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The Beautiful Life Gets Cancelled After Only Two Episodes!

Molly — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:27:46 -0700

The CW has pulled the plug on The Beautiful Life after airing only two episodes. The ratings were dismal for the premiere and apparently things weren't looking up after the second week on the air. This makes TBL the first of the new Fall shows to be canceled after two other new CW shows - Melrose Place and The Vampire Diaries - were both picked up for more episodes. Sad news for Mischa Barton, the rest of the cast, and producer Ashton Kutcher. So, are you disappointed to see The Beautiful Life go so soon?

Photo courtesy of The CW

Pilot Watch: "Viva Laughlin"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:30:00 -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: "Viva Laughlin," a musical drama - yes, you read that right - from CBS.

What's it about? A Nevada casino owner battles rivals and tries to support his family, all while spontaneously breaking into song.

Who's in it? Lloyd Owen, Madchen Amick, DB Woodside, Eric Winter, Melanie Griffith, Hugh Jackman (guest star)

The good: The show is based on the British series "Viva Blackpool," and while I've never seen it, I've heard mostly positive things about it - so the concept, at least, is a good one. Jackman has a nice touch with the bizarre singing bits, even though his screen time is limited.

The bad: This show is seriously confused. Is it a campy, fun musical, or is it a murder mystery? The song-and-dance numbers seem half-hearted and poorly placed, but the parts of the show that aren't set to music are even worse. Owen plays off Jackman just fine, but he doesn't command attention on his own - and that's bad, because it's not known how much Jackman will actually be on the show going forward.

Will I watch? I really, really wanted to, but in the end, this isn't even "so bad it's good." It's just "eh." And I'm not sure there's room for "eh" on my schedule this fall.

To watch a couple of preview clips and see a gallery of photos, read more

View 11 Photos ›

Photos courtesy of CBS

BuzzSugar's Fall 2007 TV Schedule

BuzzSugar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:32:27 -0700

With all the fall TV shows starting these days, it's hard to keep track of what's on when. So we at the Sugar Network have decided to make your life a little easier by putting together a handy guide to the networks' primetime shows. You can download and print a pretty PDF file, or you can check out the clickable HTML version that takes you straight to everything we've written about the shows. Pop and I have even marked a few of our favorites to help you choose. Check out the schedules below, and get watching!


Click here for the PDF		Click here for the HTML

Fall TV Scorecard: What's In, What's Out, and What's in Danger

BuzzSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:30:30 -0700

It's a tough life for a freshman TV series, and every Fall some new shows have to get cut - but on the bright side, others are given a vote of confidence and picked up for a full season. We're at the end of October now, and most of the networks have made their big decisions, so here's a rundown on what shows are in, out, or balancing on the edge.

What's In
At NBC, Parks and Recreation, Community, and Mercy have all been picked up for full seasons, as have CBS shows The Good Wife and NCIS: Los Angeles and ABC's The Middle, Cougar Town, FlashForward, and Modern Family.

Over on The CW, ratings-winner The Vampire Diaries has been given an entire season. Fox's newbies have fared very well, with pop culture phenomenon Glee having gotten an early pickup, while The Cleveland Show got a full season before it premiered, and has already been granted a second season. On HBO, Bored to Death has gotten a second as well.

But not everyone has been so lucky; to see which shows have been canceled and what's in danger, just read more.

What's Out

Despite backing from Ashton Kutcher, The Beautiful Life got axed by The CW after just two episodes, and A&E's Benjamin Bratt vehicle The Cleaner is out too. But it's not all bleak news; though NBC oversaw Southland's surprise cancellation, the show may be getting a second chance from TNT.

Danger Zone

These newer shows haven't been canceled, but that's no guarantee of safety. Melrose Place did get picked up for more episodes - but only an 18-ep season (sister show The Vampire Diaries got 22). Dollhouse is being benched for all-important November sweeps, leaving its fate unclear. And struggling shows The Forgotten, Accidentally on Purpose, and Hank haven't been picked up or axed yet, but the lack of news isn't promising.

It's interesting seeing the season's hits and misses - you guys had some correct predictions for pickups and cancellations, but are you surprised by anything overall?

Photos courtesy of Fox and The CW

Fall TV Update: Eastwick, the Forgotten, and Life Unexpected

BuzzSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:30:27 -0800

A few weeks ago I gave you guys a roundup of the fate of Fall's newest shows, but there's been some shake-ups in the industry this week. The first is sad news for Eastwick fans: the show has been canceled and will be gone after its first 13 episodes are aired. Lindsay Price just can't catch a break, can she?

Elsewhere on ABC, Christian Slater's The Forgotten is still ticking with five more episodes added to the season, but Let's Dance - the newest celebrity dance competition hosted by Kathy Griffin - is dead in the water. Apparently the show runners couldn't round up enough celeb talent, which is good news for those of you who are sick of all the dance shows.

Finally, the CW's newest addition to the prime-time lineup, Life Unexpected, has gotten a release date. The drama starring WB vets Shiri Appleby and Kerr Smith will premiere on Jan. 18, taking Gossip Girl's time slot while GG goes on a hiatus.

Whew! That's a lot to process all at once, but how are you feeling about these latest updates?

Buzz In: What Returning Shows Have Let You Down?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:30:00 -0700

I've already asked you guys about your favorite new fall dramas and comedies, but what about the regular shows that you're used to watching? Are you disappointed with any of the new seasons?

You know I love Gossip Girl, but it hasn't exactly been a smooth transition from high school to college for the Upper East Siders. I've also been a bit underwhelmed by Grey's Anatomy, which hasn't lived up to my expectations after an amazing season finale. What about you? Are you unhappy with the newest season of your favorite returning show? Vent about it in the comments!

What's Your Favorite New Fall TV Drama?

BuzzSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:30:42 -0700

Fall TV is in full swing, and we've already seen one of the season's new series go up in smoke (RIP, TBL). Yesterday you voted on your favorite comedy - Glee is running away with that competition - but what's your favorite new drama series?

90210 vs. Melrose Place: Which Was More Scandalous?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:30:12 -0800

This week's CW drama block may have its share of cool guest stars like N.E.R.D. and Samantha Ronson, but, on the whole, it's a total mess. On the one hand, you've got the unstable girls of 90210 having emotional breakdowns at the drop of a hat; on the other, the Melrose Place residents are busy sneaking around to cover up their crimes. Personally, I was a bit annoyed by all the over-the-topness - especially you, Annie. Oh, and you, Ivy. But hey, at least it gives us a few surprising moments.

Ready to dissect each show and decide which packed more punch? (Warning: major spoilers!) Take a peek at my arguments and then weigh in with your own when you read more.

90210 point: Sasha is officially a nut job. First she tells Dixon that she's pregnant, but when Debbie gets wind of it, she questions Sasha even further to catch her in her baby lies. But the best part? When Debbie says the line, "It starts with you're not pregnant, and it ends with stay away from my son." Oh, snap! Congrats Debbie, you just went up a notch on the list of cool TV moms. Sasha backs off, telling Dixon she had a "miscarriage."
Melrose Place counterpoint: Did David kill Sydney? They sure try to make it seem that way. David tells Ella that he was blackout drunk that night after finding out that Syd was sleeping with his father - and then he has a flashback where he wakes up with blood all over himself and a knife in his hand. I gasped a little over the big reveal, but I'm not entirely convinced that David wasn't set up by someone else.

90210 point: Annie is getting in way over her head with Jasper, and unfortunately, she seems much too insecure to dig herself out. When Navid hears that Jasper is a dealer, he tells Annie and she confronts Jasper about it. Jasper wigs out, making Annie cry and beg forgiveness. Later, we see Jasper selling drugs to someone, so we know the rumors are true. For more on his buyer, keep reading.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Jonah makes out with Kendra, the hot movie producer, literally within the first five minutes of the episode. (That didn't take long.) He stops things from going further, but when he comes clean to Riley, he gets on her case again for her kiss with Auggie. She apologizes profusely, but the damage has already been done. By the end of the episode, I was thinking, Wait, did they actually just break up?! I don't think so, but if you stuck around for next week's promo, things do not look good for the engaged couple.

90210 point: Jen is back, throwing around her prima donna wicked attitude. She walks in on Ryan during his date with the bartender from the previous episode and goes into attack mode with the verbal jabs. ("You look older closer up.") Ryan is actually turned on by her jealousy, and the two become exclusive. But what I can't understand is why, after he knows that she lies, does he actually trust her story about Liam coming on to her? He totally buys it!
Melrose Place counterpoint: Auggie finally gives his a-hole boss Marcello a piece of his mind, er, fists. Marcello passes off one of Auggie's recipes as his own, and then he makes a few lewd comments about Riley - and you know how Auggie feels about Riley. He starts swinging, knocking Marcello out. Back at the apartment later, Violet shows up, and in a moment of what I can only blame on Auggie's emotional distress, the two finally knock boots. I'm guessing this means we'll be seeing Violet's worst kind of crazy very soon (right before she and Auggie say sayonara).

90210 point: Adrianna is inching closer to her previous life of drug use. It starts when she plays a song asking for Navid's forgiveness. (So cheesy!) He turns her down, so she continues sulking in bed, sobbing. Silver and Naomi want her to go to a meeting so she can stay clean, and with due concern - at the end of the episode, we see her buying from none other than Jasper.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Ella's squeaky-clean client, Jessie, is hospitalized with major cocaine in his system, so she begs Lauren to write a fake report citing an allergy as the cause of his stay. Lauren refuses. (Anyone else confused about why Lauren continues to take the high road, despite her side prostitution gig?) Ella then discovers a wad of cash in Lauren's room and realizes her Pretty Woman secret. Of course Lauren denies the accusations, but no matter - Ella decides to let her star take the fall anyway and promises to never question Lauren again.

90210 had way more melodramatic outbursts, but those ladies were so crazy that it kind of turned me off. (You girls give women a bad name. Even Violet seemed normal this week compared to you.) So I'm giving this week to Melrose by default: I was genuinely shocked at David's bloody flashback and the fact that Jonah has suddenly broken out of his perfect-fiance persona. I expect scandal from someone like Auggie or Ella, but from Jonah? Come on!

Do you disagree? Were you actually loving all of the melodrama on 90210?

Don't forget that you can also keep the conversation going over in the 90210 Superfans group in the Buzz Community. Check it out!

Photos courtesy of The CW

Rewind: This Week's Buzz

BuzzSugar — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:00:00 -0700

We got a double whammy of Matt Damon movie previews: Invictus and Green Zone, and the busy guy is in talks for the next Coen brothers movie.
What shows have been canceled, picked up for full seasons, or renewed? I racked up the results on my Fall TV scorecard and a late-week update.
I chit-chatted with some of my favorite TV stars this week; read my interviews with FlashForward's Sonya Walger and Parks and Recreation's Chris Pratt and Rashida Jones.
Many lovely ladies made movie casting news this week, including Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Biel, Diane Kruger and January Jones.
Michael Jackson's tribute doc This Is It premiered Wednesday, so I caught a show and gave it my review - and stamp of approval.
Good news for Hollywood's funnymen: Ricky Gervais is set to host the Golden Globes, while Steve Carell scored a role in a gold comedy, and Adam Sandler is going to play both Jack and Jill in his next movie.
The Office characters one-upped their own show with the webisode music video for "Male Prima Donna" by Subtle Sexuality.
The Martin Scorcese biopic is full steam ahead, with Leo as the top choice for both you guys and Martin Scorsese.

Buzz Interview: Sonya Walger Talks Pulling Double Duty For FlashForward and Lost

BuzzSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:30:00 -0700

I've been hooked on FlashForward since I saw the pilot back at the TCA, thanks to the intriguing premise and action-packed episodes. Earlier this week I had the opportunity to chat with Sonya Walger, who stars as Olivia and also plays Penny on Lost. While she made sure not to reveal any spoilers, Sonya talked about her character, the comparisons between shows, and more.

On how her friends and family have responded to the show: They've been completely thrilled. It was fun, I was in London just last week. I had a few days off so nipped home to see my mom. It's so fun to have the show airing simultaneously there, in a real time experience. Everyone's excited about it. It's really exciting.
On having a new TV family: It's lovely. It's lovely to have a place to belong to and come to every week. The scripts are so fun to get. They're really exciting. Week after week it's just a treat to come home and find them on your doorstep.
On her hopes for Olivia and Mark's relationship: You hope for Olivia's sake and for their little girl's sake that they can stay together; but at the same time I wouldn't wish Olivia to stay in a relationship that was miserable and making her and the three of them unhappy. You just want the best for your character, really.

To see what else Sonya had to say about Lost, Halloween, and her other favorite show of the Fall, just read more.

Would she take an opportunity to see a flashforward of her own? No, I'd hate it. I would turn it down, I wouldn't want anything to do with it.
On the comparisons between Lost and FlashForward: I feel the comparisons are inevitable, to be honest. Any time you've got a big show with an ensemble cast and they're all reacting to the same big event, then of course you're going to get Lost comparisons - particularly when you've got two cast members who are from the old show. I think and hope that quite quickly the comparisons will turn off. I think the shows are radically different; I think the way they unfold, the story lines, the scope of them, there's not that deep embedded mythology of Lost, we don't have that. We have big payoffs that happen in every single episode so you're not forced to wait for six seasons to find out what's going on. There are reveals that happen constantly. I think FlashForward will prove a much less daunting show to join. I think that one of the things about Lost is that the last season is starting and I can't imagine viewers will want to be joining it now when they've never seen it before, whereas I think that FlashForward is much more accessible. If you haven't seen the first five episodes you could easily join in and know exactly what's going on.
Other favorite shows of the Fall season?: I love Modern Family, I think it's a really smart, clever show.
On her Halloween plans: I'm going to be on a plane flying to Melbourne. So short of spooking the pilot, I don't have any plans.