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Buzz News Roundup, 11/21

BuzzSugar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:15:22 -0800

Strike news: A huge number of actors will be recording PSAs in support of the writers on the LA Weekly's Deadline Hollywood Daily blog; the New York Times says some showrunners have returned to their non-writing duties; the LA Times says the strike could cost the city $20 million per day; and Variety has the news that directors have reached a deal that will probably keep them off the picket lines.
Billboard says Weezer will release a new album in April, while NME has the tracklist for frontman Rivers Cuomo's solo album.
David Hasselhoff may reprise his Knight Rider role for NBC's remake, Zap2it reports.
Cirque du Soleil will open a show in Hollywood starting in 2010, writes Variety.
TV Guide reports on a survey that says Americans wish Clair Huxtable were cooking their Thanksgiving dinner - and want to keep Peg Bundy away from the stove.
Fox has apologized for a Polish slur in an episode of Back to You, writes the New York Daily News.
Variety reports that advertisements for Shoot 'Em Up have been banned in the UK.

Back to You will be Back for More

BuzzSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:26:05 -0700

The latest show to get a full-season pickup: Back to You, the Kelsey Grammer/Patricia Heaton comedy on Fox. The show was one of the first to be picked up by any network last spring, so I suppose it only makes sense that Fox would be standing by it now.

The network has ordered 11 more episodes of the show, bringing the total number of episodes to 24 for the season. Its ratings haven't been great - it hovers somewhere between 6.5 and 7 million viewers each week - but it's been consistent. And, as was recently pointed out with the pickup of Gossip Girl, networks are changing their standards for what's considered a hit show in the first place.

In other news:

ABC has ordered six more scripts of Samantha Who? The show is the No. 1 new comedy of the season and did almost as well in the ratings this week as it did in its premiere.
The CW wants three more Reaper scripts, even though this week's ratings were (gulp) a series low.

I'm a little surprised we haven't heard about any of the NBC shows yet. All of the other networks have picked up at least one key series (Back to You for Fox, Gossip Girl for the CW, Pushing Daisies and Private Practice for ABC, The Big Bang Theory for CBS). None of NBC's series has been a huge hit, but I figured at least one of them would have gotten the network's support by now.

TV Tonight: Welcome Back, TV!

BuzzSugar — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:30:47 -0700

Finally! At long last, it's starting to get hard to decide what to watch on TV. While many shows don't start till next week, three networks have new shows premiering tonight, and most of them are worth a look:

Fox has the premiere of its new comedy "Back to You" and Gordan Ramsay's "Kitchen Nightmares," with a new episode of "'Til Death" sandwiched in bewteen.
CBS has the much-ballyhooed premiere of "Kid Nation"
The CW kicks off the new season of "America's Next Top Model," then follows it up with the first episode of "Gossip Girl."

Throw in a special on ABC about the character of Addison and the live finale of "Last Comic Standing" on NBC, and it's quite the night for the major networks. Me, I'll be checking out "Kid Nation," "ANTM" and "Gossip Girl." You? To watch video clips of each of the four brand-new shows making their debuts tonight, read more
"Gossip Girl":

"Kid Nation":

"Kitchen Nightmares":

"Back to You":

Photos courtesy of CBS, The CW and Fox

Pilot Watch: "Back to You"

BuzzSugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:30:00 -0700

The networks have announced their fall schedules, but which of the series will actually be worth watching? Throughout the summer, as I watch the pilots, I'll be posting my first impressions. A lot can change before a show makes it to air, so these aren't comprehensive reviews, just quick thoughts on how the shows look now. Today's installment: the Fox comedy "Back to You."

What's it about? A disgraced news anchor returns to the smaller market where he once was a superstar and must work again with his former co-anchor, who's not thrilled to have to share the spotlight with him.

Who's in it? Kelsey Grammer, Patricia Heaton, Fred Willard

The good: I'm an ex-"Fraiser" fan, and this show reminded me that I really do like Kelsey Grammer. For a traditional sitcom - and, don't get me wrong, it is very traditional - it had more laughs than I was expecting. It feels very professional, by which I mean that you can tell that everyone from the lead actors to the writers to the peripheral cast know what it takes to make a comedy work.

The bad: "Back to You" doesn't break any new ground; I've seen all these jokes and plot lines before. The pilot has a supposedly shocking twist that Fox begged reporters not to reveal, but it's the kind of thing that anyone over the age of 12 could figure out easily.

Will I watch? Doubtful, but not because it's bad, per se - it's just not my style.

To watch a video and see a gallery of photos, read more

View 18 Photos ›

Photos courtesy of Fox

First Connecticut, Now Pennsylvania?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:30:00 -0700

A while back, I told you that Connecticut was becoming filmmaking's latest hot spot. Now, I'm wondering if Pennsylvania's next. Much to Sienna Miller's likely chagrin, filmmakers and TV producers haven't exactly fled the state ever since her famously nasty comments while filming The Mysteries of Pittsburgh there last year.

Instead, the upcoming Spike TV show "The Kill Point" recently spent more than two months filming in Pittsburgh, and the state legislature is considering implementing tax breaks - like those that have helped push filmmakers to Connecticut - for productions that choose to locate in the state.

But that may not be the only reason producers have The Keystone State on the brain these days. Quite a few current and upcoming TV shows are set throughout the state - even if they're not actively filming there. Consider:

"The Office," which is responsible for putting Scranton on the map, is sending a producer to Scranton to look for local businesses, goods and services to feature on the show, from vending machine snacks to notepads that could appear on a character's desk.
"Back to You," a new Fox show starring Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton as newscasters, is set in Pittsburgh - and will be paired on the schedule with the Eastern Pennsylvania-set Brad Garrett sitcom "Til Death."

More PA goodies, so read more

TNT's "Heartland" focuses on transplant surgeons at a fictional Pittsburgh hospital.
"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" - which states its connection to the state right in its title - is set to return to TV in September.

Sheesh. I wonder which underappreciated state will be next?

Photo courtesy of Philip R. Cloutier

Get a Sneak Peek of the New Fox Shows!

BuzzSugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 23:30:28 -0700

Thanks to Fox, we now have sneak previews of that network's new fall shows, to add to the clips we've already seen from ABC, NBC, CBS and the CW. I'm eager to hear what you think of these clips, so get watching!

"New Amsterdam" (pictured above)
I still think this story of an immortal detective is the strangest of Fox's shows.

"The Return of Jezebel James"
Somehow, I think this would be much better without the laugh track.

I've got clips from the other Fox shows plus lots of photos, so read more

"Back to You
I must admit, I do kind of like Kelsey Grammer.

"Canterbury's Law"

"Sarah Connor Chronicles"
I wonder if you have to be really into the Terminator movies to like this?

"K-Ville"

"The Rules for Starting Over"
I wonder when I'll stop seeing Rashida as Karen from "The Office"?

"K-Ville"

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"New Amsterdam"

View 4 Photos ›

"Back to You"

View 3 Photos ›

"Canterbury's Law"

View 5 Photos ›

"The Return of Jezebel James"

View 4 Photos ›

"Sarah Connor Chronicles"

View 6 Photos ›

"The Rules for Starting Over"

View 4 Photos ›

Photos and video courtesy of Fox

The Office, "Shareholder Meeting": Best Lines of the Night

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:30:00 -0800

Looks like The Office is trying for a little economic relevance. While it sort of knocks you over the head this week - e.g. showing the Dow Jones sign - you can't blame the writers for making the story timely. Michael travels to New York for a shareholders meeting with Dwight, Andy, and Oscar in tow, but instead of being honored for his work at the branch, he steps into what's essentially a sounding board for grievances.

Lots of great quotes in this episode, so let's recap some of my favorites, shall we? (Don't worry, I've included Michael's big speech.)

"Recyclops will drown you in your over-watered lawns."-Dwight
Obviously the writers had to plug NBC's Green Week like the rest of the network, but The Office's is one of the most creative. I especially enjoyed Jim's side story about how Recyclops's fictional planet was attacked and he "vowed to destroy the planet he once loved." Oh, and his nemesis Polluticorn, which is actually a Power Rangers reference. They could've made the entire episode about Recyclops, and I would've been happy - if for nothing else, just to see Dwight rock that weird eye headband.

For more quips from the evening, including a deleted limo scene, read more.

Dwight: "Oh, I'm sorry were you raised in a household with no consequences?"
Woman in line: "It'll just be a second."
Dwight: "Oh, if onlys and justs were candies and nuts, then every day would be Erntedankfest."
Dwight lays into the woman in the microphone line when she wants to use the bathroom, but his special comeback phrase really made me laugh. I plan on reciting it myself at least once this week. (By the way, I googled "Erntedankfest" and it's Germany's Thanksgiving. Dwight taught me something!)

Pam: "Well, I can't really imagine you yelling at anyone."
Jim: "Oh, I yell, you've heard me yell."
Pam: "Oh, okay. I've heard you exclaim, like the time you said, Hey look, we parked over here."
Jim: "Well that was apple picking day. There's no need to yell that day. You know, I was just excited to find the car. Perfect end to a perfect day."
Aw, Jim. You try so hard to be tough. But you've got to admit that putting Ryan in the closet is genius. Not only does it teach the guy a lesson, but I'm considering it payback for all of those weird getups that Ryan's been wearing recently. (Remember the fedora?!)

"We're gonna come back with a plan for you, it's a 45-day plan, 45 days to get us back on track, 45 points. It's a 45-day, 45 point, one point per day, we get the 45 points. We are back in business. And you can take that to the bank. And limo lady, we are going completely carbon neutral! I love you New York!"-Michael
Best. Speech. Ever. God forbid anyone ever give Michael Scott a mic - serves them right. Oh, and speaking of limos, check out this funny deleted scene of the boys in their ride.

"I just want to say that I believe that there are options out there. A take-a-number option like they have in a deli. What about line varieties? Like an express line for quick comments of ten words or less that could move much more efficiently. What about ropes along the lines that you can hold on to?"-Dwight
I was always welcome a ridiculous Dwight rant, and this was one of his better ones.

Alright, so your turn! What'd you think of the episode? The whole situation has me questioning what's going to happen to Michael in next week's episode. The guy destroys the shareholders meeting, his CEO is annoyed, and then he runs off with the limo - are there going to be repercussions?

If you're a Dunder Mifflin fanatic, head on over to The Office! group in the BuzzSugar Community!

Photo and videos courtesy of NBC

Buzz-Worthy Video: Sneak Peek at Chuck Season 3!

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:30:24 -0800

I was so excited yesterday to learn that Chuck's third season premiere has been scheduled - and it's less than two months away. Still, the big two-hour kickoff can't come soon enough for me, especially after last year's epic finale. If you feel my pain, then you need to check out this sneak peek at the upcoming season. Zach Levi (sporting a new, shorter 'do) presents a very sweet message thanking his fans for all their support before showing a brand-new clip.

Even though Chuck has been given an upgrade, he's just as goofy and lovable as ever. Casey and Sarah are back undercover as our hero tries to play debonair once again - only this time he's actually got a few skills. We also get a taste for that famous sexual tension between Chuck and Sarah. I'm already counting the days so to check it out just read more.

Photo courtesy of NBC

FlashForward Breakdown, "Believe"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:30:32 -0800

The most central characters of FlashForward take a backseat this week, letting Bryce and Aaron take the spotlight. It's a nice relief from Mark and Demetri's constant agonizing over their own fates (though we still get a dose of that, too).

We learn that Bryce has been keeping a big secret, and Aaron's reunion with his daughter isn't all he had expected it to be. Ready to get into it? Just read more.

I want to believe: We finally get some insight into why Bryce tried to kill himself: he has stage four cancer and has been keeping it a secret from everyone but his therapist. We also get to see his saving grace - in his flashforward, Bryce is laughing and smiling in a restaurant with a pretty Asian woman. Determined to make his fate come true, Bryce takes up Japanese (with Nicole's help) and even heads to Asia when he's supposed to be in Houston testing out a wonder drug. Here's what confuses me: in Bryce's vision, he sees himself saying "you're really here" and he knows it's months into the future. Why does he try to rush fate? I wasn't surprised at all when he and Keiko don't make the connection in Japan (though I did feel a bit disappointed for him). Side note: Nicole is totally falling for Bryce.

Across the pond: Bryce isn't the only one who is featured this week; we get some background info on the (literal) woman of his dreams. Keiko is a young, bright woman living with her parents and working for a robotics firm. Though her life looks perfect on paper, Keiko is bored at work and with her personal life, longing to play her guitar and find her soulmate. She gets a shiny new outlook on life when she sees Bryce in her vision, and we realize that their meeting doesn't take place in Japan after all, but in LA.

Family ties: Aaron is having a hard time adjusting to life with Tracy. Her continual drinking habit causes a fight between them; Aaron can't be around alcohol, and Tracy feels entitled to drink after all she's been through. Tracy storms out and Aaron blames himself for her addiction and her post-war transformation. Mark only makes matters worse when he accuses Aaron of telling Olivia that he was drinking in his flashforward, and Aaron tells Mark he shouldn't be his sponsor anymore. Losing his sponsor can't be good for Mark and his vision.

Other major plot points:

Demetri finally makes strides on figuring out who called him about his murder. The call is traced back to Hong Kong, and though Stan doesn't want Demetri heading overseas, Mark offers to go with him in secret.
The FBI agents discover that suspect zero wears a ring with an alpha symbol on it but aren't sure what to make of it.

Did you like this week's episode, or were you longing for more action? Will Nicole get in the way of Bryce and Keiko?

The Blind Side: An Unexpected Delight

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:30:42 -0800

It's not that the trailer for The Blind Side isn't compelling; the problem is that it combines Sandra Bullock's twangiest, most-over-the top lines with a heartrending song, which makes it seem schlocky. That's exactly what I expected from the movie, but I have to admit that I was wrong - to my surprise, I found it to be a sentimental gem that's actually quite restrained.

The Blind Side is the true story (based on Michael Lewis's book) of NFL player Michael Oher, who grew up in Memphis's projects with his drug-addicted mother and landed in and out of foster homes. He ended up in a fancy private school and in the home of a wealthy family, the Touhys, led by tough-talking Leigh Anne (Bullock). The weaving of Michael's newfound life in the movie is effective, with sweet bits of humor and just enough emotion.

To see what I liked about the film, just read more.

The movie is full of many surprises: first, it looks like it's going to be mainly about football, but it's not all sports. There is proper attention given to Michael's life before he's taken in and the development of the relationships between the Touhy family members and Michael.

Another nice thing is how smoothly Bullock slides into her role. It's not just her wardrobe and hair that transforms her into the high-maintenance Southern matriarch; her manner as the tough mom who's not completely comfortable showing emotion is very natural - not what I'd expect from the laid-back actress.

Quinton Aaron is also impressive as a sad-eyed orphan turned well-adjusted student and son over the course of the movie. It's not an incredibly complex performance, but his teddy bear presence is irresistible. The supporting players are equally as enjoyable: Tim McGraw, whom I didn't expect much from, is charming, while the Touhy children win you over with their affection for their new brother. The late addition of Kathy Bates (whose role is basically an extended cameo) is hardly needed to bolster the movie, but she adds a nice touch as well.

At two hours and six minutes, the movie is a little too long; director John Lee Hancock seemed intent on fitting in nearly every detail of Michael's journey. Then again, at the end you're rewarded with the payoff: footage and photos of the real-life Touhys and Michael. It's an emotionally satisfying ending to a movie that makes no apologies for being so uplifting.

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.