Shouting into the Wind

This Blog Has Moved

2008-09-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

Hello. This blog has now moved to shoutingintothewind.com. Please update your bookmarks accordingly.

The entire archive of this blog has been saved to the new one, so if you wish to find old posts, you may find them there.

Thanks!

Shawna

Comic Con Analysis for TV Watchers and Wannabes Part Three

2008-08-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

Is posted at the new blog (launching officially to replace this one next Monday!)

It is here.

New Watch List is Live...sort of.

2008-08-11T22:37:00.000-07:00

On the new blog. Still being built, but you can bookmark it now. It ain't movin'.

New Watch List for 2008-09 TV Season.

Premiere dates, watch list, fall schedules are coming

2008-08-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

Man you guys are impatient! I'm compiling the list now, you know, when I'm not cramming to finish a spec or doing my day job. Of course, you'll have to go to the new blog to find it all, since those things will have their own pages on the brand spankin' new Wordpress do-majigger.

So patience please. Until then, look at Hugh Laurie.

Or Rally Monkey.

Or Bacon Cat.

Comic Con Analysis for TV Watchers and Wannabes Part Two

2008-08-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

So, continuing where I left off yesterday, let's talk cable. Cable networks have really raised the bar in terms of their presence at Comic Con. It's completely understandable too. Cable is all about niche programming, finding a target audience and catering to it fully. Genre programming and niche are twins, so it makes sense to go after your potential audience for your genre shows at the Con. The number and type of shows being promoted really expanded a lot this year, and I can honestly say I was exposed to some shows I might not have given much attention to had it not been for their presence at Comic Con. Let's start with basic cable nets first.

By the way, where I can, I'll link to the Comic Con panels for mentioned shows. I'll do the same for yesterday's post, so revisit for the network shows. Bonus points to NBC for putting all of their show panels online!

ABC Family ABC Family has been a staple at Comic Con for a few years, since Kyle XY was a big genre hit for the network. This year they were there to really promote The Middleman and Samurai Girl [Transcript of Panel in Comment Form is here], both shows with young female protagonists who kick butt. Both shows got panels, which were reasonably attended. I think the increased female presence at Comic Con this year helped boost both shows. ABC Family's booth was the same as last year, but I dig it, because they have COUCHES! When you get tired of being knocked around in the exhibit hall, having a couch available to crash on for a few minutes is pretty sweet, and I certainly don't mind watching the TV in front of that couch for the promos for their shows if it means giving my poor tired feet a few moments of rest. The temporary tattoos for "Samurai Girl" were pretty nice, and there was quite a melee for "Middleman" pins (why I'm not sure, but to each his own). Grade: B+

Cartoon Network This year was all about adult swim, as far as I could tell. That's not to say there wasn't some presence for the network at large (Powerpuff Girls 10th Anniversary panel, for starters) but most of the attention was focused on Aqua Teen Hunger Force, (and their search for a live action Carl) Venture Bros and Robot Chicken. The booth must have been really popular because I never got near it. I hear there were some decent giveaways, but I never saw any, except a "Robot Chicken" flyer. I know the panels for the adult swim shows were packed, as was Powerpuff Girls, who I did see in the flesh as they did the voices for some camera crew. That was cool. Grade: B Comic Con Panels online!

Robot Chicken

Venture Bros.

Coming next: SciFi, Spike, G4, FX, Showtime, HBO, History Channel/Discovery Channel(!), BBC America and BET.

Comic Con Analysis for TV Watchers and Wannabes Part One

2008-08-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

You've probably seen all of the news smothered over the internet like Smuckers raspberry preserves (yum), and you may have even seen some of the panels.

Now I want to pick it apart and analyze it all. What does all of this MEAN?

The week before Comic Con a little event called the TCA Fall Press Tour happened...not that'd you'd know, because it got a thimble-size of the press Comic Con received. Anymore the networks realize that connecting with fans is as important (if not moreso) than chattering at TV critics and reporters who cover this stuff for a living. Granted, most critics are also TV fans, and it becomes evident as they pick good quality shows to support which just don't get the ratings they need to survive. It happens every year.

Still, getting fans engaged, the kind who go to big events like Comic Con can be "make or break" for a film, and now for TV shows too. Lost set the precedent (though I'm sure other shows have visited before that show launched) for launching at Comic Con and getting fan support early. If the fans like you, buzz builds online and people get excited for the show.

The lesson learned in 2007 was it is not enough to hype the pilot. Too many shows (See: Invasion, Surface, Bionic Woman and Journeyman) placed too much emphasis on the pilot and not on the whole show. The good news, is that for the shows that approach the marketing of their shows with creativity and flair (and let's be fair, we're talking mostly 'genre' shows here), it can pay great dividends. Two years ago Heroes was the belle of the ball. Last year the big buzz was around Pushing Daisies and Sarah Connor Chronicles. All of those shows saw good sampling based in part on their launches at Comic Con.

So what about this year? Who has benefited the most from their appearances at Comic Con. Let's give each network a grade.

ABC presented panels for Lost and Pushing Daisies, both returning shows. ABC hasn't picked up their midseason shows yet, and their new fall shows don't really qualify as 'genre'. Both panels were packed and response was very positive. The "Lost" panel gave away some fun prizes to people who asked questions and showed a short teaser video tieing into the new ARG running this year. They put the panel in the largest room (Hall H) which shows just how much demand there is for the show at Comic Con. "Daisies" also got good buzz going again with some clips for next season (the benefit for returning shows this year is that most have already started shooting at least a couple of episodes, so there was stuff to show). ABC did a good job with their show promotion, though I think "Daisies" could have used a stronger push. Overall, a good job. Grade: A-

CBS had no presence at Comic Con this year. Their only new genre show is Harper's Island which was nowhere to be seen. Viacom makes up for this shortcoming with its Showtime offerings, which we'll get to later. Grade: D

Fox pulled out all the stops for its shows. Not only did the new J.J. Abrahms show Fringe get lots of viral marketing, a panel and a screening of the pilot, but Fox was there to strongly promote Season 2 of Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles and other returning shows. Offerings ranged from the obvious (The Simpsons, Family Guy, 24) to the surprising (Bones, Prison Break, American Dad. And then there was Joss. Of course, nothing could hold back the hordes of Whedonites who needed their fix of Dollhouse. The panels were all well attended (although Fringe was less full than I expected), the marketing was really great for the fall premieres, and definitely buzz was built for the new shows. I think Fox knows how to promote their genre offerings. Grade: A

NBC After mixed results from their Comic Con promotion last year, I was glad to see that NBC bounced back and charged ahead aggressively. They too presented some unusual offerings -- The Office writers panel? (A dream for us!) But they were in full force for freebies and viral campaigns for Knight Rider, Chuck, The Office, and Heroes. They also did well to give lots of early info on midseason show Kings which got some good buzz and attention at the Con. Disappointments: No Merlin or Crusoe news. Their booth in the exhibit hall was similar to last year, but the giveaways were good, and the Comic Con exclusive merchandise was very popular. Grade: A-

The CW Okay, so I know Supernatural and Smallville were both there, but where the heck was Reaper?? Grade: C- (Kudos to WB for promoting their studio backed shows -- they had the Nerd Herd car giveaway/drawing)

Hard to believe that was just the network presence! Next post: The cable nets, and how does this impact writing specs?

UPDATE: A myriad of panels!

NBC's Show Panels

Countdown to Newness

2008-07-31T11:44:00.000-07:00

So, the new site is coming. It's nowhere near finished, but if you are wanting to update bookmarks, you can point it at Shoutingintothewind.com

I won't be posting anything major here for the next week while I gear up for the relaunch. Status updates on the launch will be posted on the new blog.

Changes Afoot

2008-07-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

As you can see, things are a bit in flux for me right now. San Diego Comic Con is fast approaching this week, and I am almost entirely devoted to getting ready for my wall to wall coverage of the event.

Also, this blog will be changing soon. I've registered the domain shoutingintothewind.com and the blog will be moving there, on Wordpress. I've already had a good friend of mine transfer over all of the archives, and most of the new posts will go over there once Comic Con is over. Meanwhile, I'll be posting over at the Geekerati Blog for the duration of Comic Con.

August 1st the new blog will go live with even more changes to be rolled out in the coming weeks. Once Comic Con ends, I start ramping up for the fall TV season. That means a new watch list must be created!

What's that? What about my writing? Oh there's that too. And don't think I haven't forgotten why I started this blog. I'll be talking even more about writing, mine and others, over at the new blog. I'm really excited about making these changes, and I hope you'll like them too.

So, look for me at Comic Con, read up on what I'm doing this week at Geekerati, and I'll point the way to the new blog soon enough!

Comic Con Film Festival

2008-07-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to announce that SERIAL DATING, the short film I co-wrote/co-produced with Bernie Su last year for the 48 Hour Film Festival, has been accepted into the Comic Con Film Festival!

Our film will be screening on Friday, July 25 at 6:30 PM in room 26AB. We'll be doing a short Q&A after the film (which is itself very short). We'd love to have you come out to support our film!

For those who aren't familiar with it, SERIAL DATING placed as the runner up in last year's 48 Hour Film Festival, won the Best Acting award for our leads, and advanced us to the VISA Invitational. Given the very short time and budget, I think it turned out pretty darn good.

If you haven't seen it, check it out below. I will say that this is a very dark transfer of the film, and if you want to see it in all its glory, come to Comic Con!

The full festival schedule is here.

She Returns

2008-07-01T14:06:00.001-07:00

Yes, hello, I'm back. Wow, I need to do some dusting, remove the cobwebs...

So, did you miss me? I missed you! No, I did. Honest!

Noticed we're getting a trickle of new tv news lately...but right now, I'm more concerned with how everyone's writing is going. So, answer the following in comments:

1. Are you currently writing? (this had better be a yes)

1a. If you are NOT writing, what is your deal?
1b. If you are writing, what are you working on -- new draft, rewrite, tv, film, etc?

2. Do you see yourself entering any contests or fellowships this year? What is your goal before the end of 2008? What do you want to have accomplished?

Believe me, I know that second question is really tough -- looking ahead is difficult, especially when mired in a draft. But, I've found it important to take stock of where I am and where I want to be over the last month, and there's a pretty wide chasm between the two. I've got some work ahead of me.

Tomorrow, we'll get back to business. I'm also gonna be spinning up some new blogtastic ideas. Stay tuned, as we say...

Comic-Con '08

2008-06-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

If you are or know anyone who is a content creator (books, comics, film, tv, web) and who will be at Comic-Con, I'm looking to put together some "off the beaten path" interviews for Geekerati, both for the blog and for our internet radio show/podcast.

Please email me if you have an interest in being interviewed or has a friend (or client, if you are PR) that would like to be interviewed.

Thanks all! To my readers: I'll be twittering the whole thing, as I did last year. I'm hoping to really improve coverage, particularly focused on the TV panels (and there are a LOT of them this year), not only for my blog but for the aforementioned blog and podcast.

The Education of Shawna

2008-06-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know, I keep popping in, even though I'm on "hiatus". I guess I just can't stay away.

I don't like blog posts that tease. You know, someone says 'I have this awesomely cool thing to tell you but I can't tell you so you'll just have to sit there wondering what it is until I can tell you and even then it might not be as awesomely cool as you thought it would be.' Or something like it.

I'm about to tease you. But really, I don't mean it!

It's just...it's hard, when you have weird, amazing things happening all around you...and you just. can't. talk about it. Not yet.

It's still progressing in baby steps. A little bit this week. A little big next week. But as I stand back and look at the whole thing, it's turning into an amazing journey. Lots of steps, taken together, that are going to make one hell of a story when I can tell it.

Let's just say, I'm meeting amazing, interesting people who like my work, and might even want to work with me. These are amazing, interesting people that I would NEVER get to meet in normal circumstances, but some of you may know that my circumstances aren't exactly normal. If you don't know what my circumstances are, go back to January on this blog and you'll figure it out.

For now, I remain bewildered. And it is so faaaaar from over.

Funny and True

2008-06-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

I've been writing at Solar on Cahuenga a lot this week, trying to finish a spec. When I happened across this article today, I had to laugh.

Here's a taste:

In Hollywood, the prime afternoon writing hours set off a gridlock of screenwriters who converge on coffee shops to scribble and type. The cafes are de facto offices for those who aspire to be the next Charlie Kaufman, the renowned screenwriter (''Adaptation,'' ''Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'') who cut his own teeth in a coffee shop, House of Pies.

Any Los Angeles screenwriter, struggling or successful, will say that the perfect writing place is the holy grail of the craft. ''It's always a search,'' said Todd E. Kessler, a writer for the NBC drama ''Crossing Jordan.'' ''Let's face it,'' he went on, ''Writing is a solitary art. Sometimes it becomes too solitary -- you live inside your head and it becomes destructive. It's nice to be in a cafe where you're alone but not alone.''

You have to read the whole thing. You won't know whether to laugh or cry.

Link: For Screenwriters, Inspiration Smells Like French Roast - New York Times

The 2007-08 Season TV Watch List

2008-06-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

Updated on 06/10.

New Series Premiere Dates / Status:

NETWORK:

Dance War (ABC) (could return next year)
Farmer Wants a Wife (CW) Wed 9 PM
Swingtown (CBS) Thurs 10 PM
Fear Itself (NBC) Thurs 10 PM
The Mole (ABC) Mon 9 PM
When Women Rule the World (Fox) TBD 9 PM
Celebrity Circus (NBC) 6/11 9 PM
Wipeout (ABC) 6/24 8 PM
I Survived a Japanese Gameshow (ABC) 6/24 9 PM
The Baby Borrowers (NBC) 6/25 8 PM
Hopkins 24/7 (documentary series) (ABC) 6/26 10 PM
Dance Machine (ABC) 6/27 8 PM
High School Musical: Summer Session (ABC) 7/20 8 PM
Wanna Bet? (ABC) 7/21 9 PM

CABLE:

Tell Me You Love Me (HBO) Sun 9 PM
America's Psychic Challenge (Lifetime) Fri 10 PM
Girl Meets Cowboy (We) Sun 10 PM
The Shot (VH1) Sun 10 PM
It's My Party (Lifetime) Fri 10 PM
In Treatment (HBO) Mon 9:30 PM
Step It Up and Dance (Bravo) Thurs 10 PM
Sarah Jane Adventures (SciFi) Fri 8 PM
The Alaska Experiment (Discovery) Tues 10 PM
In Plain Sight (USA) Sun 10 PM
Secret Diary of a Call Girl (Showtime) 6/16 10:30 PM
The Starter Wife (series) (USA) October TBD

Renewed for 2008-09 Season (New shows for 07-08 indicated in bold):

Damages (FX) (Also renewed for 2009-10)
The Big Bang Theory (CBS) Mon 8:30 PM
Dexter (Showtime) Sun 9 PM
Ugly Betty (ABC) Thurs 8 PM
Grey's Anatomy (ABC) Thurs 9 PM
Desperate Housewives (ABC) Sun 9 PM
Brothers & Sisters (ABC) Sun 10 PM
Lost (ABC) Thurs 9 PM
Dancing With the Stars (ABC) Mon 8 PM/Tues 9 PM
America's Funniest Home Videos (ABC) Sun 7 PM (19th season)
Supernanny (ABC) Wed 9 PM
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC) Sun 8 PM
Wife Swap (ABC) Wed 8 PM
The Bachelor (ABC) Mon 9:30 PM
WWE Smackdown (CW) Fri 8 PM (moving to MyNetwork TV next year!)
Heroes (NBC) Mon 9 PM
Gossip Girl (CW) Wed 9 PM
America's Next Top Model (CW) Wed 8 PM
Smallville (CW) Thurs 8 PM
Everybody Hates Chris (CW) Mon 8 PM
Supernatural (CW) Thurs 9 PM
Survivor (CBS) Thurs 8 PM
The Amazing Race (CBS) Sun 8 PM
60 Minutes (CBS) Sun 7 PM
CSI: Miami (CBS) Mon 10 PM
CSI: New York (CBS) Wed 10 PM
C.S.I. (CBS) Thurs 9 PM
NCIS (CBS) Tues 8 PM
E.R. (NBC) Thurs 10 PM (renewed for 15th and last season)
24 (Fox) 9 PM (Won't air until January 09)
One Tree Hill (CW) Tues 9 PM
Big Brother (CBS) Tues 9 PM
Prison Break (Fox) Mon 8 PM
Samantha Who? (ABC) Mon 9:30 PM
Dirty Sexy Money (ABC) Wed 10 PM
Chuck (NBC) Mon 8 PM
Life (NBC) Wed 10 PM
Private Practice (ABC) Wed 9 PM
Pushing Daisies (ABC) Wed 8 PM
Kitchen Nightmares (Fox) Wed 9 PM
Law and Order (NBC) Wed 9 PM
Friday Night Lights (NBC) Fri 9 PM
Lipstick Jungle (NBC) Thurs 10 PM
How to Look Good Naked (Lifetime) Fri 9:30 PM
30 Rock (NBC) Thurs 8:30 PM
Deal or No Deal (NBC) Wed 8 PM
My Name is Earl (NBC) Thurs 8 PM
The Office (NBC) Thurs 9 PM
Medium (NBC) Mon 10 PM
Celebrity Apprentice (NBC) Sun 8 PM
Law and Order: SVU (NBC) Tues 10 PM
Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox) Mon 8 PM
Tim Gunn's Guide to Style (Bravo) Wed 10 PM
Project Runway (Lifetime) MOVING TO LIFETIME!!
Sunday Best (BET) Sun 8 PM
American Gangster (BET) Thurs 10 PM
Real Housewives of Orange County (Bravo) 10 PM
Top Chef (Bravo) Wed 10 PM
Real Housewives of New York City (Bravo)
Top Design (Bravo)
Shear Genius (Bravo)
The Millionaire Matchmaker (Bravo)
Million Dollar Listing (Bravo)
Breaking Bad (AMC) Thurs 10 PM
American Idol (Fox) Tues/Wed 8 PM
House (Fox) Mon 9 PM
Bones (Fox) Tues 8 PM
Lincoln Heights (ABC Family) Mon 8 PM
Two and a Half Men (CBS) Mon 9 PM
Ghost Hunters (SciFi) Wed 9 PM
The Game (CW) Mon 9:30 PM
Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader? (Fox)
Don't Forget the Lyrics! (Fox)
Cops (Fox)
America's Most Wanted (Fox)
The Simpsons (Fox) Sun 8 PM
Family Guy (Fox) Sun 9 PM
Boston Legal (ABC) Wed 10 PM
The Ghost Whisperer (CBS) Fri 8 PM
The Tudors (Showtime) Sun 9 PM
Eli Stone (ABC) Thurs 10 PM
The Moment of Truth (Fox) Wed 9 PM (returns 6/12)
Reaper (CW) Tues 9 PM
The Unit (CBS) Tues 9 PM
Cold Case (CBS) Sun 9 PM
How I Met Your Mother (CBS) Mon 8 PM
Rules of Engagement (CBS) Mon 9:30 PM
Criminal Minds (CBS) Wed 9 PM
Without a Trace (CBS) Thurs 10 PM
Numb3rs (CBS) Fri 10 PM
20/20 (ABC) Fri 10 PM
Scrubs (NBC) Thurs 9:30 PM (moves to ABC)
According to Jim (ABC) Tues 9 PM (returns midseason)
10 Items or Less (TBS) 11 PM
Tyler Perry's House of Payne (TBS) 10 PM
Frank TV (TBS) Tues 11 PM
The Bill Engvall Show (TBS)
King of the Hill (Fox) Sun 8:30 PM
American Dad (Fox) Sun 9:30 PM
Torchwood (BBC America) Sat 9 PM [Season 3 only 5 eps no date]

Series Death Watch (New shows for 07-08 indicated in bold):

Online Nation (CW)
Nashville (Fox)
Viva Laughlin (CBS)
Kid Nation (CBS) Wed 8 PM
Las Vegas (NBC) Fri 10 PM
Girlfriends (CW) Mon 9 PM
Jericho (CBS) Tues 10 PM
The Return of Jezebel James (Fox) Fri 8:30 PM
Journeyman (NBC) Mon 10 PM
Bionic Woman (NBC) Wed 9 PM
Phenomenon (NBC) Wed 8 PM
Clash of the Choirs (NBC)
Secret Talents of the Stars (CBS) Tues 10 PM
Exalted! (BET) Sun 9 PM
Amne$ia (NBC) Fri 8 PM
Men in Trees (ABC) Wed 10 PM
Battlestar Galactica (SciFi) 9 PM (Series Ending)
Back to You (Fox) Wed 9:30 PM
October Road (ABC) Mon 10 PM
Aliens in America (CW) Mon 8:30 PM
Beauty and the Geek (CW) Tues 8 PM
New Amsterdam (Fox) Mon 9 PM
K-ville (Fox) Mon 9 PM
Big Shots (ABC) Thurs 10 PM
CW Now (CW) Sun 7 PM
Cavemen (ABC) Tues 8 PM
Carpoolers (ABC) Tues 8:30 PM
Cane (CBS) Tues 10 PM
Life is Wild (CW) Sun 8 PM
American Band (Fox) Fri 8 PM
Crowned (CW) Wed 8 PM
Women's Murder Club (ABC) Tues 10 PM
Welcome to the Captain (CBS) Mon 8:30 PM
Oprah's Big Give (ABC) Sun 9 PM
Shark (CBS) Sun 10 PM
Power of 10 (CBS) Wed 8 PM
Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious Wed 9 PM
Notes from the Underbelly (ABC) Mon 9:30 PM
Duel (ABC) Fri 9 PM
Moonlight (CBS) Fri 9 PM
Cashmere Mafia (ABC) Wed 10 PM
Canterbury's Law (Fox) Fri 9 PM
The Singing Bee (NBC) Tues 9:30 PM
Miss/Guided (ABC) Thurs 8PM
quarterlife (Bravo) Tues 10 PM
Unhitched (Fox) Sun 9:30 PM
Dirt (FX) Tues 10 PM

Returning Series Premiere Dates:

NETWORK:

Hell's Kitchen (Fox) Tues 9 PM
The Bachelorette (ABC) Mon 9 PM
Last Comic Standing (NBC) Thurs 8:30 PM
So You Think You Can Dance? (Fox) Tues 8 PM
Nashville Star (NBC) Mon 8 PM
America's Got Talent (NBC) 6/17 9 PM

CABLE:

Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO) Sun 10 PM
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX) Thurs 10 PM
The Ultimate Fighter (Spike) Wed 10 PM
Stargate Atlantis (SciFi) Fri 10 PM
Brotherhood (Showtime) Sun 10 PM
South Park (Comedy Central) Wed 10 PM
The Sarah Silverman Program (Comedy Central) Wed 10:30 PM
Law and Order: Criminal Intent (USA) Sun 10 PM
Drawn Together (Comedy Central) Fri 10:30 PM
Nip/Tuck (FX) 10 PM
The L Word (Showtime) 10 PM
Hotel Babylon (BBC America) Wed 9 PM
The Riches (FX) Tues 10 PM
Greek (ABC Family) Mon 8 PM
Deadliest Catch (Discovery) Tues 9 PM
Doctor Who (SciFi) Fri 9 PM
Workout (Bravo) Tues 10 PM
Robin Hood (BBC America) Sat 9 PM
Wildfire (ABC Family) Mon 9 PM
Burn Notice (USA) 6/10 10 PM
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List (Bravo) 6/12 9 PM
Weeds (Showtime) 6/16 10 PM
Flipping Out (Bravo) 6/17 9 PM
Monk (USA) 6/18 9 PM
Psych (USA) 6/18 10 PM
30 Days (FX) 7/3 10 PM
The Shield (FX) 9/2 10 PM

A brief explanation of the watch list:

New shows premiere dates / status - consider this the neutral zone, detailing the premiere dates for new shows and tidbits of info which could forecast a move to another category.

Shows likely to be axed - their numbers aren't good, news stories point to it being yanked, it may soon end up in the cancelled category.

NEW Series Pickups- this doesn't mean it is renewed for next year, just that the series has gotten a full season order. (e.g., 'back nine' pickup).

Likely pickups - the numbers are good, all we need is the confirmation from the network (again, this is for full season orders, not renewals).

Renewed - Will be back next season (new or older shows).

Series death watch - they've been on the air and their time may be coming. We watch and wait... (new or older shows)

All other series premiere dates - Just what it says. These aren't new series, but their premiere dates are listed and updated, just as an added service to you, my loyal readers and googlers passing by...

** New this year, I will be tracking the reality shows as well as scripted

Summer hiatus

2008-06-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

As you have probably noticed, I haven't had much to say this week. That's because I'm busy writing a new spec. Apparently I can't blog and write scripts at the same time. Go figure.

Of course there isn't as much news over the summer months, so I'll be taking a brief blog vacation. I have plans to do a major relaunch of this blog for the fall, but in the meantime I'll pop in when time allows to update on TV happenings and my own project status.

Please do drop me a line though if you get lonely. Sometimes it's hard to remember to come up for air.

See you back here for regular blogging again next month. July 1st I'll be back in full force, but the blog relaunch won't happen until September 1st.

Outside the Box

2008-05-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

So, Michael over at Red Right Hand has already posted his thoughts and juicy tidbits from the "Breaking into the Box" event put on by the Writers Guild Foundation on Saturday.

I agree with him on several items, particularly on the value of the non-writers to the discussion. The agents, managers and execs add insight to this whole process of trying to write for television. The showrunners provide their learnings in the trenches and some of the nuts and bolts of running/writing television, but it's the agents, managers and execs that are the gatekeepers to this kingdom.

Breaking into the Box

2008-05-17T08:03:00.001-07:00

I'll be spending my day at the WGA for this event titled "Breaking into the Box."

Here are the panels for this sold out event:

PANEL – TELEVISION IN THE POST-STRIKE WORLD
The landscape has changed and we all need to learn how to navigate this new terrain. What is the future of scripted programming? Will ‘pilot season’ ever be the same again? How does this affect our world big picture? And how does it affect each of us individually?

Panelists: Shawn Ryan, Brannon Braga, Chris Brancato, Sue Naegle, Josh Barry (ABC). etc.
Moderator: Nell Scovell

PANEL – GETTING IT DONE – HOW A SHOW IS MADE
The nuts and bolts of the process from script to screen – greenlight to final cut. Showrunners, executive producers and writers discuss how a show is set up from start to finish and how a production schedule works.

Panelists: Marc Korman (Endeavor) Damon Lindelof, Allan Heinberg, Kevin Falls, Robin Schiff
Moderator: John Sacret Young

PANEL – GETTING THE JOB – BREAKING IN
Writing the spec script; what to do with it; getting an agent; how to swing things if you DON’T have an agent; what to do if you have a “reality” idea; the importance of WGA signatory shows; resources available; other ways to swing your big break; what is the difference between networking and harassment? Who do I ask to read my stuff and when is that appropriate? All things you need to know before you even start…

Panelists: David Babcock, Josh Appelbaum, Jessica Goldberg, Liz Tigelaar, Lenny Bekerman, Robin Budd (Mandalay Entertainment)
Moderator: Jay Kogen

PANEL – MANAGING YOUR CAREER
Okay. You got one job. Now how to turn that into a career?

Panelists: Margaret Nagle, Cindy Chupack, Nancy Etz (CAA), Larry Shuman, Elizabeth Stephen (Mandalay Entertainment)
Moderator: Jan Oxenberg

The fall schedules 2008-09

2008-05-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

So, now that upfronts are over, let's take a look at how the networks stack up against each other next year. Keep in mind that now everyone has shown their cards, there may be a tweak here or there to move shows away from each other.

MONDAY

8 PM

ABC Dancing with the Stars
CBS The Big Bang Theory / How I Met Your Mother (8:30)
NBC Chuck
Fox Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
CW Gossip Girl

9 PM

ABC Untitled Tyra Banks&Ashton Kutcher / Samantha Who (9:30)
CBS Two and a Half Men / Worst Week (9:30)
NBC Heroes
Fox Prison Break
CW One Tree Hill

10 PM

ABC The Bachelor / Boston Legal (after Bachelor ends)
CBS CSI: Miami
NBC My Own Worst Enemy

TUESDAY

8 PM

ABC Opportunity Knocks
CBS NCIS
NBC The Biggest Loser: Families
Fox House
CW 90210

9 PM

ABC Dancing Results Show / Scrubs/The Goode Family(9:30) (after Dancing ends)
CBS The Mentalist
NBC The Biggest Loser: Families / Kath & Kim (9:30)
Fox Fringe
CW Surviving the Filthy Rich

10 PM

ABC Eli Stone
CBS Without a Trace
NBC Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

WEDNESDAY

8 PM

ABC Pushing Daisies
CBS The New Adventures of Old Christine / Project Gary (8:30)
NBC Knight Rider
Fox Bones
CW America's Next Top Model

9 PM

ABC Private Practice
CBS Criminal Minds
NBC Deal or No Deal
Fox 'Til Death / Do Not Disturb (9:30)
CW Stylista

10 PM

ABC Dirty Sexy Money
CBS CSI:NY
NBC Lipstick Jungle

THURSDAY

8 PM

ABC Ugly Betty
CBS Survivor
NBC My Name is Earl / 30 Rock (8:30)
Fox The Moment of Truth
CW Smallville

9 PM

ABC Grey's Anatomy
CBS CSI
NBC The Office / The Office/SNL Thursday Night Live (9:30)
Fox Kitchen Nightmares
CW Supernatural

10 PM

ABC Life on Mars
CBS Eleventh Hour
NBC ER

FRIDAY

8 PM

ABC Supernanny
CBS The Ghost Whisperer
NBC Crusoe
Fox Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?
CW Everybody Hates Chris / The Game (8:30)

9 PM

ABC Wife Swap
CBS The Ex List
NBC Deal or No Deal
Fox Don't Forget the Lyrics!
CW America's Next Top Model (Encore Presentation)

10 PM

ABC 20/20
CBS Numb3rs
NBC Life

SATURDAY

8 PM

ABC College Football
CBS Crimetime Saturday
NBC Dateline NBC
Fox Cops / Cops (8:30)

9 PM

ABC College Football / Movie
CBS Crimetime Saturday
NBC Knight Rider (Encores)
Fox America's Most Wanted

10 PM

ABC College Football / Movie
CBS 48 Hours Mystery
NBC Law & Order: SVU (Encores)

SUNDAY

7 PM

ABC America's Funniest Home Videos
CBS 60 Minutes
NBC Football Night in America
Fox The OT (NFL post-game)

8 PM

ABC Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
CBS The Amazing Race
NBC NBC Sunday Night Football
Fox The Simpsons / King of the Hill (8:30)

9 PM

ABC Desperate Housewives
CBS Cold Case
NBC NBC Sunday Night Football
Fox Family Guy / American Dad (9:30)

10 PM

ABC Brothers & Sisters
CBS The Unit
NBC NBC Sunday Night Football

Upfronts 2008: Fox announces fall schedule

2008-05-15T09:47:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack of commentary right now -- I will update later with my thoughts. Suffice to say that from a geek angle there's a lot to love here.

FOX ANNOUNCES PRIMETIME SLATE FOR 2008-2009 SEASON

TWO NEW DRAMAS, THREE NEW COMEDIES AND ONE UNSCRIPTED SERIES JOIN SCHEDULE

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED J.J. ABRAMS DRAMA "FRINGE" ALONG WITH COMEDY "DO NOT DISTURB" (working title) DEBUT IN FALL

JOSS WHEDON'S "DOLLHOUSE" AND NEW UNSCRIPTED SERIES "SECRET MILLIONAIRE" TO PREMIERE MIDSEASON

NEW ANIMATED COMEDIES "THE CLEVELAND SHOW" (working title) AND "SIT DOWN, SHUT UP" (working title) DEBUT IN SPRING

FOX Kicks Off Season Early With Special Two-Hour Premieres Week of August 25

New York (Thursday, May 15, 2008) Peter Liguori, Chairman, Entertainment; and Kevin Reilly, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company, today unveiled the FOX primetime schedule for the 2008-2009 television season speaking before the national advertising community at New York City Center.

"Broadcast television needs a jolt. We feel it's our responsibility, as the No. 1 network for the last four seasons, to provide that electricity," said Liguori. "The goal of our business is entertaining viewersthey're our lifeblood, and it's incumbent upon us to make sure their first and favorite entertainment destination is FOX."

Reilly added, "We're going to make plenty of noise and yet potentially have more stability and success than we've had historically in the fourth quarter. We'll be focused in the fall with two new series one comedy and one drama and then use our big assets in January to launch an even more powerful second season."

The new event drama premiering this fall is FRINGE, a fantastical thriller from acclaimed writer/producer J.J. Abrams ("Lost"), Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman ("Star Trek," "Mission: Impossible III," "Alias"). Joshua Jackson ("Dawson's Creek"), John Noble ("Lord of the Rings") and newcomer Anna Torv star as an unlikely trio who uncover a deadly mystery involving a series of unbelievable events and realize they may be a part of a larger, more disturbing pattern that blurs the line between science fiction and technology.

The new comedy slated for fall is DO NOT DISTURB (working title), an upstairs/downstairs workplace comedy starring Jerry O'Connell ("Crossing Jordan") and Niecy Nash ("Reno 911!") as the management team behind one the hottest and hippest hotels in New York City.

One additional drama and one unscripted series will launch in midseason. From Joss Whedon, creator of groundbreaking cult favorites "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly," comes DOLLHOUSE, a gripping, high-action drama starring Eliza Dushku ("Tru Calling") as Echo, a member of an underground group of "Actives" who have their personalities wiped clean so they can be imprinted with any number of new personas to carry out a variety of missions. The Actives don't just pretend to be new people they become new people, yet they are never aware they are actually pawns in someone else's game. SECRET MILLIONAIRE is a heart-warming new unscripted series that focuses on a different millionaire each week, who goes undercover to some of America's most disadvantaged areas in search of everyday heroes to possibly change their lives forever.

Two new animated comedies will also join the schedule in the spring. From the creators of FAMILY GUY and AMERICAN DAD, comes THE CLEVELAND SHOW (working title), the story of what happens when FAMILY GUY's Cleveland Brown moves to Stoolbend, VA, to make good on a promise to his high school sweetheart. SIT DOWN, SHUT UP (working title), created by Emmy Award winner Mitchell Hurwitz ("Arrested Development"), follows a group of unconventional teachers and staff members working at a high school in a small northeastern fishing town who never lose sight of the fact that the students must ALWAYS come second.

FOX kicks off the new season with special two-hour premiere events the week of August 25 including: PRISON BREAK Monday, August 25 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT); FRINGE Tuesday, August 26 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT); BONES Wednesday, August 27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER? Friday, August 29 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

FOX series returning in 2008-2009 include: 24, AMERICAN DAD, AMERICAN IDOL, AMERICA'S MOST WANTED: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK, ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER?, BONES, COPS, DON'T FORGET THE LYRICS!, FAMILY GUY, HELL'S KITCHEN, HOUSE, KING OF THE HILL, KITCHEN NIGHTMARES, MADtv, THE MOMENT OF TRUTH, PRISON BREAK, THE SIMPSONS, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, TALKSHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN, TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES and 'TIL DEATH.

Following are the FOX primetime schedule for 2008-2009 and synopses of the new series:

FOX PRIMETIME SCHEDULE: FALL 2008

(All Times ET/PT)

MONDAY

8:00-9:00 PM TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES

9:00-10:00 PM PRISON BREAK

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE

9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM BONES

9:00-9:30 PM 'TIL DEATH

9:30-10:00 PM DO NOT DISTURB (wt)

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 PM THE MOMENT OF TRUTH

9:00-10:00 PM KITCHEN NIGHTMARES

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 PM ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER?

9:00-10:00 PM DON'T FORGET THE LYRICS!

SATURDAY

8:00-8:30 PM COPS

8:30-9:00 PM COPS

9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA'S MOST WANTED: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK

11:00 PM-Midnight MADtv

Midnight-12:30 AM TALKSHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN

SUNDAY

7:00-8:00 PM THE OT (NFL post-game)

8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS

8:30-9:00 PM KING OF THE HILL

9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY

9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD

FOX PRIMETIME SCHEDULE: BEGINNING JANUARY 2009

(All Times ET/PT)

MONDAY

8:00-9:00 PM DOLLHOUSE

9:00-10:00 PM 24

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL

9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE

9:00-9:30 PM AMERICAN IDOL Results Show

9:30-10:00 PM TBA Comedy

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 PM HELL'S KITCHEN

9:00-10:00 PM SECRET MILLIONAIRE

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 PM BONES

9:00-9:30 PM 'TIL DEATH

9:30-10:00 PM DO NOT DISTURB (wt)

SATURDAY

8:00-8:30 PM COPS

8:30-9:00 PM COPS

9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA'S MOST WANTED: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK

11:00 PM-Midnight MADtv

Midnight-12:30 AM TALKSHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN

SUNDAY

7:00-7:30 PM COMEDY ENCORES

7:30-8:00 PM COMEDY ENCORES

8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS

8:30-9:00 PM KING OF THE HILL (January) / SIT DOWN, SHUT UP (wt) (spring)

9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY

9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD (January) / THE CLEVELAND SHOW (wt) (spring)

2008-2009 FOX PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

NEW SERIES SYNOPSES

The following new drama will premiere this fall on FOX:

FRINGE (Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT): From J.J. Abrams ("Lost"), Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, the team behind "Star Trek," "Mission: Impossible III" and "Alias," comes a new drama that will thrill, terrify and explore the blurring line between science fiction and reality. When an international flight lands at Boston's Logan Airport and the passengers and crew have all died grisly deaths, FBI Special Agent OLIVIA DUNHAM (newcomer Anna Torv) is called in to investigate. After her partner, Special Agent JOHN SCOTT (Mark Valley, "Boston Legal"), is nearly killed during the investigation, a desperate Olivia searches frantically for someone to help, leading her to DR. WALTER BISHOP (John Noble, "Lord of the Rings"), our generation's Einstein. There's only one catch: he's been institutionalized for the last 20 years, and the only way to question him requires pulling his estranged son PETER (Joshua Jackson, "Dawson's Creek") in to help. When Olivia's investigation leads her to manipulative corporate executive NINA SHARP (Blair Brown, "Altered States"), our unlikely trio along with fellow FBI Agents PHILLIP BROYLES (Lance Reddick, "The Wire"), CHARLIE FRANCIS (Kirk Acevedo, "Oz") and ASTRID FARNSWORTH (Jasika Nicole, "Law & Order: Criminal Intent") will discover that what happened on Flight 627 is only a small piece of a larger, more shocking truth.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Warner Bros. Television, Bad Robot Productions

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: J.J. Abrams, Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Bryan Burk, Jeff Pinkner, Alex Graves (pilot)

WRITERS: J.J. Abrams, Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman

DIRECTOR: Alex Graves

CAST: Anna Torv as Olivia Dunham, Joshua Jackson as Peter Bishop, John Noble as Walter Bishop, Lance Reddick as Phillip Broyles, Kirk Acevedo as Charlie Francis, Mark Valley as John Scott, Blair Brown as Nina Sharp, Jasika Nicole as Astrid Farnsworth

The new comedy premiering this fall is:

DO NOT DISTURB (working title) (Wednesdays, 9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT): DO NOT DISTURB (working title) is a hilarious workplace comedy set at one of New York City's hottest and hippest hotels: The Inn. Named one of the Big Apple's "10 Best Places to Stay," The Inn is just that the "in" place to be, with its chic dcor, stylish staff and celebrity clientele. Behind the scenes, however, the upstairs/downstairs dynamic tells quite a different story. The hotel's top-notch reputation and sophisticated look is due in large part to NEAL (Jerry O'Connell, "Crossing Jordan") at least in his opinion. Although The Inn's charismatic owner R.J. (guest star Robert Wagner) takes all the credit, Neal is the egotistical, hyper-stylish, detail-oriented general manager who will do whatever it takes to keep the hotel and its employees up to his standards. RHONDA (Niecy Nash, "Reno 911!") is the head of Human Resources who also keeps Neal's demands in check. She's brash, fabulous and brutally honest and runs the HR department from her bullpen downstairs with a set of rules that are all her own. Rhonda does her best to keep the back of the house in line and the front of the house out of trouble. At the front desk handling check-in while wearing 6-inch Manolos is NICOLE (Molly Stanton, "Twins"), an aging model who is svelte, cynical and slightly starving. Fresh from Nebraska is JASON (Brando Eaton, "Zoey 101"), the nave bellman who would prefer to work behind-the-scenes, but was hired to show off his chiseled face and perfect pecs at the front of the hotel. The downstairs staff includes MOLLY (Jolene Purdy, "Donnie Darko"), a reservations clerk who dreams of pop-singer stardom as much as she craves to be part of the action upstairs; and LARRY (Jesse Tyler Ferguson, "The Class"), the head of housekeeping who spends more time on the phone cleaning up his messes at home than he does cleaning up after the guests upstairs.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: 20th Century Fox Television; Reveille, LLC; Principato-Young Productions

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Abraham Higginbotham, Howard Owens, Carolyn Bernstein, Paul Young, Peter Principato, Brian Dobbins

WRITER: Abraham Higginbotham

DIRECTOR: Jason Bateman

CAST: Jerry O'Connell as Neal, Niecy Nash as Rhonda, Molly Stanton as Nicole, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Larry, Brando Eaton as Jason, Jolene Purdy as Molly

GUEST STAR: Robert Wagner as R.J.

The following new drama is slated for a midseason launch:

DOLLHOUSE (Mondays, 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT): Joss Whedon, creator of groundbreaking cult favorites "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly," returns to television and reunites with fellow "Buffy" alumna Eliza Dushku for a thrilling new drama, DOLLHOUSE. ECHO (Dushku) is an "Active," a member of a highly illegal and underground group who have had their personalities wiped clean so they can be imprinted with any number of new personas. Confined to a secret facility known as the "Dollhouse," Echo and the other Actives including SIERRA (Dichen Lachman, "Neighbours") and VICTOR (Enver Gjokaj, "The Unit") carry out engagements assigned by ADELLE (Olivia Williams, "X-Men: The Last Stand," "Rushmore"), one of the Dollhouse leaders. The engagements cater to the wealthy, powerful and connected, and require the Actives to immerse themselves in all manner of scenarios romantic, criminal, uplifting, dangerous, comical and the occasional "pro bono" good deed. After each scenario, Echo, always under the watchful eye of her handler BOYD (Harry Lennix, "Commander in Chief," 24), returns to the mysterious Dollhouse where her thoughts, feelings and experiences are erased by TOPHER (Fran Kranz, "Welcome to the Captain"), the Dollhouse's genius programmer. Echo enters the next scenario with no memory of before. Or does she? As the series progresses, FBI Agent PAUL SMITH (Tahmoh Penikett, "Battlestar Galactica") pieces together clues that lead him closer to the Dollhouse, while Echo stops forgetting, her memories begin to return and she slowly pieces together her mysterious past. DOLLHOUSE revolves around Echo's blossoming self-awareness and her desire to discover her true identity. But with each new engagement, comes a new memory and increased danger inside and outside the Dollhouse.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: 20th Century Fox Television, Mutant Enemy Inc.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/WRITER/DIRECTOR: Joss Whedon

CAST: Eliza Dushku as Echo, Olivia Williams as Adelle, Tahmoh Penikett as Paul, Fran Kranz as Topher, Dichen Lachman as Sierra, Enver Gjokaj as Victor, Harry Lennix as Boyd

The new unscripted series joining the FOX midseason schedule is:

SECRET MILLIONAIRE (Thursdays, 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT): SECRET MILLIONAIRE is a dramatic unscripted series that takes America's wealthiest individuals away from their lavish lifestyles, sprawling mansions and private planes and places them undercover into some of the most impoverished neighborhoods in America. Shot under the guise of a documentary, the series reveals the dramatic personal return that millionaires will get when they leave their fortunes to invest in those less fortunate. Challenged with living on minimum wage, the millionaires will immerse themselves in situations beyond their comprehension. They will work side-by-side with community members and befriend those in need to decide who should ultimately receive their gifts of a lifetime. The millionaires will be touched by the people they meet. Some will inspire with their dedication to helping others, while others will relay stories of overcoming tremendous odds. On the final day, the Secret Millionaires meet with the chosen recipients and reveal their true identity and intention: to give them at least $100,000 oftentimes more of their own money and to change their lives forever. SECRET MILLIONAIRE will engage viewers in important social issues, extol the virtues of volunteerism and change the lives of disadvantaged people and the philanthropists who helped them in unexpected ways.

PRODUCTION COMPANY: RDF USA

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Chris Coelen, Greg Goldman, Bruce Toms

The new animated comedies joining the schedule in the spring include:

THE CLEVELAND SHOW (working title) (Sundays, 9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT): Many years ago, CLEVELAND BROWN (voiced by Mike Henry) was a high school student madly in love with a beautiful girl named DONNA. Much to his dismay, his love went unrequited, and Donna wound up marrying another man. Cleveland once told Donna he would always love her, and if this man ever done her wrong, he'd be there when she called. Well, this man done her wrong. Donna's husband skipped town with another woman, leaving Donna with a daughter and a baby. Now she's come to Cleveland and offered him another chance at love. Unattached after the Loretta-Quagmire debacle and true to his word, Cleveland joyously accepts and he and CLEVELAND JR. move to Stoolbend, VA, to join their new family. Once in Stoolbend, Cleveland has a few surprises in store for him, including a flirtatious new stepdaughter, a 5-year-old stepson who loves the ladies, as well as a collection of neighbors that includes a loudmouth redneck couple, a British family seemingly stuck in the Victorian era and a family of bears living at the end of the block. FAMILY GUY was only the beginning. Get ready for THE CLEVELAND SHOW (working title)!

PRODUCTION COMPANY: 20th Century Fox Television

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Seth MacFarlane, Rich Appel, Mike Henry

VOICE CAST: Mike Henry as Cleveland Brown

SIT DOWN, SHUT UP (working title) (Sundays, 8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT): From Emmy Award-winning writer Mitchell Hurwitz ("Arrested Development") and Eric and Kim Tannenbaum ("Two and a Half Men") comes SIT DOWN, SHUT UP (working title), an animated comedy that focuses on the lives of eight staff members at a high school in a small northeastern fishing town (Go Baiters!) who never lose sight of the fact that the children must ALWAYS come second. We watch them grapple with their own egos, needs and personal agendas, their petty insecurities and prejudices, unrequited loves, and ruthless battles for power and that's just at the staff meeting. SUE SEZNO (Kenan Thompson, "Saturday Night Live"), a woman who frequently says "no," is the acting principal of the school (the actual principal is recovering from a series of unfortunate accidents that might be seen as escape attempts). Then there's Vice Principal STUART PROZACKIAN (Will Forte, "Saturday Night Live") who has a terrifically positive and upbeat attitude... possibly from the performance-enhancing medication he's been secretly put on by the other teachers. There is one educator who feels the focus should be on academics, but despite the old adage, at this school, those who can teach, teach gym and that's where LARRY SLIMP (Jason Bateman, "Juno," "Arrested Development") has been exiled to. Immensely frustrated, Larry nurses a crush on science teacher MIRACLE GROHE (Maria Bamford, "Stuart Little 2"), a woman whose superficial grasp on science is balanced by her superficial grasp on spirituality. Rounding out the staff is the aging German teacher WILLARD DEUTSCHEBOG (Henry Winkler, "Arrested Development," "Happy Days"), a deeply defeated man whose yearbook quotation reads "If I believed in reincarnation, I'd kill myself tonight." Uptight HELEN KLENCH (Cheri Oteri, "Saturday Night Live") is a librarian whose life's work in research and archiving can now be surpassed by the average Google search from the average cell phone. Proud ANDREW SAPIEN (Nick Kroll, "Best Week Ever," "Cavemen") is the flamboyant drama teacher. ENNIS HOFFTARD (Will Arnett, "Arrested Development") is a fellow teacher and a self-obsessed body builder who yearns to be thought of as a "cool dude" by his students. And finally there's HAPPY (Tom Kenny, "SpongeBob SquarePants"), the plotting secretive custodian who's assumed to be Hispanic despite the fact that his real name is Muhannad Sabeeh Fa'ach Nuaba. With a distinctive new look a combination of animation against a live-action backdrop SIT DOWN, SHUT UP is a series for the young and old at heart. It lampoons modern society while exposing the dreams, flaws and struggling humanity of our first and most formative authority figures: teachers.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Sony Pictures Television, 20th Century Fox Television, Granada America, Tantamount

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Mitchell Hurwitz, Eric Tannenbaum, Kim Tannenbaum, Bill Oakley, Josh Weinstein

CAST: Will Arnett as Ennis, Maria Bamford as Miracle, Jason Bateman as Larry, Will Forte as Stuart, Tom Kenny as Happy, Nick Kroll as Andrew, Cheri Oteri as Helen, Kenan Thompson as Sue, Henry Winkler as Willard

Upfronts 2008: CBS announces fall schedule

2008-05-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

CBS has 18 shows returning to the schedule. The most significant change is the creation of a new comedy "block" on Wednesday night, with "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "Project Gary", a new series. As earlier reported, they've picked up "The Mentalist", "Eleventh Hour" and "The Ex List" for dramas and also picked up "Worst Week" as a new half hour on Monday night after "Two and a Half Men". There are a few time period changes, but nothing earth shattering. "Harper's Island" has been picked up for midseason.

CBS has had the advantage of stability in their schedule the last few years, what with the CSI franchise and their other crime procedurals. Adding The Mentalist will give them yet another crime procedural to potentially build from, and Eleventh Hour also feels like a good fit.

The most curious pick up is "The Ex List" which strays a bit from the CBS drama profile...this is the kind of show you'd expect to pop up on ABC. It's not a bad thing for them to target a younger female demo, just interesting. I know that is small consolation to the "Moonlight" fans, however.

Here is the CBS press release in full, with the schedule:

CBS ANNOUNCES NEW 2008-2009 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

Five New Series Added: Two Comedies and Three Dramas

CBS Expands Comedy Lineup, Adding New Block on Wednesday 8:00-9:00 PM

Two New Dramatic Series to Launch Backed by "NCIS" and "CSI" Lead-Ins

New Series That Blends Comedy, Drama and Romance Joins Fridays Top-Rated Lineup

Eighteen Current Series Return to the Schedule

New Murder Mystery "Harper's Island" Ordered for Mid-Season

CBS announced today its 2008-2009 Fall Primetime Lineup, featuring five new series - two comedies and three dramas - and the launch of a new comedy block on Wednesdays.

The new series include ELEVENTH HOUR, a dramatic thriller from producer Jerry Bruckheimer about a special advisor to the government who investigates scientific crises and oddities; THE MENTALIST, starring Simon Baker as a former celebrity psychic-turned- detective who uses his gifted skills of observation and expertise at "reading" people to solve crimes; THE EX LIST, a sexy comedic drama about a 30-something woman who searches her past relationships to find her future husband; and the comedies PROJECT GARY, starring Jay Mohr and Paula Marshall as dueling ex-spouses and parents trying to move forward with new relationships; and WORST WEEK about a good guy who is always trying to do the right thing, yet something always goes wrong - especially when he's around his girlfriend's parents.

"We've been looking to expand our comedy lineup, and we now have the depth and development to make the move," said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. "Monday is already television's signature night for comedy and we think we can make the case that CBS is the signature network for comedy overall."

Added Tassler, "Our new dramas put a character twist on the highly successful procedural form with two exciting new leads in Simon Baker and Rufus Sewell. And, rounding out the new slate is a very unique series with a dynamic young actress (Elizabeth Reaser, "Grey's Anatomy") that blends comedy, drama and romance in a concept that will have everybody thinking about their personal 'ex list.' "

The freshman series will join 18 returning programs on the current CBS lineup.

CBS will return network television's Number One drama franchise - CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION; CSI: MIAMI, CSI: NY - the Number One comedy, TWO AND A HALF MEN; the Number One news magazine, 60 MINUTES; and two franchise reality series -SURVIVOR and the five-time Emmy Award-winning THE AMAZING RACE.

Also returning are: THE BIG BANG THEORY, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, NCIS, WITHOUT A TRACE, THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE, CRIMINAL MINDS, GHOST WHISPERER, NUMB3RS, COLD CASE, THE UNIT, 48 HOURS MYSTERY and CRIMETIME SATURDAY.

The new 2008-2009 schedule is:

On Monday, CBS adds a new comedy to television's top-rated comedy lineup. From 8:00-9:00 PM, the popular young adult comedy block of THE BIG BANG THEORY and HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER returns. Television's top comedy TWO AND A HALF MEN remains at 9:00 PM and serves as a lead-in for the new comedy WORST WEEK at 9:30 PM. CSI: MIAMI, the night's top scripted series, returns for its seventh season at 10:00 PM.

On Tuesday, NCIS opens the night at 8:00 PM and the hit drama WITHOUT A TRACE moves to 10:00 PM, creating a hammock position for the new drama THE MENTALIST at 9:00 PM.

On Wednesday, CBS opens a new night of comedy. The critically acclaimed THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE, starring Emmy Award winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus, starts the night at 8:00 PM, leading into the new comedy PROJECT GARY. The successful tandem of CRIMINAL MINDS and CSI: NY return from 9:00-11:00 PM.

On Thursday, CBS adds a new drama to television's most-watched night. SURVIVOR returns at 8:00 PM, where it continues to dominate its time period, followed by the night's highest-rated show, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, which provides a strong lead-in for the new suspenseful thriller ELEVENTH HOUR at 10:00 PM.

CBS adds a unique new series to its top-rated Friday. GHOST WHISPERER, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, returns at 8:00 PM leading into another female-lead show, THE EX LIST, at 9:00 PM, capped by the night's highest rated scripted series NUMB3RS at 10:00 PM.

Saturdays will feature CBS's CRIMETIME programming from 8:00-10:00 PM, followed by 48 HOURS MYSTERY, the night's top-rated program.

On Sunday, the perennial Number One news magazine, 60 MINUTES, kicks off its 41st season at 7:00 PM, followed by the return of the five-time Emmy Award-winning reality series THE AMAZING RACE at 8:00 PM. The successful crime drama COLD CASE remains at 9:00 PM and the action drama THE UNIT joins the night at 10:00 PM.

In addition to the new series for fall, the network announced the pick up of two programs for midseason. The new drama, HARPER'S ISLAND, is a murder mystery that unfolds as friends and family attend week-long festivities at a destination wedding on a secluded and picturesque island off the coast of Seattle, infamous for a homicidal maniac's rampage seven years ago. Also picked up for midseason is the comedy RULES OF ENGAGEMENT.

The new comedies are:

WORST WEEK is a comedy about Sam Briggs, an entertainment magazine editor who will do anything to please his girlfriend's parents ... but instead becomes a one-man wrecking crew whenever he's around them. Sam (Kyle Bornheimer, "Jericho") and his girlfriend, Melanie Clayton (Erinn Hayes, "Kitchen Confidential"), have only one hurdle left to clear as they start their life together: breaking the news to Mel's conservative parents that they have a wedding in the works and a baby on the way. Dick (Kurtwood Smith, "That '70s Show"), a stern Judge, and his wife Angela (Nancy Lenehan, "My Name is Earl"), are protective of their daughter, and are really trying to let go of the anger they feel toward Sam ... after all, disaster follows whenever he visits their house. But despite his best efforts, every time Sam takes one positive step forward in winning over his future in-laws, he inevitably takes two crushing steps back. But with support and love from Melanie who stands up for him despite his knack for making himself look bad, Sam will hopefully charm his way into her family. Emmy Award winner Adam Bernstein ("30 Rock") directed the pilot. Matt Tarses ("Scrubs") and Jimmy Mulville ("Whose Line Is It Anyway?") are the executive producers for Universal Media Studios and CBS Paramount Network Television.

PROJECT GARY stars Jay Mohr ("Ghost Whisperer") and Paula Marshall ("Nip/Tuck") in a comedy about Gary Barnes, a recently single painting contractor, and his controlling ex-wife, Allison, who face post-divorce mayhem after 15 years of marriage as they each embark on new relationships. He's the fun parent and she's the strict one. Together, they share custody of their two children - Louise (Laura Marano, "Without a Trace"), a politically correct and environmentally conscious 11-year-old, and Tom (Ryan Malgarini, "How to Eat Fried Worms"), their socially awkward 14-year-old son who is nervous around girls. Charming and acerbic, Gary hasn't dated since the split, but finally connects with Vanessa (Jaime King, "The Class"), a single mother whose condo he was hired to paint. He dreads telling Allison about Vanessa because it doesn't adhere to her belief in their marriage counselor's book, "Rules for the Perfect Divorce." However, when Allison tells him that she's engaged to their shrink, all bets are off and Gary decides it's time to move forward. Now, in pursuit of post-marriage happiness, Gary must juggle his eclectic world of an ex-wife, their two kids, their shrink and his gorgeous new girlfriend. Ed Yeager ("Still Standing") and Ric Swartzlander ("8 Simple Rules") are the executive producers for ABC Studios and CBS Paramount Network Television.

The new dramas are:

THE MENTALIST stars Golden Globe Award nominee Simon Baker ("The Devil Wears Prada") as Patrick Jane, a detective and independent consultant with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his razor sharp skills of observation. Within the Bureau, Jane is notorious for his blatant lack of protocol and his semi-celebrity past as a psychic medium, whose paranormal abilities he now admits he feigned. Jane's role in cracking a series of tough high-profile cases is greatly valued by his fellow agents. However, no-nonsense Senior Agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney, "Prison Break") openly resists having Jane in her unit and alternates between reluctantly acknowledging Jane's usefulness and blasting him for his theatrics, narcissism and dangerous lack of boundaries. Lisbon's team includes agents Kimball Cho (Tim Kang, "Rambo"), Wayne Rigsby (Owain Yeoman, "The Nine"), and rookie member Grace Van Pelt (Amanda Righetti, "The O.C."), who all think Jane's a loose cannon but admire his charm and knack for clearing cases. Bruno Heller (creator of "Rome") is creator/executive producer, and Emmy Award winner David Nutter ("Band of Brothers") is the executive producer for Warner Bros. Television.

ELEVENTH HOUR from acclaimed producer Jerry Bruckheimer follows Dr. Jacob Hood (Rufus Sewell, "The Illusionist"), a brilliant biophysicist and special science advisor to the government, as he investigates scientific crises and oddities. His jurisdiction is absolute and Hood is dogged in his pursuit of those who would abuse and misuse scientific discoveries and breakthroughs for their own gain. His passion and crusade is to protect the substance of science from those with nefarious motives. He is called in at the eleventh hour and he represents the last line of defense. Based on the British miniseries by acclaimed science-fiction writer Stephen Gallagher, the series is executive produced by Bruckheimer ("CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Pirates of the Caribbean"), Jonathan Littman ("CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Cold Case"), Danny Cannon ("CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "CSI: Miami"), Cyrus Voris ("Bulletproof Monk"), Ethan Reiff ("Sleeper Cell"), Mick Davis ("Wake of Death"), and Paul Buccieri ("Fashion House") for Jerry Bruckheimer Television in association with Warner Bros. Television.

THE EX LIST is a comedic drama about Bella Bloom (Elizabeth Reaser, "Grey's Anatomy") - a single, 30-something, successful business owner who is surprised to learn from a psychic that she's already dated her future husband AND there's a catch: if she doesn't find him in the next year, she'll remain alone forever. During a bachelorette party for her sister, Daphne (Rachel Boston, "American Dreams"), Bella learns from the psychic she must revisit her past relationships and sort through the mistakes to find her soul mate. Skeptical, Bella begins to analyze every past liaison and failed romance with her close circle of friends, Augie (Adam Rothenberg, "Mad Money"), an endearing guy who has listened to Bella's love woes since college, Vivian (Alex Breckenridge, "Dirt"), Augie's long-term girlfriend, and Cyrus (Amir Talai, "Campus Ladies"), who's chronically unemployed and full of wry observations. Once Bella witnesses proof of the psychic's other predictions, her cynicism disappears and she begins her search. Along her trip down break-up lane, Bella is determined to remain optimistic and receptive, believing that when destiny reopens doors to the past, every relationship can matter in the future. Diane Ruggiero ("Veronica Mars") and Jonathan Levin ("Charmed") are executive producers for Twentieth Century Fox Television.

Following is the 2008-2009 CBS Television Network primetime schedule:

CBS TELEVISON NETWORK

2008-2009 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

(N=New, NT=New Time, all times ET/PT)

MONDAY

8:00-8:30 PM THE BIG BANG THEORY
8:30-9:00 PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
9:00-9:30 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN
9:30-10:00 PM WORST WEEK (N)
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: MIAMI

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM NCIS
9:00-10:00 PM THE MENTALIST (N)
10:00-11:00 PM WITHOUT A TRACE (NT)

WEDNESDAY

8:00-8:30 PM THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE (NT)
8:30-9:00 PM PROJECT GARY (N)
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: NY

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR
9:00-10:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
10:00-11:00 PM ELEVENTH HOUR (N)

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 PM GHOST WHISPERER
9:00-10:00 PM THE EX LIST (N)
10:00-11:00 PM NUMB3RS

SATURDAY

8:00-9:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
10:00-11:00 PM 48 HOURS MYSTERY

SUNDAY

7:00-8:00 PM 60 MINUTES
8:00-9:00 PM THE AMAZING RACE
9:00-10:00 PM COLD CASE
10:00-11:00 PM THE UNIT (NT)

About CBS Television Network

America's most watched television network, CBS was established in 1928, when founder William Paley purchased 16 independent radio stations and christened them the Columbia Broadcast System. Today, it has more than 200 television stations and affiliates reaching virtually every home in the United States. The Network has the Number One drama franchise on network television, CSI, CSI: MIAMI and CSI: NY; Number One newsmagazine, 60 MINUTES; Number One comedy, TWO AND A HALF MEN; and the Number One daytime drama, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Its programming arms include CBS Entertainment, CBS News and CBS Sports.

About CBS Corporation

CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) is a mass media company with constituent parts that reach back to the beginnings of the broadcast industry, as well as newer businesses that operate on the leading edge of the media industry. The Company, through its many and varied operations, combines broad reach with well-positioned local businesses, all of which provide it with an extensive distribution network by which it serves audiences and advertisers in all 50 states and key international markets. It has operations in virtually every field of media and entertainment, including broadcast television (CBS and The CW - a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment), cable television (Showtime and CSTV Networks), local television (CBS Television Stations), television production and syndication (CBS Paramount Network Television and CBS Television Distribution), radio (CBS Radio), advertising on out-of-home media (CBS Outdoor), publishing (Simon & Schuster), interactive media (CBS Interactive), music (CBS Records), licensing and merchandising (CBS Consumer Products) and video/DVD (CBS Home Entertainment). For more information, log on to http://www.cbscorporation.com/.

Upfronts 2008: CW announces fall schedule

2008-05-14T04:57:00.000-07:00

The following is a transcript of a meeting at the CW just prior to the release of their schedule

INT. BOARDROOM - DAY

DAWN O.
Good morning everybody!

Mumbles from rest of table.

DAWN O.
Okay, so now that we don't have to program the weekend, what have we got?

MINION #1
Well, we've got Gossip Girl.

DAWN O.
OMG! I love that show so hard!

MINION #2
Yes, for real, Ms. Ostroff.

MINION #1
But it's only got about two million viewers.

DAWN O.
Yeah, but it's so good!

MINION #1
Well, since it does seem to be generating some good press for us, we've decided to focus on that core demographic of 14 to 30 year old women for a couple of new shows.

DAWN O.
These aren't like that stupid safari show, right?

MINION #2
No way! One is called "Surviving the Filthy Rich".

DAWN O.
Love it!

MINION #1
The other is an updated "Beverly Hills, 90210".

DAWN O.
We are so owning ABC's butt with women next year. So what else do we have?

MINION #1
We've got Top Model, still our highest rated program.

DAWN O.
That reminds me, make sure Tyra gets the CW gift basket. Make sure she gets a mug.

MINION #2
Right-o! Anyway, we have great news! Tyra had this idea of another show she doodled on a napkin the other day. Something about women who love fashion competing for a prize at a fashion magazine. It's 'The Devil Wears Prada' as a competition!

DAWN O.
What, like designers?

MINION #2
No, it's not ProjRun exactly...we're calling it Stylista.

DAWN O.
OMG! I love Tim Gunn. Can we get him to host this show for us?

MINION #1
He's busy.

DAWN O.
Heidi?

MINION #1
Busy. And before you ask, yes, Michael Kors is busy, as is Carson Kressley.

DAWN O.
(heavy sigh)
Fine. Who do we have?

MINION #2
No one as yet. But once we announce this, I'm sure they'll be beating down our door!

DAWN O.
Moving on. Did we finally get rid of that wrestling thing?

MINION #2
As you requested. MyNetworkTV is taking it.

DAWN O.
Who?

MINION #2
You know, that network Fox owns that no one watches.

DAWN O.
(sniff)
I can't believe they can stay on the air with no viewers.

MINION #1
We're still on the air.

DAWN O.
We have viewers! They just don't know we're on TV.

MINION #1
Right. So, since we didn't really have much else in the development pipeline and you told us we were on a budget, we recommend renewing our core shows for another year. And "Reaper".

DAWN O.
What's "Reaper"?

MINION #1
One of our highest rated shows. Right now it's pulling better numbers than "Gossip Girl" and really haven't promoted it very strongly.

DAWN O.
Shut your face! Do not blaspheme Gossip Girl! Fine, renew everything. Except that Aliens show. I hate it. Wait, do we have a slot to repeat Top Model?

MINION #2
Not really. Now that we don't have Sunday night, we don't have an hour to spare.

DAWN O.
I really like that we show Model twice a week. And Tyra owns my soul, so...bump that Devil show...

MINION #1
Reaper?

DAWN O.
Right. That. Move it to midseason or something.

MINION #1
I'm not sure that's a good idea considering the fanbase...

DAWN O.
JUST DO IT!!

MINION #2
Consider it done, Ms. O.

DAWN O.
Well. I feel very good about this schedule. I just have one question.

MINION #1
What's that?

DAWN O.
Why are you two the only ones at this meeting?

MINION #2
We're the only ones in the building. You fired everyone else.

DAWN O.
Oh. So who are you two?

MINION #2
I'm the legal department.

MINION #1
I'm your janitor. And I'm not cleaning up after this crappy schedule. I quit.

DAWN O.
(watches Minion #1 leave)
Whatever! Fine, get out of my face, non-believer! Jeez, you believe that guy?

MINION #2
Not at all.

DAWN O.
Meeting over! I need to go watch Gossip Girl.

The CW PRESS RELEASE AND FALL 2008-09 SCHEDULE FOLLOW:

THE CW ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR 2008-2009 SEASON

BUILDING THE POP CULTURE BUZZ, NEW SEASON LAUNCHES SEPTEMBER 1 WITH SCHEDULE FEATURING RETURNING HITS "GOSSIP GIRL" AND "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL," ALONG WITH HIGHLY ANTICIPATED "90210"

Monday Night Features Winning Team of Hit Dramas "Gossip Girl" and "One Tree Hill"

New Neighbors Move in Tuesday Night: "90210" Ensemble Features Original Cast Member Jennie Garth in a Guest Starring Role, Followed By New Drama "Surviving the Filthy Rich"

Top-Rated "America's Next Top Model" Leads Into New Fashion Reality Series "Stylista" on Wednesdays

Fan Favorites "Smallville" and "Supernatural" Return on Thursdays

Friday Night Gets a Counter-Programming Comedy Makeover With "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game," Followed By An "America's Next Top Model" Encore

Three Hours of Original Programming on Sunday From Media Rights Capital

The Devil Returns on "Reaper" for Midseason

May 13, 2008 (New York, New York) - The CW Network announced a fall launch date of September 1 and unveiled the schedule for its 2008-2009 season today at a presentation and party for advertisers, affiliates and national media in the Tent at Lincoln Center. The announcement was made by Dawn Ostroff, President of Entertainment, The CW.

"With shows that everyone is talking about, from Gossip Girl' and America's Next Top Model' to our upcoming 90210,' our new lineup has the best Monday-Friday schedule flow we have ever had at The CW," said Ostroff. "We are zeroed in on our target demo of young women 18-34 with both new and returning series, and each programming block provides a strong promotional platform for the following night. We're confident that the quality of our shows for the fall season will make The CW the destination for young women."

On Monday, the network will continue the successful combination of GOSSIP GIRL and ONE TREE HILL. GOSSIP GIRL was the most buzz-worthy show of last season and had the highest concentration of female teens of any series on broadcast television. GOSSIP GIRL will return to its 8:00-9:00 p.m. slot, followed by ONE TREE HILL from 9:00-10:00 p.m. ONE TREE HILL's loyal fan base is the second youngest on television, and the series continued to grow last season despite its time period move.

On Tuesday, 90210, the most eagerly anticipated series of the fall, will premiere in the 8:00-9:00 p.m. timeslot. A fresh interpretation of the iconic 1990's drama "Beverly Hills, 90210," this spin-off features a dynamic cast of up-and-coming stars, familiar faces such as Lori Loughlin ("Summerland") and Jessica Walter ("Arrested Development"), and guest star Jennie Garth, who will reprise her role from the original series. 90210 promises to deliver all the drama and excitement of the original series. In the 9:00-10:00 p.m. timeslot, the new series SURVIVING THE FILTHY RICH brings a distinctively witty note to the Tuesday lineup. Based on the best-selling book "How To Teach Filthy Rich Girls" by Zoe Dean, SURVIVING THE FILTHY RICH stars JoAnna Garcia ("Reba") as the live-in tutor to wild and wealthy teenage twin sisters in fabulous Palm Beach. SURVIVING THE FILTHY RICH makes the perfect companion piece for 90210.

On Wednesday, The CW's top-rated series AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL ranked first in its time period in adults and women 18-34 and was the sixth highest-rated show on television among female teens last season. AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL returns in its successful 8:00-9:00 p.m. timeslot, followed by the new fashion reality show STYLISTA. From the creators of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL and "Project Runway," and starring Elle magazine's Fashion News Director, Anne Slowey, and Creative Director, Joe Zee, STYLISTA is "The Devil Wears Prada" reinvented as a reality series. With tough weekly challenges, 11 hopeful fashion enthusiasts will vie for a coveted editorial job and great prizes. Together, AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL and STYLISTA make up the fall's most fashionable night of television.

On Thursday, the heroic team of SMALLVILLE and SUPERNATURAL will continue to offer viewers great special effects and gorgeous men. From 8:00-9:00 p.m., SMALLVILLE was The CW's most-watched and highest-rated scripted series in total viewers and adults 18-49 last season. In the 9:00-10:00 p.m. hour, SUPERNATURAL is The CW's third most-watched scripted program, despite the highly competitive timeslot.

Big changes are in store on Fridays when The CW will offer the only comedy option of the night with returning hits EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS and THE GAME. The counter-programming theme continues in the 9:00-10:00 hour with an encore presentation of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL.

As previously announced, The CW is partnering with Media Rights Capital to program the Sunday night primetime block. Details on the individual series will be released at a later date.

For Midseason, the critically acclaimed drama REAPER will return for a second season with The Devil and his bounty hunter.

Following is The CW's 2008-2009 primetime schedule, a night-by-night breakdown and accompanying details on all the programs.

THE CW's 2008-2009 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GOSSIP GIRL
9:00-10:00 PM ONE TREE HILL

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM 90210 (New Series)
9:00-10:00 PM SURVIVING THE FILTHY RICH (New Series)

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL
9:00-10:00 PM STYLISTA (New Series)

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SMALLVILLE
9:00-10:00 PM SUPERNATURAL

FRIDAY
8:00-8:30 PM EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS
8:30-9:00 PM THE GAME
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL (Encore Presentation)

MONDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M. "GOSSIP GIRL"

Returning for its second season, GOSSIP GIRL is a one-hour drama based on an exclusive group of privileged prep school teens on Manhattan's Upper East Side whose lives revolve around the blog of the all-knowing albeit ultra-secretive Gossip Girl. No one knows Gossip Girl's identity, but everyone in this exclusive and complicated vicious circle relies on her website and text messages for the latest scoop. The series stars Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodsen, Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf, Penn Badgley as Dan Humphrey, Chace Crawford as Nate Archibald, Taylor Momsen as Jenny Humphrey, Ed Westwick as Chuck Bass, Jessica Szohr as Vanessa Abrams, Kelly Rutherford as Lily van der Woodsen and Matthew Settle as Rufus Humphrey. Filmed in New York and based on the popular series of young-adult novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, GOSSIP GIRL is from College Hill Pictures and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Paramount Network Television with executive producers Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), Stephanie Savage ("The O.C."), Leslie Morgenstein ("Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants") and Bob Levy ("Surviving the Filthy Rich").

9:00-10:00 P.M. "ONE TREE HILL"

Returning for its sixth season to the town of Tree Hill, last season ONE TREE HILL made the unprecedented move of taking the storylines four years into the future. Season four ended as the young characters graduated high school and season five began post-college, four years later. The show also dipped into the past, returning to incidents and events that impacted the lives of this close group of friends who call Tree Hill home. The series stars Chad Michael Murray as Lucas Scott, James Lafferty as Nathan Scott, Hilarie Burton as Peyton Sawyer, Sophia Bush as Brooke Davis, Bethany Joy Galeotti as Haley James Scott, Lee Norris as Mouth, Antwon Tanner as Skills and Paul Johansson as Dan Scott. ONE TREE HILL was created by Mark Schwahn and is executive produced by Schwahn, Joe Davola, Greg Prange, Mike Tollin and Brian Robbins. ONE TREE HILL is a Tollin/Robbins Production in association with Warner Bros. Television.

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M. "90210" (New Series)

An edgy, contemporary spin-off of the iconic drama "Beverly Hills, 90210," the new 90210 looks at life through the eyes of Annie Mills (Shenae Grimes, "Degrassi: The Next Generation") and her brother Dixon (Tristan Wilds, "The Wire"), whose first day at West Beverly Hills High School leaves no doubt they're not in Kansas anymore. The Mills family, including dad Harry (casting TBD) and mom Debbie (Lori Loughlin, "Summerland"), has relocated to Beverly Hills to keep an eye on Harry's mother Tabitha (Jessica Walter, "Arrested Development"), a feisty-but-faded former television star and a charter member of the Betty Ford Clinic. For Annie and Dixon, the awkwardness of being the new kids is made worse by the fact that their dad has taken a job as the high school principal. The school is one big culture shock for Annie, a sweet and friendly girl with a passion for the theater, and Dixon, a star athlete and scholar who was adopted by the Mills family after they took him in as a foster child. Annie and Dixon have a close sibling relationship, which they'll need to help them cope with all the new cliques and classmates, including Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord, "Nip/Tuck"), a hot, spoiled, rich girl; Ethan (Dustin Milligan, "Runaway"), a popular jock whose abilities rival Dixon's; Navid (Michael Steger, "The Winner"), an aspiring reporter who heads up the school's daily newscast; and Silver (Jessica Stroup, "Prom Night"), a rebel who produces and stars in a YouTube-type video series. Even the faculty seems hip and sophisticated at WBHHS, such as smart and funny teacher Ryan Matthews (Ryan Eggold, "Dirt") and beautiful guidance counselor Kelly Taylor (guest star Jennie Garth, the original "Beverly Hills, 90210"). The Mills family has just begun to realize how much their lives are about to change. 90210 is produced by CBS Paramount Network Television with executive producers Gabe Sachs & Jeff Judah ("Freaks & Geeks"). Mark Piznarski ("Gossip Girl") is the director and executive producer of the pilot.

9:00-10:00 P.M. "SURVIVING THE FILTHY RICH" (New Series)

Twenty-three-year-old Megan Smith (JoAnna Garcia, "Reba") has a Yale education, a relentlessly positive attitude and a plan to conquer the world of journalism, despite the fact that she is currently slaving away at a tabloid rag. Megan's plan is thrown off course when, in one whirlwind day, she gets fired, meets cosmetics mogul Laurel Limoges (casting TBD) and becomes the live-in tutor for Laurel's twin teen granddaughters in the heady Palm Beach world of wealth and power. The girls, Rose (Lucy Kate Hale, "Bionic Woman") and Sage (Ashley Newbrough, "The Best Years"), are beautiful, rebellious and less-than-thrilled with their new tutor, but Megan is determined to win them over as she enjoys the perks of her new job - breathtaking private suite, gorgeous convertible and live-in chef Marco (Allan Louis, "Stomp the Yard"). Even the neighbors are fabulous in Palm Beach, and Megan quickly catches the eye of Will (casting TBD), the wealthy and extremely hot dilettante who lives on the estate next door and just happens to be dating Megan's estranged sister Lily (casting TBD). Completing this romantic quadrangle is Megan's best friend Charlie (Michael Cassidy, "Smallville," "The O.C."), who is secretly in love with her. Despite her own complicated romantic and family relationships, Megan is committed to making a difference in the lives of her two headstrong charges as she navigates the treacherous waters of high society in Palm Beach. SURVIVING THE FILTHY RICH is based on the Alloy Entertainment book "How To Teach Filthy Rich Girls" by best-selling author Zoey Dean ("The A-List"). The series is from Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Paramount Network Television with executive producers Rina Mimoun ("Gilmore Girls," "Everwood"), Bob Levy ("Gossip Girl") and Leslie Morgenstein ("Gossip Girl," "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"). Michael Engler ("30 Rock") directed the pilot.

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M. "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL"

Returning for its eleventh cycle, the runaway runway hit series stars Tyra Banks. The show gives real people an opportunity to prove that they can make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of supermodeling. With mentoring by Tyra Banks and exposure to high-profile fashion-industry gurus, young women of various backgrounds, shapes and sizes must endure a highly accelerated modeling boot camp and face weekly tests to determine who will make the cut as they vie for a professional modeling contract. The executive producers are Ken Mok ("Making the Band"), Tyra Banks and Daniel Soiseth ("Hell's Kitchen"). The reality series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Ken Mok and Kenya Barris. AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with Bankable Productions.

9:00-10:00 P.M. "STYLISTA" (New Series)

If "The Devil Wears Prada" were a reality show, it would be STYLISTA. Eleven aspiring fashion enthusiasts vie for a much-coveted editorial job with Elle magazine. They work as assistants to Elle's Fashion News Director, Anne Slowey, a demanding but well-respected fashion icon. The competitors will carry out an assistant task and a fashion editorial assignment in each episode. Each week, in consultation with Elle's Creative Director, Joe Zee, Anne fires one person, until the last assistant standing gets "promoted" to the coveted real-life job opportunity. The grand prize includes a paid editorial position at Elle magazine, a paid lease on a great apartment in Manhattan, and a clothing allowance at H&M, all for one year, valued at $100,000. STYLISTA is from 10 by 10 Entertainment, Inc. and Bankable Incorporated in association with Magic Molehill Productions, Inc. and Warner Horizon Television Inc. with executive producers Tyra Banks, Ken Mok, Eli Holzman, Desiree Gruber and Jane Cha.

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M. "SMALLVILLE"

Returning for its eighth season, this new interpretation of the enduring Superman mythology and its classic characters blends realism and adventure into an exciting action series. Last season, Clark Kent and Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) became the sworn enemies that comic book aficionados have always known and loved. The season also brought storylines of Krypton and the El family, including the arrival of Clark's cousin Kara, a.k.a. Supergirl (Laura Vandervoort), and the return of Brainiac (James Marsters). There were also exciting guest stars from the Superman mythology, including Dean Cain ("Lois & Clark") and Helen Slater ("Supergirl"). Clark discovered more about his home planet, who his parents were, what his future holds and why he was sent to Earth. The series stars Tom Welling as Clark Kent, Kristin Kreuk as Lana Lang, Erica Durance as Lois Lane and Aaron Ashmore as Jimmy Olsen. Reinterpreting the Superman mythology from its roots, SMALLVILLE was developed for television by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar ("Shanghai Noon," "Spiderman 2"), based on the DC Comics characters. The executive producers are Kelly Souders & Brian Peterson, Todd Slavkin & Darren Swimmer, James Marshall, Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins and Joe Davola. The series is produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions and Warner Bros. Television. Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster.

9:00-10:00 P.M "SUPERNATURAL"

Returning for its fourth season, this haunting series follows Sam and Dean Winchester, two brothers bound by tragedy and blood to their dangerous, other-worldly mission. This past season, the clock was ticking as Sam and Dean journeyed into the dark world of the unexplained to find a way to break Dean's deadly contract with the evil Lilith. The series stars Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester and Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester. SUPERNATURAL is from Warner Bros. Television in association with Kripke Enterprises Inc. and Wonderland Sound and Vision, with executive producers Eric Kripke ("Boogeyman"), McG ("Charlie's Angels," "The O.C."), Robert Singer ("Midnight Caller") and Kim Manners ("The X-Files").

FRIDAY

8:00-8:30 P.M. "EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS"

Returning for its fourth season, this hit comedy was inspired by the childhood experiences of comedian Chris Rock. Rock also serves as the narrator of this hilarious, touching story of a teenager growing up as the eldest of three children in Brooklyn, New York during the early 1980s. Uprooted to a new neighborhood and bused into a predominantly white middle school two hours away by his strict, hard-working parents, Chris struggled to find his place. At the conclusion of season three, Chris' excitement over graduation from middle school was ruined when his best friend announced his plans to attend a different high school in the fall. This responsible, resilient adolescent brings a distinct, funny spin to his everyday trials and traumas, in the Golden Globe- and People's Choice-nominated comedy EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS. The single-camera comedy series stars Tyler James Williams ("Unaccompanied Minors") as Chris, Terry Crews ("The Longest Yard") as Julius, Tichina Arnold ("Martin") as Rochelle, Tequan Richmond ("Ray") as Drew, Imani Hakim as Tonya and Vincent Martella ("Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo") as Greg. EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS is a production of CBS Paramount Network Television in association with Chris Rock Enterprises, Inc. and 3 Arts Entertainment. Co-creator and narrator Chris Rock ("Head of State"), co-creator and writer Ali LeRoi ("Head of State"), Michael Rotenberg ("King of the Hill"), Dave Becky ("Lucky Louie") and Don Reo ("My Wife and Kids") are executive producers.

8:30-9:00 P.M. "THE GAME"

Returning for its third season, THE GAME is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the wives and girlfriends of pro-football players. This comedy tackles the way these women deal with egos, groupies and image consultants and shows how THE GAME is really played among the women behind the athletes. The series stars Tia Mowry ("Sister, Sister") as Melanie Barnett, Coby Bell ("Third Watch") as Jason Pitts, Pooch Hall ("Miracle's Boys") as Derwin Davis, Hosea Chanchez ("For Your Love") as Malik Wright, Brittany Daniel ("White Chicks") as Kelly Pitts and Wendy Raquel Robinson ("The Steve Harvey Show") as Tasha Mack. THE GAME is a production of Happy Camper Productions and Grammnet Productions in association with CBS Paramount Network Television. Kelsey Grammer ("Frasier," "Girlfriends"), creator Mara Brock Akil ("Girlfriends," "Moesha," "The Jamie Foxx Show") and Steve Stark serve as executive producers.

9:00-10:00 P.M. "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL" (Encore Presentation)

Returning for its eleventh cycle, the runaway runway hit series stars Tyra Banks. The show gives real people an opportunity to prove that they can make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of supermodeling. With mentoring by Tyra Banks and exposure to high-profile fashion-industry gurus, young women of various backgrounds, shapes and sizes must endure a highly accelerated modeling boot camp and face weekly tests to determine who will make the cut as they vie for a professional modeling contract. The executive producers are Ken Mok ("Making the Band"), Tyra Banks and Daniel Soiseth ("Hell's Kitchen"). The reality series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Ken Mok and Kenya Barris. AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with Bankable Productions.

SUNDAY

Details on the original series from The CW's partnership with Media Rights Capital will be released at a later date.

MIDSEASON

"REAPER"

Returning for its second season, REAPER blends suspense and humor as it follows Sam, a slacker whose world turned upside down on his 21st birthday when he learned that his parents sold his soul to the Devil before he was born. Charged by the Devil himself to be Hell's bounty hunter, Sam, with the aid of his goofball friends, Sock and Ben, and loyal girlfriend Andi, must track down evil-doers and send them back where they belong. Along the way, Sam has learned a lot about friendship, trust and the line between good and evil. The series stars Bret Harrison as Sam Oliver, Tyler Labine as Bert "Sock" Wysocki, Ray Wise as the Devil, Missy Peregrym as Andi Prendergast, Rick Gonzalez as Ben Gonzalez, Valarie Rae Miller as Josie Miller, Donavon Stinson as Ted and Andrew Airlie as Mr. Oliver. REAPER is from ABC Studios with executive producers Michele Fazekas ("Ed," "Law & Order, Special Victims Unit"), Tara Butters ("Ed," "Law & Order, Special Victims Unit"), Mark Gordon ("Grey's Anatomy," Criminal Minds"), Deborah Spera ("Criminal Minds") and Tom Spezialy ("Desperate Housewives").

Interview with 'Big Bang Theory' writer Dave Goetsch

2008-05-13T18:49:00.000-07:00

It was a great Geekerati show last night. Dave was very open and informative about writing for TV, the future of television and his geek preferences.

Check out the interview in the sidebar.

Bad news for Moonlight fans

2008-05-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

Moonlight is cancelled. So is Shark. Not much by way of details, but saw it at Nikki Finke's blog.

Nikki Finke’s Deadline Hollywood Daily

Quick renewal news

2008-05-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

CBS has renewed "How I Met Your Mother" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine", giving 'Christine' a full 22-episode season order! "Rules of Engagement" also received a pick up for next season.

Upfronts 2008: ABC announces fall schedule

2008-05-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, here it is. Most of the changes are reserved for midseason at this point, as most of ABC's pilots have not been shot. ABC is announcing that next season will be the last for "Boston Legal" and yes, "Scrubs" will be on the fall schedule.

Here’s the ABC 2008-09 lineup:

Mondays

8 p.m. -- Dancing with the Stars / Untitled Tyra Banks-Ashton Kutcher [New]
9:30 p.m. -- Samantha Who
10pm -- The Bachelor / Boston Legal

Tuesdays
8 p.m. -- Opportunity Knocks [New]
9 p.m. -- Dancing Results Show / Scrubs [New] / Goode Family [New]
10 p.m. -- Eli Stone

Wednesdays
8 p.m. -– Pushing Daisies
9 p.m. -- Private Practice
10 p.m. -- Dirty Sexy Money

Thursdays
8 p.m. -- Ugly Betty
9 p.m. -- Grey’s Anatomy
10 p.m.-- Life on Mars [New]

Fridays
8 p.m. -– Supernanny
9 p.m. -– Wife Swap
10 p.m. --20/20

Sundays
7 p.m. -– America’s Funniest Home Videos
8 p.m. -– Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
9 p.m. –- Desperate Housewives
10 p.m.-– Brothers and Sisters

ABC has a very stable schedule, very few timeslot changes for the core shows. This, of course, is always good for fans, since their shows don't move around too much. "Life on Mars" appears to be keeping the "Lost" seat warm until January.

Thoughts? Agree/Disagree with ABC's fall moves? How about their continued strategy of programming all reality Friday nights, rather than jump into the scripted competition (their reality schedule typically places third for the night).

Interesting tidbits from the ABC press release:

And now, for those of you who want more than the basics, below is the ABC press release: (Warning, this is really long!)

ABC UNVEILS 2008-09 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

New Series Include "The Goode Family," "Life on Mars," "Opportunity Knocks," "Scrubs" And "Untitled Ashton Kutcher/Tyra Banks Project"

Returning Series on the Fall Schedule Include "America's Funniest Home Videos," "Boston Legal," "Brothers & Sisters," "Dancing with the Stars," "Desperate Housewives," "Dirty Sexy Money," "Eli Stone," "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice," "Pushing Daisies," "Samantha Who?," "Supernanny," "Ugly Betty," "Wife Swap" and "20/20"

Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment, today outlined ABC's plans for next season and unveiled the network's 2008-09 fall schedule before the advertising and media communities at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.

Scheduled to debut this fall are new drama "Life on Mars," and new alternative series "Opportunity Knocks" from executive producer Ashton Kutcher.

Returning series on the fall schedule are "America's Funniest Home Videos," "Boston Legal," "Brothers & Sisters," "Dancing with the Stars," "Desperate Housewives," "Dirty Sexy Money," "Eli Stone," "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice," "Pushing Daisies," "Samantha Who?," "Supernanny," "Ugly Betty," "Wife Swap" and "20/20."

In addition, "Saturday Night College Football" will return for a fourth season.

New series for midseason include "The Goode Family," "Scrubs" and "Untitled Ashton Kutcher/Tyra Banks Project."

Other returning series include "According to Jim," "The Bachelor," "Lost" and ABC News' "Primetime: What Would You Do?"

"We're returning our dominant core group of shows from last fall," said McPherson. "The few openings we had we've filled with the kind of quality programming viewers have come to expect from ABC, and we have a very strong bench. As always, our focus is on delivering the best stories and most memorable characters on TV every day of the week, every week of the year."

For the 2007-08 TV season, ABC holds second place to an "American Idol" and "Super Bowl"-driven Fox among Adults 18-49. The ABC airs 6 of the Top 15 TV shows this season in the key Adult 18-49 sales demographic, including 3 of the Top 5 scripted series with "Desperate Housewives" (No. 1), "Grey's" (No. 3) and "Lost" (No. 5). In addition, 4 of the Top 6 most-watched television shows are on ABC. ABC claims 5 of the Top 10 freshman series this season, including the No. 1 new comedy in "Samantha Who?" (also the most-watched new scripted series this season). For the 3rd straight season the Network remains a top destination for affluent viewers, delivering 5 of the Top 10 highest-rated TV series and each of the Top 3 scripted shows among Adults 18-49 in homes w/$100K+ annual income.

ABC was a standout performer during Fall '07, prior to the strike-related scheduling disruptions, leading its nearest competition (CBS) from the start of the season through the end of November by 11% on average in Adults 18-49. Furthermore, ABC delivered the No. 1 position among young adults on 7 of the first 10 weeks this season, and ranked either first or second on 6 of 7 nights of the week throughout the fall. ABC won the November Sweep in Adults 18-49, its third consecutive year to hold the top spot for the month in the key sales demo.

Editors please note: Shows picked up but not listed on the schedule will debut later in the 2008-09 season. Photographs are available on www.abcmedianet.com.

ABC's fall primetime schedule is as follows (all times listed are Eastern, with new shows in bold):

DAY / TIME /SERIES

MONDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars" 9:30 p.m. "Samantha Who?" 10:00 p.m. "Boston Legal"

TUESDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Opportunity Knocks" 9:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show" 10:00 p.m. "Eli Stone"

WEDNESDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Pushing Daisies" 9:00 p.m. "Private Practice" 10:00 p.m. "Dirty Sexy Money"

THURSDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Ugly Betty" 9:00 p.m. "Grey's Anatomy" 10:00 p.m. "Life on Mars"

FRIDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Wife Swap" 9:00 p.m. "Supernanny" 10:00 p.m. "20/20"

SATURDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Saturday Night College Football"

SUNDAY: 7:00 p.m. "America's Funniest Home Videos" 8:00 p.m. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" 9:00 p.m. "Desperate Housewives" 10:00 p.m. "Brothers & Sisters"

NEW FALL SERIES

DRAMA

"LIFE ON MARS"

"Life on Mars" is based on the BBC series created by Matthew Graham, Tony Jordan and Ashley Pharoah. The series revolves around Sam Tyler, a modern-day police detective who, after a car crash, mysteriously finds himself transported back to 1973 and still working as a detective.

"Life on Mars" stars Jason O' Mara as Sam Tyler, Rachelle LeFevre as Annie Cartwright, Colm Meaney as Gene Hunt, Stephanie Jacobsen as Maya, Lenny Clarke as George Randall, Patrick Wenk-Wolff as Colin Raimes and Richard Benjamin as Milton Kornboll.

The series is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television and ABC Studios. Josh Applebaum, Andre Nemec, Scott Rosenberg, Jane Featherstone, Stephen Garrett and David E. Kelley are the executive producers. The pilot episode of "Life on Mars" was executive-produced by David E. Kelley, Tommy Schlamme, Bob Breech, Jane Featherstone and Stephen Garrett, and was produced by David E. Kelley Productions in association with 20th Century Fox Television.

ALTERNATIVE

"OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS"

"Opportunity Knocks" is a new show that breaks the mold of typical game and reality shows. We will be showing up on America's doorstep and testing how well they know their family. Our mobile team will arrive at "Anywhere, America" in a semi-truck that is full of flat screen TVs, new furniture and big cash prizes that the family can win right there. We will take the action of a game show directly into our contestants' homes, setting up shop in a family's front lawn. The instant our host, JD Roth, knocks on the front door, the game will begin. Hollywood will invade a suburban neighborhood, and each week one lucky family will play the game of a lifetime in front of all their friends and neighbors.

The host poses trivia questions to family members based directly on their lives, each other and articles found in and around their home. If they're able to prove they know their family inside and out, they'll win the prizes of their dreams.

Executive producers for "Opportunity Knocks" are Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg, Karey Burke, J.D. Roth and Todd A. Nelson. "Opportunity Knocks" is produced by Katalyst Films and 3 Ball Productions.

RETURNING FALL SERIES

DRAMA

"BOSTON LEGAL"

Led by an Emmy Award-winning cast, "Boston Legal" returns for a fifth season to tell the professional and personal stories of a group of brilliant but often emotionally-challenged attorneys. Fast-paced and wildly comedic, the series confronts social and moral issues, while its characters continually stretch the boundaries of the law.

"Boston Legal" stars James Spader as Alan Shore, John Larroquette as Carl Sack, Christian Clemenson as Jerry Espenson, Gary Anthony Williams as Clarence/Clarice Bell, Tara Summers as Katie Lloyd, Saffron Burrows as Lorraine Weller, Taraji P. Henson as Whitney Rome, with Candice Bergen as Shirley Schmidt and William Shatner as Denny Crane.

"Boston Legal" was created by David E. Kelley. Kelley and Bill D'Elia are executive producers. The series, which premiered October 3, 2004, is produced by David E. Kelley Productions in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television.

"BROTHERS & SISTERS"

"Brothers & Sisters" continues to follow the California-based Walker family through the complicated maze of American life today. The compelling one-hour drama series is about a collection of five enmeshed and somewhat damaged adult siblings and their strong but passionately devoted mother, Nora Holden (Oscar and Emmy Award winner Sally Field).

The Walkers' lives have not been without challenge; romance, parenting, divorce, infidelity, addiction, war and even death have pushed each of them to the limit, but they continue to work toward living their lives as individuals, while loving each other unconditionally and trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy after the loss of their larger-than-life family patriarch, William Walker.

"Brothers & Sisters" stars Dave Annable as Justin Walker, Maxwell Perry Cotton as Cooper Whedon, Kerris Lilla Dorsey as Paige, Sally Field as Nora Holden, Calista Flockhart as Kitty Walker, Balthazar Getty as Thomas Walker, Rachel Griffiths as Sarah Whedon, Rob Lowe as Senator Robert McCallister, Sarah Jane Morris as Julia Walker, Matthew Rhys as Kevin Walker, Ron Rifkin as Saul Holden, Emily VanCamp as Rebecca Harper and Patricia Wettig as Holly Harper.

The series is executive-produced by Ken Olin ("Alias," "thirtysomething"), Greg Berlanti ("Dirty Sexy Money," "Everwood"), Monica Owusu-Breen ("Lost," "Alias") and Alison Schapker ("Lost," "Alias"). It's produced by ABC Studios.

"DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES"

A primetime soap with a contemporary take on the "happily ever after," "Desperate Housewives" takes a darkly comedic look at suburbia, where the secret lives of housewives aren't always what they seem.

"Desperate Housewives" stars Teri Hatcher as Susan Mayer, Felicity Huffman as Lynette Scavo, Marcia Cross as Bree Van De Kamp, Eva Longoria Parker as Gabrielle Solis, Nicollette Sheridan as Edie Britt, Brenda Strong as Mary Alice Young, James Denton as Mike Delfino, Doug Savant as Tom Scavo, Ricardo Antonio Chavira as Carlos Solis, Andrea Bowen as Julie Mayer, Shawn Pyfrom as Andrew Van De Kamp, Joy Lauren as Danielle Van De Kamp, Rachel Fox as Kayla Huntington, Dana Delany as Katherine Mayfair, Lyndsy Fonseca as Dylan Mayfair, Zane Huett as Parker Scavo and Brent and Shane Kinsman as Porter and Preston Scavo.

Marc Cherry is executive producer and creator. Sabrina Wind, George Perkins, Larry Shaw and David Grossman are executive producers. "Desperate Housewives" is produced by ABC Studios and is the winner of both the 2005 & 2006 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series Musical or Comedy.

"DIRTY SEXY MONEY"

Power, privilege and family money are a volatile cocktail. Living proof of this are the Darlings of New York City, so absurdly wealthy, they put the "upper" in Upper East Side. This preeminent family are always getting mixed up with the wrong people and finding themselves in the middle of bad situations. It'll take a miracle to take care of the legal and sometimes illegal needs of the Darlings. That miracle comes in the form of Nick George.

"Dirty Sexy Money" stars Peter Krause as Nick George, Donald Sutherland as Tripp Darling, William Baldwin as Patrick Darling, Natalie Zea as Karen Darling, Glenn Fitzgerald as Rev. Brian Darling, Seth Gabel as Jeremy Darling, Zoe McLellan as Lisa George, with Blair Underwood as Simon Elder, and Jill Clayburgh as Letitia Darling and Lucy Liu as Nola Lyons.

"Dirty Sexy Money" was created by Emmy-nominated Craig Wright ("Brothers & Sisters," "Lost," "Six Feet Under"). Wright, Greg Berlanti ("Brothers & Sisters," "Everwood"), Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated Matthew Gross ("Day Break," "Across the Universe"), Bryan Singer ("House," "Superman Returns," "The Usual Suspects") and Daniel Cerone ("Dexter") are executive producers. The series is produced by ABC Studios.

"ELI STONE"

Eli Stone is a partnership-track associate lawyer with a beautiful fiance and a forgotten dream to change the world, when one day a vision of George Michael singing his song "Faith" leads him to a case defending the rights of a college sweetheart and her son. Propelled on a journey of self-discovery and guided by more mysterious visions, Eli is either suffering from delusions associated with a brain aneurysmor receiving a call from God to become a modern-day prophet.

"Eli Stone" stars Jonny Lee Miller as Eli Stone, Victor Garber as Jordan Wethersby, Natasha Henstridge as Taylor Wethersby, Loretta Devine as Patti, Sam Jaeger as Matt Dowd, James Saito as Dr. Chen, Matt Letscher as Nathan Stone and Julie Gonzalo as Maggie Dekker.

Greg Berlanti ("Brothers & Sisters," "Dirty Sexy Money," "Everwood") and Marc Guggenheim ("Brothers & Sisters," "Law & Order," "The Practice") are co-creators and executive producers. Chris Misiano ("The West Wing") also serves as executive producer and director. The series is produced by ABC Studios.

"GREY'S ANATOMY"

"Grey's Anatomy" is the recipient of the 2007 Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Television Series and multiple Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series for the past two years.

The doctors of Seattle Grace Hospital deal with life-or-death consequences on a daily basis it's in one another that they find comfort, friendship and, at times, more than friendship. Together they're discovering that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white. Real life only comes in shades of grey.

"Grey's Anatomy" stars Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd, Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang, Katherine Heigl as Isobel "Izzie" Stevens, Justin Chambers as Alex Karev, T.R. Knight as George O'Malley, Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens, Jr. as Richard Webber, Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres, Eric Dane as Mark Sloan, Chyler Leigh as Lexie Grey and Brooke Smith as Erica Hahn.

"Grey's Anatomy" was created and is executive-produced by Shonda Rhimes ("Introducing Dorothy Dandridge"). Betsy Beers ("Casanova"), Mark Gordon ("Saving Private Ryan"), Krista Vernoff ("Law & Order"), Rob Corn ("Chicago Hope") and Mark Wilding ("Jake: 2.0") are executive producers. "Grey's Anatomy" is an ABC Studios production.

"PRIVATE PRACTICE"

Having left behind Seattle Grace Hospital for Los Angeles and a new life full of promise, Addison Montgomery has joined the medical team at Oceanside Wellness Center, where the doctors are dedicated pros; it's their private lives that need a little practice.

"Private Practice" stars Kate Walsh as Dr. Addison Forbes Montgomery, Tim Daly as Dr. Pete Wilder, Audra McDonald as Dr. Naomi Bennett, Paul Adelstein as Dr. Cooper Freedman, KaDee Strickland as Dr. Charlotte King, Chris Lowell as William Dell Parker, with Taye Diggs as Dr. Sam Bennett and Amy Brenneman as Dr. Violet Turner.

"Private Practice" was created and is executive-produced by Shonda Rhimes ("Grey's Anatomy," "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge"). Betsy Beers ("Grey's Anatomy," "Casanova"), Mark Gordon ("The Hoax," "Saving Private Ryan"), Mark Tinker ("St. Elsewhere," "NYPD Blue"), Robert Rovner and Jon Cowan are executive producers. "Private Practice" is an ABC Studios production.

"PUSHING DAISIES"

From Bryan Fuller ("Heroes," "Wonderfalls") and Barry Sonnenfeld ("Men in Black") comes a series with an unprecedented blend of romance, fantasy and mystery, "Pushing Daisies," a forensic fairytale about Ned, a young man with a very special gift. As a young boy Ned discovers that he can return the dead briefly back to life with just one touch. But his random gift isn't without deadly consequences as he soon finds out. In its first season, this critically-acclaimed series received three Golden Globe nominations.

Golden Globe nominee Lee Pace ("The Good Shepherd," "Soldier's Girl"), Golden Globe nominee Anna Friel ( the upcoming "Land of the Lost," "Rogue Trader"), Chi McBride ("The Nine," "Boston Public"), Tony nominee Ellen Greene ("Little Shop of Horrors"), Emmy and Tony winner Swoosie Kurtz ("Huff," "Sisters") and Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth ("The West Wing") star in the visually stunning series from the Jinks/Cohen Company, in association with Warner Bros. Television. Tony winner Jim Dale, reader of the "Harry Potter" series of audio books, is the narrator.

In addition to Fuller and Sonnenfeld, Dan Jinks & Bruce Cohen (Academy Award winning producers of "American Beauty") and Peter Ocko serve as executive producers.

"UGLY BETTY"

In the superficial world of high fashion, image is everything. Styles come and go, and the only constants are the super thin beauties who wear them. How can an ordinary girl from Queens possibly fit in?

If you took a moment to get to know Betty Suarez, you'd see how sweet, intelligent and hard-working she is (if a bit fashion-challenged). When publishing mogul Bradford Meade handed the reigns of Mode, the bible of the fashion industry, over to this son, Daniel, he specifically hired Betty as his son's new assistant mostly because she was the only woman Daniel wouldn't sleep with. Both outsiders in their own way, Daniel and Betty form an unlikely team, each helping the other navigate the choppy waters of NYC's fashion scene.

"Ugly Betty" stars America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, Eric Mabius as Daniel Meade, Tony Plana as Ignacio, Ana Ortiz as Hilda, Ashley Jensen as Christina, Becki Newton as Amanda, Mark Indelicato as Justin, Michael Urie as Marc, Judith Light as Claire Meade, Christopher Gorham as Henry, Rebecca Romijn as Alexis and Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater. Freddy Rodriguez is a recurring guest star as Gio. Lindsay Lohan will appear in a five-episode arc as Kimberly.

Based on "Yo Soy Betty La Fea," the groundbreaking Colombian telenovela that became an international phenomenon, "Ugly Betty" is from ABC Studios. This past two seasons the series has been awarded three Emmy Awards, two GLAAD Awards, as well as Golden Globe, Peabody, DGA, NAACP, ALMA, CDG and Imagen Awards. Academy Award-nominee and Emmy Award winner Salma Hayek is executive producer, along with Jose Tamez ("The Maldonado Miracle"), Silvio Horta ("Urban Legend") and Joel Fields ("Dirt").

COMEDY

"SAMANTHA WHO?"

What if you had the chance to start over, to do it all again? For Samantha Newly (Christina Applegate), this fantasy becomes a reality after a hit-and-run accident leaves her in an eight-day coma. When she awakens in the hospital, she is surrounded by family and friends. The only problem is that she has no idea who they are or who she is. In medical terms, Sam has retrograde amnesia, which allows her to fully function in the world but leaves her with no personal memories. Most people would deem this disorder a curse. But Sam has come to call it a miracle.

"Samantha Who?" won the People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Comedy, and Applegate was nominated for a Golden Globe and SAG Award for her role.

"Samantha Who?" stars Christina Applegate as Samantha, Jennifer Esposito as Andrea, Kevin Dunn as Howard, Melissa McCarthy as Dena, Tim Russ as Frank, with Barry Watson as Todd and Jean Smart as Regina.

"Samantha Who?" was created by Cecelia Ahern and Donald Todd. Todd and Peter Traugott serve as executive producers. "Samantha Who?," which is filmed in Los Angeles, is from ABC Studios.

ALTERNATIVE

"AMERICA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS"

Currently in its 18th season, and the longest-running primetime show in ABC history, "America's Funniest Home Videos" features adults, children, pets and even inanimate objects at their spontaneous best. Tom Bergeron is the host. In its 18 seasons to date, "America's Funniest Home Videos" has given away over $10 million in prize money and evaluated more than half a million videotapes from home viewers.

Vin Di Bona is executive producer, with Todd Thicke and Michele Nasraway serving as co-executive producers. "America's Funniest Home Videos," which premiered on January 14, 1990, is from Vin Di Bona Productions.

"DANCING WITH THE STARS"

Hosted by Tom Bergeron ("America's Funniest Home Videos") and Samantha Harris ("E! Entertainment"), celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which are judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

"Dancing with the Stars" is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, "Strictly Come Dancing." ABC's version is produced in America by BBC Productions. Conrad Green serves as executive producer.

"EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION"

Put together one very run-down house, a deserving family, several opinionated designers, seven days and what do you get? The answer is "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." The show has won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Reality Program, as well as the People's Choice Award for Favorite Reality Show/Makeover and the Family Television Award for Best Alternative/Reality Program.

Beginning this season, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" began featuring green elements on every episode with eco-friendly, low energy and recyclable sources being incorporated into the builds. Concluding the show's two-year, 50-state tour will be a two-hour Season Finale on May 18 featuring three homes for a family (all on the same lot) and a church in Louisiana. In a first-ever effort to put together a coalition of past builders from all over the country, the show has called on the Building Industry to join forces and help with what might be the toughest challenge yet. In addition, the popular Australian vocal group, The Ten Tenors, will pay musical tribute to the builders at the church reveal, performing an emotionally charged version of "Here's to the Heroes," the title track to their most recent album.

The design team includes team leader Ty Pennington, with designers Paul DiMeo, Paige Hemmis, Michael Moloney, Ed Sanders, Tracy Hutson, Tanya McQueen, Eduardo Xol, John Littlefield, Rib Hillis and Didiayer. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is President of Endemol USA. The new season will be executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. The series premiered December 3, 2003, on the ABC Television Network.

"SUPERNANNY"

Jo Frost criss-crosses America taking on some of its toughest parenting challenges. Hailed by the New York Times as "fascinating" and "required viewing," praised by Oprah Winfrey, David Letterman and Kelly Ripa, acclaimed by such publications as Newsweek, Hollywood Reporter and The New Yorker, and lauded by parents and nannies across America, "Supernanny" is a hit. Jo Frost, as Supernanny, can tame the wildest toddler, soothe the most savage six-year-old and get even the most difficult child to overcome problems with behavior, sleep, mealtime, potty training and other challenges that have vexed parents around the world for centuries. After just three episodes of the show aired in the U.K. in summer 2004, Jo Frost became Britain's hottest new TV star and a godsend to desperate parents who were dazzled by her amazing results with unruly children. She debuted in America in early 2005 and captivated Americans as well with her practical, no-nonsense style, honed over 20 years of nannying. "Supernanny" is now an international phenomenon; it airs in 58 territories, almost all of them with Frost as Supernanny. The series was nominated for a People's Choice Award, and fans loved her first two books, Supernanny: How to Get the Best from Your Children -- a national bestseller -- and Ask Supernanny. Her new book, Jo Frost's Confident Baby Care: What You Need to Know for the First Year from America's Most Trusted Nanny, was published in May 2008.

Nick Powell is the creator and executive producer of both the American and British versions of the show. Nick Emmerson and Holly Wofford are executive producers of the American version. "Supernanny" is produced by Ricochet, Ltd.

"WIFE SWAP"

"Wife Swap," the critically-acclaimed unscripted reality show that takes us into the intimate heart of the American family home, revealing the extraordinarily different ways families live their lives, is currently airing its fourth season.

Each week from across the country, two families with very different values are chosen to take part in a two-week long challenge. The wives from these two families exchange husbands, children and lives (but not bedrooms) to discover just what it's like to live another woman's life. It's a mind-blowing experiment that often ends up changing their lives forever.

In the first week of the swap, the wives move in with their new family and adopt their very different lifestyle. They agree to follow a manual written by the departing wife that sets out the rules of their new household -- how they parent, shop, do the housework, manage their budgets and their social life. But then, in the second week, everything changes. The new wives take charge. They introduce their own set of rules and get to run the new household their way. It's a radical shock to both families. The results are explosive, enlightening and often very funny. This is a show about the things that really matter to families across America.

NEW MIDSEASON SERIES

COMEDY

"THE GOODE FAMILY"

A new animated series from Mike Judge, creator of "King of the Hill." "The Goode Family" is obsessed with doing the "right" thing, whether it's environmentally, politically or socially. Unfortunately their efforts often have unintended comic consequences.

"The Goode Family" is voiced by Mike Judge as Gerald, Nancy Carell as Helen, Dave Herman as Ubuntu and Abby Elliot as Bliss.

Executive producers for "The Goode Family" are Mike Judge, David Krinsky, John Altschuler, Michael Rotenberg and Tom Lassally. The series is produced by MRC and 3 Arts Entertainment.

"SCRUBS"

"Scrubs" focuses on the strange experiences of Dr. John Dorian, or "J.D.," a medical resident, as he continues on his healing career in a surreal hospital, crammed full of unpredictable staffers and patients -- where humor and tragedy can collide at any time.

"Scrubs" received two consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2005 and 2006. In its debut year, "Scrubs" was nominated for two Emmy Awards and a People's Choice Award. It has received a total of 10 Emmy nominations, and in 2005 the series won the Emmy for Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing. In 2004 "Scrubs" was honored with a prestigious Humanitas Prize. Beginning that same year, the series received three consecutive Producers Guild Award nominations from 2004-2006.

"Scrubs" stars Zach Braff as Dr. John "J.D." Dorian, Donald Faison as Chris Turk, Sarah Chalke as Elliot Reid, Judy Reyes as Carla Espinosa, John C. McGinley as Dr. Perry Cox, Ken Jenkins as Dr. Bob Kelso and Neil Flynn as The Janitor.

"Scrubs" executive producer and creator is Bill Lawrence. The series is produced by ABC Studios.

ALTERNATIVE

"UNTITLED ASHTON KUTCHER/TYRA BANKS PROJECT"

A beauty pageant unlike any you've ever seen, from executive producers Ashton Kutcher and Tyra Banks.

OTHER RETURNING SERIES

DRAMA

"LOST"

Awarded the 2005 Emmy and 2006 Golden Globe for Best Drama Series, "Lost's" action-packed mystery and adventure continues to bring out the very best and very worst in the people who are lost.

"Lost" stars Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Henry Ian Cusick as Desmond, Emilie de Ravin as Claire, Michael Emerson as Ben, Matthew Fox as Jack, Jorge Garcia as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Elizabeth Mitchell as Juliet, Terry O'Quinn as Locke and Harold Perrineau as Michael.

"Lost" was created by Jeffrey Lieber and J.J. Abrams & Damon Lindelof. Abrams, Lindelof, Bryan Burk, Jack Bender and Carlton Cuse serve as executive producers. "Lost," which is filmed entirely on location in Hawaii and premiered on September 22, 2004, is from ABC Studios.

COMEDY

"ACCORDING TO JIM"

"According to Jim" returns for its eighth successful season as the macho "Everyman" who adores his family.

Jim (Jim Belushi) has it all: a gorgeous wife, Cheryl (Courtney Thorne-Smith), whom he challenges with his stubborn manliness but contagious charm; three precocious kids, Ruby (Taylor Atelian), Gracie (Billi Bruno) and Kyle (Conner Rayburn); and his brother-in-law, Andy (Larry Joe Campbell), his best friend, business partner and "partner in crime."

"According to Jim" stars Jim Belushi as Jim, Courtney Thorne-Smith as Cheryl, Larry Joe Campbell as Andy, Taylor Atelian as Ruby, Billi Bruno as Gracie and Conner Rayburn as Kyle.

Executive producers are Jim Belushi, Warren Bell, Suzanne Bukinik, Jonathan Stark, Marc Gurvitz, John D. Beck, Ron Hart, John Peaslee and Judd Pillot. "According to Jim" is from ABC Studios.

ALTERNATIVE

"THE BACHELOR"

ABC's "The Bachelor" is the original primetime romance reality series that offers one lucky man and 25 lucky women the unique opportunity to find true love.

The new Bachelor will get to know 25 women via a series of social gatherings and exotic, romantic dates some in groups, some individually. He will introduce some of the women to his family, and will visit their hometowns for a slice of their lives in an effort to determine the woman with whom he is most compatible.

The series follows a gradual process of elimination each week, until the Bachelor ultimately decides on the one woman who has captured his heart. However, at any point along the way, should a woman decide that she is no longer interested in him, she may reject his invitation to continue dating. At the end of the journey, this gentleman will quite possibly have found true love. But the big question is: After all of this, if he pops the question, will she accept?

Hosted by Chris Harrison, "The Bachelor" is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss, David Bohnert and Martin Hilton are the executive producers.

ABC NEWS

"PRIMETIME: WHAT WOULD YOU DO?"

Using hidden cameras, "Primetime: What Would You Do?" sets up everyday scenarios and then captures people's reactions. Whether people are compelled to act or mind their own business, John Quiones reports on their split-second and often surprising decision-making process.

People often talk about how they think they would act in a difficult situation, but this series looks at how they actually do in the face of everyday dilemmas that test their character and values. According to the Columbia Journalism Review essay, "Primetime: What Would You Do?" is "the flip side of reality TVrather than show how people act in manufactured situations when they know they're being watched, they show us how people act when they don't."

David Sloan is the executive producer of "Primetime: What Would You Do?." Robert Lange is the senior producer.

Upfronts approaching

2008-05-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

Right now, stay tuned to Nikki Finke's blog for all the pilot news and rumors.

She's reporting that of the bubble shows, "Boston Legal" and "The Game" are renewed. Still waiting to hear about "The Unit" and "Moonlight" from CBS. Also waiting to hear the fate of "Reaper". "Til Death" gets another year, but "Back to You" has been cut loose by Fox. Now appears that "New Amsterdam" is canceled, but "Eli Stone" has been renewed!

This week I'll be covering the upfronts -- the announcements, the schedules, and what it all means. Hope to see you in the comments!

5:15 PM UPDATE: REAPER HAS BEEN PICKED UP!!! THE UNIT HAS ALSO BEEN PICKED UP.

In case you are following the pilot news, I thought I'd try to post a scorecard of which shows are looking to make the network schedules (confirmed from several sources):

ABC:

Life on Mars (new showrunners will come from October Road)
Opportunity Knocks (reality/gameshow)
The Goode Family (Mike Judge animated)

CBS:

11th Hour
Mythological X (to be retitled The Ex-List)
The Mentalist
Untitled Ed Yeager comedy half hour (now called Project Gary)
Harper's Island (midseason)
Worst Week (half hour)

Fox:

Fringe (J.J. Abrams)
Dollhouse (Joss Whedon) (midseason)
The Cleveland Show (Family Guy spinoff)
Class Dismissed (Mitch Hurwitz produced animated)
The Inn (half hour)

CW:

90210 spinoff
How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls

Status of bubble shows

2008-05-04T22:46:00.000-07:00

Hollywood Reporter has an article today outlining the possible fate of several "bubble shows" for fall.

Shows mentioned: Men in Trees, Boston Legal, Eli Stone, Women's Murder Club, Moonlight, Shark and Reaper.

Social Surplus and the Dawn of a New Age

2008-04-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

My good friend and general pulp bastard (mad, of course) Bill Cunningham, linked to the video below on his blog the other day. By sheer coincidence I happened across a blog post by the man speaking in that video, Clay Shirky, which happens to be a loose transcription of that speech. I urge you all to read it or watch the video because it speaks to our desired industry, television, in a way that may help you understand the current sea change in entertainment.

The ways people find to spend their time are changing. This blog is an example. Multi-player video games. Interactive web content. Social networks, like Facebook, Yelp, MySpace, YouTube, Twitter, Pownce, Jaiku, Orkut (just google "social network" and look at all the links).

Television is taking up less of people's time, something that has become very apparent as people watch what they want when they want, and not when programmers put it on the airwaves.

From the blog post/video, which really, you should read or watch right after you finish reading this post:

So how big is that surplus? So if you take Wikipedia as a kind of unit, all of Wikipedia, the whole project--every page, every edit, every talk page, every line of code, in every language that Wikipedia exists in--that represents something like the cumulation of 100 million hours of human thought. I worked this out with Martin Wattenberg at IBM; it's a back-of-the-envelope calculation, but it's the right order of magnitude, about 100 million hours of thought.

And television watching? Two hundred billion hours, in the U.S. alone, every year. Put another way, now that we have a unit, that's 2,000 Wikipedia projects a year spent watching television. Or put still another way, in the U.S., we spend 100 million hours every weekend, just watching the ads. This is a pretty big surplus. People asking, "Where do they find the time?" when they're looking at things like Wikipedia don't understand how tiny that entire project is, as a carve-out of this asset that's finally being dragged into what Tim calls an architecture of participation.

Seriously people, if you aren't fully plugged in to the new world, you are missing the boat.

The Hot Specs of 2008 - The Dramas

2008-04-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

This is a work in progress. I encourage everyone to submit their opinions and any information they have regarding the viability of specs for shows I've listed or those I haven't. I will update with your suggestions if it appears reasonable.

It's time again for my annual list of the "hottest" shows to spec for TV writers. Keep in mind, that is very important now to not only have a couple of good episode specs, but also a spec pilot, a spec feature or a play, to show how you can create your own "universe" and story. Showrunners/agents/managers today want to see both.

But, the traditional TV Spec is far from dead. It's still a valuable tool many showrunners use to assess new writers, and agents/managers like specs because it gives a good indicator of how well you can mimic voice and tone of a show, important for getting you staffed.

So, without further ado, here are the hottest specs this year, in order of perceived "hotness":

1. Dexter

Everyone I know is writing a "Dexter" spec. This could be good or bad, depending on your viewpoint. The feeling is you can do a lot of edgy stuff with Dexter you can't really do with even, say, "Criminal Minds". Like "House" last year, it runs the risk of being over-specced, but for now, this is a good bet if you have a great idea you can execute for the character and the show.

2. Mad Men

It's weird -- this show is probably the least seen of all the 'hot specs' and yet I continue to hear people talking about how this is *the* show to spec. I am a bit dubious, but since so many people are doing "Mad Men" specs, I feel it has to be this high on the list.

3. Pushing Daisies

It's rare to see a first year show so far up the list, but because this show has such a distinct voice, a lot of people feel like they want to give it a try. How showrunners will respond to a "Pushing Daisies" spec is the question, as there is so little else on the air like it, what would it really help a showrunner understand about your type of writing. I suppose "Ugly Betty" or a couple of other shows with some 'whimsy' to them would be plausible.

4. House

It's still a 'go-to' spec for most procedural type shows. It's more fun to read than your standard CSI/L&O/Criminal Minds spec, but still shows you can do procedural. This has been so popular for so long, I wouldn't be surpised if it wears out its welcome this year, so write it fast and use it quick before it goes stale.

5. The Closer

Also good for showing chops at witty lead character and procedural elements, it seems to have really gained in appreciation the last year or so.

6. Ugly Betty

Only in its second year, it's still fresh enough. If the ratings continue their downward slide however, it may not last longer than another year. Time will tell.

7. Brothers & Sisters

I had a tough time determining whether this was #6 and UB was #7, but ultimately, I think this one has longer term potential, but there's still a lot of people out there who haven't seen it. Still, if you need a serialized spec to go with a procedural for your portfolio, this one might meet your needs but if you like writing teens...

8. Gossip Girl

Another first year show with some upside. This will continue to gain in popularity. You might wait until summer to write this one -- just to see what kind of changes are in store for next year. (of course, if you can suss out any show changes, it's a good thing for any of these).

Lukewarm They aren't as hot as they used to be, but they still get some mileage:

Desperate Housewives
Nip/Tuck
Rescue Me
Big Love
Grey's Anatomy (the love affair is waning)
Heroes
Supernatural
Lost

The Wildcards These shows may become popular specs this year, but right now I can't find many people willing to take on the challenges they present. Still, I think this category of specs should be considered:

The Riches
Chuck
Damages
Friday Night Lights
Burn Notice
The Sarah Connor Chronicles (now that it has been renewed)
Dirty Sexy Money
Life (I have a great idea for this one, but I don't know that the popularity of the show is high enough to rate)

The Aged and Infirm These specs are nearing or past their expiration date. Even if you have a great one of these, it may be time to consider writing a new spec. An agent or manager might read it, but you know, it pays to stay timely:

Criminal Minds
L&O, L&O: SVU and L&O: Criminal Intent
Cold Case
The Sopranos (seriously? it's over! move on)
Without a Trace
Boston Legal
Smallville
Medium

AVOID AT ALL COSTS! You may love the show, or think you have a great idea for it, but I can assure you, no one will read it if it is for any of these shows:

The Ghost Whisperer
NCIS
ER
Prison Break
Battlestar Galactica (unless you are trying to get staffed on 'Caprica')
Men in Trees
The Unit (all but cancelled)

Other thoughts or opinions on the dramas? I'll post the comedies tomorrow.

Sad news - Larry Hertzog has died

2008-04-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

A sad day for tv writers and some fans familiar with Hertzog's contribution to TV. He worked on classic TV shows such as "Hart to Hart", "Hardcastle and McCormick". He also created "Nowhere Man" for UPN and was a showrunner for the last three seasons of "La Femme Nikita".

You can check out his entire history in TV here.

He died from cancer at age 56.

Story link:
Variety

Pilot news!

2008-04-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

God Bless Nikki Finke and her insider-y knowledge. She's posted some pilot news on her blog today.

If you haven't listened to my radio show (prominently featured in the sidebar over there) I make my own predictions as to what will make it to the schedules, particularly for dramas. I'd say I'm almost right on so far...

Sarah Connor Chronicles Renewed by Fox

2008-04-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

In the Hollywood Reporter this morning. Fox gave a 13 episode order to "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" for next season. No word on whether it will be scheduled for fall or spring...I say this reduces the chances for "New Amsterdam" even further (sorry Mom).

Recalibrating

2008-04-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

I don't blog much about the craft of TV writing. You can get far better advice and teaching from Jane or John.

And I don't blog too much about my own personal writing process. Mostly because I don't know that my process is relevant to you, as a reader. Everyone has to find a process/method that works for them. Some of my friends LOVE notecards -- putting beats or character notes on cards and tacking them on the wall. Some love outlining. Others don't outline at all (those are the ones I marvel at...if they claim not to outline and yet come up with something resembling coherence). You, as a writer, have to find what works specifically for YOU. If one method doesn't work, you try something else until you find something that does.

Some people write early in the morning, some late at night. Some people like to write in cafes, others in their homes, even still others like to write outdoors.

Some like to dictate notes. Others scribble notes on post-its. Some people write in sequence, others write out of sequence, skipping around from one scene to another.

It all doesn't matter. There's no 'right way' to put together your writing.

What matters is that YOU ARE WRITING.

And that's something I haven't been doing enough of. I try to keep my blog updated, simply because it helps me know what is going on 'out there', but also to keep my mind sharp. I used to use my blog as a warm up exercise for my script writing, but lately the blog writing is its own thing. I'm by no means giving it up, but I've had to think hard about my own writing process and why it hasn't been working for me lately.

Part of the problem, is that I went down the wrong road story-wise. I ended up in a cul-de-sac, stranded, and had to find my way back to the start. Now I've turned around and headed a different direction. I also find I need deadlines to keep moving forward. I have a tendancy to 'idle' too long...I'll sit, revise a line here, a line there, but not make any forward progress...to extend the car/road metaphor, it's like revving the engine in neutral.

Good thing: going to the gym again. This has made it much easier to clear my head for actual writing. Story problems can be broken down in the 30 minutes on the elliptical, or I can watch 'Law & Order: SVU' on the treadmil on mute and play 'guess the plot twist'. That's always fun.

I've been struggling with whether to gear up for contest season. I promised a 'what to spec' post, which I am almost finished with, research wise and will have posted in the next few days. I've asked myself what the contests or the fellowships can do for me now...and, in some cases, if I even have a shot at them. I won't rehash my reasoning, but suffice to say, at this moment I don't think I'll be submitting to any contests or fellowships this year.

I'm still going to write a new spec, and I'm going to finish my two new pilots before fall. I'm trying to stay optimistic about the potential of certain circumstances, and hope that I can pursue my aspirations along a slightly different path. Some of you will understand this, I think.

In any case, I'm back to writing. It's all good.

The Post Pub Blog

2008-04-09T01:31:00.000-07:00

Stumbled across this blog tonight while ego-surfing. Kristen is a smart cookie, and her blog My Back Pages has been in my sidebar for ages. She has another blog about the art of blogging, where she actually linked over to me, so thanks for that, Kristen!

Check it out. You might learn something, fellow bloggers.

The Post Pub

We now return to your regularly scheduled program

2008-04-05T10:07:00.001-07:00

The Watch List is rather ugly, I know. So, I thought I'd pull out the return dates of shows and publish them here.

Returning shows by Network:

ABC

Samantha Who? Mon 9:30 PM (returns 4/7)
Desperate Housewives Sun 9 PM (returns 4/13)
Brothers & Sisters Sun 10 PM (returns 4/20)
Ugly Betty Thurs 8 PM (returns 4/24)
Grey's Anatomy Thurs 9 PM (returns 4/24)
Lost Thurs 10 PM (returns 4/24)
Women's Murder Club Tues 10 PM (returns 4/29 moves to Tues)
Boston Legal Wed 10 PM (moves to Wed from Tues new episode 4/30)

CBS

Moonlight Fri 9 PM (returns 4/25)
Shark Sun 10 PM (returns 4/29)

NBC

30 Rock Thurs 8:30 PM (returns 4/10)
The Office Thurs 9 PM (returns 4/10)
Law and Order: SVU Tues 10 PM (returns 4/15)

Fox

King of the Hill Sun 8:30 PM (returns 4/6)
The Simpsons Sun 8 PM (returns 4/13)
Bones Mon 8 PM (returns 4/14)
Back to You Wed 8 PM (returns 4/16 9:30 PM)
Family Guy Sun 9 PM (returns 4/27)
House Mon 9 PM (returns 4/28)

The CW

One Tree Hill Tues 9 PM (returns 4/14)
Smallville Thurs 8 PM (returns 4/17)
Gossip Girl Wed 9 PM (returns 4/21)
Reaper Tues 9 PM (returns 4/22)
Supernatural Thurs 9 PM (returns 4/24)
Aliens In America Sun 8:30 PM (returns 4/27)

It's that time again....

2008-04-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, spec season AND contest season are here. And I realized this morning I need a new spec.

Bugger.

So, I guess I'll do a new post on 'what to spec', just as soon as I figure that out...

NBC announces their '52-week' schedule

2008-04-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

First, here is the NBC Press Release, if all you want is the data. Analysis is waaaay at the bottom.

NBC REVEALS COMPLETE 52-WEEK PROGRAM STRATEGY, EARLIER THAN EVER, THAT GIVES ADVERTISERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE UNIQUE MARKETING SOLUTIONS

STAGGERED LAUNCHES AND PREMIERES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR NBC REVEALS COMPLETE 52-WEEK PROGRAM STRATEGY, EARLIER THAN EVER, THAT GIVES ADVERTISERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE UNIQUE MARKETING SOLUTIONS

STAGGERED LAUNCHES AND PREMIERES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF NBC'S 'SUPER SEASON' OF EVENTS INCLUDING THE 2008 BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES AND SUPER BOWL XLIII

WITH ITS EXPANDING COMMITMENT TO YEAR-ROUND ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING, NBC DELIVERS ALMOST TWICE AS MUCH FIRST-RUN ENTERTAINMENT AS THE NETWORK BROADCAST 10 YEARS AGO

FALL, WINTER AND SUMMER SCHEDULES FEATURE NEWCOMERS 'THE OFFICE' SPINOFF,'MY OWN WORST ENEMY,' 'KATH & KIM,''KNIGHT RIDER', 'CRUSOE', 'KINGS,' 'THE PHILANTHROPIST,' 'MERLIN,''THE LISTENER,' 'SHARK TAGGERS,' 'AMERICA'S TOUGHEST JOBS,' 'CHOPPING BLOCK'AND MINISERIES 'THE LAST TEMPLAR' AND 'XIII'

RETURNING SERIES FOR NBC'S 2008-09 TELEVISION SEASON INCLUDE THE ACCLAIMED DRAMAS 'ER' -- IN ITS 15TH AND FINAL SEASON --'FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS,' 'LIPSTICK JUNGLE', 'MEDIUM,' 'LAW & ORDER' AND 'LAW & ORDER: SVU'

NEW YORK -- April 2, 2008 -- NBC today unveiled its new Fall lineup for the 2008-09 television season, introducing a schedule earlier than ever that combines some of the most acclaimed and popular returning series on television with four new programs that will join the schedule in the opening weeks of the season, including "Kath & Kim," "Knight Rider," "My Own Worst Enemy" and "Crusoe."

Among the critically hailed series returning to the NBC schedule next season will be "ER," the most-nominated series in Emmy Award history, returning for its 15th and final season (see separate release) on NBC's Thursday night lineup, and the acclaimed "Friday Night Lights," slated to re-join the Friday schedule in February as part of a unique broadcast partnership between NBC and DIRECTV (see separate release).

Additionally, the most highly anticipated comedy of the upcoming season, "The Office" spinoff, from Executive Producer Greg Daniels, will get the highly coveted premiere timeslot post Super Bowl XLIII following a special original telecast of "The Office" (see separate release).

In the first of a series of presentations to key advertisers today at 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City, NBC also unveiled Winter and Summer schedules for the 2008-09 broadcast year, allowing the advertisers to plan their media strategies for the upcoming year based on a 52-week schedule. Presentations will continue in New York this week and continue in Chicago and Los Angeles through the coming weeks.

The result is that NBC will deliver almost twice as much original entertainment in 2008-09 than it did 10 years ago. There will be year-round original programming on five nights a week at 10-11 p.m. (ET). In addition, NBC has allowed for a better scheduling flow with family shows at 8 p.m., blockbusters at 9 and dramas or mature-themed programs at 10 p.m.

In response to an evolving media marketplace and the changing needs of its advertisers, NBC Universal has created a more innovative, client-centric approach to its traditional Upfront presentation. It will include the announcement of a year-round programming schedule in April; a series of one-on-one client meetings in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago; and a spotlight event on May 12 that will showcase the full scale of the NBCU offerings in a unique, multi-media, interactive environment that will allow advertisers to experience the broad spectrum of marketing opportunities available within the company. The new Upfront process allows NBCU to continue its "customer-first" approach, while working to create new advertising models, define more effective metrics and provide a better return on its clients' investments.

"NBC has established itself as the place to go for the hottest, highest quality programs on television, and now we're ready to take it to the next level," said Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "With many of the very biggest events of the 2008-09 television season on the NBC schedule, like the Beijing Olympic Games, Super Bowl Forty Three, the Golden Globes and a full season of 'Sunday Night Football,' all the elements are in place to make this an unforgettable year for NBC, its affiliates, its advertisers and its viewers."

"Normally the broadcast networks unveil their fall lineups in mid-May, but we've got so many terrific plans already in place, there was no reason to wait," said Marc Graboff, Co-Chairman NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "The business is changing rapidly and our clients expect us to stay a step ahead of that change, so we're giving them the chance now to partner with us, start integrating with our shows from the very beginning and map out their strategies a full year into the future. It's an innovative way to introduce an innovative schedule."

The roll-out of NBC's 52-week lineup begins in the Fall, as the debuting drama series "My Own Worst Enemy," starring Christian Slater, joins "Chuck" and "Heroes" on NBC's Monday lineup; "Kath & Kim," a new comedy starring Molly Shannon and Selma Blair, based on the hit Australian series, teams with "The Biggest Loser: Families" on Tuesdays; and on Wednesdays, "Knight Rider" goes to series, building on the success of last February's "Knight Rider" movie, the highest-rated movie telecast on any network in three years in adults 18-49. The mid-season dramedy "Lipstick Jungle" will return in the Fall, also on Wednesdays. Drama series "Crusoe," the hit game show "Deal or No Deal" and "Life" are scheduled to join NBC's Fall Friday lineup. In addition, NBC will introduce "SNL Thursday Night Live," which will share time on Thursdays with "The Office" at 9:30-10 p.m. (ET).

Through the winter months, NBC plans to add to its Sunday lineup "Kings," (starring Golden Globe winner Ian McShane) the ambitious new drama from the producer of "Heroes," along with the returning drama "Medium" and the exciting fantasy series "Merlin." On Mondays, NBC adds "The Philanthropist," a drama concerning a renegade billionaire who uses his wealth to help people. Tuesdays introduces a brand new cycle of "The Biggest Loser: Couples." "Law & Order" returns to Wednesdays for the series unparalleled 19th season. On Thursdays, comedy reigns with the addition of a new series spinning off the NBC hit "The Office." "The Celebrity Apprentice" returns in its popular new format on Thursdays. Sundays will be highlighted by special events, including the "66th Annual Golden Globe Awards," the four-hour miniseries "The Last Templar" (starring Oscar winner Mira Sorvino) and "XIII" (starring Val Kilmer and Stephen Dorff).

Key launches and series events will be timed to make maximum promotional use of the big events coming up on the NBC primetime schedule, including the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in August, "NBC Sunday Night Football" throughout the fall, the "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" in November, NFL Wild-Card playoff games and the "66th Annual Golden Globe Awards" in January as well as the Super Bowl XLIII in February 2009.

In Summer 2009, NBC is slated to introduce "The Listener," a new Thursday drama, as well as two new reality series from executive producer Thom Beers ("Ice Road Truckers") -- "America's Toughest Jobs," an action-reality series on Mondays and "Shark Taggers," an action-adventure reality series on Wednesdays. "Chopping Block" will premiere on Fridays to complement a strong slate of original summer programming. Returning shows that Summer will include "American Gladiators," "America's Got Talent," "Last Comic Standing," "Monk" and "Nashville Star."

Sophomore dramas "Chuck," "Life," and "Lipstick Jungle" will benefit from an aggressive re-launch in the Fall, and the hit "Heroes" will come back with a bang owing to a major event in the Fall.

Joining the cast of "Life" is Donal Logue ("Grounded for Life") as Captain Brian Tidwell, Crews' (Damian Lewis) and Reese's (Sarah Shahi) new boss. Tidwell is a seen-it-all New York cop whose weaknesses include the track and the ladies. He isn't going to fit in Los Angeles, and he could care less.

Specific dates for most season and series premieres and other schedule changes will be announced at a later date. In addition, NBC Digital Entertainment today announced its full slate of content for the Summer and Fall seasons (see separate release).

NBC PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2008-09

*New programs in UPPER CASE (with the exception of "ER")

MONDAY 8-9 p.m. "Chuck" 9-10 p.m. "Heroes" 10-11 p.m. "MY OWN WORST ENEMY"

TUESDAY 8- 9:30 p.m. "The Biggest Loser: Families" 9:30-10 p.m. "KATH & KIM" 10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

WEDNESDAY 8-9 p.m. "KNIGHT RIDER" 9-10 p.m. "Deal or No Deal" 10-11 p.m. "Lipstick Jungle"

THURSDAY 8- 8:30 p.m. "My Name Is Earl" 8:30-9 p.m. "30 Rock" 9- 9:30 p.m. "The Office" 9:30-10 p.m. "The Office"/ "SNL THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE" 10-11 p.m. "ER"

FRIDAY 8-9 p.m. "CRUSOE" 9-10 p.m. "Deal or No Deal" 10-11 p.m. "Life"

SATURDAY 8-9 p.m. "Dateline NBC" 9-10 p.m. "KNIGHT RIDER" (Encores) 10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (Encores)

SUNDAY 7- 8:20 p.m. "Football Night in America" 8:20-11 p.m. "NBC Sunday Night Football"

NBC PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR WINTER 2009

*New programs in UPPER CASE (with the exception of "ER")

MONDAY 8- 9 p.m. "Chuck" 9-10 p.m. "Heroes" 10-11 p.m. "THE PHILANTHROPIST"

TUESDAY 8- 9:30 p.m. "The Biggest Loser: Couples" 9:30-10 p.m. "KATH & KIM" 10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

WEDNESDAY 8-9 p.m. "KNIGHT RIDER" 9-10 p.m. "Deal or No Deal" 10-11 p.m. "Law & Order"

THURSDAY 8- 8:30 p.m. "My Name Is Earl" 8:30-9 p.m. "30 Rock" 9- 9:30 p.m. "The Office" 9:30-10 p.m. "THE OFFICE" SPINOFF 10-11 p.m. "ER"/"The Celebrity Apprentice"

FRIDAY 8-9 p.m. "Deal or No Deal" 9-10 p.m. "Friday Night Lights" 10-11 p.m. "Life"

SATURDAY 8-9 p.m. "Dateline NBC" 9-10 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (Encores) 10-11 p.m. "Law & Order" (Encores)

SUNDAY 7-8 p.m. Specials/"Dateline NBC" 8-9 p.m. Specials/"MERLIN" 9-10 p.m. Specials/"Medium" 10-11 p.m. Specials/"KINGS"

NBC PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR SUMMER 2009

*New programs in UPPER CASE

MONDAY 8-9 p.m. "American Gladiators" 9-10 p.m. "AMERICA'S TOUGHEST JOBS" 10-11 p.m. "Dateline NBC"

TUESDAY 8-9 p.m. "Most Outrageous Moments" 9-10 p.m. "America's Got Talent" 10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (Encores)

WEDNESDAY 8-9 p.m. "SHARK TAGGERS" 9-10 p.m. "America's Got Talent" (Results Show) 10-11 p.m. "Law & Order" (Encores)

THURSDAY 8- 8:30 p.m. "The Office" (Encores) 8:30- 9 p.m. "THE OFFICE" SPINOFF (Encores) 9-10 p.m. "Last Comic Standing" 10-11 p.m. "THE LISTENER"

FRIDAY 8-9 p.m. "CHOPPING BLOCK" 9-11 p.m. "Dateline NBC"

SATURDAY 8-9 p.m. Drama Encores 9-10 p.m. Drama Encores 10-11 p.m. Drama Encores

SUNDAY 7-8 p.m. "Dateline NBC" 8-9 p.m. "Monk" 9-10 p.m. "Nashville Star" 10-11 p.m. "KINGS" (Encores)

2008-09 NEW SERIES DESCRIPTIONS:

NEW DRAMAS

MY OWN WORST ENEMY - Henry Spivey (Christian Slater, "Bobby") is a middle-class efficiency expert living a humdrum life in the suburbs with a wife, two kids, a dog, and a minivan. Edward Albright is an operative who speaks 13 languages, runs a four-minute mile, and is trained to kill with his teeth. Henry and Edward are polar opposites who share only one thing in common -- the same body. When the carefully constructed wall between them breaks down, Henry and Edward are thrust into unfamiliar territory where each man is dangerously out of his element. "My Own Worst Enemy" explores the duality of a man who is literally pitted against himself. And it raises the question: who can you trust when you can't trust yourself? The series is produced by Universal Media Studios. Jason Smilovic ("Kidnapped") is the executive producer; David Semel (director of the "American Dreams," "Heroes" and "Life" pilots) is the director and executive producer.

KNIGHT RIDER -On the heels of NBC's hit movie, the iconic 1980s television classic comes roaring back to life as an updated drama series showcasing the new customized KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand) Ford Mustang. As the sequel resumes, KITT is absolutely the coolest car ever created: its supercomputer capable of hacking almost any system; its weapons systems efficient; and its body -- thanks to its creator's work and nanotechnology -- is capable of actually shifting shape and color. It is the ultimate car -- and someone will be willing to do anything to obtain it. "Knight Rider" stars Justin Bruening ("Cold Case"), Deanna Russo ("NCIS"), Sydney Tamiia Poitier ("Veronica Mars") and Bruce Davison ("Breach"). David Bartis ("Heist," "The O.C."), Doug Liman ("Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "The Bourne Identity") and Gary Scott Thompson ("Las Vegas," "The Fast and The Furious") are executive producers and David Andron serves as supervising producer and writer. Based on characters created by Glen Larson, "Knight Rider" is from Universal Media Studios and Dutch Oven Productions.

CRUSOE - Based on the legendary novel by Daniel Defoe, this is the tale of Robinson Crusoe. A young man leaves his true love to embark on an adventure -- only to end up shipwrecked on a remote tropical island for 28 years, completely detached from the life he once knew. His desire to return to his wife and his strong and unlikely friendship with Friday are the only things that keep him sane. While stranded, Crusoe encounters enemies and braves the elements. Equal parts "MacGyver," "Castaway" and "Pirates of the Caribbean," this series is an inspirational tale of survival rife with action and comedy. Power Entertainment produces "Crusoe."

KINGS -- "Kings" is an inspiring exploration of the timeless David vs. Goliath struggle. The show is set in a modern metropolis under siege where the fighting has gone on for too long and cost far too many lives. When David Shepherd (Christopher Egan, "Resident Evil: Extinction"), a brave young soldier, rescues the king's (Golden Globe winner Ian McShane, "Deadwood") son from enemy territory, he sets events in motion that will finally bring peace. Suddenly, David is thrust into the limelight, earning the affections of women -- including the king's daughter. When he's promoted to captain, he becomes the reluctant poster boy for hope. But for David, the line between his allies and enemies will blur as the power players in the kingdom go to great lengths to see him fall. From the director (Francis Lawrence) of the blockbuster movie "I Am Legend" comes the ultimate story of David vs. Goliath, and there's no telling who will win. Sebastian Stan ("Gossip Girl") also stars. "Kings" is a production of Universal Media Studios; Michael Green (NBC's "Heroes") is the executive producer. Francis Lawrence ("I Am Legend") is the director and executive producer and Erwin Stoff ("I Am Legend") also is executive producer.

MERLIN - "Merlin" brings to life a new legend for a modern audience. "Merlin" is an exciting, hour-long fantasy series set in the mythic city of Camelot -- but inspired by 21st Century storytelling. Before Merlin (Colin Morgan, "Doctor Who") and Arthur (Bradley James, "Lewis") became legends, they were ambitious young men looking for adventure, hoping to live up to their family's expectations, discovering love and finding their own true destiny, making mistakes along the way. The innovative, action-packed drama has cross-generational appeal and paints a picture of Merlin and Arthur's early life that audiences have never witnessed before. Anthony Head ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), Richard Wilson ("A Passage to India"), Angel Coulby ("Magicians") and Katie McGrath ("The Tudors") also star. A FremantleMedia Enterprises distribution of a Shine production for BBC.

THE PHILANTHROPIST -- This one-hour drama is about a rebel with a cause. Teddy Rist loves women, money and power. After the tragic death of his only child, Teddy has an awakening and becomes the world's first vigilante philanthropist -- a renegade billionaire who uses his wealth, connections and power to help people in need. He'll do anything to achieve his goals -- bargain with the self-righteous, trade with the nefarious and even tell the truth. Instead of spending $25,000 a plate at a fundraiser, he's dodging bullets in third-world countries to hand-deliver vaccine. It's a global adventure that will take viewers to the ends of the Earth and will inspire them as well. "The Philanthropist" is produced by Universal Media Studios, Original Media and the Levinson/Fontana Company. Tom Fontana ("Homicide: Life on the Street"), Barry Levinson ("Homicide: Life on the Street") and Charlie Corwin ("L.A. Ink") are the executive producers; Jim Juvonen is a co-executive producer.

THE LISTENER -- In this one-hour drama, Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik, "The Runaway") is a 24-year-old paramedic living with a secret: he can read people's minds. This telepathic procedural takes viewers into the heart of a tortured hero who struggles to solve crimes with his unique gift. Week-to-week, "The Listener" balances high-stakes drama with irreverent humor and sends Toby on an intellectual and emotional adventure. Ennis Esmer ("The Path to 9/11") also stars. "The Listener" is a production of Program Partners and Shaftesbury Films. The executive producers are Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, Michael Amo, Russ Cochrane, Glen Davis and Bill Laurin.

NEW COMEDIES

THE OFFICE SPINOFF - From Greg Daniels, the executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning American version of NBC's "The Office," comes the most highly anticipated comedy of the season in "The Office" spinoff. Audiences will follow another comic journey, complete with new faces and new locations, but with the same unique sense of humor and brand of quality from Daniels and his creative team. It's the next chapter of what viewers have come to know and love about "The Office."

KATH & KIM -- They're the most dysfunctional duo in suburbia. Kath Day (Molly Shannon, NBC's "Saturday Night Live") is the mom, a foxy, 40-something divorce who finally has time for herself and her valiant search for love. Kim Day (Selma Blair, "Hellboy," "Hellboy II") is the daughter, a self-absorbed princess recently separated from her husband who finds consolation in stuffing her face. When Kim decides to move back home, Kath reluctantly agrees -- but to Kim's chagrin, Kath is not about to cater to her every whim as she has in the past. Based on the most successful comedy in Australia of the same name, Kath and Kim are two brassy women who prefer the finer things in life like acrylic nails, big hair and faux diamond chips. The series is produced by Universal Media Studios and Reveille. The executive producer/writer is Michelle Nader ("The King of Queens") and the executive producer/director is Paul Feig ("Freaks and Geeks," "The Office"). Gina Riley, Jane Turner and Rick McKenna also are executive producers.

SNL THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE - Dubbed "TV's funniest and most influential political player" by Entertainment Weekly, "SNL" expands its "Weekend Update" coverage to Thursdays in primetime for three live half-hour shows beginning October 16. With all of the excitement and attention around "Saturday Night Live" during the presidential primaries, the anticipation for the show's take on this Fall's election will be at a fever pitch, "SNL Thursday Night Live" will keep the momentum -- and the laughs -- going. The program is a production of Broadway Video in association with SNL Studios. Lorne Michaels is the executive producer.

NEW ALTERNATIVE

CHOPPING BLOCK -- It's time to sharpen your knives! It's not just about the meal, it's about the business of food. From the producers of "Hell's Kitchen," original rock-star chef Marco Pierre White comes to America to host the ultimate food fight on NBC -- a new reality competition set in the high-drama, high-stakes world of New York City restaurants. The cooks are given a grilling over the course of the series. The teams, which are made up of couples, will be tested in challenges that vary from having less than a week to design and revamp a restaurant space to planning a menu and creating a signature dish. The winning couple will get a chance to have their dreams come true -- opening their very own restaurant in Manhattan. The series is produced by Granada America.

AMERICA'S TOUGHEST JOBS - From creator/executive producer Thom Beers ("Deadliest Catch," "Ice Road Truckers") and executive producers Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun, "America's Toughest Jobs" is a new extreme competition series that will test 12 people who venture out of their safe, comfortable careers and are injected into some of the most challenging, dangerous and demanding jobs on earth. From logging high in the Oregon Forest to oil drilling on the Texas range, or from driving icy roads to extreme fishing -- each job requires guts and stamina, and they'll have to live up to the same standards as the pros. In the end, their new boss and co-workers will determine success or failure, and those who don't make the grade get sent home. Upping the ante, the annual salary of each job will be thrown into the pot until the finale, where one rookie will take home the well-earned cash. "America's Toughest Jobs" is created by executive producer Beers and is produced by Original Productions and BermanBraun.

SHARK TAGGERS -- From creator/executive producer Thom Beers ("Deadliest Catch," "Ice Road Truckers") and executive producers Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun, "Shark Taggers" is a one-hour reality series that follows daring marine biologists as they track down the ocean's top predators and hand-tag them with cutting-edge satellite transmitters or investigate bull sharks' sudden attacks on surfers. The series is produced by Original Productions and BermanBraun.

MOST OUTRAGEOUS MOMENTS -- This half-hour show proves that anything can happen when the cameras keep rolling. Audiences can enjoy hilarious outtakes from some of NBC's most popular shows, as well as outrageous moments from home videos, newscasts, game shows and commercials from around the globe. "Most Outrageous Moments" is produced by Universal Media Studios and Scott Satin Productions. Scott Satin ("Who Wants to Be a Superhero?") serves as executive producer.

NEW EVENTS/MINISERIES/MOVIES

THE LAST TEMPLAR -- In this four-hour miniseries, Oscar winner Mira Sorvino ("Mighty Aphrodite") stars in an epic action-adventure tale about the greatest mystery of our time. At the New york Metropolitan Museum, four horsemen dressed as 12th century knights storm the gala opening of an exhibition of Vatican treasures and steal an arcane medieval decoder. For archaeologist Tess Chaykin (Sorvino) and FBI agent Sean Daly (Scott Foley, "The Unit"), this is just the start of a suspenseful game of cat and mouse as they race across three continents in search of the enemy -- and the lost secret of the Knights Templar. The miniseries is produced by MUSE Entertainment Enterprises. Victor Garber ("Alias") and Omar Sharif ("Doctor Zhivago") also star. Emmy Award-winning television impresario Robert Halmi Sr. ("Tin Man," "Gulliver's Travels"), Robert Halmi, Jr. ("The Poseidon Adventure," "The Christmas Card"), and Michael Prupas ("Human Trafficking") will executive-produce the miniseries.

XIII - "XIII" is a high-stakes cat-and-mouse thriller starring Val Kilmer ("The Doors") and Stephen Dorff ("World Trade Center"). This adrenaline-charged miniseries begins dramatically as the first female U.S. President is shot dead by a sniper during her Veteran's Day speech. Three months later, a wounded man is found tattered in a forest with no memory of his identity. The only clue is a tattoo on his neck, "XIII." Could his lightning-fast reflexes and killer instincts betray him as the presidential assassin that the U.S. is desperately searching for? Submerged in a far-reaching conspiracy, which threatens to overthrow the entire government, XIII's identity becomes the key to unraveling a complex and dangerous secret that will shock and excite. From the first bullet, this gripping action-thriller will leave audiences gasping for more. "XIII" is produced by Prodigy Pictures and Cipango.

Shawna's Analysis

Here is what I find interesting: Both Law & Order flavors (SVU and Original) made the cut. There were rumors floating that one or the other might not live. Also, they've decided to create TWO spinoffs from current series -- "The Office" gets a spinoff show for the fall, where it will share the timeslot with an SNL Thursday Night Live Weekend Update type show. The Weekend Update show should help them draw in some younger viewers, though if they can get them to sample the rest of the night is the qusetion.

Friday Night Lights makes it, but won't be back until midseason. This is a surprisingly 'stable' schedule -- The Monday night lineup of 'Chuck' and 'Heroes' stays the same, and a new show 1My Own Worst Enemy' gets slotted in, since 'Journeyman' definitely cancelled. Wednesday feels a little awkward for me, as I don't really get why they would stick 'Deal or No Deal' between two scripted shows. Are they that afraid of putting 'Knight Rider' in front of 'Law and Order?' Thursday, apart from the new shows, remains unchanged. Friday in the fall has that awkward split again, of DOND between two scripted shows. But I think 'Life' should do well at 10 PM. I'll be watching, anyway. 'My Own Worst Enemy' and the Mini-series/Movies were really the only surprises for me on the schedule.

'Scrubs' is NOT on the schedule. So it looks very likely it will end up at ABC.

Overall, I think this is a pretty strong schedule, at least on paper. Kudos to NBC for leveraging their really good shows to anchor for some new ones. At least the other networks now know what NBC is planning. It definitely feels a bit like a dare -- 'here we are, and we're not going to take 4th place lying down'.

What do you guys think? What about these new shows? Do they sound interesting, intriguing to you? Are they a good fit with NBC's 'image'?

TNT Picks up 2 Shows

2008-04-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

This is real news (and no rick-rolling here!) TNT has given the greenlight to two new series, "Truth In Advertising" and "Men of a Certain Age", the latter a return vehicle for Ray Romano. The two shows will join current TNT programming of "Saving Grace" and "The Closer" as TNT continues to build more original programming into its schedule.

No airdates announced as yet...

[Oh, and I'm testing Digg.]

CBS announces new line-up

2008-04-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

CBS leaked information about their fall schedule today, in an attempt to get a jump on NBC's meetings with advertisers tomorrow.

Curiously, it would appear that CBS is making some radical changes. Les Moonves said, "We feel this is a good direction for CBS right now. We're tired of everyone calling us the AARP network or the blood and guts network. We feel it's time to change our image."

To accomplish this, CBS has announced that all of its current programming will be cancelled. CSI? GONE. CSI:Miami? Take a hike, Caruso. Without a Trace? Vanished.

The new schedule as announced is as follows:

SUNDAY

8:00 The Happy Super Fun Hour (imported from Japan)
9:00 The Wiggles After Dark
10:00 Newshour for ADD (stories only last 10 seconds)

MONDAY

8:00 You So Crazy!
8:30 Hey, That's My Salami!
9:00 Chicka-Chicka Boom Boom
9:30 Bawdy Sex Romp
10:00 Swingtown

TUESDAY

8:00 Viva Laughlin!
9:00 Viva Laughlin!
10:00 My Mother the Car (updated)

WEDNESDAY

8:00 The Town with No Crime Whatsoever
9:00 People Laughing (reality show)
10:00 No Old People Allowed!

THURSDAY

8:00 A Girl Who Looks Like Hannah Montana
9:00 Little Brother
10:00 CSI (Candy Store Investigation)

FRIDAY

8:00 Genre Show We will Inevitably Cancel
9:00 The Person Whisperer
10:00 Viva Laughlin!

SATURDAY

Super Happy Fun Hour (3 hours)

NBC news starts to leak

2008-03-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

Interesting last paragraph in this Variety article:

Shows returning to NBC next season include "ER," "The Office," "Chuck," "Life," "The Biggest Loser," "American Gladiators," "Deal or No Deal" and "My Name Is Earl." Also a safe bet to be back: "Medium," "30 Rock," at least one "Law & Order" skein and "Friday Night Lights." First-year drama "Lipstick Jungle" could also return.

That would seem to indicate that 'Friday Night Lights' is a GO for a 3rd season, confirming all of the circulating rumors.

Best news of my day, and it's only 9:15 AM!

Handstands Under Water

2008-03-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

This is part 3 of a story started last week. It's long, rambling and is probably of no interest to more than 4 of you. So, I'm sure there's some TV news around here somewhere for everyone else...

Did you ever do that as a kid? If you did, you know how much fun it could be, your legs poking out of the water, sticking up in the air. Maybe you were graceful, like those aqua-ballet people, or maybe, like me, it was clumsy...legs more flailing than fluttering.

It didn't matter, though. The fact is, when you do a handstand under water, you still have to flip yourself over to come up for air.

So I'd arrived at the winehouse at the DeLoach Winery early. The limo has just pulled up, and out tumbles the hosts of this crazy impromptu affair. Kevin Rose. Robert Scoble. Tim Ferriss. Gary Vaynerchuk. A few friends, all laughing and talking. Tired from a day of tasting wines (how stressful, right?) but all ready for a party. As they flowed in around me, some cursory greetings. Scoble realizes who I am and gives me a hug. "You made it!" I'm not sure why the surprise, but maybe he didn't think I was real -- driving from L.A. to Santa Rosa for a party.

A few other party guests had arrived right after me, so there were already a half dozen of us wandering through the spacious house admiring antique corkscrews display boxes hanging on the walls, cookbooks and books on wine in the kitchen, and the pool area. The hosts scattered to shower, change, or at least put down their finds from the day before joining us for the fun.

It was at this point I realized how little food was around. There was some bread and cheese about, but nothing of real sustenance. And I hadn't eaten much on the road. I feared for my ability to last long with the wine without some food. Fortunately, someone else realized this also, and was taking up a collection to order pizza. I happily offered up a five for a couple of slices. Problem solved.

By 7:30, people were steadily flowing into the house. There were a host of 'names' which would be familiar to those who live and work in the 'Web 2.0' world, but are foreign to most everyone else. Messina. Morin. Sarah Lacy. What was amazing to me was the general high level intelligence in the room. This wasn't a "Hollywood" party, where the closest anyone gets to intellectual conversation is to discuss the attributes of their Prius. No, this was *real* intelligence, raw, hardcore. These are the people changing the web on a daily basis and loving it. I admit, it was heady. I felt immediately like some child pulled out of kindergarten to sit in the senior high school class. They talk about color spectrum, I talk about crayons. You get the picture.

And in all my discussions with people, NOT ONCE did anyone ask me *what* I was writing, which, of course, would be expected in H'wood circles. I would say 'I'm a writer", and I'd get the understanding nod and question about my drive up to Sonoma. My trip was more fascinating than my aspiration. Weird, yet, understandable too.

It made for a great topic upon meeting folks, and the hosts (okay, mostly Scoble) were eager to tell people I had driven SEVEN HOURS to be there. What dedication! What cool insanity! Yeah, it was kinda neat. And then, Gary Vaynerchuk rolled back downstairs. He greeted me, remembered I'd made the trek and was excited, no, REALLY, excited I was there. You know how people say 'oh I'm so happy you are here' and it just feels like a pleasantry? This guy says it and you believe that you made his entire day by just being in his presence. He asked me if I liked the wine I was drinking. Later he asked me to try some bubbly drink he had just popped open, and I was standing nearby. I wish I could describe how inspiring it was to just stand around him...it was like positive energy was flowing out of this guy in bucketloads. And I think he was just starting to realize it, too. Literally in the week after the party, he started doing new video blogs on his personal website, seemingly inspired by his fellow hosts during his weekend in Sonoma.

I had also wanted to meet Tim Ferriss, having recently read his book. He was gracious and attentive, but also knew how to get around to everyone. He was the only person who asked for my card. I pushed it on to everyone else I could. I don't know why...why not, I reasoned.

The wine flowed all night. I tried almost everything. The DeLoach wines were hit or miss, but the Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay stood out as the best. There were a few other wines there, and I don't know where they came from -- maybe Gary had provided them? I tasted the two bubbly 'champagnes', another Pinot Noir, the DeLoach Zinfindel, the DeLoach Cab, and one other wine I don't remember (it was red and not very memorable). The hours rolled by, and I did what I could to break out of my shell and talk to some people. I did pretty well with a very nice couple from the Napa area, and a second couple from the Bay area. Lots of couples, but I'm used to that at wine functions now. It seems to be a 'couple' thing to do.

Around midnight with spirits still high, Gary decided to do a 'live' Wine Library TV show. It's much of the reason for his internet fame -- 400 plus videos of him tasting wines and talking wine, and doing so in a way that energizes young people. As he likes to say, he 'brings the thunder' to 'change the wine world'. So, you can imagine the energy from him to do this show, and surrounded by at least 50 people while doing it. In fact, you can watch the show here. (You can kinda see me in the back behind Gary wearing BRIGHT GREEN).

Around 1:30 AM a lively game of Werewolf started. I wasn't in the first 'round' but ended up in the second as a villager and was killed off very quickly.

By 3 AM the party was almost at an end. I had vowed to stay as long as I could having driven so far to be there. Ferriss had long gone to bed. Gary was talking with Kevin Rose...somewhere. Scoble and a few other guests and myself were all that were left of the party. We all had that same 'vibe' of the right time to leave and made for the door. A final goodbye from Scoble with a promise to keep in touch, and I drove back to the hotel.

My trip back home the next day was largely uneventful (save for the very weird grocery store I stopped in before heading back -- and the fact it was Easter Sunday practically nothing was open, not even the Wal-Mart!) I listened to my music, sang loudly, drank Rockstar (having gotten about 4 hours of sleep -- thanks to the young child with family who seemed to stand outside my hotel room door at 8 AM to serve as a wake up call). Of course, without that natural adrenaline of anticipation, the drive home seemed much longer. But I did have the satisfaction of a mission accomplished, a weekend not wasted (I'm sure some would say I 'wasted 14-15 hours in my car, but I really don't see it that way).

When I go back and watch the videos or read other blogs which mention the party, it seems very surreal to me that I was there, that this was a kind of 'flash mob' party -- arranged in less than 30 hours through Twitter. A success of Web 2.0 in bringing people together? It certainly seemed to be.

So what's the lesson learned? I suppose there were many, but the one that stands out to me was that I should not be afraid to be myself. Not be afraid to have my voice heard. It's something I've been struggling with mightily lo these many months with this blog, my writing...I kept feeling that what I had to say wasn't very important or at best certainly not interesting to listen to. I'm trying not to think that way now. I do have something to say, and it may be of interest to *some*body out there. And that's enough.

And who knows, maybe someday soon, I'll have a larger platform from which to say the things I want. It would certainly be nice to have a vision realized. Until then, I'll keep blogging, keep writing, and keep...well, shouting into the wind. Much of what I say won't be heard, but some of it might make it through. And that will make it worth it.

Welcome Link Immigrants!

2008-03-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

I'm seeing a lot of new 'faces' appearing here, so I want to give a shout out to y'all!

Those of you coming from tv.com I'll continue to post Californication news and all other show news as it comes in!

Welcome, Time Magazine Blog readers! Hopefully I'll have news on "Friday Night Lights" status very soon. In the meantime, the link to the Watch List can be found under "Best of Blog" in the sidebar (or scroll down the page, it gets updated at least once a week so it's usually viewable).

Those of you looking for info on Paris Hilton's lazy eye, welcome to my abode. I was very scared that I had contracted her lazy eye issue last year, but my friends have assured me that I was, perhaps, only squinting slightly.

And you people looking for "weird writing"...well, I don't know what kind of weird writing you are looking for, but I can assure that all of my writing is certified 100% strange, and perhaps only 57.8% can truly be classified as "weird." Sorry about that, I'm working on it.

Oh and I think I have some new blog readers coming in due to my recent appearances on the Shaun OMac Radio.

I'll be doing a new edition of my "TV Junkie" radio show on Sunday at 4 PM Pacific / 7 PM Eastern. It's live so feel free to call in with questions. I'll be talking pilot slates!

Swimming in the pool.

2008-03-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

This is the second part of a story started here a couple of days ago. This is long and a lot of personal stuff (not tv news). Feel free to skip it.

I often think about the decisions I've made in life...going right when I could have gone left, you know what I mean. Big decisions. Life changing decisions. I've had a few.

I had always had an affinity for being on a stage -- singing, acting, etc -- but I was primarily a studious kid. I was labeled 'gifted' very early in life, and that for good or ill, dictated a lot of how I looked at myself. I was supposed to be better than people, and when I'm not, I'm letting everyone else down. After all, I'm "gifted" -- one of the chosen few from some IQ-test lottery deemed to have the potential to accomplish great things. This kept me from fully embracing my love of the arts, and grounded me to doing well at science, math, and English...all the things you'd need to succeed in college.

The first of my life changing decisions came in high school. As I said, I was pretty bookish as a kid. The only extra-curricular activity I had pursued as freshman was the Scholastic Bowl (or Quiz Bowl) team. But as each year past, and each school musical was performed, I found myself drawn closer and closer to my true loves. I had given up choir as a freshman for German class. I had given up studying novels for the college prep English. I compromised on some things, just so I could have others -- like being in the musical or the school play. As a junior I was pretty well cemented with the drama kids. I had joined the Speech Team and was performing dramatic interpretations of scenes by myself and with partners.

That led me to Speech Camp.

It sounds silly, I know. But that one week at a camp at Eastern Illinois University forever changed my life. I experienced great satisfaction in being a performer there. I wasn't the nerd girl who was trying to also be in the play, as I was often perceived at my school. At camp I was 'one of them'. No labels, no 'gifted'...just me.

When I got home from camp, my mom even noticed something different about me, and I remember her telling me as she left my room, "I like you this way." It was then I knew that this was a path worth following.

I give you all this background because I think it important to understanding how I make decisions. Every decision I make comes with a compromise of some sort. I participate in drama or music, but only if I maintain my workload for classes and college. I move to Los Angeles, but only after I was able to secure a transfer from Florida. I continue to work at my job, earning a good income until I'm able to support myself as a writer full time.

So, when I tell you that my trip to Sonoma was a decision which did not involve any compromise, perhaps you'll understand how monumental it was for me to make it.

Sure, I've made decisions to travel, some even short notice, but every trip involved me planning carefully for the time I would be gone from work. This driving trip I took was completely spur of the moment. Minimal planning.

If I had found someone to go with, I'm not sure it would have had as much impact on me as it did. Being alone out on the road for even seven hours provides good time to meditate (and sing really loudly in the car). I thought about the things that make me happy. The drive was easy. I had natural adrenaline, just from the high of being adventurous in a way I haven't been in quite some time.

So, I got to Santa Rosa and found a hotel right off the interstate. Checked in. Called Scoble to find out what was happening, as it was 4 PM and the party wasn't slated to start until 7:30. The gang was still out at a winery tasting wines, which gave me time to shower and change.

I arrived at the winery early. So peaceful...a chill was developing, but it was pleasant to stand outside and watch the sunset behind the vineyard. After about twenty minutes, a man exited the wine house and greeted me. He told me the "gang" would be back soon, as they had grabbed some dinner, something at that moment I hadn't thought to do.

He poured me my first glass of wine from the vineyard, a Chardonnay. I noticed all of the cases of wine -- 24 of them. A lot of wine. How many people would show up to a party announced primarily on Twitter and Qik? This would be interesting.

I heard a noise from outside. A limo had just pulled up. The gang's all here.

To be continued...

The water's fine.

2008-03-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

"You don't even bother to check the temperature of the water, you just jump right in."

This is what a friend said to me today about how I treat my 'hobbies' and fixations. If I get interested in something I go at it full force, no messing around. I don't just dabble...I *live* it.

Some of you were around for my "Taylor Hicks phase", something I'm still grasping to understand myself. I just knew it was something that had taken hold of me at a particular time in my life when I needed something to excite me, and I went for the ride. And what a ride it was. It's still difficult to explain that Mr. Hicks really became a minor player in my hobby. Each time I saw him put on a show, it became less and less about him, more and more about who I was spending the time with, and all of the experiences I was having. I went to Birmingham, AL twice, Atlanta, New York, Las Vegas...all to experience life with this group of people who were becoming my friends.

I don't talk to many of them anymore, but the ones I talk to a lot are the ones I intend to keep forever. I'm sure I'll continue to have some conversations with a few of the others, but once this 'phase' was winding down for me, it seemed to be winding down for others...we just moved on.

So, now I've dived into my next hobby, phase or 'subculture' as I am frequently finding fascinating similarities and interesting differences between the various groups I mingle with (writers, blues and soul music fans, sci-fi geeks, tech geeks, etc).

I'm *really* into wine.

And that doesn't just mean I find a couple I like. Oh no. It means I 'found' the winebloggers, the vloggers, the wikis, EVERYTHING I can get my hands on that relates to wine. I track my cellar and tasting notes. I have 43 bottles right now, 15 of which I consider worth 'saving' and not just popping open to drink randomly. I'm learning how to train my palate to get better at tasting wine.

I live my passions.

So Friday, I'm checking in on my favorite wine vlogger, who is a cult icon with the wine lover set -- he has fanatic followers and has caused a lot of controversy in the staid wine business.

Meet Gary Vaynerchuk.

Gary took over his family's wine business many years ago and has built it into one of the premier wine businesses on the web. He embraces Web 2.0 (and I'll be posting about throwing myself deep into the social networking pool more in another post...this only scratches the surface of it).

So Friday, I learn he's up in Sonoma tasting wines with Kevin Rose, founder of Digg. Kevin was using a great new Web 2.0 tool Qik to broadcast LIVE from his Nokia phone out to the site and to the entire world. Further, you could chat with them through the phone as they were recording, resulting in some questions being asked by people to Kevin and Gary which they could answer (that is until the lag got kind of bad -- there's still work to be done on this technology).

Gary is also joined by Tim Ferriss, author of the NY Times Bestseller "The Four-Hour Work Week" and Robert Scoble from Fast Company. These four people are extremely successful with their business and a lot of it can be attributed to their shrewd use of Web 2.0 technology.

During the course of the video, Gary mentions it might be fun to host a party Saturday night for the Twitter followers -- yes, Twitter is yet another Web 2.0 technology that I have embraced (if you come here often, you've probably seen my recent twitter updates over in the sidebar).

So, a party? A WINE party? Hosted by *the* Gary Vaynerchuk and with the aforementioned internet 'personalities' in attendence? I instantly knew that I had to be there. Before they could confirm their musings I twittered Robert Scoble and asked if the party was a go. He told me it was, and I said I'd be there, in Santa Rosa, for the party the next night.

Crazy, right? Looking back, no crazier than my flights hither and yon to see the American Idol winner. In fact, this looked downright sane in comparison. So, I sought out travel companions of a female nature...my other thought being it would make for a good girl's weekend and I didn't need any of my male friends (who I cherish SOOOO much) to get in the way of any possible, ahem, romantic possibilities. Hey, some of these guys are wealthy. A girl can dream, right?

I had no takers on the trip. At first I was bummed, and almost talked myself out of going...seven hours of driving alone seemed too risky. But I didn't let it stop me. I got up Saturday morning, gassed up my car, packed a small bag and hit the road.

SPLASH. I am in the pool, and the water is fine.

(To be continued...)

Fox cancels "Jezebel James"

2008-03-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

Fox has decided to pull "The Return of Jezebel James" from the schedule starting this week due to low ratings.

Watch List to be updated.

Just for kicks.

2008-03-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

Because Lis started it.

Which Jane Austen Character Are You?

You are Eliza Bennett from Pride and Prejudice! Yay, you! Perhaps the brightest and best character in all of English literature, you are intelligent, lively, lovely-- in short, you are the best of company. Your only foibles are that you stick with your first impressions... and your family is quite intolerable.
Take this quiz!

Another fandom uprising

2008-03-25T08:07:00.001-07:00

I'll have more to say about this later, when I have some time and can craft a good, thoughtful post about it. Here is the link to the article:

Fans press Weinstein on "Fanboys"

A large contingent of 'Star Wars' fans are threatening a boycott of this weekend's release of "Superhero", a spoof of the genre by Craig Mazin, which is also being released by the Weinstein Company.

"Fanboys" has been scheduled then postponed for release numerous times, and is currently without a release date, or a final version. Essentially two versions of the film exist -- the original vision of the filmmakers, which included (and this isn't really a spoiler) the motivation for the group of friends to travel to Skywalker Ranch to see a cut of "The Phantom Menace" before it was to be released in theaters -- one of the friends has cancer. The Weinstein Company (and particularly Harvey) have felt that the cancer story makes the movie hard to market, and so has tested a version, with reshoots to excise the cancer (he's cured! no cancer!!) as part of the story.

What has happened as a result...well, go read the article. I'll have more later.

Crossposted at Geekerati blog.

My media presence expands.

2008-03-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

Did a guest spot on Shaun O'Mac's TV Talk radio show/podcast yesterday, and he's invited me back to be on every Wednesday.

At 3 PM PDT, if you can't get enough of me, tune in to Shaun's show to listen to me prattle on about whatever I darn well please. He has other tv bloggers/columnists on the other days of the week, so you can turn in those days instead if you are sick of me.

Crossposted at Geekerati Media

CBS cancels 'Jericho'

2008-03-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

It's official. Sorry, 'Jericho' fans. It was a valiant effort. Your uprising is noted and will probably be a singular event in TV Fandom.

Link: Hollywood Reporter

Casting a Long (Digital) Shadow

2008-03-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

So I recently tallied up my various 'presences' on a variety of Web applications, 2.0 widgets, etc etc. Here's what I found:

This Blog
The Sistercritics Blog, which I run with...my sister.
Geekerati Media Blog
A LiveJournal account
A Facebook account
A Myspace account
Geekerati Radio Show
My (TV Junkie) Radio Show
A LinkedIn account
Twitter account
Pandora account
Photobucket account
Youtube account
Google News Reader/Google talk
AIM
Yahoo Messenger
MSN Messenger (which I never use anymore)
Yelp account
My CellarTracker Account (Wine)

And Fusing most of these together is my new FriendFeed account.

And we don't even want to count the forums I'm a member of...

PaleyFest

2008-03-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

So, it has begun. Last year I couldn't get tickets to anything -- partly because I was out of town, partly the things I wanted to see sold out too quickly. I was so incensed (as I am every year) I swore I'd cancel my membership. But I didn't.

Lucky for me, they upgraded the Paley Festival this year -- snazzy name (PaleyFest), new venue (the Cinerama Dome at Arclight), online streaming of events...?

Wha?

Yes, for the first time ever, if you go to the PaleyFest website you can watch highlights of the panels!

Now, there was one panel that sold out ridiculously fast. That panel is the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Reunion panel. Apparently, the PaleyFest people have wised up, so this panel will stream LIVE on the 20th.

I already went to the "Pushing Daisies" panel, and I've three more I'll be attending -- "Chuck", "Friday Night Lights", and "The X-Files". But you can bet I'll be watching the others online.

Happy Pi Day!

2008-03-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

Time to go get some PIE!!

What hath DST wrought?

2008-03-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

So, as expected, daylight savings time is ravaging tv ratings. The #1 network last night (CBS) averaged less than 10 million viewers. And it isn't even summer yet!

Oh and Hulu goes live finally on March 12. I've been a beta user for a few months, and I have to say, it isn't too bad. I've watched quite a few clips from SNL, some older episodes of tv shows (Mr. T!! A-Team!) and I plan on watching "Journeyman" episodes on there to catch up, you know, just in case...

Geekerati Radio Show for 3/10

2008-03-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

On tonight's show we'll be chatting with another of the great scriboshpere denizens, Lee Goldberg about writing for TV, his novels, especially his TV tie-in books.

Should be fun! Tune in at 7 PM Pacific / 10 PM Eastern

We'll have more at the Geekerati Blog later.

24 comes back in fall, sort of

2008-03-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

I was on a plane yesterday, so unable to report this news. Looks like Season 7 of "24" will get a 2-hour 'prequel' movie, which bridges the events of Season 6 to Season 7. It'll air in the fall, and hopefully help sate the appetite for the new season, which won't air until January 2009.

I hate that I missed this year's Talk Like Jack Bauer Day. Next year will be better, since the show will actually be on.

Geekerati Radio Blog Open for Business

2008-03-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

We've been doing the show (almost) a year! We finally have the companion blog to the radio show up and running. Do check it out for links, stories and other stuff we deem geeky enough to publish.

Go Here!

CW Announces early pickups

2008-03-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

So, here's the list for next season on the CW

America's Next Top Model
Gossip Girl
One Tree hill
Smallville
Supernatural
Everybody Hates Chris

Link: Breaking News - THE CW ANNOUNCES EARLY PICKUPS OF SERIES | TheFutonCritic.com

Stuff I'm thinking about

2008-02-29T08:22:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted my own thoughts on things in awhile. A lot of what I do is report TV news and happenings, link to other blogs...but of course, what's a blog's worth if I don't blather on a bit myself? I might as well just have a news aggregator up and running.

So, the TV landscape is a bit of a mess, not that it's a big surprise. We all expected some turmoil coming out of the strike, but current events show there is a great deal of uncertainty out there, both for the networks and the writers.

Let's look at some of the recent events. NBC announces a "52-week" season. First, someone should tell Zucker that sounds silly to anyone not in television (and some of us who are in TV). There are no weeks were there's no TV. TV is already 52 weeks, and I get that he's trying to differentiate between fall season premieres and premieres that can occur all year round. But think about it. When was the last time you saw a network show premiere outside of fall? How about ALL THE TIME. So, this big, daring announcement really amounts to NBC saying "We're tired of pouring money into cool pilots that turn into crappy shows. Now we're just gonna skip the cool pilot step and just make crappy shows." At least, that's what came through on my Zucker-Interpreter Relay (patent pending).

Quarterlife bombed on NBC, big time. Worst ratings in the 10 PM time slot in 17 years. Quite an achievement. Here's the thing. NBC schedules the show for 10 o'clock. It's called *quarterlife*, meaning, 25 year olds. Who is your target audience for this show? I'm telling you, anyone over age 30 -- not interested. The people who are really going to be into this show are young, hence, popularity on the internets. And it's on late. On NBC. Which most young hipsters ARE NOT WATCHING. To me, this boils down to programming error. NBC misread the audience for the show, and didn't give it the timeslot it needed to build an audience. Well, that and I think the show is boring and inconsequential. And I liked "My So-Called Life" and "Once and Again". Bravo will now air this series, but there was a reason ABC didn't pick this up as a pilot ages ago. It sucked.

The new ABC/NBC wrestling match over "Scrubs". Funny how NBC is the focus of the first three items. Pattern, mayhaps? ABC is the instigator on this one. This is personal for Steve McPherson. He developed Scrubs at ABC Studios, loves it to death. He wanted it last season, but couldn't get it. When NBC didn't order the 6 episodes that were left for this season, opting to keep the series to 12, McPherson saw an opportunity. Of course, I think both networks are idiots on this score. Look, I know the show has a lot of fans still, but it's a show no one cares about anymore. ABC picking it up would just be another (very costly) mistake for the network. NBC keeping it just to spite ABC would be ridiculous, liking poking oneself in the eyeball hoping that people won't see *you* as a result. The show should get one or two episodes, promote the heck out of the end of the show (or better, just make it an hour-long finale), book it for end of sweeps and send the show off into the sunset. Instead, the show will probably get renewed one more time, and it will die a slow, painful death with minuscule ratings. I weep for Zach Braff.

Showrunner roulette. Lots of changes everywhere! The Dexter showrunner moves to Dirty Sexy Money! The creators/showrunners for Women's Murder Club -- fired! (Fear not, they'll be writing for Whedon on "Dollhouse"). Moonlight's showrunner -- gone! And worse, Joel Silver will oversee the last three episodes (what the heck does Joel Silver really know about running a tv show??) I don't know if all of these changes were needed or not. Some of them are probably good changes, others...I don't know -- I can't imagine it's spite on the part of the studios/networks. Sure the showrunners stood in solidarity with their writing staffs, but even though they shirked their non-writing duties to walk the line, it seems unlikely that a grudge would be held against them for that. But then, I'm not a studio/network person. I only have a Zucker Intepreter Relay (patent pending), not a Studio/Network Minion Mind Reading Device (blueprints available).

What to make of all this? I wish I knew. I'm personally waiting on the fence -- I reported (finally) that I have a pilot optioned. Now I'm waiting to see when my producer people will enter the fray with said pilot. Things are a bit jumbled at the moment. No one knows when "pilot season" will start again, or if it really will be a "52-week" season (thanks Zucker!)

Here's what I do know. TV will continue on. The networks may not be able to pull 15 to 20 shares on its shows these days (unless you are Idol or Deal or No Deal) but that doesn't mean they won't continue to try to find shows that can pull that kind of audience. So, we, as aspiring writers, soldier on, work on our specs, our pilots, our dreams.

I really loathe the word "Change" right now (overused by just about everyone). Things are constantly changing -- it's a matter of when you sit up and take notice that things aren't the same. Changes are happening in this industry. It's important to be on top of them, embrace them, meet them head on. Don't be afraid to try different things. Clearly the marketplace is wide open.

Let's see what we can do with it.

'Scrubs' moving to ABC

2008-02-28T18:54:00.000-08:00

Wow. Big story. ABC needs comedies BADLY!

Linkn: Scrubs moving to ABC

UPDATE: Apparently, NBC isn't too happy about this possible move and are fighting back. I love a good tussle! And as Shawn says, weird that it is over a show on its last legs...

New Media words of Wisdom

2008-02-28T18:52:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of half of "Ask a Ninja".

Link: Memo To ABC, embrace your audience « Kent’s Official Blog

Quick news roundup

2008-02-23T09:39:00.000-08:00

NBC's "Las Vegas" sevens out (that's canceled for those of you not hip to the gamble-speak).

CBS renews "The Ghost Whisperer", but "Moonlight" still waits for news and a new showrunner!

"Friday Night Lights" -- not quite dead yet.

USA renews "Monk".

TBS likes "Frank TV".

NBC has ordered 6 more episodes of "Lipstick Jungle".

ABC has given "Women's Murder Club" 3 more episodes.

Fox overhauls schedule for spring

2008-02-19T13:46:00.000-08:00

Wow, some major changes ahead to the Fox schedule. Program your DVRs accordingly. Per The Futon Critic:

Mondays (March 10-April 7)
8:00/7:00c - "Canterbury's Law" (New Series)
9:00/8:00c - "New Amsterdam" (New Series)

Monday, April 14
8:00/7:00c - "Bones" (New Episode)
9:00/8:00c - "New Amsterdam" (Season Finale)

Monday, April 21
8:00/7:00c - "Bones" (New Episode)
9:00/8:00c - "House" (Repeat)

Mondays (April 28-May 19)
8:00/7:00c - "Bones" (New Episodes)
9:00/8:00c - "House" (New Episodes)

Wednesdays (March 12-April 2)
8:00/7:00c - "The Moment of Truth"
9:00/8:00c - "American Idol"

Wednesday, April 9
8:00/7:00c - "Idol Gives Back" (Two-Hour Special)

Wednesdays (April 16-May 14)
8:00/7:00c - "'Til Death" (New Episodes)
8:30/7:30c - "Back to You" (New Episodes)
9:00/8:00c - "American Idol"

Wednesday, May 21
8:00/7:00c - "American Idol" (Two-Hour Season Finale)

Thursday, May 8
8:00/7:00c - "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" (New Episode)
9:00/8:00c - "Don't Forget the Lyrics" (Season Finale)

Thursday, May 15
8:00/7:00c - "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" (Two-Hour Season Finale)

Watch List will be updated with the premiere dates.

NBC unveils year-round slate

2008-02-19T13:04:00.000-08:00

Hugely important article in Variety today. NBC will announce a 52-week schedule in April:

For three days in April, Ben Silverman and Marc Graboff, co-chairmen of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, will meet in New York with ad-agency executives and media buyers to go over the network's 2008-09 programming strategy.

Following those sessions, NBC U's sales execs will engineer a series of client meetings in N.Y., Los Angeles and Chicago to talk not only about the year-round programming on NBC but ad buys across all of NBC U's networks, including USA, Sci Fi Channel, Bravo, MSNBC, CNBC and Telemundo.

These give-and-takes will build to a May 12 "spotlight event" that "will showcase the full scale of the NBC U offerings in a unique, multi-media, interactive environment."

HUGE. NEWS.

Weekly Geekerati show reminder...this week in particular

2008-02-18T17:39:00.000-08:00

Tonight at 7 PM Pacific / 10 PM Eastern our special guest is the Kung Fu Monkey himself, John Rogers. As mentioned in my previous post, John has a show in production for TNT called LEVERAGE, produced be Dean Devlin. We'll be talking to him tonight, one of his first conversations ANYWHERE about this new show.

We'll also talk about his other projects, Blue Beetle, hey, maybe even "Transformers"!

Join us tonight.

TNT, Showtime pick up pilots

2008-02-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

TNT announced today that it has picked up "Leverage" from Dean Devlin and John Rogers to air later this year.

Showtime has announced it has greenlit "Possible Side Effects", a pilot Tim Robbins will direct. They have also picked up "The United States of Tara", written by current writer darling Diablo Cody and produced by Steven Spielberg.

Showtime renewed Brotherhood for another season...and this info from Hollywood Reporter:

Showtime has also lined up its spring and summer schedule, setting palace drama "The Tudors" as a lead-in for new variety show "Tracey Ullman's State of the Union" on March 30 and packaging "Weeds' and recent British acquisition "Secret Diary of a Call Girl" for June 16.

But returning David Duchovny romantic dramedy "Californication" likely won't debut until after the Summer Olympics in August, execs said Wednesday, essentially making the show a fall series. The series debuted last year in mid-August.

More news as it happens...which appears to be a lot this week! (Wonder why...)

ABC starts to pick up some stuff

2008-02-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

Woohoo! Real newsy news to talk about! So, ABC came out of the gate letting us all in on which shows they'd be renewing for next season (read: pushing off too much production until fall)

Hollywood Reporter published the following:

The list include juggernauts "Desperate Housewives," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Lost" (which is in the first year of a three-season pickup), sophomore series "Brothers & Sisters" and "Ugly Betty" as well as freshmen "Private Practice" "Pushing Daisies," "Samantha Who?" and "Dirty Sexy Money."

The returning series all have been picked up for a full season.

Meanwhile, the four first-year shows, which all had already been picked up for the back nine, have received 13-episode orders. It is expected that, with the possible exception of "Samantha Who?," they won't air any new episodes this season, with extra produced segments added to their run in the fall.

So, what's missing? "Boston Legal", "Men in Trees", "October Road", "Carpoolers", "Cavemen" and "According to Jim", for starters. "Big Shots" looks to be dead at this point. I think it is still too soon to write off "Women's Murder Club" or "Cashmere Mafia".

I can update the watch list again! What a great day! :-D

Josh Friedman is back

2008-02-05T08:38:00.001-08:00

Rather like a sighting of Haley's Comet every 72 years, Josh Friedman has posted again. Some good stuff, too.

Wipeout

2008-02-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

It's good to know people are still reading the blog...or at least stopping by to annoy me to post something. Trouble is, I'm completely wiped out.

The strike. My new job. Britney Spears. Super Tuesday. All just drops in the bucket, but all taken collectively with everything else in the world, and I am just overloaded.

Call in 'Online O.D.'

I'm seriously spent, mentally. I wasn't sure why until I had to spend about 20 hours fixing the at home DSL after upgrading to high speed (thanks Earthlink!) While I was stressed to the gills trying to fix my onramp to the info super-highway (thanks Al Gore!) I was actually relieved to be out of touch for a whole 24 hours. Sure, there was anxiety...that happens to all addicts in withdrawl, but once the shakes diminished, I felt euphoric. It was like the shackles around my wrists had disappeared, and I was free.

Of course, once I was able to connect to the rest of the world again, my addiction came back full on. But this time, I have the knowledge of my addiction...and I am left empty with each email, web page, or blog post I read or write.

So, just to sate your hunger for 'stuff from me', here's my quick hits:

* THE STRIKE - Please, for the love of God, let this be the beginning of the end.

* LOST - Good buildup. Interesting stuff going on, as usual. At least I feel like the writers have the map in front of them and their road is marked.

* ELI STONE - Not as bad as I thought it would be. Actually enjoyed it near the end. Will watch again this week.

* SUPER BOWL - Meh. Didn't care for either team, but I found myself rooting for the Pats as I found more and more people were rooting for the Giants, and not because they *like* the Giants...more because they didn't want the Patriots to get their perfect season. I am actually ruminating on this phenomenon a lot. Maybe I'll even post about it at some point...

* HOUSE - Loved it. Still such an awesome show. Really doesn't get the kudos it deserves...

* BRITNEY SPEARS - Girl, there are people in this world who really do care what happens to you. Listen to them. Get some help. I really don't want to see you be a trainwreck anymore. The tabloids love it, but screw them. Get better.

* SUPER TUESDAY - Okay! Fine! Everyone (except Hollywood Park) wants me to vote for those Propositions to get more money from the Indian Casinos and grant them more slots. Just go away after tomorrow, please!!

* EARTHLINK - I wish I knew how to quit you.

* MY NEW JOB - Busy. Like, they are making me earn my ridiculous salary busy. Bastards.

I promise to come back and say something else this week. Maybe more than a couple of words.

Back in town, blogging will resume

2008-01-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the radio silence...was on business travel last week.

But now I'm back. Back in Black.

Cloverfield is go!

2008-01-18T08:49:00.000-08:00

Woot! Time for giant monster stomping things tonight!

Now that the Cloverfield ARG is wrapping up, I'm starting to follow Find815.com. Yay for LOST!

My review for Cloverfield will be cross-posted at Sistercritics tonight.

Uwe Boll - Violation of the Geneva Convention?

2008-01-15T14:19:00.000-08:00

I posted my quasi-film review of the latest horror from Uwe Boll (and no, I don't mean horror film, I mean general horror) at the blog I have with my sister Sistercritics. Her reviews are way better than mine, and yet somehow I'm the writer and she's the producer person.

Go figure.

As for you, Uwe Boll...I won't be repeating this little mistake again.

Updating the Watch List: An exercise in futility

2008-01-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know -- it's horribly out of date. Do you know how difficult it is to hit a moving target?

Shows I think have hit hiatus, actually still have episodes in the can.

Shows I think are airing soon are getting pushed back on the schedule.

And don't even talk to me about what the heck happens after March...

I'll do some real work on it this weekend. Seriously. Because I lurves you.

The fuzzy math of theater owners

2008-01-04T11:00:00.001-08:00

So, movie theater owners were surveyed as to which actors brought in the most dough in 2007.

Johnny Depp was cited as the #1 box office draw. While, I concede that at first glance this seems fairly obvious, the theater owners are actually morons if they think Depp's films brought in the most money this year.

That honor goes to Shia LaBeouf.

Depp's two films, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" and "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (nice long titles, those) have pulled in a collective $340 million.

LaBeouf's films, "Transformers", "Disturbia" and "Surf's Up" pulled in $457 million this year.

Who else made the survey list? Let's look at their box office compared to other names...

Will Smith placed second on the list. His film, "I Am Legend" generated $210 million this year.

George Clooney? $156 million ("Oceans 13" and "Michael Clayton")

Matt Damon - $344 million ("The Bourne Ultimatum" and "Oceans 13")

Denzel Washington - $146 million ("American Gangster" and "The Great Debaters")

Russell Crowe - $182 million ("American Gangster" and "3:10 to Yuma")

Tom Cruise - $15 million ("Lions for Lambs")

Nicolas Cage - $280 million ("Ghost Rider", "Next" and "National Treasure: Book of Secrets")

Will Ferrell - $118 million ("Blades of Glory")

Tom Hanks - $43 million ("Charlie Wilson's War")

Granted, I'm sure that when these theater owners are being surveyed, they don't just think about the previous year, but collective years. Who else in 2007 *really* drove box office? It's hard to say if people show up for the movie or the actor in some cases (I seriously doubt most people thought, "Hmm, I don't know if I want to see that 'Transformers' movie...wait, Shia LeBeouf is in it? Oh, I'm so there!"), but just for the exercise, who else "generated" the most income in 2007?

Eddie Murphy - $418 million ("Shrek 3" and "Norbit")
Seth Rogen - $270 million ("Knocked Up" and "Superbad")
Tobey Maguire - $336 million ("Spiderman 3")
John Travolta - $287 million ("Wild Hogs" and "Hairspray")

And since the theater owners seem to forget women are even in films, I'll just point out a few totals for the leading ladies this year:

Cameron Diaz - $322 million ("Shrek")
Keira Knightley - $312 million ("Pirates" and "Atonement")
Kirsten Dunst - $336 million ("Spiderman 3")

Other notes: Helena Bonham Carter was in 'Harry Potter 5' and 'Sweeney Todd'. Timothy Spall trumps her with appearances in both films AND 'Enchanted'. The costar who wears the box office crown: Jon Voight. If we wanted to be really fair, Jon Voight even beats Shia with his appearances in "Transformers", "National Treasure 2", "September Dawn" AND the BRATZ film for a total of $477 million.

Geekerati Radio tonight

2008-01-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

No, it isn't Monday, but Geekerati is on tonight, 7 PM PST/10 PM EST. Here's tonight's show description:

Gareth-Michael Skarka, of Adamant Entertainment, joins the geeks to discuss e-publishing in the modern RPG marketplace. Skarka has made a name for himself as the publisher of the acclaimed THRILLING TALES pulp d20 Modern supplements.

Come listen to us live or subscribe at iTunes to the podcast which goes up after each live show wraps.

If you missed our best show of 2007, our interview with Tim Minear, you can catch that here:

Optioned

2008-01-01T17:19:00.000-08:00

So, at long last I got a greenlight from my sister to announce the big secret we've been harboring for months.

As of the end of October, our tv series "The Protector" is optioned by Tig Productions, better known as Kevin Costner's production company.

It is an 18 month option, which we agreed was warranted since the strike was breathing down our collective necks at the time. We are being packaged by a major agency in town...and that's about all I can say.

Of course, the option was signed two days before the strike. This of course means that all of the work from June to October came to a screeching halt.

It started in June when I finished writing the pilot. My sister Julie is credited as co-creator on the series with me. We sent the script out to a couple of people who had shown interest at management companies. As a strange coincidence, she happened to meet up with the producers of our project that night and casually mentioned that we had sent out the script in an effort to get me representation. They expressed interest in us coming in to pitch.

We didn't think they were serious. They were.

So, we pitched. Left them the bible and the script. We had prepared our seven minute pitch, but they wanted a casual meeting and we ended up chatting about the show for an hour. The told us they were very interested in working with us, and on the whole I felt lucky to just have an opportunity to pitch a project as *practice*.

A week later they wanted us to go to Big Agency #1 to pitch our project to the head of the TV Lit Department. The producers had a couple of other projects they were working on with this agency and thought it would be good to have us in to talk specifically about ours.

We freaked out a little bit, yes.

Then in August we met with Kevin and got his notes. Yes, that was weird and I'll supply details at some date in the future.

Finally, we pitched to a packaging agent at BIG AGENCY #2 which Tig was talking to. And by October we were optioned.

And now we wait. But this is what I've been alternately stressing and giddy about for the last half of the year.

Now I hope that 2008 will be THE YEAR for us to really make some headway.

My favorite TV of the year

2007-12-31T13:33:00.000-08:00

Trying to decide which hours of TV to love is like picking your favorite child. Still, decisions have to be made. Here are the episodes (and their WRITERS, which I promise to add later once I can look them all up) that really hit it out of the park for me this year. (In no particular order -- I can pick the children, I don't have to rank them)

LOST "Through the Looking Glass" This one is still on the DVR, but now that I've got the 3rd season on DVD I can watch this one over and over again in anticipation of what is to come in one month's time. Truly awesome TV fun.

HOUSE "Airborne" House may have seemed stale by the end of Season 3 (and it has had some juice pumped back in Season 4) but this episode stands out to me for a) taking House out of his element and b) giving every major cast member some meaty stuff to do. Putting House and Cuddy on an airplane to do a differential was just icing on the cake.

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA "Crossroads, pt 2" Since "Exodus" technically aired in 2006, I'll pick the 3rd season finale for my fave of 2007. While I found "Razor" fascinating it was the completely unexpected revelations about Tigh, Anders, Tyrol and Tory and the end of Baltar's trial that really packed the punch for the series. We await the Season 4 open with baited breath...

CHUCK "Chuck vs. the Truth" Not just for really moving the story forward be revealing what had been up to that point character 'secrets' but also for the fast paced and breezy interplay of the characters, the show really hit its stride, showing what awesome TV it could be. Best line goes to Zac Levi: "Casey, your jaw was chiseled by Michelangelo himself." I know, not as great taken out of context, but man it floored me. Especially Adam Baldwin's reaction. Classic. Oh, and did I mention that our dear Marshall J. Flinkman (aka Kevin Weisman) is in it?

THE SOPRANOS "Kennedy and Heidi" Okay, I hate that the Sopranos wins like every award there is for this season, but dang, this was a pretty bitchin' episode. I mean, Christifuh dies at the hands of Tony! And Pauly is out of control funny.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (tie) "Pilot" and "State" - the bookends to an example of a perfect season of TV. Even if it hadn't had a second season granted, this would go down in my book as one of the most overall satisfying shows of the year.

VERONICA MARS "The Unaired Season 4 Preview" This look at what a 4th season of VM would have been like is something that pains me. It was sooo good, so fresh and so what I wanted. I curse the CW for their poor decision making.

LIFE "Dig a Hole" and "Fill it Up" Sure, continue to ignore this show, but you do so at your peril. This two-parter was great TV, the revelation of who committed the murder that Charlie Cruse had been wrongfully convicted and sent to prison for. Even better, there's still the mystery as to who orchestrated the whole thing (and why). I hope I get to find out...

FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS "Bowie" For making me laugh for almost 30 minutes straight. Actually, I could say that about almost all of the 'Conchords' episodes...

STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP "K&R" pts 1-3 and "What Kind of Day Has it Been" I know, crazy to have this on the list, but when I watched the last four episodes in one sitting, I was floored at how good they were. It was as if knowing that their doom was imminent Sorkin, Schlamme and company pulled out all the stops and put on a good show. Really reminded me of the first couple of years of 'The West Wing' that just pushed me closer to becoming a writer. I was humbled.

Okay, I will place one hour of TV above all the others (and yes, I know I've left off a lot of awesomely wonderful TV from the list...sue me).

DOCTOR WHO "Blink" A singular achievement. Steven Moffat has my undying love and devotion after I watched this. Terrifying and creepy (rare to honestly ascribe those terms to much TV today) I could not help but sit back on my couch and say "wow" once it was over. Also the ONLY TV episode this year I was compelled to watch again immediately upon viewing it the first time. If you haven't seen this, you haven't really watched TV as it should be.

Next post I'll detail some of the WORST Hours of TV of 2007 and some of my honorable mentions (I.E. stuff I forgot while I was writing this post)

Waking up to the future

2007-12-31T12:19:00.000-08:00

So, while I remain somewhat secretive about some of my projects, I've decided that for my latest foray into entertaining the masses I will blog extensively on my efforts.

My latest project is a web series. I'm co-writing the series with my good friend Bernie Su. He and I believe that we can make a quality entertaining product specific to the web (at least to start).

While I won't be spilling the story details as yet, here's our basic construct for the series.

We've written a "pilot" episode which introduces our main characters and concept, but is (at least for now) not directly related to the main plot of the 8-episode series.

Each episode will be 5-6 minutes in length, and we hope to clock the total project in at 44 minutes.

We are still working on distribution and I am bringing aboard a producer I think will get us on the right track as we move toward ramping up the writing on the other episodes.

I fully intend for this to see the light of day by the end of April 2008.

Oh, and yes, it will have its own website and viral marketing elements. It should be fun.

Not your traditional Christmas films...

2007-12-25T14:05:00.001-08:00

Cloverfield Awesomeness

2007-12-15T08:40:00.001-08:00

Helpful Holiday Tip

2007-12-14T11:48:00.000-08:00

DO NOT BUY A NINTENDO WII ON EBAY!!!

Ahem.

There is this option now as well.

So, down with the Ebay scalpers!

The D Rocks it out at the Reality Rally

2007-12-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

I feel a great disturbance in the Force...

2007-12-06T16:26:00.000-08:00

According to Jane, Disney has already been interviewing people for the Fellowship next year. I had been under the impression that the interviews were on hold, but apparently no. This is three strikes and out for my "Medium" spec.

On to the next one...

New features coming to this blog

2007-12-06T13:55:00.000-08:00

Starting in January I'll be starting a weekly feature called "Meet the Scribosphere". I plan to highlight a screen-blogger each week, asking questions, some of which may come from the readership, and highlighting what they emphasize in their blogging -- do they provide writing tips? review films and tv? talk about their lunch? Whatever it is, you'll learn about it and perhaps meet a blogger or two you haven't visited before.

Also, I'm going to start doing reviews of new shows. I'm working on increasing the number of screeners I am sent, and hopefully that will allow me to post reviews in a timely manner. To kick off this feature I'll be reviewing two shows next week -- the Dec. 10 episode of "Saving Grace" and the 2nd season premiere of "10 Items or Less". We'll see how it goes from there.

Opinions? Suggestions? Lay 'em on me.

Attention WGA -- come negotiate with...me!

2007-12-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

Brett brought a really interesting article to my attention via his blog.

I had heard some mutterings about this before, but this is the first time I've really seen this spelled out so clearly.

I was a business administration major in college. Reading an article about collusion gave me flashbacks to my business law class. And now, I have had an epiphany.

I would like to become a "new" WGA signatory. Here's my deal. I'll give writers, directors, actors and the unionized crews a fair profit sharing deal in exchange for their services on films. Oh, I need some venture capital for this, any takers?

Screw the AMPTP, long live the SBPRC (Shawna Benson Producers Replacement Corporation)! **

** now taking on producing partners with money.

I blame Liz.

2007-12-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

It's all her fault. She's been laying out her total A game on her blog...being all smart and revealing and funny and interesting and just...sublime.

I got jealous.

First, go visit her and show her love. That means leave a comment. She's putting out lots of words for you to read, the least you can do is toss a few back her way.

Second, I'm seriously asking her to take me on as a Padawan. She has much juju which I desire to know.

2007 has been a decent year for me...okay, actually it kinda kicked ass until November. 2008 needs to step up and really represent. I need the WGA contract issues to be resolved. I need to sell my flippin show. I need to shoot my web series. I need to finish 3 pilot specs. I need a new episode spec too.

I need a new computer. I need to lose 15-20 pounds.

By the way, current creative writing endeavors taking place with my sister over at a new blog we started -- Sistercritics.

CBS renews Moonlight, Big Bang Theory

2007-12-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

12/6 UPDATE I spoke to an "insider" at MOONLIGHT last night -- they have not had official word from CBS on the renewal. My source was aware of the Mediaweek article and was encouraged by it, but was just as perplexed as everyone else as to what it means. For all the Moonlight fans checking in on this blog for news, I will bring you updates as quickly as I can get them.

CBS announced that it has picked up "Moonlight" and "The Big Bang Theory" for another season. These are the first new network shows to be ordered for an additional season (yes, the story says "renewed" not just a back nine pickup). CBS has also stated that if the writers strike isn't over by the new year, they may start airing shows from sister cable outlet Showtime, most notably "Dexter."

It looks like the sitcom writers definitely have a new spec opportunity. I think Moonlight as a spec is a little iffy, but we'll see...

Link: CBS to Air Showtime's Dexter; Will Renew Big Bang, Moonlight

NBC gives full season order to "Chuck" and "Life"

2007-11-26T17:14:00.001-08:00

No word yet on the fates of "The Bionic Woman" and "Journeyman".

Link: Hollywood Reporter

I'm pleased that both of these shows are being picked up, since I'm still watching and enjoying them.

Watch List will be updated...

Get yer writer's strike news here

2007-11-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

There's a good Facebook group for people who want to keep up with strike news.

Check out Facebook's Writers' Strike News Central group and join it if you are on facebook.

Also, a shout out to Jumptheshark.com for being awesome.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T11:06:00.000-08:00

The original Adam Sandler Thanksgiving Song.

"As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."

For the adult viewers (very R rated):

...and for everyone else. :)

Ronald D. Moore has a blog

2007-11-20T02:06:00.000-08:00

That is all.

Link: Ronald D. Moore's blog

Tim Minear on Geekerati Special Episode Friday!

2007-11-15T10:35:00.000-08:00

The Geekerati crew (of which I am a part) will be doing a special show to discuss the fan support for the WGA strike. Tim Minear will be with us to talk about the strike, Fans4Writers.Com, his shows and whatever else we can pry out of him.

Friday at 7 PM Pacific / 10 PM Eastern. Call in with your questions!!

Link: Geekerati Radio Show.

Rob Long has a blog

2007-11-14T11:09:00.001-08:00

Rob Long, who has commentary on NPR's "Martini Shot", is a contributor to National Review, and has been a successful (and sometimes unsuccessful) sitcom writer has a blog about the strike.

If you want even more information about the strike, you can play or download the Geekerati interview with writer/producer Rob Long below.

P.S. You can always click on the post title to link to referenced sites.

Wading into the Red Sea

2007-11-14T09:43:00.000-08:00

Look, I don't talk about it much, because to do so puts me at risk of vilification, but I'm not a liberal. I'm even right of center, though on many issues, you'd know I was not part of the evangelical right wing. But here's the thing. We, as writers, need to engage this vast population of conservatives to help get the message out. Republicans tend to be anti-union, pro-big business, but they are also about questioning and repudiating patent unfairness (hey, if you disagree with this, don't bother to tell me why, I don't want this to degenerate into a political discussion, necessarily). So, it occurred to me, that no one is making this case to the red staters and really getting the Average Joe Republican on our side. I found that a very widely read conservative blog had a lot of misinformation about the strike, so I responded in the comments in a very civil tone to try to correct some of the misinformation. If I got anything wrong, please correct me and I'll go amend my post on that blog, because the last thing I want to do is spread more misinformation.

Anyway, if any of you think you could possibly engage the right-wingers in a civil tone without hatred or spittle, you can use my approach as a guide. It's important to get these people on our side, as they are the ones who will be fervent supporters. Also remember, the union is not made up of 100% Democrats. There are conservatives in your midst who adamantly support the strike. I think there's a way to bring both sides together on this issue.

Here's my comment on the Captain's Quarters blog:

I'm dismayed that so many people lack understanding of the issues involved. I am a conservative living in Hollywood, an aspiring TV writer, and believe me, I'm no union lover. But, consider the following:

* Not every writer sells work every year. Yes, there is the MBA (Minimum Basic Agreement) for works sold to studios, and many writers make more than the MBA on a screenplay sale, but often that screenplay is the result of a year or more in writing. The contracted minimum for a screenplay today is between $53,000 and $99,000. TV writers, who often only write one or two scripts in a season, can make up to $30,000 for an hour long episode (story and teleplay). Because staff writers are on salary, this is often counted against their salary. Meaning, that in order to make more than $50,000 a year, you'd have to write at least 2 TV scripts in full. Usually the only people making more than the minimums are the head writer (showrunner) who is also a producer and a handful of the exec-producer or co-producers.

* If a songwriter sells a song or a novelist publishes a book, should they not be compensated based on the sales of those works? TV and Film residuals are no different than the royalties other writers receive for their published works.

* Many TV shows today do not get re-run. 'LOST' episodes don't re-run well, and so the network has decided to run the episodes consecutively with no repeats. Without a repeated episode TV writers are not compensated as they used to be.

* Recording a program on a VCR is NOT like downloading or streaming on the internet. The networks sell the broadcast programs for advertising. Those advertising dollars are then used to pay the writers, actors, directors. The studios are selling advertising on streaming video and are selling shows directly to consumers on platforms such as iTunes. The writers receive NO COMPENSATION from these methods of sale. In short, the studios are keeping all of the profits from these distribution methods and are not paying writers at all. Nick Counter, the lead negotiator for the studios stated at the end of the contract talks that shows streamed online or available through paid download services were considered "promotional" and therefore not subject to the residual formulas for DVD, and they do not know how profitable the internet will be for them. By the studios own talking points to their shareholders, however, they sing a different tune.

* The $200,000 average is a misleading indicator of most writers. There are 12,000 Writers Guild members (and I'm not one of them), The MEAN income of a guild member is $4,000 a year. Yes, that means there is a very large distribution. There are the A-list writers who make a lot of money, there are writers making the minimum, and there are writers who aren't getting paid at all because they sold nothing in that calendar year.

* You may not watch a lot of scripted television today, but consider that the DVD formula applies to older shows you may watch and enjoy. 4 cents for every DVD sold. And that's for films. TV is an even more convoluted formula. Ken Levine, a writer on MASH and other shows, stated the following on his blog: "The producers say we already receive royalties from DVD sales. There are no less than fifteen box sets of TV series with my scripts in them. I haven’t received a dime. I have gotten $0.19 from American Airlines for showing eight of my episodes on maybe 10,000 flights."

Sorry for the long post, but this isn't a Dem vs. Republican issue. And it isn't a 'big evil corporations' issue, as some would frame it. The business model is changing, and what you are seeing is an industry that is grasping desperately at the remains of the old way of business. As far as the new way go, they fear making a deal with talent to share the wealth, because of uncertainty as to how much wealth they will have. The writers are looking at this form a standpoint of "Won't Be Fooled Again." In 1985 the studios pleaded with the unions that they didn't know how much money was to be made from home VIDEO. They promised that if the guilds agreed to a lower residual rate on video, they would 'make good' on it at some point in the future. 20 years later, the writers, actors and directors are still waiting.

I hope I did right by us. Again, I think it's important to get people on both sides of the political discussion engaged in this debate.

UPDATE: My comment got moved into its own post on the site and there were about 45 comments on it. I'm feeling like I actually made a dent and got some conservatives to think. I did see some solid support and those on the fence. There's still work to do.

Part of convincing people is to acknowledge that the world is changing, and that we are well aware of it. As writers, we want to take advantage of the new opportunities available to us in the online space, but we also don't want the studios to become a barrier to that by not paying us fairly for work needed to be performed.

A World Without Writers Video

2007-11-13T10:30:00.001-08:00

MY SLED!!!

Late Show Writers start a Strike Blog

2007-11-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

Or an "interwebblognetwebblog".

Link: Late Show Writers On Strike.

Joss Whedon in a video about the WGA strike

2007-11-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

The first salvo in the new internet TV revolution?

2007-11-12T14:54:00.000-08:00

A story that was reported over the weekend, but doesn't seem to have picked up much traction in the TV blogosphere. Here's the thing. If Google is partnering with Simon Fuller to create programming, it means Google is changing it's business model. It's not content to be in the distribution business only. They want to get into the content creation business.

A quote from the article: "News of the collaboration will prompt speculation that Google's plans for the TV market include generating original content and competing with major broadcasters."

And another very significant quote: "Earlier this month, it emerged that Google's advertising revenues had overtaken those of ITV1, Britain's biggest commercial TV channel."

Think about that -- it probably isn't at American network advertising revenues, but one could reasonably speculate that it's only a matter of time.

Goodbye, studio system. Your demise is imminent.

Link: Google turns to X Factor's Fuller for push into TV -- The Observer

A better list of the production status of tv shows

2007-11-12T14:27:00.000-08:00

As always, The Futon Critic to the rescue!

(Thanks to commenters for additional information -- you guys rule!)

Status of shows

2007-11-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

I got this list from the current thread at The Artful Writer.

30 ROCK * Shooting #210 through November 9th. * No additional scripts have been written.

BIG BANG THEORY * Production shut down.

CAPTAIN, THE * Shooting #102 November 8th 14th. * Have scripts for #103 and #104 (production will conclude 11/30).

CARPOOLERS * Production shut down 11/16

CAVEMEN * Shooting #113 November 7th 13th. * No additional scripts had been ordered.

COLD CASE * Production shut down 11/16

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES * Production shut down.

DIRT * Prepping #206 for a November 20th 30th shoot. * Script written for #207 (only).

DIRTY SEXY MONEY * Shooting #111 November 8th 19th. * Prepping #112 next week. Shoots o/a 11/21. * There are other scripts written but it¹s unclear if production will continue.

ELI STONE * Prepping #111 now which shoots ~ 11/1511/26. * Not clear if there¹s another script that¹s been written.

GHOST WHISPERER * Shooting #312 November 12th 21st. * No additional scripts written.

GREEK * Shooting #1018 starting November 15th. * No additional scripts (20 episode order) written.

HEROES * Production shut down 11/9.

K-VILLE * Shot #110 October 28th November 8th. * No update.

MEDIUM * Prepping 069-09 for a shoot November 15th 28th. * No additional scripts have been written.

NUMBERS * Prepping #412 for a shoot November 19th 30th. * No additional scripts have been written

OCTOBER ROAD * Shooting #210 November 9th 21st. * Have scripts through #213

OFFICE, THE * Production shut down.

OLD CHRISTINE * Production shut down.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT * Canceled production on #210 (was meant to shoot 11/7-11/13) * No additional scripts written * Production shut down.

SAMANTHA WHO * Production shut down 11/12

SWINGTOWN * Shooting episode #103 11/911/21. * No additional scripts written.

ŒTIL DEATH * Episode #212 completes production on November 9th. * No answer at casting office

TWO AND A HALF MEN * Production shut down.

UGLY BETTY * Shooting ³Odor in the Court² 11/9 11/20 * Prepping ³A Thousand Words Before Friday² next week, starts o/a 11/21. * No additional scripts available after that.

WITHOUT A TRACE * Production shut down 11/22.