BuzzSugar

Buzz News Roundup, 10/6

BuzzSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:36:05 PDT

The Mentalist is inching closer to being picked up for a full season. - Entertainment Weekly
Hairspray is now set to close on Broadway. - Variety
Coldplay will release an EP featuring a track with Jay-Z in November. - Billboard
James Caan and Gabriel Macht have joined the cast of Middle Men, "a chronicle of the birth of the Internet porn industry." - Variety
The creator of One Tree Hill is launching a record label. - Hollywood Reporter
The dates for the 2009 Coachella are being moved up two weeks to April 17-19. - Billboard
Landmarks from The Hills and Entourage are some of LA's hottest new tourist destinations. - LA Times
Wayne McClammy, director of those "I'm F---ing. . . " videos for Jimmy Kimmel, will direct a new Fox pilot, his first-ever network TV episode. - Hollywood Reporter

Photo courtesy of CBS

TV Tonight: The Mentalist

BuzzSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:30:42 PDT

In a Fall TV season filled with unremarkable shows (and/or shows critics just got sent within the past couple of days), The Mentalist is . . . pretty good. It's not spectacular, and it doesn't break very far out of the mold of other CBS crime series, but it's a decent show that's made watchable by its leading man.

The "mentalist" of the title is Patrick Jane, played by Simon Baker, who's best known for his role in The Devil Wears Prada (and who is not Scott Speedman). Jane's a former faux TV psychic who now helps the California Bureau of Investigations solve crimes - when he's not being belligerent and unethical, that is. Jane may be a pain in everyone's rear, but he can also be serious about his job, particularly when working on cases that tie into a personal tragedy. Sound familiar? OK, it is: The Mentalist is basically what would happen if you crossed USA's Psych, NBC's Life, and Fox's House.

I'm not sure if The Mentalist will develop into anything more than that; it partly depends on whether the crime cases stay intriguing, and also partly on whether any of the supporting characters (including one played by Robin Tunney) get interesting. But for now, it's a solid show, and Baker's pretty charismatic and easy on the eyes. I wouldn't rearrange my TiVo for it, but if you have a hole on Tuesdays at 9 and want to check out something new, The Mentalist could be worth a shot. To watch a preview,

Pilot Watch: The Mentalist

BuzzSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:31:19 PDT

The networks have announced their Fall schedules, but which of the series will actually be worth watching? This Summer, as the networks release their pilots, I'll be posting my first impressions. A lot can change before a show makes it to air - especially this year, when the writers' strike severely gummed up the production of pilots - so consider these just some quick thoughts on how the shows look now. Today's installment: The Mentalist, a new CBS drama that will be sandwiched between NCIS and Without a Trace on Tuesdays.

What's it about? The Mentalist focuses on, well, a mentalist: Thomas Jane, a former faux-psychic who with something of a dark past who now uses his observational skills to solve crimes for the California Bureau of Investigation.

Who's in it? Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Amanda Righetti, Owain Yeoman

The good: Baker is an appealing leading man, and not just because he's easy on the eyes (though that helps). His character is a jerk, but he's a jerk in the same way Dr. House is a jerk: Ultimately, he wants to do the right thing, and so it's easy to root for him even at his most abrasive. There's a good twist at the end, actually a bit reminiscent of NBC's Life pilot last season, and I also enjoyed the flashback to Jane's glory days as a TV psychic. Fans of crime procedurals will probably find a lot to like.

The bad: If you're not already a fan of the crime procedural, I'm not sure this one will win you over. There are a lot of "odd (fill-in-the-blank profession) with a tortured past" shows on the air right now, and The Mentalist will have to work pretty hard to set itself apart. I didn't get much out of any of the supporting characters, though that could be because the pilot was working so hard to set up Baker as a bankable star.

Will I watch? Perhaps. I wasn't bowled over, but I'm curious to know how the show integrates the story of Baker's past with his current cases.

To check out a preview, just

The CBS Fall Schedule: My Take (Plus Video!)

BuzzSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:30:06 PDT

CBS revealed its plans for Fall at the upfronts this morning, including more comedy and a few high-profile drama series. Now that I've had the chance to mull the schedule over, here are some of my thoughts:

CBS' decision to expand into a second night of comedy has to be good news for fans of traditional sitcoms, which CBS already did more of - and arguably does better - than any other network at this point. While the descriptions for Project Gary (pictured above) and Worst Week didn't wow me on paper, I'm curious to check out the full shows for myself.
I wouldn't have pegged CBS as a network for remakes of shows from other countries (that tends to be more NBC's bag), but that's what three of their new series are: The Ex List is imported from Israel, Worst Week is based on a BBC comedy, and Eleventh Hour was originally a BBC miniseries starring Patrick Stewart.
Hooray for How I Met Your Mother! Looking back at my coverage of last year's upfronts, I realized the show followed exactly the same pattern then: Things looked bleak for a while, but then the show went on a big upswing and made the schedule without trouble.
Which of the canceled series will you miss most? Cane never got a lot of buzz, Moonlight had a big fan following but not big ratings, and Shark . . . well, I'm not really sure what the issues were with Shark, to be honest.
Speaking of which, I assume the failure of Jericho to gain an audience after the peanut campaign pretty much puts the kibbosh on any chance of Moonlight returning no matter what fans use to bombard the network, right?

I've got some clips and photos from all the new CBS shows, and you can check them out if you

The CBS Fall Schedule: Five New Series, No Vampires

BuzzSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:35:31 PDT

CBS took its turn at the 2008 upfronts this morning, revealing a slate that boasted five new shows - and the cancellation of a couple of fan favorites. Chief among them: Moonlight, the network's Friday night vampire drama, which in recent weeks had fans organizing a blood drive in its honor. I wonder if stakes and cloves of garlic will soon be arriving at CBS' door?

The schedule also has the network opening up a new comedy night on Wednesdays, with The New Adventures of Old Christine and a new half-hour comedy called Project Gary filling the night's first hour. How I Met Your Mother is indeed back - and keeps its 8:30 p.m. slot on Mondays. As for new shows, they include the Jerry Bruckheimer project Eleventh Hour, the buzzed about drama The Mentalist, and a dramedy called The Ex List starring Elizabeth Reaser, aka Ava/Rebecca/Jane Doe from Grey's Anatomy.

Shark, Cane, Jericho, Kid Nation, and Welcome to the Captain were other series that didn't make the cut for the new season's schedule. Here's the official CBS press release, and to check out the full schedule and descriptions of the new shows, just

read more. All caps = new show (except NCIS and CSI) ** = new time slot MONDAY 8 p.m. The Big Bang Theory 8:30 p.m. How I Met Your Mother 9 p.m. Two and a Half Men 9:30 p.m. WORST WEEK 10 p.m. CSI: Miami TUESDAY 8 p.m. NCIS 9 p.m. THE MENTALIST 10 p.m. Without a Trace** WEDNESDAY 8 p.m. The New Adventures of Old Christine** 8:30 p.m. PROJECT GARY 9 p.m. Criminal Minds 10 p.m. CSI: NY THURSDAY 8 p.m. Survivor 9 p.m. CSI 10 p.m. ELEVENTH HOUR FRIDAY 8 p.m. Ghost Whisperer 9 p.m. THE EX LIST 10 p.m. Numb3rs SATURDAY 8 p.m. CBS Crimetime 10 p.m. 48 Hours Mystery SUNDAY 7 p.m. 60 Minutes 8 p.m. The Amazing Race 9 p.m. Cold Case 10 p.m. The Unit** Midseason: HARPER'S ISLAND, Rules of Engagement Here's how CBS describes the new shows: Worst Week Worst Week is a comedy about Sam Briggs, an entertainment magazine editor who will do anything to please his girlfriend's parents . . . but instead becomes a one-man wrecking crew whenever he's around them. Sam (Kyle Bornheimer, Jericho) and his girlfriend, Melanie Clayton (Erinn Hayes, Kitchen Confidential), have only one hurdle left to clear as they start their life together: breaking the news to Mel's conservative parents that they have a wedding in the works and a baby on the way. Dick (Kurtwood Smith, That '70s Show), a stern Judge, and his wife Angela (Nancy Lenehan, My Name is Earl), are protective of their daughter, and are really trying to let go of the anger they feel toward Sam ... after all, disaster follows whenever he visits their house. But despite his best efforts, every time Sam takes one positive step forward in winning over his future in-laws, he inevitably takes two crushing steps back. But with support and love from Melanie who stands up for him despite his knack for making himself look bad, Sam will hopefully charm his way into her family. Project Gary Project Gary stars Jay Mohr (Ghost Whisperer) and Paula Marshall (Nip/Tuck) in a comedy about Gary Barnes, a recently single painting contractor, and his controlling ex-wife, Allison, who face post-divorce mayhem after 15 years of marriage as they each embark on new relationships. He's the fun parent and she's the strict one. Together, they share custody of their two children - Louise (Laura Marano, Without a Trace), a politically correct and environmentally conscious 11-year-old, and Tom (Ryan Malgarini, How to Eat Fried Worms), their socially awkward 14-year-old son who is nervous around girls. Charming and acerbic, Gary hasn't dated since the split, but finally connects with Vanessa (Jaime King, The Class), a single mother whose condo he was hired to paint. He dreads telling Allison about Vanessa because it doesn't adhere to her belief in their marriage counselor's book, Rules for the Perfect Divorce. However, when Allison tells him that she's engaged to their shrink, all bets are off and Gary decides it's time to move forward. Now, in pursuit of post-marriage happiness, Gary must juggle his eclectic world of an ex-wife, their two kids, their shrink and his gorgeous new girlfriend. The Mentalist The Mentalist stars Golden Globe Award nominee Simon Baker (The Devil Wears Prada) as Patrick Jane, a detective and independent consultant with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his razor sharp skills of observation. Within the Bureau, Jane is notorious for his blatant lack of protocol and his semi-celebrity past as a psychic medium, whose paranormal abilities he now admits he feigned. Jane's role in cracking a series of tough high-profile cases is greatly valued by his fellow agents. However, no-nonsense Senior Agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney, Prison Break) openly resists having Jane in her unit and alternates between reluctantly acknowledging Jane's usefulness and blasting him for his theatrics, narcissism and dangerous lack of boundaries. Lisbon's team includes agents Kimball Cho (Tim Kang, Rambo), Wayne Rigsby (Owain Yeoman, The Nine), and rookie member Grace Van Pelt (Amanda Righetti, The O.C.), who all think Jane's a loose cannon but admire his charm and knack for clearing cases. Eleventh Hour Eleventh Hour from acclaimed producer Jerry Bruckheimer follows Dr. Jacob Hood (Rufus Sewell, The Illusionist), a brilliant biophysicist and special science advisor to the government, as he investigates scientific crises and oddities. His jurisdiction is absolute and Hood is dogged in his pursuit of those who would abuse and misuse scientific discoveries and breakthroughs for their own gain. His passion and crusade is to protect the substance of science from those with nefarious motives. He is called in at the eleventh hour and he represents the last line of defense. The Ex List The Ex List is a comedic drama about Bella Bloom (Elizabeth Reaser, Grey's Anatomy) - a single, 30-something, successful business owner who is surprised to learn from a psychic that she's already dated her future husband AND there's a catch: if she doesn't find him in the next year, she'll remain alone forever. During a bachelorette party for her sister, Daphne (Rachel Boston, American Dreams), Bella learns from the psychic she must revisit her past relationships and sort through the mistakes to find her soul mate. Skeptical, Bella begins to analyze every past liaison and failed romance with her close circle of friends, Augie (Adam Rothenberg, Mad Money), an endearing guy who has listened to Bella's love woes since college, Vivian (Alex Breckenridge, Dirt), Augie's long-term girlfriend, and Cyrus (Amir Talai, Campus Ladies), who's chronically unemployed and full of wry observations. Once Bella witnesses proof of the psychic's other predictions, her cynicism disappears and she begins her search. Along her trip down break-up lane, Bella is determined to remain optimistic and receptive, believing that when destiny reopens doors to the past, every relationship can matter in the future. Photos courtesy of CBS

What to TiVo: Thursday

BuzzSugar — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:59:00 PST

8:00 Wipeout (new)
9:00 Grey's Anatomy (new)
10:00 Private Practice (new)
12:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live (new, with guests Courteney Cox and Tony Bennett)

8:00 The Big Bang Theory (new)
8:30 Rob (new)
9:00 Person of Interest (new)
10:00 The Mentalist (new)
11:35 Late Show With David Letterman (new, with guest Nicolas Cage)
12:37 Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (new, with guests Lisa Kudrow and Weird Al Yankovic)

8:00 American Idol (new)
9:00 The Finder (new)

8:00 30 Rock (new)
9:00 The Office (new)
9:30 Up All Night (new)
10:00 The Voice (repeat)
11:35 Tonight Show With Jay Leno (new, with guests Denzel Washington and Octavia Spencer)
12:35 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (new, with guests Zooey Deschanel and Chris Hardwick)

8:00 The Vampire Diaries (new)
9:00 The Secret Circle (new)

More TV to watch when you read more.

What to TiVo: Thursday

BuzzSugar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:59:52 PST

8:00 Wipeout (new)
9:00 Grey's Anatomy (new)
10:00 Private Practice (new)
12:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live (new, with guests Gary Oldman, Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim)

8:00 The Big Bang Theory (new)
8:30 Rob (new)
9:00 Person of Interest (new)
10:00 The Mentalist (new)
11:35 Late Show With David Letterman (new, with guests Woody Harrelson and Stephen Merchant)
12:37 Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (new, with guest Daniel Radcliffe)

8:00 American Idol (new)
9:00 The Finder (new)

8:00 30 Rock (new)
8:30 Parks and Recreation (new)
9:00 The Office (new)
9:30 Up All Night (new)
10:00 The Firm (new)
11:35 Tonight Show With Jay Leno (new, with guests Drew Barrymore and Blake Shelton)
12:35 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (new, with guests Taylor Lautner, Adam Levine, and Drew Brees)

8:00 The Vampire Diaries (new)
9:00 The Secret Circle (new)

More TV to watch when you read more.

What to TiVo: Thursday

BuzzSugar — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:59:37 PST

8:00 Wipeout (repeat)
9:00 Grey's Anatomy (repeat)
10:00 Private Practice (repeat)
12:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live (new, with guests Andre Agassi and JB Smoove)

8:00 The Big Bang Theory (new)
8:30 Rob (new)
9:00 Person of Interest (repeat)
10:00 The Mentalist (repeat)
11:35 Late Show With David Letterman (repeat)
12:37 Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (repeat)

8:00 American Idol (new)
9:00 The Finder (new)

8:00 30 Rock (new)
8:30 Parks and Recreation (new)
9:00 30 Rock (new)
9:30 Up All Night (repeat)
10:00 The Firm (new)
11:35 Tonight Show With Jay Leno (repeat)
12:35 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (repeat)

More TV to watch when you read more.

What to TiVo: Thursday

BuzzSugar — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:59:00 PST

8:00 Wipeout (new)
9:00 Grey's Anatomy (new)
10:00 Private Practice (new)
12:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live (new, with guests Tom Arnold and Keke Palmer)

8:00 The Big Bang Theory (new)
8:30 Rob (new)
9:00 Person of Interest (new)
10:00 The Mentalist (new)
11:35 Late Show With David Letterman (new, with guest Kathy Griffin)
12:37 Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson

8:00 American Idol (new)
9:00 The Finder (new)

8:00 30 Rock (new)
8:30 Parks and Recreation (new)
9:00 The Office (new)
9:30 Up All Night (new)
10:00 The Firm (new)
11:35 Tonight Show With Jay Leno (new, with guests Wanda Sykes and Mark Cuban)
12:35 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (new, with guest Ewan McGregor)

8:00 The Vampire Diaries (new)
9:00 The Secret Circle (new)

More TV to watch when you read more.

What to TiVo: Thursday

BuzzSugar — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:59:00 PST

8:00 Wipeout (new)
9:00 Grey's Anatomy (new)
10:00 Private Practice (new)
12:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live (new, with guest Meryl Streep)

8:00 The Big Bang Theory (new)
8:30 Rob (new, series premiere)
9:00 Person of Interest (new)
10:00 The Mentalist (new)
11:35 Late Show With David Letterman (new, with guest John McCain)
12:37 Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (new, with guest Hugh Laurie)

8:00 Bones (new)
9:00 The Finder (new)

8:00 30 Rock (new)
8:30 Parks and Recreation (new)
9:00 The Office (new)
9:30 Up All Night (new)
10:00 The Firm (new)
11:35 Tonight Show With Jay Leno (new, with guests Gerard Butler and Betty White)
12:35 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (new, with guests Daniel Radcliffe and Elisabeth Hasselback)

8:00 The Vampire Diaries (new)
9:00 The Secret Circle (new)

More TV to watch when you read more.