Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Wednesday, January 19, 2011

It’s hump day, yo. For Claire and Phil on MODERN FAMILY, anyway! Read up below to find out what I mean by that and check out the rest of the highlights from tonight’s TV lineup…

Including the return of some singing competition?

The Middle | 8pm on ABC
“Super Sunday”
As the Super Bowl approaches, Mike is thrilled when Brick takes his advice and studies up on football in order to understand and talk the sport. But Axl thinks his little brother is taking over his turf by being Mike’s football buddy – a position Axl used to cherish. Meanwhile, Frankie thinks her professional career is looking up when Mr. Ehlert chooses her to accompany him to a managerial seminar, and ex-boyfriend Brad asks Sue to be his dance partner for the school’s annual Square Dancing with the Stars.

American Idol | 8pm on Fox | Season Premiere
“Auditions #1: New York/New Jersey”
Television’s No. 1 series returns for its milestone 10th season with all-new contestants, a brand-new judging panel and the best and worst of auditions. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the show that transforms dreams into reality welcomes seasoned superstars Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, who will sit alongside Randy Jackson at the judges’ table. Together with in-house mentor Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M records, the judging panel brings unparalleled experience to the show.[GMMR: We caught up with returning executive producer Nigel Lythgoe yesterday and he was kind enough to preview this season’s “changes” for us, check it out!]

Live To Dance | 8pm on CBS
“Semi Final Round 2”
The new CBS reality-competition series features one of the most inclusive talent searches ever on television, with Paula Abdul serving as executive producer, mentor and lead expert of the series.

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PARKS AND RECREATION, EASTBOUND & DOWN To Appear at PaleyFest 2011

According to Variety.com, NBC’s PARKS AND RECREATION and HBO’s EASTBOUND & DOWN have been added to the lineup for this year’s PaleyFest.

Panels for TRUE BLOOD, THE WALKING DEAD, SUPERNATURAL, AMERICAN IDOL and a look back at Judd Apatow’s FREAKS & GEEKS and UNDECLARED were previously announced.

Individual tickets will be available to Paley Center members January 21st and to the general public on January 23rd. However, fans can buy a premium pass that gets them into every panel right now.

You pumped about PARKS AND REC and E&D joining the Paley party?

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LIFE UNEXPECTED Series Finale: All The Secrets Revealed

So, the final episode of LIFE UNEXPECTED airs tonight and everyone’s coming clean.

Mr. Daniels (Shaun Sipos) will admit that he and Lux have been seeing each other.

Lux will tell Baze that Emma had an affair with his dad… though who really knows what the deal there actually is.

Good news: we’ll find out this evening.

I guess that’s the silver lining on the cloud that is the end of LUX. But at least the writers had the chance to write these final two hours, wrapping up storylines appropriately.

Peep a scene from tonight…

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HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER: Marshall Says Goodbye To His Dad

I’ve always said that one of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER’s greatest strengths is that someone in the gang is usually going through something that most people in their late 20s/early 30s can closely relate to.

Tonight’s episode, “Last Words,” in which Marshall must come to terms with his father’s passing and get through the funeral, is just another example of this.

Maybe you’ve lost a parent. Perhaps you have a friend who has lost a parent and you’ve struggled, trying to figure out how to comfort them.

In “Last Words,” Lily, Robin, Ted and Barney are the comic relief, coming up with strange a possibly inappropriate ways to support Marshall on a very difficult day.

Still, as expected, there is quite a bit of raw emotion too and you might find yourself crying during HIMYM this evening.

Check out CBS’ extended preview…
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GOLDEN GLOBES 2011 Video: Ricky Gervais Roasts Charlie Sheen, Gay Scientologists

Charlie Sheen, some closeted gay Scientologists and the Depp/Jolie box office stinker, THE TOURIST.

All three were targets during Ricky Gervais’ opening monologue at The Golden Globes this evening.

Mean-spirited, as Robert Downey Jr. contended? Or damn hilarious?

You decide…

Like or dislike? Speak up in the comments section.

CHECK IT: We’ve got you covered with a full list of the The Globes’ TV nominees and winners.

Follow @GiveMeMyRemote and @KorbiGirl on Twitter for the latest TV news. Connect with other TV fans on GIVE ME MY REMOTE’s official Facebook page.

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BIG LOVE Is Back, Baby

BIG LOVE is back this Sunday… in more ways than one.

Though the fourth season of the acclaimed HBO series earned quite a bit of criticism for a few subplots that seemed to explode into absurdity toward the end of its run, this weekend you’ll find that the show has returned to the quiet (yet always impactful) drama longtime fans adore it for.

Sticking with the new theme song that was introduced last year — which is appropriate, as the characters seem more confused than ever about their path and their place in life — BIG LOVE season 5 opens with Bill and his three wives camping out with their youngest kids, striving to portray a sense of calm after what they’ve been through: a clear storm.

We learn that, since Bill won election to the state Senate and came out publicly as a polygamist, much has transpired — though nothing we couldn’t have anticipated: the family has been splashed across the tabloids and the consequences of their big reveal is more than just difficult.

Margene is an emotional mess and only gets worse when she’s fired from her job at the home shopping network.

Barb — who has sent her youngest daughter Teeny away to live with her eldest Sarah, so she can enjoy a normal existence — has opted to stay in the marriage but continues to struggle with the revelation that she doesn’t need Bill anymore.

Nicki, who is now free to live out in the open as Bill’s wife, is deeply angry with Barb who covertly attempted to derail Bill’s campaign last season and she flies off the deep end when one of her boys is beat up at school because of the family’s beliefs.

Meanwhile, Bill is dealing with aggressive anger from not only his campaign volunteers and employees at Cost Plus, but from Don as well.

In the midst of this mess, however, there are still several light moments — best of all, the subtle humor that comes from the passive aggression between Nicki and Barb.

But in addition to everything that’s going on with the four main characters, there are equally compelling storylines this year coming from the supporting players, including Bill’s mom Lois, Nicki’s mom Adaleen, Nicki’s long-lost daughter Cara Lynn, and Nicki’s closeted compound-bound brother Alby, who has really lost it since the tragic suicide of his lover last season.

This will be the final season of BIG LOVE, friends, but as a fan, I’m pleased to say that it’s off to a more than satisfactory start… which will just make it all the more difficult to say goodbye to this spring. Sigh…

BIG LOVE season 5 debuts Sunday, January 16th at 9PM on HBO. Will you watch?

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HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER: Is John Lithgow Barney’s Dad?

From serial killer to Stinson’s pop?

According to TVLine.com, acting legend John Lithgow (DEXTER, THIRD ROCK FROM THE SUN) is nearing a deal to play Barney’s father on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER.

CBS would not confirm the possible casting at this time, but sources close to the show say there is a quiet excitement building about Lithgow appearing on HIMYM.

Word is, as of now, Lithgow’s deal would be for just one episode.

But Lithgow does seem like a kick ass choice to play the Barnacle’s dad, no? Even if the last time we saw him onscreen, he was killing people as a hobby? I mean, the man is a pro and no stranger to comedy.

Plus, it’s about time that Barney (Neil Patrick Harris), who has been wondering about the identity of his biological father for several seasons now, came face to face with the man who spawned him, no?

Any thoughts?

Human Target | 8pm on Fox

Chance and Ilsa must protect her sister-in-law when a night at the opera turns into a hostage situation. Guerrero gets a taste of southern hospitality when he’s framed for the murder of a friend, forcing Chance to help break him out of prison. James Remar (DEXTER), Carlos Rota (24) guest.

BIG BANG THEORY Renewed For Three More Seasons

Though it’s no surprise that THE BIG BANG THEORY is here to stay, CBS announced today that they’ll be renewing the very successful sitcom for three more years.

Yup. Penny and the boys will stick around until 2014 at the very least… which is very cool… because we love them.

“It doesn’t take a theoretical physicist to see why this show is a BIG part of our comedy future. The creative genius of Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady and the on-camera talents of an amazing young ensemble have created a comedy that will entertain viewers for a long time,” Nina Tassler, President of CBS Entertainment, said in a statement.

Great news for all involved with TBBT, which has a Golden Globe nod to celebrate this month too.

Congratulations to the cast and crew!

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OFF THE MAP with FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS’ Zach Gilford Premieres Tonight

Okay, so, Zach Gilford (aka Matt Saracen on FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS) is just one of the fine actors in this ensemble cast which was put together by executive producers Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers and Jenna Bans (GREY’S ANATOMY, PRIVATE PRACTICE), but he’s the reason I’ll be giving OFF THE MAP a shot.

However, if you’re a fan of Shonda or GREY’S or PP — and I know many of you are — you should definitely peep the series premiere of OTM this evening.

It’s a medical drama in a “Doctors Without Borders” type setting and it debuts at 10/9 central.

Take an early look…

Will you watch?

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COUGAR TOWN Goes Deep Inside The Head of Andy Torres

On tonight’s all-new episode of COUGAR TOWN, the cul-de-sac crew will be debating about men and women and friendship.

But that’s like a whole day away.

Clearly too long to wait for your next taste of COUGAR.

Not to worry. The brilliant minds behind the show have crafted a little treat for their diehard fans with Andy Torres (Ian Gomez) taking center stage and you can peep the first two installments — featuring Bobby Cobb (Brian Van Holt), Travis Cobb (Dan Byrd) and other series regulars — right now.

The webisodes allow us a look into the dreams Andy has every day when he takes his ritual siesta at the office. His mind floats off into make believe, which kind of reminds me of the J.D. fantasies on SCRUBS, if they were allowed to play out for a few minutes.

Anyhoo, the first two are below and both worth watching, though I’m partial to the first…

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GLEE Spoofs Dr. Dre with MODERN FAMILY’s Sofia Vergara

Ain’t nothin’ but a GLEE thing, baby.

Matt Morrison’s abs drive me crazy.

You too?

Guess we’re not the only ones.

The cast of GLEE, with a little help from MODERN FAMILY’s Sofia Vergara and actresses Riki Lindhome and Ashley Lendzion, have put their own twist on Dr. Dre’s “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang” for your viewing pleasure… and Mr. Schue’s middle section gets the spotlight.

Take a look…

You like???

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SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE: Mary Murphy Will Return as a Resident Judge

Mary “hot tamale train” Murphy will return as a regular judge on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE this coming season.

Murphy, who was replaced on the panel last season by choreographer Mia Michaels, will sit alongside executive producer and fellow judge Nigel Lythgoe this summer, as she did in seasons 2 through 6.

Lythgoe, who returns to AMERICAN IDOL as an executive producer this season as well, made an appearance at Fox’s IDOL session this morning and I was able to get a few moments with him afterward.

“I am delighted to have Mary back,” he said.

Regarding Mia Michaels, he said he very much hopes that she will come back as a full time choreographer: “For me, last year, she was lacking [not being able to choreograph] in the competition.”

As far as all the other changes Lythgoe made to SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE last season, this year, he’s hoping to find a happy medium between the new and the old: “I’d love to find a way to incorporate both a Top 20 and the All-Stars. I’m not sure how we would do that yet, but that’s what I’d like to do.”

Any thoughts, SYTYCD fans?

Happy to hear that Mary will be back permanently? That Mia Michaels will possibly be choreographing a lot more this summer?

Speak up below…

P.S. In preparation for the new season, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE producers are traveling across the country in search of dancers who represent the best of America. The series continues its search for America’s Favorite Dancer in Salt Lake City, UT, on Wednesday, Feb. 2; in Los Angeles, CA, on Friday, Feb. 25; and in Charlotte, NC, on Tuesday, March 1. Audition information is as follows:

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Monday, January 10, 2011

Happy Monday, friends.

To help you through the first day of the week, the highlights from tonight’s TV lineup. Let us know what YOU will be watching this evening…

Lie To Me | 8pm on Fox
“Funhouse”; “Rebound
Lightman is called to a mental hospital to determine if a patient is being held against his will. Attempting to have the patient released, Lightman finds himself descending down a path that forces him to question his own sanity and brings him face-to-face with his own past. Meanwhile, Lightman is hired by a wealthy woman to do a background check on her new boyfriend, so he digs deep into the man’s past to find out the truth about this social chameleon in a two-hour episode.

The Bachelor | 8pm on ABC
“Episode 1502”
Rock Band Train’s private performance is the background music for a hot night between Brad and one lucky lady, and jealousy explodes during the season’s first group date.

Pretty Little Liars | 8pm on ABC Family
“Salt Meets Wound”
Hanna is released from the hospital, but confined to a wheelchair. Meanwhile, Aria struggles with the fact that Noel knows about her affair with Ezra, Spencer’s relationship with Alex hits a road bump, and Emily invites Maya to meet her family.

Greek | 9pm on ABC Family
“Fools Rush In”
It’s Rush Week at Cyprus Rhodes and Casey realizes she has nowhere to live now that she’s decided to stay at CRU. She reluctantly accepts the as temporary ZBZ house mother but a visit from Tegan (Charisma Carpenter) complicates things further.

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ABC Family Renews PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER

ABC Family has picked up THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER and PRETTY LITTLE LIARS for a fourth and second season, respectively.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring viewers new seasons of two of ABC Family’s most successful original series,” said network president Michael Riley. “Supported by incredibly talented casts and crews, THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER’s Brenda Hampton has an unparalleled voice in speaking to today’s Millennials, and our partnership with Alloy Entertainment and Warner Horizon continues to deliver an engaging and heart-stopping show keeping PRETTY LITTLE LIARS audiences on the edge of their seats.”

As ABC Family’s highest rated original series of all time, THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER was 2010’s No. 1 scripted cable show in Women 18-34 and Females 12-34. Last week’s midseason premiere of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS scored high, pulling in 4.2 million total viewers, becoming ABC Family’s No. 2 telecast of all time in Women 18-34 and Females 12-34. SECRET LIFE will return will new episodes on Monday, March 28.

You happy about both of these renewals? One more than the other?

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