on the auditions that stood out because they were actually good. Don’t worry, we’ll be back talking about the freak shows tomorrow.

David Archuleta is a 16 year old from Texas. His name may sound familiar as I recently posted a video of his impromptu performance for the S1 AMERICAN IDOL contestants when he was just 12 years old. The former Star Search winner was good, but nothing compared to what he was promising at 12. Unfortunately issues with vocal paralysis and puberty has made David a slightly better than average singer, but not someone who will have a space alongside the industry’s best. But then again, he’s 16 and adorable, and we all know better than to underestimate the power of the voting tweens so you just never know.

Carly Smithson, is what AMERICAN IDOL is all about – that rare, undiscovered talent who might linger in obscurity if it weren’t for the spotlight that IDOL offers. Except for the fact that Carly was brought to this country from her homeland of Ireland by MCA Records with whom Carly (then Carly Hennessy) had a record deal. The record was released and it failed miserably, and now some claim IDOL producers are trying to kick start Carly’s career by putting her front and center on the show. I don’t know that to be true, but it doesn’t sound that far fetched. At the end of the day talent is talent. If we can get another talented singer out of this competition and on to the radio (and to take the space of some of the dreadful excuses for music that’s are forced on us today) that I guess previous experience be damned. But the producers really should be more upfront with the audience about going after “undiscovered talent”.

Here are two videos of Carly. The first her audition from last night and the second a music video she made back in 2002.

Samantha Musa and her sister are obsessed with Simon Cowell. And Simon just happens to like pretty girls who stroke his…ego…so I’m sure he was thrilled when found out that Samantha could actually sing. She could have probably just stood up there and belched the alphabet and Simon would have brought her along to Hollywood. Samantha better check herself though. That cutesy flirting isn’t going to matter at all once she’s up there on the stage during Hollywood Week.

Were there any standout auditions (good or bad) for you last night?

What to Watch…Wednesday, January 23, 2008

A sad commentary on the life of someone who enjoys TV perhaps just a bit too much – I woke up this morning, opened the curtains in my bedroom to let the sunshine assault my room and my very first thought of the day was “Yes, CHUCK is back tonight”. And despite the aforementioned sunshine my world became gloomy when I realized it was only Wednesday and we have to wait for CHUCK until tomorrow. Yeah, I need to get a life.

It’s Wednesday, and before the WGA strike I lived for Wednesday night TV. Now? Not so much. But there are of course a few shows to check out tonight. None that have me nearly excited as CHUCK, but at least they’re not repeats, right?

American Idol | 8pm on Fox
Auditions continue and this time the gang heads to South Carolina. This show has always done well with snagging some great singers from the Southern states so it might be worthwhile – or it could be the snoozefest we saw last night. Either way I will be watching.

Criminal Minds | 9pm on CBS
“Limelight”
The contents of a self-storage unit suggest a serial killer in the making, and the team tries to form a profile in order to find the suspect. Jill Morris: Andrea Roth. Katrina Townsley: Wendy Braun. Unsub: Christopher Allen Nelson.

CSI:NY | 10pm on CBS
“All in the Family”
Mac investigates the murder of a woman outside of a flower shop and then probes the death of man discovered two buildings down from the first victim. The CSIs work to determine if the two killings are related.

Cashmere Mafia | 10pm on ABC
“The Deciders”
Mia goes on a blind date with a brain surgeon; Caitlin has a surprising flirtation; Zoe wonders how much she can trust her colleagues; Juliet catches Davis in a compromising position.

Law & Order | 10pm on NBC
“Driven”
Lupo and Green investigate the murders of a white teen boy and a black girl in a delicate, racially charged case that soon envelops two brothers (Jeremy Allen White, Miles Chandler) and a local boy’s father (Kevin Carroll).

Any of these shows grabbing your attention?

Be my Friend? As always, GMMR’s daily “What to Watch” is powered by MeeVee’s interactive TV listings. I’ve just registered over at MeeVee but I don’t have a lot of friends to talk TV with over there. And with all of MeeVee’s TV content, there’s a LOT to talk about!! Will you register and add me as your friend? (username: GMMR). Thanks!!!

John Krasinski Looks Thrilled

I knew something was up when I logged in this morning to find about 45 more emails than usual. It seems my kind GMMR readers were alerting me to some new pics that have surfaced of my dear John Krasinski. I really had no intention of posting them here; mainly because the pap seemed to snag these pics outside of John Krasinski’s home and he looks less than thrilled (and I have a double standard that the ‘razi can stalk any of the celebs they want at any time, as long as they’re not bothering MY favorite celebs).

I realized that if I didn’t acknowledge the pics the emails would keep pouring in all day. So yes, I saw the pictures. Yes, he looks damn fine with that scruff. And yes, he is wearing the same black cap that he always wear – the one I desperately want to snatch off his head and replace with a worn in Sox cap.

And while the subject of John Krasinski is afoot, here’s an oldie but goodie. I was watching Krasinski in JARHEAD last night when I decided to search out the old “Day Player” video – perhaps my favorite John Krasinski video of all time.

Enjoy – you know I will.

Let’s hope the WGA deal gets done soon and we are blessed with new episodes of THE OFFICE so we can see more of Mr. Krasinski. Because LEATHERHEADS doesn’t hit theaters until April 4th and some of us need our fix.

Heath Ledger Dead at 28

Not TV related, but it hurt my heart so much that I had to share it with others. According to Extra, New York Police have confirmed reports that they found actor Heath Ledger dead in his New York apartment earlier today. My friend Kerry just passed along this devastating news. I am so saddened.  Not only did we lose an incredible young actor, but his little daughter, Matlida, lost her daddy.

A New York Police Department spokesman tells the Associated Press that Heath Ledger has been found dead at a downtown Manhattan residence. He was at 3:26 PM by his housekeeper.

It is unclear at this point how he died. He was 28.

The Australian actor was nominated for an Academy Award for “Brokeback Mountain” and had a huge career ahead of him. Not only was he one of seven actors playing Bob Dylan in “I’m Not There,” but he just wrapped “The Dark Knight” playing legendary character The Joker.

He has a two-year-old daughter with his “Brokeback” co-star Michelle Williams.

Blind Item: A Kind TV Star

I think it’s always nice to spread the word when stars to nice things for others, especially when they aren’t accompanied by a press release from their publicist telling the world how kind and selfless their client is. But this time around the star spreading the kindness is a mystery. Read on and share your guesses on who the star could be.

This is a B lister. I almost think of our actress as the epitome of a B lister. She has done television and films and is probably more of a B lister for the television, but she does have some great film roles. Anyway, this week at Sundance. Oh, I guess that will narrow it down some huh? At Sundance this week, our actress was walking down the street and spotted a teenage girl who was sitting on a backpack, shivering and didn’t have anything on but a sweater and jeans even though it was after dark and well below freezing. Turns out the girl had come out to Park City to hang out with a guy she barely knew but he blew her off for some other girl, so she had no room and no place to stay and didn’t have the money to change her return airline ticket which was for three days in the future. Our actress didn’t really believe the girl at first but then the girl showed her the airline ticket and her i.d. That was enough for our actress. She took the girl to a store and bought her a jacket, and then took her back to her hotel for food and fun. The actress called some friends over to cheer the girl up, got her some dinner and then had everyone take turns calling the jerk who traded her for another girl. Our actress changed the return date on the ticket, paying for the change and even upgraded the girl to first class for the flight home. She let the girl spend the night, got her out to the airport the next morning and gave her a few hundred bucks.

Any thoughts on who this kind TV stranger could be?

Thanks to our friends over at Glitterati Gossip for pointing me in the direction of this blind item, courtesy of Crazy Days and Nights.

Play Catch Up with GOSSIP GIRL

Did you miss out on GOSSIP GIRL and felt it was just too late to join the party?  Did you discover the fabulousness of this show later in the season?  Did you watch from day one and just can’t get enough of S, B, Lonely Boy and all the kids on the Upper East Side? Well you are all in luck because The CW has just announced plans for a 90-minute special called GOSSIP GIRL REVEALED which will air this coming Monday at 8pm.

Here’s all the details.  I’ll definitely be watching and I hope you will too.

The CW Network invites die-hard fans and new viewers to catch the hit freshman drama GOSSIP GIRL from the very beginning with a special, 90-minute GOSSIP GIRL REVEALED, on Monday, January 28 (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET), hosted by the stars of GOSSIP GIRL and featuring the series premiere as well as exclusive, never-before-seen bonus material.

In addition to airing the pilot episode in its entirety, The CW will offer an enhanced GOSSIP GIRL experience to passionate devotees and the uninitiated wanting to see how the phenomenon began. During the broadcast, viewers will go behind the scenes for in-depth conversations with TV’s hottest cast, including Blake Lively (“Serena van der Woodsen”), Leighton Meester (“Blair Waldorf”), Penn Badgley (“Dan Humphrey”), Chace Crawford (“Nate Archibald”), Taylor Momsen (“Jenny Humphrey”), Ed Westwick (“Chuck Bass”), Kelly Rutherford (“Lily van der Woodsen”), Matthew Settle (“Rufus Humphrey”) and Jessica Szohr (“Vanessa”). Additional bonus material includes never-before-seen footage from the series, profiles of the players and the wannabes in the GOSSIP GIRL world, featurettes on the GOSSIP GIRL fashion and music, and much more.

In the following weeks, The CW will air all of the GOSSIP GIRL episodes in consecutive order every Monday (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)

Bill Clinton “Has a Dream”

TV can capture some incredible moments, and I had to share this one with all of you. Yesterday, former President Bill Clinton fell asleep during a ceremony remembering Martin Luther King Jr. at a church in NYC. Oh no…but oh yes.

At first you can see Mr. Hillary Clinton fighting to keep his eyes open. You know that horrible feeling you get when you are so tired and you think, if I can close my eyes for just one minute I’ll be ok? But you never are. And neither is Clinton who was caught jolting himself awake before falling into a full on slumber…on stage…front and center…right next to the speaker. Ouch!

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles – I’m Still With You

Three episodes in and I’m still really digging TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES.  I had seen the first two episodes a while back, and as you know, I thought they were fantastic. But with all the hoopla surrounding the show, I was really anxious to see if I was still as interested when the third episode came along.  The answer is a resounding YES.

During last night’s episode we saw Sarah, John, and Cameron getting settled into their new lives.  For John and Cameron it meant trying to fit in, or rather yet go completely unnoticed in their new school, and for Sarah it meant continuing the hunt for the future inventors of Skynet.

A metal detector is the first of many challenges that Cameron will face as she enters the world of high school.  The detector can be explained away by a metal plate in her head, but I’m more interested in what she’ll do when a guy hits her on.  John keeps instructing her not to be a freak and to fit in, but it’s easier said when done. She certainly seemed normal enough when she first met John in HS, so she just needs to access that “program” again.  I found Cameron’s attempts at blending in by observing her surroundings to be some of the funniest moments of last night’s episode.  I especially loved, when in the dreaded HS girls bathroom, a fellow student asked Cameron if her outfit made her look fat, to which Cameron responded, “yes”.  The response didn’t go over well as Cameron was called a “bitch whore” – a term that could have been equally endearing or insulting for all our hot little Terminator knew.  I’m loving how Summer Glau is approaching the role and indirectly infusing humor into a rather humorless robot.

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What to Watch…Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Informal talks between the WGA and AMPTP are taking place today. Sadly, it still could be weeks or months before a deal is reached. If either side needs a little incentive to get positive talks going today, just take a look at my “what to watch” list below. Um, that would be “According to Jim” – hey, beggars can’t be choosers (although they can choose not to watch).

Get your own widget.

= scroll through to watch a scene from tonight’s episode

American Idol | 8pm on Fox
The search for the next American Idol continues, but first a number of people who weren’t hugged enough by their parents will attempt to work out their issues on national TV. Paula, Randy and Simon will indirectly mock their pain and suffering. We’ll also see a few people that aren’t tone deaf. Good time.

One Tree Hill | 9pm on The CW
“It’s Alright, Ma (I’m only bleeding)
Brooke forges ahead with the opening of her new store; and Nathan makes an effort to help a difficult high-school basketball player. Meanwhile, Peyton must deal with an increasingly arrogant musician; and Haley rediscovers her interest in music.

According to Jim | 9pm on ABC
“Cheryl Goes to Florida”
With Cheryl out of town to take care of her mother, Jim depends on the kindness of the neighborhood moms for help with the housework and taking care of the kids.

Carpoolers | 9:30pm on ABC
“First Flight”
Dougie’s burning desire to see a concert results in his first fight with Cindy; Leila’s latest idea to boost her career backfires; Laird makes an ill-fated attempt to adopt a pet.

Boston Legal | 1opm on ABC
“Roe Vs. Wade, The Musical”
Shirley and Alan face off in court when they’re on opposite sides of a case involving stolen sperm; Jerry helps his objectophile ex-girlfriend (Mary Gross) when she loses her teaching job for inappropriate contact with a student.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
“Inconceivable”
A robbery at a sperm bank has Benson and Stabler racing to recover fertilized embryos before it is too late. The investigation into a long list of suspects eventually leads to a pair of publicity-seeking extremists.

And as I ask everyday…what will YOU be watching tonight?

Be my Friend? As always, GMMR’s daily “What to Watch” is powered by MeeVee’s interactive TV listings. I’ve just registered over at MeeVee but I don’t have a lot of friends to talk TV with over there. And with all of MeeVee’s TV content, there’s a LOT to talk about!! Will you register and add me as your friend? (username: GMMR). Thanks!!!

PRISON BREAK’s “Dirt Nap” Doesn’t Leave Me Sleepy

“Just when I thought I was out…they pull me back in”

Damn you PRISON BREAK. I was ready to moan on and on about how the show has become so predictable and boring that I watch it out of sheer obligation – and then you go and give me a relatively exciting episode. Now don’t get a big head about it, I’m not talking Season 1 exciting, but exciting enough that if you were on MySpace you might just get 2 kudos.

Perhaps I’m easily swayed. You show me a few scenes with Michael working on details of an escape plan and I’m brought back to sweeter, simpler times with visions of Fox River running through my head. But it was nice to see Michael pulling out the old tricks tonight and putting that pretty little head of his to work. This whole season Michael has wreaked of desperation. Yes, we know Sara is dead and that sucks, but dude remember LJ? Your nephew? It’s felt like Michael’s been pretty ho hum about saving LJ – like it was his duty rather than something he wanted to do. But there was a sense of planning and urgency around Michael’s actions tonight and I’m not sad to say I got quite caught up in it. Then again, maybe it was Wentworth Miller being all sweaty (oh wait, that’s every episode – and not a complaint).

So Michael, Whistler and Mahone are trying to bust out. Lechero and T-Bag have worked their way on to the little vacay, and something tells me there might be a few more in their party by the time the big day comes around. I mean, they need to have a few guys as collateral damage…remember Sucre’s cousin? This time around I fear it’s going to be Michael’s little basketball friend. He’s nice, he’s sweet, he’s one of those guys who probably never deserved to be in Sona, but he’s too eager and when Michael eventually invites him to come along I fear he’s going to be taking one for the team. Just some speculation on my part, but the writers have been pretty predictable, so it could happen.

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WGA/AMPTP Informal Talks Begin Tomorrow

Following the same strategy that lead to last week’s successful deal with the DGA, the AMPTP has asked members on the WGA negotiating committee to meet, starting tomorrow, for what will hopefully be a series of informal discussions leading up to formal negotiations. This is the first time the two groups will meet since the AMPTP walked out on discussions 45 days ago.

The deal is not done…not even close. The deal is done when the new contracts are signed and approved. But as someone who truly believed that the strike was going to continue until at least June, I am cautiously optimistic (heavy on the cautious part). I don’t dare to dream that the 2007-08 TV season will be salvaged, but you never know. I do know that the two sides coming together to talk is much more productive than them not talking. So there’s that.

I also know that I’m just commenting on what I’m reading on sites like UnitedHollywood.com, and that I couldn’t even begin to scratch the surface when it comes to understanding all the nuances of the negotiations and issues. But I’ll keep checking the site daily (or multiple times a day as it is) in hopes that we will soon see those four oh so important words: “The Strike is Over”…until then, well until then I’m going to keep my fingers crossed and think happy thoughts…just like Peter Pan and Wendy taught me to.

David Archuleta – AMERICAN IDOL with Idols Before Idol

This year’s AMERICAN IDOL is going to be packed with “undiscovered” talent – you know those who have had no record deals, agents, grammy nominations, TV roles…you know. Oh wait! That’s exactly the type of people taking over the Top 50 this year. Semi-pros (and some honest to god professionals) will be trying to dominate this year’s competition. And for some of them, this isn’t their first try on a nationally televised talent content.

David Archuelta, 16, of Texas won STAR SEARCH when he was just 12 years old, but now he’s on to the bigger stage at AMERICAN IDOL. I don’t remember seeing his audition, but I may have just missed it. Check out this video of a young David doing an impromptu performance for Season 1 AMERICAN IDOL contestants including Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini and others. If the kid can still sing like that then he has a damn good shot this year.

“I Have a Dream”…

The true importance of TV is not to entertain by to communicate thoughts and ideas to the masses. On this day, the celebration of the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr., take a few moments to watch one of the most important and historic speeches in the history of this country.

For those of you who can’t watch video, please read the full text after the jump.
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19th Annual GLAAD Award Nominees (TV)

The nominations for the 19th annual GLAAD awards were announced and some of our top TV faves have been awards with noms. The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives.

Drama Series
Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Degrassi: The Next Generation (The N)
Dirty Sexy Money (ABC)
Greek (ABC Family)
The L Word (Showtime)

Comedy Series
Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Exes and Ohs (Logo)
The Sarah Silverman Program (Comedy Central)
Ugly Betty (ABC)
The War at Home (Fox)

Individual Episode (in a series w/o a regular LGBT character)
“Boy Crazy” Cold Case (CBS)
“Do Tell” Boston Legal (ABC)
“Free to Be You and Me” Kyle XY (ABC Family)
“The Gangs of Camden County” My Name is Earl (NBC)
“Sin” Law & Order: SVU (NBC)

Reality Program
“Chase/Lane” Trading Spouses (Fox)
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (Bravo)
Project Runway (Bravo)
Who Wants to Be a Superhero? (SciFi Channel)
Work Out (Bravo)

Daily Drama
All My Children (ABC)
As The World Turns (CBS)

The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held in New York on March 17, 2008 at the Marriott Marquis; in South Florida at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on April 12; in Los Angeles on April 26 at the Kodak Theatre; and in San Francisco on May 10 at the San Francisco Marriott. GLAAD will provide details about upcoming broadcast dates in the near future. (Click here for a full list of nominees)

Congrats to all the nominees!!

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