BuzzSugar

Bad News for Big Shots - But Good for Private Practice?

BuzzSugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:35:16 -0800

Big Shots, one of those new shows that I wished would be better than it was, has been pulled from the ABC schedule, effective immediately. It's a curious decision given the writers' strike - the show had three finished episodes that could have aired, and you'd think any original programming these days would be better than repeats.

Not so at ABC, apparently; instead of Big Shots, the network will air repeats of Private Practice in the post-Grey's Anatomy time slot for the next three weeks. (Grey's will be in repeats the whole time, too.)

There's speculation that the move could be a tryout for Private Practice in the post-Grey's time slot, but I really hope that doesn't happen. For one thing, Private Practice seems to be doing just fine on Wednesdays. For another, I think putting the spinoff after the original would just make Private Practice look weak. I already miss Addison at Seattle Grace; seeing the shows back-to-back would only make that worse.

I've already said I'd like to see Cashmere Mafia air after Grey's to take on NBC's Lipstick Jungle. But if that doesn't happen, what about Dirty Sexy Money? It's a good show that's being mostly forgotten in its current time slot, and it shares the soapy tone of Grey's but is different enough that viewers might stick around to watch it. I know I would - what about you?

TV Tonight: The New Thursday

BuzzSugar — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 10:38:09 -0700

Last season, Thursday was the night I rarely budged from my couch, what with TV serving up a lovely cocktail of "Ugly Betty" plus "The Office" with a splash of "Grey's Anatomy" on top. This season's Thursday is already looking crowded, and several of the shows that make it such a blockbuster night - "30 Rock" and "Scrubs" on NBC, "Supernatural" on The CW - aren't even coming back just yet.

The rest are, though, starting with "Ugly Betty," which had one of the craziest cliffhangers of the spring. Tonight's premiere episode features a telenovela parody in addition to the big reveal of which characters made it through the finale's apparent bloodbath alive. Then, of course, there's a special hour-long episode of "The Office" going head-to-head with "Grey's" for the first time. Over on "CSI," the big mystery is the search for Sara, who was left for dead in the spring finale. And on "Smallville," Supergirl makes her first appearance. Add in "My Name is Earl," "Without a Trace," "Survivor" and the game shows over on Fox, and it's going to be a crazy night.

The evening's sole new network show is "Big Shots," which is heavy on the eye candy with Michael Vartan, Dylan McDermott, Christopher Titus, and Joshua Malina (for those who prefer eye candy of the geeky kind). Unfortunately, I thought the pilot was pretty dismal, though I'm holding out some hope that things could get better. In such a crowded field, what are you planning to watch? To watch previews for several of the shows, just read more

"Ugly Betty":

"The Office" and "My Name is Earl":

"Smallville":

"Big Shots":

"The Office" photo courtesy of NBC
"Ugly Betty" photo copyright 2007 ABC, Inc.
"Smallville" photo courtesy of The CW

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: "Big Shots"

BuzzSugar — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:30:00 -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: ABC's "Big Shots."

What's it about? "Men are the new women" is the mantra of this "Sex and the City" for men, which traces the disastrous personal lives of four high-powered CEOs.

Who's in it? Michael Vartan, Dylan McDermott, Christopher Titus, Joshua Malina

The good: It's a strong cast filled with three TV powerhouses (Vartan, McDermott, Titus) as well as nerdy Malina, an Aaron Sorkin favorite. A show like this can live or die by the guys' chemistry, and they play off each other decently well in the pilot.

The bad: Everything else. The most commonly uttered phrase seemed in the pilot seemed to be "we're men" - in case we could forget. It's trite and dull, with stereotypical jokes about demanding women, sexual fetishes, marriage therapy, etc. Also, much as I love Malina, he seems utterly out of place as a powerful businessman.

Will I watch? I doubt it - and, furthermore, I don't think it's worthy of the post-"Grey's Anatomy" time slot.

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

View 25 Photos ›

TV Casting Roundup: "Heroes," "Bionic," "Big Shots"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:07:14 -0700

Really, guys, how many "Heroes" are there going to be? Today brings news that Jessica Collins, formerly of "The Nine," has joined the cast in a recurring role. She'll play Sophie, a "mysterious woman with powers" - who isn't, these days? - who works at the organization that's tracking the heroes. She'll join fellow "The Nine" alum Dana Davis on the show.
Paul Blackthorne, most recently of Sci Fi's "Dresden Files," will appear this fall on ABC's guy-fest "Big Shots." His character will be the fifth CEO, a successful tycoon whom the other four CEOs - played by Michael Vartan, Christopher Titus, Dylan McDermott and Joshua Malina - envy.
Linda Park, most recently of "Raines," will be a regular on "Women's Murder Club," playing a deputy district attorney.
Bruce McGill, who's had supporting parts in pretty much everything, now has a recurring role on "Bionic Woman" as a powerful operative within the bionics program.

Source

ABC Dramas have a lot of Big Shots

PopSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 15:31:10 -0700

Along with all the gorgeous women joining ABC's prime time, there will be plenty of eye candy for the ladies as well. The male version of Sex and the City is called Big Shots and stars Michael Vartan, Dylan McDermott, Christopher Titus and Joshua Malina. In the pilot these four CEOs sit around in a steam room bitching about their lives when Dylan's character finally says, "Men, we're like the new women." Talk about a guilty pleasure! Then there is the most hyped show of the season, the Grey's spin off, Private Practice. While everyone else is focusing on Kate Walsh, we'll lust after Taye Diggs who will get another shot at ABC prime time. For lots of upcoming PP and Grey's secrets, click here.

Peter Krause stars in Dirty Sexy Money where he plays a lawyer who takes over his dead father's job as personal counsel for an uber-rich dysfunctional family. The creator of the show, Craig Wright, said it was inspired by the Dallas or Dynasty models but more updated. Ex-OC and Entourage star, Samaire Armstrong also joins the cast as the blonde bratty socialite that many are already comparing to Paris Hilton. Just what we need - another place to watch a tabloid family come to life. To check out a clip and learn more about the show just click here.

For lots more pics including Amy Brenneman, Tim Daly, Joshua Malina and more just read more

View 25 Photos ›

Images include Natalie Zea, Glenn Fitzgerald, Samaire Armstrong, Seth Gabel, Peter Krause, Zoe McLellan, Craig Wright, Greg Berlanti, Josh Reims, Matthew Gross, Michael Vartan, Christopher Titus, Joshua Malina, Dylan McDermott, Jon Harmon Feldman, Mark Gordon, Betsy Beers, Amy Brenneman, Taye Diggs, Shonda Rhimes, Kate Walsh, Tim Daly, KaDee Strickland, Chris Lowell, Marti Noxon, and Mark Tinker.

Source

Sugarbabies: Kicking Off Thanksgiving Sugarbabies!

babysugar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:01:49 -0800

This picture was taken as my daughter enjoyed her first true Thanksgiving meal. She picked at the turkey but gobbled up the sweet potatoes, cranberries and the delicious stuffing. Though her brother was only days old, she gave thanks for being a big sister. In turn, we gave thanks for having a sweet daughter and a brand-new baby boy.

Share your old or new Thanksgiving pictures with us in the Sugarbabies group. We'll be featuring them all week long on the LilSugar website... don't miss out! It's super easy, and your tot will get a kick out of seeing himself on the site.

To see how to join, read more.

Create a PopSugar Account or login to your account.
Join the Sugarbabies group
Click "New Post" under the Sugarbabies tab at the top of the page.
Give your story a "Title."
Insert a photo of your babe.
Fill in the "Body" if you want to give us a snippet of the shot.
Add keyword(s) in the tag field with relevant tags (for example mine for this story was "Sugarbabies").
Click "Create Post" to submit content.

Amanda Peet: So in Love

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:17 -0800

Amanda Peet is undoubtedly feeling great. She's starring in the number one film in the country, and in the December issue of Self the actress shares that nothing brings her more joy than hanging at home with her hubby and baby girl. In fact, the actress credits her husband, screenwriter David Benioff, as being her healthiest habit. Oh, true love!

The 37-year-old actress is not without her envies, though - she wants "boobs, a gentle six-pack, and a perky butt." And when it comes down to it, she secretly wishes for a bod like Gisele Bündchen's or Jennifer Aniston's. Outside of a little admiration, especially since Peet strives to live a life full of balance and a lot of laughs.

To hear Peet's take on health, read more.

Amanda is a big fan of moderation:

"To me, staying healthy means doing everything in moderation. Eat a lot of greens, but in moderation. Exercise, but in moderation. Drink wine, but in moderation. Sleep as much as you can. And have people around you who are very funny."

At the end of the day it all comes back to love for Peet, who says that her 2-year-old daughter is the reason why she stays healthy.

"I do feel like it's important for her to have me be as healthy as I can be. So, you know, I don't want her to have horrible eating habits. I don't want her to never exercise. But obviously I'd much rather have her play a sport than have a gym membership before she's 20. I mean there are kids in LA who go to the gym and they have a trainer. I'm like, Play a sport!"

Check out more shots of the hot mama and visit lilsugar to read more about Amanda on mothering. Also, see lots more photos, quotes on Self.com.

View 5 Photos ›

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:30:29 -0800

Time for more Tuesday entertainment! I've already shared a few new DVD releases to give your movie library a shot in the arm, but now, let's amp up your iPod. Big-name albums hit shelves today, so be sure to read up on these three. (And if you want to see your own music reviews featured on Buzz, submit them in the Music Review Group in the community!)

Fan-pleasing pop: American Idol fans rejoice: you've said that you're interested in post-AI albums, and now Kris Allen's anticipated self-titled debut is finally here. The song selections started a bit bland for me, but Allen picks up momentum with "The Truth" and the soft but moving ballad "Bring it Back." Both songs get needed oomph from orchestral accompaniment to create a sweeping sound that's sure to make Allen aficionados swoon. As for the rest of the album, it's predictable, but likable, much like the singer himself.

Why the sad face? Listening to John Mayer's latest, Battle Studies, you've got to wonder who ripped his heart out - Jessica Simpson? Jennifer Aniston? Every song is about a hurt guy who doesn't want to love again. Sensitive crooning isn't anything new to Mayer, but this time, it feels like mundane easy listening. I long for the days of "No Such Thing" when we had a more upbeat Mayer, or the Mayer who can riff on the guitar like nobody's business. But we don't really get either here. Still, it's worth noting his collaboration with Taylor Swift on "Half of My Heart," and my personal fave, "All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye."

See one more release when you read more.

Diva in training: Leona Lewis burst onto the scene two years ago with "Bleeding Love," and now she returns with her sophomore follow-up to Spirit, Echo. Lewis hits the high notes - and she'll once again draw comparisons to Mariah Carey - but the lyrics don't always pack the same punch, and they often feel like recycled love musings. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to see Lewis branch out of her usual comfort zone with the dance track "Outta My Head" and "Can't Breathe," which goes heavier on the R&B. If you've seen those Precious promos, you've heard another song from the album, "Happy," but it was recently announced that Lewis will be providing the title track for the film Avatar, so listen for her voice to show up there, too.

Kellan Plays Down His Romance With AnnaLynne - Total Diss or No Big Deal?

PopSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:00:13 -0800

Kellan Lutz and AnnaLynne McCord appear to have an on-off romance, and it seemed like they were certainly back together when caught smooching last month. Despite their PDA, Kellan opened up to Ryan Seacrest this morning to say that they're not currently dating. On their being in a relationship Kellan said, "Oh. No. Never have been. . . I've known her for six years, and we met again on the set [of 90210], but we shot Abercrombie [catalogs] way back in the day. . . she's single, and I'm very much single." Kellan might have to keep up the appearance of being single as he hypes up his heartthrob image in the run-up to New Moon's release, but tell us what you think of his comments - total diss or no big deal?