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Buzz In: Have You Broken Up With Any "Relaunched" Shows?

BuzzSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:30:18 -0700

The Fall of 2007 came in with great fanfare in the TV world, only to be squashed just weeks later by the writers' strike. For this Fall, some networks focused on "relaunching" those shows cut short because of the strike: Chuck and Life on NBC, and Pushing Daisies, Private Practice, and Dirty Sexy Money on ABC. (Though it's now in its third season, Heroes probably falls into this category, too.)

The good news: Many of those shows might not have gotten renewed without the writers' strike. But the bad news has been coming in droves ever since, with many of these shows finishing last in their time slots and hitting series lows. In fact, not a single one has broken 10 million viewers yet - Heroes included.

A lot of longtime returning shows are down a little this year, too, but not this dramatically. So I'm wondering: Have you dropped any of the "relaunched" shows from your TV lineup? Have you replaced them with anything? And why do you think viewers aren't coming back for this "re-freshman class"?

Fall TV Preview: Five New Shows to Skip

BuzzSugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 07:30:00 -0700

All summer long, I've been giving you my first impressions of the networks' new shows. Now, with fall TV upon us, it's time to tell you which shows are deserving of space on your TiVo and which ... well, aren't. Today, I'm starting off with five shows that - based on their pilots - you'd be best to steer clear of this fall.

5. "Life" - I was into the premise of this show about a detective who gets sentenced to life in prison and rejoins the police force after his wrongful conviction is overturned. But the show itself was such a bundle of cop-show cliches and random quirks that it was already grating on me by 10 minutes into the pilot. Lead actor Damian Lewis gives his best shot, but if the writers want to create a "House"-style misanthrope, they're going to have to do more than make him wax poetic about fruit all the time.

4. "Viva Laughlin" - I once declared this musical drama the pilot I most wanted to see ... but then I actually saw it. What a bummer. I thought it would be a fun, cheesy, over-the-top hit. In reality, the musical numbers that didn't involve Hugh Jackman fell flat, and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. I still hold out hope that it could get better, but I doubt it's going to be on the air long enough to improve.

Three more to be wary of, so read more

3. "The Big Bang Theory" - Look! It's smart guys who are too inept to date a hot chick! How revolutionary! I don't claim that every single TV show on the air has to be groundbreaking; sometimes I just want a quick, mindless laugh. But I would prefer that shows stop relying on the same old, tired, geek-vs-hottie, pretty-girls-are-dumb, smart-boys-are-hopeless brand of "jokes," and this show never really gets beyond that.

2. "Big Shots" - How do you screw up a show with three hot guys, one adorable smart guy, and a plum post-"Grey's Anatomy" time slot? You reach so hard for the "'Sex and the City' for men" premise that your characters must reinforce numerous times that they are not, in fact, women. There's just nothing here to hold onto besides trite story lines about adultery, unfulfilling sex and indulgent spending. This one has the star power to be a hit, but it needs some major retooling first.

1. "Cavemen" - I know. Shocking, right? The premise is just so flimsy here, and the joke so one-note, that I'm not sure there's any way this pilot could have overcome all the negative "you've got to be kidding me" press this show has gotten for months. I'll admit that there are funny things about this show (the costumes; the caveman who reads The Economist), but it still feels exactly like those Geico ads - and there's a reason they only lasted for 30 seconds.

"Big Shots" and "Cavemen" photos copyright 2007 ABC, Inc.
"Big Bang Theory" and "Viva Laughlin" photos courtesy of CBS
"Life" photo Source

Pilot Watch: "Life"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 08:15:00 -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: NBCs "Life."

What's it about? Charlie Crewes, a police officer who was wrongfully convicted of murder and served 12 years of a life sentence, returns to the force after being freed, at least in part because he wants to figure out who made him take the fall.

Who's in it? Damian Lewis, Sarah Shahi, Adam Arkin

The good: Maybe it's because I went to school at Northwestern, home of the Center on Wrongful Convictions, but I think the topic of what the wrongfully convicted do when they re-enter normal life is fascinating fodder for a show. The pilot at least made me interested to find out how prison shaped Crewes and why he decided to return to the force despite a huge settlement that would keep him wealthy for years.

The bad: There's a whole lot of Dr. Gregory House in Crewes, but the writers haven't figured out how to draw the line between "endearingly quirky" and "downright annoying." I mostly found him grating in the pilot - not on account of Lewis, who gives a good performance, but because of the lines and stories he's given. I'm not sure why he couldn't have just been a freed cop instead of a freed cop who happens to also be a tortured, oddball genius.

Will I watch? I can't see this winning a permanent spot on my viewing schedule. Then again, just like "Journeyman," the final scene was good - if more compelling than anything else in the episode.

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

View 9 Photos ›

Source

TV Casting Roundup: "Lights," "Life," "CSI: Miami"

BuzzSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:33:15 -0700

A former "Friday Night Lights" guest star is headed to NBC's "Life." Brooke Langton, a "Melrose Place" alum who briefly played Tim Riggins' love interest on "FNL," will play a defense attorney who helped free the main character, a cop wrongfully convicted of murder.
Speaking of "Friday Night Lights," remember those new recurring characters that the cast and producers told me about last week? Actors have been found for two of them. Glenn Morshower will leap from the Secret Service on "24" to the local police force in Dillon as Landry's father, a state champion football player-turned-cop. (Sounds like he's right for the part: According to IMDb, he's played at least 53 law enforcement or military roles.) Daniella Alonso of "One Tree Hill," meanwhile, will play the live-in nurse hired to help Matt take care of his grandmother. No word on who will play the new Panthers coach yet, though.
Rory Cochrane, whose "CSI" character was (presumably) shot and killed in the line of duty three years ago, will somehow be returning to the show. Spooky!
In other CBS casting news, Kerr Smith of "Dawson's Creek" and Bess Wohl of "Shark" will jump to "CSI: NY", while "NYPD Blue"'s Esai Morales will be turning up on "Jericho."

Source

Get a Sneak Peek at NBC's New Shows

BuzzSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 23:20:36 -0700

We might have to wait till fall to see the full versions of NBC's new shows, but the network is giving you a preview now. Clips of four of the shows, including "Chuck" (photo above), have made their way to YouTube, and NBC has a bunch of goodies on its fall preview site. I also have a ton of photos for the new shows, and I can't wait to hear what you think.

"Journeyman"
Here's a clip of this "Quantum Leap"-ish show that shows Dan explaining to his wife that he's been living 20 years in the past. More videos here.

More videos and dozens of photos from all six new shows if you read more

"Chuck"
This clip doesn't do much to explain what's going on in the show, but for some reason, it had me laughing out loud. More here.

"Bionic Woman"
This clip shows the Bionic Gal herself finding out she's now bionic. More here.

"Life"
This clip sets up the premise: A cop who's been jailed for murder makes a comeback. More here.

"Lipstick Jungle": Check out a ton of videos here.

"The IT Crowd": NBC's put out one video, an interview with star Richard Ayoade.

Now, onto the photos:

"Journeyman"

"Bionic Woman"

"Life"

"Chuck"

"Lipstick Jungle"

View 17 Photos ›

"The IT Crowd"

View 12 Photos ›

Source

Link Time! New Moon Director Chris Weitz Has a New Project

BuzzSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:30:52 -0800

New Moon director Chris Weitz reveals his next film, titled The Gardener - Cinematical
Who was the most over-the-top on the AMAs stage? - PopSugar
ABC halts Cougar Town due to a "private family matter" for Courteney Cox - HitFix
Here's a sneak peek at the final episode of Jon & Kate Plus 8 - People
Taking a page from Kevin James's resume, TLC is doing a new show about mall cops - TV Squad
Behind the scenes of Avatar - Rotten Tomatoes
Will the Grammys let Lady Gaga compete for Best New Artist? Pretty, pretty please! - Rock & Roll Daily
What's really based on true life and what was just made up in The Blind Side - Moviefone
Parks and Recreation's Aziz Ansari on his favorite music growing up - Pitchfork
Kat Dennings joins the Thor cast - MTV Splash Page
The top five turkeys on TV - as in failures, not the bird - The TV Addict
Heroes stars reveal what they're thankful for this year - TV.com

Play Our Brand New Holiday Movie Faceoff and Win a Prize!

BuzzSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:30:14 -0800

There's no denying it now - the holiday season is officially upon us, which means it's time to dust off those decorations, blast those merry tunes, and cuddle up to watch festive movies. Everyone has a favorite, whether it's a classic like It's a Wonderful Life or the always-hilarious Elf. There are tons of great ones, and now we're pitting them head-to-head in our brand new faceoff game! Spend some time playing, and you'll be eligible to win an amazing prize package of holiday favorites! Just click here to get started!

The winner will receive the ultimate Holiday movie collection courtesy of Warner Home Video! It includes the upcoming new release Four Christmases as well as favorites How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Peanuts a Charlie Brown Christmas. That’s not all – your collection will be completed by three spectacular Holiday movies boxed sets – the Holiday Comedy Collection: DVD 3-Disc Box Set: Includes "Elf / National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation / Fred Claus", the Holiday Family Collection: DVD 3-Disc Box Set; Includes "A Christmas Story / Happy Feet / The Polar Express", and the TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Holiday: DVD; 2-Disc Set; With Sleeve; Includes "A Christmas Carol / Christmas In Connecticut / It Happened On 5th Avenue / The Shop Around The Corner."

Just be sure you're logged into your PopSugar Community account to be entered, so if you're not already a member, register now. To read all the official rules, click here. Now what are you waiting for - play now! The more you play, the more entries you have to win! Don't forget to tell your friends to join in on the fun.

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?

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?

Bad Lieutenant: Good Cop Gone Nuts

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:30:49 -0800

Nicolas Cage has said, "There's a very fine line between Method actor and schizophrenic." In Werner Herzog's Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, he teeters that line maniacally, with an ever-increasing slur and crooked swagger. Cage plays Terence McDonagh, a detective in post-Katrina New Orleans investigating a drug-related murder and his personal threshold for cocaine and heroin.

The first news of Bad Lieutenant was puzzling: famously extreme director Werner Herzog re-imagining a 1992 cult movie, also called Bad Lieutenant, but shifting the action to New Orleans and casting Nic Cage in the Harvey Keitel role opposite his Ghost Rider costar Eva Mendes. Weird.

But in fact, Bad Lieutenant is Herzog's second surprisingly accessible movie in as many years, following 2007's Rescue Dawn. And Cage is brilliant in a role seemingly made for him, so read more.

The noirish, pulpy, desperate, and often hilarious film opens with a good deed: McDonagh dives into a Katrina-flooded jail cell to save a prisoner's life, in the process injuring his back and subsequently getting hooked on Vicodin and then far harder drugs.

As a degenerate cop in a washed-out city, Cage makes Denzel Washington's Training Day villain look like a Boy Scout. He slithers through the streets, confiscating drugs to snort with his prostitute girlfriend (Mendes), hooking up with a drug kingpin played by Alvin "Xzibit" Joiner, and fending off a rising tide of self-created trouble. "Being courteous is really getting in the way of my progress," he croaks before one of his more disturbing moral lapses.

In post-Katrina New Orleans, Herzog has found the perfect setting. He never lets the city look pretty or even charmingly decayed, and he populates it with iguanas and alligators and snakes and fish. At every turn, McDonagh is confronted by cold-blooded animals, as he careens between the call of duty and the cold-blooded instinct of his addiction. It's impossible to ignore the reptilian symbolism, and the effect is perfectly bizarre. Despite its darkest moments, Bad Lieutenant is a remarkably good trip.

Photos Courtesy First Look Studios