ABC Adapting “Maid in Manhattan” from Film to TV August 19, 2008 5:14 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, Maid in Manhattan, Movies, News, Television.add a comment
The 2002 romantic comedy starring Jennifer Lopez, Maid in Manhattan, is being adapted from the big screen to Television courtesy of ABC. Lopez will executive produce the planned series, along with Joe Roth and the film’s producer, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, while Chad Hodge will write. The hourlong drama/comedy will not be a remake, however: “The show is a different maid in a different Manhattan,” Hodge said. While the lead will remain a young Latina from the Bronx, the series will focus mostly on her relationships with her co-workers at a Manhattan hotel.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
“Nightline” At Risk of Cancellation August 18, 2008 1:13 am
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, News, Nightline, Television.add a comment
Despite a trend that shows the long-running newsmagazine Nightline closing the viewer gap against CBS’s Late Night With David Letterman, ABC could cancel the news magazine should the network get the opportunity to pick up Jay Leno in a new late-night talk show.
“It would be hard for ABC not to make a play for Leno,” said Greg Kahn, senior vice president of the ad-buying firm Optimedia. “He is still at the top of his game, and the thinking is that a lot of ad dollars would follow him to another network.”
Starting next year, Leno will step down from The Tonight Show, so that NBC can install Conan O’Brien as the new host, but Leno, 58, isn’t ready to retire and rival studios ABC and Fox are already making a play on the talk show host, whose show earns about $50 million a year profit for NBC.
Source: LA Times
ABC Orders TV Pilot of “The Witches of Eastwick” August 18, 2008 12:43 am
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, Movies, News, The Witches of Eastwick.1 comment so far
ABC has put in a script order for a new TV series based on the supernatural movie The Witches of Eastwick. The pilot will be written by Dawson’s Creek writer Maggie Friedman.
This marks the third attempt at a TV version of the 1987 film (and book of which it was based), which starred Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer. In 1992, Warner Bros. TV commissioned writers Carlton Cuse and Jeffrey Boam to develop The Witches of Eastwick for NBC and in 2002, Fox developed a version along with Warner Bros. TV titled Eastwick, from excecutive producer Jim Leonard and writers Jon Cowan and Robert Rovner.
Source: Variety
Comic-Con 2008: ABC’s “Pushing Daisies” Panel July 29, 2008 4:04 pm
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The panel for ABC’s Pushing Daisies featuredthe entire cast, who were joined by creator Bryan Fuller and executive producer Barry Sonnenfeld. Here are some highlights courtesy TV Squad.
- The characters will be visiting a new set of locations in season two, including a nunnery, a bee factory and a traveling circus.
- A couple new characters will be joining the cast. One will be David Arquette, who will plaly Ned’s best friend and another a pig named Pigby.
- Viewers will get to meet Emerson’s mother and we’ll see flashbacks of a young Olive, Emerson, Ned and Chuck.
- The aunts will be getting out of the house more often and participating in some of the murder mysteries.
- There will be an arc about Emerson’s daughter.
- While praising the cast as well as the writing staff, Barry said that new talent has been added for season two, including a former writer for Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
- Kristen will sing in the first episode, with more musical numbers to follow during the season.
- Fuller said he idea for Pushing Daisies came from his work on Dead LIke Me. He wanted to do something sweet and refreshing.
Comic-Con 2008: ABC’s “Lost” Panel July 27, 2008 6:10 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, Comic-Con, Comic-Con 2008, Lost, News, Television.add a comment
The panel for ABC’s Lost was made up of just the show’s executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, though later on a special guest (Matthew Fox) showed up. Here are some highlights from the panel courtesy TV Squad:
- The panel started off with a few videos, including an ad for the DVDs.
- After more videos, the two plugged liveautographs.com, a site where you can buy autographed memorabilia from the show, with all hte money going to charity.
- They then went into a Q&A session. Asked if the island moved when the hatch blew and the sky turned purple, Lindelof responded: “No., but something did happen.”
- Will we see Jin and Locke again?: Jin will still be on the show in some form, we haven’t seen the last of the two characters.
- Will we see an Rousseau flashback?: We will see her “story” (they don’t want to refer to these as flashbacks any longer).
- Shooting starts back up in three weeks if a strike doesn’t get in the way. All episodes will be back-to-back, uninterrupted.
- We’ll see Vincent, Walt’s dog, again. He’ll make it to the end of the show.
- Will Kate see Sawyer again? Yes.
- Will we see what happens to the five people in the zodiac boat? Yes. They also revealed an interesting note on this: On the set, the actors call the other castaways from Flight 815, the ones in the background, “socks”.
- How did Daniel know about the secondary protocol? It was written in his notebook.
- The notebook will be featured heavily in the fifth season.
- How old his Richard Alpert? Cuse: “Quite old”. Someone asked how many toes he has, to which they responded that we’ll learn a lot more about his history and see him barefoot in the near future.
The last question was about the name chosen for Locke in the casket (Jeremy Bentham) and how it was related to Panopticon. Before answering a question about if it was meant to show that the people on the island were being watched, a Dharma Inititive test subject, an actor, ran on-stage saying he videotapped what he saw and wanted to share it. All an act, they eventually showed the tape. Here’s what was on it (summary courtesy /Film):
The brief footage featured everybody’s favorite Asian Dharma doctor, this time introducing himself as Dr. Marvin Candle. Instead of the usual scratched up black-and-white recording, the video was being shot digitally with Marvin sitting on a couch. He briefly starts off with his normal spiel, but quickly gives up and states there’s no point in playing games anymore. He admits his name is Pierre Chang, and tells the people watching that they should be receiving his message roughly thirty years in the future. His message is simple: “It’s imperative that the Dharma Initiative be reconstituted.”
Zack Braff: Eighth Season of “Scrubs” Will Be His Last July 18, 2008 4:56 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, Casting, News, Scrubs, Television.3 comments
Regardless of how well the upcoming eighth season of Scrubs does–which is moving over from NBC to ABC–show lead Zack Braff says it’ll be his final season.
Show creator, Bill Lawrence said the following at the TCA press tour:
“I think it’s Zach’s last year on the show,” Lawrence says. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that would be it for the series.
“When I created this show, Steve McPherson [was] president of the studio,” Lawrence explains. “… He was really supportive when I pitched it as this show possibly being like ‘ER’ as a comedy, with some revolving cast members and, you know, putting new blood in.”
On that end, Braff said he thinks this is his last season, but is open to returning on a guest-basis:
“The sense is that we thought we were ending, and then thanks to [McPherson], this has been a bonus, amazing year. We’re having a blast doing this,” Braff says. “My sense is this is my last year. If the show does continue like he’s saying, like an ‘ER’ kind of thing, I would love to come back and visit and definitely direct some — and do craft service if they need some help.”
Scrubs season eight is scheduled to premiere on ABC in early 2009.
“The Mole” Needs Saving July 16, 2008 4:10 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, News, Television, The Mole.add a comment
The return of The Mole on ABC has not been very successful for the network. The show has suffered weak ratings ever since its return, especially among adults 18-49. However, the show’s producers have none the less set up a web site asking for fans to do anything and everything (with an emphasis on getting their friends and family to watch) to keep the show from getting canceled. So far the website (Save the Mole) consists of an open letter to the fans from producers Scott Stone and Clay Newbill. They also ask for hardcore fans to post on ABC message boards and go to the Mole Facebook page. They also announced that the FOX Reality Channel will be running a marathon of the current season thus far this Sunday at 11am, so viewers can catch up.
Click here to check out the site.
“LOST” Book Club July 2, 2008 2:34 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, Books, Lost, Television.add a comment
LOST producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse want you to sit back, relax and read a book this summer. ABC.com has just announced the creation of a LOST Book Club, which will highlight titles that have been referenced on the TV series. “Also available on ABC.com will be a message board to discuss the titles, a synopsis of each book along with when and how it was referenced in the show and an introduction by co-creator/executive producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Carlton Cuse,” the press release states.
Source: Pop Candy
Fall Programming Guide Update June 26, 2008 11:58 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in 2007/2008 TV Season, ABC, CBS, CW, Fall 2008 Programming Guide, Fox, NBC, Programming Guide, Television.add a comment
I’ve gone ahead and updated my fall programming guide with the premiere dates for CBS’s lineup (per this article). Click here, or the image above, to download the latest update.
And as always, the file will also be posted on the 2008/2009 television page (which you can access here) and I’ll continue to update and re-upload as I make corrections, edits or if schedules change.
Please feel free to leave any comments here on the site or via e-mail (russtc@yourentertainmentnow.com).
Fall 2008 Programming Guide Update June 6, 2008 11:45 am
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in 2008/2009 TV Season, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Programming Guide, Site Info, Television, The CW.1 comment so far
I’ve made an update to my Fall 2008 programming guide, adding in the premiere dates for the Fox programming. As before, I still plan to add a few other things, such as synopses for the new shows, in future updates.
You can download the file here (Excel .xls file) or click the above image.
Please feel free to leave any comments here on the site or via e-mail (russtc@yourentertainmentnow.com).
The file(s) will also be posted on the 2008/2009 television page (which you can access here).
I will be updating and re-uploading on a continual basis as I make corrections, edits or if schedules change.
I hope you find it useful!
Russ
Michelle Obama to guest host The View June 6, 2008 1:37 am
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, Daytime, News, Television, The View.add a comment
Michelle Obama, wife of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, will be a guest host on The View on June 18th. The ABC daytime talk show had invited her to be a guest on the show this month, but Michelle requested to guest-host like Cindy McCain (wife of presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain) did in April of this year. Guests have not been announced for the show yet. Cindy McCain interviewed CBS late night host Craig Ferguson when she hosted in April.
Fall 2008 Programming Guide May 27, 2008 6:53 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in 2008/2009 TV Season, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Site Info, Television, The CW.add a comment
Like last year, I’ve decided to create a programming guide for the fall season. My 1st edition for Fall 2008 is online now. This year’s edition is a little less bloated than last year’s and I’ve done it in a different, more simple style. It also only has premiere dates for the NBC shows. That will of course be remedied once the other networks make their announcements. I also plan to add a few other things, such as synopses for the new shows, in future updates.
You can download the file here (Excel .xls file) or click the above image.
Please feel free to leave any comments here on the site or via e-mail (russtc@yourentertainmentnow.com).
The file(s) will also be posted on the 2008/2009 television page (which you can access here).
I will be updating and re-uploading on a continual basis as I make corrections, edits or if schedules change.
I hope you find it useful!
Russ
ABC Development Slate for 2008/2009 Season [Continually Updated] May 14, 2008 3:30 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in 2008 Upfronts, 2008/2009 TV Season, ABC, News, Television.3 comments
Following you will find ABC’s current confirmed development slate and schedules for the 2008/2009 season.
TV Casting Bites: Wahlberg gets new show, Delaney Returning to Wisteria Lane May 14, 2008 3:22 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, Casting, Desperate Housewives, Morse Code, News, Television, TNT.add a comment
TNT has teamed up with Donnie Wahlberg and director/producer Jon Avnet to develop a new crime drama about a war hero turned Drug Enforcement officer set in Boston. Wahlberg is expected to star in the series, tentatively titled Morse Code. [Reuters]
Enjoying the murder mystery storyline revolving around Dana Delany’s character Katherine Mayfair on Desperate Housewives? Well, good news, because the actress confirmed to ET Online that she is returning to the show next season and that her “whole mystery story will be wrapped up and everything will be revealed, and it’s rather dramatic.”
Boston Legal Renewed, Network Still Talking with David E. Kelley about Life on Mars May 12, 2008 9:32 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in 2008/2009 TV Season, ABC, Boston Legal, Life on Mars, News, Renewals, Television.1 comment so far
ABC has renewed Boston Legal for a fifth season. Series creator/executive producer David E. Kelley cut a deal with the network that will give the series another year. At the heart of the deal was Life on Mars, which ABC wants to greenlight, but Kelley owns the right to. With the renewal of Boston Legal, a deal for Life on Mars appears imminent. Two more episodes of Boston Legal are left to air this season (Wednesday: 10pm) and the fifth season is scheduled to kick off in the fall.
ABC Adds Two Hours to Lost May 9, 2008 12:50 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, Lost, News, Television.add a comment
The final two seasons of Lost will be two episodes longer. The 2009 and 2010 seasons of the series will be 17 hours each, not 16 as was originally planned. When the network picked the show up for three more seasons, it was for 48 hours (16-16-16), but because the writer’s strike knocked out three hours out of the current season, the network is compensating for that loss. ABC recently added an additional hour to Part 2 of the season finale that airs on May 29th.
ABC Cancels “Men in Trees May 5, 2008 11:51 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in 2007/2008 TV Season, ABC, Cancellations, Men in Trees, News, Television.2 comments
Sorry Men in Trees fans. TVGuide is reporting that ABC has cut down the sophomore drama. The site reports they were informed of the news by series creator Jenny Bicks, who herself was informed of the cancellation decision late last week: “I am really proud of the work we did on MIT,” she tells me. “A huge thank you to our supportive fans.”
ABC Making a Play for “The New Adventures of Old Christine? April 4, 2008 12:38 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, CBS, Television, The New Adventures of Old Christine.add a comment
CBS’s The New Adventures of Old Christine has been doing well recently, thanks to its strong Two and a Half Men lead-in on CBS. However, the network has yet to pick it up for another season. TVGuide is reporting that ABC is in informal talks with Warner Bros. Television (who produces the show) and they are making a play for the Julia Louis-Drefus comedy The New Adventures of Old Christine, should CBS decide not to renew it.
ABC Greenlights “Cupid” March 14, 2008 12:27 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, Casting, Cupid, News, Television.add a comment
ABC on Thursday gave a pilot order to Rob Thomas’ Cupid, a “reinvention”, as Thomas explains it, of the short-lived 1998 ABC comedy series of the same name.
“Scrubs” Moving from NBC to ABC February 28, 2008 9:05 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, NBC, News, Scrubs, Television.add a comment
The long-time NBC comedy Scrubs is switching networks. According to The Hollywood Reporter, ABC is in negotiations to pick up 18 episodes of the show from ABC Studios, which has produced the show for NBC since 2001.
ABC Announces Alternative Series Pick-Ups February 28, 2008 8:33 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, News, Renwals, Television.add a comment
ABC today announced early pick-ups for several of the networks alternative series.
ABC Announces Return Schedule February 21, 2008 2:05 am
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in 2007/2008 TV Season, ABC, News, Television.1 comment so far
ABC has announced their new spring schedule, which sees many of the networks hit original series and a new time slot for Lost.
New “Dancing With the Stars” Cast Announced February 19, 2008 1:05 am
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, Casting, Dancing with the Stars, Television.2 comments
ABC has announced the cast of the upcoming sixth season of Dancing With the Stars.
Special Enhanced Version of ABC’s “Lost” Season Three Finale to Air on January 30th January 25, 2008 1:08 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in 2007/2008 TV Season, ABC, Lost, News, Scheduling, Television.2 comments
ABC has announced that they will be airing a special enhanced version of the season three finale of Lost next Wednesday. The special, enhanced with on-screen text and story details about the show, will air from 9:00-11:00 p.m.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live” Returns on January 2 December 19, 2007 11:00 am
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late-Night, News, Television.add a comment
Following the footsteps of NBC’s announcement of the return of their late-night lineup, ABC has announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live is returning with original episodes on Wednesday, January 2.
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