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Carol Burnett to receive top honor for American comedians

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:38:33 -0400

(Reuters) - Actress and comedienne Carol Burnett will be honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the top award for American comics, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts said on Tuesday. Burnett, 80, whose Emmy-winning sketch comedy program "The Carol Burnett Show" was a mainstay on U.S. television from 1967 to 1978, will receive the award during a ceremony at Washington's Kennedy Center in October. ...

Guillermo del Toro's FX pilot 'The Strain' casts 'Breaking Dawn' actress Mia Maestro in starring role

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:58:30 -0400

By Tim Kenneally LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Mia Maestro is moving on from the vampires of "Breaking Dawn" to sink her teeth into a new role with another bunch of suckers. Maestro, who played Denali coven member Carmen Denali in "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn" films, has been cast as one of the female leads in "The Strain," Guillermo del Toro's pilot for FX. The pilot, based on del Toro's trilogy of novels "The Strain," "The Fall" and "The Night Eternal," will find Maestro in familiar thematic territory. The novels follow the efforts of Centers for Disease Control employee Dr. ...

'Dancing With the Stars' and 'The Voice' pay respects to Oklahoma City tornado victims

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:00:51 -0400

By Lee Hernandez LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" and NBC's "The Voice" both honored the victims of the Oklahoma City tornado last night on their Monday night broadcasts. On DWTS, co-host Tom Bergeron requested that the audience not applaud coming back from a commercial break during season 16's final performance show. "Here's why," Bergeron said, looking like he was on the verge of tears. "We're a live show, and as such, occasionally we go to air in the shadow of tragic events. That happened April 15, when we went to air hours after the Boston bombing. ...

CMT orders more 'Dog and Beth'

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:45:16 -0400

By Jehtro Nededog LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Fugitives, beware. "Dog and Beth" fans, rejoice! CMT has ordered 11 more episodes of bounty hunters "Dog," Beth and Leland Chapman's new series bringing its Season 1 order to 22 episodes. Production on the back 11 episodes will begin immediately. "We knew Dog and Beth would shake up the programming landscape at CMT and they've done just that, more than doubling our quarter-to-date prime average," said CMT's executive vice president Jayson Dinsmore in a statement on Tuesday. ...

TLC brings NBC's 'Who Do You Think You Are?' back from the grave

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:48:35 -0400

By Jethro Nededog LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Lisa Kudrow and Dan Bucatinsky-produced celebrity genealogy series, "Who Do You Think You Are?," can add a new branch to its family tree. TLC has picked up the former NBC documentary series for eight new one-hour episodes set to premiere on July 23. Production is already underway. "I've never stopped hearing about how much people love 'Who Do You Think You Are?,' and I've always known that we've had more great stories to share," said executive producer Kudrow in a statement. ...

Netflix will air new Ricky Gervais series in September

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:46:43 -0400

By Lucas Shaw NEW YORK (TheWrap.com) - Ricky Gervais' "Derek," a new Netflix series from the creator and star of "The Office" and 'Extras," will premiere on Netflix September 12. Netflix will release all seven episodes at once, the same approach it has taken with its latest original series "House of Cards" and "Hemlock Grove." Gervais wrote and directed the show, which he also stars in as the title character. Derek is a sweet, selfless but meek man who works in a retirement home alongside Dougie (Karl Pilkington) and Hannah (Kerry Godliman). ...

VH1 sets 'Gossip Table' for June 3

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:14:51 -0400

By Tim Molloy NEW YORK (TheWrap.com) - VH1 will air the new pop culture morning show "The Gossip Table" beginning Monday June 3, the network announced Tuesday. The 9 a.m. show will group together five gossip columnists each weekday morning in June. It will fill in while "Big Morning Buzz Live with Carrie Keagan" is on summer break. The gossips are Rob Shuter from "The Today Show" and NaughtyButNiceRob.com, Marianne Garvey from the New York Daily News, Noah Levy from In Touch, Chloe Melas from HollywoodLife.com, and Delaina Dixon from DivaGalsDaily.com. ...

Hollywood's disabled actors protest NBC's 'Ironside' casting - when is it their turn?

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:55:21 -0400

By Greg Gilman LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - When the '60s procedural "Ironside" is revived on NBC this fall, the setting will move from San Francisco to New York and the lead character will be African-American. But one thing hasn't changed: The actor playing Ironside can still walk from his wheelchair when the director yells cut. The colorblind casting is ironic to some disabled actors - who say having a walking actor play a paraplegic is as offensive as blackface. ...

CBS takes key ratings crown for first time in 21 years

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:11:06 -0400

(Reuters) - Broadcast network CBS said on Tuesday it won this season's ratings race among the 18-to-49 age group most prized by advertisers, claiming its first victory in that audience in 21 years. CBS, a unit of CBS Corp, snatched the title from News Corp-owned Fox, which had dominated the age group for eight straight years until it was hurt this season by a ratings slump for singing competition "American Idol." CBS rode hits like "The Big Bang Theory" and "2 Broke Girls" and was helped by February's Super Bowl broadcast, which attracted the biggest TV audience of the year. ...

CBS pulls 'Mike & Molly' finale with tornado storyline from air

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:38:44 -0400

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - CBS said on Monday that the network will delay airing the season finale of sitcom "Mike & Molly" in the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornados, due to similarities between the events and the episode's storyline. "Due to the tragic events this afternoon in Oklahoma, we are pre-empting tonight's season finale of 'Mike & Molly,' which has a related storyline," a CBS spokesperson said in a statement. The spokesperson told Reuters that the season 3 finale featured a tornado. ...

Fred Armisen bids 'SNL' goodbye punk rock style

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:16:27 -0400

By Lee Hernandez LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - If the reports are true that Fred Armisen is following in the footsteps of his friend and fellow cast member Bill Hader and leaving "SNL," then we may have just seen the comedian's last performance on the NBC comedy sketch show's May 18th season finale. In the final minutes of Saturday night's season-ender, Armisen reprised his role as punk-rock star Ian Rubbish, the British pink rock character he introduced just over a month ago in the "History of Punk. ...

Ang Lee drops out of FX's 'Tyrant' pilot

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:23:45 -0400

By Tim Kenneally LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Ang Lee apparently isn't feeling very tyrannical anymore. The "Life of Pi" director has dropped out of the FX pilot "Tyrant," which would have marked his television directorial debut. The pilot, from "Homeland" producers Howard Gordon and Gideon Raff, along with Craig Wright ("Six Feet Under"), follows an unassuming American family drawn into the workings of a turbulent Middle Eastern nation. Raff created the pilot, which was developed by Gordon and Wright. ...

'American Chopper's' Paul Teutul Sr. lands new CMT series 'Orange County Choppers'

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:22:03 -0400

By Jethro Nededog LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Discovery Channel's "American Chopper" star Paul Teutul Sr. is returning to television on a new series for CMT. Pilgrim studios will produce eight episodes of the one-hour unscripted show, "Orange County Choppers," for CMT. It starts production this summer and slated to air later this year on the cable network. "We're thrilled to be back on television doing what we do best: building outrageous custom motorcycles," said Teutul in a statement. ...

NBC picks up 'Siberia' drama series

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:11:39 -0400

By Tim Kenneally LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Think there's too much reality TV on the air these days? Cheer up, NBC has picked up a new scripted series - about a reality TV show. The network has picked up the one-hour drama "Siberia," about reality-show contestants uncovering dark secrets, the network said Monday. The series, which comes via Sierra/Engine Television and Michael Ohoven's Infinity Films, will premiere July 1 at 10 p.m. ...

Charlie Rose turns weekend warrior with new PBS show

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:58:44 -0400

By Tim Kenneally LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Charlie Rose will soon be helping you get your weekend started with a bang. Rose is expanding his presence on PBS with a new series, "Charlie Rose Weekend," to air Fridays at 8:30 p.m., starting in July. The half-hour series will feature Rose focusing on the events and conversations shaping the week and the week ahead. ...

'Rebels,' new 'Star Wars' animated series, coming next year

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:36:19 -0400

By Tim Molloy NEW YORK (TheWrap.com) - If you can't wait until 2015 for J.J. Abrams' continuation of the "Star Wars" saga, the Disney Channel has something to hold you over: The new animated series "Star Wars Rebels" will debut late next year. The series comes as Lucasfilm Animation winds down the animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," which premiered in 2008. Simon Kinberg ("X-Men: First Class") will executive-produce and write the first episode of "Rebels," which will start in fall 2014 on the Disney Channel then be followed by a series on Disney XD channels around the world. ...

NBC News looks to Britain for its new president

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:25:24 -0400

By Liana B. Baker (Reuters) - Deborah Turness, a former top TV news editor in Britain, will take over as NBC News president in August, at a time when it is looking to turn around the fortunes of its news division. Turness will replace Steve Capus, who left the network in February. She will report to Patricia Fili-Krushel, chairman of NBCUniversal News Group, who oversees the news unit's business operations. NBC is owned by Comcast Corp. NBC's broadcast news unit has stumbled of late, largely because its morning show and profit center, "Today," is sagging in the ratings. ...

Jon Stewart's humor a hit with millions of envious Chinese

Mon, 20 May 2013 02:39:37 -0400

By Jane Lee SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Humor may not always translate well, but Jon Stewart is picking up millions of fans in China, where his gloves-off political satire is refreshing for many in a country where such criticism is a rarity - especially when directed at their own leaders. A recent segment on North Korea scored over 4 million views on microblogger Sina Weibo, and even stodgy state broadcaster CCTV has used Stewart's "The Daily Show" in a report, though they wouldn't let a Chinese version of him near their cameras. ...

U.S. 'Idol' winner shines light on South's Gullah culture

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:23:00 -0400

By Harriet McLeod CHARLESTON, South Carolina (Reuters) - "American Idol" winner Candice Glover, whose powerful voice clinched the title of the popular TV singing show, comes from a sea island culture made up of descendants of West African slaves. "I speak another language," she said during the Fox TV show. "It's called Geechee." Some 14.2 million TV viewers tuned in to watch Glover beat Kree Harrison to win the season 12 "American Idol" crown on Thursday. Glover, 23, is a native of rural St. Helena Island in the coastal South Carolina Lowcountry. ...

CBS pulls 'Mike & Molly' tornado-themed season finale

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:28:00 -0400

By Jethro Nededog LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - "Mike & Molly" fans won't be seeing Monday's season finale episode, which was scheduled to debut at 9:30 p.m. CBS has pulled it in light of Monday's devastating tornado in Oklahoma. "Due to the tragic events this afternoon in Oklahoma, we are pre-empting tonight's season finale of 'Mike & Molly,' which has a related storyline," a CBS spokeswoman told TheWrap. "A repeat broadcast of 'Mike & Molly' will run in the time period. The season finale will be broadcast at an appropriate date. ...

NBC's 'The Voice' confirms Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton returning

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:48:09 -0400

By Jethro Nededog LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - The gang's back together! NBC announced on Friday that pop diva Christina Aguilera and funk singer Cee Lo Green will be reuniting with pop star Adam Levine and country singer Blake Shelton for Season 5, as TheWrap was the first to report. The network also said that Shakira and Usher are set to return on Season 6, which will air in midseason 2014. ...

'21 Jump Street' villain Rob Riggle joins Fox comedy 'Let's Be Cops'

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:43:19 -0400

By Jeff Sneider LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - After finding himself on the wrong side of the law in "21 Jump Street," Rob Riggle is joining the police force himself. The actor's set to co-star in Luke Greenfield's comedy "Let's Be Cops," which will be distributed by 20th Century Fox. Sitcom stars Jake Johnson ("New Girl") and Damon Wayans Jr. ("Happy Endings") play two best friends who decide to impersonate cops for kicks but find themselves in over their heads when they unknowingly mess with a real mobster. ...

Dr. McWeedy? 'Grey's Anatomy' star Patrick Dempsey mulls career as marijuana mogul

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:01:29 -0400

By Tim Kenneally LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - If this acting thing doesn't work out for Patrick Dempsey, don't worry; he has a backup plan. "Grey's Anatomy" star Dempsey gave an interview to Bon Appetit magazine recently, in which he admits he could see his recently acquired coffee company Tully's peddling pot in a retail setting. "Coffee is good for your mind - it's basically a legalized drug," Dempsey - who cops to a five-cup-a-day habit in the interview - opines. "The next step is selling marijuana, of course. ...

Bill Hader on leaving 'SNL': Don't expect a Stefon movie

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:47:22 -0400

By Tim Kenneally LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Years of staying up late on Saturday nights to make the nation laugh have apparently left Bill Hader a little sleep-deprived. Hader, who announced earlier this week that he's leaving "Saturday Night Live" after eight seasons when the show wraps its current season, revealed his plans for the future in an interview with GQ. From the sound of things, he's scheduled some nap time for himself. "Sleep," Hader said when asked about his post-"SNL" plans. "Spending time with my family. A new set of concerns. Heading back to L.A. ...

Amazon kills 'Zombieland' TV project, backs 'Alpha House'

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:31:24 -0400

By Alistair Barr SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc decided not to turn pilot project "Zombieland" into a full TV series, but is going ahead with "Alpha House," as the world's largest online retailer enters the next stage of its foray into original video creation. "Zombieland" writer and producer Rhett Reese wrote on Twitter that Amazon's decision was "sad for everyone" and blamed it on negative online reviews of the pilot by viewers. ...

'The Office' finale draws season high of 5.7 million viewers

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:52:40 -0400

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The finale of NBC's "The Office" drew a season high of 5.7 million viewers, as fans tuned in to see the show's biggest star Steve Carell return for a wedding and nostalgic farewell. The 75-minute finale episode, which aired from 9 p.m. to 10:15 p.m EDT after an hour-long retrospective featuring cast members and producers, was watched by 3.8 million viewers in the 18-49 demographic coveted by advertisers, according to Nielsen ratings figures provided by NBC. The 5.7 million finale viewership marked a 16-month high for the show. ...

'Person of Interest' co-executive producer Richard J. Lewis steps down

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:53:18 -0400

By Brent Lang LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Richard J. Lewis is stepping down as co-executive producer and a frequent director on "Person of Interest," TheWrap has learned. His contract expired this spring. Instead of renewing, Lewis opted to remain full-time in Los Angeles where he lives with family, according to an individual with knowledge of the situation. "Person of Interest" shoots in New York City and required frequent commuting. Lewis directed roughly a half dozen episodes during the show's first two seasons. ...

Inside Bravo's 'Real Housewives of New York' standoff: What went wrong? What went right?

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:51:42 -0400

By Jethro Nededog LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Bravo's "The Real Housewives of New York" resumed shooting Season 6 on Wednesday - a week late - with just four of the women returning to their jobs after a failed attempt to band together for bigger paychecks. The road to that point was filled with lessons for the network and the housewives. Bravo would ultimately crush the women's "Friends-style" negotiation tactics - something it had actually set out to avoid in the first place. ...

Fox's 'American Idol' brings in record low TV audience

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:49:40 -0400

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The number of Americans who watched vocal powerhouse Candice Glover win the "American Idol" title sank to 14.2 million, a decline of 31 percent from last year's record low, according to ratings data on Friday. The singing competition, now in Season 12, was once a TV industry juggernaut for Fox that brought in more than 30 million viewers for its finale in the peak years of 2006 and 2007. On Thursday night, it was the second most-watched program on U.S. television, beat out by the season finale of CBS comedy "The Big Bang Theory" with 14.8 million viewers. ...

Espionage, comedy veterans touted for upcoming TV season

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:13:39 -0400

By Liana B. Baker NEW YORK (Reuters) - The big four U.S. broadcast networks, in need of new TV hits to turn around slumping ratings, are betting espionage programs and old comedy stars will convince advertisers to spend about $9 billion during the so-called upfront selling season. This week, the broadcast networks have been wooing advertisers, giving them previews of the new shows and revealing the upcoming fall schedules all in the hope that they will get commitments for billions of dollars. ...