Forgetting Sarah Marshall | 9pm on HBO-Sig

In Hawaii struggling to get over a bad breakup, a musician (Jason Segel, ‘How I Met Your Mother’) encounters his former lover  (Kristen Bell, ‘Veronica Mars’) and her new boyfriend (Rusell Brand).

SURVIVOR: Is a Villain the Only Hero?

Uh oh. I think I have a problem.  I’m really loving SURVIVOR. This doesn’t bode well for (a) the sleep I need on Thursday nights (b) my poor, already overworked DVRs. But it can’t be helped…I’m hooked.

As I’ve said before, this is only the third season of SURVIVOR I’ve ever watched.  I, along with pretty much the entire country, watched the phenom that was the first season.  Although I caught a few eps here and there of other seasons, it wasn’t until the All Star season that I committed myself to the show again. But an overcrowded Thursday night line-up has always kept me from tuning in to SURVIVOR for most of its tenure.  I was, however, completely intrigued by the ‘Heroes vs. Villains’ match -up. It felt like another All Star season to me.  And then there was Boston Rob. I was in!

Now I’m not going to promise to talk about SURVIVIOR on GMMR every week.  With all the other Thursday night shows on, I can’t guarantee that I’m going to even watch SURVIVOR on Thursday nights.  But Ducky and I will be discussing it each week on The TV Talk Podcast, so be sure to tune in to hear our thoughts. (Last week’s ep of SURVIVOR and our thoughts on this season’s cast was discussed in the latest TV Talk Podcast which was posted today. Listen here.) With most of my Thursday night shows in reruns mode, I had time to watch it last night so I thought I could at least share some quick thoughts.

How quickly things change on the island.  The Heroes certainly looked the part during their first few days on the island. Embracing the ‘good guy’ moniker placed on them, they worked together to set up camp and win the first reward challenge.  But for those of you who watched last week, we know that things didn’t go the Heroes way during the all important Immunity Challenge. They were forced to trek to Tribal Council where Sugar’s torch was snuffed out and she was sent home.

Karma proved to be quite the bitch this week when the Heroes failed once again to put together a puzzle, costing them immunity.  Much like last week, they squandered a big lead in the early stages of the competition only to be completely bamboozled by the villains when it came to the actual construction of the puzzle

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The TV Talk Podcast: VAMPIRE DIARIES, SUPERNATURAL, THE OFFICE, CHUCK & More

Neither snow, sleet or rain will stop us from podcasting. Well clearly that’s not true at all! We had to skipped last week’s planned podcast because of Snowpocalypse 2010 but this week the TV Talk Podcast back and in rare form.

Kath and Dan like to talk and this week we proved there’s not stopping us. We’ve got two hours of TV Talk Podcast action coming at ya!

Sit back, have some cheesecake and don’t forget to wash your hands folks!

This week we discuss: THE WINTER OLYMPICS, LIFE UNEXPECTED, CHUCK, GREEK, THE BACHELOR, KELL ON EARTH, MODERN FAMILY, AMERICAN IDOL, RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, SUPERNATURAL, THE OFFICE, PRIVATE PRACTICE, GREY’S ANATOMY, SURVIVOR, THE AMAZING RACE and more.

As a bonus, we recorded a new episode of TWO IDIOTS TALK LOST.

*Recorded: 2/17/10

To listen to TV Talk Podcast (with Chapter Markers) head on over to our iTunes page and subscribe! It’s the fastest and easiest way to listen to The TV Talk Podcast from week to week.

Listen to The TV Talk Podcast here.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Friday, February 19, 2010

Happy Friday my friends. Sorry it’s been so quiet here on GMMR this week. With the Olympics taking over so much of TV, I’ve been taking a little bit of a break myself.  Trying to figure out the day-to-day in this new phases of my life. Soon all the shows will be back in full force and so will I. Thanks for your patience. You’re the best!

As for tonight’s TV, here are a few shows worthy of your eyeballs (or at least your DVR’s record button).

Smallville | 8pm on The CW
“Persuasion”
Clark is unwittingly infected with wish-fulfilling Kryptonite on Valentine’s Day. When he tells Lois he wishes they had a more conventional relationship, she moves in with him and begins to plan their nuptials. And Clark has a wish for Chloe as well: to better protect him. She responds by targeting Lois.

XXI Winter Olympics | 8pm on NBC
The women’s top all-around cross-country skier is determined live in the 15km pursuit, which requires both classical and freestyle techniques. World Cup standout Justyna Kowalczyk of Poland is the favorite. Also: men’s figure-skating analysis.

The Ricky Gervais Show | 9pm on HBO | Series Premiere
The series opener of this podcast-turned-animated TV series finds Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington discussing a variety of unusual topics, including the benefits of 20th-century inventions; population control; supernatural events; and prehistoric times. Also introduced: a segment called “Monkey News,” in which Karl explains the origins of space travel.

Caprica | 9pm on Syfy
“Gravedancing”
Daniel appears on a talk show, but his intentions alienate Amanda; Joseph has a change of heart and tries to stop Sam from killing Amanda; Agent Duram homes in on Clarice.

Spartacus | 10pm on Starz
“Shadow Games”
Bitter enemies Spartacus and Crixus are charged with learning to fight as a team in order to take on an unbeaten champion in the arena. Meanwhile, a financially strapped Batiatus receives an opportunity of a lifetime that involves his battling band of gladiators.

LIFE UNEXPECTED: Go Behind the Scenes with the Cast

LIFE UNEXPECTED star Austin Basis (Math) take his Flip camera behind the scenes of The CW show to catch the series stars in their natural habitat.

Be sure to check out TheTVTalkPodcast.com tomorrow as Dan and I share our thoughts on the latest episode of LIFE UNEXPECTED.

AMERICAN IDOL Top 24 Revealed – Did Your Favorites Make the Cut?

The Top 24 have been revealed and we are ready for Season 9 of AMERICAN IDOL. I for one couldn’t be more excited. There are some seriously talented musicians this season. Here’s to hoping they can stand the pressure on performing in front of 30M people each week.

In case you missed it, below are the 12 guys and 12 girls that will be competing for YOUR vote starting next week. A few contestants we know a little too well while others have hardly had any screen time at all. There are a few “casting” choices in the mix as I’m not convinced all of these contestants have the voices or the stage presence to have made it this far. For better or worse they’ve made it to the Top 24. Now it’s time to tell us why each and every one of them deserves to be there.

This year IDOL has hooked up each of the contestants with a MySpace, Facebook and Twitter account. I’ve included links to each below.  Follow them to get a better look behind-the-scenes of this season’s AMERICAN IDOL.

One quick change to the Top 24. Originally Chris Golightly was named to the elite group of 24 but he was deemed ineligible (rumor has it he was under contract that he hadn’t disclosed). So Chris is out and Tim Urban replaced him as one of the 12 guys competing. Chris, we hardly knew ye.

From what I’ve seen of the talent, I think it’s heavily stacked in favor of the women this year.  But I’m not rooting for anyone more than I am Andrew Garcia. He’s my favorite going in to this first week….straight up.

Next Tuesday the Top 12 girls perform for the first time.  Early predictions on the first guy and first girl to get cut?

Didi Benami Hometown:Knoxville, TN Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA Age: 23

www.americanidol.com/contestants/season_9/didi_benami/

www.facebook.com/DBenamiAI9

www.myspace.com/dbenamiai9

www.twitter.com/DBenamiAI9

Crystal Bowersox Hometown: Elliston, OH Currently Resides: Toledo, OH Age: 24

www.americanidol.com/contestants/season_9/crystal_bowersox/

www.facebook.com/CBowersoxAI9

www.myspace.com/cbowersoxai9

www.twitter.com/CBowersoxAI9

Two Idiots Talk LOST – The TV Talk Podcast

The snowpocalypse stopped us from podcasting last week but don’t worry, that just means this week you get double the idiot!

TWO IDIOTS TALK LOST returns to discuss “What Kate Does” and “The Substitute”.

Along the way we’ll botch every theory and we’ll make up new character names. We’ll try to figure out how the sideways reality differs from the flashbacks and why the hell Ethan’s still Mr. McCreeperson even off the island.

If LOST is a field trip, we’re two blind people leading a pack of school children into rush hour traffic. We don’t know what the hell we’re talking about but that’s the fun of it. Enjoy the newest episode of TWO IDIOTS TALK LOST.

*Recorded: 2/17/10

Listen to: The TV Talk Podcast: Two Idiots Talk LOST – “What Kate Does” & “The Substitute”

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Thursday, February 18, 2010

It’s been a rough week for TV goers. Once again the Olympics are turning the TV schedule upside down. But I’m happy to report that if the winter games aren’t your bag, then you have plenty of other options for TV tonight.  Not all of our regular Thursday night shows are on (or have new episodes), but there’s enough to keep us busy for sure.

Check out a few of the highlights from tonight’s TV schedule. I’ll let you know what I’m excited about and then it’s your turn.

The Deep End | 8pm on ABC
“An Innocent Man”
Liam and Dylan realize they are the only ones who believe their client is innocent; Addy receives a surprise visit from her long-distance boyfriend.

Survivor | 8pm on CBS
“It’s Getting the Best of Me”
Backstabbing and dissension run rampant through a tribe; one villain pushes so hard to provide for the tribe that he passes out. [GMMR: So happy I’ve decided to watch SURVIVOR this season.  If you’re a fan and you’re wondering where the SURVIVOR coverage is, be sure to tune into The TV Talk Podcast. Dan & I recorded a new episode last night and we shared our thoughts on this season’s heroes and villains.]

XXI Winter Olympics | 8pm on NBC
From Vancouver, B.C. Figure skating: men’s free skate Gold Medal final; snowboarding: women’s halfpipe semifinals and Gold Medal final; speed skating: women’s 1000m Gold Medal final; skiing: women’s super combined Gold Medal final.

(The rest of Thursday night’s lineup is after the jump)

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AMERICAN IDOL Top 24 Revealed…At Least Some of Them

Last night 5 guys and 2 girls found out they will soon be singing on the biggest stage in the world, as these talented 7 singers were named to AMERICAN IDOL‘s Top 24. The remaining 17 contestants moving on to the next round and competing for you vote will be revealed tonight.

Given the amount of screen time devoted to some contestants, I can’t say last night was chock full of surprises. But a few contestants that we hardly heard from at all made it through. But as last year’s winner Kris Allen will tell you, screen time in the early days isn’t everything. When Kris took the stage during the first night of competition he wowed the audience with his beautiful voice. Having only seen Kris in passing during Hollywood Week, he took everyone by surprise. And no one, not even Kris, would have predicted that he would walk away with the title of AMERICAN IDOL.

So who will be the next Kris Allen.  Here are 7 contestants in the running, with my quick take on each.

Lee DeWyze
I can’t say I remember much about Lee up to this point in time. Based on the video of him from Hollywood Week, I’m not exactly sure why he made it through, or why we should vote for him. There’s a thin line between confidence and cocky and I can’t tell which side this guy falls on. He’s a bit cookie cutter. Nice guy and a decent voice. I’ll be keeping an eye out for Lee, to see if he can win me over.

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Can’t Wait for April? Get a Sneak Peek at GLEE’s Triumphant Return

Sadly it’s not April 13th yet, but in case you needed a GLEE fix to get you through the next two months, check out this sneak peek of scenes from the upcoming Madonna-inspired episode, courtesy of Entertainment Tonight.

UPDATE: Here’s the new promo aired during AMERICAN IDOL

Sue with cone bras. The return of the slushie. And did my little eyes spy one Jonathan Groff? Come on, April!!

Eric Kripke to Step Down as SUPERNATURAL Showrunner

Earlier today The CW announced that SUPERNATURAL would be returning to the network for a sixth season. SUPERNATURAL fans took to Twitter, Facebook and blogs (including this one) to discuss the implications of a sixth season. Showrunner Eric Kripke had been quite vocal about his 5 season vision for the series.  What new direction would the show take on if the network picked up a sixth season? Would Kripke still be on board?

Tonight we got that answer.

According to Michael Ausiello, Eric Kripke will step down as showrunner after this season leaving Executive Producer Sera Gamble to take over the reigns. But sources say that Kripke and current co-showrunner, Robert Singer, will remain as “hands-on” Executive Producers on the show. Sources tell Ausiello, that “Eric and Bob will be working very closely with Sera. They are not abandoning the show.” Well, if that’s true I guess that’s good news.

Sera Gamble has been with SUPERNATURAL since Season One and is “well poised” to take over the show.

So SUPERNATURAL fans, does this have any bearing on your feelings for a sixth season? Although Kripke won’t be showrunner are you comforted by the idea that he’ll be a hands-on Executive Producer? Talk to me.

SUPERNATURAL, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, & GOSSIP GIRL All Receive Early Pickups from The CW

Fans of SUPERNATURAL, THE VAMPIRE DIAIRES, GOSSIP GIRL, 90210 and AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL can all breathe a sigh of relief – The CW has picked up these shows for next season.

Coming off an impressive freshman season, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES was a bit of a no brainer as an early pick-up. The breakout show has brought a new fan following and incredible ratings to The CW.

The CW show with perhaps the most passionate fanbase is SUPERNATURAL. While it wasn’t shocking that the network is bringing the show back for a sixth season, there was some doubt as creator Eric Kripke had been on the record saying that the SUPERNATURAL story arc was designed for only five seasons.  As long as Kripke was on board with the creative direction for a sixth season then I’m sure it’s going to be another fantastic(and creepy) year for the Winchester brothers.

GOSSIP GIRL isn’t necessarily the buzz worthy show it was during its first year, but it’s still making headlines.  GG has been The CW’s signature show for the past few years so news of an early pick-up isn’t too surprising.  GOSSIP GIRL is still one of my guiltiest pleasures of the TV week, so personally this is fab news!

Other CW hits – AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and the all new 90210 also received the early thumbs up from the network.

In year’s past, networks didn’t typically make their announcements of their season pickups until the spring Upfronts.  Fans of the CW’s other shows, such as this season’s  LIFE UNEXPECTED shouldn’t fret just yet because their show didn’t get an early pickup. Let’s wait until we get a it closer to the Upfronts before we start busting out the online petitions, or sending bong lamps to Dawn Ostroff.

Thoughts on the CW’s early pickups.  Are SUPERNATURAL fans excited about this news or were you ready to see the show wrap up? Am I the only person that could care less about AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL?

24 – Day 8: 11:00pm – 12:00am

With the end of this week’s episode, we ushered in the second phase of Day 8 of “24” and I couldn’t be happier. While I may not be happy with all of the storylines (OK, OK, just one), I’m expecting some interesting things to happen from here on out.

Debrief

• Jack is transported to Bazhaev’s restaurant for questioning. Sergei doesn’t know if Ernst (aka Jack) is a cop, so the uranium transport has been halted. After many minutes of shock torture, Jack breaks free and kills his captor and apprehending Sergei. Sergei wants immunity for himself and Josef in exchange for the nuclear rods.

• After finding out that the transport was stopped, Hassan’s brother gets lippy. Sergei and Josef decide it’s time for him to go to the rendezvous point and wait for the rods. Josef decides to escort him.

• Renee returns to CTU and blames herself for Jack’s disappearance and torture. She’s being sent for a psych evaluation.

• Hassan has reached the peak of paranoia. When his daughter comes to him to think sensibly, he banishes her, thinking that she is part of the conspiracy against him. She seems to have a plan to help her boyfriend escape Hassan’s custody.

• Dana’s absence from the CTU floor forces Arlo to confront her, saying he will tell Cole her secret if she doesn’t. She tries to, but doesn’t. Cole has Arlo track Dana’s cell, while she goes to the strip club to presumably kill Kevin and his buddy, ending the problem once and for all.

• Sergei gives CTU the location of the nuclear rods. When they get there, the rods are gone and the henchmen are dead. Josef has taken the rods and is on his way to Hassan’s brother for delivery within five minutes.

Agent Philboy’s Assessment

One thing I need to get out of the way: The car battery that the Russians tortured Jack with wasn’t plugged in. Rewind and look at it again. Trust me. That thing had no power whatsoever. Way to pay attention, “24.”

Anyway, this week was the springboard for Phase II of the season and I thought it was done quite well. While the Dana storyline continues to annoy me, I like the fact that she, like so many others in this season’s pantheon of characters, is coming unhinged. I wonder if Cole will be able to stop her and how he will react whether or not he can.

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Welcome to your Tuesday night TV spotlight! Before we get to the highlights of tonight’s TV lineup, please join me in wishing a very special birthday to my blogger BFF, Ducky! Yes, it’s Dan’s birthday today and I wish him nothing but the best on this special day. May all his dreams come true (including the dreams with special guest appearances by Travis Wall and Lee Pace).  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAN!!

As for tonight’s TV….YIKES! I can’t say there’s a ton on in terms of original programming, but what is on has me excited.  Two hours of IDOL and then LOST? Fine by me.  If you don’t watch either of these shows, then maybe tonight’s a TV catch-up night for you.  Or maybe you watch something on Tuesday nights that isn’t listed here. If so, be sure to let us know in the comments below!

What YOU are most excited to watch tonight?

American Idol | 8pm on Fox
“Hollywood Round #3”
The Hollywood round continues, with a gradually dwindling contingent of contestants vying for a slot in the Top 24. [GMMR: Yeah, how about that. Tomorrow night we’ll know some of the singers that have been named to this year’s Top 24. I’m officially excited about this season!]

Lost | 9pm on ABC
“The Substitute”
Locke goes in search of help to further his cause.[GMMR: Yup, that’s all I got for you. Can’t find a better ep description. Also, I wanted to apologize for no ‘Two Idiots Talk LOST’ week. Our second week and we failed. Well, I think the East Coast weathermen share in our blame as they predicted a massive snowstorm that didn’t happen the night we were supposed to podcast. But don’t you worry, we’ll be back talking LOST this week.]

The Forgotten | 10pm on ABC
“Mama Jane”
The team investigates the murder of a 40-year-old woman whose body was found at a bar. The investigation uncovers her desire to adopt a baby and her involvement with a star basketball player (Baron Davis).

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Ben Kingsley, Mary J. Blige
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Matt Lucas
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Michael Emerson, Camila Alves, Sade
• Chelsea Lately: Jackie Collins, Jo Koy, Jen Kirkman, Chris Hardwick
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Brian Williams (R 2/2/10)
• The Colbert Report: Jonathan Safran Foer (R 2/8/10)
• Lopez Tonight: Charles Barkley, Carrie Ann Inaba

What will YOU be watching? Leave a comment or send me an update on Twitter.

Have you listened to the latest TV Talk Podcast with GMMR & Ducky? We launched to TWO new podcasts last week. Check them out today!

Question: Can You Pass Out From Too Much Hotness?

Less you think this isn’t a TV-related post, may I point out that every single one of the ridiculously hot men in the photo below are either current TV stars or have been stars of the small tube in the past.

With that disclaimer out of the way, can we just take in the hotness of Lee Pace (‘Pushing Daisies’), Chace Crawford (‘Gossip Girl’), Ryan Phillipe (formerly of ‘One Life to Live’), Kellan Lutz (‘Twilight’ and ‘90210’) and Mechad Brooks (‘The Deep End’ & ‘True Blood’) sitting in the front row of the Calvin Klein Men’s Collection Fashion Show in New York City.  Those handsome men were sitting in the front row and yet people were supposed to pay attention to the models? Yeah, I don’t think so.

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